Patent Publication Number: US-8523058-B2

Title: Transaction product with removable articles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/843,844, filed Aug. 23, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,607, issued Jul. 6, 2010, and entitled “Transaction Product with Removable Articles,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes 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. Transaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction product including a housing, a tray, one or more articles and an account identifier. The tray is selectively maintained within and readily removable from the housing. The one or more articles are selectively maintained by the tray, and each of the one more articles are readily removable from the tray. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. 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. 1  is an exploded perspective view illustration of a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustration of a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view illustration of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view illustration of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view illustration of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 , the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view illustration of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a left side view illustration of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view illustration of a first housing member of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustration of a tray of the transaction product of  FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view illustration of a backer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view illustration of the backer of  FIG. 10  supporting the transaction product of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A stored-value card and other transaction products are adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or website and/or for storing non-monetary value adapted for redemption toward the use of goods and/or services (e.g., a phone card). According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a transaction product to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the transaction product at a retail store or setting to pay for the goods and/or services. A transaction product, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer and recipient with extra amusement and non-transactional functionality in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services with the transaction product. 
     In particular, the transaction product includes a housing a tray and one or more articles. The tray is configured to selectively fit (e.g., to slidably fit) within the housing and to facilitate organized placement of the article(s) into and/or organized removal of the article(s) from the housing. The housing itself or with tray and/or the article(s) is configured for use toward the purchase or use of one or more of goods and/or services. During non-transactional use, the housing can be opened and the tray and/or the article(s) contained therein can be removed. In one embodiment, the tray is specifically sized and shaped to maintain the other articles in a neat and aesthetically pleasing manner. In one embodiment, removing the tray from the housing also removes the other article(s) from the housing. In one embodiment, the inclusion of tray and/or article(s) and their ability to be readily removed from the transaction product promote the sale and/or loading of the transaction product by potential consumers and/or bearers of the transaction product. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more articles are a plurality of crayons or other writing utensils. As such, the tray separately maintains each of the crayons, and the tray with the crayons is selectively maintained within the housing. In this manner, the transaction product provides a packaged plurality of crayons that can easily be removed from and stored in the housing. In one example, the housing is formed of two pieces that are selectively coupled to one another. When the tray and crayons are placed within the housing, the two pieces of the housing can be coupled to one another to enclose the tray and crayons within the housing. Conversely, the two pieces of the housing can also be at least partially uncoupled to open the housing allowing the tray and/or the crayons to be readily slid out of or into the housing either before or after the bearer of the transaction product has used the writing utensils to color or otherwise write on a target object. 
     In one example, the transaction product is coupled with a backer configured to support the transaction product during display. The backer is configured to be written on with the crayons or other writing utensils stored in the housing of the transaction product. In one embodiment, the backer includes black and white characters, object, etc. or other suitable indicia configured to be colored or otherwise decorated using the crayons, etc. In this manner, a transaction product assembly, which includes both the transaction product and the backer, provides a bearer of the transaction product with enclosed, but readily accessible, writing utensils and a target backer to be decorated with the writing utensils in addition to providing the transactional functionality described above. 
     Turning to the figures,  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate a transaction product  10  (e.g., a financial transaction product and/or stored-value card) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Transaction product  10  includes a casing or housing  12 , an insert or tray  14  and one or more objects or articles  16 . Housing  12  is configured to selectively house tray  14  and/or article(s)  16 . In one example, tray  14  is configured to selectively maintain article(s)  16  independently of housing  12 . 
     In one embodiment, housing  12  includes a first housing member  20  and a second housing member  22  configured to be selectively coupled with first housing member  20  to selectively maintain tray  14  and/or article(s)  16  therebetween. First housing member  20  includes a first major panel  30  and a second major panel  32  spaced from and extending substantially parallel with one another. In one embodiment, first and second major panels  30  and  32  are each substantially planar and are similarly sized and shaped. In one example, each of first and second major panels  30  and  32  is substantially rectangular. Side walls  34 ,  36  and  38  each extend from a different side of and between first and second major panels  30  and  32 . More specifically, where first and second major panels  30  and  32  are each substantially rectangular, first side wall  34  extends substantially parallel to third side wall  38 , and second side wall  36  extends between first side wall  34  and third side wall  38 . In view of this configuration, first housing member  20  defines a chamber  40  therebetween, which is substantially enclosed except for an opening  42  defined opposite second side wall  36  as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In one embodiment, a flange  44  ( FIG. 1 ) extends around opening  42  from ends of each of first major panel  30 , second major panel  32 , first side wall  34  and third side wall  38  positioned opposite second side wall  36  (e.g., adjacent opening  42 ). More specifically, flange  44  extends substantially parallel to, but inwardly offset from each of first and second major panels  30  and  32  and first and third side walls  34  and  38  away from second side wall  36 . 
     Additionally referring to  FIG. 8 , second housing member  22  includes first and second major panels  50  and  52 . In one embodiment, first and second major panels  50  and  52  are substantially planar and are spaced from and extend substantially parallel with one another. First and second major panels  50  and  52  are similarly sized and shaped. For instance, in one example, first and second major panels  50  and  52  are each substantially rectangular. Side walls  54 ,  56  and  58  each extend from a different side of and between first and second major panels  50  and  52 . More specifically, first side wall  54  extends substantially parallel to third side wall  58 , and second side wall  56  extends between first and third side walls  54  and  58 . In view of this configuration, second housing member  22  defines a cavity  60 , which is substantially enclosed except for an opening  62  defined opposite second side wall  56 . 
     First and second major panels  50  and  52  and first and third side walls  54  and  58  collectively define an area of reduced thickness  64  of second housing member  22  near and around opening  62 . As such, a raised lip  66  is formed inside second housing member  22  at the boundary between area of reduced thickness  64  and the remainder of second housing member  22 . In one embodiment, area of reduced thickness  64  extends from opening  62  a distance similar to a distance flange  44  extends from opening  42  of first housing member  20  ( FIG. 1 ). As such, area of reduced thickness  64  is configured to receive flange  44  of first housing member  20  as will be further described below. 
     In one embodiment, first and second housing members  20  and  22  are each formed by injection molding plastic (e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material to define the various attributes of first and second housing members  20  and  22 . In one embodiment, at least one of first and second housing members  20  and  22  is substantially translucent or substantially transparent. In one example, first and second housing members  20  and  22  are each substantially rigid. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an account identifier  70  is included on or otherwise associated with housing  12 , for example, on an outside surface  80  of second major panel  32 . Account identifier  70  indicates an account or record to which transaction product  10  is linked. The account or record maintains a monetary or other value balance on transaction product  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 transaction product  10  itself. Accordingly, by scanning or otherwise reading account identifier  70 , the account or record linked to transaction product  10  is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom and/or have amounts added thereto. 
     In one embodiment, account identifier  70  includes one or more of a bar code, magnetic strip, smart chip or other electronic device, radio frequency identification (RFID) device or other suitable marking readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station, kiosk or other suitable machine or device. In one embodiment, account identifier  70  includes a character string or code  72  (e.g., a number and or letter string) configured to provide additional security to the use of transaction product  10  and/or configured to be read by a bearer of transaction product  10  to facilitate use of transaction product  10  for web site or other purchases outside of a brick-and-mortar type retail establishments. With the above in mind, account identifier  70  is one example of means for linking transaction product  10  with an account or record, and scanning of account identifier  70  is one example of means for activating or loading value on transaction product  10 . 
     In one example, while housing  12  is substantially translucent or substantially transparent, and an opaque field  74  is printed or otherwise applied to outside surface  80  of second major panel  32  of housing  12 . In one embodiment, opaque field  74  extends across a substantial entirety of outside surface  80  to substantially block viewing of corresponding chamber  40  ( FIG. 1 ) through outside surface  80 . In one embodiment, outside surface  80  is otherwise configured to be opaque. In one embodiment, opaque field  74  is configured to be printed with or to otherwise receive at least a portion of account identifier  70 . In the case of a bar code account identifier  70 , opaque field  74  facilitates machine scanning of account identifier  70 . 
     In one embodiment, redemption indicia  78 , which are generally indicated as a dashed box in  FIG. 4 . are included on housing  12 , such as on opaque field  74 . Redemption indicia  78  indicate that transaction product  10  is redeemable toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services, and that, upon use, a value of the purchased or used goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked to transaction product  10 . In one embodiment, redemption indicia  78  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 telephone information in a case of a lost, stolen or damaged transaction product, etc. In one example, redemption indicia  78  include the following or a similar statement:
         This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our web site. This GiftCard is not redeemable for cash or credit except where required by law. No value until purchased. For balance information or to report a lost, stolen or damaged card, call 1-800-555-5555. We can replace the remaining value on a lost stolen or damaged card with the original purchase receipt. No fees. No expiration. No kidding.       

     In one embodiment, other indicia are printed or otherwise disposed on one or more of outside surface  76  of first major panel  30  and or an outside surface  80  of second major panel  32 . Other indicia may be included on first housing member  20  and second housing member  22  such as other objects, text, backgrounds, graphics, brand identifiers, etc. In one example, additional indicia  82  include decorative and/or informative items, such as objects relating to the nature of the transaction product  10  and or to brand, store, product or other related items (e.g., a logo, trademark or mascot). Other suitable combinations or selections of indicia  82  to be displayed on housing  12  are also contemplated. 
     Referring once again to  FIG. 1 , tray  14  is formed with external dimensions allowing tray  14  to be readily slid into and out of housing  12 , for example, at least partially into and out of one or both of chamber  40  and cavity  60  ( FIG. 8 ). In one embodiment, where housing  12  is substantially rectangular, tray  14  is substantially rectangular. It should be noted that while tray  14  is shown for illustrative purposes as being spaced slightly away from side walls  34 ,  36  and  38 , in one embodiment, upon sliding tray  14  into chamber  40 , tray  14  interacts with sidewalls  34 ,  36  and  38  to snugly position tray  14  within chamber  40 . Tray  14  is configured to receive each of article(s)  16  in a generally neat and aesthetically pleasing manner to organize placement of article(s)  16  within chamber  40  and/or cavity  60 . In one embodiment, tray  14  is independently configured to support the one or more articles  16  whether or not tray  14  is positioned within or outside of housing  12 . In view of at least the above, tray  14  is one example of means for selectively receiving article(s)  16 . 
     For example, additionally referring to the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , tray  14  defines a primary surface  90  and side walls  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98  extending from a perimeter of primary surface  90  in a direction substantially perpendicular and/or a direction angled outwardly therefrom. For example, first side wall  92  and third side wall  96  are positioned opposite one another, and second side wall  94  and fourth side wall  98  are positioned to each extend between first side wall  92  and third side wall  96  opposite one another. In one embodiment, each side wall  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98  is curved slightly outwardly at edges opposite main planar surface to add to the rigidity of tray  14 . 
     In one embodiment, one or more recesses or indentations  100  are defined by tray  14 , wherein each indentation  100  is sized with a cross-sectional shape specifically configured to receive one of article(s)  16 . For example, in one embodiment, where the one or more articles  16  are a number of writing utensils (e.g., crayons, markers, pencils and/or pens) each indention  100  has a lateral cross-section sized and shaped to mimic at least a portion of the lateral cross-sectional shape of each writing utensil, albeit slightly larger, such that each article  16  fits snugly at least partially within a corresponding indentation  100  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  7 ). For example, the cross-sectional shape of each indentation  100  may mimic less than all of (e.g., substantially half of) the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding article  16 , such that each article fits or nests partially within the corresponding indentation and extends from indentation  100  beyond primary surface  90 , which allows the bearer of transaction product  10  to more easily grasp and remove each article  16  from tray  14 . 
     In one embodiment, tray  14  is formed by injection molding plastic (e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material to define the various attributes of tray  14 . In one embodiment, tray  14  is substantially translucent or substantially transparent an/or otherwise coordinates with first housing member  20  and second housing member  22 . In one example, tray  24  is substantially rigid. 
     In one embodiment, the one or more articles  16  are each elongated and define a first end  102  and a second end  104  opposite first end  102 . In one embodiment, where each article  16  is a crayon or other writing utensil, first end  102  is substantially flat while second end  104  is substantially pointed. In one example, indentations  100 , which each correspond to one of elongated article(s)  16 , are also elongated and are laterally spaced from one another on tray  14 . Each indentation  100  may be independently formed or defined to extend from primary surface  90 , while, in one embodiment, each indentation may extend to and/or be partially defined by one or more of side walls  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98 . 
     For example, in one embodiment, indentation  100  is elongated and defines a first end  110  and a second end  112  opposite first end  110 . First end  110  is defined to extend from primary surface  90  near to, but not to intersect second side wall  94 . Second end  112 , however, extends through fourth side wall  98 . In one example, indentation  100  has a shorter longitudinal dimension than the corresponding article  16  such that each article  16  placed in indentation  100  such that first end  102  of article  16  is adjacent first end  110  of indentation, second end  104  of article  16  extends from indentation  100  outwardly beyond fourth side wall  98  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The extension of second end  104  of article beyond fourth side wall  98  of tray  14  serves to provide second end  112  away from tray  14 , which allows article(s)  16  to be easily grasped and removed from tray  14 . Although specific arrangements of indentations  100  are described herein for illustrative purposes, other arrangements of indentations  100  will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application. 
     Although pictured and primarily described as being a writing utensil, use of other suitable article(s)  16  is also contemplated as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. However, in one embodiment, each article  16  is a crayon formed of a wax and pigment material. In addition, other features of article(s)  16  are also contemplated. For example, article(s)  16  may each include a wrapper or other covering  120  and/or may include brand indicia  122 , which identify a brand of a store, department or product for sale and/or other decorative or advertising indicia  124  as generally indicated in  FIG. 1 . In one example, where housing  12  or at least a portion thereof is transparent or translucent, article(s)  16  and therefore, covering  120 , brand indicia  122  and/or indicia  124 , if any, are viewable through at least one surface of housing  12  even when transaction product  10  is assembled. The external viewing of article(s)  16  promotes sale of transaction product  10  by clearly showing a user what article(s)  16  are included with transaction product  10 . 
     During assembly, tray  14  receives article(s)  16 . In one example, one of article(s)  16  is placed within each indentation  100  of tray  14 , such that each article  16  is snuggly retained in place at least partially within tray  14 . Once article(s)  16  are placed in tray  14 , tray  14  is placed within one of first housing member  20  and second housing member  22 . More specifically, in one example, tray  14  is slid into first housing member  20  such that second wall  94  of tray  14  is positioned nearest to second wall  36  of first housing member  20 . Subsequently, second housing member  22  is coupled with first housing member  20 , thereby enclosing tray  14  and article(s)  16  therebetween, more particularly, within chamber  40  and/or cavity  60  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     More specifically, in one embodiment, first housing member  20  is slid toward and together with second housing member  22  such that flange  44  of first housing member  20  is received by the area of reduced thickness  64  of second housing member  22 . In this manner, first and second housing members  20  and  22  are coupled to one another with a friction fit such that chamber  40  and cavity  60  are placed in communication with (i.e., are open to) one another. First and second housing members  20  and  22  are one example of means for enclosing tray  14  and the one or more articles  16 , are respectively examples of means for defining chamber  40  and means for defining cavity  60 . Other methods of coupling first and second housing members  20  and  22  or enclosing tray  14  and article(s)  16  are also contemplated. 
     Upon assembly, second side wall  36  of first housing member  20  and second side wall  56  of second housing member  22  each independently define an opposite, external end wall of housing  12 . First and second housing members  20  and  22  collectively define opposite external side walls of housing  12  each extending between side walls  36  and  56 . In one embodiment, the resulting housing  12  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; however, housing  12  may be slightly thicker to accommodate receipt of tray  14  and the one or more articles  16 . In one embodiment, housing  12  is shaped as a square, circle, oval, star or another suitable shape. 
     During use of transaction product  10  for entertainment purposes, first and second housing members  20  and  22  are separated and tray  14  and the one or more articles  16  are removed from within first and second housing members  20  and  22 . As described above, in one embodiment, upon removal of tray  14  from housing  12 , each article  16  is separately and selectively stored and removable from tray  14  for use, for example, within a corresponding indentation  100 . In one example, given that each indentation  100  is open to fourth side wall  98 , each article  16  can be slid into and/or out of the corresponding indentation  100  through opening  42  of first housing member  20  without first removing tray  14  from housing  12 . In one embodiment, where article(s)  16  are writing utensils, article(s)  16  are selectively maintained within housing  12  before, after and/or during use. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a carrier or backer  200  supporting transaction product  10  ( FIGS. 1-7 ). Backer  200  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. Use of other materials to form backer  200  is also contemplated. Backer  200  defines a first or front surface  202  ( FIG. 10 ) and a second or rear surface  204  ( FIG. 11 ). In one embodiment, as will be further described below, backer  200  is formed of a material and/or coated with a material such that at least one of front surface  202  and rear surface  204  of backer  200  is configured to receive writings (e.g., coloring or other demarcations) from writing utensils, which in one embodiment are provided as articles  16  (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), as will be further described below. 
     Transaction product  10 , which is generally represented in broken lines in  FIG. 10  for illustrative purposes (e.g., to allow for full viewing of front surface  202 ), is readily releasably attached to backer  200 , for example, by adhesive, blister packaging, overlying skinning material or the like, such that transaction product  10  and backer  200  collectively define a transaction product assembly  206 . 
     In one embodiment, backer  200  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, characters and/or other information. The various indicia may be included on one or more of front and rear surfaces  202  and  204 . In one example, the indicia include one or more of redemption indicia  210 , instructional indicia  212 , message field indicia  214 , brand indicia  216 , decorative indicia  218 , etc. 
     Redemption indicia  210 , which are generally indicated as a dashed box in  FIG. 11 , indicate that transaction product  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 account or record linked to transaction product  10 . In one embodiment, redemption indicia  210  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 transaction product  10 , etc. In one example, redemption indicia  210  include the following or a similar statement:
         This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our web site. This GiftCard is not redeemable for cash or credit except where required by law. No value until purchased. For balance information or to report a lost, stolen or damaged card, call 1-800-555-5555. We can replace the remaining value on a lost stolen or damaged card with the original purchase receipt. No fees. No expiration. No kidding.       

     Instructional indicia  212  include any indications generally referring to how transaction product  10  can be used for entertainment or functional purposes other than value redemption. For example, indicia  212  may instruct the bearer to “Color Me” where one or both of front surface  202  and rear surface  204  are configured to be written or colored upon (as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) with article(s)  16 , for example, where article(s)  16  are crayons or other writing utensils. Other instructional indicia  212  are also contemplated. 
     Message field indicia  214  for example include “to,” “from” and “amount” fields are configured to be written to by the bearer of transaction product assembly  206  prior to presenting transaction product assembly  206  to a recipient. As such, message field indicia  214  facilitate the consumer in preparing transaction product assembly  206  for gifting to a recipient. Brand indicia  216  identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction product  10 . 
     Any decorative indicia  218  may also be included on backer  200 . In one embodiment, where article(s)  16  (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) are writing utensils such as crayons, markers, pencils, pens, etc., decorative indicia  218  may be configured to receive writing by such writing utensils. In one example, at least a portion of decorative indicia  218  are black and white or other suitable characters, objects, etc. configured to be colored or otherwise decorated with writing utensils. Any of indicia  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer  200  or transaction product  10 . Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included. 
     In one embodiment, backer  200  defines a window or opening  220  for displaying account identifier  70  of transaction product  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As previously described, account identifier  70  is adapted for accessing an account or record associated with transaction product  10  for activating, loading or debiting value from the account or record. Accordingly, in one embodiment, opening  220  allows access to account identifier  70  to activate and/or load transaction product  10  without removing transaction product  10  from backer  200 . 
     In one embodiment, backer  200  defines a hanging aperture  222  configured to receive a support arm or hook, such that transaction product assembly  206  can be hung from a rail or rack within the retail setting or elsewhere to facilitate display of transaction product assembly  206 . According to one embodiment,  FIG. 11  illustrates surfaces of backer  200  that will be supported on a rack or other fixture while  FIG. 10  illustrates surfaces of backer  200  that will be visible to a consumer of a retail store who is considering the purchase of transaction product assembly  206 . Other backers, such as foldable backers (not shown), can be used with various sizes and shapes of transaction products  10 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  300  of assembling transaction product assembly  206 . Additionally referring to  FIG. 1 , at  302 , transaction product  10  is assembled. More specifically, at  304 , tray  14  and the one or more articles  16  are positioned within one of chamber  40  of first housing member  20  and cavity  60  of second housing member  22 . Subsequently, at  306 , first and second housing members  20  and  22  are slid and coupled together. More specifically, flange  44  of first housing member  20  is received by area of reduced thickness  64  of second housing member  22 . As such, housing members  20  and  22  are coupled together via a friction fit such that tray  14  and the one or more articles  16  are enclosed therebetween within chamber  40  and cavity  60  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     At  310 , the assembled transaction product  10  is coupled with backer  200  to form a transaction product assembly  206  as illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 11 . In one example, transaction product  10  is coupled to backer  200  with an adhesive, overlying skinning material or other selectively releasable material or device such that account identifier  70  is viewable through opening  220  of backer  200  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  320  of providing transaction product assembly  206  for sale to and for use by consumers. At  322 , transaction product assembly  206  is placed or hung from a rack, shelf or similar device to display transaction product assembly  206  for sale to potential consumers. In one example, transaction product assembly  206  is placed for sale such that transaction product  10  is visible to potential consumers. In one embodiment, a depiction of transaction product  10  and/or transaction product assembly  206  is placed on a website for viewing and purchase by potential consumers. In one embodiment, transaction product  10  is displayed without backer  200 . 
     At  324 , a consumer, who has decided to purchase transaction product  10 , presents transaction product assembly  206  or at least transaction product  10  to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk or other person or device to scan account identifier  70  of transaction product  10  (e.g., through opening  220  in backer  200 ) to access the account or record linked to account identifier  70 . Upon accessing the account or record, the account or record is accessed and value is added thereto. Thus, transaction product  10  is activated and loaded. Once transaction product  10  is activated and loaded, transaction product  10  can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction product  10  to purchase goods and/or services at the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website. 
     In one example, a predetermined value is associated with transaction product  10  (i.e., associated with the account or record linked to transaction product  10  via account identifier  70 ) prior to activation and display, but such predetermined value is not initially available for use toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services. In such an embodiment, at  324 , transaction product  10  is activated to permit subsequent access to the predetermined value (e.g., subsequent loading on and debiting from the account or record) and no additional value is added during activation such that operation  326  may be eliminated. 
     Once transaction product  10  is activated and loaded, transaction product  10  can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction product  10  to purchase goods and/or services at the affiliated retail setting (e.g., a retail store or web site) or can be used in exchange for calling minutes, or other goods/services. In one embodiment, where transaction product  10  is displayed on a web site at  322 , then, at  324 , transaction product  10  may be activated in any suitable method and may not require machine scanning of account identifier  70  to be activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at  326 . 
     At  328 , the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website accepts transaction product  10  as payment toward the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of transaction product  10 . In particular, the value currently loaded on transaction product  10  is applied towards the purchase of goods and/or services. At  330 , additional value is optionally loaded on transaction product  10  at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk or other area of the retail store or related setting. Upon accepting transaction product  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 transaction product  10 . Similarly, upon loading additional value to transaction product  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 transaction product  10  as payment for goods and/or services is limited by whether the financial account or record associated with transaction product  10  has any value at the time of attempted redemption. 
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  350  of using transaction product  10 . At  352 , a potential consumer of transaction product  10 , which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a website, decides to and does purchase transaction product  10  from the retail store or website setting. Transaction product  10  can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of transaction product assembly  206 . Upon purchasing of transaction product  10 , a retail store employee, retail store kiosk or other person/machine scans account identifier  70  and to thereby activate or load value onto transaction product  10 . 
     At  354 , the consumer optionally gives transaction product  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 transaction product  10  for his or her own use and operation  354  can be eliminated. 
     At  356 , the consumer or recipient, whoever is in current ownership or otherwise is the current bearer of transaction product  10 , plays with transaction product  10  or otherwise uses transaction product  10  in a non-transactional capacity. More specifically, the bearer removes transaction product  10  from backer  200 , if transaction product  10  is coupled with backer  200 . The bearer opens housing  12  by separating first housing member  20  from second housing member  22  to access article(s)  16  stored therein. As such, article(s)  16  may be selectively removed from housing  12  one at a time or simultaneously via tray  14 . Once article(s)  16  are removed from housing  12 , the bearer of transaction product  10  can write with, play with or otherwise use article(s)  16  in any suitable manner for the pleasure of the bearer. As such, the bearer of transaction product  10  and other observers are entertained. 
     At  358 , the current bearer of transaction product  10  redeems transaction product  10  for goods and/or services from the retail store or website. For example, before or following play at  356  and replacement of tray  14  and article(s)  16  back in housing  12 , transaction product  10  as a whole is redeemed toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services at  358 . In one embodiment, following removal of tray  14  and/or article(s)  16  at  356 , housing  12  alone without tray  14  and/or article(s)  16  is redeemed toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services. Any other portion of transaction product  10  alone can be redeemed toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services provided that portion of transaction product  10  includes account identifier  70 . 
     At  360 , the current bearer of transaction product  10  optionally adds value to transaction product  10 , and more particularly, to the account or record associated with transaction product  10 , at the retail store or over the Internet. Upon playing with transaction product  10  at  356 , redeeming transaction product  10  at  358  or adding value to transaction product  10  at  360 , the current bearer of transaction product  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 transaction product  10  at  358  is limited by whether the financial account or record associated with transaction product  10  has any value at the time of attempted redemption. In one embodiment, only tray  14  and the one or more articles  16  and, in one example, backer  200 , are used to play with transaction product  10  at  356  and/or only housing  12  is used to redeem transaction product  10  at  358 . As such, in one example, operations  356  and  358  can be simultaneously preformed. 
     Although described above as occurring at single retail store or website, in one embodiment, purchasing transaction product  10  at  352 , redeeming transaction product  10  at  358  and adding value to transaction product  10  at  360 , can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept transaction product  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. 
     Transaction products come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other transaction products, can be “recharged” 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 the balance of a financial account or record associated with the corresponding transaction product. The balance associated with a transaction product declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The transaction product remains in the purse or wallet of the user, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated merchant. Transaction products, according to embodiment so the invention, provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other gift cards and transaction cards according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, calling cards, employee cards, frequency cards, prepaid cards and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power, monetary value, etc. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and other modifications within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.