Abstract:
A financial transaction product includes a generally planar structure, which includes a first generally rectangular section and a second generally rectangular section. The first generally rectangular section includes first encoding means for associating the first generally rectangular section with a financial account and first indicia associated with a retail chain. The first generally rectangular section is adapted for use as a stored-value card. The second generally rectangular section includes second encoding means for associating the second generally rectangular section with the same financial account and second indicia associated with the same retail chain as the first indicia. The second generally rectangular section is adapted for use as a stored-value card. A lateral score line separates the first generally rectangular section from the second generally rectangular section with lateral edges of the first and second generally rectangular sections being joined along the lateral score line.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/877,062, filed Jun. 25, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Stored-value cards and other financial-transaction cards come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or selectably loaded monetary value. In one example, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a customer 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 card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the card generally remains in the user&#39;s purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards provide a number of advantages, to both the customer and the retailer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A financial transaction product includes a generally planar structure, which includes a first generally rectangular section and a second generally rectangular section. The first generally rectangular section includes first encoding means for associating the first generally rectangular section with a financial account and first indicia associated with a retail chain. The first generally rectangular section is adapted for use as a stored-value card. The second generally rectangular section includes second encoding means for associating the second generally rectangular section with the same financial account and second indicia associated with the same retail chain as the first indicia. The second generally rectangular section is adapted for use as a stored-value card. A lateral score line separates the first generally rectangular section from the second generally rectangular section with lateral edges of the first and second generally rectangular sections being joined along the lateral score line. 
     
    
     
       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]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a card assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the  FIG. 1  assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a carrier for the  FIG. 1  assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the  FIG. 3  carrier, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing a method according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration including different stores and geographic regions, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 7-8  are flow charts showing methods according to embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    A gift card or other stored-value card according to embodiments of the invention includes a “shared” bar code or other indicia or device linking the card to a common financial account or record. A two-piece gift card is provided, each piece having identical bar codes and each piece functioning as a separate gift card. One intent is for a parent or other provider to load a dollar amount on a credit-card-sized gift card, and then give the gift card to their student, dependent or other recipient, while keeping a smaller-sized “reloader” card for themselves. The reloader is for the parent to take to any store, e.g. any store in a chain of retail stores, to add additional dollars to the account or record, effectively loading the student&#39;s gift card with additional value that the student can redeem at a retail store that is local to the student or at a website of the retail store chain, for example. Parents thus have a controlled spending tool, in the manner of giving their child an allowance that can be spent only at the retail store and not in a cash form that could be spent on alcohol, tobacco, or some other product of which the parent does not approve. Should the student decide that they do not want to redeem their gift card dollars, the reloader card also can be redeemed at any of the retail stores in the chain or on the website. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of a reloadable stored-value card assembly is shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . Assembly  10  comprises stored-value card  20 , adapted for use in making purchases of goods and/or services from e.g. a retail store or website, and reloader card  15 , separable from stored value card  20 , adapted for loading value on stored-value card  20 . Stored-value card  20  and reloader card  15  are initially attached together but are readily separable at a desired time, for example after initial purchase of assembly  10 . 
         [0014]    Stored-value card  20  and reloader card  15  each share a common bar code, and each are linked to a common financial account or record. An account or record of the monetary balance on the card 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 electronics or devices on the card itself. Stored-value card  20  is physically larger than reloader card  15 , according to the illustrated embodiment, although stored-value card also may be smaller than or the same size as reloader card  15 . According to the illustrated embodiment, stored-value card  20  is the size of a typical gift card or credit card, and reloader card  15  is about one-third that size. As will be described, stored-value card  20  is also adapted for loading value on itself, i.e. either reloader card  15  or stored-value card  20  can be used for adding value to the financial account or record associated with assembly  10 . Similarly, reloader card  15  is also adapted for use in purchasing goods and/or services from a retail store or website, i.e. either reloader card  15  or stored-value card  20  may be used in the manner of a typical gift card or stored-value card. According to embodiments of the invention, then, assembly  10  comprises gift card  20  and means for reloading gift card  20 , the means for reloading including, for example, reloader card  15 . The means for reloading is readily releasably attached to gift card  20  and itself is useable as a gift card. 
         [0015]    Stated differently, assembly  10  is a two-piece card, comprising first piece  15 , adapted for access to a financial account or record, and second piece  20 , readily releasably attached to first piece  15  and also adapted for access to the financial account or record. First piece  15  and second piece  20  are formed from a common substrate  25  having score line  30  adapted for separating first piece  15  from second piece  20 . Score line  30  optionally is in the form of a narrowing, cut, perforation, weakening, or other feature allowing ready release or separation of first piece  15  from second piece  20 . 
         [0016]    Second piece  20  supports indicia  35  indicating that second piece  20  is for the purchase of goods and/or services, a value of the purchased goods and/or services to be deducted from the financial account or record. According to one embodiment, indicia  35  include phrases such as “&lt;Name of Store&gt; GiftCard”, and/or “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website.” First piece  15  supports indicia  40  indicating that first piece  15  is for adding value to the financial account or record. According to one embodiment, indicia  40  include phrases such as “Use this card to add value to your student&#39;s GiftCard.” and/or “Spot your kid some cash.” First piece  15  advantageously defines hole  42  for securement of first piece  15  to a keychain or key ring, such that first piece  15  is readily and repeatedly visible to e.g. a parent or other user, serving as a reminder to visit the retail store or website and add value to the financial account or record. 
         [0017]    First piece  15  and second piece  20  also comprise indicia  45  respectively linking first piece  15  and second piece  20  to the financial account or record. According to the illustrated embodiment, indicia  45  comprise generally identical bar codes supported by first piece  15  and second piece  20 . First piece  15  and second piece  20  thus share a common bar code. If desired, either first piece  15  or second piece  20  may be used as a stored-value card for the purchase of goods and/or services, a value thereof to be deducted from the financial account or record. Thus, in the case where a student or other recipient of second piece  20  chooses not to redeem the available value, the parent or other provider of second piece  20  may use first piece  15  to purchase goods and/or services and thus redeem the value themselves. Similarly, second piece  20  may be used to add value to the financial account or record, i.e. to reload itself and first piece  15 . 
         [0018]    First piece  15  and/or second piece  20  optionally include additional indicia, graphics or text information including store logo  50 , store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, and/or other information. According to specific examples, such indicia include indications that neither first piece  15  nor second piece  20  are redeemable for cash or credit except where required by law, instructions on how to report a lost, stolen or damaged card, an instruction that the remaining value of such a card can be replaced upon presenting the original purchase receipt, card numbers, event numbers, access numbers, copyright and trademark indications, reservations of rights, and other indications. 
         [0019]      FIGS. 3-4  illustrate carrier or backer  55  for supporting first piece  15  and second piece  20 . First piece  15  and second piece  20  of card  10  are readily releasably attached to carrier  55 , for example by adhesive or the like, and are represented in dashed lines in  FIG. 3 . Backer  55  comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Other materials are also contemplated. 
         [0020]    Backer  55  displays indicia, graphics or text information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, and/or other information. Indicia  60 , for example, include To, From, Initial GiftCard Value, and Message fields, as well as an indication that additional value can be added with the reloader card supported by backer  55 . Indicia  65  promote that card  10  is reloadable and is for college students, according to one example. Indicia  70  include instructions, for example “Add value to your college student&#39;s GiftCard anytime! Bring the GiftCard Reloader to any of our checklanes, pay the amount you wish to add, and the value will instantly be added to your college student&#39;s GiftCard.” 
         [0021]    Indicia  75  are initially covered by first piece  15  of card  10 . If first piece  15  is absent from backer  55 , indicia  75  are visible to the initial purchaser of card  10 . Indicia  75  state, according to one example, “Attention Guest and Cashier: GiftCard Missing! This is a two-GiftCard set. If either GiftCard is missing DO NOT add value. Throw away and get a complete set.” Indicia  75  thus comprise indicia underlying first piece  15  and/or second piece  20  indicating that if either first piece  15  or second piece  20  is missing from backer  55 , the other of first piece  15  and second piece  20  should be discarded. Indicia  80  include instructions placed adjacent first piece  15  reading “Keep Reloader” and instructions adjacent second piece  20  stating “Give to Student”. 
         [0022]    Any of indicia  60 ,  65 ,  70 ,  75 ,  80  or other indicia, optionally may appear anywhere on backer  55  or card  10 . Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein also may be included. 
         [0023]    Backer  55  defines window or opening  85  for displaying activation area  90  of card  10 . Card  15  includes similar activation area  90 . Activation area  90  is adapted for loading cards  15 ,  20  with monetary value. According to the illustrated embodiment, activation area  90  includes bar code  45 . Alternatively, or additionally, activation area  90  may include a magnetic strip, a smart chip or other electronic device, a radio frequency identification device, or other identification device or indicia, such as a card number and event number. Bar code  45  or other activation-area feature optionally represents an account number or otherwise serves to link card  10  to a database or other electronic or manual storage device or system. 
         [0024]    Backer  55  is a bi-fold substrate defining fold line  95 , about which backer  55  is foldable roughly in half. In  FIGS. 3-4 , backer  55  is unfolded, i.e. is in an open configuration. According to one embodiment,  FIG. 3  illustrates surfaces of backer  55  that will be supported on a rack or other fixture to face a customer of a retail store who is considering purchase of cards  15 ,  20 . After purchase, backer  55  is foldable about fold line  95  such that the  FIG. 3  surfaces of backer  55  are folded together and cards  15 ,  20  are enclosed in a compact package formed by folded backer  55 . The surfaces of backer  55  illustrated in  FIG. 4  are disposed toward the outside of the compact package, i.e.  FIG. 4  illustrates surfaces of backer  55  that will be on the outside when backer  55  is folded about fold line  95 , according to embodiments of the invention. Folding in the other direction about fold line  95 , or about other fold line(s) of backer  55 , also is contemplated. 
         [0025]    Method embodiments according to the invention are illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 5-8 .  FIG. 5  shows method  120  of reloading a gift card, comprising providing, at  125 , gift card  20  to a recipient, gift card  20  being linked to an account or record having a balance. Method  120  further includes providing, at  130 , reloader card  15  to a person other than the recipient of gift card  20 . Method  120  also includes, at  135 , using reloader card  15  to add to the balance of the account or record linked to gift card  20 . The method also optionally includes physically detaching gift card  20  from reloader card  15 , and using either or both of gift card  20  and reloader card  15  individually to purchase goods and/or services, a value of the goods and/or services being subtracted from the balance of the account or record linked to gift card  20 . Reloader card  15  may be used to redeem value or otherwise subtract from the balance of the account or record linked to gift card  20 , e.g. in the case where a student does not wish or is unable to redeem the entire balance in the account or record. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , method  120  also optionally includes providing gift card  20  to a recipient for use in geographic location  150 , e.g. at retail store  155  of a chain of retail stores. Geographic location  150  is remote from geographic location  160  of the person to whom reloader card  15  is provided. Reloader card  15  may be brought to retail store  165  of the chain of retail stores and used to add value to financial account or record  170 , so that stored-value card  20  may be used at retail store  155 , or on a website associated with the chain of retail stores, for example, to purchase goods and/or services. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , method  180  of encouraging the addition of value to stored-value card  20  includes providing, at  185 , reloader card  15  and stored-value card  20 , and providing, at  190 , indicia  40 ,  60 ,  65 , and/or  70  associated with reloader card  15  and/or stored-value card  20  indicating that reloader card  15  is useable to add value to stored-value card  20 . Method  180  also optionally includes supporting reloader card  15  and stored-value card  20  on carrier  55 , carrier  55  comprising indicia  60 ,  65  and/or  70  indicating that reloader card  15  is useable to add value to stored-value card  20 . The providing optionally comprises providing reloader card  15  and stored-value card  20  attached together, and method  180  optionally further comprises providing reloader card  15  and stored-value card  20  together at retail store  165 , the stored-value card being adapted for purchase of goods and/or services at retail store  165  or at a different retail store  155 . An initial value is loaded on to stored-value card  20  at retail store  165 . Reloader card  15  is useable for purchase of goods and/or services at retail store  165  or  155 . Account-linking or record-linking indicia are provided on both reloader card  15  and stored-value card  20 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 8  illustrates method  200  of making two-piece financial transaction card  10 , the method comprising providing, at  205 , first piece  15  linked to financial account or record  170  ( FIG. 6 ), providing, at  210 , second piece  20 , readily releasably attached to first piece  15 , linked to financial account or record  170 , providing, at  215 , indicia supported by first piece  15  indicating that first piece  15  is for adding value to financial account or record  170 , and providing, at  220 , indicia supported by second piece  20  indicating that second piece  20  is for the purchase of goods and/or services, a value of the purchased goods and/or services to be deducted from financial account or record  170 . 
         [0029]    Stored-value cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original customer, the gift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” a card herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of a financial account or record associated with the card. The balance associated with the card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The card remains in the user&#39;s purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to re-visit the associated merchant. Gift cards according to embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages to both the customer and the merchant. Other gift cards and stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequency cards, pre-paid cards, and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example. 
         [0030]    Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are 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. For example, cards  15 ,  20  optionally are physical cards made of plastic, paper, generally stiff paper, other substrate, or the like. Cards  15 ,  20  also optionally are virtual or electronic cards accessible on a retailer&#39;s website, other Internet location, kiosk, or elsewhere, and can be emailed or otherwise transferred electronically. Adding value to card  20  optionally includes adding either a fixed amount or an amount that can be chosen by the customer. Other modifications within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.