Fluid-swellable composition, device and method for using the same

Abstract

Fluid-swellable absorbent compositions, and kits that include a plurality of the compositions. The compositions include a granular mixture of at least a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, gelatin, and a binder. The composition may further include a colorant, a binder, and/or reflective particles, and it is suited for use with amusement devices, such as for use by children. Kits containing a plurality of the compositions may include compositions having different colorants. The compositions and/or kits may be used with a play structure that includes a base and a closed perimeter extending outwardly from the base. The structure may include a plurality of discrete regions, and may collectively resemble an object, scene or other image. Upon placement of a small quantity of the composition into a particular region and addition of water to the quantity, the composition swells, expands and generally conforms to the shape of the region.

1 . A kit including a plurality of absorptive compositions for use in a children's amusement device, each composition including a granular mixture of at least a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, gelatin, and a binder, wherein the plurality of absorptive compositions includes at least a first composition that further comprises a colorant having a first color and a second composition that further comprises a colorant having a second color that is different than the first color.  
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the colorant of at least one of the plurality of compositions has a color that is not readily perceivable to a user until a water-based fluid is added to the composition.  
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of absorptive compositions further comprises at least a third composition that further comprises a colorant having a third color that is different than the first color and the second color.  
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 3 , wherein the colorant of at least one of the plurality of compositions has a color that is not readily perceivable to a user until a water-based fluid is added to the composition.  
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of compositions further includes a plurality of reflective particles.  
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of reflective particles are configured to move with other components of the composition when the composition absorbs a volume of water-based fluid.  
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the binder includes a film-forming resin.  
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein the resin includes a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidine and vinyl acetate.  
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the superabsorbent polymer contains no water-extractable material.  
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the superabsorbent polymer consists essentially of particles in the range of approximately 100 microns and approximately 300 microns in maximum diameter.  
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the gum is selected to absorb glycols.  
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of compositions are reusable and adapted to absorb a further volume of water-based fluid after an initial volume of water-based fluid has evaporated.  
     
     
         13 . A kit including a plurality of absorptive compositions for use in a children's amusement device, each composition consisting essentially of a granular mixture comprising a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, gelatin, a binder, and a colorant that has a color, and further wherein the colorant of each composition has a different color.  
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the colorant of at least one of the plurality of compositions has a color that is not readily perceivable to a user until a water-based fluid is added to the composition.  
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the plurality of compositions further includes a plurality of reflective particles.  
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of compositions includes at least three compositions.  
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the binder includes a film-forming resin.  
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17 , wherein the resin includes a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidine and vinyl acetate.  
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the gum is selected to absorb glycols.  
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of compositions are reusable and adapted to absorb a further volume of water-based fluid after an initial volume of water-based fluid has evaporated.