Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/697,276, filed Apr. 5, 2007 and entitled “Transaction Card with Stake,” which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Stored-value cards and financial transaction cards come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes a pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a consumer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a consumer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the gift card declines as the gift card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the gift card. Additionally, the gift card generally remains in the user&#39;s purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards and other stored-value cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention relates to a financial transaction card including a substantially biodegradable substrate, a plurality of seeds, and an account identifier. The plurality of seeds is coupled with the substantially biodegradable substrate such that the plurality of seeds is embedded within and substantially surrounded by the substantially biodegradable substrate. When the financial transaction card is inserted into a planting composition, the substantially biodegradable substrate decomposes leaving the plurality of seeds planted in the planting composition. The account identifier is securely connected to the substrate and links the substantially biodegradable substrate to a financial account. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments of stored-value or financial transaction cards and associated assemblies are also disclosed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustration of a stored-value card, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a right side view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a left side view illustration of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustration of a stored-value card, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a front view illustration of a backer for a stored-value card, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a rear view illustration of a stored-value card assembly including the backer of  FIG. 9  and the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a front cross-sectional view illustration of a planting including the backer of  FIGS. 9 and 10  and a portion of the stored-value card of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating a method of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card assembly, according to one embodiment the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a stored-value card assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A stored-value card or other financial transaction product is adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or website. According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a stored-value card to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the stored-value card at a retail store or setting to pay for goods and/or services. In one embodiment, the stored-value card provides for prepaid calling minutes, points, or other non-monetary measure of value such that the minutes or points in an account associated with stored-value card can be applied toward a telephone call, purchase, etc. A stored-value card, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer and recipient with an auxiliary use in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services or to accessing calling minutes, points, etc. with the stored-value card. 
   In particular, the stored-value card includes at least a first portion separable from the second portion. In one embodiment, the second portion is separable from the first portion and is configured for use as a stake or other marking member that can, for example, be placed in soil or other planting composition to mark where a flower or other plant was planted. The first portion includes an identifier or other device to function as the stored-value portion of the card. As such, even after separation of the first portion from the second portion, the first portion can be used as tender toward the purchase of one or more of goods and services. In one embodiment, this dual functional aspect (e.g., for use toward purchases and use as a stake) of the stored-value card promotes the sale, use, and/or loading of the stored-value card by potential consumers and/or bearers of the stored-value card. 
   To further enhance the dual functionality of the stored-value card, in one embodiment, the stored-value card is selectively attached to a backer or carrier for support wherein the backer is formed of a substantially biodegradable material and is embedded with seeds for one or more flower types or other suitable plant types. With this construction in mind, the stored-value card can be removed from the backer, the backer can be planted in a planting composition, and the second portion of the stored-value card positioned in the planting composition to mark where the backer was planted for future reference. In one embodiment, the stored-value card may also be formed of a biodegradable material and/or may also be embedded with seeds for planting. 
   Turning to the figures,  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate various views of one embodiment of a stored-value card or product  10  formed of a substrate  12 , which is any suitable material such as a somewhat rigid yet flexible material similar to that commonly used for identification cards, credit cards, etc. More specifically, in one embodiment, substrate  12  is formed of paper, cardstock, plastic, e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other suitable material. In one embodiment, substrate  12  is formed of injected molded plastic or cut from sheet-stock plastic material. Substrate  12  can be formed in any other suitable planar or non-planar configuration as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one embodiment, substrate  12  is biodegradable, for example, is formed of a corn-based, rape seed-based or soybean-based plastic material, paper-based material, or other suitable biodegradable material, or is otherwise formed in an environmentally friendly manner to reduce fossil-fuel consumption, greenhouse gasses, and to be commercially compostable (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G), etc.). 
   Substrate  12  defines a first surface  20  and a second surface  22  opposite first surface  20 . In one embodiment, at least one of first and second surfaces  20  and  22  is substantially planar. Substrate  12  defines a first section or portion  24  and a second section or portion  26 . In one example, first portion  24  is formed with a substantially rectangular shape while second portion  26  is formed with a substantially rectangular shape except for a pointed end  28  configured to facilitate placement of second portion  26  into a planting composition as will be further described below. 
   In one embodiment, substrate  12  is perforated, scored, or otherwise weakened along a separation line  30  defined between first portion  24  and second portion  26  to provide for relatively easy separation of first portion  24  from second portion  26 . In one example, first portion  24  and second portion  26  are separable from each other without the use of tools, such as by snapping, bending, and/or tearing first portion  24  from second portion  26 . Although, primarily described as being formed of a single piece substrate  12 , in one embodiment, first portion  24  is separately formed from and connected or otherwise attached to second portion  26 . Further, in view of the above-described construction, in one embodiment, first portion  24  is considered an account access portion, and second portion  26  is considered a stake portion of stored-value card  10 . 
   In one embodiment, stored-value card  10  as a whole is similarly sized to an identification card, a credit card, or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a card bearer (i.e. is wallet sized). In particular, in one embodiment, the overall dimensions of substrate  12  are about 8.5 cm by about 5.5 cm wide with a thickness of less than about 1 mm. In other embodiments, substrate  12  is otherwise shaped as a square, circle, oval, star, or any other suitable shape. In one embodiment, first portion  24  alone is similarly sized to an identification card, a credit card, or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a card bearer (i.e. is wallet sized). 
   First portion  24  and second portion  26  may be associated with or positioned relative to each other in any suitable manner. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , first portion  24  and second portion  26  are positioned in a side-by-side manner such that each of first portion  24  and second portion  26  have a similar overall width W ( FIG. 2 ). However, in one example, as illustrated with respect to stored-value card  10 ′ in  FIG. 8 , first portion  24 ′ and second portion  26 ′ are positioned in a stacked manner such that each of first portion  24 ′ and second portion  26 ′ have a similar overall length L. Other configurations are also contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
   Referring to the rear view illustration of  FIG. 3 , stored-value card  10 , for example, second surface  22  of substrate  12 , includes an account identifier  40 , such as a bar code, a magnetic strip, a smart chip or other electronic device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, or other suitable identifier readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station, kiosk, or other suitable device. More particularly, in one embodiment, account identifier  40  is printed on or otherwise applied to second surface  22  of substrate  12  and is solely included on first portion  24 . Account identifier  40  indicates a financial or other stored-value account or record to which stored-value card  10  is linked. The account or record of the monetary, point, minutes, or other balance on stored-value card  10  optionally is maintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system, or, in the case of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or other electronic device on/in stored-value card  10  itself. Accordingly, by scanning account identifier  40 , the account or record linked to stored-value card  10  is identified and can subsequently be activated, have amounts debited therefrom, and/or have amounts credited thereto. First portion  24 , or any other portion of stored-value card  10 , that includes account identifier  40  is one example of means for linking stored-value card  10  with an account or record. 
   In one embodiment, redemption indicia  42  are included on stored-value card  10  such as on second surface  22  of substrate  12 . Redemption indicia  42  indicate that stored-value card  10  is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked to stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, redemption indicia  42  include phrases such as “&lt;NAME OF STORE&gt; GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides help or phone line information in the case of a lost, stolen, or damaged stored-value card, etc. 
   In one embodiment, stored-value card  10  includes other indicia  44  disposed on stored-value card  10  such as, for example, brand indicia which is one example of means for associating stored-value card  10  with at least one of a product, a brand, a store, a holiday, a season, an occasion, a media format, e.g. characters, logos, scenes, or other illustrations or photographs related to at least one of a movie, television show, book, video game, etc. In one example, substrate  12 , more specifically, first surface  20  of substrate  12 , includes graphical indicia  46  corresponding with the plantable nature of stored-value card  10  and/or backer  70  associated therewith. For example, graphical indicia  46  may include a depiction flowers, plants, etc. similar to those of an associated backer  70  as will be further described below. In one embodiment, graphical indicia  46  alternatively or additionally include a listing of the flowers or plants associated with backer  70  and/or stored-value card  10  on second portion  26 , and therefore, in one example, serve as a seed identifier. One example of means for identifying at least one type of the one or more seeds  50  or  78  (e.g.,  FIGS. 8-11 ) is second portion  26  with graphical indicia  46 . 
   Other indicia or additional features may also be included on stored-value card  10  as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one example, any one or more of indicia  42 ,  44 , and  46  may not be included on stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, account identifier  40 , indicia  42 , indicia  44  and/or indicia  46  are printed to stored-value card  10  with soy-based or other ink configured to reduce fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse gases, thereby, contributing to the environmentally friendly nature of stored-value card  10 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of a stored-value card as generally indicated at  10 ′. Stored-value card  10 ′ is similar to stored-value card  10  of  FIGS. 1-7  except where specifically described herein. In one example, stored-value card  10 ′ is formed of a substrate  12 ′, which is similar to substrate  12  described above, that is biodegradable and embedded with one or more seeds  50  (e.g., a plurality of seeds) in one or more of first and second portions  24 ′ and  26 ′. In this manner, stored-value card  10 ′ itself is configured to be planted in planting composition  80  ( FIG. 11 ). It should be noted that while stored-value card  10 ′ is illustrated with the plurality of seeds  50 , in one embodiment, stored-value card  10  is similarly embedded with a plurality of seeds (not shown). Other characteristics of stored-value card  10  and stored-value card  10 ′ can be supplemented and/or interchanged with each other as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a carrier or backer  70  for supporting stored-value card  10 . Stored-value card  10 , which is represented in phantom lines in  FIG. 9  for illustrative purposes so as to not obstruct backer  70 , is readily releasably attached to backer  70 , for example by a removable adhesive  72  or the like. Backer  70  and stored-value card  10  collectively define a stored-value card assembly or stored-value product assembly  74  ( FIG. 10 ). Notably, while backer  70  is primarily described with respect to stored-value card  10 , in one embodiment, backer  70  is similarly configured for use with stored-value card  10 ′ to collectively form a similar stored-value card assembly as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
   In one embodiment, backer  70  comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material  76 , for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. In one embodiment, material  76  is substantially biodegradable (e.g., is a corn-based material such as a polylactic acid (PLA) matte corn material, rape seed-based material, soybean-based material, or other suitable material) and is formed with one or more seeds  78  (e.g., a plurality of seeds  78 ) embedded therein. In one example, material  76  is fibrous and is water soluble, which allows material  76  to securely contain the one or more seeds  78  between its fibers and to facilitate growth of the one or more seeds  78  by degrading or disintegrating after planting. More specifically, backer  70  is configured for planting within a planting composition  80 , as generally illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 11 , such that material  76  degrades within planting composition  80  releasing the one or more seeds  78  or otherwise allowing the one or more seeds  78  to sprout and grow as generally indicated as sprouts or plants  82 . As a result, the one or more seeds  78  grow within planting composition  80  in a manner similar to seeds planted directly into planting composition  80  without material  76 . The one or more seeds  78  may be of any suitable type such as vegetable seeds, flower seeds, etc. In one embodiment, all of the one or more seeds  78  are of a single type and are related to a single type of flower, vegetable, or other plant  82 . In one example, the one or more seeds  78  provide seeds for growing a mix of wildflowers or other plants  82 . 
   In one embodiment, backer  70  displays indicia, graphics or text information including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers, characters, to, from, amount, and message fields, and/or other information. In one example, indicia  90  promote that stored-value card assembly  74  serves as a garden kit including plantable backer  70  and second portion  26  of stored-value card  10 , which functions a marking stake. In one example, indicia  90  additionally instruct the bearer of stored-value card assembly  74  on how to plant seeds  78  and mark their planting with second portion  26 . 
   More specifically, in one embodiment, indicia  90  indicate that stored-value card  10  should be removed from backer  70  and adhesive  72  removed from each of the backer  70  and stored-value card  10  by rubbing adhesive  72  with one&#39;s fingers. In one example, indicia  90  further indicate that backer  70  be torn into pieces, soaked thoroughly in water, and planted (e.g., 0.5 inches deep) in planting composition  80 . Indicia  90  may further indicate that second portion  26  of stored-value card  10  may be used to mark where backer  70  was planted, instruct the user to keep the planting composition  80  damp for about two weeks until seeds  78  sprout, and/or to enjoy the colors of the flowers, which will subsequently grow from seeds  78 . Other instruction indicia  90  may additionally or alternatively be included on one or both of backer  70  and stored-value card  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, indicia  92  indicate that stored-value card  10  or, more particularly, first portion  24  of stored-value card  10 , is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that upon use, a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked to stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, indicia  92  include phrases such as “&lt;NAME OF STORE&gt; GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides help or phone line information in case of a lost, stolen, or damaged stored-value card  10 , etc. 
   Brand indicia  94  ( FIG. 9 ) may also or alternatively be included to identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with stored-value card  10 . Any of indicia  42 ,  44 ,  46  (e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ),  90 ,  92 ,  94  (e.g.,  FIGS. 9 and 10 ), or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer  70  or stored-value card  10 . Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included and/or one or more of indicia  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94  may be eliminated. In one example, indicia  90 ,  92 , and  94 , or other indicia on backer  70  are printed thereto with soy-based ink or other ink configured to reduce fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse gases, thereby, contributing to the environmentally friendly nature of stored-value card assembly  74 . 
   In one embodiment, backer  70  includes a window or opening  100  for displaying account identifier  40  of stored-value card  10  therethrough as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . As previously described, account identifier  40  is adapted for accessing a financial or other stored-value account or a record associated with stored-value card  10  for activating, loading, or debiting from the account or record. Accordingly, opening  100  allows viewing or other access to account identifier  40  to activate and/or load stored-value card  10 , more particularly, first portion  24  of stored-value card  10 , without removing stored-value card  10  from backer  70 . In one embodiment, a portion of backer  70  alternatively is configured to be folded away from the remainder of backer  70  to access account identifier  40  without removing stored-value card  10  from backer  70 . 
   In one embodiment, backer  70  includes a hanging aperture  102  or similar feature configured to receive a hook or other display member to hang backer  70  therefrom. In one example, hanging aperture  102  is substantially transversely centered on backer  70  and is positioned near a top end  104  thereof. Although as primarily described herein backer  70  is a planar substrate, in one embodiment, backer  70  may include fold lines or otherwise be configured to substantially wrap or enclose stored-value card  10  as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the present application. Backer  70  is one example of means for supporting stored-value card  10  for display in a retail setting. 
     FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  150  of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of stored-value card assembly  74  by consumers and/or recipients. At  152 , stored-value card assembly  74  is placed or hung from a rack, shelf, or other similar device to display stored-value card  10  for sale to potential consumers. For example, hanging aperture  102  may be placed around a corresponding arm of a display system in a retail setting to hang backer  70  therefrom. In one embodiment, a depiction of stored-value card  10  is placed on a website for viewing and purchase by potential consumers. 
   At  154 , a consumer who has decided to purchase stored-value card  10  presents the stored-value card  10  on backer  70  to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk, remote terminal, or other person or device to scan account identifier  40  to access an account or record linked to account identifier  40 . In particular, account identifier  40  is scanned or otherwise accessed, for example through window  100  of backer  70  to activate stored-value card  10 . Upon accessing the account or record, then, at  156 , value is added to the account or record in the form of monetary value, points, minutes, etc. Thus, stored-value card  10  is activated and loaded. 
   Once stored-value card  10  is activated and loaded, stored-value card  10  can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of stored-value card  10  to purchase goods and/or services at the affiliated retail setting (e.g., a retail store or website) or can be used in exchange for calling minutes, etc. In one embodiment, where stored-value card  10  is displayed on a website at  152 , then, at  154 , stored-value card  10  may be activated in any suitable method and may not require the physical scanning of account identifier  40  to be activated or to otherwise access the associated account or record such as at  156 . 
   In one example, at  158 , the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or website accepts stored-value card  10  as payment towards the purchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of stored-value card  10 . In particular, the value currently loaded on stored-value card  10  (i.e. stored or recorded in the account or record linked to account identifier  40 ) is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services. At  160 , additional value is optionally loaded on stored-value card  10  at a point of sale terminal, kiosk, or other area of the retail store or related setting. Upon accepting stored-value card  10  as payment at  158 , the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation  158  or operation  160  as requested by a current bearer of stored-value card  10 . Similarly, upon loading additional value on stored-value card  10  at  160 , the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation  160  again or operation  158 . In one example, the ability to accept stored-value card  10  as payments for goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated with stored-value card  10  has any value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption. 
     FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method  170  of using stored-value card  10  (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). At  172 , a potential consumer of stored-value card  10 , which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a website, decides to and does purchase stored-value card  10  from the retail store or website. Stored-value card  10  can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of stored-value card assembly  74  ( FIG. 10 ) along with backer  70 . Upon purchasing a stored-value card  10 , a retail store employee, a retail store kiosk, or other person or device scans account identifier  40  ( FIGS. 3 and 10 ) through window  100  of backer  70  or otherwise reads or accesses account identifier  40 . Upon accessing account identifier  40 , the account or record linked to account identifier  40  is accessed and activated to load value onto stored-value card  10 . In one embodiment, such as where stored-value card  10  is purchased at  172  via a website, actual scanning of account identifier  40  may be eliminated. 
   At  174 , the consumer optionally gives stored-value card  10  to a recipient, such as a graduate, relative, friend, expectant parents, one having a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent or impending anniversary, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality of stored-value cards  10  are purchased and given to party goers, such as at a birthday party, etc. as party favors or gifts. As an alternative, the consumer can keep stored-value card  10  for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation  174 . 
   At  176 , the consumer or recipient, whoever is in current ownership or otherwise is the current bearer of stored-value card  10 , removes stored-value card  10  from backer  70  and plants at least a portion of stored-value card assembly  74 . For example, at  178 , the current bearer of stored-value card  10  plants backer  70  as instructed by indicia  90 . More specifically, the current bearer of stored-value card assembly  74  tears backer  70  into pieces such as pieces  70   a  and  70   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , soaks backer  70 , and plants backer pieces  70   a  and  70   b  within planting composition  80  as illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 11 . 
   In one example, at  180 , second portion  26  of stored-value card  10  is removed from first portion  24  and is placed within planting composition  80  as illustrated in FIG.  11  to mark where backer  70  (or at least a piece  70   a  or  70   b  thereof) was planted. Subsequently, the consumer or recipient can water and/or otherwise wait for the plurality of seeds  78  of backer  70  to sprout and grow as plants  82 . In one embodiment, for example, where stored-value card  10 ′ is substituted for stored-value card  10  as illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 8 , first portion  24 ′ of stored-value card  10 ′ is additionally or alternatively planted in planting composition  80  to allow the plurality of seeds  50  to spout and grow similar to the one or more seeds  78 . 
   At  182 , the consumer or recipient redeems stored-value card  10 , more particularly, first portion  24  of stored-value card  10  for goods and/or services from the retail store or website. At  184 , the consumer or recipient of stored-value card  10  optionally adds value to first portion  24  of stored-value card  10 , and more particularly, to the account or record associated with account identifier  40  included therewith, at the retail store or over the Internet (i.e. via the website). Upon using backer  70  and/or stored-value card  10  in the planting context at  176 , redeeming stored-value card  10  at  182 , or adding value to stored-value card  10  at  184 , the consumer or recipient of stored-value card  10  subsequently can perform any of operations  176 ,  182 , or  184  as desired. In one embodiment, the ability of the consumer or recipient to repeat redeeming stored-value card  10  at  182  is limited by whether the account or record linked with stored-value card  10  has any remaining value stored or recorded therein at the time of attempted redemption. 
   Although described above as occurring at a single retail store or website, in one embodiment, purchasing stored-value card  10  at  172 , redeeming stored-value card  10  at  182 , and adding value to stored-value card  10  at  184 , can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept stored-value card  10  or over the Internet. In one example, a number of stores are each part of a chain or are similarly branded stores. In one example, a number of stores include at least one website and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store. 
   Stored-value cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “re-charged” or “re-loaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient, or third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of an account or record associated with a stored-value card. The balance associated with the stored-value card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits or use. The card remains in the user&#39;s purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or a reminder to revisit the associated merchant. Gift cards according to embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other gift cards and stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, calling cards, employee cards, frequency cards, prepaid cards, and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example. 
   Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and its various embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

Technology Category: 3