Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080197192 | Barcodes with Graphical Elements - Barcodes are provided that convey images to help consumers and/or to help identify information about the origin of an article. The images conveyed by the barcodes may be associated with a merchant, a department, an event, a season, a theme or a product, for example. The barcodes may be placed on any number of articles including purchaser receipts, gift receipts, marketing receipt coupons, paper coupons, electronic coupons, rewards cards, gift cards, registry printouts, and products/packaging, for example. Under some embodiments, the barcodes help consumers to associate articles with a particular merchant or department. Under other embodiments, the barcodes help consumers to distinguish purchaser receipts from gift receipts. In some embodiments, the barcodes are generated dynamically by altering font-based barcodes to convey the image. | 08-21-2008 |
20080197202 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH AUDIO CAPABILITIES - A stored-value card includes a housing, an audio circuit storing an audio file, and a speaker coupled to the audio circuit. The housing includes a first panel, a second panel spaced from and positioned opposite the first panel, and a side wall extending between the first panel and the second panel. The side wall extends substantially perpendicular to each of the first panel and the second panel such that an open cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel. The housing further includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The audio circuit and the speaker are substantially enclosed within the open cavity of the housing. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed. | 08-21-2008 |
20080217401 | Stored-value card with chemical luminescence - A stored-value card includes a housing and a glow article. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The glow article is enclosed within the housing and is configured to be selectively removed from the housing and manipulated to initiate chemical luminescence of the glow article. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 09-11-2008 |
20080223939 | Financial transaction card assembly with packaged product - A financial transaction card assembly comprises a financial transaction card, a package, and at least one article. The financial transaction card includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The package is separate from the financial transaction card and defines an internal cavity. The at least one article is enclosed within the internal cavity. The financial transaction card is maintained outside of the internal cavity and is removably coupled to the package. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 09-18-2008 |
20080290177 | MECHANICALLY CONVERTIBLE TRANSACTION PRODUCT - A mechanically convertible transaction product includes a body, two or more appendages, and an account identifier. Each of the two or more appendages is rotatably coupled with the body and configured to selectively rotate relative to the body between a compact position and an expanded position. Each appendage extends further away from the body when in the expanded position such that an overall form of the transaction product is altered when any of the appendages are in the expanded position as compared to when all of the appendages are in the compact position. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record. Stored-value products, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 11-27-2008 |
20080290178 | TRANSACTION CARD WITH THERMOCHROMIC FEATURE - A transaction card includes a substrate and a thermochromic feature. The substrate defines a first surface and includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The thermochromic feature portrays a character on a portion of the first surface. The thermochromic feature is configured to change between a first state and a second state when an actual temperature of the thermochromic feature reaches an activation temperature of the thermochromic feature. In the first state, the thermochromic feature appears as a first color. In the second state, the thermochromic feature presents at least one of a second color and a graphic not otherwise visible when the thermochromic feature is in the first state. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 11-27-2008 |
20090024519 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH SEPARABLE PIECES - A transaction product includes a substrate and an account identifier. The substrate defines a plurality of pieces separable from a remainder of the substrate. Following separation of the plurality of pieces from the remainder of the substrate, the plurality of pieces are configured to be assembled with one another to define a three-dimensional object. The account identifier is attached to the substrate and links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of facilitating use of a transaction product and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 01-22-2009 |
20090055253 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH GELATINOUS SUBSTANCE - A transaction product includes a housing, a gelatinous substance and an account identifier. The housing defines a storage cavity and is configured to be selectively opened and closed to provide selective access to the storage cavity. The gelatinous substance is selectively enclosed within the storage cavity, and, upon removal of the gelatinous substance from the storage cavity, the gelatinous substance is configured to selectively flow in a plurality of different directions. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the account and the record using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 02-26-2009 |
20090090771 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH MULTIPLE MEMBER HOUSING - A stored-value card includes a housing, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The housing includes a base and a cover coupled to the base. The cover and the base each include a primary panel and a side wall extending therefrom. An edge is defined by the side wall of the cover and is positioned to abut an edge defined by the side wall of the base to define a chamber between the base and the cover. The auxiliary member is formed separately from the housing, is at least partially positioned within the chamber, is accessible from a position external to the housing, and is configured to move relative to the housing upon user interaction with the stored-value card. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 04-09-2009 |
20090112748 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT - A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112761 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH MEMORY - A transaction product includes a memory, a housing, an electrical connector and an account identifier. The housing encloses the memory. The electrical connector is securely electrically coupled with the memory and is configured to be selectively received by a socket of a computing device such that the computing device can access the memory via the electrical connector. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, the account identifier being machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the account or record using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090159691 | TRANSACTION CARD WITH EDGE-GLOW CHARACTERISTIC - A transaction card includes a single layer substrate and an account identifier. The single layer substrate is formed of a transparent polymer resin mixed with a fluorescent dye such that the single layer substrate exhibits an edge-glow characteristic. The single layer substrate is one of transparent and translucent. The account identifier is connected to the single layer substrate and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090166430 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH ELECTRICAL PLUG - A transaction product, which is configured to interface with and receive electrical power from an electrical socket, includes a support member, an electrical circuit and an account identifier. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member and includes an electrical plug and an electrically driven device electrically coupled with the electrical plug. The electrical plug includes at least two blades extending from the support member. The at least two blades are configured to interface with the electrical socket such that electrical power from the electrical socket is transferred to the electrically driven device via the electrical plug. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. | 07-02-2009 |
20090166433 | TRANSACTION CARD WITH ENCLOSED CHAMBER - A transaction card includes a chambered member, a cover substrate and an account identifier. The chambered member defines a rear surface, a front surface and a chamber extending from the front surface toward the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface are sized similarly to each other. The cover substrate defines a first surface, which is securely coupled to the front surface to enclose the chamber, and a window aligned with the chamber. The window is one of translucent and transparent such that at least a portion of the chamber is viewable through the window. The account identifier is connected to the chambered member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other embodiments, stored-value cards and associated methods are also disclosed. | 07-02-2009 |
20090166436 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH STORAGE CHAMBER - A transaction product includes a housing and an account identifier. The housing includes a first member, which defines a primary panel and a side wall extending around the primary panel to define a storage chamber, and a second member slidably coupled with the first member. The second member is configured to slide relative to the first member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the second member covers the storage chamber, and in the open position, the storage chamber is readily accessible. The second member slides relative to the first member between the open position and the closed position in a direction substantially perpendicular to an extension of the side wall from the primary panel of the first member. The account identifier links the housing to an account or record and is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 07-02-2009 |
20090166437 | TRANSACTION CARD WITH MOVABLE MEMBER - A transaction card includes a base member, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The base member defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and a slot extending therethrough. The auxiliary member includes a first section and a handle section and is coupled with the base member such that the first section is disposed on the first surface of the base member. The handle section extends from the first surface, through the slot and to the second surface of the base member such that movement of the handle section causes movement of the auxiliary member relative to the base member. The account identifier is included on one of the base member and the auxiliary member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other cards, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed. | 07-02-2009 |
20090294528 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH EMBOSSED INDICIA - A transaction card includes a substrate having embossed indicia configured, for example, to emulate a license plate. The substrate defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposite the first surface. The substrate includes embossed indicia defined by regions projecting in relief with respect to the first surface and/or the second surface. The embossed indicia may, for example, emulate a license plate or the like. The substrate further includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. 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. | 12-03-2009 |
20090308931 | CAKE TOPPER TRANSACTION PRODUCT - A transaction product for use as a cake topper includes a body portion, an auxiliary portion and a machine readable account identifier. The body portion defines a support member and a flange extending from the support member. The flange is configured for placement into a frosting layer on a cake. The body portion defines a first part of a character. The auxiliary portion is formed separately from the body portion and defines a second part of the character. The auxiliary portion defines a lip configured for placement into the frosting layer on the cake. The account identifier is coupled to at least one of the body portion and the auxiliary portion and links the transaction product to an account or record for tracking a value associated with the transaction product. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of encouraging use of such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. | 12-17-2009 |
20100051705 | TRANSACTION CARD ASSEMBLY WITH SUBJECT AND STAND PORTIONS, ELECTROSTATIC CLINGS AND A BACKER - A transaction product includes 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 that portion to at least one of an account and a record. When separated, the subject portion and the stand portion are configured to be reassembled 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, combinations, methods of facilitating use of a transaction product and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 03-04-2010 |
20100155490 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH SLIDE VIEWER - A transaction product includes a lens, a slide, an actuating mechanism, a housing and an account identifier. The slide depicts a plurality of scenes, and each of the plurality of scenes is separately depicted on a different portion of the slide. The actuating mechanism is positioned to cause movement of the slide to change which one of the plurality of scenes aligns with and is viewable through the lens at a given time. The housing substantially encloses the lens, the slide and the actuating mechanism. The account identifier is coupled with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the account using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100170946 | FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD WITH EMBEDDED MEMBER - A financial transaction card includes a substrate, an insert member, and a rim. The substrate is formed of a first material and defines a first major surface and an aperture though the substrate. The substrate further includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record and is configured for use a payment toward a purchase. The insert member is formed of a second material differing from the first material. The insert member defines a perimeter edge. The rim extends around at least a portion of a perimeter edge of the insert member and is coupled with the first major surface of the substrate adjacent the aperture in a manner at least partially coupling the insert member to the substrate such that the aperture and the insert member align with one another. Other products and methods are also disclosed. | 07-08-2010 |
20100288836 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH MULTIPLE MEMBER HOUSING - A financial transaction card includes a first member, a second member, a side wall, at least one substantially rigid connection member, and an account identifier. The first member defines a first panel, and the second member defines a second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel are substantially planar. The side wall extends between the first panel and the second panel such that the first panel is spaced from the second panel to define a void between the first panel and the second panel. The at least one substantially rigid connection member extends through the first member and interfaces with the second member to at least partially couple the first member to the second member. The account identifier associates the financial transaction card with an account or record having a value associated therewith. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 11-18-2010 |
20100325037 | TRANSACTION CARD ASSEMBLY WITH TRANSACTION CARD AND AUXILIARY ITEM - A transaction card assembly includes a transaction card, a foldable backer, and an article. The transaction card includes an account identifier fixedly connected thereto. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal and links the transaction card to a financial account or record. The foldable backer supports the transaction card and defines an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and a viewing aperture extending from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The article is coupled with the interior surface of the foldable backer such that a portion of the article is viewable through the viewing aperture when the foldable backer is in a folded configuration around the article. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of facilitating use of a transaction product and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-23-2010 |
20110021106 | STORED-VALUE PRODUCT WITH MANUFACTURED ARTICLE - A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 01-27-2011 |
20110024498 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT - A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024508 | FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD ASSEMBLY WITH PACKAGED PRODUCT - A financial transaction card assembly comprises a financial transaction card, a package, and at least one article. The financial transaction card includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The package is separate from the financial transaction card and defines an internal cavity. The at least one article is enclosed within the internal cavity. The financial transaction card is maintained outside of the internal cavity and is removably coupled to the package. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110101090 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT ASSEMBLY WITH MECHANICAL PRODUCT - A transaction product assembly includes a transaction product, a mechanical article, and a coupling member. The transaction product includes an account identifier statically connected thereto. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The mechanical article includes a body, an auxiliary member, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism extends from within the body to a position external to the body. User interaction with the actuating mechanism is configured to induce movement of the auxiliary member relative to the body of the mechanical article. The coupling member is secured to the mechanical article and configured to be secured to the transaction product such that movement of the auxiliary member relative to the body causes corresponding movement of the transaction product. Other cards, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110121069 | Barcodes with Graphical Elements - Barcodes are provided that convey images to help consumers and/or to help identify information about the origin of an article. The images conveyed by the barcodes may be associated with a merchant, a department, an event, a season, a theme or a product, for example. The barcodes may be placed on any number of articles including purchaser receipts, gift receipts, marketing receipt coupons, paper coupons, electronic coupons, rewards cards, gift cards, registry printouts, and products/packaging, for example. Under some embodiments, the barcodes help consumers to associate articles with a particular merchant or department. Under other embodiments, the barcodes help consumers to distinguish purchaser receipts from gift receipts. In some embodiments, the barcodes are generated dynamically by altering font-based barcodes to convey the image. | 05-26-2011 |
20120145800 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH AUDIO CAPABILITIES - A stored-value card includes a housing, an audio circuit storing an audio file, and a speaker coupled to the audio circuit. The housing includes a first panel, a second panel spaced from and positioned opposite the first panel, and a side wall extending between the first panel and the second panel. The side wall extends substantially perpendicular to each of the first panel and the second panel such that an open cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel. The housing further includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The audio circuit and the speaker are substantially enclosed within the open cavity of the housing. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120187196 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH LIGHT - A stored-value card includes a housing, a light circuit and an account identifier. The housing includes a cover and a base. The cover and the base each define a respective primary panel and a plurality of side walls extending from the respective primary panel. The plurality of side walls defined by the base abut the plurality of side walls defined by the cover. The light circuit includes a light and a switch. The light circuit is substantially enclosed between the base and the cover, and the light is configured to emit illumination upon user interaction with the switch. The account identifier links the stored-value card to an account or record such that value from the account or record can be used as payment toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed. | 07-26-2012 |
20130248595 | STORED-VALUE CARD WITH MULTIPLE MEMBER HOUSING - A financial transaction card includes a first member, a second member, a side wall, at least one substantially rigid connection member, and an account identifier. The first member defines a first panel, and the second member defines a second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel are substantially planar. The side wall extends between the first panel and the second panel such that the first panel is spaced from the second panel to define a void between the first panel and the second panel. The at least one substantially rigid connection member extends through the first member and interfaces with the second member to at least partially couple the first member to the second member. The account identifier associates the financial transaction card with an account or record having a value associated therewith. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. | 09-26-2013 |
20140183082 | TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH MOVABLE MEMBER - A transaction product includes a primary member, an auxiliary member, and a machine-readable account identifier. The primary member defines a first panel and a second panel, the first panel defines two or more embossed sections defining interior ledge segments that define a track therebetween, and the first and second panels are coupled to one another such that the track is interposed between the first and second panels. The auxiliary member is interposed between the first and second panels, is 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. Movement of the auxiliary member is limited 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. | 07-03-2014 |
20140291408 | FINANCIAL TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY AND FACE PANEL - A financial transaction product includes a housing, an electrical assembly, a button, a face panel, and an account identifier. The housing includes a panel having an outside surface. The electrical assembly is maintained within the housing and includes an activation switch and at least one of a light and a speaker. Movement of the activation switch causes activation of the electrical assembly including at least one of illumination of the light and audio emission via the speaker. The button is separate from the housing and the electrical assembly and positioned over the activation switch. The face panel is formed separately from the housing and secured to the outside surface extending over the button such that user interaction with the activation switch is performed at least partially via the face panel and the button. The account identifier is coupled with the housing and associates the product with an account or record. | 10-02-2014 |