SIDE INSERT CARD HOLDER

Abstract

A side-insert card holder assembly for receiving a transaction card without opening is described. The side-insert card holder assembly includes an upper box, a lower box, and a box insert. The lower box configured to at least partially fit within the upper box. The lower box includes a card slit configured to receive a transaction card being inserted into the lower box while the lower box is fit within the upper box. The box insert is configured to at least partially fit within the lower box. The box insert includes a locking protrusion configured to secure the transaction card in the box insert, and a realignment protrusion configured to realign the transaction card away from the card slit after the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of the invention broadly relate to cards with card holders. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to transaction cards with card holder assemblies thereof.

2. Related Art

Transaction cards are typically either sold individually or in a prepackaged gift box or envelope. The prepackaged boxes commonly display a theme or location where the transaction card is redeemable. The problems associated with the transaction cards and card holder combinations on the market today is that the consumer is not given the freedom to customize a combination between the transaction card themes or redeemable locations and the themes or the card holder. For logistical reasons, transaction cards are either sold individually or pre-packaged. What is needed is a separately sold or received card holder that receives and holds the transaction card that has been selected separately to allow a consumer to purchase a transaction card with a particular theme or for a particular purpose and combine the transaction card with the card holder after purchase or allows for the customization to be performed at a distribution center.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention solve the above-described problems and provide a distinct advance in the art by providing a side-insert card holder assembly with a card slit that allows the transaction card and the side-insert card holder assembly to be matched by the consumer. The side-insert card holder assembly also provides a unique and simple way to retain the transaction card and present it to the receiver. In embodiments, the side-insert card holder assembly includes a plurality of protrusions that push the transaction card into place and secure the transaction card in the best display location within the side-insert card holder assembly. This feature allows the transaction card to be purchased and matched to a selected side-insert card holder assembly allowing the consumer a quick and easy on the spot customization of the transaction card and side-insert card holder assembly.

A first embodiment of the invention is generally directed to a side-insert card holder assembly comprising an upper box, a lower box, and a box insert. The lower box configured to at least partially fit within the upper box. The lower box includes a card slit configured to receive a transaction card being inserted into the lower box while the lower box is fit within the upper box. The box insert is configured to at least partially fit within the lower box. The box insert includes a locking protrusion configured to secure the transaction card in the box insert, and a realignment protrusion configured to realign the transaction card away from the card slit after the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

A second embodiment of the invention is generally directed to a side-insert card holder system comprising a transaction card, an upper box, a lower box, and a box insert. The lower box configured to at least partially fit within the upper box. The lower box includes a card slit configured to receive the transaction card being inserted into the lower box while the lower box is fit within the upper box. The box insert is configured to at least partially fit within the lower box. The box insert includes a locking protrusion configured to secure the transaction card in the box insert, and a realignment protrusion configured to realign the transaction card away from the card slit after the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

A third embodiment of the invention is generally directed to a method of utilizing a side-insert card holder assembly, the method comprising the following steps: acquiring the transaction card; inserting the transaction card into a card slit presented on a side of the side-insert card holder assembly; opening the side-insert card holder assembly after the transaction card is within the side-insert card holder assembly; inserting a finger behind the transaction card; and extracting the transaction card from within the side-insert card holder assembly.

Additional embodiments of the invention may be directed to a transaction card configured to be utilized with the above-mentioned side-insert card holder system. Still other embodiments may be directed to a method of giving a gift that includes the side-insert card holder system. Yet other embodiments may be directed to a method of completing and shipping the side-insert card holder system.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a side-insert card holder system including a side-insert card holder assembly having a transaction card partially disposed therein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the side-insert card holder assembly showing a card slit therein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the side-insert card holder assembly having without an upper box such that the transaction card therein is visible;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an unassembled upper box;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an unassembled lower box;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a box insert configured to receive the transaction card;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the box insert within the lower box;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the transaction card being secured within the box insert;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an unassembled lower box liner; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the lower box liner showing a secondary card slit therein.

The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of embodiments of the invention references the accompanying illustrations that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “embodiments”, “various embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or “other embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “embodiments”, “various embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or “other embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Broadly, some embodiments of the invention are directed to a side-insert card holder system 10 that comprises a side-insert card holder assembly 12 and a transaction card 14 or other gift item. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 is configured to be disposed in a closed configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or an open configuration, such as shown in FIG. 3. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 is configured to accept the transaction card 14 or other gift item therein while the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is in the closed configuration. The transaction card 14 may be removed from the side-insert card holder assembly 12 while the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is in the open configuration. Thus, a gift giver, manufacturer, distributor, card activator, or other person may insert the transaction card 14 or other gift item into the side-insert card holder assembly 12 without unsealing or otherwise opening the side-insert card holder assembly 12. This may also be convenient in the time and effort required to secure the store-value card within the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is less than with traditional methods and devices.

In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is configured to receive the transaction card 14 therein via a card slit 16. The card slit 16 is visible and accessible from an exterior of the side-insert card holder assembly 12. Thus, the operator may insert the transaction card 14 within the side-insert card holder assembly 12 without otherwise manipulating, opening, or interacting with the side-insert card holder assembly 12. As described below, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 prevents or reduces the likelihood that the transaction card 14 will exit through the card slit 16. Thus, the side-insert card holder system 10 (including the side-insert card holder assembly 12 and the transaction card 14) is then ready for shipment, gifting, display for sale, or other function.

An exemplary embodiment of a side-insert card holder system 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. As shown, the side-insert card holder system 10 may form a general box shape configured for housing the transaction card 14. It should be appreciated the illustrated square box embodiment is just one of many possible embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments may present other shapes such as a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal prism, or other prism shape; a cylinder, elliptical cylinder, pyramid, ellipsoid, sphere, or other shape. The square box is shown for simplicity and understanding of the invention.

In embodiments of the invention, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is configured to generally resemble a wrapped gift. In other embodiments, the gift card assembly is configured to generally resemble another object, such as a house, a vehicle, an animal, a character, a geometric shape, or other object. As such, the gift giver may select a side-insert card holder assembly 12 specifically for the recipient, with the knowledge of the various subjective interests of the recipient.

In embodiments of the invention, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 comprises an upper box 18, a lower box 20, and a box insert 22. The lower box 20 includes the card slit 16 for receiving the transaction card 14. The upper box 18 is configured to be disposed over, within, atop, or otherwise close in relation to the lower box 20. The upper box 18 may be a lid, a flap, a plug, or other structure. The upper box 18 may also present a card slit 16 (not illustrated). The lower box 20 may be configured to be inserted into the upper box 18. The transaction card 14 may be held in the box insert 22. The box insert 22 may present a card recess 24 for holding the transaction card 14, and a removal recess 26 for receiving a finger, thumb, or other object behind the transaction card 14 for transaction card 14 removal.

In some embodiments, the transaction card 14 is inserted into the card slit 16. Protrusions (discussed below and shown in subsequent figures) on the side and bottom of the box insert 22 hold the transaction card 14 in place. The protrusions hold the transaction card 14 in place such that the transaction card 14 does not move or jostle during movement of the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The transaction card 14, or a portion thereof, may be visible through a window 28, as shown in FIG. 1 and discussed more below. A barcode, or other indicia, on the transaction card 14 may be visible through the window 28 for scanning and activating the transaction card 14 without removing the transaction card 14 from the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be opened and the transaction card 14 removed by placing a thumb or finger behind the transaction card 14 via the removal recess 26 proximate the transaction card 14 and pulling on the transaction card 14 from behind or along the transaction card 14.

The various components of the side-insert card holder assembly 12 will now be discussed in further detail. In embodiments of the invention, the upper box 18 is configured to at least partially fit over the lower box 20. An example of the upper box 18 fitting over the lower box 20 can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As can be seen, the upper box 18 may present a cross-sectional area that is slightly larger than a cross-sectional area presented by the lower box 20. As such, the upper box 18 fits over the lower box 20 when the upper box 18 is placed on the lower box 20. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the upper box 18 may fit within the lower box 20, be pivotably secured to the lower box 20, be permanently or selectively secured to the lower box 20, or provide another interaction with the lower box 20.

In some embodiments the upper box 18, as depicted in FIG. 4, presents a top surface 30 with four sides 32. The upper box 18 may be formed of a single sheet of material through cutting and folding. An example appears in FIG. 4, which shows the upper box 18 cut to the shape in FIG. 4 and the upper box 18 may be folded along the dashed lines. In some embodiments, the upper box 18 may be cut and folded to accommodate any type card and is not limited to folds depicted in FIG. 4. Once folded, the upper box 18 presents a top surface 30 with four sides 32 protruding perpendicular (e.g., at substantially ninety-degree angles) from the top surface 30. In some embodiments, the upper box 18 is configured to receiving the lower box 20 within four corresponding sides, described in more detail below.

As can be seen, the upper box 18 may comprise the top surface 30, four outer walls 34, four inner walls 36, and four tabs 38. The inner walls 36 are each folder against the outer wall 34, until each inner wall 36 is parallel to and adjacent to the respective outer wall 34. The outer wall 34 is folded to a substantially ninety-degree angle relative to the top surface 30. Each tab 38 is secured relative to the combined inner wall 36 and outer wall 34 to secure the combined inner wall 36 and outer wall 34 relative to the top surface 30. Each tab 38 may be secured between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 34, or internally to the inner wall 36. The tab 38 and/or inner wall 36 may be secured in the final orientation and position via a chemical adhesive, mechanical fastener, or other securing structure.

The upper box 18 may further comprise at least one channel opening 40 configured to form a channel (not directly illustrated) when the upper box 18 is folded into the above-discussed shape. The channel is configured to receive the fingers of the gift recipient such that the gift recipient may remove the upper box 18 and observe and access the stored value card within the box insert 22.

The lower box 20, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 5, presents a lower surface 42 and four sides 44 for inserting into the upper box 18. The lower box 20 may be cut to the size and shape as presented in FIG. 5 and the lower box 20 may be folded along the dashed lines. In some embodiments, the lower box 20 may be cut and folded to accommodate any type card and is not limited to the folds depicted in FIG. 5.

The lower box 20 presents a window opening 46 for viewing any barcodes, indicia, instructions, advertisements, customized messages, or any other graphics on the transaction card 14. The window 28 may also present a barcode or other indicia of the transaction card 14 such that the transaction card 14 may be scanned without removing the transaction card 14 from the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The lower box 20 may also present the card slit 16 for receiving the transaction card 14 for placement of the transaction card 14 in the side-insert card holder assembly 12.

The lower box 20, when cut and folded, may have dimensions such that the exterior of the four sides 44 is equal to or smaller than the interior of the four sides 32 of the upper box 18. This allows the lower box 20 to be inserted into the upper box 18 and the four sides 44 of the lower box 20 and the four sides 32 of the upper box 18 to contact resulting in a box that encloses the transaction card 14 and holds the upper box 18 and the lower box 20 together with friction. Though the upper box 18 and the lower box 20 are held together with friction in embodiments discussed herein, in other embodiments the upper box 18 and lower box 20 may be held together with attachments such as with adhesive or overlapping folds. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lower box 20 may be larger than the upper box 18 and the upper box 18 may be inserted into the lower box 20.

As can be seen, the lower box 20 may comprise the bottom surface, four outer walls 48, four inner walls 50, and four tabs 52. The inner walls 50 are each folder against the outer wall 48, until each inner wall 50 is parallel to and adjacent to the respective outer wall 48. The outer wall 48 is folded to a substantially ninety-degree angle relative to the bottom surface. Each tab 52 is secured relative to the combined inner wall 50 and outer wall 48 to secure the combined inner wall 50 and outer wall 48 relative to the bottom surface. Each tab 52 may be secured between the inner wall 50 and the outer wall 48, or internally to the inner wall 50. The tab 52 and/or inner wall 50 may be secured in the final position and orientation via a chemical adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or other structure.

As discussed above, and shown in FIG. 1, the lower box 20 includes the card slit 16 configured to receive the transaction card 14 being inserted into the lower box 20 while the lower box 20 is fit within the upper box 18. The card slit 16 thus allows the transaction card 14 to pass through the outer wall 48 and/or the inner wall 50 to be placed within the lower box 20, without passing through an upper open end 54 of the lower box 20, as shown in FIG. 3.

The card slit 16 may be disposed through one of the outer walls 48 (as shown in FIG. 5), through one of the outer walls 48 and a corresponding inner wall 50 (not illustrated). The card slit 16 may be disposed closer to the bottom surface than to a fold line between the inner wall 50 and the outer wall 48. This disposes the card slit 16 lower on the lower box 20 when the lower box 20 is assembled. The lower card slit 16 disposes the stored value card near the bottom surface of the lower box 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, for example, this allows the upper box 18 to be disposed over the lower box 20 without covering the card slit 16. This also presents the stored value card in a recessed position within the lower box 20 when the upper box 18 is removed.

The box insert 22 will now be discussed in more detail. In embodiments of the invention, the box insert 22 is configured to at least partially fit within the lower box 20. The box insert 22 may present various protrusions and recesses, discussed below, configured to perform various functions relative to the transaction card 14 and the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The box insert 22 receives the transaction card 14 upon the transaction card 14 being inserted into the box insert 22 via the card slit 16. The box insert 22 secures the transaction card 14 within the side-insert card holder assembly 12 until the transaction card 14 is removed from the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The box insert 22 may thus secure the transaction card 14 during shipping, purchasing, and/or gifting.

In embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 6, the box insert 22 presents side protrusions and bottom protrusions to hold the transaction card 14 in place. In FIG. 6 the protrusions and recesses are shown in broken lines. The box insert 22 also includes a removal recess 26 for allowing the recipient to place a finger or thumb behind the transaction card 14 and pull to quickly and easily remove the transaction card 14 from the box insert 22. In some embodiments, there is no removal recess 26 and the transaction card 14 may be removed simply by placing the fingers on the side of the transaction card 14 and pulling. The box insert 22 may also present a side recess 56 in the right side for insertion of the transaction card 14 into the box insert 22 as depicted in FIG. 7, without the transaction card 14 striking the box insert 22.

The box insert 22 of embodiments of the invention includes one or more realignment protrusions 58. The realignment protrusion 58 is configured to realign the transaction card 14 away from the card slit 16 after the transaction card 14 is inserted into the box insert 22. The realignment protrusion 58 may further be configured to direct the transaction card 14 into the locking protrusions 60, discussed below.

The realignment protrusions 58 of embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. In these embodiments, there are four realignment protrusions 58. The four realignment protrusions 58 are disposed adjacent to the respective four corners 62 (labeled in FIG. 3) of the transaction card 14. Thus, the four realignment protrusions 58 are disposed in a general rectangular shape when viewed from above, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It should be appreciated that other combinations and layouts of realignment protrusions 58 may be used in various embodiments of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the realignment protrusions 58 may form an upward arcuate shape when viewed from the side. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the box insert 22. As the transaction card 14 is slid in from the right side (as shown in FIG. 8), the realignment protrusions 58 slide the leading edge of the transaction card 14 up and over the realignment protrusions 58 and into the locking protrusions 60 (as discussed more below). As can be seen, the arcuate shape of each realignment protrusion 58 is slanted upward toward the left side (as shown in FIG. 8). The realignment protrusion 58 is disposed so as to push the transaction card 14 upward when the transaction card 14 is inserted through the card slit 16 as shown in FIG. 1. The realignment protrusion 58 of embodiments presents an upward arcuate shape so as to allow the transaction card 14 to pass over the realignment protrusion 58 while the transaction card 14 is being inserted.

In other embodiments, the realignment protrusion 58 may present another shape such as a beveled edge, an inclined plane, a hyperbolic curve, or other shape to direct the transaction card 14 toward a locking protrusion 60. In some embodiments, a single centralized realignment protrusion 58 may be utilized (instead of four dispersed realignment protrusions 58 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). In still other embodiments, there may be no realignment protrusion but instead the entirety of the card recess 24 is formed so as to perform the above-discussed functions of the realignment protrusion.

The locking protrusion 60 is configured to secure the transaction card 14 in the box insert 22. The locking protrusion 60 accepts the transaction card 14 upon or while the stored value card is being disposed away from the card slit 16 by the realignment protrusions 58 (as discussed above). The locking protrusion 60 surrounds the transaction card 14 on at least two sides so as to prevent or reduce the movement of the transaction card 14 by friction or other mechanical holding.

As shown in FIG. 6, in embodiments of the invention, there are five locking protrusions 60 set around the transaction card 14. Four locking protrusions 60 are disposed along the two long sides 64 of the card recess 24. While the transaction card 14 is being inserted into the box insert 22, the four locking protrusions 60 along the two long sides 64 keep the transaction card 14 from exceeding a maximum allowable tilt angle relative to the box insert 22.

A distal locking protrusion 66 (e.g., the fifth locking protrusion) is disposed opposite the card slit 16 (not shown in FIG. 6, but disposed toward a right side of the figure) so as to receive the transaction card 14 upon the transaction card 14 reaching the complete and maximum entry into the box insert 22. While the transaction card 14 is fully within the box insert 22 (e.g., none of the transaction card 14 is disposed within the card slit 16), the realignment protrusions 58 provide an upward force on the four respective corners 62 of the transaction card 14. This upward force is counteracted by a downward and/or inward force imparted on the transaction card 14 by the locking protrusions 60. This is because the locking protrusion 60 is configured to be disposed at least partially above the transaction card 14 while the transaction card 14 is secured within the box insert 22. Thus, the transaction card 14 is securely held within the box insert 22 once the transaction card 14 is fully within the box insert 22.

In some embodiments the realignment protrusions 58 and locking protrusions 60 may be referred to as bottom protrusions and side protrusions, respectively. In these embodiments, the box insert 22 is configured with side protrusions and bottom protrusions. The transaction card 14 is inserted through the card slit 16 and the bottom protrusions push the transaction card 14 forward such that when the transaction card 14 is fully inserted into the box insert 22 the transaction card 14 snaps into place held by the bottom protrusions and the side protrusions as presented in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The box insert 22 may be manufactured through vacuum forming or any method of injection, stamped, or form molding. While the upper box 18 and the lower box 20 may be formed by folding of a single sheet, the box insert 22 may be independently manufactured so as to provide the above-discussed protrusions

The box insert 22 includes the card recess 24 into the box insert 22. The card recess 24 is the area occupied by the stored value card while the transaction card 14 is disposed therein (such as illustrated in FIG. 3). The card recess 24 presents a shape configured to receive and hold the stored value card. For example, the card recess 24 may have a size and shape configured to receive a standard credit-card-sized transaction card 14. In other embodiments, the card recess 24 may present a size and shape configured to receive and store another type of card or gift.

The transaction card 14 may be removed from the side-insert card holder assembly 12 by opening the side-insert card holder assembly 12 and removing the transaction card 14 by hand. The upper box 18 and the lower box 20 may be separated by pulling the upper box 18 and the lower box 20 apart. The transaction card 14 may be removed by inserting a finger or thumb behind the transaction card 14 and pulling. The side protrusions may be flexible to allow the transaction card 14 to be removed with little force and yet sturdy enough to hold the transaction card 14 in place under normal conditions (e.g. when not being pulled via the removal recess 26). In some embodiments, the transaction card 14 may be removed simply by placing the fingers on the side of the transaction card 14 and pulling.

The box insert 22 may present the side recess 56 (as illustrated in FIG. 7) so as to allow the transaction card 14 to pass through the side recess 56 into the box insert 22. The side recess 56 of embodiments does not present a locking protrusion 60, such that the other locking protrusions 60 hold the transaction card 14 in position.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the transaction card 14 within the box insert 22 is visible external to the side-insert card holder assembly 12. This is illustrated in FIG. 1, in which a portion of the transaction card 14 can be seen within the side-insert card holder assembly 12 while the transaction card 14 is being slid into the card slit 16. In these embodiments, one or more openings 46 and/or windows 28 allow for the transaction card 14 to be viewed. These openings 46 and/or windows 28 are generally aligned such that a scanner, user, or other observer, can observe or read a barcode or other indicia of the transaction card 14.

In embodiments of the invention, a lower opening through the box insert 22 configured to make a portion of the transaction card 14 visible from below the box insert 22. The lower opening is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The lower opening is a cutaway, or not originally formed in the box insert 22. The realignment protrusions 58 (discussed above) prevent the transaction card 14 being inserted into the box insert 22 from striking the lower opening.

In embodiments of the invention, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 further comprises a lower box liner 68. An example of an unassembled lower box liner 68 is shown in FIG. 9 and an example side view of an assembled lower box liner 68 is shown in FIG. 10. The lower box liner 68 is distinct from the lower box 20 and the box insert 22. The lower box liner 68 is disposed between the lower box 20 and the box insert 22. The lower box liner 68 may provide the window 28 (as shown in FIG. 9) that allows the above-discussed viewing or scanning of the transaction card 14 from the exterior of the side-insert card holder assembly 12 without allowing physical access. Physical access (e.g., without the window 28, but with only an opening) may result in physical damage to the gift card, for example. For ease of manufacture, the window 28 is disposed on the lower box liner 68 instead of the lower box 20.

The lower box liner 68, or other packaging board, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment presented in FIG. 9, includes a bottom section 70 and four sides 72 that may be cut as presented and folded along the dashed lines creating the bottom section 70 and four sides 72. The bottom section 70 includes the window 28 and a card slit 16 similar to the lower box 20 as described above. The bottom section 70 includes surfaces for attachment of an acetate window 28 and a box insert 22 for holding the transaction card 14 described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the lower box liner 68 may be cut and folded to accommodate any type card. The lower box liner 68 may be formed of grey board or other packaging board.

The window 28 at least partially aligned with the opening of the box insert 22 such that at least a portion of the transaction card 14 is visible through the window 28 from the exterior of the lower box 20. The window 28 is fixed to the lower box liner 68, as shown in FIG. 9. The window 28 may be formed of acetate or other transparent material. The window 28 may present an overlap segment 74 that is attached to the bottom section 70 of the lower box liner 68 as presented in FIG. 9, such as by a chemical adhesive. The acetate window 28 may be attached between the bottom section 70 of the lower box liner 68 and/or the lower box 20. The acetate window 28 allows a portion of the transaction card 14 to be viewed without removing the transaction card 14 from the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The viewable area of the transaction card 14 may include advertisement information about the transaction card 14 such as locations that the transaction card 14 may be redeemable or a customized message for the recipient provided by the gift giver. The viewable area may also display the back of the transaction card 14 such that the barcode of the transaction card 14 is viewable for scanning and activating the transaction card 14 without removing the transaction card 14 from the side-insert card holder assembly 12.

In embodiments of the invention, the lower box liner 68 may present a secondary card slit 76, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In these embodiments the secondary card slit 76 is aligned with the card slit 16 in the lower box 20. As such, the transaction card 14 being slid into the card slit 16 will also pass through the side recess 56 of the box insert 22 (or other opening or recess in the box insert 22). In other embodiments, not illustrated, the lower box liner 68 may be open on one side, similar to the box insert 22 as shown in FIG. 7.

The transaction card 14 will now be discussed in more detail. The transaction card 14 may be any type of card or other gift. The transaction card 14 may be a transaction card 14, a non-refillable debit card, a gift card, or other type of card. The transaction card 14 may include a monetary value in a fiat currency, a monetary value in a commodity currency, a monetary value in a virtual currency, a value for certain services (e.g., a two-month subscription to a service), a value for certain goods (e.g., twenty song downloads), a value in discounts or other savings, or other value. The transaction card 14 may be usable at nearly any merchant for any goods or services (e.g., a VISA gift card), at a particular merchant for any goods or services (e.g., a WALMART gift card), at nearly any merchant for a particular good or service, or at a particular merchant for a particular good or service.

The transaction card 14 is often, though not necessarily, given as a gift. Alternatively, the transaction card 14 may be purchased by the eventual user of the transaction card 14. The transaction card 14 has the value or an indication thereof on the transaction card 14. Thus, a transaction card 14 may be distinct from a credit or debit card, in which there is no inherent value on the transaction card 14. The transaction card 14 may also be a hybrid in which the stored value is on a web server or other remote location, which is accessed to determine the amount of value on the transaction card 14.

As discussed above, the transaction card 14 may include a barcode or other indicia for scanning and activating the value thereon. The barcode may be connected to an account associated with the gift if, for example, the gift is a transaction card 14 contained in the side-insert card holder assembly 12. When the barcode is scanned the transaction card 14 can be purchased and a monetary amount added to the transaction card 14. This way the transaction card 14 can be purchased in the side-insert card holder assembly 12, or adjacent to the side-insert card holder assembly 12, at a brick-and-mortar retailer. Once the side-insert card holder system 10, including the transaction card 14, has been purchased, the transaction card 14 may be activated by the recipient upon retrieving the transaction card 14 from the side-insert card holder assembly 12. This allows the user to give the side-insert card holder system 10 as a gift without actually inserting the transaction card 14 (for example, this step of activation may have been performed at a distribution center before shipment of the side-insert card holder system 10). This may also allow the user to customize the characteristics of the transaction card 14, such as an amount of the transaction card 14, a retailer associated with the transaction card 14, the physical appearance or other characteristics.

In some embodiments of the invention, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is sold without a transaction card 14 therein. In these embodiments, the purchaser purchases the transaction card 14 in addition to the side-insert card holder assembly 12 (either together or separately). The purchaser may then insert the transaction card 14 into the card slit 16 and thus into the entire side-insert card holder assembly 12. In other embodiments, the transaction card 14 may be sold as a component of the side-insert card holder system 10. In these embodiments, the transaction card 14 is sold together with the side-insert card holder assembly 12.

In some embodiments, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is purchased separately from the transaction card 14 and the transaction card 14 is inserted into the side-insert card holder assembly 12 after purchase. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be purchased by the consumer to coordinate with the transaction card 14 purchase. The transaction card 14 may be redeemable at a particular location. The consumer may purchase a side-insert card holder assembly 12 emblazoned with a retailer's advertisements. This lets the recipient know that the transaction card 14 is associated with the particular location.

The transaction card 14 is removed from the side-insert card holder assembly 12 by opening the side-insert card holder assembly 12 and removing the transaction card 14 by hand. The upper box 18 and the lower box 20 may be separated by pulling the upper box 18 and the lower box 20 apart. The transaction card 14 may be removed by inserting a finger or thumb behind the transaction card 14 and pulling. The side protrusions may be flexible to allow the transaction card 14 to be removed with little force and yet sturdy enough to hold the transaction card 14 in place under normal conditions (e.g. when not being pulled via the removal recess 26). In some embodiments, there is no removal recess 26 and the transaction card 14 may be removed simply by placing the fingers on the side of the transaction card 14 and pulling.

The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may also be emblazoned with special events such as Mother's Day, Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any other celebratory event. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be purchased with the event already inscribed on the side-insert card holder assembly 12 or the consumer may choose between templates on a website, application, or kiosk at a retailer. When the consumer chooses a template, the customization may be added at the retailer or the customization may be added at a third-party vendor as described below. Thus, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 provides more freedom for customization over traditional methods.

In some embodiments, the consumer may purchase the transaction card 14 and the side-insert card holder assembly 12 online from a third-party vendor and the transaction card 14 and the side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be assembled prior to delivery. The consumer may choose from a selection of design templates to add to the side-insert card holder assembly 12 and the transaction card 14 or the consumer may customize the transaction card 14 and the side-insert card holder assembly 12 with text, photographs, hand written and scanned images, or any other graphic that the user may add. This may allow the consumer to customize the side-insert card holder assembly 12 and send the transaction card 14 and side-insert card holder assembly 12 directly to the recipient via an online or kiosk interface.

The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may also be purchased or received at a brick and mortar retailer. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be received with designs or the consumer may customize the designs at a kiosk. For example, the consumer may be able to print a custom design on the upper box of the side-insert card holder assembly 12, and/or select from a wide selection of available side-insert card holder assemblies 12.

Though the side-insert card holder assembly 12 is purchased separately from the transaction card 14 as described above, in some embodiments, the transaction card 14 and the side-insert card holder assembly 12 are purchased or received together, and the transaction card 14 is inserted into the side-insert card holder assembly 12 prior to purchase. In some embodiments, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be purchased online or at a brick and mortar retailer. Alternatively, the side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be a gift received (e.g., for no additional cost) with the purchase of the transaction card 14 or any other item that may be associated with the side-insert card holder assembly 12.

Though, in some embodiments described above, the gifted card is described as a transaction card 14, the card may be any card of any size and shape and the side-insert card holder assembly 12 size and shape may be designed to any particular size and shape of card. The side-insert card holder assembly 12 may be designed to fit any card and is not limited to transaction cards 14.

While methods of using and utilizing various embodiments of the invention have been discussed throughout, a method of utilizing a side-insert card holder assembly 12 will now be discussed for clarity. In embodiments, the method comprising the following steps: acquiring the transaction card 14; inserting the transaction card 14 into a card slit 16 presented on a side of the side-insert card holder assembly 12; opening the side-insert card holder assembly 12 after the transaction card 14 is within the side-insert card holder assembly 12; inserting a finger behind the transaction card 14; and extracting the transaction card 14 from within the side-insert card holder assembly 12. Acquiring the transaction card 14 may be performed by purchasing or selecting the transaction card 14 independently of the side-insert card holder assembly 12. The inserting of the transaction card 14 is performed without necessitating the opening of the side-insert card holder assembly 12. Only upon gifting or shipping is the side-insert card holder assembly 12 opened for removal of the transaction card 14.

In embodiments, the method further comprises selecting the side-insert card holder assembly 12 from a set of available side-insert card holder assemblies; and selecting the transaction card 14 from a set of available transaction cards 14. Selecting each of the side-insert card holder and the transaction card 14 independently allows for increased customization and personalization over traditional systems.

In embodiments, the method further comprises pressing, during said step of inserting the transaction card 14, the transaction card 14 past at least one realignment protrusion 58, wherein upon full insertion of the transaction card 14 the realignment protrusion 58 pushes the transaction card 14 upward which prevents the withdrawal of the transaction card 14. Finally, in embodiments the method further comprises scanning the transaction card 14 after the transaction card 14 has been inserted into the card slit 16 so as to activate the transaction card 14.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A side-insert card holder assembly comprising: an upper box;a lower box configured to at least partially fit within the upper box;wherein the lower box includes a card slit configured to receive a transaction card being inserted into the lower box while the lower box is fit within the upper box; anda box insert configured to at least partially fit within the lower box,wherein the box insert includes: a locking protrusion configured to secure the transaction card in the box insert, anda realignment protrusion configured to realign the transaction card away from the card slit after the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

2. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the box insert includes a card recess into the box insert,wherein the card recess is open on a first side to receive the transaction card being slid therein,wherein the first side is aligned with the card slit.

3. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the realignment protrusion is disposed so as to push the transaction card upward when the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

4. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the realignment protrusion presents an upward arcuate shape so as to allow the transaction card to pass over the realignment protrusion while the transaction card is being inserted.

5. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to be disposed at least partially above the transaction card while the transaction card is secured within the box insert,wherein the locking protrusion is disposed opposite the card slit.

6. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the box insert further comprises: an opening through the box insert configured to make a portion of the transaction card visible from below the box insert.

7. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 6, wherein the lower box further comprises: a window at least partially aligned with the opening of the box insert such that at least a portion of the transaction card is visible through the window from the exterior of the lower box.

8. The side-insert card holder assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a lower box liner,wherein the lower box liner is disposed between the lower box and the box insert,wherein the window is fixed to the lower box liner.

9. A side-insert card holder system comprising: a transaction card;an upper box;a lower box configured to at least partially fit within the upper box;wherein the lower box includes a card slit configured to receive the transaction card being inserted into the lower box while the lower box is fit within the upper box; anda box insert configured to at least partially fit within the lower box,wherein the box insert includes: a locking protrusion configured to secure the transaction card in the box insert, anda realignment protrusion configured to realign the transaction card away from the card slit after the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

10. The side-insert card holder system of claim 9, wherein the box insert includes a card recess into the box insert,wherein the card recess is open on a first side to receive the transaction card being slid therein,wherein the first side is aligned with the card slit.

11. The side-insert card holder system of claim 9, wherein the realignment protrusion is disposed so as to push the transaction card upward when the transaction card is inserted into the box insert.

12. The side-insert card holder system of claim 9, wherein the realignment protrusion presents an upward arcuate shape so as to allow the transaction card to pass over the realignment protrusion while the transaction card is being inserted.

13. The side-insert card holder system of claim 9, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to be disposed at least partially above the transaction card while the transaction card is secured within the box insert,wherein the locking protrusion is disposed opposite the card slit.

14. The side-insert card holder system of claim 9, wherein the box insert further comprises: an opening through the box insert configured to make a portion of the transaction card visible from below the box insert.

15. The side-insert card holder system of claim 14, wherein the lower box further comprises: a window at least partially aligned with the opening of the box insert such that at least a portion of the transaction card is visible through the window from the exterior of the lower box.

16. The side-insert card holder system of claim 15, further comprising: a lower box liner,wherein the lower box liner is disposed between the lower box and the box insert,wherein the window is fixed to the lower box liner.

17. A method of utilizing a side-insert card holder assembly, the method comprising the following steps: acquiring the transaction card;inserting the transaction card into a card slit presented on a side of the side-insert card holder assembly;opening the side-insert card holder assembly after the transaction card is within the side-insert card holder assembly;inserting a finger behind the transaction card; andextracting the transaction card from within the side-insert card holder assembly.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: selecting the side-insert card holder assembly from a set of available side-insert card holder assemblies; andselecting the transaction card from a set of available transaction cards.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: pressing, during said step of inserting the transaction card, the transaction card past at least one realignment protrusion,wherein upon full insertion of the transaction card the realignment protrusion pushes the transaction card upward which prevents the withdrawal of the transaction card.

20. The method of claims 17, further comprising: scanning the transaction card after the transaction card has been inserted into the card slit so as to activate the transaction card.