Abstract:
A stored-value card including a housing, a game, and an object. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The game is enclosed within the housing. The object is also enclosed within the housing and placed to selectively interact with the game. The stored-value card is adapted such that manipulation of the housing results in the object moving through at least a portion of the game. 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  
       [0001]     Stored-value cards and other financial transactions 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 card declines as the card is used, 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. Gift cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     One aspect of the present invention relates to a stored-value card including a housing, a game, and an object. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The game is enclosed within the housing. The object is also enclosed within the housing and placed to selectively interact with the game. The stored-value card is adapted such that manipulation of the housing results in the object moving through at least a portion of the game. Other related products and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0003]     Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:  
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is an exploded, top perspective view of one embodiment of a stored-value card, according to the present invention.  
         [0005]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of one embodiment of a base of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention.  
         [0006]      FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the base of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0007]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a cover of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 4A  is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded carrier for a stored-value card, according to the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 4B  is a back view of the unfolded carrier of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of using a stored-value card, according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0011]     A gift card or other stored-value card is adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services from 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 a retail store or setting to pay for the goods and/or services. The stored-value card, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer and 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 an interactive game or brain teaser in addition to functioning as a stored-value card. In one embodiment, the additional amusing aspect of the stored-value card promotes the sale and/or loading of the stored-value card by potential consumers and/or bearers of the stored-value card.  
         [0012]     Turning to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded, top perspective view of one embodiment of a stored-value card  10  according to the present invention. The stored-value card  10  includes a housing  12  and a ball  14 . Housing  12  defines and/or encloses a maze  16  or other puzzle providing an interactive game and/or brain teaser. Ball  14  is enclosed within housing  12  and is configured to be manipulated by a bearer of stored-value card  10  to move ball  14  through maze  16  to both challenge and amuse the bearer. Housing  12  includes a first housing member  20  and a second housing member  22 . In one embodiment, first housing member  20  is a base, and second housing member  22  is a cover.  
         [0013]     One embodiment of base  20  is illustrated in the top and bottom views of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , respectively. In one embodiment, base  20  is generally rectangular in shape and is similar in size to an identification card, a credit card, or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a user. Base  20  defines a first or inside generally planar surface  30  and a second or outside generally planar surface  32  opposite inside surface  30 . Each surface  30  and  32  is similarly shaped and has a generally similar size. In one embodiment, outside surface  32  is sized slightly larger than inside surface  30 . Inside surface  30  is centered with respect to outside surface  32 .  
         [0014]     An edge  34  extends between inside surface  30  and outside surface  32  around an outer perimeter of each surface  30  and  32 . In this manner, in an embodiment where outside surface  32  is slightly larger than inside surface  30 , side edge  34  defines a stepped edge including a first portion  36  and a second portion  38 . First portion  36  extends from outside surface  32  towards inside surface  30 , and second portion  38  extends from inside surface  30  towards outside surface  32 . As such, first portion  36  is larger than second portion  38 . A ledge  39  extends between portions  36  and  38  with an orientation generally parallel to surfaces  30  and  32 . Accordingly, side edge  34  is formed as a stepped edge.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, inside surface  30  includes decorative indicia  40 . Decorative indicia  40  relate to one or more of an occasion, a season, a store identifier, brand identifier, media format indicia (e.g. characters, logos, scenes, or other illustrations relating to at least one of a movie, television show, book, video game, etc.), a sport, etc. More particularly, decorative indicia  40  includes first maze end indicia  42  and second maze end indicia  44 . Each maze end indicia  42  and  44  is positioned on inside planar surface  30  to correspond with an end, e.g. a start and finish, respectively, of maze  16  upon assembly of stored-value card  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]     In one embodiment, first maze end indicia  42  and second maze end indicia  44  coordinate or complement one another and promote the idea of moving ball  14  from one end of maze  16  towards the other end of maze  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In one example, first maze end indicia  42  depicts a dog and second maze end indicia  44  depicts a bone, to signify a dog chasing after the bone or a bone being given to the dog depending upon the direction ball  14  will be moved through maze  16 . In one embodiment, first maze end indicia  42  and second maze end indicia  44  may include wording to encourage the bearer of stored-value card to interact with maze  16 , such as “Fetch.” 
         [0017]     Either the wording, graphic, or other aspects of first maze indicia  42  and/or second maze indicia  44  may serve to associate stored-value card  10  with a product, store, brand, etc. In particular, in one example, the dog may be a mascot of or be otherwise associated with the store honoring stored-value card  10  and/or the wording may include the store name. In this respect, base  20  of stored-value card  10  is configured to be readily associated with the store indicated or referred to by maze end indicia  42  and  44 . Although described as a dog and bone with wording, maze end indicia  42  and/or  44  can be any variety of objects, text, scenes, characters, animals, etc. Indicia  42  and  44  and any other indicia on stored-value card  10  provide one example of means for associating stored-value card  10  with at least one of a product, a brand, a store, a holiday, a season, an occasion, and media format indicia. In one embodiment, inside surface  30  further includes a colored background or patterned background extending across at least a portion of inside planar surface  30 .  
         [0018]     Outside planar surface  32  includes an account identifier  46  such as a barcode, magnetic strip, a smart chip or other electronic device, a radio frequency identification device, or other suitable identifier readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal or other account access station or kiosk. In one embodiment, account identifier  46  is printed on outside planar surface  32  of base  20 . Account identifier  46  indicates a financial account or record to which stored-value card  10  is linked. The account or record of the monetary balance on stored-value card  10  optionally is maintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or, in the case of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or other electronics or device on stored-value card  10  itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier  46 , a financial account or record linked to stored-value card  10  is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom, and/or have amounts added or loaded thereto. With the above in mind, account identifier  46  is one example of means for linking stored-value card  10  with a financial account or record and is one example of means for activating or loading value on stored-value card  10 .  
         [0019]     In one embodiment, redemption indicia  48  are included on outside planar surface  32 . Redemption indicia  48  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, redemption indicia  48  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, etc. In one embodiment, other indicia are also included on outside planar surface  32  and inside planar surface  30 .  
         [0020]     In one embodiment, base  20  is formed of a paper material, card stock material, plastic material, e.g. a polycarbonate, or other suitable, relatively rigid material. In one example, base  20  is dual-colored and formed by pressing a first planar sheet of polycarbonate to a second sheet of polycarbonate wherein the first planar sheet is a first color and the second planar sheet is a second color. In one example, the first planar sheet defines first planar surface  30  and the second planar sheet defines second planar surface  32 . Other materials and methods of forming base  20  are also contemplated.  
         [0021]     A bottom, perspective view of one embodiment of cover  22  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Cover  22  generally includes a primary panel  50 , a side wall  52 , and a plurality of internal walls  54 . Primary panel  50  is generally planar and defines an outside surface  56  and an inside surface  58 . In one embodiment, primary panel  50  is of a size generally similar to base  20 . Side wall  52  extends from inside surface  58  of primary panel  50  and extends generally about the entire perimeter of primary panel  50 . For example, side wall  52  extends with a generally perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel  50 .  
         [0022]     Side wall  52  extends from primary panel  50  to form an edge  60  opposite primary panel  50 . In one embodiment, edge  60  is a stepped edge including a first portion  62  and a second portion  64 . First portion  62  extends from primary panel  50  a greater distance than second portion  64  extends from primary panel  50 . First portion  62  generally extends around the perimeter of second portion  64 . In this respect, edge  60  is formed as a stepped edge with higher, first portion  62  wrapping around the outside of lower, second portion  64 . In one embodiment, the corners of primary panel  50  and side wall  52  are rounded or chamfered.  
         [0023]     The plurality of internal walls  54  generally extend from inside surface  58  away from primary panel  50 . More specifically, in one embodiment, each of the plurality of internal walls  54  extends with a generally perpendicular orientation with respect to primary panel  50 . The plurality of internal walls  54  are configured to extend from primary panel  50  in an arrangement that collectively defines maze  16 . Accordingly, maze  16  generally defines a first end  66  and a second end  68  spaced from one another. In one embodiment, first end  66  indicates a start of maze  16 , and the second end  68  indicates a finish of maze  16 , or vice versa.  
         [0024]     Maze  16  is adapted to receive ball  14  and to allow ball  14  to be manipulated and rolled by a bearer of stored-value card  10  from one end  66  or  68  of maze  16  to the other end  68  or  66 . As such, internal walls  54  of maze  16  are positioned to generally allow ball  14  to fit and roll between two generally adjacent and parallel walls  54 . More particularly, internal walls  54  of maze  16  are arranged such that there is at least one path through internal walls  54  leading from first end  66  to second end  68 . In general, this path is a meandering or non-linear path. In one embodiment, a plurality of internal walls  54  are also included in maze  16  that do not define part of the path between first end  66  and second end  68 , but rather define wrong turns, dead ends, etc. as adapted to selectively receive ball  14  and to deter ball  14  from reaching maze end  66  or  68 , depending upon which maze end  66  or  68  ball  14  is being moved toward.  
         [0025]     In one example, each internal wall  54  extends in either a first direction or a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. In other embodiments, the plurality of internal walls  54  extend in a variety of angles, and are either linear or curved. Although described herein as being a maze  16 , maze  16  may be substituted for by any game, e.g. a puzzle providing an interactive activity or brain teaser. In one example, maze  16  is substituted for by a game where one or more balls  14  are manipulated within housing  12  in attempt to place each ball  14  in a particular hole or cradle within housing  12 , etc. Accordingly, maze  16  or another game within housing  12  provides one example of means for guiding ball  14  through maze  16  or other game.  
         [0026]     Ball  14  is any generally spherical ball formed of a material sufficiently rigid to avoid deformation upon periodic impact with internal walls  54  and/or primary panel  50  of cover  22 , e.g. steel, aluminum, lead, tin, etc. In one embodiment, ball  14  is also formed of a material suitable to reduce or decrease friction between ball  14  and cover  22 , to avoid excessively impeding movement of ball  14  through maze  16 . In one embodiment, other suitable balls or objects capable of being maneuvered through maze  16  are also contemplated.  
         [0027]     Cover  22 , or at least primary panel  50 , is formed of a translucent or transparent material. In one embodiment, cover  22  is formed of an injection molded plastic or acrylic material. In a particular example, cover  22  is injection molded of a clear acrylic material. Other methods of forming cover  22  and other materials for cover  22  are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, internal walls  54  are separately formed and coupled with or positioned beneath the remainder of cover  22 .  
         [0028]     As illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 1 , during assembly, cover  22  is inverted so primary panel  50  is on the bottom of cover  22  as in  FIG. 3  and ball  14  is placed within maze  16  of cover  22 . Subsequently, base  20  is placed upon cover  22 , or vice versa. More specifically, base  20  is placed on cover  22  such that stepped edge  60  of cover  22  interfaces with edge  34  of base  20 . In this manner, ledge  39  of base  20  interfaces with first portion  62  of stepped edge  60  on cover  22 . Second portion  64  of stepped edge  60  interfaces with inside surface  30  of base  20 . The stepped interface between base  20  and cover  22  provides for a generally stable and neat coupling of base  20  and cover  22 . In one embodiment, adhesive is applied in areas of interface between base  20  and cover  22 , more specifically, between stepped edge  60  of cover  22  and base  20 . In one embodiment, when assembled housing  12  has an overall length of about 8.5 cm, an overall width of about 5.5 cm, and an overall thickness of about 0.75 cm.  
         [0029]     In this respect, base  20  and cover  22  are secured to one another thereby securing ball  14  within housing  12 , more particularly, within maze  16 . When base  20  and cover  22  are coupled, in one embodiment, first end  66  of maze  16  generally aligns with first maze end indicia  42  of base  20 . Similarly, second end  68  of maze  16  generally aligns with second maze end indicia  44 . In this respect, a bearer of stored-value card  10  can view maze  16 , ball  14 , and maze end indicia  42  and  44  through the generally translucent or transparent primary panel  50  of cover  22 .  
         [0030]     During use, the bearer of stored-value card  10  can manipulate ball  14  through maze  16 , between first and second ends  66  and  68  of maze  16  (i.e. between first and second maze end indicia  42  and  44 ). In particular, while viewing maze  16  and ball  14  through primary panel  50  of cover  22 , the bearer selectively tilts stored-value card  10  to various sides and at various angles to manipulate or roll ball  14  through maze  16  across inside surface  30  of base  20 . In one embodiment, by manipulating ball  14  through maze  16 , the bearer of stored-value card  10  is amused. In one example, the amusement of manipulating ball  14  through maze  16  entices the bearer of stored-value card  10  as a potential consumer to purchase and/or load stored-value card  10 .  
         [0031]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a carrier or backer  70  for supporting stored-value card  10 . Stored-value card  10  is readily releasably attached to backer  70 , for example by an adhesive  72  or the like, and is represented in phantom lines in  FIG. 4A . Backer  70  comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Other materials are also contemplated. Backer  70  displays indicia, graphics or text information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers (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.  
         [0032]     Indicia  74 , for example, include to, from, initial gift card value, and message fields. Indicia  78  notify a user and promote that additional value can always be added or reloaded to stored-value card  10 . Indicia  80  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  80  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  82  identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with stored-value card  10 . Any of indicia  74 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 , or other indicia, optionally may appear anywhere on backer  70  or stored-value card  10 . Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein also may be included.  
         [0033]     Backer  70  defines a window or opening  84  for displaying account identifier  46  of stored-value card  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . As previously described, account identifier  46  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, window  84  allows access to account identifier  46  to activate and/or load stored-value card  10  without removing stored-value card  10  from backer  70 .  
         [0034]     In one embodiment, backer  70  is a generally bi-fold substrate defining fold line(s)  86 , about which backer  70  is foldable roughly in half. In  FIGS. 4A and 4B , backer  70  is unfolded, i.e. is in an open configuration. According to one embodiment,  FIG. 4A  illustrates surfaces of backer  70  that will be supported on a rack or other fixture to face a customer of a retail store who is considering the purchase of stored-value card  10 . In another example, while on display in a retail store, backer  70  is folded back about at least one of fold lines  86  to present only the surfaces of backer  70  illustrated in  FIG. 4A  and positioned on the same side of fold lines  86  as stored-value card  10  to a consumer. In such an embodiment, indicia  74  and  78  would not be visible to a consumer when backer  70  and stored-value card  10  are placed for display in the retail store. Backer  70  is one example means for removably supporting stored-value card  10  for display in a retail setting.  
         [0035]     After purchase, backer  70  is foldable about fold line(s)  86  such that the  FIG. 4A  surfaces of backer  70  are folded towards each other and stored-value card  10  is enclosed in a compact package formed by folded backer  70 . In this manner, the surfaces of backer  70  illustrated in  FIG. 4B  are disposed toward the outside of the folded, compact package, according to embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, folded backer  70  effectively wraps stored-value card  10  for presentation from a consumer to a recipient. In one embodiment, fold line(s)  86  are two fold lines slightly spaced from one another to accommodate a thickness of stored-value card  10 . Folding in the other direction about fold line(s)  86  for display on a rack in a retail setting, or about other fold line(s) of backer  70 , is also contemplated.  
         [0036]     In one embodiment, backer  70  optionally includes a tab  88  extending from one edge of backer  70  running parallel to fold lines  86 . In one example, an additional fold line  90  runs between tab  88  and the remainder of backer  70 . In addition, a generally semi-circular cut  92  is formed from tab  88  through fold line  90  and partially onto the remainder of backer  70 . In one embodiment, cut  92  is generally centered upon tab  88  and backer  70 . Accordingly, semi-circular cut  92  defines a generally semi-circular flap  94 , which can be partially bent away from the remainder of tab  88  and backer  70 .  
         [0037]     More specifically, upon folding of backer  70  about fold line(s)  86 , tab  88  is folded upward about fold line  90  and flap  94  is pulled away from tab  88  to interface with an opposing edge of backer  70 . In this respect, the opposing edge of backer  70  can be tucked beneath flap  94  to maintain backer  70  in a folded or closed position (not shown). Backers similar to backer  70  can be used with various sizes and shapes of stored-value card  10 . Other backers or packages are also contemplated for supporting stored-value card  10 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  100  of using stored-value card  10 . At  102 , a potential consumer views stored-value card  10 , which is displayed in a retail setting. Upon viewing, the potential consumer may also interact with stored-value card  10  to inspect maze  16  and how it works. As such, the viewable maze  16  provides one example of means for engaging a bearer of stored-value card  10  to interact with stored-value card  10 . At  104 , the consumer, who may have been enticed by maze  16  to purchase stored-value card  10 , decides to and does purchase stored-value card  10  from a retail store. At  106 , the consumer optionally gives stored-value card  10  to a recipient, such as a graduate, a relative, a 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.  
         [0039]     At  108 , the consumer or the recipient, whoever is in current ownership or is the current bearer of stored-value card  10 , interacts with maze  16  or other puzzle of stored-value card  10  as described above. At  110 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  redeems stored-value card  10  for goods and/or services from the retail store. At  112 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  adds or loads value to stored-value card  10 , more particularly, to the financial account or record associated with stored-value card  10 . Upon interacting with maze  16  at  108 , redeeming stored-value card  10  at  110 , or adding value to stored-value card  10  at  112 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  subsequently can perform any of steps  108 ,  110 , or  112  as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the current bearer to repeat redeeming stored-value card  10  at  110  is limited by whether the financial account or record associated with stored-value card  10  has any value at the time of redemption.  
         [0040]     Although described above as occurring at a single retail store, in one embodiment, purchasing stored-value card  10  at  104 , redeeming stored-value card  10  at  110 , and adding value to stored-value card  10  at  112 , can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept stored-value card  10 . In one example, the number of stores are each part of a chain of similarly branded stores. In one example, the number of stores includes at least one website and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar structure.  
         [0041]     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, a gift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of a financial account or a financial record associated with the stored-value card. The balance associated with a stored-value card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The stored-value card remains in the uses purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to re-visit 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, prepaid cards, and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example.  
         [0042]     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. For example, stored-value card  10  optionally is a physical card made of plastic, paper, generally stiff paper, other substrate, or the like. Adding value to stored-value card  10  optionally includes an either fixed amount or an amount that can be chosen by the consumer or other user. Other modifications within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.