Target Brands, Inc.

David B Smith

Primoz Samardzija

Erin M Borkowski

Ted C Halbur

Travis M Robertson

Timothy P Clegg

Daniel Eke

Adam W Reynolds

Dennis Roy Smith

Joseph Brenny

John P Dwyer

Michael Thomas Bahl

Matthew L Birkeland

A method of facilitating activation of a general-purpose reloadable (GPR) card includes reading an activation storage medium from a GPR card using a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, wherein the GPR card is linked to a GPR account stored on a database. The method further includes collecting identification information from a card applicant and forwarding the collected identification information to a financial processing network, submitting an initial monetary amount to be loaded to the GPR account to the financial processing network, and communicating initial activation of the GPR account to the card applicant at the POS terminal after receiving activation approval from the financial processing network. The initial activation of the GPR account is a first phase of activation in a multiple phase activation characterized by the GPR account being available for use toward a price of purchases and unavailable for loading an additional monetary amount to the GPR account.

Phased debit activation system and method

A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Stored-value product with manufactured article

A financial transaction product includes an electrical assembly, a housing at least partially enclosing the electrical assembly, a connection cable, and an account identifier. The connection cable includes a first end, which is coupled with the housing and in electrical communication with the electrical assembly, and a second end, which is opposite the first end, is spaced from the housing, and includes an electrical connector configured to selectively interface with a electrical device separate from the financial transaction product. The account identifier is affixed to the housing and links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Financial transaction product with connection cable

A financial transaction product includes a media player, a housing, and an account identifier. The media player is configured to receive and store compressed digital media files and to convert the compressed digital media files into sound waves. The housing at least partially encloses the media player. The account identifier links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Financial transaction product with media player

A transaction product, which is configured to interface with and receive electrical power from an electrical socket, includes a support member, an electrical circuit and an account identifier. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member and includes an electrical plug and an electrically driven device electrically coupled with the electrical plug. The electrical plug includes at least two blades extending from the support member. The at least two blades are configured to interface with the electrical socket such that electrical power from the electrical socket is transferred to the electrically driven device via the electrical plug. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Transaction product with electrical plug

A stored-value card includes a housing and a glow article. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The glow article is enclosed within the housing and is configured to be selectively removed from the housing and manipulated to initiate chemical luminescence of the glow article. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Stored-value card with chemical luminescence

A stored-value card including a housing and an object. The housing defining a storage cavity and including a door and an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The door is configured to transition between a closed position where the door covers an opening to the storage cavity and an open position where the opening is uncovered. The object stored within the housing is at least partially removable from the housing when the door is in the open position. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Falcon Heights, MN, United States of America

David B Smith