Patent Publication Number: US-11390440-B2

Title: Paper-based multi-card package

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2019/050086, filed Jan. 14, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/617,024, filed Jan. 12, 2018, European Patent Application No. 18157233.0 filed on Feb. 16, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/695,534, filed Jul. 9, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to packaged card products, and more particularly, to card packages that include a plurality of cards having one or more associated accounts, and a carrier for containing the cards within a secure, enclosed space thereof. 
     The sale of prepaid plastic cards (e.g. plastic gift cards, telephone cards, etc.) and other plastic transaction cards at retail locations is widespread and geographically increasing. Typically, such plastic cards have account indicia indicative of corresponding accounts (e.g., machine-readable indicia), and in the case of prepaid cards, the corresponding accounts have predetermined values associated therewith. Often one or a plurality of such plastic cards are packaged, distributed and displayed at point-of-sale (POS) locations in an inactive state. In turn, in conjunction with a purchase transaction, the corresponding card(s) is activated at a POS location. Typically, activation entails reading machine-readable activation indicia on the card packaging therefor, correlating the read data with one or more card account(s) that corresponds with the card(s), and activating the account(s)/card(s) for use. 
     Unfortunately, third-party tampering with plastic card packaging at POS locations has presented continuing design challenges. For example, third-parties may wrongfully access the cards to obtain proprietary account data at a POS location, which proprietary account data may then be fraudulently employed after purchase and activation of the cards to access account funds corresponding with the cards. As a result of such tampering schemes, various secure packaging approaches have been proposed to reduce incidents of tampering. 
     However, with the implementation of secure packaging approaches, the usage of packaged plastic card products has continued to increase, thereby resulting in significant plastic waste. In turn, such waste contributes to the ever-increasing concerns associated with the environmental impact of plastic products. For example up to 80% of ocean plastic pollution enters the ocean from land, resulting in the death of thousands of sea mammals and birds. And, more generally, plastic waste results in the accumulation and release of dangerous toxins in landfills and other areas of accumulation. 
     Further, plastic waste associated with packaged plastic card products typically constitutes single use plastic. Recently, single use plastic products have received increased scrutiny from environmentalists and governmental authorities. For example, in an effort to discourage the proliferation of plastic bag usage, some authorities have instituted regulations requiring retailers to impose a customer charge for the use of plastic bags. Additionally, in some areas, a total ban on the use of certain types of single use plastic products is under consideration. Unfortunately, despite such efforts, the use and disposal of single use plastic products continues to increase. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an improved multi-card package may comprise a plurality of cards, each being paper-based and having indicia indicative of an account associated therewith, and a paper-based carrier. The paper-based carrier may include a center panel, a side flap adjoined to the center panel along a first adjoinment line, and a side panel adjoined to the center panel along a second adjoinment line. The side flap may be folded over at least a portion of a first side of the center panel to define a seamless edge. Further, the side panel may be folded over and securely connected to opposing first and second edge portions of the first side of the center panel and a side edge portion of the folded side flap to define another seamless edge and a secure, enclosed space within which the plurality of cards are disposed. 
     As indicated, the plurality of cards and carrier may comprise paper-based materials. In that regard, the carrier and cards may each comprise at least about 90%, and preferably at least about 95% percent, by weight organic and otherwise biodegradable materials (e.g. cellulose materials such as plant-based cellulose). Correspondingly, the multi-card package may comprise substantially no non-biodegradable polymer-based materials (e.g. less than about 5% or even 2% by weight), and may otherwise comprise at least about 90%, and preferably at least about 95% percent, by weight organic and otherwise biodegradable materials (e.g. cellulose materials such as plant-based cellulose). In turn, the multi-card package provides an eco-friendly card product, while also offering superior anti-fraud advantages. 
     In some embodiments, the side flap may be folded over at least a portion of and releasably attached to at least one of the plurality of cards. In one approach, the side flap may be folded over at least a portion of each of the plurality of cards. 
     In some arrangements, adjacent ones of the plurality of cards may be disposed in partially overlapping relation. In such arrangements, the side flap may be releasably attached to at least one of the plurality of cards by a peelable glue region disposed on at least one of the plurality of cards. 
     In contemplated embodiments, at least a bottom card of the plurality of cards may be releasably attached to the first side of the center panel. In turn, overlapping portions of adjacent ones of the plurality of cards may be releasably attached to one another. For example, the bottom card may be releasably attached to the first side of the center panel by at least one peelable glue region disposed on a first side of the panel, and overlapping portions of adjacent ones of the plurality of cards may be releasably attached by corresponding additional, peelable glue regions disposed on an overlapped portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of cards. In contemplated implementations, the side panel may be folded over and securely connected to the first and second edge portions of the first side of the center panel and to the side edge portion of the folded side flap by a non-releasable glue. More particularly, such non-releasable connection may be established by plurality of non-releasable glue regions located along each of the first and second edge portions of the first side of the side of the center panel, and by continuous non-releasable glue line disposed on the side edge portion of the folded side flap. 
     In some embodiments, the center panel may further comprise an aperture, wherein a bottom one of the plurality of cards may be located in a predetermined position so that account associable indicia (i.e. indicia associable with one or more account(s) corresponding with the plurality of cards) disposed on a downward-facing, or back, side of the bottom card is viewable through the aperture. In that regard, the plurality of cards may be releasably attached so that the account associable indicia provided on the back side of the bottom card is viewable through the aperture from a second side of the center panel. By way of example, the account associable indicia may comprise a series of human-readable characters that may be associated with one or more account(s) corresponding with the plurality of cards. 
     In contemplated implementations the center panel and/or side panel may further comprise a separable portion, wherein after assembly of the multi-card package the separable portion is manipulable to define an opening to access the secure, enclosed space for removal of the plurality of cards therethrough. In that regard, the separable portion may extend inwardly from an edge comprising one of the opposing first and second edge portions of the center panel and/or from an edge comprising one of opposing first and second edge portions of the side panel toward an edge comprising the other one of the opposing first and second edge portions of the center panel and/or side panel. 
     In some arrangements, the separable portion may comprise a tear strip defined by at least one of the following: 
     a plurality of pairs of spaced slits that successively extend across the center panel, including a first pair of spaced slits that define a graspable pull tab at an edge of one of said top and bottom edge portions of the center panel, wherein the pull tab may be manipulated to progressively define an opening across the center panel between and along the remaining pairs of spaced slits; and, 
     a tear string that extends across the center panel and includes a graspable end located at an edge of one of the first and second side edge portions of the center panel, wherein the tear string may be manipulated to progressively define an opening across the center panel along the tear string. In other arrangements, the separable portion may be defined by one or a spaced pair of perforation line(s) that extend across the center panel, wherein the perforation line(s) may be manipulated to progressively define an opening across the center panel along the perforation line(s). In some embodiments, a separable portion may extend from an edge of one of said first and second edge portions of the center panel to an end location that is overlapped by at least one of the plurality cards. In that regard, the separable portion may be overlapped by each of the plurality of cards. 
     In other implementations, the center panel and/or side panel may comprise a separable portion, wherein after assembly of the multi-card package the separable portion is manipulatable to define an opening along an edge of the first side edge portion of the center panel and/or a first side edge portion of the side panel to access the enclosed space for removal of cards therethrough. In one approach, commonly configured separable portions may be provided in the center panel and the side panel, wherein such separable portions are located in overlapping, coincidental, face-to-face relation in the assembled multi-card package to accommodate co-manipulation and removal of the separable portions together, as will be further described. The separable portion of the center panel and/or of side panel may include all or at least a portion of a corresponding aperture employable for hanging the multi-card package over a hook at a point of sale location. In some embodiments, separable portions of the center panel and side panel extend about the entirety of corresponding apertures that are aligned upon assembly of the multi-card package. As may be appreciated, in the event of undesired tampering with the separable portion of the center panel and/or side panel, the corresponding aperture(s) may be visibly and/or functionally damaged, thereby advantageously impeding suspension of the multi-card package on a support hook and/or otherwise facilitating detection of such tampering before sale by service personnel at a point of sale location. 
     In some arrangements, a separable portion of the center panel may extend inward from an edge of the first side edge portion thereof. Similarly, a corresponding separable portion of the side panel may extend from an edge of a first side edge portion of the side panel. Each of the separable portions may be defined by a corresponding plurality of perforations that successively extend from a first end located at the edge of the corresponding first side edge portion to a second end, located at the same edge of the corresponding first side edge portion, in spaced relation to the first end thereof. Optionally, each plurality of perforations may define a plurality of corresponding linear portions to facilitate manufacture and operability (e.g. at least three linear portions). In one approach, adjacent ones of the linear portions may define an included angle therebetween of at least about 90 degrees to further facilitate separation of the separable portions. Further, the linear portions at each end of each plurality of perforations may extend inward substantially perpendicular from the edge of the corresponding first side edge portion. 
     In contemplated arrangements, the carrier may be a first rectangular configuration having a corresponding first length greater than a corresponding first width, and each of the plurality of cards may be of a second rectangular configuration having a corresponding second length greater than a corresponding second width, wherein the first width is greater than each of the second length and second width. In turn, the plurality of cards may be disposed lengthwise across a portion of the first width of the carrier with the secure, enclosed space. 
     In conjunction with such arrangements, the first and second edge portions of the first side of the center panel may extend along the top and bottom edge portions of the carrier, respectively. In turn, the side edge portion of the folded side flap may extend along the first side of the center panel between the first and second edge portions thereof. In contemplated arrangements, the folded side flap may overlap at least about 25% and no more than about 45% of the first width of the center panel, and preferably between about 29% to 40% of the first width of the center panel. Further, in some arrangements, the folded side flap may over lap at least about 25% and no more than about 40% of the second width of each of the plurality of cards, and preferably between about 26% to 38% of the second width of each of the plurality of cards. 
     In various embodiments, a multi-card package may be provided in which the carrier is of a single piece construction and comprises a first paperboard type having a first thickness, the plurality of cards each comprise a second paperboard type having a second thickness, and wherein the second thickness is at least about 50%, and preferably at least about 75% greater than the first thickness. In that regard, multiple design opportunities are presented for the implementation of a robust, secure and eco-friendly multi-card package. 
     Numerous additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the embodiment descriptions provided hereinbelow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a paper-based, multi-card package. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3-8  illustrate the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and the successive disposition of glue regions and releasable attachment of cards of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and the disposition of at least one additional glue region to at least one of the cards of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side flap of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as folded over a center panel thereof and releasably attached to the glue region shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the disposition of glue regions on the center panel and folded side flap of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates how a side panel of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  folds over and non-releasably connects to the center panel and folded flap of the carrier, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of a paper-based, multi-card package. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIGS. 15-20  illustrate the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , and the successive disposition of glue regions and releasable attachment of cards of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , and the disposition of at least one additional glue region to at least one of the cards of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a side flap of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , as folded over a center panel thereof and releasably attached to the additional glue regions shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates the disposition of glue regions on the center panel and folded side flap of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , and how a side panel of the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  folds over and non-releasably connects to the center panel and folded flap of the carrier. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , as completed after folding and non-releasable connection of the side panel to the center panel and folded flap of the carrier. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , as completed after folding and non-releasable connection of the side panel to the center panel and folded flap of the carrier, wherein an optional printed image of multiple cards is presented on a front side of the carrier to replicate the positioning of the multiple cards enclosed within the completed embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a multi-card package  1  comprising a carrier  10  and a plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  (e.g. prepaid cards such as gift cards) disposed for containment within a secure, enclosed space defined by the carrier  10 . In the later regard, the carrier  10  may comprise a center panel  20 , a side flap  30  foldable over a first, or inner, side of the center panel  20  to define a seamless side edge, and a side panel  40  foldable over and non-releasably securable to opposing first and second edge portions  20   a ,  20   b  of center panel  20  and to a side edge portion  30   a  of side flap  30  to define another seamless edge and the enclosed space in the finished product, as will be further described. 
     In contemplated embodiments, the multi-card package  1  may comprise paper-based materials. In that regard, the carrier  10  and cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may each comprise at least about 90%, and preferably at least about 95%, by weight organic or otherwise biodegradable materials (e.g. cellulose material such as plant-based cellulose). Correspondingly, the multi-card package  1  comprises substantially no non-biodegradable polymer-based materials (e.g. less than about 5% or even 2% by weight), and otherwise comprises at least about 90%, and preferably at least about 95%, by weight organic or otherwise biodegradable materials (e.g. cellulose material such as plant-based cellulose). In turn, the multi-card package  1  provides an eco-friendly card product, while also offering superior anti-fraud advantages. 
     More particularly, and as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , carrier  10  may be of single-piece construction, wherein the center panel  20 , side flap  30  and side panel  40  may be defined by a common, continuous substrate, or sheet, of a paper-based material. In turn, side flap  30  may be adjoined to center panel  20  along a first adjoinment line  52  on a first side of the center panel  20 , and side panel  40  may be adjoined to center panel  20  along a second adjoinment line  54  along a second side of the center panel  20  opposite to the first side thereof. The first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54  may define corresponding fold lines, wherein the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 , may advantageously define opposing, secure side edges of multi-card package  1 . As will be further described, upon folding side flap  30  over center panel  20  along first adjoinment line  52 , and folding side panel  40  over center panel  20 , corresponding seamless side edges may be provided by corresponding continuous lengths of the substrate comprising carrier  10  (e.g. as opposed to side edges having opposing panel edges adhered or otherwise adjoined along exposed seam lines), thereby yielding enhanced anti-fraud advantages, as well as advantageously facilitating the realization of a reduced width profile of a finished product (e.g. due to the elimination of side edges having opposing panel edge regions adhered or otherwise adjoined along an exposed seam line). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, side flap  30  extends between the first and second edge portions  20   a ,  20   b , along first adjoinment line  52 . Similarly, side panel  40  extends from first edge portion  20   a  to second edge portion  20   b  along second adjoinment line  54 . In one approach, the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54  may be defined by corresponding perforations, or depressions, in the carrier  10 , thereby facilitating the folding of side flap  30  over the center panel  20  and folding of side panel  40  over the center panel  20  and folded side flap  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be disposed adjacent to the first side of center panel  20  of carrier  10  in partially overlapping relation. The cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be of a common rectangular configuration with a length that exceeds a width. In particular, the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be sized as CR80 cards. In some arrangements, the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , may comprise three cards as illustrated. In other arrangements, one, two or four or more cards may be provided. In any case, the side flap  30  may be folded over and releasably attached to at least one of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , as will be further described. 
     In contemplated arrangements, the folded side flap  30  may overlap at least about 25% and no more than about 45% of a width of the center panel  20 , and preferably between about 29% to 40% of the width of the center panel  20 . Further, in some arrangements, the folded side flap  30  may overlap at least about 25% and no more than about 40% of a width of each of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and preferably between about 26% to 38% of the width of each of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c . In contemplated embodiments, carrier  10  may comprise a first paperboard type having a first thickness, and the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may each comprise a second paperboard type having a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is at least about 50%, and preferably at least about 75%, greater than the first thickness. In some arrangements, the first paperboard type may have a first thickness within a range of about 290 micron to about 360 micron, and the second paperboard type may have a second thickness within a range of about 500 micron to about 800 micron. In one specific example, the first paperboard type may have a weight/thickness of about 260 grams per square meter/345 micron, and the second paperboard type may have weight/thickness of about 440 grams per square meter/610 micron. In some embodiments, one or both sides of the carrier  10  (e.g. at least the downward-facing, or back/outer, side thereof) and/or one or both sides of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may have a coating applied thereto. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , center panel  20  of carrier  10  may comprise a separable portion  22  manipulatable to define an opening through the center panel  20  to access the enclosed space for removal of cards  100  therethrough. As shown, the separable portion  22  may extend from an edge of the first side edge portion  20   a  of center panel  20  toward the second side edge portion  20   b  thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, separable portion  22  may comprise a pair of adjacent slit lines  22   a , or perforations, defining a graspable pull tab  22   b  located at the edge of the first side edge portion  20   a , and an additional plurality of spaced pairs of adjacent slits  22   c  successively extending across a portion of the center panel  20  toward the second edge portion  20   b , as will be further described. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , carrier  10  may further comprise a hangar aperture defined by an aperture  24  through center panel  20  and an aperture  44  through side panel  40 . Apertures  24  and  44  may be of a coincidental configuration, wherein aperture  24  is larger than said aperture  44  about the peripheries thereof. As may be appreciated, aperture  44  may overlie aperture  24  to define the hangar aperture for suspending multi-card package  1  on support hook at a point of sale location. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , center panel  20  may also include an aperture  26  (shown in phantom lines) located so that a bottom one of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  overlaps the aperture  26 . In turn, the bottom card  100   a  may be provided with account associable indicia on a downward-facing, or back, side thereof that is located in a fixed location relative to and viewable through the aperture  26  from a second, or outer, side of the center panel  20 , i.e. viewable before the multi-card package is accessed for removal of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , as will be further described. 
     As shown by exemplary card  100   c  in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may each include machine-readable account indicia indicative of an account corresponding with the given card and employable in transactional use of the card, e.g. in the form of an encoded magnetic stripe  12   a  (shown in phantom lines) and/or bar code  12   b  (shown in phantom lines) disposed on a downward-facing, or back, side of the card and/or on an upward-facing, or front, side of the card. Further, human-readable account indicia  14  may be provided on each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , e.g. printed and/or embossed human-readable characters on the front and/or back sides thereof. Additionally, printing  16  may be provided on the front and/or back sides of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and may comprise a name/brand/logo of a goods/services merchant and/or issuer/processor associated with the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and/or graphics selected thereby. In varying instances, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may comprise prepaid cards for the same merchant or for different merchants. Additionally, cards  100   a ,  110   b ,  100   c  may have corresponding activatable accounts having the same prepaid value or different prepaid values. Further, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be provided with additional card features, e.g. signature blocks, and scratch-off panel regions with underlying PINs (i.e. personal identification numbers for the corresponding card account). 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , printing  86  may be provided on outer-facing sides of the side panel  40  and/or center panel  20 , and may comprise instructions for card activation, fraud detection inspection and/or accessing the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and/or a name/brand/logo of a goods/services merchant and/or issuer/processor associated with the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and/or graphics selected thereby. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2-12  which illustrate additional features of the multi-card package  1  and a method embodiment for the manufacture thereof. As shown in  FIG. 2 , an outer-facing, second side of the center panel  20  may be provided with machine-readable activation indicia corresponding with the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  and readable to activate the accounts associated with each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c . For example, the machine-readable activation indicia may comprise an encoded magnetic stripe  82   a  (shown in phantom lines) and/or bar code  82   b  (shown in phantom lines) that may be read at a POS location to effect activation of all of the accounts corresponding with cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c.    
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a single piece carrier  10  may be provided for separation from a paperboard sheet  200  via an automated operation (e.g. via an automated die cut or punch operation) to include the interconnected center panel  20 , side flap  30  and side panel  40 , as described above. Prior to or after such separation, the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54  may be defined by an automated operation (e.g. an automated perforation operation), separable portion  22  may be defined by an automated operation (e.g. an automated slit formation operation), apertures  24 ,  44  and  26  may be defined by an automated operation (e.g. via an automated die cut or punch operation), printing  86  may be defined on one or both sides of carrier  10  by an automated operation (e.g. via one or more of an automated silk-screening, lithographic, Gauvre roll, ink-jet and/or other printing operation), and machine readable activation indicia  82   a ,  82   b  may be provided by an automated operation (e.g. via an automated operation in which a back surface of magnetic stripe  82   a  is adhered to the carrier  10  and thereafter encoded and/or in which bar code  82   b  is printed on the carrier  10 ). 
     In one approach, a plurality of carriers  10  may be separated from different corresponding regions  202  of the paperboard sheet  200  in an automated operation, and prior to such separation, one or more of the additional automated operations noted above may be completed in relation to each of the corresponding regions  202  of the paperboard sheet  200 . For example, the plurality of regions  202  may be arranged in rows and columns across the paperboard sheet  200 , wherein corresponding carriers  10  and described features thereof are commonly oriented in each of the plurality of regions  202 . 
     In conjunction with such approach, a length of magnetic tape may be adhered to paperboard sheet  200  to extend across a number of regions  202  to define the magnetic stripe  82   a  of a corresponding number of carriers  10  thereafter separated from the paperboard sheet  200 . In turn, after separation of a given carrier  10  from paperboard sheet  200 , the corresponding magnetic stripe  82   a  may be encoded with activation data associable with the accounts corresponding with cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  to be provided therewith, typically prior to positioning of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  10 . Relatedly, if a bar code  82   b  is employed it is normally printed on a given carrier  10  after separation from paperboard sheet  200  to provide activation data associable with the accounts corresponding with cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  to be provided therewith, typically prior to positioning of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  10 . 
     Similarly, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and additional cards thereto, may be separated, or singulated, from another paperboard sheet in an automated operation. In that regard, a length of magnetic tape may be adhered to the paperboard sheet to extend across a number of regions to define the magnetic stripe  12   a  of a corresponding number of cards thereafter separated from the paperboard sheet. In turn, after separation of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  from the paperboard sheet, the corresponding magnetic stripes  12   a  may be encoded with corresponding account-specific data prior to positioning of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  10 . Relatedly, if bar codes  12   b  are employed on cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , a bar code  12   b  may be printed on each given card after separation from the paperboard sheet to provide corresponding account-specific data corresponding with the card, typically prior to positioning of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  10 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3-8  which illustrate steps for sequential attachment of cards  100   a ,  100   b  and  100   c . As shown in  FIG. 3 , a first peelable glue region  60   a  (e.g. a glue line) may be disposed on the first side of center panel  20  to one side of separable portion  22  and below aperture  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first peelable glue region  60   a  may extend in a direction substantially normal to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates releasable attachment of card  100   a  to the first side of center panel  20  via the first peelable glue region  60   a . As shown in phantom lines, card  100   a  may be attached so that account indicia  12  disposed on the down-facing, or back, side of card  100   a  is visible through the aperture  26  from a second side of the center panel  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a second peelable glue region  60   b  (e.g. a glue line) may be disposed on the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   a . The second peelable glue region  60   b  may be of the same configuration as, and located in parallel relation to, the first peelable glue region  60   a , thereby facilitating automated operations for disposing the first and second peelable glue regions  60   a ,  60   b . In turn, in the illustrated embodiment, the second peelable glue region  60   b  may also extend in a direction substantially normal to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates releasable attachment of card  100   b  to the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   a  via the second peelable glue region  60   b . As shown, card  100   b  may partially overlap card  100   a  with the second peelable glue region  60   b  disposed between the overlapping portions of cards  100   a  and  100   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a third peelable glue region  60   c  (e.g. a glue line) may be disposed on the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   b . The third peelable glue region  60   b  may be of the same configuration as, and located parallel relation to, the first peelable glue region  60   a  and second peelable glue region  60   b , thereby facilitating automated operations for disposing the first, second and third peelable glue regions  60   a ,  60   b    60   c . In turn, in the illustrated embodiment, the third peelable glue region  60   c  may also extend in a direction substantially normal to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates releasable attachment of card  100   c  to the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   b  via the third peelable glue region  60   c . As shown, card  100   c  may partially overlap card  100   b  with the third peelable glue region  60   c  disposed between the overlapping portions of cards  100   b  and  100   c . Further, each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  may partially overlap, or extend over, the separable portion  22 , with side edges of each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  aligned with and slightly offset from the separable portion  22 . In the later regard, a bottom end  22   c  of the separable portion  22  may extend beyond card  100   b , as shown by  FIG. 7 , and may be overlapped by card  100   c , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9-12  which illustrate fold-over positioning of and releasable attachment of side flap  30  relative to cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and non-releasable attachment of side panel  40  to center panel  20  and folded side flap  30 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a fourth peelable glue region  64  in the form of a continuous glue line may be disposed on the top sides of overlapping cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , wherein the fourth peelable glue region  64  extends over the edge of card  100   b  overlapping card  100   a  and over the edge of card  100   c  overlapping card  100   b . Again, fourth peelable glue region  64  may be disposed in an automated manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth peelable glue region  64  extends substantially parallel to first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 , and is located a distance from first adjoinment line  52  that is less than a width of a portion of the side flap  30  to be folded over the center panel  20 . 
     More particularly, and as shown in  FIG. 10 , side flap  30  may be folded along first adjoinment line  52 , over portions of center panel  20  and cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and releasably attached to cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  via the fourth peelable glue region  64 . As may be appreciated, the fold at first adjoinment line  52  defines a secure, seamless side edge of the multi-card package  1 . 
     In turn, and as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , non-releasable glue regions  70   a ,  70   b  and  70   c  may be disposed on center panel  20  and folded side flap  30 . More particularly, a plurality of non-releasable glue regions  70   a  may disposed on the first side of center panel  20  along the first side edge portion  20   a , a plurality of non-releasable glue regions  70   b  may be disposed on the first side of center panel  20  along the second side edge portion  20   b , and a non-releasable glue region  70   c  in the form of a continuous glue line may be disposed on the folded side flap  30  parallel to the first adjoinment line  52  and having end portions that extend over adjacent portions of center panel  20  on the first side thereof. Again, the non-releasable glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c  may be disposed in automated operations. 
     As indicated by  FIG. 12 , side panel  40  may be folded along second adjoinment line  54  to extend over center panel  20  (e.g. extend over the entirety of center panel  20 ), cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  (e.g. extend over the entirety of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ), and folded side flap  30  (e.g. extend over the entirety of folded side flap  30 ), and non-releasably, or fixedly, connected to center panel  20  and folded side flap  30  via non-releasable glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c . In turn, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be disposed in a secure, enclosed space of the multi-card package  1 , thereby reducing any potential for fraudulent access, e.g. unlawful access at a point of sale. In that regard, the glue employed for non-releasably glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c  may be selected so that, once the non-releasable connections are made, any attempt to access the secure enclosed space along such glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c  will result in physical damage that is readily discernable at a point of sale location prior to purchase and/or activation of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c.    
       FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of a multi-card package  101  comprising a carrier  110  and a plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  (e.g. prepaid cards such as gift cards) disposed for containment within a secure, enclosed space defined by the carrier  110 . As will be appreciated, the multi-card package  101  includes a number of features in common with the multi-card package  1  shown and described in relation to  FIGS. 1-12  above, and in turn, such features are shown and described utilizing the same corresponding reference numerals. In that regard, the carrier  110  may comprise a center panel  20 , a side flap  30  foldable over a first, or inner, side of the center panel  20  to define a seamless edge, and a side panel  40  foldable over and non-releasably securable to opposing first and second edge portions  20   a ,  20   b  of center panel  20 , and to a side edge portion  30   a  of side flap  30 , to define another seamless edge and the enclosed space in the finished product, as will be further described. 
     In contemplated embodiments, the multi-card package  101  may comprise paper-based materials. In that regard, the carrier  110  and cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may each comprise at least about 90%, and preferably at least about 95%, by weight organic or otherwise biodegradable materials (e.g. cellulose material such as plant-based cellulose). Correspondingly, the multi-card package  101  comprises substantially no non-biodegradable polymer-based materials (e.g. less than about 5% or even 2% by weight), and otherwise comprises at least about 90%, and preferably at least about 95%, by weight organic or otherwise biodegradable materials (e.g. cellulose material such as plant-based cellulose). In turn, the multi-card package  1  provides an eco-friendly card product, while also offering superior anti-fraud advantages. 
     More particularly, and as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , carrier  10  may be of single-piece construction, wherein the center panel  20 , side flap  30  and side panel  40  may be defined by a common, continuous substrate, or sheet, of a paper-based material. In turn, side flap  30  may be adjoined to center panel  20  along a first adjoinment line  52  on a first side of the center panel  20 , and side panel  40  may be adjoined to center panel  20  along a second adjoinment line  54  along a second side of the center panel  20  opposite to the first side thereof. The first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54  may define corresponding fold lines, wherein upon such folding the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 , may advantageously define opposing, secure, seamless side edges of multi-card package  1 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, side flap  30  extends between the first and second edge portions  20   a ,  20   b , along first adjoinment line  52 . Similarly, side panel  40  extends from first edge portion  20   a  to second edge portion  20   b  along second adjoinment line  54 . In one approach, the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54  may be defined by corresponding perforations, or depressions, in the carrier  10 , thereby facilitating the folding of side flap  30  over the center panel  20  and folding of side panel  40  over the center panel  20  and folded side flap  30 . As will be appreciated, upon folding side flap  30  over center panel  20  along first adjoinment line  52 , and folding side panel  40  over center panel  20  along second adjoinment line  54 , corresponding secure, opposing, seamless side edges may be provided by corresponding continuous lengths of the substrate comprising carrier  110  (e.g. as opposed to side edges having opposing panel edge regions adhered or otherwise adjoined along an exposed seam line), thereby yielding enhanced anti-fraud advantages, as well as advantageously facilitating the realization of a reduced width profile of a finished product (e.g. due to the elimination of side edges having opposing panel edge regions adhered or otherwise adjoined along an exposed seam line). 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be disposed adjacent to the first side of center panel  20  of carrier  10  in partially overlapping relation. The cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be of a common rectangular configuration with a length that exceeds a width. In particular, the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be sized as CR80 cards. In the illustrated embodiment, the overlapping cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be oriented so that the lengths thereof extend across a width dimension of the center panel  20 . In some arrangements, the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , may comprise three cards as illustrated. In other arrangements, one, two or four or more cards may be provided. In any case, the side flap  30  may be folded over and releasably attached to at least one of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , as will be further described. 
     In contemplated arrangements, the folded side flap  30  may overlap at least about 25% and no more than about 45% of a width of the center panel  20 , and preferably between about 29% to 40% of the width of the center panel  20 . Further, in some arrangements, the folded side flap  30  may overlap at least about 25% and no more than about 40% of a width of each of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and preferably between about 26% to 38% of the width of each of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c.    
     In contemplated embodiments, carrier  110  may comprise a first paperboard type having a first thickness, and the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may each comprise a second paperboard type having a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is at least about 50%, and preferably at least about 75%, greater than the first thickness. In some arrangements, the first paperboard type may have a first thickness within a range of about 290 micron to about 360 micron, and the second paperboard type may have a second thickness within a range of about 500 micron to about 800 micron. In one specific example, the first paperboard type may have a weight/thickness of about 260 grams per square meter/345 micron, and the second paperboard type may have weight/thickness of about 440 grams per square meter/610 micron. In some embodiments, one or both sides of the carrier  110  (e.g. at least the downward-facing, or back/outer, side thereof) and/or one or both sides of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may have a coating applied thereto. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , carrier  110  may further comprise a hangar aperture defined by an aperture  24  through center panel  20  and an aperture  44  through side panel  40 . Apertures  24  and  44  may be of a coincidental configuration, wherein aperture  24  is larger than said aperture  44  about the peripheries thereof. As may be appreciated, aperture  44  may overlie aperture  24  to define the hangar aperture for suspending multi-card package  101  on a support hook at a point of sale location. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 13 , center panel  20  and/or side panel  40  of carrier  110  may comprise a separable portion  122 , wherein after assembly of multi-card package  101  the separable portion(s)  122  is manipulatable to define an opening along an edge of first side edge portion  20   a  of the center panel  20  and/or first side edge portion  40   a  of the side panel  40  to access the enclosed space for removal of cards  100  therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, commonly configured separable portions  122  are provided in the center panel  20  and the side panel  40 , wherein such separable portions  122  are located in overlapping, coincidental, face-to-face relation in a finished product to accommodate co-manipulation and removal of the separable portions  122  together, as will be further described. The separable portion  122  of center panel  20  and/or of side panel  40  may include all or at least a portion of aperture  24  and aperture  44 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the separable portions  122  of center panel  20  and side panel  40  extend about the entirety of aperture  24  and aperture  44 , respectively. As may be appreciated, in the event of undesired tampering with the separable portion  122  of center panel  20  and/or side panel  40 , aperture  24  and/or aperture  44 , respectively, may be visibly and/or functionally damaged, thereby advantageously impeding suspension of multi-card package  101  on a support hook and/or otherwise facilitating detection of such tampering before sale by service personnel at a point of sale location. 
     As shown, the separable portion  122  of center panel  20  may extend inward from an edge of the first side edge portion  20   a  toward the second side edge portion  20   b  thereof. Similarly, the separable portion  122  of side panel  40  may extend from an edge of a first side edge portion  40   a  of side panel  40  toward a second side edge portion  40   b  thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, separable portions  122  of center panel  20  and side panel  40  may be defined by a corresponding plurality of perforations  122   a  that successively extend from a first end located at the edge of first side edge portions  20   a  and  40   a , respectively, to a second end, located at the same edge of first side edge portions  20   a  and  40   a , respectively, in spaced relation to the first end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, each plurality of perforations  122   a  may define a plurality of linear portions to facilitate manufacture and operability (e.g. five linear portions as shown), wherein adjacent ones of the linear portions may define an included angle therebetween of at least about 90 degrees to further facilitate separation of the separable portions  122 . Further, the linear portions at each end of each plurality of perforations  122   a  may extend inward substantially perpendicular from the edge of first side edge portions  20   a  or  40   a , as the case may be. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , center panel  20  may optionally include an aperture  26  (shown in phantom lines) located so that a bottom one of the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  overlaps the aperture  26 . In turn, the bottom card  100   a  may be provided with account associable indicia on a downward-facing, or back, side thereof that is located in a fixed location relative to and viewable through the aperture  26  from a second, or outer, side of the center panel  20 , i.e. viewable before the multi-card package is accessed for removal of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , as will be further described. 
     As shown by exemplary card  100   c  in  FIG. 13 , the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may each include machine-readable account indicia indicative of an account corresponding with the given card and employable in transactional use of the card, e.g. in the form of an encoded magnetic stripe  12   a  (shown in phantom lines) and/or bar code  12   b  (shown in phantom lines) disposed on a downward-facing, or back, side of the card and/or on an upward-facing, or front, side of the card. Further, human-readable account indicia  14  may be provided on each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , e.g. printed and/or embossed human-readable characters on the front and/or back sides thereof. Additionally, printing  16  may be provided on the front and/or back sides of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and may comprise a name/brand/logo of a goods/services merchant and/or issuer/processor associated with the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and/or graphics selected thereby. In varying instances, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may comprise prepaid cards for the same merchant or for different merchants. Additionally, cards  100   a ,  110   b ,  100   c  may have corresponding activatable accounts having the same prepaid value or different prepaid values. Further, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be provided with additional card features, e.g. signature blocks, and scratch-off panel regions with underlying PINs (i.e. personal identification numbers for the corresponding card account). 
     With further reference to  FIG. 13 , printing  86  (shown in phantom lines) may be provided on outer-facing sides of the side panel  40  and/or center panel  20 , and may comprise instructions for card activation, fraud detection inspection and/or accessing the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and/or a name/brand/logo of a goods/services merchant and/or issuer/processor associated with the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and/or graphics selected thereby. In one approach, the printing  86  may include a printed image of multiple cards presented in overlapping to replicate the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  enclosed within the multi-card package  101 , with the top replicated card including a name/brand/logo associated with the enclosed cards. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14-25  which illustrate additional features of the multi-card package  101  and a method embodiment for the manufacture thereof. As shown in  FIG. 14 , an outer-facing, second side of the center panel  20  may be provided with machine-readable activation indicia corresponding with the plurality of cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  and readable to activate the accounts associated with each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c . For example, the machine-readable activation indicia may comprise an encoded magnetic stripe  82   a  (shown in phantom lines) and/or bar code  82   b  (shown in phantom lines) that may be read at a POS location to effect activation of all of the accounts corresponding with cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c.    
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a single piece carrier  110  may be provided for separation from a paperboard sheet  200  via an automated operation (e.g. via an automated die cut or punch operation) to include the interconnected center panel  20 , side flap  30  and side panel  40 , as described above. Prior to or after such separation, the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54  may be defined by an automated operation (e.g. an automated perforation operation), separable portion  122  may be defined by an automated operation (e.g. an automated slit formation operation), apertures  24 ,  44  and optional aperture  26  may be defined by an automated operation (e.g. via an automated die cut or punch operation), printing  86  may be defined on one or both sides of carrier  110  by an automated operation (e.g. via one or more of an automated silk-screening, lithographic, Gauvre roll, ink-jet and/or other printing operation), and machine readable activation indicia  82   a ,  82   b  may be provided by an automated operation (e.g. via an automated operation in which a back surface of magnetic stripe  82   a  is adhered to the carrier  110  and thereafter encoded and/or in which bar code  82   b  is printed on the carrier  110 ). 
     In one approach, a plurality of carriers  110  may be separated from different corresponding regions  202  of the paperboard sheet  200  in an automated operation, and prior to such separation, one or more of the additional automated operations noted above may be completed in relation to each of the corresponding regions  202  of the paperboard sheet  200 . For example, the plurality of regions  202  may be arranged in rows and columns across the paperboard sheet  200 , wherein corresponding carriers  110  and described features thereof are commonly oriented in each of the plurality of regions  202 . 
     In conjunction with such approach, a length of magnetic tape may be adhered to paperboard sheet  200  to extend across a number of regions  202  to define the magnetic stripe  82   a  of a corresponding number of carriers  110  thereafter separated from the paperboard sheet  200 . In turn, after separation of a given carrier  110  from paperboard sheet  200 , the corresponding magnetic stripe  82   a  may be encoded with activation data associable with the accounts corresponding with cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  to be provided therewith, typically prior to positioning of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  110 . Relatedly, if a bar code  82   b  is employed it is normally printed on a given carrier  110  after separation from paperboard sheet  200  to provide activation data associable with the accounts corresponding with cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  to be provided therewith, typically prior to positioning of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  110 . 
     Similarly, cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and additional cards thereto, may be separated, or singulated, from another paperboard sheet in an automated operation. In that regard, a length of magnetic tape may be adhered to the paperboard sheet to extend across a number of regions to define the magnetic stripe  12   a  of a corresponding number of cards thereafter separated from the paperboard sheet. In turn, after separation of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  from the paperboard sheet, the corresponding magnetic stripes  12   a  may be encoded with corresponding account-specific data prior to positioning of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  110 . Relatedly, if bar codes  12   b  are employed on cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , a bar code  12   b  may be printed on each given card after separation from the paperboard sheet to provide corresponding account-specific data corresponding with the card, typically prior to positioning of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  relative to carrier  10 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15-20  which illustrate steps for sequential attachment of cards  100   a ,  100   b  and  100   c . As shown in  FIG. 15 , at least one or a plurality of first peelable glue regions  60   a  (e.g. glue dots) may be disposed on the first side of center panel  20 , offset from the separable portion  122  and optional aperture  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, two first peelable glue regions  60   a  may be located in offset relation along an axis AA that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates releasable attachment of card  100   a  to the first side of center panel  20  via the first peelable glue regions line  60   a . As shown in phantom lines, card  100   a  may be attached so that account indicia  12  disposed on the down-facing, or back, side of card  100   a  is visible through the optional aperture  26  from a second side of the center panel  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , at least one or a plurality of second peelable glue regions  60   b  (e.g. glue dots) may be disposed on the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   a . In the illustrated embodiment, two second peelable glue regions  60   b  may be located in offset relation along axis AA that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 , thereby facilitating automated operations for disposing the first and second peelable glue regions  60   a ,  60   b.    
       FIG. 18  illustrates releasable attachment of card  100   b  to the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   a  via the second peelable glue regions  60   b . As shown, card  100   b  may partially overlap card  100   a  with the second peelable glue regions  60   b  disposed between the overlapping portions of cards  100   a  and  100   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , at least one or a plurality of third peelable glue regions  60   c  (e.g. glue dots) may be disposed on the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   b . In the illustrated embodiment, two third peelable glue regions  60   c  may be located in offset relation along axis AA that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 , thereby facilitating automated operations for disposing the first, second and third peelable glue regions  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c.    
       FIG. 20  illustrates releasable attachment of card  100   c  to the upward-facing, or front, side of card  100   b  via the third peelable glue regions  60   c . As shown, card  100   c  may partially overlap card  100   b  with the third peelable glue regions  60   c  disposed between the overlapping portions of cards  100   b  and  100   c . Further, each of the cards  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  may be located in offset relation to the separable portion  122  of center panel  20 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 21-24  which illustrate fold-over positioning of and releasable attachment of side flap  30  relative to cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and non-releasable attachment of side panel  40  to center panel  20  and folded side flap  30 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , at least one or a plurality of fourth peelable glue regions  60   d  may be disposed on the top side of card  100   c . In the illustrated embodiment, two fourth peelable glue regions  60   c  may be located in offset relation along axis BB that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second adjoinment lines  52 ,  54 , thereby facilitating automated operations for disposing the first, second, third and fourth peelable glue regions  60   a ,  60   b ,  60   c ,  60   d . As shown in  FIG. 21 , axis BB may be located a distance from first adjoinment line  52  that is less than a width of the side flap  30  to be folded over the center panel  20 . 
     More particularly, and as shown in  FIG. 22 , side flap  30  may be folded along first adjoinment line  52 , over portions of center panel  20  and cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and releasably attached to cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  via the fourth peelable glue regions  60   d . As may be appreciated, the fold at first adjoinment line  52  defines a secure, seamless side edge of the multi-card package  1 . 
     In turn, and as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , non-releasable glue regions  70   a ,  70   b  and  70   c  may be disposed on center panel  20  and folded side flap  30 . More particularly, a plurality of non-releasable glue regions  70   a  (e.g. glue dots) may disposed on the first side of center panel  20  along the first side edge portion  20   a , a plurality of non-releasable glue regions  70   b  (e.g. glue dots) may be disposed on the first side of center panel  20  along the second side edge portion  20   b , and a non-releasable glue region  70   c  in the form of a continuous glue line may be disposed on the folded side flap  30 , offset from the side edge defined by first adjoinment line  52  (e.g. parallel thereto) and having end portions that extend over adjacent portions of center panel  20  on the first side thereof. As shown, one or more glue regions  70   a  may be disposed on opposing sides of aperture  24 , e.g. on opposing sides of an axis CC that extends through apertures  24  and  44 , substantially parallel to the edges of first side portion  20   a  and second side edge portion  40   a . In turn, visible evidence of any potential tampering is enhanced. Again, the non-releasable glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c  may be disposed in automated operations. 
     As shown by  FIGS. 23 and 24 , side panel  40  may be folded along second adjoinment line  54  to extend over center panel  20  (e.g. extend over the entirety of center panel  20 ), cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  (e.g. extend over the entirety of cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ), and folded side flap  30  (e.g. extend over the entirety of folded side flap  30 ), and non-releasably, or fixedly, connected to center panel  20  (e.g. fixedly connected to first and second side edge portions  20   a ,  20   b ) and folded side flap  30  via non-releasable glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c , to complete assembly of the multi-card package  101 . In turn, and as shown in  FIG. 24 , cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  may be disposed in a secure, enclosed space of the multi-card package  101 , thereby reducing any potential for fraudulent access, e.g. unlawful access at a point of sale. In that regard, the glue employed for non-releasably glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c  may be selected so that, once the non-releasable connections are made, any attempt to access the secure enclosed space along such glue regions  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c  will result in physical damage that is readily discernable at a point of sale location prior to purchase and/or activation of the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the printing  86  on the outer side of side panel  86  may include a printed image of multiple cards presented in overlapping relation to replicate the cards  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c  enclosed within the multi-card package  101 , with the top replicated card including a name/brand/logo associated with the enclosed cards. 
     The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain known modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.