Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02838143 2013-12-24
UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION
Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670. U01)
TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH MOVABLE MEMBER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of and claims
priority under 35
U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/746,749, filed
December 28,
2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Stored-value cards and other transaction cards 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 cards provide a number of advantages to both
the consumer
and the retailer.
SUMMARY
[0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction product
comprising a
primary member, an auxiliary member, and a machine-readable account
identifier. The
primary member defines a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first
panel and the
second panel are each substantially planar, the first panel defines two or
more embossed
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sections defining interior ledge segments facing one another to define a track
therebetween,
and the first panel and the second panel are coupled to one another such that
the track is
interposed between the first panel and the second panel. The auxiliary member
is interposed
between the first panel and the second panel, is at least partially positioned
within the track,
and is configured to move within the track in one or more of a first direction
and a second
direction relative to the primary member. Movement of the auxiliary member is
limited in
each of the one or more of the first direction and the second direction by
interaction between
the auxiliary member and the interior ledge segments of the two or more
embossed sections.
The machine-readable account identifier links the primary member to an account
or record
and is secured to the primary member. Other related products and methods are
also
disclosed and provide additional advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the
figures, in
which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
[0005] Figure 1 is a front, perspective view illustration of a transaction
product in a first
position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Figure 2 is a front view illustration of the transaction product of
Figure 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Figure 3 is a rear view illustration of the transaction product of
Figure 1, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
[0008] Figure 4 is a right side view illustration of the transaction product
of Figure 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention; the left side view being
a mirror
image of the right side view.
[0009] Figure 5 is a top view illustration of the transaction product of
Figure 1, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 6 is a bottom view illustration of the transaction product of
Figure 1,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 7 is a front, perspective view illustration of an unfolded
primary member of
the transaction product of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] Figure 8 is a rear, perspective view illustration of the unfolded
primary member of
Figure 7, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 9 is a front, perspective view illustration of the unfolded
primary member of
Figure 7 with an auxiliary member of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of
the present
invention.
[0014] Figure 10 is a front, perspective view illustration of the primary
member and the
auxiliary member of Figure 9 when the primary member is being folded to
assemble the
transaction product of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] Figure 11 is a partially exploded rear, perspective view illustration
of the primary
member and the auxiliary member assembled and a coded member of the
transaction
product of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
[0016] Figure 12 is a front view illustration of the transaction product of
Figure 1 on a
supporting backer, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 13 is a rear view illustration of the transaction product and
supporting
backer of Figure 12, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a
transaction product,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of encouraging purchase
and
facilitating use of a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0020] Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a transaction
product,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A gift card or other transaction product is adapted for making
purchases of goods
and/or services from e.g., a retail store or website. According to one
embodiment, an
original consumer buys the transaction product to give a recipient who in turn
is able to use
the transaction product at a retail store or setting to pay for goods and/or
services. The
transaction product, according to embodiments of the present invention,
provides the
consumer and recipient with extra functionality in addition to the ability to
pay for goods
and/or services with the transaction product. In particular, the transaction
product presents
the original consumer and/or other bearer of the transaction product with an
amusing and
variable visual presentation in the form of a movable auxiliary member.
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
[0022] Referring to the figures, Figures 1-10 illustrate one example of a
transaction
product 10 or other interactive product including a primary member 12 and an
auxiliary
member 14. Primary member 12 includes a front panel 16 and a back panel 18
(i.e., first
and second panels) joined to one another along a fold line 20 or separately
formed from one
another. In one embodiment, front panel 16 and back panel 18 are substantially
identical in
size and shape and each define an interior surface 22 opposite an exterior
surface 24, for
instance, where the primary member 12 is a substantially planar member. Where
front panel
16 and back panel 18 have substantially identical sizes and shapes, front
panel 16 and back
panel 18 define a perimeter edge 26 and a perimeter edge 28, respectively,
that are
substantially identical to each other. In one example, back panel 18 is sized
and/or shaped
differently than front panel 16 such that perimeter edges 26 and 28 are also
differently sized
and/or shaped as compared to each other.
100231 Interior surface 22 defined by one of front panel 16 and back panel 18,
e.g., back
panel 18 as illustrated in Figures 7-11 and described throughout the remainder
of this
application, includes a first embossed section 30 (otherwise referred to as a
first relief
feature) and a second embossed section 32 (otherwise referred to as a second
relief feature)
spaced from first embossed section 30. Continuing to refer to Figures 7-11,
each of first and
second embossed sections 30 and 32 include one of an offset interior surface
34 and 36,
respectively, which are each inwardly offset (e.g., forwardly offset in the
illustrations) from
and extend beyond interior surface 22 of a remainder of back panel 18, and a
first ledge 38
and a second ledge 40 (otherwise referred to as first and second interior
ledges),
respectively, extending between interior surface 22 and a corresponding one of
offset
interior surface 34 and 36. In one example, each of first and second ledges 38
and 40
extends substantially perpendicularly relative to each of one of offset
interior surfaces 34
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
and 36 and interior surface 22 of the remainder of back panel 18. In one
embodiment, first
embossed section 30 and second embossed section 32 are formed to define ledges
28 and 40
with a thickness (i.e., a dimension between interior surface 22 and a
corresponding offset
interior surfaces 34 and 36) that is slightly greater than a thickness of
auxiliary member 14.
In one example, first embossed section 30 and second embossed section 32 also
define
corresponding first and second indentations 42 and 44 in exterior surface 24
of back panel
18 as illustrated in Figures 8 and 11.
[0024] In one embodiment, first ledge 38 is substantially rectangular defining
a first ledge
segment 50 that is substantially linear and faces toward second ledge 40. In
one
embodiment, second ledge 40 includes a second ledge segment 52 that is
substantially
linear, either continuous or discontinuous, and faces toward first ledge 38
running in parallel
with first ledge segment 50. First ledge segment 50 and second ledge segment
52 each form
opposing boundaries of an open-ended recessed area or track 54 (e.g., a
primary track), for
example, a substantially linear track 54. Track 54 is configured to guide
movement of
auxiliary member 14 relative to primary member 12 in a first direction as will
be further
described below.
[0025] Second embossed section 32 is substantially u-shaped or otherwise
formed such
that second ledge 40 defines an offset ledge segment 56 and/or one or two stop
ledge
segments 58 on either end of offset ledge segment 56 extending to a different
portion of
second ledge segment 52, according to the illustrated embodiment. Each stop
ledge segment
58 faces toward the other stop ledge segment 58 where two stop ledge segments
58 are
included. In one example, each stop ledge segment 58 extends away from second
ledge
segment 52, for instance, substantially perpendicularly relative to second
ledge segment 52
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
to offset ledge segment 56. Stop ledge segments 58 define opposing boundaries
to a second
recessed area that is considered a secondary or movement-limiting track 60. In
one example
(not illustrated), second embossed section 32 is in the form of two distinct
sections spaced
from one another in a manner eliminating offset ledge segment 56. Movement-
limiting
track 60 is configured to limit movement of auxiliary member 14 in the second
direction
relative to primary member 12. In one example, the first direction is
substantially
perpendicular to the second direction.
[0026] In one example, front panel 16, or alternatively or additionally back
panel 18, of
primary member 12 defines a window 70 or other opening, for example, in a
location that
will align with the recessed area of primary track 54 upon assembly. Window 70
has a
desired shape and size corresponding with a reveal portion of the auxiliary
member 14 as
will be further described below. In one example, primary member 12 is
continuous and
forms no window 70 or other aperture. Primary member 12 includes indicia 72
such as
decorative indicia presenting a character, scene, object, or similar
presentation, for example,
corresponding with an overall shape of front panel 16. In one embodiment, an
overall shape
of front panel 16 and indicia 72 collectively present a general appearance of
a monster as
illustrated in Figures 1-9. In one example, primary member 12 additionally or
alternatively
includes brand indicia 74 identifying a brand associated with transaction
product 10 such as
identifying a product brand, a store brand, a department, etc. Other indicia
may also be
included on primary member 12 as will be apparent to those of skill in the
art.
[0027] Auxiliary member 14 is substantially planar defining a front surface 80
and a back
surface 82 opposite front surface 80, in one embodiment, for example, as
illustrated in
Figures 1-7, 10, and 11. Auxiliary member 14 defines a thickness between front
surface 80
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
and back surface 82 that is substantially similar to or slightly smaller than
a thickness of
each ledges 38 and 40 defined by primary member 12. Auxiliary member 14
defines a
perimeter edge 84 having a shape corresponding with a portion of the
character, scene,
object, or similar presentation presented by primary member 12. For example,
in the
illustrated embodiments, auxiliary member 14 presents an appendage, horn, or
other
extension member of the monster character presented by primary member 12.
Auxiliary
member 14 has an overall dimension in one direction that is greater than a
corresponding
dimension of primary member 12. For example, referring to Figure 2, in one
example,
auxiliary member 14 has an overall width WA that is greater than an overall
width Wp of
primary member 12 or at least of a portion of primary member 12 corresponding
with an
eventual location of auxiliary member 14.
100281 In one example, auxiliary member 14 defines a middle or intermediate
section 86, a
first end section 88, a second end section 90, and a stop section or stop tab
92. More
specifically, intermediate section 86 includes opposing side boundaries 94,
and each of first
end section 88 and second end section 90 extends from opposite ones of
opposing side
boundaries 94 away from intermediate section 86 to a first side free edge 96
and a second
side free edge 98, respectively. In one example, intermediate section has a
larger overall
height or other dimension than either first end section 88 or second end
section 90. Overall
width WA (Figure 2) of auxiliary member 14 is defined between opposite points
of first side
free edge 96 and second side free edge 98, in one example. A third boundary
100 of
intermediate section 86 extends from and between each of opposing side
boundaries 94 and
96, for example, along a bottom or other edge thereof, and a fourth boundary
101 of
intermediate section 86 is formed as an outermost edge of intermediate section
86 extending
between opposite side boundaries 94 and 96 opposite third boundary 100. In one
example,
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
each of third boundary 100 and fourth boundary 101 define continuous or non-
continuous,
substantially linear edges extending substantially parallel to one another.
[0029] Stop section 92 depends or otherwise extends away from third boundary
100 of
intermediate section 86. In one example, stop section 92 has a smaller overall
width than
overall width of intermediate section 86 and defines a free edge 102 opposite
third boundary
100 and opposing side edges 104 extending from third boundary 100 to free edge
102.
[0030] Auxiliary member 14 includes end indicia 106 on first end section 88
and/or
second end section 90 and intermediate indicia 108 on intermediate section 86.
In one
example, end indicia 106 and intermediate indicia 108 correspond with indicia
72 of
primary member 12. More particularly, in one example intermediate indicia 108
presents a
portion of the character, scene, etc. of indicia 72 corresponding with a
location of window
70 defined by primary member. As shown in the illustrations, in one example,
window 70
indicates an eye socket while intermediate indicia 108 of auxiliary member 14
presents an
eyeball.
[0031] During assembly of transaction product 10, auxiliary member 14
generally is
interposed between front panel 16 and back panel 18 of primary member 12 to at
least one
of extend out beyond perimeter edges 26 and 28 of primary member 12 and be
viewable
through window 70 formed by primary member 70, according to one embodiment, as
illustrated in Figures 1-7, 10, and 11. In one example, at least perimeter
edge 26 and 28
define an overall shape of front panel 16 of primary member 12 depicting a
character, scene,
or similar presentation, and auxiliary member 14 is shaped and marked to
depict a portion of
that character, scene, or similar presentation. As illustrated, primary member
12 presents a
monster character with window 70 being positioned at a location representing
an eye socket
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
of the monster, and auxiliary member 14 depicts an eyeball via intermediate
section 86 and
two opposing horns of the monster via first end section 88 and second end
section 90. Other
depictions, etc. will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading
this application, e.g.,
a scene depicted by primary member 12 with a vehicle, animal, etc. depicted by
auxiliary
member 14.
[0032] Referring to Figure 9, in one example, assembly of transaction product
10 more
particularly includes, placing auxiliary member 14 to fit largely within
tracks 54 and 60
defined by back panel 18. Auxiliary member 14 is immediately adjacent interior
surface 22
of back panel 18 of primary member 12 such that at least intermediate section
86 fits
substantially entirely in track 54 that is between first ledge segment 50 and
second ledge
segment 52. When so positioned, stop section 92 of auxiliary member 14 is
positioned in
movement-limiting track 60, which is defined between stop ledge segments 58 of
second
embossed section 32 of primary member 12. More specifically, in one example,
auxiliary
member 14 is largely placed in track 54 with first ends section 88 and second
end section 90
of auxiliary member 14 extending beyond at least one of right and left open
ends of track 54
and beyond at least one of right and left portions of perimeter edge 26. Stop
section 92
extends downwardly therefrom to be positioned substantially entirely within
movement-
limiting track 60 where movement-limiting track 60 is laterally larger than
stop section 92 to
allow movement of the stop section 92 in a second direction between stop ledge
segments
58.
[0033] In the above-described position, track 54 guides lateral sliding
movement of
auxiliary member 14, as illustrated by arrow 124 in Figure 2, for example,
initiated by a user
interacting with one of first end section 88 and second end section 90 as a
handle. Track 54
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
generally limits longitudinal movement (e.g., up and down movement) while
allowing
lateral movement (e.g., side to side movement) of auxiliary member 14 relative
to primary
member 12. Movement-limiting track 60 prevents or at least decreases
inadvertent removal
of auxiliary member 14 from primary member 12, which may be caused by pulling
auxiliary
member 14 too far in either lateral direction, via interaction between side
edges 104 of stop
section 92 and stop ledge segments 58. While primarily described as up and
down or
longitudinal and side to side or lateral movement of auxiliary member 14,
these directions
are described with respect to the illustrated embodiments. In other
embodiments, movement
of auxiliary member 14 may be allowed or restrained in a different two
directions based on
the orientation and placement of first and second embossed sections 30 and 32
as will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In view
of the above, back
panel 18 is one example of means for substantially covering a surface of
auxiliary member
14, and first and second embossed sections 30 and 32 defining means for
limiting movement
of auxiliary member 14 in a first direction and a second direction in the form
of first and
second ledges 38 and 40 and tracks 54 and 60 defined by first and second
ledges 38 and 40.
[0034] Once auxiliary member 14 is placed in the desired position relative to
back panel
18 of primary member 12, front panel 16 is coupled with back panel 18
interposing auxiliary
member 14 therebetween, for example, by folding primary member 12 about fold
line 20 so
that perimeter edges 26 and 28 are substantially coextensive. In other
embodiments, front
panel 16 and back panel 18 may have differently shaped or sized perimeter
edges 26 and 28.
In one example, prior to positioning front panel 16 over back panel 18,
adhesive 120, which
is generally indicated in the figures with cross-hatching, is applied to back
panel 18 to
extend over interior surface 22 of back panel 18 and offset interior surfaces
34 and 36 of
first and second embossed sections 30 and 32. Notably, in one example, no
adhesive 120 is
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applied to portions of interior surface 22 defined by back panel 18 in tracks
54 and 60 or in
any longitudinal position aligning with track 54. By keeping tracks 54 and 60
free of
adhesive, movement of auxiliary member 14 generally is not impeded by
adhesive. In this
manner, when front panel 16 is placed on back panel 18, it is adhered thereto
such that
portions of interior surface 22 defined by front panel 16 directly abut
portions of interior
surface defined by back panel 18, especially on top and bottom sides of tracks
54 and 60
opposites one another, but not within tracks 54 and 60. Coupling front panel
16 to back
panel 18 substantially encloses movement-limiting track 60 and substantially
encloses track
54 other than open lateral ends of track 54. In view of the above adhesive 120
is one
example of means for coupling front panel 16 to back panel 18.
[0035] Once front panel 16 is assembled and adhered to the back panel 18,
auxiliary
member 14 is able to translate or slide laterally or longitudinally relative
to primary member
12 in a plane substantially parallel to the non-embossed portions of back
panel 18 of primary
member 12. For example, auxiliary member 14 moves as generally indicated by
arrow 124
between an initial position and the alternative position illustrated in dashed
lines in Figure 2.
Such movement in the lateral and longitudinal (e.g., first and second)
directions is limited
substantially only by interaction between auxiliary member 14 and first and
second ledges
38 and 40 of back panel 18. More specifically, longitudinal movement (i.e.,
movement in
the first direction extending up and down in Figure 2) of auxiliary member 14
is limited by
interaction between third and fourth edges 100 and 101 of auxiliary member 14
and first and
second ledge segments 50 and 52 of back panel 18. Lateral movement (i.e.,
movement in
the second direction extending right to left in Figure 2) is limited by
interaction between
side edges 104 of stop section 92 of auxiliary member 14 and stop ledge
segments 58 of
back panel 18. Front to back movement of auxiliary member 14 is limited by
auxiliary
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member 14 interaction with facing portions of interior surface 22 as defined
by each of front
panel 16 and rear panel 18 of primary member 12. In view of the above, front
panel 16 is
one example of means for substantially covering a surface of auxiliary member
14 opposite
back panel 18.
[0036] In one example, upon assembly, intermediate section 86, more
particularly,
intermediate indicia 108 on intermediate section 86, of auxiliary member 14
align with
window 70 of primary member 12 while at least one of first end section 88 and
second end
section 90 extend beyond lateral portions of perimeter edge 26 of front panel
16 of primary
member 12. As such, intermediate indicia 108 are viewable through window 70. A
user is
able to grasp one or both of first end section 88 and second end section 90 to
move auxiliary
member 14 in a lateral direction and/or in a longitudinal direction to move
the position and
therefore, overall appearance of intermediate indicia 108 through window 70 as
well as the
position of first and second end sections 88 and 90 relative to front panel 16
of primary
member 12 in an amusing manner appearing to animate the character, scene, or
similar
overall presentation of transaction product 10.
[0037] Referring to Figure 11, in one example, a cover, finishing card and/or
other coded
member 130 is applied to a portion of external surface 24 defined by back
panel 18 of
primary member 12 using adhesive 142 or other suitable coupling agent. The
coded
member 130 covers the otherwise exposed first and second indentations 42 and
44 formed
by first and second embossed sections 30 and 32 in exterior surface 24 of back
panel 18. In
one embodiment, coded member 130 is substantially planar and defines an
interior surface
132, generally indicated in Figure 11, and an exterior surface 134 opposite
interior surface
132. Interior surface 132 faces, is placed adjacent to, and adhered or
otherwise coupled to
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back panel 18. In view of the above, coded member 130 is one example of means
for
substantially covering external surface 24of back panel 18.
100381 In one example, exterior surface 134 of coded member 130 includes an
account
identifier 136 linking transaction product 10 to a remote or local account
and/or record of
the monetary or other value balance associated with transaction product 10 by
providing
identification of the associated account and/or record in a manner configured
to be machine-
readable by a point-of-sale terminal. In one example, account identifier 136
includes one or
more of a bar code, magnetic strip, a smart chip or other electronic device, a
radio frequency
identification (RFID) device or other suitable identifier readily machine
readable by a point-
of-sale terminal or other account access station or kiosk. The account or
record of the
monetary or other balance of the transaction product 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(s) on transaction product 10
itself.
Accordingly, by scanning account identifier 136, the account or record linked
to transaction
product 10 is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts
debited therefrom
and/or have amounts added thereto.
100391 In one embodiment, account identifier 136 includes a character string
or code 138
(e.g., a number and/or letter string) configured to provide additional
security to the user 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 brick-and-
mortar type retail establishments. With the above in mind, account identifier
136 is one
example of means for linking transaction product 10 with an account or record,
and
scanning of account identifier 136 is one example of means for activating or
loading value
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on transaction product 10. While primarily described as being included on
coded member
130, in other embodiments, account identifier 136 is otherwise located on
transaction
product 10, for example, printed directly to primary member 12 or auxiliary
member 14. In
one embodiment, coded member 130 is eliminated.
[0040] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in one example, a carrier or backer 150
is coupled
to rearmost surfaces of transaction product 10, for instance, exterior surface
134 of coded
member 130 and supports transaction product 10 for retail display and/or gift
presentation in
the form of a transaction product assembly 156. In one example, backer 150 is
generally
planar and displays indicia, graphics or text information including store
logo(s), store
name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia,
promotional
information, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers, characters and/or
other information.
The various indicia may be included on one or more of a front surface 152
(e.g., as
illustrated in Figure 12) and an opposing rear surface 154 (e.g., as
illustrated in Figure 13) of
a substantially planar backer 150.
100411 In one embodiment, backer 150 defines a window or opening 168 for
displaying
account identifier 136 of transaction product 10 as illustrated in Figure 13.
Accordingly, in
one embodiment, window 168 in backer 150 allows access to account identifier
136 to
activate and/or load transaction product 10 without removing transaction
product 10 from
backer 150. In one embodiment, where window 168 of backer 150 is eliminated,
backer
150 is foldable or otherwise configured to provide access to account
identifier 136 of
transaction product 10 without removing transaction product 10 from backer
150.
100421 In one example, backer 150 displays indicia, graphics or text
information including
store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions,
brand indicia,
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promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format
identifiers,
characters and/or other information. The various indicia may be included on
one or more of
front surface 152 and rear surface 154. In one example, the indicia include
one or more of
redemption indicia 160, message field indicia 162, brand indicia 164,
instructional indicia
166, etc.
[0043] Redemption indicia 160, which are generally indicated with a dashed
line box in
Figure 13, inform a bearer of transaction product assembly 156 that
transaction product 10 is
redeemable for the purchase or use of goods and/or services and that upon use,
a value of
the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the financial
account or record
linked to transaction product 10. In one embodiment, redemption indicia 160
include
phrases such as "<NAME OF STORE> GiftCard" and "This GiftCard is redeemable
for
merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website," and/or
provides help or
phone line information in case of a lost, stolen or damaged transaction
product 10, etc.
[0044] Message field indicia 162, for example, include one or more "to,"
"from,"
"amount" and "message" fields, and are configured to be written to by the
bearer of
transaction product assembly 156 prior to presenting transaction product
assembly 156 to a
recipient. As such, message field indicia 162 facilitate the consumer in
preparing
transaction product assembly 156 for presentation to a recipient. Brand
indicia 164 identify
a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction
product 10. Any
other indicia such as decorative indicia may also be included on backer 150.
[0045] Instructional indicia 166 provides directions to a potential consumer
or other bearer
of transaction product assembly 156 touting how to interact with the non-
transactional and
amusing features of transaction product 10. For example, instructional indicia
166 provide
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an indication that first and/or second end sections 88 and/or 90 can be
grasped and pushed
or pulled in an indicated direction to cause movement of auxiliary member 14
to animate the
overall character, scene, object, etc. collectively presented by primary
member 12 and
auxiliary member 14, for example, as indicated in Figure 12.
[00461 Any of indicia 160, 162, 164, 166 or other indicia optionally may
appear anywhere
on backer 150 or transaction product 10. Additional information besides that
specifically
described and illustrated herein may also be included. Other backers having
various sizes
and shapes, such as other foldable and non-foldable backers, can be used with
various sizes
and shapes of transaction products 10.
[0047] Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 200
of
assembling transaction product assembly 156. Additionally referring to Figures
9-11, in one
example, at 202, transaction product 10 is assembled and at 212, assembled
transaction
product 10 is coupled to backer 150 to form transaction product assembly 156.
According
to one embodiment, assembling transaction product 10 at 204 includes providing
embossed
primary member 12. In one example, providing embossed primary member 12
includes
using an embossing machine to form first and second embossed sections 30 and
32 of
primary member having offset interior surfaces 34 and 36 and corresponding
external
indentations 42 and 44. At 206, auxiliary member 14 is placed partially within
tracks 54
and 60 defined by embossed sections 30 and 32 of primary member 12, for
instance, back
panel 18, according to one example. Partial placement of auxiliary member 14
in tracks 54
and 60 is configured to allow for primary movement of auxiliary member 14 in a
first
direction relative to primary member 12 within track 54 as limited by
auxiliary member 14
interaction with track 60.
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[0048] Once auxiliary member 14 is placed in tracks 54 and 60, front panel 16
and back
panel 18 are coupled to one another interposing auxiliary member 14
therebetween while
still permitting movement of auxiliary member 14 relative to primary member 12
at 208. In
one example, front panel 16 is folded over rear panel 18 and adhered or
otherwise coupled
thereto such that perimeter edges 26 and 26 are placed to be substantially
coextensive with
one another other than where auxiliary member 14 passes therebetween.
[0049] Coded member 130 is optionally coupled to back panel 18 of primary
member 12
at 210 to cover first and second indentations 42 and 44 and provide account
identifier 136 to
transaction product 10. In other embodiments, coded member 130 and operation
210 are
eliminated and account identifier 136 and/or other indicia are directly
printed to or provided
by back panel 18 or other portion of primary member 12.
[0050] At 320, transaction product 10 is coupled with backer 250 as generally
illustrated
with reference to Figures 12 and 13 to form transaction product assembly 156.
Transaction
product 10 may be adhered, skinned to, blister packed with or otherwise
suitably coupled
with backer 150. In one embodiment, account identifier 136 of transaction
product 10 is
accessible for scanning while transaction product 10 is coupled with backer
150, for
example, through window 168 in backer 150.
[0051] Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 300
of
encouraging purchase and facilitating use of transaction product 10 by
consumers and/or
recipients. At 302, transaction product 10 is placed on or hung from a rack,
shelf or other
similar device to display transaction product 10 for sale to potential
consumers. In one
embodiment, a depiction of transaction product 10 is placed on a web site for
viewing and
purchase by potential consumers.
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100521 At 304, a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction product 10
presents
transaction product 10 with or without backer 150 to a retail store employee,
retail store
kiosk, remote terminal or other person or device to scan account identifier
136 to access an
account or record linked to account identifier 136. In particular, account
identifier 136 is
scanned or otherwise accessed, for example through window 168 of backer 150 to
activate
transaction product 10. Upon accessing the account or record, then, at 306,
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.
100531 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 136) 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 304, 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 306 may
be
eliminated.
100541 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 web site)
or can be used in
exchange for calling minutes, etc. In one embodiment, where transaction
product 10 is
displayed on a web site at 302, then, at 304, transaction product 10 may be
activated in any
suitable method and may not require the physical scanning of account
identifier 136 to be
activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at
306.
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[0055] In one example, at 308, the retail store or other affiliated retail
setting or web site
accepts transaction product 10 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 136) is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or
services. At 310,
additional value is optionally loaded on transaction product 10 at a point-of-
sale terminal,
kiosk or other area of the retail store, retail web site, or other related
setting.
[0056] Upon accepting transaction product 10 as payment at 308, the retail
store or related
setting can subsequently perform either operation 308 again or operation 310
as requested
by a current bearer of transaction product 10. Similarly, upon loading
additional value on
transaction product 10 at 310, the retail store or related setting can
subsequently perform
either operation 310 again or operation 308. 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.
[0057] Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 400
of using
transaction product 10 (e.g., Figures 1-6). At 402, a potential consumer of
transaction
product 10, which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a web site,
decides to and does
purchase transaction product 10 from the retail store or web site. It should
be understood
that transaction product 10 can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of
transaction
product assembly 156 (Figures 12 and 13) along with backer 150.
[0058] Upon purchasing transaction product 10, a retail store employee, a
retail store kiosk
or other person or device scans account identifier 136 (Figure 3), for
example, through
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
window 168 of backer 150 or otherwise reads or accesses account identifier
136. Upon
accessing account identifier 136, the account or record linked to account
identifier 136 is
accessed and activated to load value onto transaction product 10 (i.e., load
value to the
account or record associated with transaction product 10). In one embodiment,
such as
where transaction product 10 is purchased at 402 via a web site, actual
scanning or other
mechanical detection of account identifier 136 may be eliminated and/or manual
input of
code 138 may be added.
[0059] At 404, the consumer optionally gives transaction product 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, etc. In one embodiment, a
plurality of
transaction products 10 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 10
for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation 404.
[0060] At 406, the consumer, recipient or other current bearer of transaction
product 10
interacts with transaction product 10. In one embodiment, playing or otherwise
interacting
with transaction product 10 at 406 includes sliding auxiliary member 14 in a
first direction
and observing the varying appearance of transaction product 10 due to the
differing position
of intermediate indicia 108 or other features of intermediated section 86
within window 70
and/or differing position of first and/or second end sections 88 and 90
relative to perimeter
edge 26 of front panel 16. Other methods of sliding auxiliary member 14 and/or
of
presenting animation using a similar construction as that described above will
be apparent to
those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one example,
interaction with
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transaction product 10 at 406 amuses the bearer and any other observers of
transaction
product 10.
[0061] At 408, the consumer or recipient redeems transaction product 10 for
goods and/or
services from the retail store or web site. At 410, 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 136 included therewith, at the
retail store or over
the Internet (i.e., via the web site). Upon playing with transaction product
10 at 406,
redeeming transaction product 10 at 408 or adding value to transaction product
10 at 410,
the consumer or recipient of transaction product 10 subsequently can perform
either of
operations 406, 408 or 410 as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the
consumer or
recipient to repeat redeeming transaction product 10 at 410 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.
[0062] Although primarily described above as occurring at a single retail
store or web site,
in one embodiment, purchasing transaction product 10 at 402, redeeming
transaction
product 10 at 408 and adding value to transaction product 10 at 410, 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, each of the number of stores is part of a chain or a
group of
similarly branded stores. In one example, the number of stores includes at
least one web site
and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.
100631 Transaction products come in many forms, according to embodiments of
the
invention. The gift card, like other 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
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Attorney Docket No. 201204496 (101.0670.U01)
"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
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. Gift cards
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.
100641 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 upon reading this application. Other modifications within the
scope of the
invention and its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill.
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