Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes a pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a consumer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a consumer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the gift card declines as the gift card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the gift card. Additionally, the gift card generally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards and other transaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.
One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction product including a subject portion defining a first slot, a stand portion defining a second slot having a similar width as the first slot, and an account identifier. The stand portion is coupled to the subject portion along a line of weakness and is readily separable from the subject portion along the line of weakness without using tools. The account identifier is fixedly connected to one of the subject portion and the stand portion and links the one of the subject portion and the stand portion to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. When the subject portion and the stand portion are separated from one another along the line of weakness, the subject portion and the stand portion are configured to be reassembled by turning one portion substantially 90° with respect to the other portion and sliding the two portions toward one another such that the first slot receives a thickness of the stand portion and the second slot receives a thickness of the subject portion. Stored-value cards, methods of providing a stored-value card and other embodiments of stored-value or transaction cards and associated combinations are also disclosed.
Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention.
A stored-value card or transaction product, such as a gift card, is adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or web site. According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a transaction card to give a recipient who in turn is able to use it to pay for goods and/or services. According to embodiments of the present invention, an assembly including the transaction card provides the consumer and/or recipient with at least two readily separable pieces or portions configured to be reassembled with one another to define an object configured to stand or extend upward from a generally horizontal support surface such as a table, desk, floor, etc.
In one example, in addition to the transaction card, the transaction card assembly provides a user with a plurality of statically charged members. Each statically charged member is configured to be selectively applied to and removed from the transaction card to change the appearance of the transaction card in a manner generally amusing the bearer of the transaction card. In one embodiment, the transaction card depicts a character, which may be fictional or non-fictional, and the statically charged members each depict an item of clothing or other wearable item sized to correspond with the size of the character depicted by the transaction card. As such, the statically charged members can be placed on the transaction card in such a manner that the statically charged members appear as clothing, costume members, etc. on the character. In this manner, the transaction card not only serves as a financial transaction product, but also serves as a doll or figurine that can be dressed, etc. by the bearer of the transaction card. The dual functionality of the transaction card increases the appeal of the card to the initial consumers purchasing the card from a retail store, etc. and to end recipient consumers who receive the card from the initial consumers.
Turning to the figures,
Substrate 12 is any suitable material such as a somewhat rigid yet flexible material similar to that commonly used for identification cards, credit cards, etc. More specifically, in one embodiment, substrate 12 is a substantially planar member formed of paper, cardstock, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material. In one embodiment, substrate 12 is formed of injection molded plastic or cut from sheet-stock plastic material. Substrate 12 can be formed in any other suitable planar or non-planar configuration as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.
In one embodiment, subject portion 16 defines a first surface 20 (i.e., a first major surface) and a second surface 22 (i.e., a second major surface) opposite first surface 20 separated by a thickness of substrate 12. In one embodiment, at least one of first surface 20 and second surface 22 is substantially planar. In one example, one or both of surfaces 20 and 22 are polish laminated or otherwise treated to more readily receive statically charged members as will be further described below.
In one embodiment, account identifier 14 (
Account identifier 14 indicates and, therefore, links transaction card 10 to, a financial or other stored-value account or record. The account or record indicates a value or balance (e.g., monetary value, points, minutes or other balance) associated with transaction card 10 and optionally is maintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or, in the case of “smart cards” for example, on a chip or other electronic device on/in transaction card 10 itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier 14, the account or record linked to transaction card 10 is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom and/or have amounts credited thereto. Account identifier 14 is one example of means for linking transaction card 10 with an account or record.
In one embodiment, redemption indicia 26, which are generally indicated by a broken line box in
Substrate 12, which, in one example, is formed of a single piece of material, defines subject portion 16 and stand portion 18. In one embodiment, substrate 12 only defines subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 and there is no other portion of transaction card 10. In one embodiment, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are only two of three or more portions of transaction card 10 defined by substrate 12. Subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are initially secured to, but configured to be readily separated from one another. In one example, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are coplanarly positioned with respect to one another prior to their separation from one another.
In one embodiment, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are positioned on opposite sides of, and in one example, each directly abut, a line of weakness 30 (e.g., a score line, perforation line, narrowing or partial cut). In one example, line of weakness 30 is substantially linear. Line of weakness 30 facilitates separating subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 without the use of tools. For example, by applying a small amount of pressure to each of subject portion 16 and stand portion 18, substrate 12 can be snapped or otherwise broken along line of weakness 30 to separate subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 from one another (i.e., broken into separate pieces). In view of the above, scoring of substrate 12 or otherwise forming line of weakness 30 is an example of means for defining and/or separating subject portion 16 and stand portion 18.
In one embodiment, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 each define an elongated slot 32 and 34, respectively, which extends from line of weakness 30 into an internal portion of the respective subject portion 16 or stand portion 18. For example, slot 32 and slot 34 extend from line of weakness 30 in opposite directions. In one embodiment, slot 32 and slot 34 align with and abut one another such that slot 32 and slot 34 collectively define a larger slot or narrow opening 40 (
For example, slot 32 extends from a lower edge 44 of subject portion 16, which borders line of weakness 30, away from line of weakness 30. In one example, slot 34 extends from an upper edge 46 of stand portion 18, which is opposite and parallel a lower edge 48 of stand portion 18 and borders line of weakness 30, away from line of weakness 30. Each slot 32 and 34 is configured to facilitate assembly of subject portion 16 and stand portion 18. In one embodiment, each slot 32 and 34 has a similar width substantially equal to a thickness of substrate 12. In one example, slots 32 and 34 are laterally centered across a front of substrate 12.
In one embodiment, following separation of subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 along line of weakness 30, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are configured to be selectively assembled with one another such that the reconfigured transaction card 10 stands on, i.e., extends upwardly from, a separate support surface 52 (
While subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are positioned substantially perpendicular to one another, slots 32 and 34 are aligned and subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are moved toward one another. As such, slots 32 and 34 move through one another to each receive a part of the other of subject portion 16 and stand portion 18. Since slots 32 and 34 are laterally centered on substrate 12, when reassembled, stand portion 18 partially extends in front of and behind subject portion 16 (i.e., a stand portion 18 is positioned to partially extend from each of first surface 20 and second surface 22 of subject portion 16). Once reassembled with one another, lower edge 44 of subject portion 16 and lower edge 48 of stand portion 18 are directly adjacent and positioned in a common plane with one another. Once assembled, lower edge 44 and lower edge 48 are placed on support surface 52 such that at least subject portion 16 extends upward from support surface 52.
In one embodiment, subject portion 16 is shaped and/or includes graphics 60 or other indicia to define a subject 62 such as a character (fictional or non-fictional), or other object (e.g., an automobile). For example, as illustrated in
Additional indicia may also be included on subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 of substrate 12 for decorative or other purposes. In one example, additional indicia include any suitable graphics, text or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, additional indicia include one or more brand identifier 64. Brand identifier 64 includes one or more of a logo, text, trademark, etc. that associate transaction card 10 with at least one of a product, a brand, a store, etc. Other indicia may also be included on transaction card 10 as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one example, any one or more of indicia 26, 60, 64, etc. may not be included on transaction card 10.
Additionally referring to
Each cling 80 defines a first surface 84 (
In one embodiment, clings 80 are provided in groups 88 that collectively define a costume, other outfit or theme of clings. Groups 88 of clings 80 are configured to be applied to subject portion 16 to dress or otherwise decorate subject portion 16 in a particular overall costume or theme. For example, as illustrated in
Additionally referring to
As shown in
In one example, backer 122 is a bi-fold backer defining first panel 132 and second panel 134 separated from one another by fold line 136. In one embodiment, transaction card 10 is adhered, blister sealed or otherwise readily removably coupled with first surface 124 and first panel 132. More particularly, in one example, backer 122 includes a first window or opening 140 and a second window or opening 142 for displaying account identifier 14 of transaction card 10 therethrough as illustrated in
In one embodiment, first opening 140 is formed in first panel 132 and second opening 142 is formed in second panel 134. First opening 140 and second opening 142 are similarly sized and shaped and positioned on opposite sides of fold line 136. As such, when backer 122 is folded along fold line 136 into a closed position as shown in
As previously described, account identifier 14 is adapted for accessing an account or a record associated with transaction card 10 for activating, loading value to or debiting value from the account or record. Accordingly, first opening 140 and second opening 142 collectively allow viewing or other access to account identifier 14 to activate and/or load transaction card 10 without removing transaction card 10 from backer 122. In one embodiment, a portion of backer 122 alternatively is configured to be folded away from the remainder of backer 122 to access account identifier 14 or account identifier 14 is otherwise accessible through backer 122.
Backer 122, as illustrated in
Backer 122 displays indicia, graphics or text information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers, characters and/or other information. For example, indicia 151 include to, from, amount and/or message fields. The fields of indicia 151 provide areas of backer 122 configured to be written upon by a consumer to personalize backer 122 for presentation as a gift to a particular recipient, for a particular purpose and/or to indicate a value of transaction card 10. In one embodiment, transaction card 10 includes brand indicia 152, which identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction card 10. Brand indicia 152 may be similar to or otherwise visually correspond with brand identifier 64 on transaction card 10.
Referring to
In one example, instructional indicia 156 inform a bearer of transaction card assembly 120 that transaction card 10 includes clings 80 that can be selectively applied, removed and reapplied to subject portion 16 to dress or otherwise decorate subject portion 16. In one embodiment, instructional indicia 156 additionally or alternatively inform a user that stand portion 18 can be readily separated from subject portion 16, rotated and re-coupled with subject portion 16 to form a subject that can stand on separate support surface 52. As such, instructional indicia 156 further promote the sale of transaction card 10 by drawing the attention of a potential consumer to the non-transactional features of transaction card 10. Instructional indicia 156 may additionally or alternatively instruct bearer of transaction card assembly 120 of any other features or available items associated with transaction card assembly 120. For example, instructional indicia 156 may inform card assembly bearer that films featuring the subject depicted by subject portion 16 and/or additional music, scenes, costumes, outfits, themes, etc. that are associated with the depicted subject are available at a stated web address, etc.
Per one embodiment, backer 122 includes scene indicia 158 depicting a scene or background for non-transactional use with subject portion 16 when subject portion 16 is configured to stand on support surface 52. For example, scene indicia 158 may be provided on second surface 126 of backer 122 such that backer 122 can stand on support surface 52 when backer 122 is partially folded about fold line 136. As such, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 can be positioned on support surface 52 in front of scene indicia 158 on backer 122 providing a synergistic play set.
Any of identifiers or indicia 26, 60, 64, 151, 152, 154, 156 and 158 or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer 122 or transaction card 10. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included and/or one or more of identifiers or indicia 26, 60, 64, 151, 152, 154, 156 and 158 may be eliminated.
One embodiment of a method of forming transaction card assembly 120 is generally indicated at 200 in
In one embodiment, forming transaction card 10 at 202 additionally includes cutting outermost perimeter 42 of substrate 12 such as from a larger sheet of material (not shown) and scoring, cutting or otherwise defining line of weakness 30 between subject portion 16 and stand portion 18. In one embodiment, subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are separated by a single line of weakness 30 and each abut that line of weakness 30. The single line of weakness 30 simplifies manufacturing by limiting the number of lines of weakness that need to be created in transaction card 10.
Slots 32 and 34 are also cut from or otherwise formed in substrate 12, for example, in positions as described above. In one example, slots 32 and 34 are laterally aligned with one another on opposite sides of the line of weakness to define larger slot 40. By so aligning slots 32 and 34, which have similar widths, manufacturing is simplified as a single punch or series of cuts can be used to form both slots 32 and 34. Transaction card 10 may be printed and subsequently cut (or otherwise extruded, etc. to form outermost perimeter 42, etc.) or vice versa as will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading the present application.
At 204, one or more sheets 100 each having one or more clings 80 thereon are formed. Clings 80 are cut from the base material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are electrostatically charged as will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading the present application. In one embodiment, clings 80 are printed with graphics 82 prior to being cut and/or electrostatically charged. Each cling 80 is supported by one of respective sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d for selectively supporting clings 80, such as separate groups 88 of clings 80 as described above. In one embodiment, each sheet 100, 100b, 100c and 100d includes a different group 88 of clings 80.
More specifically, in one embodiment, clings 80 are formed of PVC mixed with plasticizers to form a thermoplastic compound. The compound is calendered to a desired thickness (e.g., about 0.15 mm) and smoothness. Subsequently, the compound is chilled to maintain the desired thickness. The calendered PVC material (i.e., the cling material) is laminated to sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d formed of label paper with a release lining thereon. In particular, first surface 84 of PVC material is laminated to one of sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d. The calendered PVC sheet generally is statically charged.
In one example, ionized air blowers or ionized air curtains force ionized particles into the PVC material to de-static the non-laminated side of the PVC material (i.e., second surface 86 of the resultant cling 80) so that it can more readily be printed with graphics 60 and/or brand identifier 64. In one embodiment, the PVC material is treated to remove static from the non-laminated side after lamination with one of sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d. Other methods to de-static the PVC material, such as with tinsel, static string or static bars to de-static the PVC material while the PVC material is processed through a press, are also contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application.
Following lamination of the PVC material to sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d, the PVC material is kiss cut (i.e., is cut therethrough generally without cutting the underlying sheet 100, 100b, 100c or 100d) to define clings 80 thereon. As such, waste PVC material may define remainder or waste portions on each sheet 100, 100b, 100c or 100d surrounding clings 80. In one embodiment, each sheet 100, 100b, 100c and 100d supports one group 88 of clings 80, and each group 88 corresponds to a single outfit, costume or other decoration for subject portion 16. Other methods of forming clings will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.
At 206, backer 122 is formed from suitable paper or other substantially planar material. In one embodiment, backer 122 is printed with indicia 151, 152, 154, 156 and 158 and subsequently is cut to define an outer perimeter thereof as well as first opening 140 and second opening 142. In one example, fold line 136 is predefined by a score, perforation or other suitable line.
Once each of operations 202, 204 and 206 are completed (note that operations 202, 204 and 206 may be performed substantially simultaneously or in any desired order), operations 208 and 210 are performed. At 208, transaction card 10 is coupled to backer 122. More specifically, in one embodiment, second surface 22 of transaction card 10 is coupled to first surface 124 of first panel 132 such that account identifier 14 aligns with and is visible through first opening 140 of backer 122. Transaction card 10 may be coupled to backer in any suitable manner, for example, using adhesive, skinning and/or any other suitable means or in any other suitable manner.
At 210, sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d with clings 80 coupled thereto (or any other suitable auxiliary members such as substantially planar auxiliary members) are attached to backer 122. For example, sheets 100 and 100b are stacked and positioned on second surface 126 of first panel 132 between fold line 136 and first opening 140. In one embodiment, sheets 100 and 100b are slightly staggered, such as vertically, in a manner exposing an edge of each sheet 100 and 100b at one side thereof (e.g., the top as illustrated in
At 212, backer is folded about fold line 136 such that second surface 126 of first panel 132 is moved toward second surface 126 of second panel 134. Once folded, sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d are substantially interposed and enclosed between first panel 132 and second panel 134 of backer 122. In one embodiment, once backer 122 is folded, first opening 140 aligns with second opening 142 such that account identifier 14 of transaction card 10 is viewable through both first opening 140 and second opening 142 to facilitate machine reading of account identifier 14 for activating transaction card 10 and/or loading value thereto while transaction card 10 is coupled with backer 122. Although described as occurring after operations 208 and 210, it should be understood that, in one example, operation 212 may occur before operation 208 as will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading the present application.
At 224, a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction card 10 presents transaction card 10 on backer 122 to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, remote terminal, or other person or device to scan account identifier 14 to access an account or record linked to account identifier 14. In particular, account identifier 14 is scanned or otherwise accessed, for example through first opening 140 and second opening 142 of backer 122 to activate transaction card 10. Upon accessing the account or record, then, at 226, value is added to the account or record in the form of monetary value, points, minutes, etc. Thus, transaction card 10 is activated and loaded. In one embodiment, value is already associated with the account or record linked to account identifier 14. In such an embodiment, account identifier 14 is scanned to activate the account or record and operation 226 may be eliminated.
Once transaction card 10 is activated and loaded, transaction card 10 can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction card 10 to purchase goods and/or services at the affiliated retail setting (e.g., a retail store or web site) or can be used in exchange for calling minutes, etc. In one embodiment, where transaction card 10 is displayed on a web site at 222, then, at 224, transaction card 10 may be activated in any suitable method and may not require the physical scanning of account identifier 14 to be activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at 226.
In one example, at 228, the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or web site accepts transaction card 10 or at least a portion thereof including account identifier 14 (e.g., subject portion 16) as payment toward the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of transaction card 10. In particular, the value currently loaded on transaction card 10 (i.e., value stored or recorded in the account or record linked to account identifier 14) is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services. At 230, additional value is optionally loaded on transaction card 10 at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk, web site or other area of the retail store or related setting.
Upon accepting transaction card 10 as payment at 228, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 228 or operation 230 as requested by a current bearer of transaction card 10. Similarly, upon loading additional value on transaction card 10 at 230, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 230 again or operation 228. In one example, the ability to accept transaction card 10 as payment for goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated with transaction card 10 has any value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.
At 254, the consumer optionally gives transaction card 10 to a recipient, such as a graduate, relative, friend, expectant parents, one having a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent or impending anniversary or other party. In one embodiment, a plurality of transaction cards 10 are purchased and given to party goers, such as at a birthday party, etc. as party favors or gifts. As an alternative, the consumer can keep transaction card 10 for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation 254.
At 256, the consumer, recipient, or other current bearer of transaction card 10 is able to play with or otherwise use transaction card 10 or at least a portion thereof for non-transactional and/or amusing purposes. More specifically, as described above, the bearer is able to remove transaction card 10 from backer 122. Transaction card 10 is then snapped or otherwise broken along line of weakness 30 without the use of tools to separate subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 into two separate pieces. Subject portion 16 and stand portion 18 are rotated with respect to one another and reassembled by mating slots 32 and 34 with one another and a thickness of subject portion 16 and stand portion 18. Upon reassembly of transaction card 10, the card bearer can use transaction card 10 as a toy, etc. alone or with backer 122, more specifically, the scene depicted by backer 122, providing additional amusement to the bearer and/or other observers of transaction card 10.
The amusing nature of transaction card 10 is further enhanced by use of clings 80. In particular, the card bearer selects desired ones of clings 80 and peels or otherwise removes each desired one of clings 80 from the respective one of sheets 100, 100b, 100c and 100d. The cling 80 is then placed on first surface 20 of subject portion 16. The electrostatic nature of cling 80 selectively maintains each cling 80 on subject portion 16. In one embodiment, clings 80 can be mixed and matched to form different appearances of subject portion 16. In one example, where subject portion 16 depicts a character and clings 80 depict costumes or clothing, changing which of clings 80 is positioned on subject portion 16 essentially appears as change the clothes of the character.
At 258, the product bearer redeems transaction card 10 or at least a portion thereof for goods and/or services from the retail store or web site. At 260, the bearer of transaction card 10 optionally adds value to transaction card 10, more particularly, to the account or record associated with account identifier 14 included therewith, at the retail store or over the Internet (i.e., via the web site). Upon playing with at least a portion of transaction card 10 and/or backer 122 at 256 or redeeming transaction card 10 at 258 or adding value to transaction card 10 at 260, the bearer of transaction card 10 subsequently can perform either of operations 256, 258 or 260 as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the bearer to repeat redeeming transaction card 10 at 258 is limited by whether the account or record linked with transaction card 10 has any remaining value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.
Although described above as occurring at a single retail store or web site, in one embodiment, purchasing transaction card 10 at 252, redeeming transaction card 10 at 258 and adding value to transaction card 10 at 260, can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept transaction card 10 or over the Internet. In one example, a number of stores are each part of a chain or are similarly branded stores. In one example, a number of stores include at least one web site and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.
Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards and transaction products, can be “re-charged” or “re-loaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of an account or record associated with a transaction product. The balance associated with the s transaction product declines as the transaction product is used, encouraging repeat visits or use. The transaction product remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or a reminder to revisit the associated merchant. Transaction products according to embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other transaction products according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, calling cards, employee cards, frequency cards, prepaid cards and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power, monetary value, etc.
Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
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