Method and system for providing a three dimensional stored value token that contains movable consumer goods

A method and system provides a stored value token that includes a three dimensional, closed volume which can include a movable cover for allowing access to the closed volume. The closed volume can contain various movable objects such as consumer goods, like plant seeds, edible food stuffs like mints, and/or utilitarian objects that can be used by the consumer such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc. The closed volume can comprise human readable printed media on one side that identifies the volume as a stored value card and that identifies the contents being contained within the closed volume.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to stored value tokens. More particularly, the invention relates to a stored value token having a three dimensional volume that contains movable consumer goods.

BACKGROUND

Stored value tokens that include, but are not limited to, gift cards, are often purchased such that the intended recipient of the gift card may use the value associated with the gift card to purchase one or more consumer products. When an intended recipient receives a gift card, the recipient may not have an immediate idea of what consumer product he or she may want to purchase with the gift card.

On some occasions the intended recipient of a gift card may know immediately what he or she may want to purchase with the gift card. However, later, when the gift card recipient steps inside the store associated with the gift card, the recipient may forget his or her previous idea for use of the gift card.

In other instances, gift cards may be sold without any suggestion of the consumer goods which may be purchased with the gift cards. Further, gift cards are often sold without providing any direct value to the consumer other than what value may be in the stored value account associated with the gift card.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a method and system that includes a stored value token which suggests products that may be purchased using the gift card while also providing direct value to the consumer in the form of one or more consumer goods. There is a further need in the art for a method and system that includes a stored value token that can store consumer goods which may be used by the token recipient.

SUMMARY

A stored value token can include a three dimensional, rectangular shaped closeable volume. The closeable volume can have a length, width, and a first thickness, the length being substantially greater than the width, the length and width being substantially greater than the first thickness, and the closeable volume has first and second planar, two dimensional surfaces defined by the length and width. The closeable volume can include human-readable media positioned on the first planar two dimensional surface, while the closeable volume has machine-readable media positioned on the second planar two dimensional surface.

The token can comprise a three dimensional, rectangular shaped closeable volume, the closeable volume having a length, width, and a first thickness, the length being substantially greater than the width, the length and width being substantially greater than the first thickness. The closeable volume has first and second planar, two dimensional surfaces defined by the length and width. The closeable volume comprises human-readable media positioned on the first planar two dimensional surface. The closeable volume also comprises machine-readable media positioned on the second planar two dimensional surface. The human readable media comprises one of text and illustrations that suggest products which can be purchased with the stored value token. The machine-readable media comprises one of a bar code, integrated circuit, a radio-frequency antenna, and a magnetic stripe.

The token also has a movable cover for allowing access to the closeable volume. The movable cover is attached to the closeable volume by a hinge. A plurality of movable objects are contained within the closeable volume, in which each movable object has a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness and each movable object comprises a consumer good.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and system provides a stored value token that comprises a three dimensional, closed volume which can include a movable cover for allowing access to the closed volume. The closed volume can contain various movable objects such as consumer goods, like plant seeds, edible food stuffs like mints, and/or utilitarian objects, such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc., that can be used by the consumer. The closed volume can comprise human readable printed media on one side that identifies the volume as a stored value card and that identifies the contents being contained within the closed volume. The printed media can be formed from ink, or other writing materials, which is placed on a substrate that is attached to the closed volume by an adhesive. Alternatively, the printed media can be applied directly to a surface of the closed volume or human readable information can be carved from, or otherwise applied to, a surface of the closed volume.

On a second side of the closed volume a machine-readable code can be applied to a substrate which is attached to the closed volume by an adhesive. The machine readable code can take the form of at least one of a bar code, a radio-frequency (RF) Identifier, a magnetic stripe, an integrated circuit (IC), or any combination thereof. The machine-readable code can comprise an identifier that corresponds to a stored value account. A purchaser of the stored value token can set the value in the stored value account associated with the stored value token or this value can be set in predetermined increments by the manufacturer. Once purchased by the consumer and after activation of the token, which can occur when the machine-readable code is scanned by a reader, the bearer of the stored value token can use the value in the stored value account to purchase goods or services based on the value in the stored value account associated with the token. The stored valued token can be replenished for re-use or it can be a one-time use token.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the three dimensional volume of the stored value token can comprise a movable, triangular shaped door that allows access to a rectangular parallel-piped shaped, closeable volume. The triangular shaped door can comprise one of the four corners of the rectangular parallel-piped shaped closeable volume. The triangular shaped door can be formed by two sides of the volume and a rear portion of the volume may support the machine-readable code for the token. The rear portion forming the triangular shaped door may further comprise a seam that functions as a hinge for the door. The door may rotate about this hinge to allow access to the closed volume. The closeable volume has a length, width, and thickness in which the thickness generally corresponds to height of the objects contained within the volume. The length and width of the closeable volume can be sized such that they correspond to a standard or traditional card size similar to other money instruments like credit cards, integrated circuit (IC or smart) cards, debit cards, and the like.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the three dimensional volume of the stored value token can comprise a movable, rectangular shaped door that allows access to a rectangular parallel-piped shaped closeable volume. The rectangular door can be fastened to the closeable volume by at least one hinge which is positioned along a side of the closeable volume. The rectangular door may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the remaining parts which form the closeable volume. The door may rotate about the hinge to allow access to the closed volume. The closeable volume has a length, width, and thickness in which the thickness generally corresponds to a size which is at least double the height of the objects contained within the volume. The length and width of the closeable volume can be sized such that they correspond to a standard or traditional card size similar to other money instruments like credit cards, IC cards, debit cards, and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 1A, in which like reference numerals designate like elements, this figure illustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100A according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The three dimensional stored value token100A may generally comprise a rectangular volume; however, other shapes are included within the scope of the invention. For example, the three dimensional stored value token100A may comprise a cylindrical, square, or other geometrical shape.

The three dimensional stored value token100A may be constructed from one or more various materials. For example, the embodiment of the stored value token100A illustrated inFIG. 1Amay be constructed entirely from plastic. However, other materials are included within the invention, such as metal, composites, paper, or any other natural and/or synthetic materials.

The three dimensional stored value token100A may have a length dimension L, a width dimension W, and a thickness dimension T. The length L and width W generally correspond with the length and width of cards used in financial transactions. In other words, the length L and width W can be selected to correspond with standard sized financial cards like debit cards, integrated circuit (IC) cards, and credit cards as used in industry. The length L and width W can correspond with Format ID-1 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) standard 7810. This means that the length L can comprise a magnitude of about eighty-five millimeters and the width W can comprise a magnitude of about fifty-four millimeters.

The thickness dimension T can be selected such that it generally corresponds with a thickness of a movable object being contained within the three dimensional stored value token100A. That is, the thickness dimension T may be selected such that it is slightly larger than a maximum thickness of the objects being contained within the three dimensional stored value token100A. The relationship between the thickness dimension T and the movable objects being contained within the stored value token100A is discussed in further detail below in connection withFIG. 1D. Dimensions greater than or less than the exemplary magnitudes for the length L, width W, and thickness T dimensions described above are within the scope of the invention.

The three dimensional stored value token100A may comprise a label105that has human-readable media110A,110B. The first human-readable media110A may identify a type of consumer goods that may be purchased with the three dimensional stored value token100A in addition to identifying the movable objects being contained by the token100A. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the first human-readable media110A comprises an illustration of a flower. Other movable objects, beyond seeds, are not beyond the scope of the invention as illustrated inFIG. 11and discussed below.

The second human-readable media110B may identify the invention as a stored value token100A. However, other human-readable media110beyond those described for the label105are within the scope of the invention. The human-readable media110may be formed from ink or other marking media. The human-readable media110can be applied directly to a first surface or it may be applied to the label105that is attached to a first surface107of the three dimensional volume100A. The human-readable media110can also be imprinted, stamped, or carved from a surface107of the three dimensional stored value token100A.

The three dimensional stored value token100A may have a door115A that allows access to the volume defined by the stored value token100A. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1A, the door115can generally comprise a corner portion of the rectangular-shaped volume of the stored value token100A. Further details of the door115A illustrated inFIG. 1Awill be described below in connection withFIG. 1C. The door115A of the stored value token100A is not limited to the one illustrated inFIG. 1Aand my include other types and shapes. For example, see the rectangular shaped door115B of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4described below.

FIG. 1Billustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100A and a machine-readable code120positioned on a rear surface of the token100A according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The machine-readable code120is illustrated with dashed lines to indicate that it is hidden from the perspective view ofFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1Bfurther illustrates the movable objects125A that can be contained within the volume defined by the three dimensional token100A. The movable objects125A ofFIG. 1Bmay comprise consumer goods, like seeds, that have generally cylindrical shapes. Movable objects125A include those items which can move freely within the volume defined by the three dimensional token100A. However, the invention may include and contain objects which are not movable meaning that the objects125A may be secured by packaging material or that they are so tightly packed that their movement within the volume of the token100A is restricted.

As noted above, the movable objects125A are not limited to consumer goods and particularly to seeds. Other consumer goods include, but are not limited to, edible food stuffs like mints, gum, and/or utilitarian objects that can be used by the consumer such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, needles, tacks, washers, etc. In view of the various objects that can be contained within the closed volume defined by the stored value token100A, it is understood that the shapes of the objects125A are not limited to the cylindrical shapes representing the seeds and may have numerous shapes without departing from the invention.

FIG. 1Cillustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100A and a movable, triangular door115A in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The triangular door115A rotates about a diagonal seam133illustrated with dashed lines inFIG. 1Cto indicate it is hidden in the current view. The diagonal seam133is connected to the same surface that bears the machine-readable code120, which is also illustrated with dashed lines to indicate that the code120is also hidden from the view shown inFIG. 1C.

The diagonal seam133illustrated inFIG. 1Callows walls137A,B of the triangular door115A to move away from walls138A, B of the three dimensional stored value token100A. In this manner, access to the volume defined by the remaining non-movable portions of the three dimensional stored value token100A can be accomplished so that one or more movable objects125A can be removed from or inserted into the volume. The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1Cis preferably made from plastic. The diagonal seam133is also made from plastic. As noted previously, the three dimensional stored value token100A can be made from other materials besides plastic, such as metal, composites, or other materials.

FIG. 1Dillustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100A and with a movable, triangular door115A removed from view according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this view, the thickness dimension T of the stored value token100A is compared to a thickness dimension t for the movable object125A contained within the volume defined by the stored value token100A. The thickness t for the object125is generally very close or similar to the thickness T for the stored value token100A.

For example, the thickness dimension t for the object125A can comprise a magnitude of about 3/32 of an inch while the thickness dimension T for the stored value token100A can comprise a magnitude of about 6/32 of an inch. The ratio defined by these magnitudes for the object thickness t to the stored value token thickness T is approximately 1:2. However, other dimensions and ratios smaller or greater than these exemplary magnitudes are within the scope of the invention. Each object125A may have a different magnitude for its thickness dimension t such that there can be several magnitudes for the thickness dimension t. But all magnitudes for the thickness dimension t are less than the thickness dimension T for the stored value token100A. This discussion of the thickness t for each object125A may apply to all embodiments discussed in this specification.

FIG. 2illustrates a top view of a movable, triangular door115A according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The triangular door115A can be sized such that only one movable object125A may be dispensed at a time through the door115A. As noted previously, the triangular door115A may rotate about the seam133such that walls137A,B move relative to the remaining portions of the volume defined by the three dimensional stored value token100A. The invention is not limited to a triangular shaped door115A. The door115A may comprise other shapes, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval, and other geometrical shapes.

FIG. 3illustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100B with a movable rectangular door115B in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The rectangular door115B allows full access to the remaining portion305of the three dimensional stored value token100B. Relative to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-2, the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3allows multiple objects125to be inserted and/or removed as illustrated in further detail inFIG. 4described below.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3can have a length and width similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1. That is, the length and width of the stored value token100B can be selected to correspond with standard sized financial cards like debit cards, integrated circuit (IC) cards, and credit cards as used in industry. The length L and width W can correspond with Format ID-1 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) standard 7810 as described above for the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the stored value token100B is preferably made from metal. However, as noted above, other materials, such as plastics, composites, and the like are included within the scope of the invention. The shape of the volume defined by the three dimensional token100B is rectangular. However, other geometrical shapes such as oval, cylindrical, parallel-piped, and the like are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4illustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100B with a movable rectangular door115B in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the movable objects125A within the closeable volume defined by the door115B and portion310are visible. The machine readable code120is illustrated with dashed lines to indicate that it is hidden from this view.

The door115B has a first thickness dimension T1while the remaining portion310of the token100B can have a second thickness dimension T2. The first thickness T1can have an exemplary magnitude of about 5/32 of an inch. The second thickness T2can have an exemplary magnitude of about 25/32 of an inch. This means that, for this exemplary embodiment, the first thickness T1has a thickness which is approximately one-fifth of the thickness T2of portion310. However, other magnitudes greater or less than those described above for the first and second thickness dimensions T1and T2are within the scope of the invention.

Meanwhile, the thickness t for the movable objects125as described above can have a magnitude of about 3/32 of an inch. This means the second thickness T2dimension for the stationary portion310has a magnitude which is approximately eight times greater than the magnitude for the object thickness dimension t. However, other magnitudes greater or less than those described above for the thickness dimensions T2and t are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 5illustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100B with a movable rectangular door115B fastened to the token100B with hinges505according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Specifically, the rectangular door115B can be fastened to the stationary portion310by a first hinge505A and a second hinge505B. Any one of a number of different types of hinges can be used and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the hinges505can comprise butt hinges, butterfly hinges, barrel hinges, flush hinges, and the like. The hinges505can be integral or made as part of the door115B and stationary portion310or they can be separately manufactured and attached.

The hinges505A,505B can secure one end of the rectangular door115B to the stationary portion310of the three dimensional stored value token100B. The invention is not limited to the number of hinges505illustrated. The invention can include a fewer number or a greater number of hinges than the number illustrated. Further details of the hinges505will be described below in connection withFIGS. 7A-7B.

FIG. 6illustrates a top view of a three dimensional stored value token100B with a movable rectangular door115B in an open position exposing a major stationary portion310of the volume formed by the token100B according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this view, the machine-readable code120is again illustrated with dashed lines to indicate that it is hidden in this view.

The machine-readable code120is illustrated with a rectangular in shape to denote a label which may receive printed media comprising the code120. The code120is also illustrated with a certain size relative to the stationary portion310. The code120can have sizes and shapes other than those illustrated. Similarly, while only three objects125A are illustrated inFIG. 6, a number of objects125A greater or less than this magnitude is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an exemplary hinge for a three dimensional stored value token100B according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As noted above, any one of a number of different types of hinges505can be used and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the hinges505can comprise butt hinges, butterfly hinges, barrel hinges, flush hinges, and the like.

For the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7A, the hinge505comprises a section of the stationary portion310of the token100B which includes a first opening or aperture705A and a curved member710. The curved member710can be designed such that it has an end712which projects into a geometric plane defined by the first aperture705A. The curved member710can engage a linear member715illustrated inFIG. 7B. The first aperture705A may have a length dimension L1.

Referring now toFIG. 7B, this figure illustrates an exemplary aperture705B for receiving the hinge505ofFIG. 7Afor a three dimensional stored value token100B according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exemplary aperture705B is a second aperture relative to the first aperture705A ofFIG. 7A. The second aperture705B may have a length dimension L2. According to this exemplary embodiment, the length dimension L2is greater than the length dimension L1of the first aperture705A. Adjacent to the second aperture705B is a linear member715which engages the curved member710ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 8illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the machine readable code120for the stored value token100according to the invention. The machine-readable code120can take on one or more different types of forms. For example, the machine-readable code120A can comprise a bar-code. The machine readable code120B can comprise an RF antenna coupled to an integrated circuit or chip or the RF antenna can be tuned to a particular unique frequency. Alternatively, the machine-readable code120C can comprise an integrated circuit (IC) such as an IC circuit for an IC card. The machine-readable code120can take the form of any one or any combination of these exemplary codes120.

FIG. 9illustrates a magnetic stripe for the machine readable code120D according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The magnetic stripe machine-readable code120D can be positioned on the stationary portion310of the embodiment ofFIG. 3or on planar surface defined by the length L and width W of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 10illustrates a cross-sectional view of the three dimensional stored value token100B ofFIG. 3according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this view of the token100B, the thicknesses of the various parts of the token100B are not drawn to scale so that the various parts can be easily seen. A first substrate150A that supports the human-readable media110A,110B (not shown) is coupled to a surface of the first cover115A with first adhesive155A. Similarly, a second substrate150B supporting the machine-readable code120(not shown) is coupled to a surface of the stationary portion310with a second adhesive155B. The first adhesive155A and second adhesive155B can be the same or different types of adhesives.

FIG. 11illustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100B with movable utilitarian consumer goods125B-D according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As noted previously, the movable objects125can comprise consumer goods, like utilitarian consumer goods that can be used by the consumer such as screws125C, nails125B, nuts125D, bolts, etc. The utilitarian consumer goods125B-D are illustrated with dashed lines in this figure to signify that they are hidden from view in this figure. These types of consumer goods can suggest the type of goods which may be purchased by the user of the three dimensional stored value token100B. The volume defined by the three dimensional stored value token100B may comprise only one type of consumer goods125or any combination thereof.

FIG. 12illustrates a top, perspective view of a three dimensional stored value token100C formed from a single, folded substrate1205according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The substrate1205may comprise four foldable sides1205A,1205B,1205C, and1205D. The volume of the three dimensional stored value token100C can be formed when the four sides1205A,1205B,1205C, and1205D are positioned to form an enclosure. The sides1205can be fastened together with an adhesive when they are in a closed position.

The machine-readable code120can be positioned on a side1205E which remains stationary relative to the other four foldable sides1205A,1205B,1205C, and1205D. While only four foldable sides1205have been illustrated, the invention may include a fewer number or a greater number of foldable sides1205without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, while the foldable sides1205have been illustrated as a single unitary member, the invention can include sides1205which are separate from one another but which are glued together to form the enclosure. The material for the substrate1205can comprise paper. However, other materials, such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, composites, and the like are included within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 13illustrates a three dimensional stored value token100B fastened to display media1305for retail sale according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The display media1305can comprise a planar surface made from materials similar to those used for substrate embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12. The display media1305can further support human-readable media, similar to the human-readable media110A on the stored value token100. The three dimensional stored value token100B can be fastened to the display media1305by an adhesive which does not damage or mar the stationary portion310. After the three dimensional stored value token100B is purchased, the stored value token100B can be removed from display media1305.

FIG. 14is a functional block diagram of the three dimensional stored value token100D according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. This figure highlights various features of the stored value token100D. One of the main features of the invention includes the three dimensional volume defined by the container (Feature1405). Another feature1410includes how the token100D is sized for portability and for standard card transactions. An additional feature1415includes the moveable cover115for permitting access to the three dimensional volume. An additional feature1430is filling the three dimensional volume with movable consumer goods125.

Further features of the token100D include cover(s) with image(s) and/or text (feature1420) associated with suggested use of the token100D. The machine-readable code120that permits activation and value exchange is also a feature1405of the invention.

FIG. 15is a logic flow diagram highlighting various steps of a method1500for making and using the three dimensional stored value token according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Certain steps in the processes or process flow described in this specification must naturally precede others for the invention to function as described. However, the invention is not limited to the order of the steps described if such order or sequence does not alter the functionality of the invention. That is, it is recognized that some steps may performed before, after, or parallel other steps without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In some instances, certain steps can be deleted or not performed without departing from the invention.

Step1501is the first step of method1500in which a three-dimensional container having a length L and width W corresponding with card transactions can be formed. That is, as noted above, the length L and width W of the stored value token can be sized according to one or more standards, such as standard ID-1 of the international organization for standardization (ISO) and the international electrotechnical commission (IEC) 7810 standard.

In step1503, a cover115for accessing the volume within the three-dimensional container can be formed. The cover115can also be used for closing the volume contained by the three-dimensional container.

In step1506, the three-dimensional container can be filled with movable objects125that may include consumer goods. The consumer goods can include, but are not limited to, plant seeds, edible food stuffs like mints, and/or utilitarian objects that can be used by the consumer such as screws, nails, nuts, bolts, etc.

In step1509, a machine readable code120can be formed on a substrate with an adhesive as illustrated inFIG. 10. The machine-readable code120can comprise a bar code120A, an RF antenna120B, an integrated circuit120C, a magnetic stripe120D, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the machine-readable code120can be applied directly with a writing material, such as ink, to the surface of the token100.

In step1512, the machine-readable code120can be placed on the three dimensional container. Next, in step1515, the three-dimensional token100can be fastened to display media1305. The token100can be fastened to the display media1305with an adhesive or by a mechanical device, such as by cutouts in the display media1305that receive one or more corners of the stored value token100.

In step1518, the three dimensional stored value token100can be displayed for sale in a traditional store environment or on-line. If the three dimensional stored value token100is selected for purchase, the machine-readable code120is presented to a reader in step1521. The reader can take on one or many forms. The reader can comprise a point of sale terminal, a kiosk, or other type of device. If the three dimensional stored value token comprises a plurality of machine-readable codes120, such as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9described above, each machine-readable code120can be presented to the reader or only a single code120need to be presented if the plurality of codes120are logically related to one another in a back-end database.

In step1527, the one or more codes120can be scanned by the reader. In optional step1530illustrated with dashed lines, value in the form of a set or predetermined currency denomination can be added to a stored value account associated with the three dimensional stored value token100which is maintained in a back-end database. For example, the manufacturer of the stored value token100may establish that the token100can be sold at a value of a set amount such as, for example, twenty U.S. dollars. Once the reader scans the machine-readable code120, then the selected (and exemplary) set value of twenty U.S. dollars can be added to the stored value account associated with the token100.

Alternatively, in optional step1533illustrated with dashed lines, after scanning the machine-readable code120, the reader may prompt the purchaser of the token100to select a desired amount of value to be associated with the token100. For example, the purchaser of the token100could select to associate a value of one-hundred U.S. dollars to the token100.

Next, in step1536, the value of the three dimensional stored value token100can be displayed to the purchaser. In this step, the reader may present the value to the purchaser on an electronic display such as a terminal screen or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

In step1539, payment corresponding to the value of the three dimensional stored value token100can be received. In step1542, the three-dimensional container of the stored value token100can be opened so that the movable objects125, such as consumer goods, can be removed. Next, in step1545, the three-dimensional stored value token100can be presented and received as payment in a store for one or more goods and/or services.

Next, in step1547, the machine readable code120positioned on the token100can be scanned by a reader. Subsequently, in step1550, the value from the stored value account associated with the token100can be retrieved and exchanged for the one or more goods and/or services being purchased. In optional step1553, additional value can be received from the purchaser or another person in order to add additional value to the stored value account associated with the three dimensional stored value token100. Optional step1553allows the three dimensional stored value token to be re-charged for re-use. The process then ends.

Alternative embodiments for the three dimensional stored value token100will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, although this invention has been described in exemplary form with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that the present disclosure is made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts or steps may be resorted to without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.