Patent Application
20130161401
Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of transaction product 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 transaction 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 cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.
One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction product comprising a cover, a sheet support member, a plurality of separate sheet members, and an account identifier. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members is configured to transition between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members is coupled to the cover via the sheet support member. In the folded configuration, each of the plurality of separate sheet members is maintained within a footprint of the cover. In the unfolded configuration, each of the plurality of separate sheet members extends beyond the footprint of the cover by extending beyond at least two outermost edges of the cover. When one of the plurality of separate sheet members is in the unfolded configuration, others of the plurality of separate sheet members are in the folded configuration and substantially hidden from view via the sheet support member. The account identifier is statically connected to one of the cover, the sheet support member, and the plurality of separate sheet members, wherein the account identifier links the transaction product to a financial account and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value cards, methods of providing a transaction 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 provides examples 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 other transaction product is adapted to facilitate 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 product to give a recipient who in turn is able to use it to pay for goods and/or services. A transaction product, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer and recipient with extra amusement and functionality in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services with the associated transaction product.
In particular, according to one embodiment, the transaction product includes a booklet configuration including expandable individual pages. Each page, for example, is configured to automatically fold into a folded configuration when the corresponding page support members are folded toward one another and, conversely, to automatically unfold upon opening of the corresponding page support members, i.e., movement of corresponding page support members away from one another. In one embodiment, when pages are folded, each fits well within the footprint of a cover member. However, when pages are unfolded, they extend outwardly beyond at least two outer edges of the cover member, thereby providing additional copy space for supporting story graphics, text, etc. to the surprise and delight of a viewer interacting with the non-transactional features of the transaction product.
In one embodiment, each page includes three-dimensional (“3D”) graphics further contributing the aesthetically pleasing and delightful nature of the transaction product. In one example, the transaction product is provided with 3D viewing glasses, which may be provided in a theme consistent with or corresponding to the story presented on the pages, a store configured to redeem the transaction product, etc. As shown in the embodiments illustrated in this application, in one instance, 3D glasses are formed to resemble a portion of a dog, for example, with ears similar to that of a dog. As such, when a user wears the glasses to view the pages, she is outfitted to appear similar to and correspond with a character, theme, subject, surrounding, or other aspect of the associated story, which further adds to a user's enjoyment of the product and associated assembly.
In one example, the transaction product is configured to store the glasses during periods of non-use. The integrated storage keeps the glasses close at hand for reviewing the pages and generally decreases a user's chance of misplacing the glasses. The above-described aspects of the transaction product are displayed and promoted on the packaging used for the transaction product in a manner promoting the sale, use, and/or loading of the transaction product by potential consumers and/or bearers of the transaction product.
Turning to the figures,
In one embodiment, cover 12 is formed as a substantially planar member from cardstock, paper, plastic, composite, or other suitable material with rigidity to support the overall form of transaction product 10 while still being foldable or otherwise manipulable between open and closed positions. Cover 12 defines a first or exterior surface 30 and a second or interior surface 32 (see, e.g.,
In one example, cover 12 includes a first or top panel 34, a second or intermediate panel 36, and a third or bottom panel 38 all formed from a single member, but separated by fold lines 40. Each of fold lines 40 transversely extends across cover 12, for example, parallel to first free transverse edge 44 and second free transverse edge 46 of cover 12. In one embodiment, one or more additional fold lines extend across one of panels 34, 36, and 38. For example, as illustrated, a fold line 42 extends transversely across bottom panel 38 near the one of fold lines 40 adjacent bottom panel 38. Fold line 38 provides for additional freedom and ease of movement of cover 12 as will be further described below. Notably, directional identifiers such a top, bottom, front, back, left, right, etc. are used in correlation with the configuration of the illustrated figures and are not intended to limit or otherwise be associated with a single card configuration. Accordingly, any product can be rotated to change what is considered a top, bottom, front, back, left, right, or similarly described feature.
Transaction product 10, for example, one of cover 12, sheet members 14, and sheet support member 16 further includes an account identifier 60 (see, e.g.,
In one embodiment, account identifier 60 is printed on exterior surface 30 of cover 12 and includes a character string or code 62 (e.g., a number and or letter string) configured to provide additional security to the use of transaction product 10 and/or configured to be read by a bearer of transaction product 10 to facilitate use of transaction product 10 for web site or other purchases outside of a brick-and-mortar type retail establishment. With the above in mind, account identifier 60 is one example of means for linking transaction product 10 with an account or record, and account identifier 60 is one example of means for activating or loading value on transaction product 10.
In one embodiment, exterior surface 30, for example, a portion of exterior surface 30 formed by bottom panel 38 of cover 12 includes redemption indicia, which are generally indicated by a dashed box 64 in
In one example, sheet support member 16 is divided into a plurality of pairs of panels 92 each pair of panels more specifically referred to as pairs of panels 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d as illustrated in
Sheet member 14 is pre-folded to form well-defined fold lines such that when folded over itself, sheet member 14 automatically folds along the predefined lines to form a more compact version of sheet member 14, e.g., a folded configuration of sheet member 14. In one embodiment, sheet member 14 defines a center fold line 122 transversely extending across sheet member 14 from rear edge 118 to front edge 120 dividing sheet member 14 into to symmetrically formed and folded halves 132. A diagonal fold line 124 is formed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from center fold line 122 and extends from and between rear edge 118 and front edge 120 through center 130 of sheet member 14, and therefore, intersecting center fold 122. A diagonal fold line 124 is defined on each side of center fold line 122 in a symmetrical manner.
Sheet member 14 additionally includes a transverse fold line 126 extending from one of rear edge 118 or front edge 120 at a position between, for example, substantially half way between, center fold line 122 and a corresponding diagonal fold line 124 toward, but not to, the other of rear edge 118 and front edge 120. Transverse fold line 126 extends substantially parallel to center fold line 122 until it intersects or contacts diagonal fold line 124 at an intersection point 127. In one example, two transverse fold lines 126 each extend from rear edge 118, and two transverse fold lines 126 each extension front edge 120, two transvers fold lines 126 on each side of center fold line 122. Sheet member 14 further defines longitudinal fold lines 128 each extending from first side edge 114 or second side edge 116 toward, but not to, the other of first side edge 114 and second side edge 116 until each longitudinal fold line 128 hits intersection point 127 along diagonal fold line 124. In one example, each longitudinal fold line 128 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to center fold line 122. In one example, two longitudinal fold lines 128 extend into sheet member 14 from each of first side edge 114 and second side edge 116, each of the two longitudinal fold lines 128 is spaced from a longitudinal center line (not illustrated) of sheet member 14 an equal distance and is positioned on an opposite side of such a longitudinal center line as compared to the other of the two longitudinal fold lines 128. In one embodiment, each diagonal fold line 124 is divided into a first portion 124a, which extends from a corresponding one of rear edge 118 and front edge 120 to a corresponding intersection point 127, and a second portion 124b, which extends from intersection point 127 through center 130 to another intersection point 127 on diagonal fold 124 in an opposite quadrant of sheet member 14.
The configuration of fold lines 122, 124, 126, and 128 divides sheet member 14 into various portions. More particularly, sheet member 14 forms static portions 134 that will be adhered or otherwise statically coupled directly to sheet support member 16 between two adjacent longitudinal fold lines 128 and opposing diagonal fold lines 124 such that static portion 134 extends from one of first side edge 114 and center 130 and second side edge 116 and center 130 opposite and symmetrically to one another. Four center portions 136 of sheet member 14 are formed and each extend between center fold line 122 and a corresponding transverse fold line 126 from one of rear edge 118 and front edge 120 to a length of second portion 124b of diagonal fold line 124 extending between a corresponding intersection point 127 and center 130. Sheet member 14 defines transition portions 138 each on an opposite side of one of center portions 136 relative to center fold line 122. Each of the four transition portions 138 is triangular and extends from transverse fold line 126 in an opposite direction as center portion 136 to first portion 124b of a corresponding diagonal fold line 124. Finally, sheet member 14 defines four longitudinal portions 140 each extending from first portion 124b of a corresponding diagonal fold line 124 opposite transverse portion 138 to the corresponding one of first side edge 114 and second side edge 116.
During assembly, one sheet member 14 is applied to each of the plurality of the pair of panels 92, for instance pair of panels 92a as illustrated in
Additionally referring to
More particularly, referring to
As such, according to the above-described embodiment, portions of sheet member 14 that extend rearwardly from the rearmost longitudinal fold line 128 fold over a remainder of a rearmost half of sheet member 14, and portions of sheet member 14 that extend forwardly from the foremost longitudinal fold lines 128 fold over a remainder of a foremost half of sheet member 14. This folding effectively creates an accordion inspired but modified folding of sheet member 14 such that when first panel 96 and second panel 98 of pair of panels 92a are subsequently rotated away from one another about fold line 100, static portions 134 are rotated away from one another about center fold line 122, which is positioned directly over fold line 100. Rotation of static portions 134 away from one another pulls other portions of sheet member 14 away from one another resulting in the automatic unfolding of sheet member 14.
As shown in
Where one sheet member 14 is described above as being attached to pair of panels 92a, it should be understood that separate other ones of sheet members 14 are applied to each pair of panels 92b, 92c, and 92d in a similar manner. Either before or after sheet members 14 are secured, e.g., adhered, to sheet support member 16, sheet support member 16, more particularly, a portion of internal surface 82 of the one of first panels 96 thereof is secured, e.g., adhered, to interior surface 32 of cover 12, more particularly, of top panel 34 of cover 12, as shown with additional reference to
For example, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, apertures 162 are formed through string-retention member 150 through fold line 160 such that a portion of each aperture 162 is formed by each of primary panel 156 and an adjacent edge panel 158. Primary panel 156 additionally independently defines two or more apertures 164 spaced from one another with all apertures 162 and 164 being linearly aligned and collectively extending transversely across string-retention member 150 nearer one edge thereof in one embodiment. As shown in
Once string 148 is positioned, edge panels 158 of string-retention member 150 are folded rearwardly about fold lines 160 toward second surface (not shown) of string coupling member 150. Adhesive 168 (see
In one example, transaction product 10 includes glasses 180 for viewing decorative indicia 144 on sheet members 14. More particularly, in one embodiment, decorative indicia 144 include 3D graphics and/or text presentations, and glasses 180 are 3D viewing glasses. Other viewing glasses 180 are also contemplated such as reading or magnifying glasses, decoding glasses, etc. as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application. In the illustrated embodiments, glasses 180 are formed from a planar or sheet material of cardstock, paper, cardboard, plastic, composite, or other suitable material. Glasses 180 include a front member 220 and temples or bows 222 each rearwardly extending from an opposite end of front member 220. Front member 220 is configured to extend across the user's face, over the user's eyes, and includes a nose-reception cut out 226 forming a bridge just above nose-reception cut out 226. Two apertures 228 are formed through front member 220, each on an opposite side of nose-reception cutout 226. Each aperture 228 receives and/or is covered with a lens 230 to alter the vision of a user looking through glasses 180. In one embodiment, glasses 180 are formed of a two or more-ply material and each lens 230 is interposed and secured between two of the plys to secure each lens 230 to front member 220. In one embodiment, a fold line 232 is defined transversely across the middle of front 220 of glasses 180 to facilitate possible storage within cover 12 as will be further described below.
Front 220 defines a first end 236 and an opposite second end 238. One bow 222 extends from each of first end 236 and second end 238 and forms an earpiece 240 opposite front 220 for fitting over and partially around an ear of a user to help secure glasses 180 to a user's head. In one embodiment, each bow 222 is configured to rotate about the respective end 236 or 238, e.g., by folding the primary material forming glasses 180. In one embodiment, a transverse fold line 242 is formed through each bow 22 to facilitate placement within cover 12 as will be further described below.
In one example, additional features are formed by glasses 180 to increase their appeal to users. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, ears 244 such as dog or cat ears extend upwardly from a top edge of front 222. Ears 244 may correspond to decorative indicia 66 and/or 144 such that the various portions of glasses 180 conform to a theme or story. For example, where decorative indicia 66 and/or 144 depicts a dog as part of the story presented on sheet members 14, glasses 180 include ears 244 to look like a similar or visually corresponding dog. In one embodiment, ears 244 include first ear portion 250, second ear portion 252, third ear portion 254, and fourth ear portion 256 each separated from at least one adjacent one of first ear portion 250, second ear portion 252, and third ear portion 254 by a fold line 258. First ear portion 250 extends in a common plane with front 220, and fourth ear portion 256 extends in a common plane with a corresponding one of bows 222. Second ear portion 252 is fold rearwardly from and to extend substantially perpendicularly to first ear portion 250. Third ear portion 254 extends from second ear portion 252 substantially parallel to first ear portion 250 to intersect with fourth ear portion 256 along a corresponding fold line 258. As such, one ear 244 is configured to extend upwardly from each corner of glasses 180 collectively defined by front 220 and one bow 222. In one embodiment, indicia are added to ears 244 to further liken the structure to a dog's ear, etc.
Glasses 180 are foldable to a more nearly or substantially planar configuration for placement within transaction product 10, according to one embodiment. As such, second and third ear portions 252 and 254 are folded outwardly to align with the corresponding glasses corner. Then, ear portions 250 and 252 are folded downwardly about fold line 260, as generally indicated by arrow 264, and ear portions 254 and 256 are folded downwardly about fold line 262, as generally indicated by arrow 166. Bows 222 are then folded inwardly about corresponding ends 236 and 238 of front 220 to form glasses 180 as more nearly planar in their folded configuration.
In one embodiment, transaction product 10 includes a glasses reception structure including primary member 182 and two pocket members 200 as generally illustrated in
Pocket members 200 according to one embodiment are illustrated in
Referring to
As illustrated in
For example, in one embodiment, backer 300 includes decorative indicia 322, which makes backer 300 more aesthetically pleasing to potential consumers, and also ties the visual aesthetic of backer 300 to the appearance of transaction product 10, e.g., to decorative indicia 66 on cover 12 and/or decorative indicia 144 on sheet members 14. For instance, decorative indicia 322 provide background scenery or other related graphics to a common theme of transaction product 10. In the illustrated embodiment, where decorative indicia 66 and/or decorative indicia 144 depict transaction product 10 as a dog or other character, decorative indicia 322 provides an associated scene and/or includes corresponding depictions of the dog or other character.
In one embodiment, backer 300 includes brand indicia 324, which identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction product 10, and, in one example are similar to brand indicia 68 and 146. In one example, backer 300 includes indicia 326 including “to,” “from,” and “amount” fields. The fields of indicia 326 provide areas of backer 300 configured to be written upon by a consumer to personalize backer 300 for presentation as a gift to a particular recipient, for a particular purpose, and/or to indicate a value of transaction product 10.
In one embodiment, backer 300 includes redemption indicia 328, generally indicated by a dashed box in
As illustrated in
Any of indicia 64, 66, 68, 144, 204, 208, 322, 324, 326, 328, or 330 and/or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer 300 or transaction product 10. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included and/or one or more of indicia 64, 66, 68, 144, 204, 208, 322, 324, 326, 328, or 330 may be eliminated.
In one embodiment, backer 300 includes a window or opening 332 for displaying account identifier 60 of transaction product 10 therethrough as illustrated in
In one embodiment, backer 300 defines an aperture 338 or hook configured to receive a support rod or similar structure in a retail display such that backer 300, and therefore, packaged transaction product assembly 306 as a whole, can be hung therefrom. Other suitable features for backer 300 will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application.
Blister 302 is vacuum formed or otherwise molded from transparent and/or translucent plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride) or other suitable material to form a shell 334 with a cavity formed therein and sized and shaped to specifically receive transaction product 10. In one example, a perimeter flange 336 extends around shell 334. Perimeter flange 336 defines a substantially planar rear surface (not shown) of blister 302 configured to be adhered or otherwise coupled to front surface 308 of backer 300 or as illustrated interposed and secured between two layers 312 and 314 of backer 300. Blister 304 is formed similarly to blister 302 with shell 334 and perimeter flange 336, however, blister 302 is formed to be shaped similarly to and just slightly larger than glasses 180 rather than transaction product 10. In one embodiment, glasses 180 are folded somewhat similarly to as described above except that ear extensions 224 are still exposed when packaged a part of transaction product assembly 306 as illustrated in
In one embodiment, backer 300 is formed of a first layer 312 over a similarly sized and shaped second layer 314. A card aperture 316 and a glasses aperture 318 are formed through first layer 312 exposing a top surface 320 of second layer 314 as generally illustrated in
In one embodiment, at 408, a portion of internal surface 82 of sheet support member 16 formed by first panel 96 of pair of panels 92a is coupled with, e.g., adhered to, interior surface 32 of cover 12, more particularly, a portion of interior surface 32 formed by top panel 34 of cover 12. At 410, which may occur before or after any one or more of operations 404, 406, and 408, string 148 is thread through apertures 162 and 164 and tied into a knot 166. Edge panels 158 of string retention member 150 are adhered or otherwise secured to a portion of internal surface 32 defined by bottom panel 38 of cover 12.
At 412, glasses reception structure including primary member 182 and two pocket members 200 is secured to sheet support member 16 and cover 12, for example, via coupling to string retention member 150. At 414, glasses 180 are optionally placed in cavities 214 formed between pocket members 200 and primary member 182 as illustrated in
In one embodiment, assembly method 400 continues with placement of transaction product 10 in blister 302 and/or placement of glasses 150, if glasses were not positioned in cavity 214 of glasses reception structure at 414, are similarly placed in blister 304. At 422, blisters 302 and 304 are placed relative to backer 300 and perimeter flanges 336 of blisters 302 and 304 are secured to backer 300 thereby securing transaction product 10 and glasses 150 to backer 300 for support during display of transaction product assembly 306. Other methods of manufacturing, orders of steps, etc. are contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application.
For example, as an alternative to blisters 302 and 304, transaction product 10 may be coupled with backer 300 to form transaction product assembly 306 to package transaction product 10 for retail sale via adhesive, skinning, clam shell packaging, etc. In one example, following operation 422, transaction product 10, is secured to backer 300 in a manner aligning account identifier 60 of transaction product 10 with opening 332 in backer 300 such that account identifier 60 is accessible for scanning while transaction product 10 is coupled with backer 300. Once transaction product 10 is assembled and packaged during method 260, transaction product assembly 306 is ready for retail display, etc.
At 444, a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction product assembly 306 presents transaction product assembly 306 to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, remote terminal, or other person or device to scan account identifier 60 using a point-of-sale terminal or other machine to access an account or record linked to account identifier 60. Notably, as used herein “purchase” of transaction product assembly 306 does not require a fee or other dollar amount to be paid for transaction product 10, but rather that transaction product 10 is being activated and funds placed in the associated account or record. In one example, purchase of transaction product assembly 306 does require a fee to be paid to the retail store or setting. In particular, account identifier 60 is scanned or otherwise accessed, for example through opening 332 of backer 300 to activate transaction product assembly 446, more particularly, transaction product 10 and the remote, database stored account or record linked thereto. Upon accessing the account or record, then, at 446, value is added to the account or record in the form of monetary value, points, minutes, etc. Thus, transaction product 10 is activated and loaded for future use toward a purchase or use of goods and/or services.
In one example, a predetermined value is associated with transaction product 10 (i.e., associated with the account or record linked to transaction product 10 via account identifier 60) prior to activation and display, but such predetermined value is not initially available for use toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services. In such an embodiment, at 444, transaction product 10 is activated to permit subsequent access to the predetermined value (e.g., subsequent loading on and debiting from the account or record) and no additional value is added during activation such that operation 446 may be eliminated.
Once transaction product 10 is activated and loaded, transaction product 10 can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction product 10 to purchase goods and/or services at the affiliated retail setting (e.g., a retail store or website) or can be used in exchange for calling minutes, etc. In one embodiment, where transaction product 10 is displayed on a website at 442, then, at 444, transaction product 10 may be activated in any suitable method and may not require the physical scanning of account identifier 60 to be activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at 446.
In one example, at 448, the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website accepts transaction product 10, or more precisely, value in the account or record linked to transaction product 10 via account identifier 60, as payment toward the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of transaction product 10. In particular, the value currently loaded on transaction product 10 (i.e., stored or recorded in the account or record linked to account identifier 60) is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services. At 450, additional value is optionally loaded on transaction product 10 at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk or other area of the retail store or related setting using account identifier 60. Upon accepting transaction product 10 as payment at 448, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 448 or operation 450 as requested by a current bearer of transaction product 10. Similarly, upon loading additional value on transaction product 10 at 450, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 450 again or operation 448. In one example, the ability to accept transaction product 10 as payment for goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated with transaction product 10 has any value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.
At 474, the consumer optionally gives transaction product assembly 306 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, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality of transaction product assembly 306 are purchased and given to partygoers, such as at a birthday party, etc. as party favors or gifts. As an alternative, the consumer can keep transaction product assembly 306 for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation 474.
At 476, the consumer, recipient, or other current bearer of transaction product assembly 306 interacts with the non-transactional features thereof for amusement. More specifically, the bearer of transaction product assembly 306 removes transaction product 10 from packaging (e.g., backer 300 and blister 302), and freely peruses the book formed by transaction product 10, e.g., viewing sheet members 14 with glasses 180 and enjoying watching sheet members 14 unfold with the turning of panels of sheet support member 16 as described above. Such use amuses the bearer and any other observers of transaction product 10.
At 478, the consumer or recipient redeems transaction product 10 for goods and/or services from the retail store or website. At 478, the consumer or recipient of transaction product 10 optionally adds value to transaction product 10, more particularly, to the account or record associated with account identifier 60 included therewith, at the retail store or over the Internet (i.e., via the website). Upon interacting with the non-transaction feature of transaction product 10 at 476, redeeming transaction product 10 at 338 or adding value to transaction product 10 at 340, the consumer or recipient of transaction product assembly 306 subsequently can perform any of operations 476, 478, 480 as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the consumer or recipient to repeat redeeming transaction product 10 at 478 is limited by whether the account or record linked with transaction product 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 website, in one embodiment, purchasing transaction product assembly 306 at 472, redeeming transaction product 10 at 478, and adding value to transaction product 10 at 480 can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept transaction product 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 website and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.
Transaction cards and other products come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. Stored-value cards, like other transaction cards, 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 card. The balance associated with the transaction card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits or use. The card remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or a reminder to revisit the associated merchant. Stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other stored-value cards and transaction cards 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.
This non-provisional application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/580,184, filed Dec. 23, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61580184 | Dec 2011 | US |
