Abstract: The invention pertains to improved gift card carriers. More particularly, a first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. In a first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card, and possibly supplies a greeting or message. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear as if its flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed.

Abstract: Gift card carriers are disclosed. More particularly, a first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. In a first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card, and possibly supplies a greeting or message. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear as if its flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed.

Abstract: Reference apparatus and storage and dispensing apparatus (such as for storing and/or dispensing the reference apparatus) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reference apparatus may include a unitary planar material having a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel disposed between the first and second panels. The first and second panels may be configured to be folded between a folded position in which the first and second panels are parallel to the third panel, and an unfolded position in which the first and second panels are coplanar with the third panel relative to the folded position. One of the first and second panels may include an attachment portion configured to receive a receiving portion of the other of the first and second panels to secure the first, second, and third panels together in the folded position.

Abstract: A first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. A first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed.

Abstract: Retail packaging for a transaction card includes a carrier for retaining the transaction card, a transparent encasement enclosing the carrier, literature containing information associated with the transaction card placed within the encasement, and means for hanging the packaging within a retail environment. The encasement may take on a variety of forms, including having a curved outer surface forming a cavity within the encasement. The carrier may also take on a variety of forms, including forms having a main surface and a device for elevating the transaction card off the main surface to create a visual effect that the transaction card is floating within the encasement. The packaging may further include a panel that at least partially obscures the transaction card from view.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is packaged within a carrier which contains the card and prevents access to any indicia borne on the card (e.g., magnetic stripe, barcode, and the like) prior to activation of the financial transaction account associated with the card at the point of sale. The package bears no alternative indicia correlated with those borne on the card, and thus only the indicia on the card itself may be used for account activation. Such indicia are exposed at the point of sale by opening a section of the carrier to reveal the actual indicia borne on the card itself. Thus, any breakage of the carrier or other attempts to access the card within the packaging, prior to presentation of the packaged card for activation at the point of sale, is evidence of tampering of the package. In a preferred embodiment, the package is a simple three-panel, partially perforated construction that provides substantial security for the packaged card, at minimal manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A dispenser configured to close and fold into a small, compact, refillable package for storing personal care products is disclosed. Specifically, the dispenser has significantly less surface area in the closed (i.e., folded) position as compared to the unfolded personal care product that is stored within the dispenser.

Abstract: A foldable, weather-resistant reference guide for wearing on the arm, torso, or leg. The foldable, weather-resistant reference guide is attached to a soft, flexible keeping member that holds the reference guide in a folded configuration. The keeping member is connected to or comprised of at least one flexible strap such as an elastic strap that encircles the arm, torso, or leg. The reference guide itself is made of a synthetic fiber paper for weather-resistance. The reference guide folds-up when not in use and is held in place by the keeping member so that the reference guide does not interfere with any physical activities such as snow skiing. The keeping member and reference guide can be opened, unfolded, refolded, and closed with only one hand, even while wearing bulky gloves. The entire invention is made of flexible materials that are comfortable, durable, and safe to a person wearing the article and participating in a rigorous physical activity. The reference guide is typically a map.