Transaction product with removable cosmetic article

A transaction product has an account identifier and includes one or more cosmetic articles. The cosmetic article may be held in place by a tray such that both are readily removable from the housing. The transaction product and its various components, taken together, have a visual appeal accentuated by a sense of depth provided by employing indicia on different visual planes and by using transparent and/or translucent panels. The indicia may be evocative of the nature of cosmetic article, including graphics that depict the color, texture, or other physical properties of the particular cosmetic article enclosed within the transaction product. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift for 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's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Transaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction product having an account identifier and including one or more cosmetic articles. The cosmetic article may be held in place by a tray such that both are readily removable from the housing. In one embodiment, the transaction product and its various components, taken together, have a visual appeal accentuated by a sense of depth provided by employing indicia on different visual planes and by using transparent and/or translucent panels. The indicia may be evocative of the nature of cosmetic article, including graphics that depict the color, texture, or other physical properties of the particular cosmetic article enclosed within the transaction product. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. Other related products and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A stored-value card and other transaction products are adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or website and/or for storing non-monetary value adapted for redemption toward the use of goods and/or services (e.g., a phone card). According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a 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 the goods and/or services. A transaction product, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer and recipient with extra amusement and non-transactional functionality in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services with the transaction product.

In particular, the transaction product includes a housing having a cosmetic article, such as lip gloss tube or the like, or one or other beauty products enclosed within the transaction product and removeable therefrom. The cosmetic article may be held in place by virtue of an internal structure integrated into the housing, or may be secured using a removeable insert or tray that facilitates organized placement of the cosmetic article(s) into and/or organized removal of the cosmetic article(s) from the housing. The housing is configured for use toward the purchase or use of one or more of goods and/or services. During non-transactional use, the housing can be opened and the cosmetic article contained therein can be removed. In one embodiment, a tray is specifically sized and shaped to maintain the cosmetic article in a neat and aesthetically pleasing manner. In one embodiment, removing the tray from the housing also removes the cosmetic article from the housing. In one embodiment, one or more of the housing and tray are transparent or translucent such that the cosmetic article itself as well as indicia related to the nature of the cosmetic article are visible during display to the user. In a particular embodiment, the indicia includes graphics representing the color, texture, and/or other physical characteristics of the cosmetic article.

In one example, the housing is formed of two pieces that are selectively coupled to one another, e.g., via a hinge structure working in conjunction with a latch structure. When the cosmetic article and/or tray are placed within the housing, the two pieces of the housing can be removeably coupled to one another to enclose the tray and cosmetic article within the housing. Conversely, the housing can be opened to allow the cosmetic article to be removed.

Turning to the figures,FIGS. 1-8illustrate a transaction product10(e.g., a financial transaction product and/or stored-value card) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Transaction product10includes a casing or housing12enclosing one or more cosmetic articles16, wherein a tray14may be used to secure a cosmetic article16within housing12. In one embodiment, housing12includes a first housing member20and a second housing member22configured to be selectively coupled with first housing member20to maintain tray14and cosmetic article(s)16therebetween. Housing12, by virtue of housing members20and22, has an open state (e.g.,FIG. 2) and a closed state (e.g.,FIG. 1).

Housing12includes a first panel24and a second panel26spaced from and extending substantially parallel with one another. In one embodiment, first and second panels24and26are each substantially planar members and are similarly sized and shaped. In one example, each of first and second panels24and26is substantially rectangular. A side wall28extends from panel26along its entire perimeter perpendicular to panel26. First housing member20and second housing member22may be removeably coupled to selectively open and close housing12.

In the illustrated embodiment, a hinge structure29rotatably couples housing member20and housing member22, and a latch structure27is used to latch the two housing members20and22together in a closed state. Hinge structure29may include injection-molded hinge pins integral to either first housing member22or second housing member20that interface with an axial, generally cylindrical mating member (not shown).

For example, latch structure27may include two corresponding structures27A and27B integrated into respective housing members22and20that form an interference fit with respect to each other (or are otherwise removeably coupled) when housing12is in a closed state. Mating portions of first housing member22and second housing member20may include a flange (not shown) to further effect coupling of their respective surfaces, as is known in the art. First housing member22and second housing member20therefore define a chamber or cavity23therebetween, in which cosmetic article16and/or tray12are removeably placed.

In one embodiment, first and second housing members20and22are each formed by injection molding plastic (e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polylactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material to define the various attributes of first and second housing members20and22. In one embodiment, at least one of first and second housing members20and22is substantially translucent or substantially transparent.

In one embodiment, transaction product10and its various components, taken together, have visual appeal that is accentuated by a sense of depth provided by employing decorative indicia on different visual planes. That is, referring toFIG. 4, one embodiment includes indicia54provided on panel26(the “bottom” of housing12), as well as indicia52provided on panel24(the “top” or “lid” of the housing). Note that these indicia may be provided on any suitable surface (inner or outer) of the respective panels, or may be incorporated into the panels themselves. Indicia82related to a store logo or the like may also be included on panel24or panel26.

In one embodiment, tray14is at least partially transparent or translucent, as is panel24. Thus, cosmetic article16appears between two levels of indicia52and54. As cosmetic article16may have decorative features, the transaction product10as a whole has an aesthetic appeal not typical in such products.

In one embodiment, indicia52and54are evocative of the nature of cosmetic article16, and may include graphics that depict the color, texture, or other physical properties of the particular cosmetic article16enclosed within housing12. For example, in one embodiment, wherein cosmetic article16includes a lip gloss material, indicia52and54may include color graphics that depict the way that lip gloss material would appear in various contexts.

In one embodiment, indicia52and54depict how the lip gloss material would appear if it were spread thickly over a flat surface. This depiction may correspond to its actual in situ appearance, or may be modified and/or magnified to highlight its color, iridescence, texture, or the like. Indicia52and54alternatively may be stylized, and artificial. In another embodiment, indicia52and54depict the use of cosmetic article16for its intended purpose on the actual face or other anatomical surface of an individual. In one embodiment, indicia56(FIG. 6) on panel26include branding or other information related to cosmetic article16, and is hidden by cosmetic article16until it is removed and revealed to the consumer.

Housing12may have any suitable size and shape, but in one embodiment has a length and width similar to that of a common credit card. Referring toFIGS. 9-11, for example, in one embodiment housing12has a length dimension, d1, of about 3.63 inches, a width dimension, d2, of about 2.42 inches, and a thickness dimension, d3, of about 0.9 inches.

Referring to the rear view illustration ofFIG. 3, stored-value card10, for example, a surface of second panel26of housing12, includes at least one account activation area or account identifier30, such as a bar code, a 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, account access station, kiosk, or other suitable device. In one embodiment where account identifier30is machine readable, account identifier30is also readable by a bearer of transaction product or stored-value card10such that transaction product10can be used when a machine configured to read transaction product10is not present (e.g., when using transaction product10to make a purchase on a web site). For example, account identifier30may include a number or letter string identifying the associated account or record and/or a password (not illustrated) associated therewith. In one embodiment, account identifier30is printed on or otherwise applied to panel26of substrate12; however, the account identifier30could additionally or alternatively be printed or applied to any other suitable surface.

Account identifier30indicates and therefore links transaction product10to a financial or other stored-value account or record. The account or record indicates a value or balance (e.g., monetary value, points, minutes, or other balance) associated with transaction product10and optionally is maintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or, in the case of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or other electronic device on/in transaction product10itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier30, the account or record linked to transaction product10is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom, and/or have amounts credited thereto. Account identifier30is one example of means for linking transaction product10with an account or record.

In one embodiment, redemption indicia32are included on transaction product10, such as on panel26of substrate12. Redemption indicia32indicate that transaction product10is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked to transaction product10. In one embodiment, redemption indicia32include phrases such as “<NAME OF STORE> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our web site,” provides help or phone line information in the case of a lost, stolen, or damaged transaction product, etc.

In one embodiment, transaction product10includes printed indicia34. Printed indicia34include any suitable graphics, text, or combinations thereof. In one example, printed indicia34include one or more brand identifiers and/or other graphical items, described in further detail below. Brand identifiers include one or more of a logo, text, trademark, etc. that associate transaction product10with at least one of a product, a brand, a store, etc. Other indicia or additional features may also be included on transaction product10as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. Any one or more of printed indicia34may not be included on transaction product10.

Referring toFIGS. 9-11, tray14is formed with external dimensions allowing tray14to be readily inserted into and removed from second housing member20. In one embodiment, where housing12is substantially rectangular, tray14is substantially rectangular. In one embodiment, tray14is independently configured to support the one or more cosmetic articles16whether or not tray14is positioned within or outside of housing12. In one embodiment, tray14is at least partially transparent and/or translucent such that panel26can be viewed through tray14when tray14is inserted within second housing member20.

In one embodiment, tray14has a cross-sectional shape specifically configured to receive one of cosmetic article(s)16. For example, in one embodiment, where the one or more cosmetic articles16is a tube of lip gloss or lipstick, tray14has a lateral cross-section sized and shaped to conform to at least a portion of the lateral cross-sectional shape of cosmetic article16such that it tightly but removeably fits within tray14.

Tray14may be vacuum formed to precisely conform to the shape of cosmetic article16. In one embodiment, tray14is formed by injection molding plastic (e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material to define the various attributes of tray14. In one embodiment, tray14is substantially translucent or substantially transparent and/or otherwise coordinates with first housing member20and second housing member22. In one example, tray24deforms elastically such that it can be removed and inserted easily within second housing member20. As shown inFIG. 11, a side62of tray14may be beveled such that it presses against and is held in place by an inner surface60of housing12, effectively forming a compression fit between the two components.

In one embodiment, the one or more cosmetic articles16define a first end72and a second end74opposite first end72. In one embodiment, where each cosmetic article16is a tube structure first end72is substantially cylindrical (as in a screw top) while second end74is substantially flattened.

During assembly, tray14receives cosmetic article(s)16. In one example, one of cosmetic article(s)16is placed within an indentation within tray14, such that each cosmetic article16is tightly retained in place at least partially within tray14. Once cosmetic article(s)16are placed in tray14, tray14is placed within cavity23of second housing member20. First housing member22is then coupled to second housing member20, e.g., via hinge structure29and latch structure27. Alternatively, first housing member22may be hingedly coupled to second housing member20, and placed in an open state, prior to inserting tray14and cosmetic article(s)16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the resulting housing12is a substantially rectilinear volume. However, housing12may have a variety of 3D shapes, such as cylindrical, parallelepiped, prismatic, and the like.

During use of transaction product10for cosmetic purposes, first and second housing members20and22are separated and tray14and the one or more cosmetic articles16are removed from within first and second housing members20and22. As described above, in one embodiment, upon removal of tray14from housing12, each cosmetic article16may be separately and selectively stored and removable from tray14.

FIGS. 14 and 15illustrate a carrier or backer200supporting transaction product10(FIGS. 1-7). Backer200comprises 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. Use of other materials to form backer200is also contemplated. Backer200defines a first or front surface202(FIG. 14) and a second or rear surface204(FIG. 15).

Transaction product10, which is generally represented in broken lines inFIG. 14for illustrative purposes (e.g., to allow for full viewing of front surface202), is readily releasably attached to backer200, for example, by adhesive, blister packaging, overlying skinning material, or the like, such that transaction product10and backer200collectively define a transaction product assembly206.

In one embodiment, backer200displays indicia, graphics or text information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers, characters, and/or other information. The various indicia may be included on one or more of front and rear surfaces202and204. In one example, the indicia include one or more of redemption indicia210, instructional indicia212, message field indicia214, brand indicia216, decorative indicia218, etc.

Redemption indicia210indicate that transaction product10is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that upon use, a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked to transaction product10. In one embodiment, redemption indicia210include 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 product10, etc. Instructional indicia212include any indications generally referring to how transaction product10can be used for entertainment or functional purposes other than value redemption.

Message field indicia214, for example, include “to,” “from,” and “amount” fields configured to be written to by the bearer of transaction product assembly206prior to presenting transaction product assembly206to a recipient. As such, message field indicia214facilitate the consumer in preparing transaction product assembly206for gifting to a recipient. Brand indicia216identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction product10.

Any decorative indicia218may also be included on backer200. Decorative indicia218may include, for example, graphics that illustrate the appearance of cosmetic article16, either on an arbitrary surface, or on the appropriate anatomical location of the cosmetic article16. For example, when cosmetic article16is a lip gloss or lip stick, decorative indicia218may include images of human lips (either realistic or stylized) with the appropriate cosmetic color or gloss applied. Any of indicia210,212,214,216,218, or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer200or transaction product10. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included.

In one embodiment, backer200defines a window or opening220for displaying account identifier30of transaction product10as illustrated inFIG. 15. As previously described, account identifier30is adapted for accessing an account or record associated with transaction product10for activating, loading or debiting value from the account or record. Accordingly, in one embodiment, opening220allows access to account identifier30to activate and/or load transaction product10without removing transaction product10from backer200.

In one embodiment, backer200defines a hanging aperture222configured to receive a support arm or hook, such that transaction product assembly206can be hung from a rail or rack within the retail setting or elsewhere to facilitate display of transaction product assembly206. According to one embodiment,FIG. 15illustrates surfaces of backer200that will be supported on a rack or other fixture whileFIG. 14illustrates surfaces of backer200that will be visible to a consumer of a retail store who is considering the purchase of transaction product assembly206. Other backers, such as foldable backers (not shown), can be used with various sizes and shapes of transaction products10.

FIG. 12is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method300of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of transaction product10by consumers and/or recipients. At302, transaction product10is placed on or hung from a rack, shelf, or other similar device to display transaction product10for sale to potential consumers. In one embodiment, a depiction of transaction product10is placed on a web site for viewing and purchase by potential consumers.

At304, a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction product10presents transaction product10on backer100to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, remote terminal, or other person or device to scan account identifier30to access an account or record linked to account identifier30. In particular, account identifier30is scanned or otherwise accessed, for example through opening320of backer100to activate transaction product10. Upon accessing the account or record, then, at306, value is added to the account or record in the form of monetary value, points, minutes, etc. Thus, transaction product10is activated and loaded.

Once transaction product10is activated and loaded, transaction product10can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction product10to 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 product10is displayed on a web site at302, then, at304, transaction product10may be activated in any suitable method and may not require the physical scanning of account identifier30to be activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at306.

In one example, at308, the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or web site accepts transaction product10as payment toward the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of transaction product10. In particular, the value currently loaded on transaction product10(i.e., stored or recorded in the account or record linked to account identifier30) is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services. At310, additional value is optionally loaded on transaction product10at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk, or other area of the retail store or related setting. Upon accepting transaction product10as payment at308, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation308or operation310as requested by a current bearer of transaction product10. Similarly, upon loading additional value on transaction product10at310, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation310again or operation308. In one example, the ability to accept transaction product10as payment for goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated with transaction product10has any value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.

FIG. 13is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method350of using transaction product10(e.g.,FIGS. 1-7). At352, a potential consumer of transaction product10, which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a web site, decides to and does purchase transaction product10from the retail store or web site. It should be understood that transaction product10can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of transaction product assembly206(FIG. 15) along with backer100. Upon purchasing transaction product10, a retail store employee, a retail store kiosk, or other person or device scans account identifier30(FIGS. 3 and 15) through opening114of backer100or otherwise reads or accesses account identifier30. Upon accessing account identifier30, the account or record linked to account identifier30is accessed and activated to load value onto transaction product10(i.e., load value to the account or record associated with transaction product10). In one embodiment, such as where transaction product10is purchased at352via a web site, actual scanning or other mechanical detection of account identifier30may be eliminated.

At354, the consumer optionally gives transaction product10to 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 products10are purchased and given to party goers, such as at a birthday party, etc. as party favors or gifts. As an alternative, the consumer can keep transaction product10for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation354.

At356, the consumer, recipient, or other current bearer of stored value card10interacts with the card for the purposes of amusement, e.g., by removing the cosmetic article16and utilizing it for its intended purpose.

At358, the consumer or recipient redeems transaction product10for goods and/or services from the retail store or web site. At360, the consumer or recipient of transaction product10optionally adds value to transaction product10, more particularly, to the account or record associated with account identifier30included therewith, at the retail store or over the Internet (i.e., via the web site). The consumer or recipient of transaction product10subsequently can perform either of operations356,358, or360as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the consumer or recipient to repeat redeeming transaction product10at358is limited by whether the account or record linked with transaction product10has any remaining value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.

Although described above as occurring at a single retail store or web site, in one embodiment, purchasing transaction product10at352, redeeming transaction product10at358, and adding value to transaction product10at360, can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept transaction product10or over the Internet. In one example, a number of stores are each part of a chain or are similarly branded stores. In one example, a number of stores include at least one web site and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.

Stored-value cards or transaction cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “re-charged” or “re-loaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of an account or record associated with a transaction product. The balance associated with the transaction product declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits or use. The card remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or a reminder to revisit the associated merchant. Gift cards according to embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other gift cards and transaction products according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, calling cards, employee cards, frequency cards, prepaid cards, and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power, monetary value, etc.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and other modifications within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.