Abstract: Disclosed herein is a smoking device and method for using same. The smoking device may include a tube having first and second opposed ends, the first end defining a cavity for receiving and releasably securing a cigarette within said cavity, a chamber having a predefined volume and including an aperture, the chamber connected to the second end of the tube and in fluid communication with the cavity for receiving smoke generated from a cigarette through an internal channel of the tube; a circular disc member having top and bottom opposed surfaces, and an outer edge defining a predefined circumference, the circular disc member with first and second support members attached to said outer edge and extending out radially therefrom; and a curved member for attaching a pendant or strap.

Abstract: Process for implementing redemption of accrued rewards from a loyalty rewards account for a benefit that is instantaneously fulfilled. The process includes linking a financial transaction instrument to the loyalty rewards account of a customer and receiving from the customer a request to redeem rewards from the loyalty rewards account for a benefit. In addition, the process automatically authorizes use of the financial transaction instrument to fulfill the benefit requested by the customer, and recognizes, across a computer network, fulfillment of the benefit by a merchant. The loyalty rewards account is automatically updated to reflect fulfillment of the benefit obtained by the customer.

Abstract: A method of combining reward points from a plurality of rewards program accounts in a single rewards program into a joint redemption account is disclosed. The method comprises establishing a joint redemption or community reward account to which program members can contribute rewards points; allowing one or more contributing program members to contribute rewards points from their respective rewards program accounts to the community reward account; redeeming the points from the community reward account for a predetermined reward; and withdrawing the redeemed points from each contributing program member's rewards account according to that program member's contribution to the community reward account upon redemption of the points from the community reward account and not ever transferring points into another member's account to prevent to corporation from incurring incremental legal ownership risk.

Abstract: A system and method for spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a loyalty point transaction is disclosed. The system enables a participant of a loyalty program to accept an advance of loyalty point when a loyalty account balance is insufficient to make a desired purchase. An amount of loyalty points available as an advance to a participant is determined based on a number of criteria related to the participant, financial account activity, and loyalty account activity. The participant is allotted a predetermined length of time to earn or purchase enough loyalty points to repay the balance of advanced loyalty points. If, at the conclusion of such predetermined length of time, sufficient points have not been earned to offset the loyalty point advance, the participant is charged the currency value of each outstanding loyalty point.

Abstract: A method of combining reward points from multiple accounts within the same rewards program into a joint redemption account. The method comprises establishing an on-line joint redemption or community reward account to which program members can contribute rewards points; allowing two or more contributing program members to contribute rewards points from their respective rewards program accounts to the community reward account; redeeming the points from the community reward account for a predetermined reward; and withdrawing the redeemed points from each contributing program member's rewards account according to that program member's contribution to the community reward account.