Toy set

Abstract

This invention provides a highly valuable toy set that allows for play by running a toy equipped with tires made of a porous material having continuous pores onto a water-color-changing material, thereby creating tracks as the toy runs. Furthermore, because the tires have excellent water absorption properties, the play of creating tracks can be sustained for a considerable period of time. [Solution] A toy set comprising a water-color-changing material having a porous layer on which a low refractive index pigment is dispersed and fixed in a binder resin on a base material, and a toy that runs on tires made of a porous material having continuous pores.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a toy set for driving. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a cylindrical wide tire for model vehicles has been disclosed that is detachably mounted on a wheel and comprises a tire body formed from a porous elastic material (see, for example, Reference 1). The wide tires described above maintain good contact between the tire and the road surface, whether on curves or straightaways, resulting in smooth driving performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model Publication No. 3031840 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The present invention relates to a toy that uses tires made of this type of porous material, and aims to provide a toy set that allows for play in which the toy leaves a trail when it is driven. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following embodiments. [1] A water-color-changing material comprising a porous layer on a substrate in which a low refractive index pigment is dispersed and fixed in a binder resin, A toy vehicle equipped with tires made of a porous material having continuous pores, A toy set consisting of various components. [2] The aforementioned toy set for driving, wherein the circumferential surface of the tire has irregularities. [3] The above-mentioned toy set [1] wherein the porous body is made of polyvinyl chloride resin. [4] The driving toy set [1] described above, further comprising a water supply device for supplying water to the tires. [5] The driving toy set according to [4] above, wherein the water supply device comprises an impregnated body impregnated with water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This invention provides a highly valuable toy set that allows for play where a toy with tires made of a porous material having continuous pores can be run over a water-color-changing material to create tracks, and furthermore, because the tires have excellent water absorption properties, the play of creating tracks can be sustained for a considerable period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an example of a toy set that moves according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an example of a tire according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an example of a water-color-changing material according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is another example of a water-color-changing material according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of a water supply device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The toy set according to the present invention comprises a water-color-changing material having a porous layer on a base material in which a low refractive index pigment is dispersed and fixed in a binder resin, and a toy set having tires made of a porous material having continuous pores.

[0009] [Water-based color change agent] The water discoloring material is provided with a porous layer on a substrate, in which a low refractive index pigment is fixed in a dispersed state in a binder resin. The water discoloring material changes color when water adheres to it. It is opaque in the non-absorbent state (dry state) before water adhesion, and the porous layer becomes transparent in the absorbent state after water adhesion. Also, when the water in the porous layer evaporates and the porous layer becomes non-absorbent (dry state), it becomes opaque again. That is, the transparency of the porous layer differs depending on the presence or absence of water, and it changes color reversibly with the adhesion and evaporation of water. The water applied in the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be tap water, ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltration water, distilled water, etc. Also, for the purpose of adjusting the evaporation rate of water, it may contain an organic solvent (water-soluble organic solvent) compatible with water.

[0010] <Substrate> The substrate serves as a support for supporting the porous layer and the underlying layer described later. The material of the substrate is not particularly limited. For example, paper, synthetic paper, water-resistant paper, fiber, fabric, synthetic leather, natural leather, plastic, foam, glass, ceramic, wood, stone, metal, etc. can be exemplified. Examples of synthetic paper include paper manufactured using a synthetic resin such as an olefin-based resin or a styrene-based resin as the main raw material. Examples of water-resistant paper include paper manufactured by internally adding a water-resistant agent such as a modified rosin emulsion to pulp. Examples of fabric include knitted fabric, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, etc. The basis weight of the fabric is preferably in the range of 10 to 500 g / m 2 If it is less than 10 g / m 2 , the strength tends to be poor, and if it exceeds 500 g / m 2 , the fabric thickness becomes unnecessarily thick, and the flexibility and processability tend to be poor. Examples of the resin constituting the plastic include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, polyamide, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacetal, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, poly(meth)acrylic, polystyrene, a mixture of polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate, a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, and the like. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The shape of the base material is not particularly limited. The shape may be uneven, and preferably, it is planar, sheet-like, or film-like. The base material may have flexibility.

[0011] <Porous layer> The porous layer is a layer in which a low refractive index pigment is fixed in a dispersed state in a binder resin. It is opaque in the non-absorbent state (dry state) before water is attached, and becomes transparent in the absorbent state after water is attached. The porous layer is a dried solid of the ink composition, and is formed by drying and solidifying the ink composition. Solidification means that the ink composition according to the present invention changes from a liquid to a solid. The solidified ink composition is the dried solid, which corresponds to the porous layer in the present invention. The porous layer may contain components (typically, a binder described later) contained in the ink composition or a reaction product thereof. The porous layer is formed by directly printing or applying the ink composition to the base material or a base layer described later. Examples of the printing method include screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, coater, tampo printing, transfer, and the like. Examples of the coating method include brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, dip coating, and the like.

[0012] Hereafter, "drying solidification" will refer to the process of solidifying after printing or coating without any chemical change. Furthermore, "curing drying" will refer to the process of a polymerizable vehicle chemically hardening (polymerizing) and solidifying after printing or coating.

[0013] The porous layer may be formed over the entire substrate or on only a part of it. The porous layer may be formed to represent, for example, shapes such as circles, ovals, squares, and rectangles; patterns of people, animals, plants, fruits, food products, tableware, vehicles, buildings, celestial bodies, etc.; various letters; various symbols; and geometric patterns. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0014] • Ink composition The ink composition according to the present invention comprises at least a low refractive index pigment and a vehicle. The ink composition is prepared by mixing and stirring each component. Specifically, it is prepared by stirring a mixture of the required amounts of each component using various stirrers such as propeller stirrers, homodispersers, or homomixers, or by dispersing it using various dispersers such as bead mills.

[0015] (Low refractive index pigments) Examples of low refractive index pigments include silica and its salts, barite powder, barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium carbonate, gypsum, clay, talc, alumina white, and magnesium carbonate. Examples of silica salts include aluminum silicate, potassium aluminum silicate, sodium aluminum silicate, calcium aluminum silicate, potassium silicate, calcium silicate, sodium calcium silicate, sodium silicate, magnesium silicate, and potassium magnesium silicate. These low refractive index pigments have a refractive index in the range of 1.4 to 1.8 and exhibit good transparency when they absorb water. Silica is preferred as a low refractive index pigment. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more. The particle size of the low refractive index pigment is not particularly limited, but it is preferably in the range of 0.03 to 10.0 μm.

[0016] Silicic acid is produced as amorphous silica, but there are two types: silica produced by a dry method using gas-phase reactions such as the thermal decomposition of silicon halides such as silicon tetrachloride (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "dry-processed silica"), and silica produced by a wet method using liquid-phase reactions such as the decomposition with acids such as sodium silicate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "wet-processed silica"). Dry-processed silicic acid and wet-processed silicic acid have different structures. Dry-processed silicic acid forms a three-dimensional structure in which silicic acid molecules are densely bonded, while wet-processed silicic acid has a two-dimensional structure in which silicic acid molecules are condensed to form long molecular arrangements. In other words, because wet-processed silicic acid has a coarser molecular structure compared to dry-processed silicic acid, it exhibits superior diffuse reflectivity of light in a dry state and greater opacity in a non-absorbent (dry) state. Therefore, it is preferable to use wet-processed silicic acid for porous layers. Furthermore, wet-processed silica has more hydroxyl groups present as silanol groups on its particle surface compared to dry-processed silica, resulting in a greater degree of hydrophilicity. In other words, wet-processed silica has excellent water absorption properties in the porous layer, and the porous layer quickly becomes transparent when water adheres to it. Therefore, it is preferable to use wet-processed silica for the porous layer. Furthermore, to adjust the opacity of the porous layer in a dry state and its transparency in a water-absorbed state, other low refractive index pigments may be used in combination with wet-process silica.

[0017] The properties of low refractive index pigments in porous layers depend on factors such as particle size, specific surface area, and oil absorption. However, to satisfy both the opacity in the dry state and the transparency in the water-absorbing state of the porous layer, the application amount of low refractive index pigment should be 1 to 50 g / m². 2 It is preferable that it be within the range of 5-50 g / m 2 It is more preferable that the application amount is within the range of 1 g / m². 2 Below 50 g / m², the opacity of the porous layer in a dry state is insufficient. 2 Beyond a certain point, the transparency of the porous layer in the water-absorbing state becomes insufficient.

[0018] (Vehicle) The vehicle comprises, for example, a binder, a solvent and / or water, and various additives as needed. The vehicle may be curable (polymerizable). The vehicle may be oxidatively polymerizable, thermosetting, ultraviolet curable, or electron beam curable.

[0019] (binder) The binder is an organic compound. The binder comprises at least one of a polymerizable monomer, a polymerizable oligomer, or a polymer, the polymer may be polymerizable or nonpolymerizable.

[0020] Examples of binders that can be used include casein, starch, cellulose derivatives, urethane resins, nylon resins, vinyl acetate resins, acrylic acid ester resins, acrylic acid ester copolymers, acrylic polyol resins, vinyl chloride resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic acid resins, polyesters, styrene resins, styrene copolymers, polyethylene, polycarbonate, epoxy resins, styrene-butadiene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymers, butadiene resins, chloroprene resins, melamine resins, polyvinyl alcohol, urea resins, and phenolic resins. Furthermore, emulsions in which particles made from these materials are dispersed in water can also be used.

[0021] The component ratio of the low refractive index pigment to the binder solids depends on the type and properties of the low refractive index pigment, but the solids content of the binder per part by mass of the low refractive index pigment is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 parts by mass, and more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.5 parts by mass. If the solids content of the binder per part by mass of the low refractive index pigment is less than 0.5 parts by mass, it is difficult to obtain practical strength for the porous layer, and if it exceeds 2 parts by mass, the water absorption of the porous layer tends to be impaired.

[0022] Compared to layers formed using general colorants (colored layers), porous layers tend to have less solid content in the binder relative to the low refractive index pigment (colorant), making it difficult to obtain a porous layer with sufficient strength. From the viewpoint of improving the abrasion resistance of the porous layer, nylon resin or urethane resin is preferred as the binder. Urethane resins are composed of an amorphous soft segment mainly made up of polyols and a crystalline hard segment mainly made up of urethane bonds and urea bonds, and polyether polyol copolymers, polyester polyol copolymers, polycarbonate polyol copolymers, etc., can be used. As urethane resins, urethane resin emulsions obtained by emulsifying and dispersing urethane resin in water, and colloidal dispersion type (ionomer type) urethane resins can be used, which self-emulsify without the need for emulsifiers due to the ionic groups of the ionic urethane resin (urethane ionomer) itself, resulting in the urethane resin being dissolved or dispersed in water. The urethane resin may be an aqueous urethane resin or an oil-based urethane resin. Preferably, it is an aqueous urethane resin emulsion or a colloid-dispersed urethane resin. Urethane resins are used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0023] The binder may be a urethane resin alone, or it may be used in combination with other compounds depending on the performance required for the porous layer. When a urethane resin is used in combination with other compounds, it is preferable that the solid content of the urethane resin be 30% or more of the binder's mass in order to impart practical strength to the porous layer. Although the affinity of binders to water varies depending on the type, the penetration time, degree of penetration, and drying speed after penetration of water into the porous layer can be adjusted by combining a urethane resin with the above-mentioned compounds used as the binder.

[0024] (Solvent and / or water) The solvent is not particularly limited. Examples include aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, alcohol solvents, ester solvents, ketone solvents, etc. There are no particular restrictions on the type of water used. Examples include tap water, deionized water, ultrafiltered water, and distilled water. Alternatively, water may be used in combination with an organic solvent that is compatible with water (a water-soluble organic solvent).

[0025] (Additives) Various additives may be added to the vehicle as needed. Examples of additives include surfactants, dispersants, plasticizers, waxes, thixotropy-imparting agents, wetting agents, coupling agents, curing agents, viscosity modifiers, crosslinking agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, chelating agents, polymerization inhibitors for dark-temperature stabilization, leveling agents, defoamers, adhesion-imparting agents, antistatic agents, preservatives and antifungal agents, flame retardants, rust inhibitors, extender pigments, and the like.

[0026] When the binder contains polymerizable monomers, oligomers, or polymers, the vehicle may contain polymerization initiators and sensitizers. It is desirable that polymerization inhibitors and polymerization initiators are not present together.

[0027] By incorporating a dispersant or surfactant into the vehicle, it becomes easy to adjust the penetration time, degree of penetration, and drying speed after penetration of water into the porous layer.

[0028] If the binder contains polymerizable monomers, oligomers, or polymers, the vehicle may also contain a crosslinking agent. This can improve the strength of the porous layer.

[0029] <Other layers> The water-color-changing material may include a base layer interposed between the porous layer and the substrate. The base layer may be a layer that does not change color even when water is applied to it (a non-water-color-changing colored layer). A porous layer is typically white and opaque in a dry state, concealing the substrate beneath it. However, when wet, the porous layer becomes transparent, allowing the color of the substrate to be visible. Therefore, by providing a colored, non-water-color-changing layer between the porous layer and the substrate, a water-color-changing material can be created that changes color from white to a colored state when water comes into contact with the porous layer. The base layer is formed, for example, by a method similar to the printing or coating method used to form the porous layer described above.

[0030] The non-aqueous color-changing colored layer is a dried ink composition containing at least a colorant and a vehicle, and is formed when the ink composition dries and solidifies. Duplication of explanations regarding the ink composition for forming the non-aqueous color-changing colored layer and the ink composition for forming the porous layer is omitted.

[0031] As a coloring agent, a non-coloring coloring agent selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, and resin particles can be used. Examples of dyes include acid dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, and fluorescent dyes. Examples of pigments include inorganic pigments, organic pigments, fluorescent pigments, and phosphorescent pigments. Furthermore, the above-mentioned dyes or pigments may be encapsulated in microcapsules to form microcapsule pigments. As the resin particles, colored resin particles containing the above-mentioned dyes or pigments can be used. Examples of colored resin particles include colored resin particles in which the dye is homogeneously dissolved or dispersed within the resin particles, colored resin particles in which the dye is dyed onto the resin particles, colored resin particles in which the pigment is dispersed within the resin particles, and colored resin particles in which the surface of the resin particles is coated with pigment. The resin particles also include solid resin particles and hollow resin particles. Using fluorescent colorants such as fluorescent dyes and fluorescent pigments makes it easier to clearly show the color change when transitioning from a dry state to a water-absorbing state.

[0032] Thermochromic or photochromic materials can also be used as colorants. Thermochromic materials are materials that change color with temperature changes, and can impart a thermochromic function that changes color with temperature changes to a substrate. The color change may be reversible or irreversible, but reversible thermochromic materials are preferred because they can repeatedly exhibit color changes with temperature changes. Examples of reversible thermochromic materials include a reversible thermochromic composition comprising at least (a) an electron-donating color-developing organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium that controls the color reaction of components (a) and (b). This may be a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment in which the reversible thermochromic composition is encapsulated in microcapsules, or a reversible thermochromic resin particle in which the reversible thermochromic composition is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin. Photochromic materials are materials that change color depending on the presence or absence of light irradiation. They can impart a photochromic function to a substrate, such as developing color when irradiated with light and disappearing when the irradiation is stopped. The color change may be reversible or irreversible, but reversible photochromic materials are preferred because they can repeatedly exhibit color changes depending on the presence or absence of light irradiation. Examples of reversible photochromic materials include photochromic compounds. Photochromic compounds change color when irradiated with sunlight, ultraviolet light, or light with a peak emission wavelength in the range of 400-495 nm, and lose their color when irradiation is stopped. Specifically, examples include spirooxazine compounds, spiropyran compounds, naphthopyran compounds, diarylethene compounds, etc. Furthermore, examples of reversible photochromic materials include reversible photochromic compositions containing a photochromic compound and an oligomer. These may be reversible photochromic microcapsule pigments in which the reversible photochromic composition is encapsulated in microcapsules, or reversible photochromic resin particles in which the reversible photochromic composition is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or thermosetting resin. By using these thermochromic or photochromic materials, it is possible to create a variety of color changes from a dry state to a water-absorbed state.

[0033] The water-color-changing material according to the present invention may also use a substrate colored with the above-mentioned coloring agent without providing a non-water-color-changing layer. This also makes it possible to obtain a water-color-changing material that changes color from white to a colored state when water comes into contact with the porous layer.

[0034] <Glitter base material> In the water-color-changing material according to the present invention, the substrate may have optical properties such as metallic luster, pearlescent luster, iridescence, holographic properties, light interference properties, and light reflectivity (including retroreflection). In other words, the substrate may be a lustrous substrate.

[0035] Examples of glossy substrates having metallic luster include: a film with a thin metallic film layer of aluminum, chromium, silver, copper, etc. laminated on at least one surface; an ink composition containing a metallic luster pigment printed or coated onto a substrate; metallic foil such as gold foil or silver foil; and a resin composition containing a metallic luster pigment molded into a planar form. Examples of metallic luster pigments include metal powders made from finely ground aluminum, copper, brass, gold, silver, nickel, etc.; metal powders made from phenolic resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, etc., coated with metal by conventional methods and then powdered; metallic luster pigments in which the surface of a core material such as a piece of glass is coated with a metal oxide; cholesteric liquid crystal type metallic luster pigments; and metallic luster pigments in which silicon dioxide is coated with a metal oxide.

[0036] Examples of lustrous substrates having pearlescent properties include: an ink composition containing a pearlescent pigment printed or coated onto a substrate; a resin composition containing a pearlescent pigment molded into a planar form; and a transparent multilayer film exhibiting light interference phenomena, in which 10 or more layers of polymers with different refractive indices are provided as intermediate layers, and the multilayer film contains a translucent dye. Examples of pearlescent pigments include fish scale foil composed of guanine; sericite; basic lead carbonate; acidic lead arsenate; bismuth oxychloride; and pearlescent pigments in which the surface of a core material such as natural mica, synthetic mica, or flaky aluminum oxide is coated with a metal oxide.

[0037] Examples of iridescent, lustrous substrates include those in which a thin film layer of a transparent metal compound (e.g., titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide, magnesium fluoride, cerium fluoride, etc.) having a refractive index difference of 0.05 or more from the substrate is formed on the substrate surface, and then a layer of transparent resin with an uneven surface having a refractive index difference of 0.05 or more from the thin film is sequentially laminated; and those in which multiple layers of transparent plastic thin films with different refractive indices are laminated.

[0038] Examples of luminous substrates with holographic properties include those having a light-reflecting layer on at least one side of a fine uneven pattern. Examples include relief-type (embossed) holograms, which have an uneven pattern on a substrate such as transparent plastic, and a transparent reflective layer formed from a metal compound or the like, as well as volumetric holograms (Lippmann holograms).

[0039] Examples of luminous substrates with optical interference properties include those in which a transparent film, thin enough to cause light interference, is coated onto the surface of a metallic mirror-like substrate using a colored or colorless paint.

[0040] Examples of reflective, glossy substrates include those with a single layer of high refractive index glass beads on a light-reflective layer such as an aluminum vapor-deposited layer; and resin films having a structure in which multiple light-reflective polyester thin films are laminated with their stretch axes offset, possessing a mirror-like metallic luster, exhibiting a color change of metallic luster depending on the viewing angle, and also being transparent depending on the viewing angle.

[0041] A non-water-color-changing colored layer may be provided between the porous layer and the glossy substrate. This allows for a water-color-changing material that changes color from white to a glossy color when water comes into contact with the porous layer, and enables a variety of color changes from a dry state to a water-absorbed state.

[0042] By incorporating a coloring agent into the ink composition to form a porous layer, a colored porous layer can be formed in a dry state. This makes it possible to create a water-color-changing material that changes color from a first color to a second color when water is adsorbed onto the porous layer, regardless of the color of the substrate. As a coloring agent, a non-coloring coloring agent selected from dyes, pigments, and resin particles can be used, and the same coloring agents as those described above can be used.

[0043] [Toys that run on wheels] The toy vehicle comprises a toy vehicle body and tires made of a porous material having continuous pores. The toy may be a non-self-propelled type that is pushed by hand, or it may be a self-propelled type that runs on a motor or spring mechanism.

[0044] <Toy vehicle body> Examples of the shape of the toy itself include models that mimic motorcycles, trains, cars, buggies, and so on. The material of the toy's body is not particularly limited; for example, it could be plastic, metal, wood, etc. It may also be a combination of these materials.

[0045] <Tires> The porous material that makes up the tire has continuous pores and therefore absorbs water. In other words, when water is applied to the tire, it retains the water, so you can repeatedly play by drawing tracks on a water-coloring agent until the water held by the tire is gone. The porous material is not particularly limited and may be, for example, felt, sponge, nonwoven fabric, foam, etc. The porous material is preferably elastic. Materials that can be used to form the sponge include urethane, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl chloride.

[0046] Tires are obtained by molding a resin into a tire shape using a known molding method, so that it becomes a porous body having continuous pores. Molding methods include foam molding and sintering molding. Alternatively, tires made of porous bodies having continuous pores can also be obtained by an elution method, in which a water-soluble component is dissolved in the resin, molded into a tire shape, and then the molded body is immersed in water to dissolve the water-soluble component into the water. The resin may be a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, or polyurethane; or a thermoplastic elastomer such as polyethylene-based, polypropylene-based, polybutylene-based, polystyrene-based, polydiene-based, polychloride-based, or polyurethane-based resin. Examples of water-soluble components include water-soluble salts or water-soluble organic solvents. Examples of water-soluble salts include sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium sulfate. Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile, ethylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and ethylene glycol.

[0047] The tire is rotatably attached to the main body of the toy vehicle. Here, the tire includes a wheel body and a tire body mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel body. In other words, the tire in this invention may be made of a porous material in which the wheel body and the tire body are integrally molded. Alternatively, the tire body made of a porous material may be mounted on the outer circumference of a wheel that is rotatably attached to the main body of the toy vehicle. Tires made of a porous material with continuous pores may be all the tires on a toy vehicle. The tires on the front and rear wheels of a toy vehicle may be different. It is also preferable to make only the front or rear wheels of a toy vehicle tires made of a porous material with continuous pores, as this allows for a clear imprint of the vehicle's tracks on a water-coloring agent.

[0048] Preferably, the tire has irregularities on its circumferential surface (i.e., the contact surface with the water-color-changing material). The contact surface of the tire with the water-color-changing material is the so-called "tread portion," and the pattern formed by the recesses of the tread portion is called the "tread pattern." This allows the tire to mimic the appearance of a real tire, and when a toy is driven on the water-color-changing material, the recesses do not come into contact with the material, thus creating a visually appealing trail. Furthermore, protrusions may be formed on the circumferential surface (tread portion). The planar shape of the protrusions visible from the radial direction of the tire is not particularly limited and may be any arbitrary shape. This allows only the protrusions of the tire to make contact with the surface when a toy is driven on the water-color-changing material, leaving an arbitrary shape as a trail. Examples of planar shapes of protrusions visible from the radial direction of a tire include, for example, circles, ellipses, squares, rectangles, and other geometric shapes; pictures of people, animals, plants, fruits, food products, tableware, vehicles, buildings, celestial bodies, etc.; various letters; and various symbols. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0049] The tires of the toy vehicle according to the present invention preferably use a porous material made of polyvinyl chloride resin. Polyvinyl chloride resin has the following characteristics. (1) It is inexpensive. (2) Flexibility can be imparted by adding a plasticizer. (3) Excellent durability. By using polyvinyl chloride resin, it is easy to process tires of various sizes and shapes, and it is possible to produce tires with excellent flexibility and durability. Due to its excellent flexibility, it is easy to make the tires of the toy vehicle adhere closely to the water-coloring agent, and the tracks left by the toy vehicle on the water-coloring agent can be clearly imprinted. Furthermore, due to its excellent durability, damage to the tires is suppressed even after repeated play. For these reasons, it is preferable to use polyvinyl chloride resin for the tires of the toy vehicle according to the present invention.

[0050] (Vinyl chloride resin) The vinyl chloride resin is not particularly limited and may be a polymer of vinyl chloride monomer alone, or a copolymer of vinyl chloride monomer and other polymerizable monomers. The polyvinyl chloride resin preferably has a water absorption rate of 100% or more, and more preferably in the range of 150-250%, as measured in accordance with JIS K 7209:2000. The water absorption rate can be determined by the following method. (1) Dry the sample at 50°C for 24 hours. (2) After 24 hours, measure the weight. (This will be called the "initial mass (m1)") (3) Immerse the sample in distilled water at 23°C for 24 hours. (4) After 24 hours, wipe off any moisture from the surface of the sample with a cloth and immediately measure its weight. (This will be referred to as the "mass after immersion (m²)".) (5) The water absorption rate is calculated using the formula "(m2-m1) / m1×100". The water absorption rate is determined by using a measurement sample made by melting polyvinyl chloride resin at 200°C and molding it into a sheet shape with a thickness of 1 mm and a size of 60 mm on each side. Because the water absorption rate is within the above range, once water is supplied to the tire, it is possible to repeatedly play by drawing tracks on the water-coloring material for a long period of time. In addition, the natural dripping of water from the tire is suppressed, preventing the surrounding area from getting wet during play. Furthermore, when the tire is driven on the water-coloring material, an appropriate amount of water adheres to the material, allowing for the drawing of clean tracks on the water-coloring material.

[0051] (Plasticizer) It is preferable to soften the polyvinyl chloride resin by adding a plasticizer to it, as this imparts flexibility and facilitates its processing into tire shapes. Examples of plasticizers include citrate esters such as acetyl tributyl citrate and acetyl triethyl citrate; and adipate esters such as diisononyl adipate, diisodecyl adipate, and dibutyl diglycol adipate. These plasticizers are preferred from the viewpoint of safety for humans and the environment. They can be used individually or in combination of two or more. The plasticizer content is preferably in the range of 30 to 150% by mass relative to the polyvinyl chloride resin, and more preferably in the range of 30 to 100% by mass. By keeping the content within this range, it becomes easier to achieve both flexibility and durability in the tire.

[0052] (others) Various additives may be added to the polyvinyl chloride resin as needed. Examples of additives include stabilizers, fillers, flame retardants, lubricants, impact modifiers, mold release agents, flow improvers, antistatic agents, surfactants, antifogging agents, antibacterial agents, and foaming agents.

[0053] Tires are obtained by preparing a pelletized or powdered molding resin composition by mixing polyvinyl chloride resin with various additives, and then molding it using various molding methods such as extrusion molding, calendering, injection molding, and press molding. Alternatively, tires can be obtained by preparing a sol-like molding resin composition (plastisol) by mixing paste-like polyvinyl chloride resin with various additives, and then molding it using various molding methods such as dip molding, slush molding, rotation molding, and casting.

[0054] [Water supply equipment] One way to make the tires absorb water according to the present invention is to directly immerse them in water from a tap, but there is a risk that the water will splash and wet the surrounding area. From the viewpoint of preventing water from splashing and allowing for easy play with the driving toy set, it is preferable to supply water to the tires using a water supply device. In other words, the driving toy set according to the present invention preferably consists of a water-color-changing material, a driving toy, and a water supply device. The water supply device is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that allows water to be absorbed by the tire. For example, a container such as a tray or tub filled with water can be used. A stamp pad-like device is preferred, which contains a water-impregnating material such as cloth (e.g., nonwoven fabric) or sponge in a recessed area of ​​the container, as this prevents water from splashing and wetting the surrounding area. By allowing the impregnating material to absorb water and bringing the tire into contact with the impregnating material, water can be supplied to the tire. Alternatively, the toy body may be equipped with a water reservoir to hold water, allowing water to be supplied from the toy body to the tires. [Examples]

[0055] Examples are shown below, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, "parts" refers to parts by mass.

[0056] Example 1 [Construction of a running toy (see Figure 2(a))] A resin composition for molding was prepared by mixing polyvinyl chloride resin plastisol (manufactured by Kobayashi Co., Ltd., product name: Kobazole ES-108A) and glycerin in a mass ratio of 3:7. This resin composition was poured into a tire-shaped mold and molded at 200°C to obtain a molded body. After cooling the molded body, it was immersed in water for 24 hours to obtain a tire body (22') made of a porous material having continuous pores. This tire body is molded into a cylindrical shape (donut shape) that can be mounted on the outer circumference of a wheel body (23), and has a recess (24) on the circumferential surface (tread portion). The obtained tire bodies were attached to the outer circumference of the wheel bodies provided on the front and rear wheels of a passenger car-shaped toy vehicle (21). This created a toy vehicle (passenger car-type miniature car) (20) equipped with tires (22) made of a porous material having continuous pores on the front and rear wheels.

[0057] [Preparation of water-color-changing material (see Figure 3)] A blue screen printing ink was prepared by uniformly mixing and stirring 5 parts blue pigment, 50 parts acrylic ester resin emulsion (solids content: 50%), 0.2 parts silicone-based defoamer, 3 parts thickener, 2 parts wetting agent, 1 part leveling agent, 10 parts water, and 2.5 parts epoxy-based crosslinking agent. A white screen printing ink was prepared by uniformly mixing and stirring 15 parts of wet-process silicic acid [manufactured by Tosoh Silica Co., Ltd., product name: NipSeal E-200A], 50 parts of urethane resin emulsion [manufactured by DIC Corporation, product name: Hydran AP-10 (solids content: 30%)], 30 parts of water, 0.5 parts of silicone-based defoamer, 3 parts of thickener, 1 part of ethylene glycol, and 2 parts of epoxy-based crosslinking agent. The base material (31) is white T / C broadcloth fabric (65% polyester, 35% cotton) (basis weight: 120g / m²). 2 A solid pattern was printed on the entire surface of the material using the above-mentioned blue screen printing ink by screen printing, and then dried and cured to form a non-water-color-changing colored layer (32). Next, a solid pattern was printed on the non-water-color-changing colored layer using the above-mentioned white screen printing ink by screen printing, and then dried and cured to form a porous layer (33), thereby obtaining a white water-color-changing material (water-color-changing sheet) (30).

[0058] [Fabrication of a water supply device (see Figure 5)] A water-impregnable nonwoven fabric was placed in the recess of a synthetic resin container (41) as an impregnating body (42), and water was impregnated into the nonwoven fabric to create a water supply device (40).

[0059] The above-mentioned toy vehicle, along with a water-color-changing agent and a water supply device, were combined to create a toy vehicle set. When a toy vehicle was placed on the impregnated body of the water supply device so that its tires were in contact with it and then moved, water was smoothly supplied from the water supply device to the tires, causing them to absorb water. When the toy vehicle was placed on a water-color-changing material (water-color-changing sheet) so that its tires were in contact with it and then moved, as the tires rotated, the water held in the tires transferred from areas other than the depressions formed in the tires to the water-color-changing material. The porous layer of the water-color-changing material where water adhered became transparent, changing from white to blue, and blue tracks became visible. The play of drawing tracks could be repeated for a long time until the water held in the tires was gone. Furthermore, since the water in the porous layer of the water-color-changing sheet evaporated over time and the porous layer returned to its initial white color, the same water-color-changing material could be used for repeated play. In this toy car set, the tires were highly flexible, and when driven on the water-coloring material, the tires made close contact with the material, allowing them to create clean tracks. Furthermore, a tread pattern was formed on the circumferential surface of the tires due to the indentations, resulting in aesthetically pleasing tracks. In addition, the tires had excellent water absorption, so when moving the toy car from the water supply to the water-coloring material, water did not drip from the tires, preventing the surrounding area from getting wet. When the tires were driven on the water-coloring material, the appropriate amount of water adhered to the material from the tires, allowing for clean tracks to be created.

[0060] Example 2 [Construction of a running toy (see Figure 2(b))] A resin composition for molding was prepared by mixing polyvinyl chloride resin plastisol (manufactured by Kobayashi Co., Ltd., product name: Kobazole ES-108A) and glycerin in a mass ratio of 3:7. This resin composition was poured into a tire-shaped mold and molded at 200°C to obtain a molded body. After cooling the molded body, it was immersed in water for 24 hours to obtain a front tire (front wheel) (22) made of a porous material having continuous pores. This tire is formed by integrally molding the wheel body and the tire body mounted on the outer circumference of the wheel body, and has a convex portion (24') on the circumferential surface (tread portion). The planar shape of this convex portion, as seen from the radial direction of the tire, is rectangular. Next, a molding resin composition made of a vinyl chloride resin plastisol was prepared. This resin composition was poured into a tire-shaped mold and molded at 200 °C to obtain a rear tire (rear wheel). This tire has a wheel body and a tire body attached to the outer periphery of the wheel body integrally molded, and has a convex portion similar to the above convex portion on the circumferential surface portion. The obtained front tire and rear tire were assembled to the front wheel portion and the rear wheel portion of a buggy-shaped running toy body (21). Thereby, a running toy (buggy-type mini car) provided with a tire (22) made of a porous body having continuous pores was produced in the front wheel portion.

[0061] [Production of water discoloring material (see Fig. 4)] 5 parts of a blue pigment, 50 parts of a urethane resin emulsion, 0.5 part of a silicone-based defoaming agent, 2 parts of a thickener, 1 part of a leveling agent, 31.5 parts of methanol, and 10 parts of water were uniformly mixed and stirred to prepare a blue gravure printing ink. 15 parts of wet-process silica [manufactured by Tosoh Silica Corporation, product name: Nipsil E-74P], 50 parts of a urethane resin emulsion [manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., product name: Permalin UA150 (solid content: 30%)], 20 parts of methanol, 9.5 parts of water, 0.5 part of a silicone-based defoaming agent, 2 parts of a thickener (solid content: 40%), and 3 parts of a carbodiimide-based crosslinking agent (solid content: 40%) were uniformly mixed and stirred to prepare a white gravure printing ink. An adhesive made of a urethane-based resin was applied by a gravure printing machine to the aluminum vapor deposition layer side of a reflective hologram sheet (bright layer) (34) in which an aluminum vapor deposition layer was formed on the embossed surface of a transparent polyethylene terephthalate sheet (thickness: 12 μm), and a nylon tricot (30 denier, basis weight: 40 g / m 2 ) was adhered to obtain a shiny base material (31′). Next, the entire surface of the transparent polyethylene terephthalate sheet side of the reflective hologram sheet (the side of the transparent polyethylene terephthalate sheet opposite to the side on which the aluminum vapor deposition layer is provided) was gravure printed using the blue gravure printing ink described above with a 120-mesh gravure plate to print a solid pattern, which was then dried and cured to form a non-water-color-changing color layer (32). Then, on the non-water-color-changing color layer, gravure printing was performed twice using the white gravure printing ink described above with a 200-mesh gravure plate to print a solid pattern, which was then dried and cured to form a porous layer (33), thereby obtaining a white water-color-changing material (water-color-changing sheet) (30).

[0062] The above-mentioned toy vehicle, a water-color-changing agent, and the same water supply device used in Example 1 were combined to create a toy vehicle set. When the toy was placed on the impregnated body of the water supply device so that its front tires were in contact with it and then moved, water was smoothly supplied from the water supply device to the tires, causing them to absorb water. When the toy was placed on a water-color-changing material (water-color-changing sheet) so that its tires were in contact with it and then moved, as the tires rotated, the water held in the front tires transferred from the protrusions formed on the tires to the water-color-changing material. The porous layer of the water-color-changing material where the water adhered became transparent, changing from white to a luminous (holographic) blue color, and a luminous (holographic) blue trail was visible. The play of drawing trails could be repeated for a long time until the water held in the front tires was gone. Furthermore, as the water in the porous layer evaporated over time, the porous layer returned to its initial white color, allowing for repeated play using the same water-color-changing material. In this toy car set, the tires were highly flexible, and when the toy carved on the water-coloring agent, the front tires made close contact with the agent, allowing it to leave a clean trail. Furthermore, because a convex shape was formed on the circumferential surface of the tire, it was possible to leave a trail of any shape (rectangle). In addition, the front tires had excellent water absorption, so when the toy carved from the water supply to the water-coloring agent, water did not drip from the tires, preventing the surrounding area from getting wet. When the front tires were driven on the water-coloring agent, the appropriate amount of water adhered to the agent from the tires, allowing it to leave a clean trail. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 10-Piece Toy Set 11 Tracks 20 Driving Toys 21. Main body of the toy vehicle 22 tires 22' Tire Body 23 Wheel body 24 recesses 24′ protrusion 30 Water-color-changing material (water-color-changing sheet) 31 Base material 31′ Glitter base material 32 Non-aqueous color-changing colored layer 33 Porous layer 34. Hologram sheet (luminescent layer) 40 Water supply equipment 41 Container 42 Impregnated body

Claims

1. A water-color-changing material comprising a porous layer on a substrate in which a low refractive index pigment is dispersed and fixed in a binder resin, A toy vehicle equipped with tires made of a porous material having continuous pores, A toy set consisting of various components.

2. The toy car set according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential surface of the tire has irregularities.

3. The driving toy set according to claim 1, wherein the porous body is made of polyvinyl chloride resin.

4. The toy car set according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply device for supplying water to the tires.

5. The toy car set according to claim 4, wherein the water supply device comprises an impregnated body impregnated with water.

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