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.

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 a pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a consumer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a consumer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the gift card declines as the gift card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the gift card. Additionally, the gift card generally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards and other transaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction card assembly including 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, methods of providing a financial transaction card and other embodiments of transaction cards or products and associated combinations are also disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A stored-value card or transaction product, such as a gift card, is adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or website. According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a transaction card to give a recipient who in turn is able to use it to pay for goods and/or services. According to embodiments of the present invention, an assembly including the transaction card provides the consumer and/or recipient with an auxiliary product or article, such as a child's play product, configured for use separate from the financial functionality of the transaction card. For example, in one embodiment, the transaction card is provided on a backer, which also supports a dress or other clothing item for a doll. In one example, a cutout in the backer allows a portion of the dress to be viewed through the backer, and in one embodiment, is viewed through a hole in the backer that corresponds with a graphical depiction of a sample doll. Other synergistically depicted characters, scenes, or other subjects may additionally or alternatively be depicted by two or more of the collective group of the article, the backer, and the transaction card.

Turning to the figures,FIGS. 1-7illustrate various views and/or portions of one embodiment of a transaction card assembly10including a stored-value, financial, or other transaction card12, a carrier or backer14, and an auxiliary item or article16, for example, a play or novelty article. In one embodiment, backer14supports both transaction card12and article16such that each of transaction card12, backer14, and article16depict a different portion of a single subject. For example, backer14depicts a portion of a dressed doll, transaction card12depicts at least a head portion of the dressed doll, and article16depicts at least part of a clothing item, e.g., a dress, of the doll.

In one embodiment, transaction card12is formed of a substrate20. Substrate20is any suitable material such as a somewhat rigid, yet flexible, material similar to that commonly used for identification cards, credit cards, etc. More specifically, in one embodiment, substrate20is a substantially planar member formed of paper, cardstock, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic), a composite thereof, or other suitable material. In one embodiment, substrate20is formed of injection molded plastic or cut from sheet-stock plastic material. Substrate20can be formed in any other suitable planar or non-planar configuration as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one embodiment, substrate20is formed as a substantially planar member having a readily perceivable thickness and defining a first or front surface22and a second or rear surface24opposite front surface22. In one example, each of front surface22and rear surface24is substantially planar.

In one embodiment, transaction card12includes an account identifier26as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, for example, embedded in substrate20or on at least one of front surface22and rear surface24. Account identifier26includes one or more of 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 identifier26is machine readable, account identifier26is also readable by a bearer of transaction card12such that transaction card12can be used when a machine configured to read transaction card12is not present (e.g., when using transaction card12to make a purchase on a website). For example, account identifier26may include a number or letter string or a personal identification number (PIN)27(FIG. 4) identifying the associated account or record and/or a password (not illustrated) associated therewith. In one embodiment, account identifier26is printed on or otherwise applied or fixedly connected to rear surface24of substrate20.

Account identifier26links transaction card12to a financial or other stored-value account or record, for example, by identifying the account or record. The account or record indicates a value or balance (e.g., monetary value, points, minutes, or other balance) associated with transaction card12. In one embodiment, the account or record 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 card12itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier26, the account or record linked to transaction card12is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom and/or have amounts credited thereto. Account identifier26is one example of means for linking transaction card12with an account or record.

In one embodiment, redemption indicia28, which are generally indicated by a broken line box inFIG. 2, are included on transaction card12such as on rear surface24of substrate20. Redemption indicia28indicate that transaction card12is 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 card12. In one embodiment, redemption indicia28include 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 the case of a lost, stolen or damaged stored-value card, etc.

In one embodiment, transaction card12includes graphical indicia30, for instance, on front surface22. Graphical indicia30depict a portion of a subject32, e.g., a character or scene. In one example, graphical indicia30depict at least a head or top portion of subject32where subject32is a dressed doll as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5. In one example, graphical indicia30are printed in any suitable manner such as using multiple color, foil, embossed, and/or other printing techniques as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application. According to the above and following description, transaction card10with graphical indicia30is one example of means for depicting a first portion of subject32.

Transaction card12may include additional indicia such as any suitable graphics, text or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, additional indicia include one or more brand identifiers34. Brand identifier34includes one or more of a logo, text, trademark, etc. that associates transaction card12with at least one of a product, a brand, a store, etc. In one example, the additional indicia define a write-in field36(FIG. 4) on exterior surface42configured to receive ink applied by the consumer or retail store employee indicating an amount added to and/or activated in an account or record linked to account identifier26as will be further described below.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3and5-7, in one embodiment, backer14is formed from a single or multiple layer material or substrate, for example, a paper, plastic, or composite material, in the form of a substantially planar member40such as a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Substantially planar member40defines a first or exterior surface42and a second or interior surface44opposite exterior surface42. In one instance, backer14is folded along at least one fold line50to define at least two panels, in one embodiment, front panel46and rear panel48, one on each side of fold line50. In one embodiment, when backer14is folded, interior surface44is substantially folded onto itself and/or substantially only exterior surface42is visible when folded backer14is externally viewed.

In one example, where backer14is bi-fold, backer14defines a first or front window or opening52and a second or rear window or opening54. More specifically, front opening52is formed in front panel46, and rear opening54is formed in rear panel48. Front opening52and rear opening54are similarly sized and shaped and are positioned to correspond with one another when backer14is folded. When backer14is in the folded configuration, front opening52and rear opening54align, and, in one example, align such that perimeters of front opening52and rear opening54are substantially coextensive with one another. Accordingly, when backer14is in a folded configuration, front opening52and rear opening54collectively permit viewing entirely through backer14, for example as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 7.

In one embodiment, backer14defines an article viewing cutout or aperture56, for example, through front panel46. For example, backer14includes subject indicia60depicting a portion of subject32referenced above. In the illustrated embodiment, subject indicia60depict the limbs and surrounding environment of subject32including a character or other depiction as described above. In one example, viewing aperture56is sized and shaped to specifically correspond with a portion of subject32adjacent subject indicia60. For instance, where, as illustrated, subject32is a character such as a doll, animated character, non-fictional character, etc., viewing aperture56is sized to correspond with an outfit or portion thereof, e.g., a dress, worn by subject32and is positioned such that viewing aperture56visually takes the place of the outfit or portion thereof. In this manner, anything viewed through viewing aperture56will appear as part of subject32, more specifically, in one example, as a clothing item of the character subject. In view of the above and following disclosure, backer14with subject indicia60are one example of means for depicting a second portion of subject32.

In one example, additional subject indicia61are included on interior surface44of backer14. Additional subject indicia61may differ from subject indicia60but, in one embodiment, also correspond with article16to collectively present a larger overall subject than article16alone. For example, where article16is coupled with interior surface44, additional subject indicia61corresponding thereto are adjacent article16. As illustrated, where article16is a dress, in one embodiment, additional subject indicia61depict a closet, clothing rack, retail display, etc. generally known to correspond with supporting a dress. Consequently, the resulting overall effect of viewing interior surface44and article16when backer14is in the unfolded configuration is of a dress hanging on a supporting structure. Such correspondence of article16to subject indicia60and/or additional subject indicia61collectively create a synergistic play item for the end consumer configured to encourage the end consumer's creativity and imagination especially when the end consumer is a child.

Backer14displays additional 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. For example, in one embodiment, backer14includes brand indicia62, which identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction card12. Brand indicia62may be similar to or otherwise visually correspond with brand identifier34on transaction card12.

In one example, backer14includes informational indicia64relating to article16and/or any other portion of transaction card assembly10. In one embodiment, informational indicia64indicate that transaction card assembly10includes article16, identify details of article16and/or transaction card12, and/or include any warnings or age limits associated with any portion of transaction card assembly10. In one embodiment, backer14includes promotional indicia65used to promote the contents and functional and amusing aspects of transaction card assembly10. In one example, text or other depictions on backer14may simultaneously serve as informational indicia64and promotional indicia65.

Referring toFIG. 7, in one embodiment, backer14includes redemption indicia66, which is generally indicated as a dashed box for illustrative purposes, indicating that transaction card12is 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 financial account or record linked to transaction card12. In one embodiment, redemption indicia66include 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 card12, etc.

In one embodiment, backer14includes message field indicia68including to, from, amount, and/or message fields. Message field indicia68define areas of backer14configured to be written upon by a consumer to personalize backer14for presentation as a gift to a particular recipient, for a particular purpose, and/or to indicate a value of a corresponding transaction card12.

Any of identifiers, indicia or fields26,28,30,34,36,64,65,66, and68or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer14or transaction card12. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included and/or one or more of identifiers or indicia26,28,30,34,36,64,65,66, and68may be eliminated.

As described above, backer14supports article16such that backer14is one example of means for supporting article16. Article16is any suitable article configured to provide functionality and/or amusement to transaction card assembly10in addition to the financial functionality of transaction card12. Article16may be a clothing item for a character, a playing card, a package, or any other suitable item(s). In one example, article16either is substantially flat (e.g., a playing card) or is configured to be relatively easily folded, compressed, or otherwise manipulated into a substantially flat configuration (e.g., a fabric clothing item, any other fabric item, and a selectively inflatable item). Accordingly, in one embodiment, article16includes a front side80and an opposing rear side82.

In one embodiment, article16is coupled to interior surface44of backer14. For example, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, rear side82of article16is fastened to extend over a portion of interior surface44defined by rear panel48such that article16aligns with viewing aperture56when backer14is in the closed configuration. Article16can be coupled to backer14in any suitable manner not significantly obscuring viewing of a surface of article16nearest to viewing aperture56as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. Due to the size and positioning of viewing aperture56as described above, a portion of article16viewed through viewing aperture56represents or depicts a portion of subject32as will be further described below. As such, embodiments of article16described herein are examples of three-dimensional means for depicting a portion of subject32, and viewing aperture56is one example of means for providing visual access to article16through backer14.

In one embodiment, article16is coupled to backer14without packaging, etc. in a manner configured to avoid permanently damaging or otherwise degrading article16. As illustrated with reference toFIGS. 3 and 7, in one embodiment, backer14defines fastening holes70, for example, through rear panel48and positioned such that article16covers fastening holes70when article16is viewed from front side80thereof. For instance, four fastening holes70are defined through rear panel48of backer14near four corners of article16. Fasteners72, such as plastic tag fasteners known in the art (i.e., plastic fasteners including a relatively small, elongated middle section with larger tabs on either end thereof extending substantially transverse to the elongated middle section) are thread through fastening holes70and are punched through article16or a package or tag thereof, for example, through each corner of article16. In one embodiment, the relatively small size of fasteners72and a fabric nature of article16allow each fastener72to extend between fibers of article16resulting in little or no damage to article16. Fasteners72are sized (e.g., are of a fairly small length) to hold article16close to rear panel48of backer14. Article16can subsequently be removed from backer14by cutting or breaking fasteners72in a manner causing little if any discernable damage to article16. Other fasteners and/or means for fastening article16to backer14other than the examples described above are also contemplated such as, for example, staples, removable adhesive, shrink wrapping, etc.

While, in one example, article16is substantially flat as described above, in one embodiment, article16has a more than negligible thickness. As such, to facilitate maintaining backer14in the closed or folded position, means for selectively securing front panel46to rear panel48together opposite fold line50is included. In one embodiment, a first securing component74is positioned opposite fold line50and coupled to a portion of interior surface44defined by front panel46, and a corresponding second securing component76is positioned opposite fold line50and coupled to a portion of interior surface44defined by rear panel48. First securing component74is configured to be selectively and repeatedly coupled with second securing component76when backer14is folded. For example, first securing component74is one of a hook component and a loop component of a hook-and-loop closure (e.g., such as the hook-and-loop type closures known as Velcro® brand closures manufactured by Velcro Industries B.V.), and second securing component76is the other of the hook component and the loop component. Other suitable selectively securable fasteners or configurations are also contemplated, such as a tab and corresponding receiving slit, snap, button, etc., which will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application.

In one example, the thickness and fabric nature of article16causes article16to extend slightly up through viewing aperture56and in front of exterior surface42of front panel46(see, e.g.,FIG. 6) creating a somewhat three-dimensional presentation. In one embodiment, a potential consumer or other individual observing the resultant transaction card assembly10is able to touch and tactilely perceive article16through viewing aperture56even while backer14is maintained in the folded configuration.

To facilitate hanging backer14supporting transaction card12and article16, in one embodiment, backer14defines one or more hanging apertures86and88. For example, first hanging aperture86is formed near a top of backer14through front panel46, and second hanging aperture88is formed near a top of backer14through rear panel48. In one embodiment, hanging apertures86and88align with one another when backer14is in a folded configuration such that a support rod, etc. in a retail display (not shown) is thread through both hanging apertures86and88. By aligning two hanging apertures86and88, the extra strength of two rather than a single panel of backer14is used to hang transaction card assembly10providing relatively strong support for transaction card assembly10including transaction card12and article16, which add to the overall weight of transaction card assembly10.

FIG. 8illustrates a method100of assembling transaction card assembly10, according to one embodiment of the present invention where article16is a fabric item. However, it should be understood that a similar method can also be used in an embodiment where article16is not a fabric item. At102, unfolded backer14in a substantially planar form is provided where, in one embodiment, backer14defines front opening52, rear opening54, and viewing aperture56on front and rear panels46and48thereof as described above.

At104, article16is provided and coupled to backer14. For example, rear side82of article16is coupled to a portion of interior surface44defined by rear panel48of backer14. In one embodiment, article16is positioned on backer14to align with additional subject indicia61such that article16appears as a three-dimensional extension of additional subject indicia61. In one embodiment, article16is coupled with backer14(e.g., a portion of interior surface44defined by one of front panel46and rear panel48) to align with and substantially extend across an entirety of viewing aperture56in front panel46when backer14is eventually folded about fold line50. Article16is secured in place relative to backer14in any suitable manner such as by inserting fasteners72through fastener holes70, which were preformed in backer14, and through a portion of article16. In one embodiment, at least one fastener72is positioned on a first side of the viewing aperture56(e.g., above viewing aperture56in the orientation ofFIGS. 5 and 7), and at least one fastener72is positioned on a second side of the viewing aperture56(e.g., below viewing aperture56in the orientation ofFIGS. 5 and 7) opposite the first side when backer14is in the folded configuration. Such a configuration, holds article16is a position extending across viewing aperture56when backer14is in a folded configuration.

At106, backer14is folded about fold line50or otherwise manipulated to enclose article16. In one embodiment, folding backer14about fold line50brings first securing component74into contact with second securing component76in a manner selectively holding backer14in a folded configuration about article16. Once folded, if not previously, article16extends across viewing aperture56such that when backer14is viewed from the front (e.g., the view illustrated inFIG. 5), article16is viewed through viewing aperture56and appears as a portion of the subject32along with subject indicia60of backer14.

In one embodiment, at108, transaction card12is coupled with backer14to complete assembly of transaction card assembly10. For example, rear surface24of transaction card12is placed on or at least toward a portion of exterior surface42of front panel46of backer14and is coupled in place, e.g., using releasable adhesive, a skinning or overlay material, and/or other suitable technique. When transaction card12is placed on front panel46, it is positioned such that account identifier26aligns with front opening52and, in one embodiment, rear opening54, such that account identifier26can be viewed, scanned, or otherwise read through backer14from a rear portion thereof (see, e.g.,FIG. 7where account identifier26is viewable through both front opening52and rear opening54). In view of at least the above description, front opening52and rear opening54are each examples of means for visually permitting access to account identifier26. In one embodiment, transaction card12is placed on front panel46so as not to substantially obstruct viewing aperture56(i.e., such that viewing aperture56is substantially free from obstruction by transaction card12). For example, transaction card12is spaced entirely from or only covers a very small portion of viewing aperture56when transaction card assembly10is viewed from the front.

According to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, in one example, the above-described placement of transaction card12also positions graphical indicia30to align with and/or otherwise correspond with subject indicia60on exterior surface42of front panel46and/or a portion of article16viewed through viewing aperture56. For example, as illustrated, graphical indicia30depict head and shoulders of a character (e.g., a doll) and cohesively align with subject indicia60, which depict a portion of the upper body and the limbs of the same character. Finally, as described above, article16(e.g., dress as illustrated) is seen through viewing aperture56and is shaped and positioned such that article16appears as a third portion of the character, such as the dressed or clothed portion. In this manner, subject32is collectively defined by transaction card12, backer14, and article16, which each depict a different portion of subject32. As such, each member of transaction card assembly10contributes to the overall synergistic effect and presentation of subject32, in this case, of a doll or other character.

Notably, while method100is illustrated in an example utilizing a linear sequence of events, it should be understood that other orders of completing at least operations104-108are also contemplated. For example, operation108may be completed before either one of operations104and106or may be completed substantially simultaneously with one or both of operations104and106as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.

FIG. 9is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method120of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of transaction card12by consumers and/or recipients. At122, transaction card12is placed on or hung from a rack, shelf or other similar device to display transaction card12for sale to potential consumers, for example, via backer14, more specifically, hang apertures86and88. In one example, while transaction card12is hung in a retail store, potential consumers are able to touch and feel article16through viewing aperture56in a manner further promoting and encouraging purchase of transaction card assembly10. In one embodiment, rather than hanging transaction card assembly10on a retail fixture, a depiction of transaction card12is placed on a website for viewing and purchase by potential consumers.

At124, a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction card12presents transaction card12on backer14to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, remote terminal, or other person or device to scan account identifier26to access an account or record linked to account identifier26. In particular, account identifier26is scanned or otherwise accessed, for example through front opening52and rear opening54of backer14to activate transaction card12. Upon accessing the account or record, then, at126, value is added to the account or record in the form of monetary value, points, minutes, etc. Thus, transaction card12is activated and loaded. In one embodiment, value is already associated with the account or record linked to account identifier26. In such an embodiment, account identifier26is scanned to activate the account or record and operation126may be eliminated.

Once transaction card12is activated and loaded, transaction card12can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction card12to purchase goods and/or services at the affiliated retail setting (e.g., a retail store or website) or can be used in exchange for calling minutes, etc. In one embodiment, where transaction card12is displayed on a website at122, then, at124, transaction card12may be activated in any suitable method and may not require the physical scanning of account identifier26to be activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at126.

In one example, at128, the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website accepts transaction card12as payment toward the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of transaction card12. In particular, the value currently loaded on transaction card12(i.e., value stored or recorded in the account or record linked to account identifier26) is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services. At130, additional value is optionally loaded on transaction card12at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk, website, or other area of the retail store or related setting.

Upon accepting transaction card12as payment at128, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation128or operation130as requested by a current bearer of transaction card12. Similarly, upon loading additional value on transaction card12at130, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation130again or operation128. In one example, the ability to accept transaction card12as payment for goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated with transaction card12has any value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.

FIG. 10is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method150of using transaction card12(e.g.,FIGS. 1-7). At152, a potential consumer of transaction card12, which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a website, decides to and does purchase transaction card12from the retail store or website. It should be understood that transaction card12can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of transaction card assembly10along with backer14. Upon purchasing transaction card12, a retail store employee, a retail store kiosk or other person or device scans account identifier26through front opening52and rear opening54of backer14or otherwise reads or accesses account identifier26(e.g.,FIG. 7). Upon accessing account identifier26, the account or record linked to account identifier26is accessed and activated to load value onto transaction card12(i.e., load value to the account or record associated with transaction card12). In one embodiment, such as where transaction card12is purchased at152via a website, actual scanning or other mechanical detection of account identifier26may be eliminated.

At154, the consumer optionally gives transaction card12to 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 or other party. In one embodiment, a plurality of transaction cards12are 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 card12for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation154.

At156, the consumer, recipient, or other current bearer of transaction card12is able to play with or otherwise use transaction card assembly10or at least a portion thereof for non-transactional and/or amusing purposes. More specifically, in one embodiment, the non-transactional purposes of the transaction card assembly10include removing article16from backer14and using it to dress a properly sized doll or for any other suitable play or other purpose generally unrelated to use of transaction card12as a payment vehicle. In one embodiment, backer14can be partially unfolded and positioned to stand on a support surface such as a table to present additional subject indicia61as a background for a child's play with the doll or character.

In one embodiment, the non-transactional purpose includes manipulating backer14and/or other items to change what is viewed through viewing aperture56. For example, a different piece of fabric or clothing item (not shown) may be placed behind viewing aperture56, which, in the illustrated embodiments, changes the overall appearance of subject32. In one embodiment, placing a different piece of fabric behind viewing aperture56visually appears as a new outfit for the depicted doll or character. Alternatively, backer14may be unfolded and held in front of various objects (e.g., a wall, tabletop, or any other scene) such that the particular object appears as the clothing item or other portion of subject32depicted through viewing aperture56.

At158, the product bearer redeems transaction card12for goods and/or services from the retail store or website. At160, the bearer of transaction card12optionally adds value to transaction card12, more particularly, to the account or record associated with account identifier26included therewith, at the retail store or over the Internet (i.e., via the website). Upon playing with at least a portion of transaction card12and/or backer14at156or redeeming transaction card12at158or adding value to transaction card12at160, the bearer of transaction card12subsequently can perform any of operations156,158or160as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the bearer to repeat redeeming transaction card12at158is limited by whether the account or record linked with transaction card12has any remaining value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption.

Although described above as occurring at a single retail store or website, in one embodiment, purchasing transaction card12at152, redeeming transaction card12at158, and adding value to transaction card12at160can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept transaction card12or over the Internet. In one example, a number of stores are each part of a chain or are similarly branded stores. In one example, the number of stores includes at least one website and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.

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

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