Abstract:
A card holder assembly for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, to a common backer panel for presentation and sale. Cards mounted on the backer panel may be lifted for scanning by a card reader without necessitating removal of the cards from the assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the prior filed, provisional application Ser. No. 61/582,987, filed Jan. 4, 2012, incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to transaction card holders and more particularly to a card holder for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, within an assembly that allows the cards to be scanned by a card reader without detachment from the holder. 
     Transaction cards, stored value cards, or gift cards, as they are commonly called, based upon their intended use, have become popular gifts. Gift cards typically comprise a stored value card whereby a certain cash equivalent value is encoded upon a magnetic strip applied to the surface of the card. This stored value may be determined by the vendor prior to packaging and display for sale or may be selected at the point of sale by the purchaser and loaded by the cashier using a magnetic card reader/writer. As an alternative to a magnetic strip, a transaction card may use a bar code to link the card to an account by which the associated value is stored in a computer database. While popular, gift cards are typically provided with a generic and impersonal design, typically identifying the associated merchant for which the card may be used to purchase merchandise, and therefore are not personalized in view of the intended recipient. 
     Gift cards are often presented for sale on display racks in stores, each card or packet of cards being hung upon a display stand peg. A given area of a store will only support a certain number and size of display stands, given store traffic and other considerations, which makes allocation of display space an important marketing decision that may require selecting only certain high selling cards for display. Display of other items in the same store area will typically reduce the substantially finite space available for displaying gift cards and gift card packets. What is needed is a device for displaying multiple cards in an integrated package that also allows for scanning of each card without detachment from the package. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The purpose of this invention is to provide a card holder assembly for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, to a common backer panel for presentation and sale. The assembly provides certain structures for enabling cards held thereto to be lifted away from the assembly for scanning by a card reader without necessitating removal of the cards. The assembly also provides for bundling and sale of multiple cards associated with multiple different vendors in one unit. An embodiment of the card holder assembly may include a backer panel, foldable tabs for holding transaction cards thereto, and envelopes corresponding to each card and also attached to the assembly for later use by a purchaser. 
     Other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example an embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a holder showing envelopes and transaction cards attached to the front surface of the backer panel. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of a holder showing the rear surface of the backer panel. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of an envelope in an unfolded disposition also showing positioning of a transaction card in phantom lines. 
         FIG. 4  is a is a front elevation view of an envelope in a fully folded disposition showing the envelope tongue inserted into the envelope slot to hold the envelope closed. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the envelope of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a backer panel in an unfolded disposition showing the backer panel front subpanel and rear subpanel joined to one another along an elongated, longitudinal hinge line, attachment flaps projecting from the top, bottom and side margins of the front subpanel, as well as transaction card and envelope positioning. 
         FIGS. 7 through 10  are a progression of images showing steps in the process of folding an envelope prior to installing the envelope upon the backer panel. 
         FIGS. 11 through 17  are a progression of images showing the positioning and attachment of envelopes and gift cards upon a backer panel. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a backer panel and envelope showing the tongue of the envelope inserted into a backer panel slit and then passed through the opening formed by a cooperating/corresponding backer panel tab. 
         FIG. 19  is an elevation view showing the envelope attached to the backer panel. 
         FIG. 20  is a partial, side, diagram view showing the transaction card lifted away from the front subpanel of the backer panel in order to reveal a magnetic strip on the rear surface of the card for scanning. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a holder showing envelopes and transaction cards attached to the front surface of the backer panel. 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram view showing transaction cards attached to backer panel tabs. 
         FIG. 23  is a front elevation view of transaction cards and envelopes attached to a backer panel. 
         FIG. 24  is a plan view of an open envelope. 
         FIG. 25  is a plan view of a closed envelope. 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of an unassembled backer panel used for multiple scan activation. 
         FIG. 27  is front elevation view of a backer panel used for single scan activation. 
         FIG. 28  is a rear elevation view of a backer panel used for single scan activation. 
         FIG. 29  is a top plan view of a clamshell cover typically comprising clear polyvinyl chloride. 
         FIG. 30  is a cross sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a front elevation view of a backer panel used for single scan activation showing envelopes held in stacked configuration at a bottom or lower portion of the backer panel. 
         FIG. 32  is a rear elevation view of the backer panel of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a top plan view of a clamshell cover typically comprising clear polyvinyl chloride. 
         FIG. 34  is a cross sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is a front elevation view of a backer panel showing transaction cards held thereon and a purse-shaped transaction card holder mounted on a bottom or lower portion of the backer panel. 
         FIG. 36  is a front elevation view of the holder of  FIG. 35  showing the holder flap closed. 
         FIG. 37  is a front elevation view of the holder of  FIGS. 35 and 36  showing the holder flap open. 
         FIG. 38  is a top plan view of a clamshell cover typically comprising clear polyvinyl chloride. 
         FIG. 39  is a cross sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is a front elevation view of a backer panel typically comprising cardboard or heavy paper and used for single or parent card activation. 
         FIG. 41  is cross sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 42  is a rear view of a clamshell cover typically comprising clear, molded polyvinyl chloride, acetate, or PETG, the shaded portions indicating adhesive for adhering the cover to the backer panel of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram showing assembly of a cover, transaction cards and backer panel. 
         FIG. 44  is a front elevation view of a backer panel used for single or parent card activation. 
         FIG. 45  is a rear view of a clamshell cover typically comprising clear, molded polyvinyl chloride, acetate, or PETG, the shaded portions indicating adhesive for adhering the cover to the backer panel of  FIG. 44 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     With reference to the figures,  FIGS. 1-21  illustrate one or more embodiments of a card holder assembly  100  for holding multiple transaction cards  105  (such as gift cards) and corresponding envelopes  110 . The holder assembly  100  includes a backer panel  115  to which the cards  105  and envelopes  110  are removably attached.  FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a card holder  100  showing transaction cards  105  and envelopes  110  attached to the front surface of the backer panel  115 .  FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the holder assembly  100  showing the rear surface of the backer panel  115 . As illustrated, the backer panel  115  includes an upper header portion  120  having a centrally located aperture or peg hole  125  for receiving the peg of a product display stand (not shown). 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of an envelope  110  in an unfolded disposition. The envelope  110  includes a main panel  130 , a first side flap  135  projecting from the left margin of the main panel  130 , a second side flap  140  projecting from the right margin of the main panel  130 , a bottom flap  145  projecting from the bottom margin of the main panel  130 , and a top flap  150  projecting from the top margin of the main panel  130 . The flaps  135 ,  140 ,  145  and  150  are hingedly connected to the main panel  130 , typically via pre-scored fold lines therebetween, when the envelope  110  comprises a single piece of paper, card stock, or the like. The fold lines are typically formed by folding the flaps relative to the main panel  130  during assembly. The main panel  130  and flaps  135 ,  140 ,  145  and  150  extending therefrom comprise an envelope main body  111 . 
     A tongue or strap  155  further projects from a top margin of the top flap  150  and may be likewise hingedly connected thereto along a fold line. The intended position or location of a transaction card  105  within the envelope  110  is shown in phantom lines. The top flap  150  includes an envelope slot  160  for receiving the distal end  155   a  of the tongue  155  after the tongue  155  is wrapped around the envelope  110  to secure the envelope  110  in a closed position, as described below. The tongue  155  may be provided with one or more pre-scored fold lines  155   b  to correspond to folds made in the tongue  155  when it is wrapped around the envelope  110  and/or secured to the backer panel  115 . Alternatively, such folds may be made by bending the tongue  155  in the appropriate locations during assembly. 
     Turning to the structure of the backer panel  115 ,  FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a backer panel  115  in an unfolded disposition showing the backer panel front subpanel  115   a  and rear subpanel  115   b  joined to one another along an elongated, longitudinal hinge line  115   c . A top attachment flap  115   d  projects upward from the top margin of the front subpanel  115   a . A bottom attachment flap  115   e  projects downward from the bottom margin of the front subpanel  115   a . A side attachment flap  115   f  projects rightward (as illustrated) from the side of the front subpanel  115   a  distal to the hinge line  115   c.    
     The front subpanel  115   a  illustrated in  FIG. 6  includes three pairs of foldable, backer panel tabs  170  and backer panel slits  175  to accommodate attachment of three pairs of transaction cards  105  and associated envelopes  110 . Each tab  170  is cut on three contiguous sides from the material of the front subpanel  115   a  to form a structure that may either lie in the plane of the backer panel  115  or be folded away from the plane of the backer panel  115  by rotating or bending the tab  170  along a top fold line  170   a . Removable adhesive  180  is applied to the front surface of each of the tabs  170  to adhere a card  105  to each tab  170  after the envelopes  110  are attached as shown in  FIGS. 7 through 10 . 
     To assemble the backer panel  115 , adhesive is applied to the forward faces of flaps  115   d ,  115   e  and  115   f  and the flaps are folded back along fold lines  115   g  to lie behind the front subpanel  115   a . The rear subpanel  115   b  is then folded backwards along hinge line  115   c  until it contacts and adheres to the flaps. 
       FIGS. 7 through 17  are a progression of images showing the folding, positioning and attachment of envelopes  110  upon a backer panel  115 , in sequence.  FIGS. 7 through 10  are a progression of images showing steps in the process of folding an envelope  110  prior to installing the envelope  110  upon the backer panel  115 .  FIG. 7  is a plan view of an envelope  110  in an unfolded disposition.  FIG. 8  shows the bottom flap  145  folded inward and upward upon the main panel  130 .  FIG. 9  shows the side flaps  135  and  140  folded inward and upon the main panel  130 .  FIG. 10  shows the main panel  130  folded upward and upon the top flap  150 , such that the back surface of the main panel  130  is facing upward in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIGS. 11 through 17  are a progression of images showing the positioning and attachment of envelopes  110  to the front subpanel  115   a  of the backer panel  115 .  FIG. 11  shows an envelope  110  with the tongue  155  extended and the distal end  155   a  positioned to enter the lower backer panel slit  175  of a backer panel  115  front subpanel  115   a . The distal end  155   a  of the tongue  155  is inserted into the backer panel slit  175  and pushed upward until it emerges from the opening  185  that is formed between the lower margin of a cooperating tab  170  and the portion of the subpanel  115   a  proximate thereto.  FIG. 12  shows the tongue  155  passed inward through the slit  175 , along the underside of the front subpanel  115   a  of the backer panel  115 , the distal end  155   a  then extending outward through opening  185 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the tongue  155  passed through slit  175  and opening  185 , typically until the main body  111  abuts the edges of the slit  175 . The main body  111  is flipped upward so that the top flap  150  now faces upward as shown in  FIG. 14 . The tongue  155  is then folded downward upon top flap  150  and the distal end  155   a  of the tongue  155  is inserted into the envelope slot  160  to secure the envelope  110  in a folded and closed disposition and to hold the envelope  110  in attachment to the backer panel  115 . 
     The above steps are repeated to attach envelopes  110  to all envelope positions on a backer panel  115 .  FIG. 16  shows multiple envelopes  110  attached to the backer panel  115 , as occurs prior to subsequent attachment of cards  105  to the backer panel  115  and display of the holder assembly  100  for sale.  FIG. 17  shows envelopes attached to all backer panel tabs  170 . 
       FIG. 18  further illustrates attachment of an envelope  110  to a backer panel  115  and is a perspective view showing the tongue  155  inserted into a backer panel slit  175  and then passed back out through the opening  185 . As indicated by arrow  8 - 1 , the envelope  110  is then flipped or rotated upward to lie against the backer panel  115 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the tongue  155  is then inserted into the envelope slot  160 . 
     After purchase of a card holder assembly  100 , the purchaser typically removes the cards  105  and envelopes  110  and encloses each card  105  within an envelope  110 . Returning to  FIG. 3 , placement of a transaction card  105  within an opened envelope  110  is indicated in phantom lines  105 . After placement of card  105  upon the main panel  130 , as shown, the side and bottom flaps  135 ,  140  and  145  are folded in upon the card  105  and the top flap  150  folded down upon the side and bottom flaps  135 ,  140  and  145 . Turning to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the tongue  155  may then be folded downward and the distal end  155   a  thereof inserted into the envelope slot  160  to place the envelope  110  in a fully closed position as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4  is a is a front elevation view of an envelope  110  in a fully folded disposition showing the tongue  155  inserted into the envelope slot  160  to hold the envelope  110  closed.  FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the envelope  110 . The envelope  110  is typically placed in such a closed disposition after a gift card or other transaction card  105  is placed therein and prior to presenting the envelope  110  bearing the card  105  to a recipient. 
       FIGS. 22-26  illustrate another embodiment of a card holder assembly  100  for holding multiple transaction cards  105  (such as gift cards) and corresponding envelopes  110  for multiple scan activation. The holder assembly  100  includes a backer panel  115  to which the cards  105  and envelopes  110  are removably attached.  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a card holder  100  showing transaction cards  105  and envelopes  110  attached to the front surface of the backer panel  115 . In particular, the cards  105  are shown removably engaged to hinged panel tabs  108 . The hinged panel tabs  108  allow the cards  105  to be lifted and rotated towards or away from the backer panel  115 , as generally indicated by  111 . The backer panel  115  also includes one or more areas of adhesive  112  for removably engaging the envelopes  110  to the backer panel  115 .  FIG. 23  is a front rear elevation view of the holder assembly  100  showing the cards  105  and envelopes  110  attached to the front of the backer panel  115 . As illustrated, the backer panel  115  includes an upper header portion  120  having a centrally located aperture or peg hole  125  for receiving the peg of a product display stand (not shown). 
       FIGS. 24-25  show another embodiment of the envelope  110 . This embodiment of the envelope  110  includes a main panel  130 , a first side flap  135  projecting from the left margin of the main panel  130 , a second side flap  140  projecting from the right margin of the main panel  130 , a bottom flap  145  projecting from the bottom margin of the main panel  130 , and a top flap  150  projecting from the top margin of the main panel  130 . 
     The flaps  135 ,  140 ,  145  and  150  are hingedly connected to the main panel  130 , typically via pre-scored fold lines therebetween, when the envelope  110  comprises a single piece of paper, card stock, or the like. The fold lines are typically formed by folding the flaps relative to the main panel  130  during assembly. The bottom flap  145  also includes a slot  147  for receiving the distal edge  151  of the top flap  150  after the envelope  110  is folded to secure the envelope  110  in a closed position. 
       FIG. 26  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the backer panel  115  for multiple scan activation in an unassembled configuration. The unassembled backer panel, as shown, includes a first panel  116  and a second panel  117 .  FIG. 26  shows a rear view of the front panel  116  along with the hinged panel tabs  108 . The second panel  117  of the backer panel  115  is rotated about a fold line  118  to be positioned atop the first panel  116 . Indicia  119  printed on the second portion is thus visible through openings  121  formed by the hinged panel tabs  108 . 
     As shown, the first panel  116  includes co-planar tab projections  123  extending away from the front panel. The tab projections are engaged to the front panel along fold lines. When assembled, the tab projections are folded along the fold lines to engage a back surface (not shown) of the second panel. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  depict a complete card holder assembly that includes a clamshell cover enclosure, shown in  FIGS. 29-30 . The card holder assembly is substantially similar to the card holder assembly of  FIGS. 1-23 . In one aspect, the clamshell cover is transparent or at least translucent and may be composed of a polymer, including but not limited to molded polyvinyl chloride, acetate, or Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG). As shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , the clamshell cover is dimensioned to fit over the backer panel, as well as the engaged gift cards and envelopes. To fit on the backer panel, the clamshell cover defines one or more gift card holding regions and envelope holding regions. In one embodiment, the gift card holding regions and the envelope holding regions are stacked atop one another. In another embodiment, the gift card holding regions and the envelope holding regions may be separated from one another by a portion of the clamshell cover and/or the backer panel. 
     The clamshell cover includes co-planar tab projections extending away from the cover. The projections are hingedly engaged to the clamshell cover by folds in the clamshell cover. The tab projections extend beyond the portions of the clamshell surface that contact a front surface of the backer panel, indicated as the region bound by the fold lines. 
     To secure the clamshell cover to the card holder assembly, the tab projections are pivoted along the respective fold lines such that the projections engage the back surface of the backer panel as shown in  FIG. 28 . 
     In one embodiment, the clamshell cover prevents direct access to the gift cards; therefore, a single activation indicia is used to activate the gift cards. As shown in  FIG. 28 , the card holder assembly may include a single activation indicia printed on the back surface of the backer panel that may activate one or more of the gift cards associated with the card holder assembly. In another embodiment, the backer panel may define one or more openings that permit activation indicia on one or more of the gift cards to be visible or otherwise accessible through the backer panel, such that the gift cards may be activated when a clamshell cover is in place. 
       FIGS. 31-45  depict other embodiments of a card holder assembly. In one embodiment, the card holder assembly holds and displays one or more gift cards in an upper portion of the assembly, while a corresponding number of envelopes are stored in a lower portion. In various other embodiments, the portion for holding the envelopes may be above or next to the portion of the assembly for holding the gift cards. 
     In one embodiment, the gift cards may be held individually in separate positions, as shown in  FIG. 31 . In various other embodiments, however, two or more gift cards may be stacked in the upper portion. For example, the gift cards may be stacked such that only the topmost card is visible. In another example, the gift cards may be in a fanned stack arrangement such that the topmost card is visible while only a portion of one or more remaining cards is visible. Other arrangements for displaying the gift cards may also be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a clamshell cover similar to the clamshell cover shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , including similar coplanar projections and fold lines, may be engaged to the card holder assembly. The clamshell cover includes one or more distinct card holding portions and an envelope holding portion. As shown in one embodiment, the envelope holding portion is typically larger to accommodate a stack of envelopes corresponding to each gift card. However, in other embodiments, the envelopes may be held separately, in a fanned stack arrangement or in a fanned arrangement. Moreover, in yet another embodiment, the envelopes may be dimensioned to hold two or more gift cards, such that the number of envelopes provided with the card holder assembly may be less than the number of gift cards. 
       FIGS. 44 and 45  depict components of another embodiment of a single-activation card holder assembly. The backer panel defines an opening for single activation, wherein a single activation indicia is used to activate gift cards that may be attached to the backer panel.  FIG. 36  depicts a clamshell cover that may be adhered to a backer panel. As shown, the clamshell cover may define a gift card holding region, an envelope holding region, and a peripheral region about the periphery of the clamshell cover that may receive an adhesive for attachment to the backer panel. 
       FIGS. 35-39  depict another embodiment of a card holder assembly. The card holder assembly is similar to the card holder assembly of  FIGS. 31-34 . However, the envelopes of this embodiment are shaped like a bag, such as a purse or gift bag, as shown in  FIGS. 36-37 . In one aspect, the bag-shaped envelopes are formed from a planar material, including but not limited to paper, cardstock, plastic, or any other suitable material, that is cut and scored or folded to form a bag shape.  FIGS. 38-39  depict a clamshell cover. The clamshell cover includes a gift card holding portion and an envelope holding portion. The envelope holding portion is dimensioned to receive the bag-shaped envelopes. 
       FIG. 40  depicts a backer panel that defines an opening for single activations, wherein a single activation indicia is used to activate all of the gift cards attached to the backer panel.  FIG. 42  depicts a clamshell cover that may be adhered to the backer panel. As shown, the clamshell cover may define one or more card holding portions, an envelope holding portion, and a peripheral region about the periphery of the clamshell cover that may receive an adhesive for attachment to the backer panel.  FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional view of the clamshell cover shown in  FIG. 42 . 
       FIG. 43  depicts an example assembly process for providing a card holder assembly. As shown, one or more gift cards and envelopes are arranged and placed between a clamshell cover, having regions dimensioned to hold gift cards and envelopes, and, respectively, a backer panel. As shown, the backer panel is configured for single activation by defining an opening where activation indicia on one of the gift cards may be accessible through the opening. The clamshell cover may be attached to the backer panel through any suitable arrangement, including but not limited to an adhesive, staples, or by folding a portion of the clamshell portion to surround and engage a portion of the backer panel. 
     It should be appreciated that the holder assembly and its associated structures may be constructed in various shapes and forms and may bear various graphics and designs while maintaining the general structure and functionality described herein. For example, in various embodiments, the activation indicia may be printed on or affixed directly to the backer panel. 
       FIG. 20  is a partial, side, diagram view showing the transaction card  105  lifted away in the direction of arrow  10 - 1  from the front subpanel  115   a  of the backer panel (the rear subpanel is omitted for clarity) in order to reveal a magnetic strip  200  on the rear surface of the card and make it accessible for scanning without the necessity of removing the card  105  from the assembly  100 . In certain embodiments the magnetic strip  200  of each card  105  is scanned individually at the point of sale to activate, while in other embodiments scanning a bar code or UPC code (???) typically provided on the surface of the backer panel  115  or packaging activates all cards  105  in the assembly  100 . In still further embodiments, scanning the magnetic strip  200  of any one of the cards  105  of the assembly  100  activates all cards  105  of the assembly  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that the holder assembly  100  and its associated structures may be constructed in various shapes and forms and bearing various graphics and designs while maintaining the general structure and functionality described herein.