ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 12 -- United States Patent no. 12,383,842, issued on Aug. 12, was assigned to Mattel Inc. (El Segundo, Calif.).
"Toy figurine and packaging" was invented by Kenna O'Brien (Redondo Beach, Calif.), Brian Hong (Valencia, Calif.) and Kelley Lindberg (Los Angeles).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A toy figurine and/or toy figurine packaging is coated with a dissolvable layer. When the toy figurine is coated, the toy figurine is entirely coated so that its overall appearance, including its skin complexion and/or facial features, is substantially hidden or obscured. Then, when the figurine is submerged in a fluid, the dissolvable layer dissolves to reveal the figurine's appearance...