Multi-purpose card

• US 20020130510A1
• Filed: 05/25/2001
• Published: 09/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James Thompson
• Original Assignee: James Thompson
• Inventors: Thompson, Kenneth, Thompson, Debra Tak
• Granted Patent: US 6,623,039 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 283/61
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 15/045 Multi-part cards or sheets, i.e. combined with detachably mounted articles
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/041 Constructional details G06K19/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/072 the record carrier comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07739 comprising a first part capable of functioning as a record carrier on its own and a second part being only functional as a form factor changing part, e.g. SIM cards type ID 0001, removably attached to a regular smart card form factor

Abstract

A multi-purpose card includes a combination of a plurality of coupons detachably cut into the redemption card, a bar code imprinted onto the redemption card, integrated circuit chips, and/or a scratch-off foil overlying an offer or information printed on the card. The multi-purpose card may be housed integrally in a promotional mailer in the form of a two-piece in one post card. The card is created and defined within the promotional mailer by score lines intermittently cut through a top layer, base layer and plastic film of the mailer in a manner to securely maintain the card in place until forcibly removed.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose card, comprising:

a base layer defining a wallet-size card;

a first integrated chip associated with the base layer; and

at least one of a magnetic strip, a bar code, detachable coupons or a second integrated circuit chip which is associated with the base layer;

whereby the multi-purpose card may be used for different transactions or purposes.

2. The multi-purpose card of claim 1, wherein the base layer is comprised of plastic or paper.

3. The multi-purpose card of claim 1, wherein the first integrated circuit chip is at least partially embedded into the base layer.

4. The multi-purpose card of claim 1, wherein the first integrated circuit chip is adhered onto a surface of the base layer.

5. The multi-purpose card of claim 1, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are on the same surface of the base layer.

6. The multi-purpose card of claim 5, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are aligned with one another.

7. The multi-purpose card of claim 5, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are mis-aligned with one another.

8. The multi-purpose card of claim 1, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are on opposite surfaces of the base layer.

9. The multi-purpose card of claim 1, including a laminate layer including a hologram, overlying and attached to the base layer.

10. The multi-purpose of card of claim 1, including a picture associated with the card.

11. The multi-purpose of card of claim 1, including a defined area of the card having information printed thereon and covered with a scratch-off foil treatment.

13. The promotional mailer of claim 12, wherein the first integrated circuit chip is at least partially embedded into the multi-purpose card.

14. The promotional mailer of claim 12, wherein the first integrated circuit chip is adhered onto a surface of the multi-purpose card.

15. The multi-purpose card of claim 12, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are on the same surface of the multi-purpose card.

16. The multi-purpose card of claim 15, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are aligned with one another.

17. The multi-purpose card of claim 15, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are mis-aligned with one another.

18. The multi-purpose card of claim 15, wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are on opposite surfaces of the multi-purpose card.

19. The multi-purpose card of claim 12, including a laminate layer including a hologram, overlying and attached to the multi-purpose card.

20. The multi-purpose of card of claim 12, including a defined area of the multi-purpose card having information printed thereon and covered with a scratch-off foil treatment.

12. A promotional mailer, comprising:

a base layer having a peripheral edge and first and second surfaces;

a plastic film laminated to the first side of the base layer;

a top layer adhered to the first side of the base layer;

a multi-purpose card defined by score lines intermittently cut through the top layer, base layer and plastic film such so as to securely maintain the multi-purpose card in place until forcibly removed, the multi-purpose card having at least one edge defined by the peripheral edge of the base layer;

a first integrated circuit chip associated with the multi-purpose card; and

at least one of a magnetic strip, a bar code, detachable coupons, picture, or a second integrated circuit chip which is associated with the multi-purpose card;

whereby the multi-purpose card may be detached from the promotional mailer and used for different transactions or purposes.