Abstract:
A wallet card package having a card that is removably secured to the package so that it can be removed for activation and a pouch for rejoining the removed card with the package following activation. The card is preferably secured to the package by a peelable adhesive that permits the card to be readily removed from the package. The package preferably includes front and rear panels that cooperatively define a pouch for receiving the card after it has been removed. The present invention also discloses a method for packaging and activating a wallet card including the steps of (1) providing a wallet card having a machine-readable activation code, (2) removably securing the card to the package with the activation code being inaccessible for reading, (3) removing the card from the package, (4) reading the activation code from the card, and (5) rejoining the card to the package by inserting it into the pouch.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to product packaging and, more particularly, to packaging for wallet cards. 
     Wallet cards are commonly used as credit, debit, pre-paid and identification instruments. For example, wallet cards are increasingly used as pre-paid phone cards and can be carried in a wallet or purse. These cards are typically sold at retail and, once purchased, entitle the bearer to a specified value or amount of long distance phone service. 
     Historically, in order to access the value assigned to the card, the user was required to dial the phone number designated by the issuer of the phone card and enter a security code or identification number uniquely assigned to the telephone card. The phone number and security code were typically printed on the card. These cards, due to their relatively small size, were particularly susceptible to theft. Product packaging was used to address the theft problem. For example, phone cards were often packaged so that the card was totally enclosed and not accessible. A conventional package of this type included a pair of paperboard panels that were glued together about the phone card so that the phone card was sandwiched and securely retained between the panels. Alternatively, the card was sandwiched between one opaque panel and one transparent panel. Additionally, wallet cards were packaged inside a plastic bubble, or sandwiched between a plastic bubble and a cardboard panel. While secure, these packages met with limited success. 
     Today, each card is typically sold in an inactive state. At the time of purchase each card must be activated at the register before its value is accessible. This method is often referred to as “point-of-sale activation.” Typically, point-of-sale activation is achieved through the use of a magnetic strip that is affixed to the wallet card and that can be run through a conventional card reader by the cashier at the time of purchase. When the card is swiped, the card reader automatically dials the activation telephone number encoded in the magnetic strip. Once the activation system is accessed, the card reader transmits the activation code encoded in the magnetic strip. The activation system then activates the purchased card, making its value accessible to the user. 
     Once the card is activated, the issuer tracks the value or amount of phone services used by the card holder and deducts the value or amount of those services from the designated value of the card. Once the value of the card had been exhausted, the card is rendered inactive by the issuer. 
     To facilitate activation of the phone card, magnetic swipe phone cards are generally packaged so that the magnetic strip is accessible without opening the product packaging. It has been recognized that the need to open the package for activation causes several problems. First, it takes time for the cashier to open the package to gain access to the card. Second, opening the package can destroy information printed on the packages, such as instructions, rates, advertising and other similar information. Third, when separated from the package, the card is more easily lost or misplaced, for example, in grocery bags. It also becomes easier to lose, misplace or inadvertently discard the package before any instructions or other information printed on the package is read by the consumer. Fourth, opened packages are undesirable when the pre-paid cards are purchased as gifts. As a result, a variety of wallet card packages have been developed that do not require separation of the card from the package to perform activation. 
     One type of conventional magnetic swipe phone card package includes a pair of paperboard panels that are sandwiched about an upper portion of the phone card. The lower portion of the phone card containing the magnetic strip (or other machine readable code) protrudes from the package. While convenient, the protruding card can be problematic. The exposed card can be damaged during shipping and handling. Further, the packaging costs are relatively high. For example, the paperboard panels must be die cut, the phone card must be precisely positioned between but sticking out from the panels, the panels must be intersecured and the phone card must be secured to the panels. Still further, removing the card from such a package is not easily accomplished without tearing the package and, thereby, damaging the information printed on the packaging. Additionally, the package can create complications during activation as sufficient clearance is not always available for swiping the card through the card reader while the card is still attached to the package. 
     A similar point-of-sale activation method is used with “gift” cards that have a bar code for activation purposes. These types of cards are packaged so that the bar code, rather than the magnetic strip, is accessible without opening the package. With this type of package, the bar code is scanned at the register at the time of purchase. Once scanned, the card is activated for use. Although use of bar codes for activation purposes is a significant theft deterrent, keeping track of both the bar code and the magnetic code of each card requires significant manufacturing costs. 
     Another clever method of accomplishing point-of-sale activation is a package in which the card is carried on a flap that can fold out from the package to expose the magnetic strip. With this package, the card can be fully enclosed within the package until the time of activation. When activation is desired, the flap is opened to swing the card out of the package exposing the magnetic strip, bar code or other similar machine-readable code. In some application, the manipulation necessary to access the machine-readable code is undesirable. 
     Although all of the above methods of packaging cards for point-of-sale activation have some level of efficacy, an inexpensive package that allows for convenient card activation is still desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present invention wherein a wallet card package includes a card that is readily removable from and replaceable into its package. In a preferred embodiment, the package includes one of more panels that define a pouch or sleeve of sufficient size to receive the wallet card. The package also includes a mechanism for detachably securing the wallet card to the package. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism is a peelable adhesive. In use, the card is removed from the package for activation, for example, by peeling the card away from the package. The card is activated and then rejoined with the card, for example, by inserting the card into the pouch or sleeve. 
     The package can be configured in a variety of ways to define the pouch or sleeve. In one preferred embodiment, two panels are secured to one another along three sides, leaving the fourth side open to define the mouth of the pouch. In other embodiment, two panels are secured along all four sides and a slot or other similar opening is defined in one of the panels to define the mouth of the pouch. 
     In a more preferred embodiment, the package defines a control number opening that permits viewing of a control number printed on the packaged wallet card. The opening is aligned with the control number and is formed through whichever panels are necessary to provide viewing when the card is packaged. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the card is secured to the package by a peelable adhesive and the pouch is eliminated. In use, the card is removed from the peelable adhesive for activation and then pressed back onto the peelable adhesive to rejoin the card and the package. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the peelable adhesive is eliminated and the card is initially packaged in the pouch. In use, the card is withdrawn from the pouch for activation and then returned to the pouch to rejoin the card and the package. 
     The present invention also discloses a method for packaging and activating a wallet card. The method generally includes the steps of (1) providing a wallet card having a machine-readable activation code, (2) removably securing the card to the package in an inactive state with the activation code being inaccessible for reading, (3) removing the card from the package, (4) reading the activation code from the card, and (5) rejoining the card to the package. 
     The present invention provides a simple and effective wallet card package. The package permits the wallet card to be easily removed from the package, thereby facilitating activation. The package also permits the card to be easily rejoined with the package, thereby reducing the likelihood of loss of the card or the package and also providing aesthetically pleasing packaging for situations when the card is given as a gift. The package is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and provides a relatively large area for printed information, such as instructions, rates and other related information. 
     These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wallet card package according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the wallet card removed from its package; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the card replaced into a pouch in its package; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank from which a preferred embodiment of the package is made; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the blank partially folded to form the package; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the package as seen in FIG. 1, the thicknesses of the components being exaggerated to more clearly show the subject matter of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the package as seen in FIG. 3, showing the card replaced into its package, the thicknesses of the components being exaggerated to more clearly show the subject matter of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a plan view of the front of a typical wallet card; 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of the back of a typical wallet card; 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of a first alternative package; 
     FIG. 11 is a plan view of a blank for a second alternative package; 
     FIG. 12 is a plan view of the second alternative embodiment with the card attached; 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of the second alternative embodiment with the card in the pouch; 
     FIG. 14 is a plan view of a blank for a third alternative embodiment; 
     FIG. 15 is a plan view of the third alternative embodiment with the card attached; 
     FIG. 16 is a plan view of the third alternative embodiment with the card in the pouch; 
     FIG. 17 is a plan view of a fourth alternative embodiment with the card attached; and 
     FIG. 18 is a plan view of that fourth alternative embodiment with the card in the pouch. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A wallet card display package according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and generally designated  10 . The wallet card display package  10  includes a wallet card  56  that is releasably secured to the face of a package  28 . The package  28  includes a pouch  38  configured to receive the wallet card  56 . In use, the wallet card  56  is first removed from the package  28  for activation (See FIG.  2 ). The card  56  is activated using conventional techniques and apparatus, for example, by passing the card through a magnetic card reader. After the card  56  has been activated, the card  56  is rejoined to the package  28  by inserting the card  56  into pouch  38  (See FIG.  3 ). 
     The present invention is described in connection with a package for a conventional rectangular pre-paid phone card, but is well suited for use with other types of wallet cards as well as wallet cards of other shapes. The wallet card  56 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, is generally rectangular, having a long dimension  74  and a short dimension  76 , and preferably corresponds in size and shape with standard wallet cards. The wallet card  56  may vary in size and shape from application to application as desired. The wallet card  56  includes a front surface  66  intended primarily to receive graphics  64  and other printed materials, such as the issuer&#39;s trademarks and other advertising and promotional information. The wallet card also includes a rear surface  68  intended primarily to receive a magnetic strip  62  and a manufacturing control number  60  as well as printed information, such as a pin number and instructions  72  for use of the card  56 . The magnetic strip  62  preferably extends along the rear surface  68  of the card  56  parallel to the bottom edge  70  of the card  56 . The magnetic strip  62  is preferably spaced inwardly from the bottom edge  70  of the wallet card  56  a standard distance to permit its use with a conventional card reader (not shown). The manufacturing control number  60  and/or magnetic strip  62  may also be found on the front of the card if so desired. As an alternative to magnetic strip  62 , the card  56  may include other machine-readable activation codes, such as a bar code or any other similar code, capable of storing information on a card in a format that is machine readable, whether now available or developed in the future. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, the package  28  generally includes a pair of opposed front  16  and rear  18  panels. The panels  16  and  18  are generally planar, rectangular panels, but may vary is shape from application to application as desired. The panels  16  and  18  are substantially coextensive and are interconnected around their peripheries. The central portion of the panels  16  and  18  are not glued or otherwise secured to one another in a region of sufficient size to receive at least a portion of the card  56 . As a result, a pouch  38  is defined in the central portion of the panels. Front panel  16  defines a pouch access slot  40  that provides an opening into the pouch  38  to permit the card  56  to be fitted into the pouch  38  through the front panel  16 . Although the access slot  40  is shown in the front panel  16 , the access slot  40  may alternatively be formed in the rear panel  18 . 
     The front panel  16  and rear panel  18  each define holes  34  and  36 , respectively, that align in the completed package to define a hanging hole for suspending the wallet card display package  10  from a conventional display hook (not shown). Additionally, in applications where a control number is printed on the card  56 , the front panel  16  and rear panel  18  each define a pair of openings  30  and  32 , respectively, that align in the completed package to define a control number hole that permits viewing of the control number  60  printed on the back  68  of the card  56 . 
     The package  10  is preferably manufactured from a die cut, paperboard blank  12  in which the front panel  16  and rear panel  18  are interconnected along a hinge  14 . In the completed package, the hinge  13  extends along the left side of the package  10 . The hinge can alternatively extend along any other edge of the package. If desired, the hinge may be eliminated altogether, with the package being formed from two separate panels. 
     Manufacture 
     The package  28  is preferably manufactured from a coated or non-coated paperboard material using conventional techniques and apparatus. The stock material is preferably a sheet of paperboard having a thickness of approximately 14 mils (0.014 inches). The stock material and its thickness will vary from application to application depending in part on the desired rigidity of the wallet card and the desired characteristics of the stock material. In conventional applications, the thickness of the stock material will vary from 8 to 28 mils. Although the package  28  is preferably manufactured from a paperboard material, it may be manufactured from other conventional materials, such as polystyrene sheets. 
     Typically, the packages  28  are cut from sheets of stock material that are large enough to form multiple packages  28 . The printed material is preferably printed on the sheet of stock material while the stock material is still in full sheets. The printed materials are printed on the sheet of stock material using conventional techniques and apparatus. The printed sheets are then passed through conventional die cutting apparatus to cut the sheet of stock material into a plurality of blanks, preferably in the form of blank  12  shown in FIG.  4 . Preferably, during the die cutting step all necessary cut-outs are removed, including (1) the hanging holes  34  &amp;  36 , (2) the control number holes  30  &amp;  32 , and (3) the pouch-access slot  40 . 
     FIG. 5 depicts the blank  12  being assembled to form the wallet card package  28 . As shown by arrow  26 , the blank  12  is folded along the hinge  14 . Adhesive  20  is applied to an area  46  of the blank  12 . However, no adhesive  20  is applied to an area  44  sufficient in size to define the pouch  38  where the card  56  can be disposed. Preferably, the pouch area  44  is situated so that the pouch-access slot  40  does not become glued shut. As also seen in FIG. 5, the card  56  is adhered to the package  28 . A wide variety of well known adhesives can be used to intersecure the front and rear panels, such as conventional heat activated adhesives. 
     The wallet card  56  is preferably manufactured from a plastic material using conventional techniques and apparatus. The stock material is preferably a sheet of polystyrene having a thickness of approximately 30 mils (0.030 inches). The stock material and its thickness will vary from application to application depending in part on the desired rigidity of the wallet card and the desired characteristics of the stock material. In conventional applications, the thickness of the stock material will vary from 10 to 40 mils. Although the card  56  is preferably manufactured from a plastic material, it may be manufactured from other conventional materials, such as coated or non-coated paperboard materials. Similar to the manufacture of the package  28 , multiple wallet cards  56  are also typically cut from large sheets of stock material; the printed material is applied to the full sheets of stock material; conventional techniques and apparatus are used; and, the printed sheets are then passed through conventional die cutting apparatus to cut the sheet of stock material into a plurality of wallet cards  56 . 
     The magnetic strip  62  can be applied to the rear surface  68  of the wallet card  58  either before or after the die cutting step. The magnetic strip  62  is applied to the rear surface  68  of the wallet card  56  parallel to the bottom edge  70  of the card  56 . The magnetic strip  62  is spaced inwardly from the bottom edge  70  of the wallet card  56  a standard distance to permit its use with a conventional card reader (not shown). After the cards  56  are die cut and the magnetic strip  62  is applied, the cards  56  are passed through a conventional magnetic strip encoder to encode the appropriate information into the magnetic strip  62 , such as the telephone number of the issuer&#39;s activation system and the activation code for that particular card  56 . 
     The wallet card  56  is releasably secured to the front panel  16 , preferably by a peelable adhesive. As used herein, “peelable adhesive” refers to an adhesive characterized by its relatively high shear strength and relatively low peel strength. Peelable adhesives are commonly used to hold credit cards on mailings. In this application, the high shear strength of the peelable adhesive prevents the card from sliding free of the package during shipping or display, while the low peel strength permits the card to be easily peeled away substantially perpendicularly from the package. The preferred adhesive is either a hot melt or a cold glue. A suitable hot melt is available from L&amp;D Adhesives of Comstock Park, Mich. under the trade name INSTANT-LOK. Suitable cold glues include formulated rubber latex available from L&amp;D Adhesives under the trade name National 35-6148 and compounded natural rubber latex available from P-H-X, Inc. Of Milwaukee, Wis. under the trade name PHX 4011. If desired, the wallet card  56  may be secured to the front panel  16  using other conventional techniques and apparatus, such as non-peelable adhesives, staples or other mechanical fasteners. 
     Activation 
     FIG.  1  and its companion view, FIG. 6, shows the wallet card display package  10 . In use, the wallet card display packages  10  are displayed for sale, such as on a display rack in a retail store, where they are visible to the potential purchaser. The package  28  provides an area for graphics and other advertising, promotional and informational materials, both on the front  48  and the back (not shown). As shown in FIG. 6, the two panels  16  &amp;  18  are held together with glue  20 . The card  56  is held to the front  48  of the package  28  with a peelable adhesive  58 . FIGS. 1 &amp; 6 depict the “before” view of the wallet card display package as it would appear on a store shelf. 
     When a wallet card is purchased, the cashier peels the wallet card  56  from the package  28  and swipes the card&#39;s magnetic strip  62  through a card reader (not shown). FIG. 2, particularly arrow  22 , depicts the action of peeling the card  56  from the package  28 . The card&#39;s magnetic strip  62  contains encoded information directing the card reader to call the appropriate number and transmit the activation code for the purchased card, thereby activating the card for use by the purchaser. After activation the card  56  can then be inserted into the pouch  38 , as shown by arrow  24 . 
     FIG.  3  and its companion view, FIG. 7, shows the “after” view of the wallet card display package  10  after the card  56  has been activated and replaced in its package  28 . From FIG. 7 it can be seen how the area lacking glue  44  helps define the pouch  38  for the card  56 . The consumer retains both the card  56  and the package  28  when the card  56  is stowed conveniently in the pouch  38 . From FIG. 3 it can be seen that the pouch-access slot  40  also contains a curved cutout  42 . The cutout  42  is intended as an aid to removing the card  56  from the pouch  38  by providing a thumb-hold. Thicknesses are exaggerated in FIGS. 6 and 7 to highlight details. 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention having an alternative pouch access slot  240  that is hidden from view beneath the card. As seen in FIG. 1, the pouch-access slot  240  of the above described embodiment is partially obscured by the card  256 . As shown in FIG. 10, the pouch access slot of this alternative embodiment is substantially short in length so that it is entirely covered by the card  256 . In this embodiment the card  256  must be rotated 90 degrees in order to be inserted into the pouch  238 . 
     Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11-13. In this embodiment, the pouch access slot  340  and hanging hole  334  are combined in the same cutout. FIG. 11 shows a blank  312  for this. FIG. 12 shows the wallet card display package  310  with the card  356  adhered to the package  328 . FIG. 13 shows the wallet card display package  310  with the card  356  inserted into the pouch  338  through the pouch-access slot  340 . 
     Yet another alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 14-16. In this embodiment, the mouth of the pouch  438 ′ extends along an edge of the package  410 . FIG. 14 shows a blank  412  for this embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a reveal  452  in the front panel  416  for easier access to the pouch  438 . An additional cutout  454  for the reveal  452  is shown in FIG.  14 . FIG. 15 shows the wallet card display package  410  with the card  456  adhered to the package  428 . FIG. 16 shows the wallet card display package  410  with the card  456  inserted into the pouch  438 . This embodiment demonstrates that a separate pouch access slot is not needed to create a pouch. 
     FIGS. 17 and 18 depict another alternative embodiment in which the package  528  is assembled from two separate panels  516  and  518 . As shown, the panels are not even the same size (although they can be, if desired). As shown, the smaller panel  516  needs no hanging hole or control number hole. There is also no pouch-access slot as the opening to the pouch is defined by the edge of the panel  516 . Arrow  22 - 24  bridges FIGS. 17 and 18 to show the card  556  being removed from the package  528  and replaced into the pouch  538 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, not pictured, the package contains no pouch. Instead the card is peeled from the package and replaced on the package by pressing it back onto the peelable adhesive. 
     In another alternative embodiment, not pictured, the card is initially packaged in the pouch rather than being adhesively secured to the face of the front panel. The card is removed from the pouch for activation and replaced in the pouch for the customer. In this embodiment, no peelable adhesive or other releasable attachment is necessary. 
     It should also be noted that although the package shown in each embodiment is rectangular, the package can be manufactured in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Further, the orientation of the card on the package need not be as shown in FIG.  1 . For example, the card may alternatively be secured to the package at an angle. Moreover, the orientation of the card in the pouch need not be as shown in FIG. 3, but instead may be at any desired angle. 
     The above description is that of a preferred embodiment and some alternative embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.