Fluid absorbing toy and fluid sensing toy kit

Abstract

An inflatable fluid absorbing toy and a fluid sensing toy kit are provided herein. A fluid sensing toy kit includes a container having a transparent portion through which an interior of the container is viewable, and a dissolvable member positioned within the container. The fluid absorbing toy may be held in an unexpanded state within a storage region in the container. A storage area is defined within the container such that the fluid absorbing toy is hidden outside of view when in the storage area. When the container is at least partially filled with a fluid and the fluid contacts the dissolvable member, the dissolvable member dissolves and the fluid is absorbed by the fluid absorbing toy to drive the fluid absorbing toy to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state. The fluid absorbing toy becomes visible through the transparent portion of the container in the expanded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to stuffed toys, and more specifically, to a fluid-absorbing toy and a fluid-sensing toy kit. Background Technology

[0002] Inflatable foam characters or creatures (sometimes called "growing toys") have been sold for decades. Known growing toys are made of superabsorbent polymers, which can absorb and retain enormous amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. The absorbed liquid can be water or organic liquid. The swelling ratio of superabsorbent polymers can reach the order of 1000:1. Superabsorbent polymers used for water are typically polyelectrolytes. Known "growing toys" include encapsulated toys that gradually expand after being submerged in water for several days. Growing toys typically shrink when placed in salt water or simply exposed to air after being removed from water.

[0003] While "inflatable toys" fill a market gap as inexpensive plastic toys that expand when submerged in water, they are not well-suited to the toy system. Known limitations of inflatable toys within the toy industry exist. Their play value is almost entirely confined to the allure of observing expansion. Furthermore, several brands of water-inflatable toys have been recalled due to choking hazards. Highly absorbent polymer toys are extremely dangerous if swallowed, as they can become lodged and obstruct a child's intestines as they increase in size.

[0004] It is also known to provide “inflatable toys” formed as plush toys, wherein the plush toy comprises one or more layers of fabric. The one or more layers of fabric can be filled with stuffing and contain a volume of highly absorbent polymer. The limitation of these stuffed inflatable toys is that they are made of cloth or some similar fabric, which becomes damp and difficult to dry once the toy absorbs water and “swells”. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an expandable fluid-absorbing toy is provided, comprising: at least one fluid-permeable layer forming a body of the fluid-absorbing toy, the body including at least one cavity defined therein; and a fluid-absorbing material contained within the at least one cavity of the body for absorbing a volume of fluid, the fluid-absorbing material having sufficient fluid-absorbing capacity such that when the fluid-absorbing material absorbs a volume of fluid, the fluid-absorbing material expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from a first state to a second expanded state; wherein the fluid-absorbing material has a maximum volume associated with a maximum amount of fluid that can be absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material; and wherein the volume of the at least one cavity of the body is less than the maximum volume of the fluid-absorbing material, such that the fluid-absorbing material can substantially fill the at least one cavity even if the fluid-absorbing material has not yet absorbed the maximum amount of fluid.

[0006] According to another aspect, an expandable fluid-absorbing toy is provided, comprising: at least one fluid-permeable layer forming a body of the fluid-absorbing toy, the body including at least one cavity defined therein; and a fluid-absorbing material contained within the at least one cavity of the body for absorbing a volume of fluid, the fluid-absorbing material having sufficient fluid-absorbing capacity such that when the fluid-absorbing material absorbs a volume of fluid, the fluid-absorbing material expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from a first state to a second expanded state; wherein the fluid-absorbing material has a maximum fluid capacity so as to expand to a second volume by being saturated with fluid, the second volume being greater than the first volume; and wherein the volume of the at least one cavity of the body is less than the second volume of the fluid-absorbing material, such that the fluid-absorbing material can substantially fill the at least one cavity even when it is not substantially saturated with fluid.

[0007] According to another aspect, a fluid-sensing toy kit is provided, comprising: a container including at least a partially transparent portion through which the interior of the container is visible from the outside; a soluble member positioned within the interior of the container, a storage region defined between the soluble member and at least one surface of the interior of the container; and at least one expandable fluid-absorbing toy configured to expand from a first state to a second expanded state upon absorbing fluid; wherein the at least one fluid-absorbing toy is held in the storage region in the first state; wherein the storage region is defined within the container such that the at least one fluid-absorbing toy is hidden from view from the outside of the container when in the storage region; and wherein the soluble member is configured such that when the container is at least partially filled with fluid and the fluid contacts the soluble member, the soluble member dissolves and the fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing toy to drive the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from the first state to the second expanded state, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the container in the second expanded state.

[0008] According to another aspect, a fluid-sensing toy kit for use with an inflatable fluid-absorbing toy is provided, the fluid-sensing toy kit comprising: a container including at least a partially transparent portion through which the interior of the container is visible from the outside of the container; and a soluble member positioned within the interior of the container, a storage region defined between the soluble member and at least one surface of the interior of the container, the soluble member being configured such that the fluid-absorbing toy can be held within the storage region when it is in an uninflated state; wherein the storage region is defined within the container such that the fluid-absorbing toy is hidden from view from the outside of the container when it is in the storage region; and wherein the soluble member is configured such that when the fluid-absorbing toy is held in the storage region, the container is at least partially filled with fluid, and the fluid contacts the soluble member, the soluble member dissolves and the fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing toy to drive the fluid-absorbing toy to inflate from an uninflated state to an inflated state, the fluid-absorbing toy being visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the container when in the inflated state. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The implementation scheme will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 An illustration of a fluid-absorbing toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is a plush toy and is in a second inflated state; Figure 2A It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-absorbing toy, wherein the fluid-absorbing material is a superabsorbent polymer, and the superabsorbent polymer is in a dehydrated state corresponding to the first state of the fluid-absorbing toy. Figure 2BIt shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-absorbing toy, wherein the fluid-absorbing material is a superabsorbent polymer, and the superabsorbent polymer is in a hydrated state corresponding to the second swollen state of the fluid-absorbing toy; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an implementation scheme for a fluid-absorbing toy, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is in various stages of expansion and contraction; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a fluid-sensing toy kit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-sensing toy kit, wherein the lid of the container is in an exploded configuration; Figure 6A It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-sensing toy kit, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is held in a storage area of ​​a container, and the container is partially filled with liquid; Figure 6B It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-sensing toy kit, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is held in the storage area of ​​a container, and the container is shaken to allow the liquid to come into contact with the soluble component; Figure 6C It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-sensing toy kit, wherein the soluble component has dissolved and the fluid-absorbing toy is released from the storage area of ​​the container; and Figure 6D It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid-sensing toy kit, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is in a second expanded state and is held inside the container base. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To simplify the description, reference numerals may be repeated in the accompanying drawings where deemed appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood first that although exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below, the principles of this disclosure can be implemented using any number of currently known or unknown techniques. This disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary embodiments and techniques shown in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0011] Unless the context otherwise requires, the various terms used in this specification may be read and understood as follows: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as if written as “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms and vice versa; similarly, gender pronouns include their corresponding pronouns, and therefore should not be construed as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, execution, etc., by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “illustrated” and not necessarily “preferred” relative to other embodiments. Further definitions of terms may be listed herein; these definitions may apply to previous and subsequent instances of these terms, as will be understood by reading this specification. It should also be noted that the use of the terms “a” or “an” will in all cases be understood to mean “at least one” unless expressly stated otherwise, or unless it will be understood that it clearly must mean “one”.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood as inclusive and open-ended, not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and their variations indicate the inclusion of the specified features, steps, or components. These terms should not be construed as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0013] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are intended to cover variations that may exist within the upper and lower limits of a numerical range, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0014] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separate. Furthermore, the operation of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Moreover, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, “each” means each component in a set or each component in a subset of a set.

[0015] The embodiments described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shape, size, and structural details) and are not limited to the appended claims and any modifications thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more possible alternative embodiments and modifications exist, and the following examples are merely illustrative of one or more implementations. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims and any modifications thereof.

[0016] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an expandable fluid-absorbing toy 100 is provided. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Provided Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. This embodiment of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 includes at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 forming the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 defines the overall shape and structure of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The body 120 is configured to include at least one cavity 130, wherein the at least one cavity 130 is defined within the body 120. The fluid-absorbing toy 100 also includes a fluid-absorbing material 140, which is contained within the at least one cavity 130 of the body 120 for absorbing a volume of fluid. The fluid-absorbing material 140 is configured to have sufficient fluid absorption capacity such that when the fluid-absorbing material 140 absorbs a volume of fluid, the fluid-absorbing material 140 expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity 130, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy 100 from a first state (e.g., Figure 2A (as shown) expands to a second expansion state (e.g.) Figure 2B (As shown).

[0017] The fluid-absorbing material 140 has sufficient fluid absorption capacity such that when it absorbs a certain volume of fluid, it expands to a certain size within at least one cavity 130, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy 100 to expand from a first state to a second expanded state. In other words, the fluid-absorbing material 140 is configured to absorb a certain volume of fluid and thereby expand from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state, wherein the volume of the fluid-absorbing material 140 in the dehydrated state is smaller than the volume of the fluid-absorbing material 140 in the hydrated state.

[0018] It should be noted that in the context of this disclosure (such as...) Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B (As shown elsewhere), the term "dehydrated state" refers to the state of the fluid-absorbing material 140 before it comes into contact with the fluid. This corresponds to the first state of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. Similarly, the term "hydrated state" refers to the state of the fluid-absorbing material 140 after it has come into contact with the fluid and has absorbed at least some of the fluid, expanding to a certain size, thus increasing the volume of the fluid-absorbing material 140. This corresponds to the second expanded state of the fluid-absorbing toy 100.

[0019] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the fluid-absorbing toy 100, the fluid-absorbing material 140 has a maximum volume associated with the maximum amount of fluid that can be absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material 140. In the same embodiment, the body 120 is configured such that the volume of at least one cavity 130 of the body 120 is less than the maximum volume of the fluid-absorbing material 140 (i.e., when the fluid-absorbing material 140 is fully hydrated). In this way, the fluid-absorbing material 140 can substantially fill at least one cavity 130 even if it has not absorbed the maximum amount of fluid.

[0020] In at least some embodiments of this disclosure, the fluid absorbed by the fluid-absorbing toy 100 includes water.

[0021] In the embodiments of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 described herein, the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 effectively defines the boundaries of the external shape of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The specific form of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 at a given time is limited by the state of the fluid-absorbing material 140. When the fluid-absorbing material 140 is in a dehydrated state, the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is not substantially filled (i.e., the body 120 contains empty pockets of space, e.g.) Figure 2A (as shown), and the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 can collapse on its own, thereby compressing the fluid-absorbing toy 100 and reducing the amount of space occupied by the fluid-absorbing toy 100. When the fluid-absorbing material 140 is in a hydrated state (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2B As shown, when the fluid-absorbing material 140 has expanded in volume within at least one cavity 130 of the body 120, it fills at least a portion of the cavity 130. By expanding in volume and filling at least one cavity 130, the fluid-absorbing material 140 fills at least some of the cavity spaces within the fluid-absorbing toy 100, thereby causing the overall shape of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 to expand to a second expanded state.

[0022] In at least some embodiments, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is configured such that when the fluid-absorbing material 140 has absorbed a certain volume of fluid and is in a hydrated state, the external shape of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 has a predetermined shape, giving the fluid-absorbing toy 100 (in a second inflated state) a specific visual appeal. This is, for example, in... Figure 1 As shown, the fluid-absorbing material 140 is in a hydrated state, while the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is in a second expanded state, giving the fluid-absorbing toy 100 the appearance of a fantasy animal.

[0023] This disclosure provides various structures for at least one fluid-permeable layer 110.

[0024] In at least some embodiments of the fluid-absorbing toy 100, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is configured as a single fluid-permeable layer 110, and the single fluid-permeable layer 110 is made of a material.

[0025] In at least some other embodiments of the fluid-absorbing toy 100, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is configured as a single fluid-permeable layer 110, but the single fluid-permeable layer 110 is made of a variety of materials.

[0026] In other embodiments of the fluid-absorbing toy 100, for example Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is configured as two or more layers, wherein each of the two or more layers is composed of one or more materials. In these embodiments, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 includes an outer layer 112 and at least one inner layer 114.

[0027] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In a specific embodiment provided, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 includes an outer layer 112 and a single inner layer 114. The outer layer 112 has a complex shape and is configured to provide a visually appealing form for the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The inner layer 114 has a substantially oval shape and is made of at least one flexible material, such that the structure of the inner layer 114 is at least partially flexible. The outer layer 112 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is closed to form a continuous shape, and the continuous shape of the outer layer 112 defines an inner cavity 132 therein. The inner layer 114 is held within the inner cavity 132 inside the outer layer 112. The inner layer 114 is also closed to form a continuous shape. The closed structure of the inner layer 114 defines at least one cavity 130 within the inner layer 114, and fluid-absorbing material 140 is held within the at least one cavity 130.

[0028] Generally, regardless of the number of layers constituting at least one fluid-permeable layer 110, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 of a fluid-absorbing toy 100 can be considered to include at least an outer layer 112. In embodiments where at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 includes only a single fluid-permeable layer 110, the single fluid-permeable layer 110 defines the outer layer 112. In embodiments where at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 includes two or more layers, the outer layer 112 is defined by the outermost of the two or more layers, and at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 will also include at least one inner layer 114.

[0029] In an additional embodiment, the outer layer 112 of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is configured as a substantially non-flexible layer. By providing a substantially non-flexible outer layer 112, the outer layer 112 can define the external shape of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 when the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is in a second inflated state.

[0030] In example Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 comprises at least one fabric layer.

[0031] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 In the provided specific embodiment, each of the inner layer 112 and the outer layer 114 is made of fabric, such that the outer layer 112 is a fluid-permeable outer fabric layer, while the inner layer 114 is a single fluid-permeable inner fabric layer. The fluid-permeable outer fabric layer is sewn into a shape corresponding to a second inflated state of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The fluid-permeable inner fabric layer is positioned inside the outer fabric layer and sewn therein to form at least one cavity 130.

[0032] In example Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 In the illustrated additional embodiment, at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 comprises at least one fabric layer, and the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is a plush toy 102. The plush toy 102 may be provided with various structures and configurations known in the field of plush toys.

[0033] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 In the provided specific embodiment, the plush toy 102 includes a body 120 defining the toy's head and torso. The plush toy 102 includes multiple appendages 104 (i.e., arms, legs, ears, and tail) and a face 106, which give the plush toy 102 a realistic appearance. The outer layer 112 of the plush toy 102 is constructed as a soft fabric layer. Most or all of the plush toy 102 may be made of cotton, flannel, soft knitwear, or any other suitable soft fabric.

[0034] In an additional embodiment where at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is composed of at least one fabric layer, the at least one fabric layer is sewn together to form the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The at least one layer may be a single piece of fabric sewn together, or it may be multiple pieces of fabric sewn together to collectively form the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100.

[0035] In embodiments where at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 includes an outer layer 112 and at least one inner layer 114, and the inner layer 112 and the outer layer 114 comprise pieces of fabric sewn together, the seams are configured to have a higher density than the individual particles of the fluid-absorbing material 140 in order to prevent individual particles of the fluid-absorbing material 140 from leaking from between the seams holding the inner layer 112 and the outer layer 114 together.

[0036] In embodiments where at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 comprises an outer layer 112 and at least one inner layer 114, various compositions and structures of each of the outer layer 112 and at least one inner layer 114 may be utilized.

[0037] In one embodiment, the outer layer 112 of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is configured as an elastic, substantially non-flexible layer.

[0038] In an additional embodiment, the outer layer 112 of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is configured as an elastic, substantially non-flexible fabric layer comprising at least one fabric material.

[0039] In another additional embodiment, at least one fabric material of the substantially non-flexible fabric layer is a permeable fabric commonly used in stuffed toys. Non-limiting examples of such permeable fabrics include velboa, EF Velboa, microfiber filaments, and velour.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one inner layer 114 of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is made of at least one fluid-permeable material.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one inner layer 114 is made of at least one flexible elastic material. At least one inner layer 114 is configured to be partially flexible, such that at least one inner layer 114 can expand as the fluid-absorbing material 140 expands.

[0042] In other embodiments, at least one inner layer 114 is configured to be substantially non-flexible, and at least one inner layer 114 is large enough that the fluid-absorbing material 140 can fully expand within at least one cavity 130 defined within at least one inner layer 114.

[0043] In an embodiment where at least one fluid-absorbing material 140 retained within the inner layer 114 is composed of particles of at least one fluid-absorbing material 140, the at least one inner layer 114 is composed of at least one material having a sufficiently small porosity / sufficiently high density such that when the at least one fluid-absorbing material 140 is in a non-expanded state (i.e., before the fluid-absorbing material 140 absorbs fluid), individual particles of the at least one fluid-absorbing material 140 cannot penetrate the inner layer 114.

[0044] In an additional embodiment, at least one inner layer 114 is configured to be substantially hydrophilic.

[0045] In another additional embodiment, at least one inner layer 114 is composed of a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric layer. Non-limiting examples of such fabric include nonwoven polypropylene.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 This document provides a step-by-step schematic diagram of the shape changes of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 described herein. Due to the fluid-absorbing material 140 included within at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is capable of expanding and contracting between at least a first state and a second expanded state. Figure 3 In the specific implementation provided, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is capable of expanding and contracting between at least a first contracted state (III), a partially expanded state (II), and a second expanded state (I).

[0047] In embodiments where the fluid-absorbing toy 100 includes a substantially non-flexible outer layer 112, the outer layer 112 defines a predetermined external shape for the fluid-absorbing toy 100. For example... Figure 2A and Figure 3As shown, when the fluid-absorbing material 140 has not yet absorbed fluid, at least one outer layer 112 and the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 can collapse inward or be compressed to occupy a smaller volume. When the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is placed in a fluid or when fluid is applied to the fluid-absorbing toy 100, the fluid passes through at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 and is absorbed by at least one fluid-absorbing material 140. This causes the fluid-absorbing material 140 to begin to expand and fill at least one cavity 130 within the fluid-absorbing toy 100. When the fluid-absorbing material 140 expands to the extent that it at least partially fills the cavity 130 within the body 120, at least one outer layer 112 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 will be driven to expand until it takes on the external shape of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. This corresponds to the second expanded state of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. Due to the substantially non-flexible nature of at least one outer layer 112, at least one outer layer 112 will prevent the fluid-absorbing material 140 from expanding further beyond the second expansion stage, and the fluid-absorbing toy 100 will continue to have a predetermined external shape until the fluid inside the fluid-absorbing material 140 dries up and the fluid-absorbing material 140 returns to a dehydrated state.

[0048] In the fluid-absorbing toy 100 described herein, various types, structures, and compositions of the fluid-absorbing material 140 can be used to provide a fluid-absorbing toy 100 capable of absorbing fluid and expanding from a first state to a second expanded state.

[0049] Typically, the fluid-absorbing material 140 has a maximum fluid capacity so that it can expand to a second volume by being saturated with fluid, wherein the second volume is larger than the first volume.

[0050] In at least some embodiments of this disclosure, the volume of at least one cavity 130 of the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is smaller than the volume of the fluid-absorbing material 140, such that the fluid-absorbing material 140 can substantially fill at least one cavity 130 even when the fluid-absorbing material 140 is not completely saturated with fluid.

[0051] In one embodiment, the fluid-absorbing material 140 comprises at least one fluid-absorbing polymer.

[0052] In example Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the additional embodiments shown, at least one fluid-absorbing polymer of the fluid-absorbing material 140 includes at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP) 142. Non-limiting examples of SAP 142 include acrylic-based superabsorbent resins and sodium acrylate polymers (e.g., sodium salt polymers of polyacrylic acid).

[0053] Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are large molecules characterized by their ability to absorb tens to hundreds of times their own weight in water and resist the release of water under pressure. These polymers are classified as hydrogels and absorb water through hydrogen bonding. The absorbency of SAPs depends on the ion concentration of the aqueous solution. For deionized and distilled water, SAPs can absorb up to 500 times their weight, but when placed in a 0.9% saline solution, the absorption rate may drop to 50 times their weight. The presence of valence cations in the solution hinders the polymer's ability to bind to water molecules.

[0054] Typically, superabsorbent polymers are polymerized with hydrophilic monomers (e.g., -OH, -NH2, -COOH, -SO3H) and crosslinking agents to form a three-dimensional network structure. For the hydrophilic monomers, partially neutralized acrylic acid is used. Polymerization methods are known to be used in bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, reverse suspension polymerization, and reverse emulsion polymerization. Superabsorbent polymers are most commonly prepared by polymerizing a mixture of acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide in the presence of an initiator to form a sodium salt polymer of polyacrylic acid.

[0055] Various compositions of SAP 142 can be used as the fluid absorbent material 140 of this disclosure.

[0056] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the exemplary embodiment shown, SAP 142 includes bead-like (e.g., pearl-like, spherical, and elliptical) SAP 142 of a certain volume. The diameter of the expanded beads in SAP 142 can be selected according to the density of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110. For example, the higher the density of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110, the smaller the diameter of the beads can be; while the lower the density of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110, the larger the diameter of the SAP 142 beads needs to be used.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, SAP 142 is formed as a powder of SAP 142.

[0058] In an additional embodiment, the weight of SAP 142 powder in the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is in the range of about 3.0 grams to about 6.0 grams.

[0059] In an embodiment where at least one fluid-absorbing material 140 includes SAP 142, SAP 142 is contained within at least one cavity 130 of the body 120.

[0060] In one embodiment, the SAP 142 is configured such that the volume of fluid that can be absorbed by the SAP 142 is greater than the additional volume of fluid that can be absorbed by at least one fluid-permeable layer 110. This enables the SAP 142 to absorb excess fluid from at least one fluid-permeable layer 110.

[0061] In at least some embodiments of this disclosure, SAP 142 is configured to absorb a second volume of fluid within at least one cavity 130, and SAP 142 has sufficient fluid absorption capacity such that when the second volume of fluid is absorbed by SAP 142, SAP 142 expands to a certain size within at least one cavity 130, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy 100 to expand from a first state to a second expanded state. In this embodiment, the second volume of fluid that can be absorbed by SAP 142 is greater than the first volume of fluid that can be absorbed by at least one fluid-permeable layer 110, such that SAP 142 can absorb excess fluid from at least one fluid-permeable layer 110.

[0062] In an additional embodiment, the SAP 142 contained within at least one cavity 130 is configured to be more hydrophilic (i.e., have a greater affinity for fluids) than the material of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110. By providing a SAP 142 that is more hydrophilic than at least one fluid-permeable layer 110, the SAP 142 can draw out fluid that cannot be absorbed by at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 but remains on the surface of the fluid-permeable layer 110. For example, when the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is at least partially immersed in fluid and then removed, a first volume of fluid is absorbed by at least one fluid-permeable layer 110, and at least some of the fluid that cannot be absorbed by the fluid-permeable layer 110 remains on the inner or outer surface of the fluid-permeable layer 110 (i.e., the fluid-permeable layer 110 becomes saturated). Simultaneously, while the fluid-permeable layer 110 absorbs the first volume of fluid, the SAP 142 absorbs a second volume of fluid. Because SAP 142 has a greater affinity for fluid than the fluid-permeable layer 110, SAP 142 draws fluid from the inner surface of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 into SAP 142, or draws fluid from the outer surface of the fluid-permeable layer 110, through the fluid-permeable layer 110, and into SAP 142. In this way, the second volume of fluid absorbed by SAP 142 will include a sub-volume of unabsorbed fluid from the inner and / or outer surfaces of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110. Removing this unabsorbed fluid from the surface of at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 will effectively dry the surface of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 and provide the user with a "dry" feeling on the outside of the fluid-absorbing toy 100.

[0063] Although the above explanation of the fluid absorbent material 140 for absorbing excess fluid on at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 is specific to SAP 142, it will be readily understood that the above-described function of SAP 142 for absorbing excess fluid can be achieved by various other compositions of the fluid absorbent material 140.

[0064] In an embodiment where at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 includes a fluid-permeable outer fabric layer stitched in a predetermined shape and a fluid-permeable inner fabric layer positioned inside the outer fabric layer, the SAP 142 is configured to absorb a second volume of fluid and expand to a certain size within at least one cavity 130 such that when the fluid-absorbing toy 100 expands to a second expanded state, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 will present the predetermined shape of the fluid-permeable outer fabric layer.

[0065] This disclosure also provides a toy container for use with fluid-sensing toys (such as fluid-absorbing toy 100) as part of a toy kit.

[0066] refer to Figures 4 to 6D A fluid-sensing toy kit 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The fluid-sensing toy kit 200 includes a container 210. The container 210 includes at least a partially transparent portion through which the interior 222 of the container 210 can be seen from the outside of the container 210. The fluid-sensing toy kit 200 also includes a soluble member 240 positioned within the interior 222 of the container 210. The soluble member 240 may be removably or fixedly positioned within the interior 222 of the container 210. The interior 222 of the container 210 also includes a storage region 250 defined between the soluble member 240 and at least one inner surface 212 of the container 210. Furthermore, the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 includes at least one expandable fluid-absorbing toy configured to expand from a first state to a second expanded state after absorbing a volume of fluid.

[0067] In example Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6D In the embodiments of this disclosure shown, at least one expandable fluid-absorbing toy is a fluid-absorbing toy 100.

[0068] In the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 of this disclosure, at least one fluid-absorbing toy 100 is held in a first state within a storage area 250 of a container 210. The storage area 250 is defined within the container 210 such that at least one fluid-absorbing toy 100 is hidden from view from the outside of the container 210 when held in the storage area 250 in the first state.

[0069] The soluble component 240 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 is configured such that when the container 210 is at least partially filled with fluid and the fluid comes into contact with the soluble component 240, the soluble component 240 dissolves and the fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing toy 100, thereby driving the fluid-absorbing toy 100 to expand from a first state to a second expanded state. The container 210 is structured such that when the fluid-absorbing toy 100 expands to the second expanded state, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 becomes visible through at least a partially transparent portion of the container 210.

[0070] Although the above-described embodiments of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 are specific to including at least one fluid-absorbing toy 100 within the storage area 250, it will be readily understood that in at least some embodiments, the kit 200 (including the container 210 and the soluble component 240) may be offered / sold separately from the fluid-absorbing toy 100, and the fluid-absorbing toy 100 may be purchased separately by the user and added to the storage area 250 of the container 210 before or after filling the container 210 with fluid.

[0071] In addition, although Figures 5 to 6D The illustrated fluid-sensing toy implementation includes a fluid-absorbing toy 100, but it will be readily understood that in other implementations, at least one other type / version of an expandable fluid-absorbing toy may be used as part of a fluid-sensing toy kit 200.

[0072] The soluble component 240 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 can have various compositions, as long as the soluble component 240 is at least partially elastic (for holding the fluid-absorbing toy 100 within the storage area 250 when the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is in the first state) and will substantially dissolve or lose its structural integrity upon contact with a fluid.

[0073] As described above and as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6B As shown, the soluble component 240 can be positioned within the container 210 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200. The soluble component 240 is generally configured to be liquid-soluble, soluble, or dispersible. Possible compositions of the soluble component 240 may contain or include a dissolving compound or a dissolving compound having a binder effect. In non-limiting examples, the dissolving compound may include paper, other compounds of cellulose, mannitol, calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, cellulose salts such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cyclodextrin, levulose, maltitol, polydextrose, sucrose, glucose, inulin, sorbitol, or xylitol.

[0074] exist Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6BIn the specific embodiment provided, the soluble component 240 is shaped into a disc-like form such that the soluble component 240 can be received within and held within the container 210. It should be understood that alternative embodiments of the soluble component 240 (including different shapes) may be provided as part of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200.

[0075] In an additional embodiment, the container 210 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 includes a base 220 and a cap 230 removably attached to the base 220. The container 210 is configured to include the cap 230 and the body 120 such that the interior 222 of the container 210 is accessible to be filled with fluid, and that the fluid-absorbing toy 100 can be removed from the interior 222 of the container 210 once it has expanded to a second expanded state within the fluid.

[0076] In one embodiment, the base 220 and the lid 230 of the container 210 are releasably connected by a threaded connection, wherein each of the base 220 and the lid 230 includes threads that can be threadedly received together (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5 The thread 224 on the base 220 and the thread 238 on the cover 230 are shown.

[0077] exist Figures 4 to 6D In the provided specific embodiment, container 210 is configured to have a can-like form. The base 220 of container 210 has a substantially hollow can-like form. Base 220 includes a main portion 226 and a tapered portion 227 leading to a neck 225. The lid 230 of container 210 is configured as a screw-on lid 230, wherein base 220 and lid 230 are releasably connected by threads 224, 238. Threads 224, 238 are provided on both lid 230 and base 220. The threads 224, 238 of each of lid 230 and base 220 include a helical thread portion.

[0078] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the lid 230 and base 220 of container 210 may be removably attached (i.e., snap-on lid 230) via alternative known means for attaching the lid 230 to the body 120 of container 210.

[0079] As described above, the container 210 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 defines a storage area 250 between at least one inner surface 212 of the container 210 and the soluble member 240, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy 100 can be held within the storage area 250 in a first state, such that the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is hidden out of sight.

[0080] In example Figures 4 to 6DIn the provided embodiment, the storage area 250 of container 210 is defined within the lid 230 of container 210, such that the fluid-absorbing toy 100 can be retained within the lid 230 and substantially concealed from view. In this embodiment, a soluble member 240 is attached to the lid 230. At least one inner surface 212 of container 210 includes at least one lower surface of lid 230, such that the storage area 250 in container 210 is at least partially defined by at least one lower surface of lid 230 and soluble member 240.

[0081] exist Figures 4 to 6D In the provided specific embodiment, the cover 230 is a multi-part cover 230 that can be disassembled to remove the old soluble component 240 and reattach a new soluble component 240 to the cover 230. The cover 230 includes a cover 232 that defines the outer surface of the cover 230 and includes a cover member 232a and a mounting ring 232b. The cover member 232a is a disc-shaped piece shaped to sealably engage the top of the base 220. The mounting ring 232b is annular and extends vertically downward from the peripheral edge of the cover member 232a. Threads 238 are provided on the inner surface of the mounting ring 232b of the cover 232. The underside of the cover 232 includes a connecting recess for receiving other parts of the cover 230 and releasably connecting the cover 232 to the other parts of the cover 230. The cover 230 also includes a cover frame 234. The cover frame 234 can be connected to the connecting recess of the cover 232. Similar to the cover 232, the cover frame 234 includes a cover frame disc 234a and a retaining ring 234b extending vertically downward from the periphery of the horizontal disc. The cover frame 234 has a partially hollow interior 222, which defines a sidewall 230b and a top inner surface 230a. In this embodiment, the sidewall 230b and the top inner surface 230a define at least one inner surface 212 of the container 210, such that the storage region 250 is defined between the soluble member 240, the sidewall 230b, and the top inner surface 230a.

[0082] Refer again Figures 4 to 6D In a specific embodiment, the cover 230 includes a dissolvable component retaining ring 236. The dissolvable component retaining ring 236 is releasably connected to a retaining ring 234b of the cover frame 234. The dissolvable component retaining ring 236 includes a lip 236a and a mounting ring 236b. The lip 236a extends radially inward from the bottom end of the mounting ring 236b, such that an opening 236c of the dissolvable component retaining ring 236 is defined by the lip 236a. The mounting ring 236b fits snugly onto the outer surface of the retaining ring 234b. Figure 4As shown, when the dissolvable component retaining ring 236 is connected to the cover frame 234, a small gap exists between the lip 236a of the dissolvable component retaining ring 236 and the bottom of the enclosure ring 234b of the cover frame 234. The dissolvable component 240 has sufficient thickness to fit between the cover frame 234 and the lip 236a of the dissolvable component retaining ring 236 and be held in place by it. When held in this position, the dissolvable component 240 extends across the opening 236c defined in the dissolvable component retaining ring 236. Because the dissolvable component 240 is held in place by the dissolvable component retaining ring 236, the storage area 250 is defined between the dissolvable component 240, the sidewall 230b, and the top inner surface 230a.

[0083] As described above, the container 210 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 includes at least a partially transparent portion through which the interior 222 of the container 210 can be seen from the outside of the container 210. Various arrangements and configurations of the at least partially transparent portion can be provided as part of various embodiments of the container 210 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200.

[0084] In example Figures 4 to 6D In the illustrated embodiment, the base 220 of the container 210 defines at least a partially transparent portion of the container 210.

[0085] In an additional embodiment, the entire base 220 is constructed to be transparent.

[0086] exist Figures 4 to 6D In the provided specific embodiment, the base 220 of container 210 is constructed to be substantially completely transparent. In this way, any object located within the interior 222 of the base 220 (e.g., the fluid-absorbing toy 100) will be visible through the main portion 226 of the base 220. In the same embodiment, the lid 230 is constructed to be opaque. In this way, any object contained within the storage area 250 of the lid 230 (e.g., the fluid-absorbing toy 100) will be hidden from view and not visible through the substantially completely transparent base 220 of container 210.

[0087] The base 220 and lid 230 of container 210 can be made of a variety of suitable materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include polymeric materials such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0088] The fluid-absorbing toy 100 described above is concealed from view. In some embodiments, it will be noted that the storage area 250 is also concealed from view. For example, as... Figure 6AAs shown, when the container 210 is viewed from the edge, there is no indication of the presence of the storage area 250. This is because the bottom surface of the soluble member 240 and the bottom surface of the retaining ring 236 do not extend below the bottom surface of the lid 230. In other words, the bottom surface of the lid 232, i.e., the bottom edge of the mounting ring 232b, extends downward at least as far as the bottom surface of the soluble member retaining ring 236, so as to visually obscure the storage area 250 defined by the soluble member 240 and the lid frame 234.

[0089] Although the above-described embodiment of the container 210 of the fluid-sensing toy kit 200 is specific to the storage region 250 defined within the lid 230 of the container 210, it will be readily understood that other arrangements of the storage region 250 are also possible. For example, the container 210 may include a false bottom made of a substantially opaque material. The fluid-absorbing toy 100 may be held within the storage region defined within the false bottom, and the soluble member 240 may be attached to the top of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 to the false bottom such that the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is substantially hidden from view within the false bottom.

[0090] In another embodiment, the container may include a hollow sidewall containing a storage area covered by vertically oriented soluble components.

[0091] However, it is particularly advantageous to provide a storage area 250 in the lid 230 because the soluble component 240 does not come into contact with any liquid in the container 210 until the user decides to shake the container 210.

[0092] Now, we will refer to the specific details. Figures 6A to 6D Describe the use of the fluid sensing toy kit 200.

[0093] First refer to Figure 6A The fluid-absorbing toy 100 is a plush toy 102, and is held in a first unexpanded state within the storage area 250 of the lid 230 of the container 210. The lid 230 of the container 210 has been previously removed, and liquid 300 has been added to the interior 222 of the base 220 to at least partially fill the container 210. At this time, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is in a first state (the fluid-absorbing material 140 is in a dehydrated state) and is held in the storage area 250 of the lid 230 by a soluble member 240 extending through an opening 236c in a soluble member retaining ring 236. The fluid-absorbing toy 100 is hidden from view within the storage area 250 and is not visible from the outside of the container 210 via a transparent portion of the base 220.

[0094] Next reference Figure 6BThis illustrates how stirring (e.g., shaking) the contents of container 210 can induce deformation and exposure of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 within container 210. Due to this shaking, the liquid 300 moves throughout the interior 222 of the base 220 and contacts the soluble member 240 through the opening 236c in the soluble member retaining ring 236.

[0095] like Figure 6C As shown, once the liquid 300 comes into sufficient contact with the soluble component 240, the soluble component 240 essentially dissolves, and then the liquid 300 can flow to the storage area 250 of the container 210 (i.e., Figures 6A to 6D The storage area 250 in the cover 230 is shown. Simultaneously, since the soluble component 240 has dissolved, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is no longer held in the storage area 250 by the soluble component 240, and the fluid-absorbing toy 100 freely flows downwards from the storage area 250 into the liquid 300 contained within the interior 222 of the base 220 of the container 210. When the fluid-absorbing toy 100 is immersed in the liquid 300 within the container 210, the fluid-absorbing toy 100 absorbs a certain volume of liquid 300. As described above, a certain volume of liquid 300 passes through at least one fluid-permeable layer 110 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 and is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material 140 within at least one cavity 130 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100. The fluid-absorbing material 140 absorbs the liquid 300 and expands, thereby driving the body 120 of the fluid-absorbing toy 100 to expand from a first state to... Figure 6D The second expansion state is shown. Depending on the absorption capacity of the fluid-absorbing material 140 within at least one cavity 130 of the body 120 and the amount of fluid added, the fluid-absorbing material 140 will expand or swell, potentially leaving virtually no (unabsorbed) fluid in the container 210. The lid 230 of the container 210 can then be removed from the base 220, and the expanded fluid-absorbing toy 100 can be removed from the interior 222 of the container 210.

[0096] The specific embodiments described above have been illustrated by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may have various modifications and alternatives. It should also be understood that the above embodiments are intended as examples of this disclosure, and that those skilled in the art may change and modify them without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined solely by the appended claims.

[0097] Figure Labels 100 Fluid Absorption Toys 102 Plush 104 Accessories 106 Face 110 Fluid-permeable layer 112 Outer layer 114 Inner Layer 120 main body 130 chambers 132 Inner cavity 140 Fluid Absorbing Materials 142 Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) 200 kits 210 Container 212 The inner surface of the container 220 base 222 The interior of the container 224 thread 225 Neck 226 Main Parts 227 Conical section 230 lids 230a Top inner surface 230b sidewall 232 Cover 232a Cover component 232b mounting ring 234 Cover frame 234a Cover frame disc 234b Enclosure Ring 236 Dissolvable component retaining ring 236a Lips 236b mounting ring 236c Open 238 thread 240 Soluble components 250 storage areas 300 liquid

Claims

1. An expandable fluid-absorbing toy, comprising: At least one fluid-permeable layer forms the body of the fluid-absorbing toy, the body of the fluid-absorbing toy including at least one cavity defined therein; and A fluid-absorbing material, contained within at least one cavity of the main body, is used to absorb a certain volume of fluid. The fluid-absorbing material has sufficient fluid absorption capacity such that when the certain volume of fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material, the fluid-absorbing material expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from a first state to a second expansion state. Wherein, the fluid-absorbing material has a maximum volume, which is associated with the maximum amount of fluid that can be absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material; and Wherein, the volume of at least one cavity of the main body is less than the maximum volume of the fluid-absorbing material, such that the fluid-absorbing material can substantially fill the at least one cavity even when the fluid-absorbing material has not yet absorbed the maximum amount of fluid.

2. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid-absorbing material includes at least one fluid-absorbing polymer.

3. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one fluid-absorbing polymer includes at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

4. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one fluid-permeable layer includes at least one fabric layer.

5. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one fluid-permeable layer includes Fluid can permeate the outer fabric layer, which is sewn into a shape corresponding to the second expanded state of the fluid-absorbing toy; and Fluid can permeate the inner fabric layer, which is positioned inside the outer fabric layer and sewn therein to form the at least one cavity.

6. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 5, wherein, When the fluid-absorbing material absorbs a certain volume of fluid and expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity, the fluid-absorbing toy takes on the shape of the fluid-permeable outer fabric layer when it expands to the second expansion state.

7. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 5, wherein, The outer fabric layer is composed of at least one substantially non-flexible fabric; and The inner fabric layer is composed of at least one flexible and elastic fabric.

8. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 5, wherein, The inner fabric layer includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric layer.

9. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 3, wherein, The SAP is formed into SAP powder; and The SAP powder thereon weighs between 3.0 grams and 6.0 grams.

10. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 3, wherein, The SAP is configured such that the volume of fluid that can be absorbed by the SAP is greater than the additional volume of fluid that can be absorbed by the at least one fluid-permeable layer, thereby allowing the SAP to absorb excess fluid from the at least one fluid-permeable layer.

11. An expandable fluid-absorbing toy, comprising: At least one fluid-permeable layer forms the body of the fluid-absorbing toy, the body of the fluid-absorbing toy including at least one cavity defined therein; and A fluid-absorbing material, contained within at least one cavity of the main body, is used to absorb a certain volume of fluid. The fluid-absorbing material has sufficient fluid absorption capacity such that when the certain volume of fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material, the fluid-absorbing material expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from a first state to a second expansion state. Wherein, the fluid-absorbing material has a maximum fluid capacity so that it can expand to a second volume by being saturated with the fluid, the second volume being larger than the first volume; and Wherein, the volume of at least one cavity of the body is smaller than the second volume of the fluid-absorbing material, such that the fluid-absorbing material can substantially fill the at least one cavity even when the fluid-absorbing material is not substantially saturated with fluid.

12. The expandable fluid-absorbing toy according to claim 11, wherein, The fluid-absorbing material includes at least one fluid-absorbing polymer, which includes at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

13. A fluid-sensing toy kit comprising: A container, comprising at least a partially transparent portion through which the interior of the container can be seen from the outside; A soluble component is positioned inside the container, and a storage area is defined between at least one surface of the soluble component and the interior of the container; and At least one expandable fluid-absorbing toy is configured to expand from a first state to a second expanded state when absorbing fluid; Wherein, the at least one fluid-absorbing toy is held in the storage area in the first state; The storage area is defined within the container such that the at least one fluid-absorbing toy is hidden from view from the outside of the container when it is within the storage area; and The soluble component is configured such that when the container is at least partially filled with fluid and the fluid comes into contact with the soluble component, the soluble component dissolves and the fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing toy to drive the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from a first state to a second expanded state, wherein the fluid-absorbing toy is visible through at least a partially transparent portion of the container when in the second expanded state.

14. The fluid-sensing toy kit according to claim 13, wherein, The container includes a base and a lid removably attached to the base; and Wherein, at least one surface inside the container includes at least one lower surface of the lid.

15. The fluid-sensing toy kit according to claim 14, wherein, The soluble member is connected to the lid such that the storage area is defined between at least one lower surface of the soluble member and the lid.

16. The fluid-sensing toy kit according to claim 15, wherein, The base unit defines at least a partially transparent portion of the container.

17. The fluid-sensing toy kit according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one fluid-absorbing toy includes: At least one fluid-permeable layer forming the body of the fluid-absorbing toy, the body of the fluid-absorbing toy including at least one cavity defined therein; and A fluid-absorbing material, contained within at least one cavity of the main body of the fluid-absorbing toy, is used to absorb a certain volume of fluid. The fluid-absorbing material has sufficient fluid absorption capacity, such that when a certain volume of fluid is absorbed by the fluid-absorbing material, the fluid-absorbing material expands to a certain size within the at least one cavity, which in turn drives the fluid-absorbing toy to expand from a first state to a second expansion state.

18. The fluid-sensing toy kit according to claim 13, wherein, The fluid-absorbing material includes at least one superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

19. The fluid-sensing toy kit of claim 18, wherein, The SAP is composed such that the volume of fluid that can be absorbed by the SAP is greater than the volume of another fluid that can be absorbed by the at least one fluid-permeable layer, thereby allowing the SAP to absorb excess fluid from the at least one fluid-permeable layer.

20. The fluid-sensing toy kit of claim 19, wherein, The SAP has a maximum volume, which is associated with the maximum amount of fluid that the SAP can absorb. and The volume of at least one cavity of the body is smaller than the maximum volume of the SAP, such that the SPA can substantially fill the at least one cavity even when the SAP has not yet absorbed the maximum fluid volume.

Images