Abstract:
A stored-value card including a housing and an object. The housing defining a storage cavity and including a door and an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The door is configured to transition between a closed position where the door covers an opening to the storage cavity and an open position where the opening is uncovered. The object stored within the housing is at least partially removable from the housing when the door is in the open position. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Stored-value cards and other financial transaction cards come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or 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 gift card declines as the card is used, thereby, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the card generally remains in the user&#39;s purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Stored-value cards 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 stored-value card including a housing and an object. The housing defines a storage cavity and includes a door and an account identifier. The account identifier signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The door is configured to transition between a closed position where the door covers an opening to the storage cavity and an open position where the opening is uncovered. The object stored within the housing is at least partially removable from the housing when the door is in the open position. Other related products and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
       FIG. 1A  is an exploded, perspective view illustration of one embodiment of a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  is a front view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1A  with a door in a closed position. 
       FIG. 1C  is a front view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1A  with a door in an open position. 
       FIG. 2A  is a back view illustration of one embodiment of a base of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2B  is a front view illustration of the base of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view illustration of the base of  FIG. 2B  taken about the line  2 C- 2 C. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustration of one embodiment of a first cover member of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1A , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view illustration of one embodiment of a second cover member of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1A , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4A  is a front view illustration of one embodiment of an unfolded carrier for supporting a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4B  is a back view illustration of the unfolded carrier of  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5  is a back view illustration of one embodiment of the folded carrier of  FIG. 4A  supporting a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of assembling a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of providing a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of using a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Gift cards, financial transaction cards, or other stored-value cards are adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services e.g. a retail store or website. According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a stored-value card to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the stored-value card at the retail store or other setting to pay for goods and/or services. A stored-value card, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer or recipient with extra amusement in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services with the stored-value card. 
   In particular, the stored-value card presents the original consumer and the recipient with a toy in addition to the financial functionality of the stored-value card. In one example, the toy is in the form of an elongated, elastomeric, sticky appendage coupled at one end to a housing of the stored-value card. Quickly rotating or flicking the housing toward a target object effectively throws a free end of the appendage toward the target object causing the appendage to elongate. Upon contact with the target object, the free end sticks or otherwise selectively adheres to the target object. The elastic nature of the appendage causes the appendage to retract to its original length, thereby, pulling the target object back toward the housing. In this manner, the appendage can be used to pick up or grab light weight items from a support surface, which, in turn, entertains the bearer of the stored-value card. In one embodiment, the presentation of the stored-value card with the appendage toy promotes the sale and/or loading of the stored-value card by potential consumers and/or other bearers of the stored-value card. 
   Turning to the figures,  FIG. 1  is an exploded, top perspective view of one embodiment of a stored-value card  10  according to the present invention. Stored-value card  10  includes a housing  12  and an object  14  stored within a cavity  16  ( FIG. 1C ) the housing  12 . Object  14  is at least partially removable from housing  12  to be played with by the bearer of stored-value card  10 . Stored-value card  10 , or more particularly, housing  12  is linked to a financial transaction account or record and provides a means for accessing the financial account to access monetary funds associated therewith for paying for goods and/or services. 
   Object  14  is a toy, an edible item(s), or other suitable item. In one embodiment, object  14  is a toy in the form of an appendage  14  stored within the housing  12 . In one example, appendage  14  is coupled to housing  12 . During use, appendage  14  is manipulated to at least partially extend out of the housing  12  as generally illustrated in the assembled views of  FIGS. 1B and 1C . Subsequently, the appendage  14  can be used to pick up light-weight objects and to otherwise stick to various target objects, as will be further described below, thereby, amusing the bearer of stored-value card  10  and other observers. Although primarily described below as being an appendage  14 , it should be understood that other toys such as playing cards, trading cards, tokens, novelty items, etc. or other items such as edible items may alternatively or additionally be stored within housing  12 . 
   In one embodiment, housing  12  includes a base  20  and a cover  22 . One embodiment of base  20  is collectively illustrated with reference to  FIG. 1A ,  2 A and  2 B. Notably, use of the terms “base” and “cover” do not refer to any particular orientation of stored-value card  10 . Base  20  generally includes a primary panel  30  and side walls  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 . Primary panel  30  is substantially planar and defines an outside surface  40  ( FIG. 2A ) and an inside surface  42  opposite outside surface  40 . In one embodiment, primary panel  30  is substantially rectangular and sized similarly to an identification card, a credit card, or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a user. In other embodiments, primary panel  30  is shaped as a square, circle, oval, star, or another suitable shape. 
   Side walls  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  each extend from inside surface  42  away from outside surface  40  and collectively extend about the majority of the perimeter of the primary panel  30 . In one embodiment, each side wall  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  extends with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel  30 . In particular, first side wall  32  extends substantially parallel to and is positioned opposite third side wall  36 . Second side wall  34  and fourth side wall  38  each extend between first side wall  32  and third side wall  36  opposite and substantially parallel to one another. 
   Additionally referring to the top and cross-sectional view illustrations of  FIGS. 2B and 2C , side walls  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  each extend from primary panel  30  to collectively define an inside edge  44  opposite primary panel  30 . In one example, inside edge  44  is formed as a stepped edge including a first portion  46  and a second portion  48 . First portion  46  extends generally about the perimeter of second portion  48  and extends from primary panel  30  a distance further than second portion  48  extends from primary panel  30 . In this respect, inside edge  44  is formed as a stepped edge with the lower, second portion  48  being positioned just inside higher, first portion  46 . In one embodiment, at least first portion  46  forms curved or chamfered corners at the intersection of each side wall  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  with another of side wall  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 . 
   In one embodiment as described with reference to  FIGS. 2B and 2C , second side wall  34  defines a cutout  50  extending from the inside edge  44  toward the primary panel  30 . In one example, cutout  50  semi-circular in shape and is laterally centered on side wall  34 . In one embodiment, two notches  52  are formed in second side wall  34 . In one example, notches  52  are spaced from one another and collectively centered relative to the cutout  50 . Each notch  52  extends through a portion of the thickness of first portion  46  and the entirety of the thickness of second portion  48 . As such, each notch  52  is formed to have a substantially L-shaped transverse cross-section. In one embodiment, a rib  54  extends above each notch  52 . More specifically, each rib  54  extends from inside edge  44  partially down and inward from first portion  46  to be adjacent a respective notch  52 . Notches  52  and ribs  54  are configured to facilitate attachment of a base  20  to cover  22 , as will be further described below. 
   In one example, a coupling feature  56  is formed by or otherwise extends from inside surface  42 . In one embodiment, coupling feature  56  is substantially cylindrical and defines a cavity  58  coaxially extending therethrough. In one embodiment, coupling feature  56  is substantially centered both laterally and longitudinally on inside surface  42 . Coupling feature  56  is specifically configured to maintain appendage  14  ( FIG. 1A ) upon assembly of stored-value card  10 , as will be further described below. 
   In one embodiment, indicia  60  is included on inside surface  42 . Indicia  60  may be printed directly to or printed to intermediate members that are subsequently adhered or otherwise secured to the inside surface  42  of the base primary panel  30 . In one embodiment, the indicia  60  depicts decorative scenes, identifies a retail store or other brand, or depicts any other suitable matter. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, outside surface  40  of primary panel  30  includes an account identifier  62  such as a bar code, magnetic strip, smart chip or other electronic device, radio frequency identification (RFID) device, or other suitable device readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station, kiosk, or other suitable device. Account identifier  62  may be printed or otherwise disposed on outside surface  40  of base  20 . Account identifier  62  indicates a financial account or record to which stored-value card  10  is linked. The account or record maintains the monetary balance on stored-value card  10  and is optionally stored 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 stored-value card  10  itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier  62 , a financial account or record linked to stored-value card  10  is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom, and/or having amounts added thereto. In view of the above, account identifier  62  is one example of means for linking stored-value card  10  with a financial account or record. 
   In one embodiment, redemption indicia  64  are included on outside surface  40  of base  20 . Redemption indicia  64  indicate that stored-value card  10  is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services, and that, upon use, a value of the purchase goods and/or services will be deducted from a financial account or record linked to stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, redemption indicia  64  includes phrases such as “&lt;NAME OF STORE&gt;GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides help or telephone information in a case of a lost, stolen, or damaged stored-value card, etc. In one embodiment, other indicia are printed or otherwise disposed on outside surface  40  of base  20  including other objects, text, backgrounds, graphics, brand identifiers, etc. In one embodiment, account identifier  62  and/or redemption indicia  64  are alternatively included on cover  22 . 
   In one embodiment, base  20  is formed by injection molding a plastic such as a combination of polystyrene and high-impact polystyrene or any other suitable material to define the various attributes of base  20 . In one embodiment, in which base  20  is formed by injection molding, account identifier  62 , redemption indicia  64 , and any other suitable indicia or information are printed on the injection molded base  20 . In one example, base  20  is found to be substantially rigid. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1A , cover  22  generally includes a first cover member  70  and a second cover member  72 . Cover members  70  and  72  are configured to collectively define cover  22  for interacting with base  20 . Referring to  FIG. 3A , in one embodiment, first cover member  70  generally includes a primary panel  80  and side walls  82 ,  84 , and  86 . Primary panel  80  is substantially planar and defines an inside surface  88  and an outside surface  90  opposite inside surface  88 . Each side wall  82 ,  84 , and  86  extends from inside surface  88 , in a direction substantially perpendicular to primary panel  80  and generally about a majority of the perimeter of primary panel  80 . 
   More specifically, where primary panel  80  is substantially rectangular, a side wall extends from three of the four sides of primary panel  80 . In this respect, in one embodiment, first side wall  82  is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to third side wall  86 , and second or end side wall  84 , is positioned to extend between side walls  82  and  86 . In this manner, a free edge  92  is defined by primary panel  80  and positioned opposite end wall  84 , and no side wall  82 ,  84 , and  86  extends from free edge  92  of primary panel  80 . 
   In one embodiment, an inside edge  94  is collectively defined by side walls  82 ,  84 , and  86  opposite primary panel  80 . In one embodiment, inside edge  94  is a stepped edge including a first portion  96  and second portion  98 . In one embodiment, first portion  96  extends from primary panel  80  a smaller distance than second portion  98  extends from primary panel  80 , and first portion  96  extends around the perimeter of second portion  98 . In this respect, inside edge  94  is formed as a stepped edge with a higher, second portion  98  being positioned just inside lower, first portion  96 . In one embodiment, the corners of inside edge  94  and/or primary panel  80  formed at the intersections of side walls  82 ,  84 , and  86  with another of side wall  82 ,  84 , and  86  are rounded or chamfered. 
   In one embodiment, a cylindrical protrusion  100  extends from inside surface  88  of primary panel  80  in a similar direction as side walls  82 ,  84 , and  86  extend from primary panel  80 . In one example, cylindrical protrusion  100  is configured to interact with coupling feature  56  ( FIG. 1A ) of base  20  upon assembly of stored-value card  10 . In one example, cylindrical protrusion  100  is formed with a diameter similar to or slightly smaller than a diameter of the cavity  58  ( FIG. 1A ) in coupling feature  56 . Furthermore, protrusion  100  is positioned on primary panel  80  to align with the coupling feature  56  of base  20  upon assembly, as will be further described below. 
   In one embodiment, the second cover member  72  includes a primary panel  110  and side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116 . Primary panel  110  is substantially planar and generally rectangular. Primary panel  110  generally defines an inside surface  118  and an outside surface  120  ( FIG. 1A ) opposite inside surface  118 . In one embodiment, primary panel  110  is formed with a similar thickness and width as primary panel  80 . 
   Each side wall  112 ,  114 , and  116  extends from inside surface  118  with an orientation substantially perpendicular to primary panel  110 . Side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116  collectively extend generally about a majority of the perimeter of primary panel  110 . In one embodiment, in which primary panel  110  is substantially rectangular, side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116  extend from three of the four side edges of primary panel  110 . In particular, first side wall  112  is positioned opposite and substantially parallel to third side wall  116 . Second side wall  114  extends between first side wall  112  and third side wall  116 . In this manner, a free edge  122  is defined by primary panel  110  opposite second wall  114 . In one example, no side wall  112 ,  114 , and  116  extends from free edge  122 . 
   Side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116  extend from primary panel  110  to collectively form an inside edge  124  opposite primary panel  110 . In one embodiment, inside edge  124  is a stepped edge including a first portion  126  and a second portion  128 . First portion  126  extends around the outside perimeter of the second portion  128 . In one embodiment, first portion  126  extends from primary panel  110  a smaller distance than second portion  128  extends from primary panel  110 . In this respect, inside edge  124  is formed as a stepped edge with a higher, second portion  128  being positioned just inside lower, first portion  126 . In one embodiment, the comers of at least first portion  126  of inside edge  124  formed at the intersection of side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116  with another of side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116  are rounded or chamfered. 
   In one embodiment, a cutout  130  is formed in second side wall  114 . In one example, cutout  130  is semi-circular in shape and is substantially laterally centered on second side wall  114 . One or more detents  132  extend from second side wall  112 . In particular, in one embodiment, two detents  132  each extend from inside edge  124 , in particular, from second portion  128 , further away from primary panel  110 . In one embodiment, two detents  132  are spaced from one another and collectively centered relative to the positioning of cutout  130  on second side wall  114 . Each detent  132  includes a detent protrusion  134 , which extends outwardly from the remainder of each detent  132  at least partially over the first portion  126 . 
   With the above descriptions in mind and with reference to  FIG. 1A , first cover member  70  and second cover member  72  are collectively configured to interface with and cover base  20 . In one embodiment, first cover member  70  is configured to abut second cover member  72  at free edges  92  and  122  to align primary panel  80  with primary panel  110  and side walls  82  and  86  with side walls  112  and  116 , respectively. More specifically, primary panels  80  and  110  are aligned with one another to collectively be sized/and shaped similar to primary panel  30  of base  20 . Accordingly, side walls  112 ,  114 , and  116  are formed to have a similar transverse cross-sectional shape as side walls  82 ,  84 , and  86 , respectively. Side walls  82  and  86  of first cover member  70  are linearly aligned with side walls  112  and  116  of second cover member  72 , respectively. In one embodiment, side walls  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  collectively are formed with a similar collectively defined perimeter as side walls  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  of base  20 . 
   In one embodiment, each of first cover member  70  and second cover member  72  is formed by injection molding a plastic such as polystyrene or any other suitable material to define the various attributes of cover members  70  and  72 . Cover members  70  and  72  are each found to be substantially rigid. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A ,  1 B, cover members  70  and  72  are each substantially translucent or transparent. In one example, cover members  70  and  72  and base  20  are each formed of similar materials having a similar or identical color. In other examples, base  20  and cover  22  may be formed of different or similar materials having different coloring. For instance, in one embodiment, base  20  is opaque and colored white to best display the printed account identifier  62 , redemption indicia  64 , etc., while cover  22  is formed of a different color or is substantially transparent or translucent. 
   Second cover member  72  is configured to be movable relative to first cover member  70  such that second cover member  72  functions as a door, as will be further described below. In one embodiment, in order to allow movement of second cover member  72 , relative to first cover member  70 , cover members  70  and  72  are rotatably coupled to one another. In one example, cover members  70  and  72  are coupled to one another via a face panel  140 . 
   Face panel  140  is substantially planar and is formed of paper, plastic, polyester, or other suitable material. Face panel  140  includes a first or outer surface  142  and a second or inner surface  144 . Inner surface  144  is configured to adhere to outside surfaces  90  and  120  of primary panels  80  and  110 . In one embodiment, face panel  140  is formed of a size sufficient to substantially extend over a majority of each of the outer side surfaces  90  and  120  of primary panels  80  and  110 . In one embodiment, face panel  140  is a sticker. In other embodiments, the face panel  140  is otherwise adhered to primary panels  80  and  110 . In this manner, face panel  140  couples first cover member  70  to second cover member  72 . 
   In one embodiment, face panel  140  includes indicia  146  such as decorative indicia brand indicia, etc. In one embodiment, indicia  146  relate to a particular occasion, such as a wedding, new baby, graduation, holiday, season, brand identifier, media form identifier, birthday, or any other visual design to promote purchase of stored-value card  10 . In one example, indicia  148  includes a picture or graphic referring to an animal or other character and is configured to coordinate with the visual appearance of appendage  14 . Indicia  146  may alternatively or additionally identify a brand associated with a stored-value card  10 , such as identifying a product brand, a store brand, etc. Other suitable combinations or selections of indicia  146  to be displayed on face panel  140  are also contemplated. In one embodiment, indicia  146  are printed on face panel  140  with acrylic resin. In one embodiment, face panel  140  is substantially transparent other than indicia  146  included thereon. Outer surface  142  of face panel  140  may be printed and finished in any suitable manner such as dull, matte, gloss, textured, or other effect finish. 
   Appendage  14  is generally elongated and defines a first end  150  and a second end  152  opposite the first end  150 . Appendage  14  is substantially elastic such that when first end  150  of the appendage  14  is held in place and second end  152  is flicked or otherwise thrown towards a target object, appendage  14  is configured to elongate due to the resulting forces applied to appendage  14 . In one embodiment, second end  152  is enlarged relative to the remainder of appendage  14  to provide additional weight to second end  152 . The additional weight of second end  152  further enhances the elongation of appendage  14  due to the forces of flicking/throwing. 
   In one embodiment, first end  150  is substantially flattened or otherwise formed so as to define an aperture  154  extending therethrough. Aperture  154  is configured to facilitate attachment to housing  12 . In one embodiment, aperture  154  is formed of a similar size as coupling feature  56 . In one embodiment, appendage  14  is tacky or sticky. The tacky nature of appendage  14  allows second end  152  and/or other portions of appendage  14  to stick or otherwise adhere to target objects contacted by second end  152  when second end is flicked or thrown as described above. As such, appendage  14  is one example of means for elastically deforming and sticking to target objects. Appendage  14  is formed of any suitable material such as an elastomeric and tacky material or an elastomeric material subsequently applied with a tackifier. In one example, appendage  14  is formed of hydrogenated polybutadiene or other suitable materials. 
   During assembly, appendage  14  is coupled with base  20 . In particular, first end  150  of appendage  14  is positioned such that aperture  154  defined therein receives coupling feature  56  of base  20 . In particular, aperture  154  is sized and shaped to be positioned about the cylindrical coupling feature  56 . In one embodiment, when appendage  14  is properly positioned with respect to coupling feature  56  and when placed to extend with a generally linear orientation, second end  152  extends towards, or more particularly extends over and beyond second side wall  34  as illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 1B . More specifically, in one embodiment, once appendage  14  is positioned about coupling feature  56 , appendage  14  is configured to extend toward second side wall  34  and to seat at least partially within cutout  50 . Notably, the deformable nature of appendage  14  allows elongated member to alternatively be placed in a serpentine configuration to be fully maintained on inside surface  42  of base  20  as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In an alternative embodiment, appendage  14  is placed on base  20 , but may not be coupled with base  20 . 
   Following placement of appendage  14  relative to base  20 , cover  22  is positioned over base  20 . In particular, first cover member  70  is positioned such that inside edge  94  interacts with inside edge  44  of base  20 . More specifically, first portion  96  and second portion  98  of inside edge  94  interface with first portion  46  and second portion  48  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of inside edge  94 , respectively. The stepped interface provides for a stable and generally neat coupling of base  20  and first cover member  70 . In one embodiment, first cover member  70  is aligned with base  20  such that first side wall  82 , second side wall  84 , and third side wall  86  interface with a portion of first side wall  32 , second side wall  34 , and a portion of third side wall  36 , respectively. When positioned on base  20 , cylindrical protrusion  100  fits within cavity  58  of coupling feature  56 . As such, in one embodiment, first end  150  of appendage  14  is secured in place between base  20  and first cover member  70 . In one embodiment, an adhesive or other attachment means is applied between inside edges  44  and  94  to secure base  20  to first cover member  70 . Use of other attachment means, such as attachment devices, screws, rivets, etc. is also contemplated to couple base  20  with first cover member  70 . 
   Second cover member  72  is positioned over a remaining portion of base  20 . In particular, second cover member  72  is aligned with remainder of inside edge  44  of base  20  not otherwise interfacing with first cover member  70 . In particular, second cover member  72  is aligned such that inside edge  124  of first side wall  112 , second side wall  114 , and third side wall  116  of second cover member  72  align with inside edge  44  formed by a portion of first side wall  32 , third side wall  36  and a portion of fourth side wall  38 . More specifically, first portion  46  and second portion  48  of inside edge  44  interface with first portion  126  and second portion  128  of inside edge  124 , respectively. The stepped interface provides for a stable and generally neat interface between base  20  and second cover member  72 . In one embodiment, unlike first cover member  70 , no adhesive or other attachment means is used to directly couple base  20  with second cover member  72 . 
   Upon proper alignment of second cover member  72  with base  20 , cutouts  50 ,  130  align with one another to collectively form a substantially circular or oval opening. Further, upon proper alignment, detents  132 , in particular, detent protrusions  134 , are configured to be received by notches  52  of base  20  as illustrated in broken lines in the cross-sectional illustration of  FIG. 2C . More specifically, each detent protrusion  134  extends into a respective notch  52  slightly below rib  54 . In this manner, second cover member  72  is selectively maintained relative to base  20 . Notably, upon placement of cover members  70  and  72  on base  20 , free edges  92  and  122  are laterally aligned with and abut one another. When cover members  70  and  72  are positioned on base  20  a cavity  156  (generally illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) is formed therebetween for receiving and storing appendage  14 . 
   Following positioning of first cover member  70  and second cover member  72  relative to base  20 , face panel  140  is applied to outside surfaces  90  and  120  of cover members  70  and  72 , respectively. In this manner, face panel  140  is used to selectively couple first cover member  70  to second cover member  72 . In one embodiment, face panel  140  covers a substantial portion of each outside surface  90  and  120 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, in which face panel  140  and cover  22  are substantially transparent, upon assembly of cover  22 , a consumer or other individual viewing stored-value card  10  can see through both face panel  140  and cover  22  to indicia  60  ( FIG. 1A ) or other indications on inside surface  42  of base  20 . In an alternative embodiment, indicia  60  described herein to be included on face panel  140  are alternatively directly printed to cover  22 , in particular, outer surfaces  90  and  120  of cover members  70  and  72 . In such an embodiment, face panel  140  may be substantially transparent so as to allow a viewer to view indicia printed directly to cover  22 . 
   Following this assembly, in one example, second cover member  72  is only permanently coupled to base  20  via face panel  140  and first cover member  70 . In this manner, second cover member  72  is free to be moved relative to base  20  between a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 1B  and an open position as illustrated in  FIG. 1C . In particular, second cover member  72  is configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction relative to first cover member  70  about the interface between first free edge  92  and free edge  122  as generally indicated in  FIG. 1B  as rotational axis  160 . In this manner, second cover member  72  functions as a door and is rotated such that outside surface  120  of second cover member  72  is rotated toward outside surface  90  of first cover member  70 . When rotated to an open position as described, cavity  16  and, thereby, appendage  14  are accessible from a position external to housing  12 . In this manner, a recipient or other bearer of stored-value card  10  can manipulate appendage  14  to extend at least partially out of housing  12 . In view of the above, second cover member  72  is one example of means for opening and closing housing  12 . 
   More specifically, in one embodiment, appendage  14  is positioned to extend from first end  150  and to be seated within cutout  50 . Once appendage  14  is so positioned, second cover member  72  is rotated in the clockwise direction to close housing  12  and to sandwich appendage  14  between and within base cutouts  50  and  130 . Second cover member  72  is maintained in a closed position due to the interaction between detents  132 , more particularly, interaction of detent protrusion  134  with notches  52  and ribs  54 . More specifically, during rotation of the second cover member  72  to the closed position, detents  132  deform slightly inward to move detent protrusions  134  inward and over ribs  54  and into notches  52 . Once closed, detents  132  return to their original position, thereby, pushing detent protrusions  134  into notches  52 . Due to interaction between detent protrusions  134  and ribs  54 , housing  12  is maintained in a closed position. 
   In one embodiment, when appendage  14  extends from the closed housing  12  via cutouts  50 ,  130 , the position of the appendage  14  corresponds with a character or animal on represented by indicia  146  such that appendage  14  appears as a portion of the character or animal. For example, in one embodiment, decorative indicia  146  depicts a frog or other animal and appendage  14  is positioned so as to appear to be a tongue, arm, leg, or other appendage of the animal depicted by indicia  146 . As such, indicia  146  is one example of means for visually representing appendage  14  as an appendage of a character or animal. 
   In addition, when appendage  14  extends from housing  12 , appendage  14  is positioned to be flicked or otherwise thrown toward a particular object. In particular, a bearer of stored-value card  10 , gripping stored value-card  10 , is able to flick, for example to rapidly rotate his/her wrist, and thereby, stored-value card  10 , toward an object or other member desired to be contacted by appendage  14 . By rapidly rotating stored-value card  10 , centripetal and velocity forces acting on appendage  14  cause appendage  14  to elongate. During elongation of appendage  14 , ideally, second end  152  of appendage  14  contacts the target object or member. 
   Due to the tacky nature of appendage  14 , second end  152  may stick or otherwise selectively adhere to the object or target member. When the flicking forces dissipate, appendage  14  returns to its original length and, thereby, the target object is also moved back toward housing  12  and the bearer of stored-value card  10 . As such, the bearer of stored-value card  10  and other observers are entertained. Flicking of the stored-value card  10  can be repeated as necessary and as desired by the user for their amusement. In an alternative embodiment, where appendage  14  is not coupled with housing  12 , second cover member  72  is opened and appendage  14  or other toy is entirely removable from housing  12  during use of appendage  14  for entertainment purposes. 
   Following use, appendage  14  is replaced and stored with housing  12 . More specifically, second cover member  72  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about axis  160  ( FIG. 1B ) to open housing  12 . When opened, appendage  14  is bent or otherwise manipulated as necessary to position appendage  14  fully within housing  12 . Following this positioning of appendage  14 , second cover member  72  is rotated about axis  160  in a clockwise direction to close housing  12  and to position detent protrusions  134  within notches  52  to maintain second cover member  72  in a closed position. As such, detents  132 , notches  52 , and ribs  54  collectively define a latch mechanism of housing  12 . When in a closed position, appendage  14  is fully maintained within housing  12 . Accordingly, housing  12  is one example of means for substantially enclosing appendage  14 . The enclosure of appendage  14  is desired to protect appendage  14  from environmental factors. In particular, due to the tacky nature of appendage  14 , enclosure within housing  12  prevents dust or other undesired debris from sticking or otherwise being attracted to appendage  14 . By preventing undesired materials from sticking to appendage  14 , appendage  14  is able to maintain its tackiness for a longer duration, thereby, increasing the life span of appendage  14 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, stored-value card  10  additionally includes a sticker  170 . Sticker  170  is configured to be applied to second cover member  72  and base  20  to maintain second cover member  72  in a closed position relative to base  20  in a more robust manner. In this fashion, sticker  170  holds second cover member  72  closed in a manner configured to withstand the rigors of transport, etc. such that detents  132  and detent protrusions  134  do not break off or otherwise damage prior to purchase of stored-value card  10  by a consumer. In addition, sticker  170  prevents or decreases the occurrence of consumers playing with stored-value card  10  in the retail setting without purchasing stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, sticker  170  is positioned on housing  12  to cover cutouts  50  and  130  to additionally prevent undesired materials from entering housing  12  through cutouts  50  and  130  and contacting appendage  14 . In one embodiment, sticker  170  includes indicia or other instructions telling a user to remove and dispose of sticker  170  prior to use of stored-value card  10  for entertainment purposes. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a carrier or backer  200  for supporting stored-value card  10  in an unfolded or open configuration. Backer  200  comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, for example, substantially in the form of a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Use of other materials is also contemplated. In one embodiment, backer  200  is a substantially planar substrate having a substantially elongated or generally rectangular shape. Accordingly, backer  200  defines a first surface  202  ( FIG. 4A ) and a second surface  204  ( FIG. 4B ) opposite first surface  202 . A tab  206  is substantially centered at a first lateral end of backer  200 . In one example, a support arm aperture  208  is defined within tab  206  and is configured to receive a support arm or hook. As such, an open backer  200  can be hung on the support arm or hook for display in a retail store. Backer  200  may additionally include any number of cutouts or be formed of any other suitable shape as desired to achieve a particular visual effect or to otherwise enhance the function of backer  200 . 
   Fold lines  210  and  212  each extend laterally across backer  200  and are spaced longitudinally from one another. More specifically, fold lines  210  are positioned relatively near tab  206  as compared to fold lines  212 . A first panel  214 , a second or intermediate panel  216 , and a third panel  218  are defined by the position of fold lines  210  and  212 . First panel  214  extends from fold lines  210  away from fold line  212  and includes tab  206 . Second or intermediate panel  216  extends between fold lines  210  and  212 . Third panel  218  extends from fold lines  212  in a direction opposite fold lines  210 . A laterally extending slit  220  is laterally centered on third panel  218 . 
   First surface  202  of intermediate panel  216  is configured to receive and maintain stored-value card  10  ( FIG. 1A ) as generally indicated by broken line  222 . In one example, stored-value card  10  is adhered to intermediate panel  216  and is longitudinally and laterally centered on intermediate panel  216 . In one embodiment, backer  200  additionally includes a fold line  224  laterally extending across intermediate panel  216 . 
   In one embodiment, backer  200  displays additional indicia, graphics or text information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, media format identifiers (e.g. characters, logos, scenes, or other illustrations relating to at least one of a movie, television show, book, etc.), characters, and/or other information. For example, first surface  202  includes indicia  232 ,  234 ,  236  and/or  238 . 
   Indicia  232  indicate that stored-value card  10  is 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 stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, indicia  232  include phrases such as “&lt;NAME OF STORE&gt;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 stored-value card  10 , etc. 
   Indicia  234  are decorative indicia that generally improve the aesthetic appeal of backer  200 . In one embodiment, decorative indicia  234  are positioned and configured to correspond with decorative indicia  136  of stored-value card  10 . In one example, decorative indicia  234  additionally or alternatively include a printed text or character reference to the appendage  14  ( FIG. 1A ) of stored-value card  10 . Indicia  236  identify a store, brand, department, media title or logo, e.g. a title or logo of a move, book television show, video game, etc. associated with stored-value card  10 , etc. In one embodiment, indicia  236  are additionally or alternatively included on first surface  202  and second surface  204  of backer  200 . 
   Indicia  238  instruct or otherwise inform a card bearer to write items of interest in associated fields  240 . In one embodiment, indicia  238  includes the text “To,” “From,” “GiftCard Amount,” and/or “Message” each being associated with a field  240  designated to be written on by user with a pen, pencil, marker, etc. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included. Any of indicia  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 , or other indicia, optionally may appear anywhere on backer  200  or stored-value card  10 . 
   Backer  200  is configured to receive stored-value card  10  on first surface  202  of intermediate panel  216  as illustrated with broken line  224  in  FIG. 4A . In particular, stored-value card  10  is releasably adhered or otherwise secured to intermediate panel  216 . Stored-value card  10  and backer  200  collectively define a stored-value card assembly  250  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, backer  200  is hung from a support arm or hook via aperture  208  for display in a retail setting in a manner in which at least stored-value card  10  and a portion of first surface  202  of backer  200  is visible to potential consumers. 
   During purchase, third panel  218  and an adjacent portion of intermediate panel  216  are folded back about fold line  224  as illustrated in  FIG. 5  to expose a portion of outside surface  40  of stored-value card  10 . In particular, the exposed portion of outside surface  40  includes account identifier  62 . As previously described, account identifier  62  is adapted for accessing a financial account or record associated with stored-value card  10  for activating, loading, or debiting from the account or record. Accordingly, by folding backer  200  about fold line  224 , account identifier  62  is accessible to activate and/or load stored-value card  10  without removing stored-value card  10  from backer  200 . 
   Backer  200  is configured such that after purchase first panel  214  and third panel  218  are foldable about fold lines  210  and  212 , respectively, to enclose or selectively wrap stored-value card  10  as desired. More particularly, third panel  218  is rotated about fold lines  212  so that first surface  202  of third panel  218  is moved towards first surface  202  of intermediate panel  216 . Then, first panel  214  is rotated about fold lines  210  so that first surface  202  of first panel  214  is moved toward first surface  202  of intermediate panel  216 . In this respect, first panel  214  at least partially overlaps third panel  218 . Tab  206  is slid into slit  220  of third panel  218  to selectively maintain backer  200  in a folded or closed position (not shown) about stored-value card  10 . Folding of first and third panels  214  and  218  of backer  200  in the opposite directions about fold lines  210  and  212  for display in a retail store is also contemplated. 
   When in the folded position, stored-value card  10  is effectively wrapped for presentation to a recipient of stored-value card  10 . Upon receipt, the recipient unfolds backer  200  to access stored-value card  10 . Once accessed, recipient or other bearer can use stored-value card  10  as a toy or as tender in financial transactions. Backers similar to backer  200  can be used with various sizes and shapes of stored-value cards  10 . Other backers or packages are also contemplated for supporting and/or substantially enclosing stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, stored-value card  10  is displayed and sold without backer  200 . 
     FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  300  of assembling stored-value card  10  with backer  200 . Additionally referring to  FIG. 1A , at  302 , stored-value card  10  is assembled. In particular, at  304 , appendage  14  is secured to base  20  by placing first end  150  of appendage  14  such that aperture  154  in first end  150  receives coupling feature  56  of base. In one embodiment, at  306 , base  20  is coupled with cover  22 . More specifically, first cover member  70  is coupled with base  20  by interfacing and adhering a portion of inside edge  44  of base  20  with inside edge  94  of first cover member  70 . Second cover member  72  is coupled with base  20  by interfacing a portion of inside edge  44  of base  20  with inside edge  124  of second cover member  72  and by placing detent protrusions  134  of second cover member  72  to be received by notches  52 . 
   At  308 , face panel  140  is coupled to cover  22 . More specifically, face panel  140  is adhered to outside surfaces  90  and  120  of first and second cover members  70  and  72 . In one example, face panel  140  is coupled to cover  22  prior to coupling base  20  with cover  22  at  306 . At  310 , sticker  170  is adhered to housing  12  about cutouts  50  and  130 . In particular, in one embodiment, appendage  14  is positioned fully within housing  12 , second cover member  72  is closed, and sticker  170  is adhered to base  20  and to cover  22  over cutouts  50  and  130 . In one example, sticker  170  is selectively adhered to housing  12 , such that a bearer of stored-value card  10  can subsequently remove sticker  170  to open housing  12  and to access appendage  14  or to otherwise interact with stored-value card  10  for entertainment purposes. 
   At  312 , the assembled stored-value card  10  is coupled with backer  200  to collectively form stored-value card assembly  250 . In one example, stored-value card  10  is coupled to backer  200  with an adhesive or other selectively releasable material or device. In one embodiment, backer  200  is folded into a folded position for shipment and/or display to retail settings. Backer  200  is, more specifically, folded by folding backer  200  about fold lines  210  to mate the backer surfaces illustrated in  FIG. 4B . As such, a portion of backer  200  with stored-value card  10  is visible from one side of folded backer  200 . Backer  200  can also be folded in the opposite direction about fold lines  210  to substantially enclosed stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, backer  200  is displayed in an unfolded position hung from a support arm via support arm aperture  208 . 
     FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  320  of providing stored-value card assembly  250  for sale to and use by consumers. At  322 , stored-value card assembly  250  is placed or hung from a rack, shelf, or similar device to display stored-value card assembly  250  for sale to potential consumers. In one example, stored-value card assembly  250  is placed for sale such that stored-value card  10  is visible to potential consumers. In one embodiment, a depiction of stored-value card assembly  250  is placed on a website for viewing and purchase by potential consumers. In one embodiment, stored-value card  10  is displayed without backer  200 . 
   At  324 , a consumer, who has decided to purchase stored-value card  10 , presents the stored-value card assembly  250 , or at least stored-value card  10 , to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, or other person or device to fold backer  200 , if necessary, and to scan account identifier  62  of stored-value card  10  to access the financial account or record linked to account identifier  62 . Upon accessing the financial account or record, at  326 , the account or record is accessed and value is added to the financial account or record. Thus, stored-value card  10  is activated and loaded. Once stored-value card  10  is activated and loaded, stored-value card  10  can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of stored-value card  10  to purchase goods and/or services at the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website. 
   At  328 , the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website accepts stored-value card  10  as payment towards the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of stored-value card  10 . In particular, the value currently loaded on stored-value card  10  is applied towards the purchase of goods and/or services. At  330 , additional value is optionally loaded on stored-value card  10  at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk, or other area of the retail store or related setting. Upon accepting stored-value card  10  as payment at  328 , the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation  328  again or operation  330  as requested by a current bearer of stored-value card  10 . Similarly, upon loading additional value to stored-value card  10  at  330 , the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation  330  again or operation  328 . In one example, the ability to accept stored-value card  10  as payment for goods and/or services is limited by whether the financial account or record associated with stored-value card  10  has any value at the time of attempted redemption. 
     FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  350  of using stored-value card  10 . At  352 , a potential consumer of stored-value card  10 , which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a website, decides to and does purchase stored-value card  10  from the retail store or website setting. Stored-value card  10  can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of stored-value card assembly  250 . Upon purchasing of stored-value card  10 , a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, or other person or device folds backer  200  to reveal account identifier  62 . Account identifier  62  is scanned to access the financial account or record linked to account identifier  62  and to thereby activate or load value onto stored-value card  10 . 
   At  354 , the consumer optionally gives stored-value card  10  to 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. As an alternative, the consumer can keep stored-value card  10  for his or her own use. 
   At  356 , the consumer or recipient, whoever is in current ownership or otherwise is the current bearer of stored-value card  10 , plays with stored-value card  10 . More specifically, the bearer removes stored-value card  10  from backer  200  if stored-value card  10  is coupled with backer  200  and removes sticker  170  from housing  12 . The bearer opens housing  12  by rotating second cover member  72  and interacts with appendage  14  or otherwise plays with stored-value card  10  for entertainment purposes. 
   More specifically, in one embodiment, the appendage  14  is positioned to at least partially extend out of housing  12 . The housing  12  is subsequently flicked or otherwise moved causing the second end  152  of appendage  14  to move away from first end  150  thereby elongating appendage  14 . The enlarged second end  152  enhances the distance and speed at which second end  152  travels away from first end due to the various forces induced by flicking housing  12 . In one embodiment, the bearer of stored-value card  10  flicks housing  12  toward a relatively lightweight object to be picked up from the floor or other support surface. When and if second end  152  contacts the object, the tacky nature of appendage  14  causes second end  152  to temporarily adhere to the object thereby picking the object up from the support surface. 
   When, due to the elastic nature of appendage  14 , appendage  14  retracts to its original length, second end  152  moves back to the bearer of stored-value card  10  with the picked object, which in turn generally amuses the bearer of stored-value card  10  and any observers. Stored-value card  10  can be repeatedly played with as described above as long as appendage  14  remains sufficiently tacky to grasp objects. It is contemplated that stored-value card  10  can be otherwise manipulated to amuse the bearer. 
   In one embodiment, following playing with stored-value card  10 , appendage  14  is bent or manipulated into a serpentine configuration to position appendage  14  fully within housing  12 , and second cover member  72  is closed. Accordingly, appendage  14  is at least partially protected from airborne debris or other contaminates that would otherwise serve to prematurely decrease the tackiness of appendage  14 . In this respect, the lifespan of appendage  14  is increased. 
   At  358 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  redeems stored-value card  10  for goods and/or services from the retail store or website. At  360 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  optionally adds value to stored-value card  10 , and more particularly, to the financial account or financial record associated with stored-value card  10 , at the retail store or over the Internet. Upon playing with stored-value card  10  at  356 , redeeming stored-value card  10  at  358 , or adding value to stored-value card  10  at  360 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  subsequently can perform any of operations  356 ,  358 , or  360  as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the current bearer to repeat redeeming stored-value card  10  at  358  is limited by whether the financial account or record associated with stored-value card  10  has any value at the time of attempted redemption. 
   Although described above as occurring at single retail store or website, in one embodiment, purchasing stored-value card  10  at  352 , redeeming stored-value card  10  at  358 , and adding value to stored-value card  10  at  360 , can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept stored-value card  10  or over the Internet. In one example, the number of stores are each a part of a chain or 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 come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “re-charged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient, or third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of a financial account or record associated with a stored-value card. The balance associated with the stored-value card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The card remains in the user&#39;s purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to 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 stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequency cards, pre-paid cards, and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example. 
   Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and its various embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art.