Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for the point-of-sale packaging of a card are disclosed. A package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket for receiving the card and a passageway communicating with a pocket. The package preferably also includes at least one locking tab for selectively obstructing the passageway. A method in accordance with present invention may include the steps of inserting the card into the pocket so that the card overlays the at least one locking tab, urging the package to assume a generally bent shape, and allowing the package to assume a generally planar shape in which the at least one locking tab overlays the card.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to cards such as, for example, gift cards and phone cards. More particularly, the present invention relates point-of-sale packaging for cards such as, for example, gift cards and phone cards.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Debit cards have found increasing popularity in recent years. One example of a debit card is a gift card which can be used to make purchases from the establishment which issued the gift card. A second example of a debit card is a phone card which can be used to pay for long distance phone calls.  
           [0003]    Gift cards are popular with consumers because they can greatly simplify gift buying. For example, during certain traditional times of the year many people have long lists of gifts to buy and need to complete their shopping before a certain date. In this situation, a gift card is often an attractive option. Because a wide variety of gift cards are available, a gift card can be selected to suit a particular event and/or a particular recipient. For example, at a baby shower, a gift card can be given which will allow the new parents to purchase baby-care necessities such as formula and diapers. By way of a second example, if a recipient is a lover of books, a gift card to a book store can be given.  
           [0004]    Gift card recipients have the benefit of choosing their own gift and purchasing it using the value stored on the gift card. Using a gift card to make a purchase is very convenient. The gift card is used like a credit card, happily however, there is no bill to pay afterward. Gift cards can be given that cover a complete range of goods, from luxuries like jewelry to necessities like groceries.  
           [0005]    Gift cards are also beneficial for businesses such as department stores. The store collects the payment when the card is purchased. As the value of the card is spent, it will be used to purchase goods and services from that store. The left over value remains on the card for later use. During a transaction using a gift card, no paperwork is required and no change need be given. The store cashier need only scan the gift card and the customer can receive a receipt which tells what value left on the card. No money needs to change hands, and no change needs to be given. To deter theft of gift cards from the store gift cards typically are not activated until they are purchased. This way the merchant can prominently display the gift cards near the cash register with little risk that the cards will be stolen since they have no value until they are activated.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention relates generally to cards such as, for example, gift cards and phone cards. More particularly, the present invention relates point-of-sale packaging for cards such as, for example, gift cards and phone cards. A package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a pocket for receiving the card and a passageway communicating with a pocket. The package preferably also includes at least one locking tab for selectively obstructing the passageway. A method of packaging a card in accordance with present invention may include the steps of laying the card onto a blank and folding the blank so that at least one locking tab overlays the card.  
           [0007]    One implementation of the present invention includes a package for storing and displaying a card comprising a first panel having a first face and a sheet having a plurality of fixed edges and a free edge. The sheet is preferrably fixed to the first face of the first panel proximate the plurality of fixed edges so that the sheet and the first panel define a pocket. In certain implementations, the package may include a second panel at least partially overlaying the first face of the first panel. The second panel may advantageously define an aperture having a periphery. In one aspect of the invention, the free edge of the sheet and the periphery of the aperture define a passageway communicating with the pocket. In another aspect of the invention, the periphery of the aperture define at least one locking tab for selectively obstructing the passageway.  
           [0008]    In certain implementations, the package is biased to assume a generally planar shape and the at least one locking tab extends into the passageway when the package is free to assume a generally planar shape. The locking tab may advantageously assume an unlocked position when the package is urged to assume a generally arcuate shape, wherein the passageway is substantially unobstructed by the locking tab when the locking tab assumes the unlocked position.  
           [0009]    In one aspect of the present invention, the package comprises a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a middle portion disposed between distal portion and proximal portion. The package may be advantageously configured to preferentially bend proximate the middle portion. In this advantageous implementation, the at least one locking tab may be disposed proximate the middle portion of the package. The package may be bent proximate the middle portion so that the proximal portion of the package and the distal portion of the package are disposed at an angle relative to one another. When this is the case, the at least one locking tab may advantageously retain a generally coplanar relationship with the distal portion of the package. It should be noted that the locking tabs may be disposed in various locations without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the locking tabs may be located near a side of the package. When this is the case, the package may be bent near the side to lift the locking tabs.  
           [0010]    Another implementation of the present invention comprises an assembly including a package having a pocket and a card disposed within the pocket. The pocket may be defined by a first panel having a first face, and a sheet that is fixed to the first face of the first panel proximate a plurality of fixed edges of the sheet. The package may also include a second panel at least partially overlaying the first face of the first panel. Wherein the second panel defines an aperture having a periphery. In one aspect of the present invention, the free edge of the sheet and the periphery of the aperture define a passageway communicating with the pocket. In another aspect of the present invention, the second panel may form at least one locking tab. The at least one locking tab may selectively assume a first position in which the at least one locking tab overlays the card and a second position in with the card overlays the at least one locking tab.  
           [0011]    A method of packaging and displaying a card in accordance with the present invention may include the step of providing a package having a passageway communicating with a pocket, and at least one locking tab for selectively obstructing the passageway. A card may be inserted into the pocket so that the card overlays the at least one locking tab. The package may be urged to assume a generally bent shape, and the package may be allowed to assume a generally planar shape in which the at least one locking tab overlays the card. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank which may be used to form a package in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a plan view of an assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a plan view of an additional assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an assembly in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a back side of the assembly of FIG. 4.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is a plan view of an assembly in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a back side of assembly of FIG. 6.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 is an additional perspective view of assembly of FIG. 8.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank which may be used to form a package in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 is a plan view of an blank assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 12 is a plan view of a package in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 13 is a plan view of an assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 14 is an additional plan view of the assembly of FIG. 13.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 15 is a plan view of an assembly in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]    The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered identically. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements. All other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank  100  which may be used to form a package in accordance with the present invention. Blank  100  includes a first panel  102  and a second panel  104 . First panel  102  of blank  100  defines a opening  106 . First panel  102  and second panel  104  are joined at a fold line  108  represented by a dashed line in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, fold line  108  comprises a localized area of weakness. This localized area of weakness may comprise various elements without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of elements which may be suitable in some applications include a perf cut, a cut score, and a crease score. It should also be appreciated that embodiments of blank  100  are possible in which first panel  102  and second panel  104  are not joined by fold line  108 .  
         [0029]    In FIG. 1 it may be appreciated that second panel  104  defines an aperture  120  having a periphery  122 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1, periphery  122  defines a plurality of locking tabs  124  extending into aperture  120 . Also in the embodiment of FIG. 1, periphery  122  defines a notch  126  disposed between two locking tabs  124 . In a preferred embodiment, notch  126  defined by second panel  104  and opening  106  defined by first panel  102  are positioned so that they will be generally aligned with one another when blank  100  is folded along fold line  108 .  
         [0030]    In the embodiment of FIG. 1, opening  106  has an extent that is similar to the extents of a human finger. In a preferred embodiment, the extent of opening  106  is somewhat larger than the extents of a human finger. Also in a preferred embodiment, the extent of opening  106  is similar to the extent of notch  126 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the extent of opening  106  is slightly larger than the extent of notch  126 .  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2 is a plan view of an blank assembly  128  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Blank assembly  128  includes blank  100  of FIG. 1, and a sheet  130 . Sheet  130  includes a plurality of fixed edges  131  and a free edge  132 .  
         [0032]    In a preferred embodiment, sheet  130  comprises an optically transparent and/or translucent material. Also in a preferred embodiment, sheet  130  comprises a low friction material. It is to be appreciated that sheet  130  may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of materials which may be suitable in some applications include: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylchloride/polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).  
         [0033]    As discussed previously, second panel  104  defines an aperture  120  having a periphery  122 . In the embodiment of FIG. 2, free edge  132  of sheet  130  and periphery  122  of opening  106  define a passageway  134 . In a preferred embodiment, passageway  134  is dimensioned so that a card in accordance with the present invention may pass therethrough. A card in accordance with the present invention is preferably sized to fit in a typical wallet. In FIG. 2 it may be appreciated that second panel  104  forms a plurality of locking tabs  124 . In the embodiment of FIG. 2, locking tabs  124  are positioned so as to at least partially obstruct passageway  134 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a package  136  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Package  136  may be formed by folding the assembly of FIG. 2 along fold line  108 . Package  136  includes a sheet  130  having a plurality of fixed edges and a free edge  132 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3, sheet  130  is fixed to a first face  138  of first panel  102  proximate the fixed edges so that sheet  130  and first panel  102  define a pocket  140 . Sheet  130  may be fixed to first face  138  of first panel  102 , for example, by an adhesive layer disposed between first face  138  of first panel  102  and sheet  130 . In a preferred embodiment, pocket  140  is dimensioned to accept a card in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment, sheet  130  is fixed to both first panel  102  and second panel  104 , for example, with an adhesive. Also in a preferred embodiment, first panel  102  is fixed to second panel  104 , for example, with an adhesive.  
         [0036]    Free edge  132  of sheet  130  and periphery  122  of aperture  120  define a passageway  134  communicating with pocket  140 . Second panel  104  forms a plurality of locking tabs  124 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3, locking tabs  124  are positioned so as to at least partially obstruct passageway  134 . In a preferred embodiment, passageway  134  is dimensioned so that a card may pass through passageway  134  into or out of pocket  140 .  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an assembly  162  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Assembly  162  includes a package  136  and a card  142  that is disposed within a pocket  140  of package  136 . In FIG. 4 locking tabs  124  of package  136  are shown overlaying card  142 . In a preferred embodiment, locking tabs  124  may be positioned to selectively hold card  142  within pocket  140 . Assembly  162  may be formed by laying card  142  on a blank (e.g. blank assembly  128  of FIG. 2) and folding the blank so that at least one locking tab overlays the card.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a back side of assembly  162  of FIG. 4. In FIG. 5 it may be appreciated that first panel  102  of package  136  defines an opening  106 . In the embodiment of FIG. 5, opening  106  is generally concentric with notch  126  defined by second panel  104  of package  136 . In FIG. 5 it may be appreciated that opening  106  is positioned so as to communicate with pocket  140 . Thus, card  142  disposed in pocket  140  is visible through opening  106  in FIG. 5.  
         [0039]    In FIG. 5 it may also be appreciated that opening  106  and notch  126  are sized and positioned to allow access to a portion of card  142 . In a preferred embodiment, opening  106  is dimensioned to receive a human finger. In one method in accordance with the present invention, a human finger may be used to urge card  142  through passageway  134 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 is a plan view of an assembly  163  in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As in the previous embodiment, assembly  163  includes a package  136  and a card  142  disposed within pocket  140  of package  136 . In the embodiment of FIG. 6 card  142  is seen overlaying locking tabs  124  of package  136 . When card  142  is overlaying locking tabs  124 , card  142  is preferably free to exit pocket  140  via passageway  134  of package  136 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a back side of assembly  163  of FIG. 6. In FIG. 7 it can appreciated that locking tabs  124  are disposed underneath card  142 . A method in accordance with present invention may include the steps of grasping assembly  162  of FIG. 4, urging package  136  to assume a generally bent shape, and allowing package  136  to assume a generally planar shape in which card  142  overlays locking tabs  142 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly  162  in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, assembly  162  is being grasped by a left hand  144  and a right hand  146 . In the embodiment of FIG. 8, package  136  has been urged to assume a generally arcuate or bent shape by left hand  144  and right hand  146 . Thus, assembly  162  of FIG. 8 includes a bend  148 .  
         [0043]    In the embodiment of FIG. 8, assembly  162  comprises a distal portion  150 , a proximal portion  152 , and a middle portion  154  disposed between distal portion  150  and proximal portion  152 . In a preferred embodiment, assembly  162  is configured to preferentially bend proximate middle portion  154 . In some preferred embodiments, card  142  may be generally more rigid than first panel  102  and/or second panel  104  of package  136 . In FIG. 8 it may be appreciated that bend  148  in assembly  162  is disposed proximate an upper edge  156  of card  142 .  
         [0044]    Card  142 , first panel  102 , and second panel  104  may comprise various materials without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one advantageous embodiment, card  142  comprises a polyvinylchloride (PVC) sheet having a thickness of about 0.032 inches, and the panels (first panel  102  and second panel  104 ) comprise cellulostic card stock having a thickness of about 0.014 inches.  
         [0045]    In the embodiment of FIG. 8 locking tabs  124  are disposed in a generally coplanar position relative to distal portion  150  of package  136 . In FIG. 8, it may also be appreciated that proximal portion  152  of package  136  and distal portion  150  of package  136  are disposed at an angle  158  relative to one another.  
         [0046]    In a preferred embodiment, assembly  162  is biased to assume a generally planer shape, and has a level of flexibility which allows it to be urged into the shape shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8 it may be appreciated that locking tabs  124  are not overlaying card  142 . Thus, when assembly  162  is urged into the shape shown in FIG. 8, locking tabs  124  preferably do not obstruct the travel of card  142  through passageway  134 . When this is the case, card  142  may preferably pass through passageway  134 .  
         [0047]    Card  142  may be urged through passageway  134 , for example, by a human finger  160 . In FIG. 8, it maybe appreciated that human finger  160  has been received in an opening  106  defined by first panel  102 . In one method in accordance with the present invention, card  142  is urged through passageway  134  by applying a pushing force with human finger  160  disposed in opening  106  defined by first panel  102 . In another method in accordance with the present invention, card  142  may be positioned to overlay locking tabs  124  by applying a pushing force on card  142  with human finger  160  disposed in opening  106  while urging package  136  into a generally arcuate shape, then allowing package  136  to assume a generally planar shape.  
         [0048]    In a preferred embodiment, proximal portion  152  and distal portion  150  of package  136  are both dimensioned to be received by a human hand. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, proximal portion  152  is received by a left hand  144  and distal portion  150  is received by a right hand  146 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 is an additional perspective view of assembly  162  of FIG. 8. A back side of assembly  162  is shown on FIG. 9. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, package  136  is disposed in a generally bent or arcuate shape. Human finger  160  is shown disposed within opening  106  defined by first panel  102 . In FIG. 9, it may be appreciated that opening  106  is suitably sized to receive human finger  160 . In a preferred embodiment, the extent of opening  106  is somewhat larger than that of human finger  160 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank  300  which may be used to form a package in accordance with the present invention. Blank  300  includes a first panel  302  and a second panel  304 . First panel  302  and second panel  304  are joined at a fold line  308  represented by a dashed line in FIG. 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, first panel  302  includes a second fold line  370 . In a preferred embodiment, fold line  308  and second fold line  370  each comprise a localized area of weakness. A localized area of weakness may comprise various elements without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Examples of elements which may be suitable in some applications include a perf cut, a cut score, and a crease score.  
         [0051]    In FIG. 10 it may be appreciated that second panel  304  defines an aperture  320  having a periphery  322 . In the embodiment of FIG. 10, periphery  322  defines a plurality of locking tabs  324  extending into aperture  320 . Also in the embodiment of FIG. 10, periphery  322  defines a notch  326  disposed between two locking tabs  324 .  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 11 is a plan view of an blank assembly  328  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Blank assembly  328  includes blank  300  of FIG. 10, and a sheet  330 . Sheet  330  includes a plurality of fixed edges  333  and a free edge  332 . In the embodiment of FIG. 11, sheet  330  is fixed to second panel  304  of blank  300  by an adhesive  372 . In FIG. 11, it may be appreciated that adhesive  372  defines a gap  374 . In the embodiment of FIG. 11, gap  374  is positioned so that second panel  304  and sheet  330  define a receptacle  376  near fold line  308 .  
         [0053]    In the embodiment of FIG. 11, first panel  302  of blank  300  includes a flap  378 . In a preferred embodiment, receptacle  376  and flap  378  are dimensioned so that flap  378  may be selectively received in receptacle  376  when blank  300  is folded along fold line  308  and second fold line  370 .  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 12 is a plan view of a package  336  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Package  336  may be formed by folding the assembly of FIG. 11 along fold line  308 . Package  336  includes a sheet  330  having a plurality of fixed edges and a free edge  332 . In the embodiment of FIG. 12, sheet  330  is fixed to a first face  338  of first panel  302  proximate the fixed edges so that sheet  330  and first panel  302  define a pocket  340 . Sheet  330  may be fixed to first face  338  of first panel  302 , for example, by an adhesive layer disposed between first face  338  of first panel  302  and sheet  330 . In a preferred embodiment, pocket  340  is dimensioned to accept a card in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0055]    Free edge  332  of sheet  330  and periphery  322  of aperture  320  define a passageway  334  communicating with pocket  340 . Second panel  304  forms a plurality of locking tabs  324 . In the embodiment of FIG. 12, locking tabs  324  are positioned so as to at least partially obstruct passageway  334 . In a preferred embodiment, passageway  334  is dimensioned so that a card may pass through passageway  334  into or out of pocket  340 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 13 is a plan view of an assembly  362  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Assembly  362  includes a package  336  and a card  342  that is disposed within a pocket  340  of package  336 . In FIG. 13 locking tabs  324  of package  336  are shown overlaying card  342 . In a preferred embodiment, locking tabs  324  may be positioned to selectively hold card  342  within pocket  340 . Assembly  362  may be formed by laying card  342  on a blank (e.g. blank assembly  328  of FIG. 11) and folding the blank so that at least one locking tab overlays card  342 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 14 is an additional plan view of assembly  362  of FIG. 13. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, first panel  302  has been folded so that a portion of first panel  302  overlays card  342 . Also in the embodiment of FIG. 14, flap  378  is disposed within receptacle  376  defined by second panel  304  and sheet  330 .  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 15 is a plan view of an assembly  363  in accordance with an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 15 card  342  is seen overlaying locking tabs  324  of package  336 . When card  342  is overlaying locking tabs  324 , card  342  is preferably free to exit pocket  340  via passageway  334  of package  336 . A method in accordance with present invention may include the steps of grasping assembly  362  of FIG. 13, urging package  336  to assume a generally bent shape, and allowing package  336  to assume a generally planar shape in which card  342  overlays locking tabs  342 .  
         [0059]    A method of providing a card in accordance with the present invention may include the steps of:  
         [0060]    1) Providing a blank having a first panel and a second panel. Wherein the second panel defines an aperture and at least one locking tab extending into the aperture.  
         [0061]    2) Positioning the card so that it overlays the first a panel of the blank.  
         [0062]    3) Positioning the second panel so that the at least one locking tab overlays the card.  
         [0063]    4) Urging the second panel to assume a generally bent shape.  
         [0064]    5) Allowing the second panel to assume a generally planar shape in which the card overlays the at least one locking tab.  
         [0065]    Several forms of invention have been shown and described, and other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in art. It will be understood that embodiments shown in drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of invention defined claims which follow.