WO2011065948A1 - Method for giving and receiving gifts - Google Patents

Method for giving and receiving gifts Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011065948A1
WO2011065948A1 PCT/US2009/065973 US2009065973W WO2011065948A1 WO 2011065948 A1 WO2011065948 A1 WO 2011065948A1 US 2009065973 W US2009065973 W US 2009065973W WO 2011065948 A1 WO2011065948 A1 WO 2011065948A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gift
users
receiver
hub
giver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/065973
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David Michael Blaszczynski
Original Assignee
David Michael Blaszczynski
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by David Michael Blaszczynski filed Critical David Michael Blaszczynski
Priority to PCT/US2009/065973 priority Critical patent/WO2011065948A1/en
Publication of WO2011065948A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011065948A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/08—Auctions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method where a date or friendship can be facilitated by a process of allowing a first user (the Gift Giver) to submit a vetted gift to a second user (the Gift Receiver) via a hub such that the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can use the experience as a means of connecting.
  • the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver then rate this contact and experience so that other users can have access to the results of the rating.
  • Outlets such as FACEBOOK TM, LINKED IN TM and MYSPACE TM also provide a means for users to interact with others while being a bit selective as to whom they want to participate in such encounters or connections.
  • online venues such as CRAIG SLI ST TM allow confidential connections for everything from sales of goods to various forms of personal advertisements.
  • Sites such as
  • EHARMONY.COM, JDATE.COM, and MATCH.COM also are such that profiles and traditional data is gathered during the courtship process. However, these sites do not relate to gifts as a facilitator for spurring the beginnings of a date or meeting.
  • the problem is that there is no online method out there that provides complete security and discretion for all these users, while at the same time providing a secure venue for these users to find each other to ultimately meet or interact.
  • the present invention solves this need by providing an online venue that first vets its potential users and then permits additional access to interaction and communication as certain thresholds in the process of the present invention are met. More specifically, the present invention also provides a means so that a Gift Receiver may request certain gifts, with these gifts first being approved by the hub or administrators of the present invention prior to posting on a profile. The Gift Giver then may purchase such gifts, with all purchase and personal information going directly to the hub.
  • the hub will then actually make the purchase so that the Gift Receiver receives the gift while neither the Gift Giver or the Gift Receiver know the identity of contact information of the other. Only after the gifting process occurs will the present invention permit additional and more detailed interaction and contact between the users.
  • the present invention therefore solves the need for a means of facilitating a relationship or encounter via an initial gift through the method as described.
  • the present invention is different from a typical registry because a registry ends when the gift is delivered.
  • a registry typically requires that at least one user knows the contact information or some details about the other user.
  • the present invention maintains anonymity while also providing a triggered means to permit additional interaction via audio, visual or in-person.
  • the present invention affords the users an opportunity to use the gift as a facilitator as they make a connection.
  • the present invention is different because it attaches a rating and review mechanism to the gifting process. In this manner, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver then rate this contact and experience so that other users can have access to the results of the rating.
  • the present invention differs from all other methods because of the triggering elements.
  • the present invention limits contact among members of select groups until a user receives a gift from another user who sent the gift. Once that gift is received, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver will be permitted via the present invention to engage in more developed contact as they seek to talk, chat, email or meet.
  • US Patent Application 2002/0095298 filed by Ewing on July 18, 2002 is a blind gift method and system.
  • Ewing seeks to provide a means to send and receive gifts while using pseudonyms.
  • Ewing does not offer a means for a gift sender and a gift receiver to rate the experience so that additional users can potentially review such ratings prior to sending or receiving a gift.
  • the present invention differs by providing various thresholds in the process that serve to incrementally provide interactive access between a Gift Giver and a Gift Receiver, with a major trigger of the present invention occurring after the gift is received by the Gift Giver so that the users can exchange enough information to meet.
  • US Patent Application 2002/0023009 filed by Ikeda on February 21, 2002 is a method of giving gifts via online network.
  • Ikeda is a method of using commercial networks to send and receive gifts that have been selected by users via a register.
  • Ikeda also does not offer a means for a gift sender and a gift receiver to rate the experience so that additional users can potentially review such ratings prior to sending or receiving a gift.
  • the present invention differs by providing various thresholds in the process that serve to incrementally provide interactive access between a Gift Giver and a Gift Receiver, with a major trigger of the present invention occurring after the gift is received by the Gift Giver. The same differences apply for such items as US Patent Application 2006/0190281 filed by Kott on August 24, 2006.
  • Kott is a system and method to facilitate self-regulation of social networks through trading and gift exchange.
  • Kott also differs in terms of the thresholds, safeguards, and means provided by the present invention.
  • none of these items offer the ability to selectively reveal the gift on the part of the Gift Giver.
  • the site of the present invention itself can serve as verification means for certain information revealed by the Gift Receiver. This is applicable for those who might not want to use a site that is un- moderated, but the present invention may approve a background check and confirms such items as age and gender.
  • the present invention satisfies this need through its use of thresholds and safeguards as described below, as well as the rating system. By conducting these novel methods of use, the present invention allows the users to participate in a safe and reliable manner.
  • the present invention relates to a method where a fist user will be afforded the opportunity to present a second user with a gift via a discreet online means.
  • One of the users will be designated a Gift Giver while the other user will be designated a Gift Receiver.
  • Both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can then rate their individual experiences through the online means such that other users within the present invention can have access to such reviews and ratings.
  • the present invention is an online method for dating that helps initiate a first date via the gift giving process, followed by the review process to provide insight for other users on the experiences during this "date.”
  • the present invention relates to a method where a user submits a copy of a personal document such as an identification card to a hub of the present invention. An element within the hub will respond back to the user. The user then expresses to the present invention via the hub whether the user will be a gift giver or a gift receiver. From there, the user may decide which types of gifts to give or to receive as well as decide whether or not the user wants to actually meet other users. A background check of the present invention then commences. This background check is particularly true when it comes to male users as envisioned in the preferred embodiment.
  • the present invention can handle the identity and freedom of a user.
  • one embodiment of the present invention serves to offer a private site element for each group that the user joins, although the preferred embodiment applies an additional fee for each different group that the user engages.
  • groups include male seeking female, male seeking male and female seeking male.
  • the male user will be a part of the female seeking male group. If that same male wants to interact with the male seeking male group or transgendered seeking male group, the male user will pay a small additional fee for each gender classification he wants to interact with.
  • Those in a particular gender classification can only interact with, view, and otherwise be viewed by their own gender classification or other gender classifications. None in one gender classification can view a gender classification that is not interested in interacting with him/her. So in this manner, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, men cannot view the profiles of women or transgendered who do not want to interact with men and vice versa. This is to protect the privacy of users, especially those who are transgendered or are interested in the same sex and do not want others to know about it for reasons such as comfort in expressing such personal information outwardly.
  • identity and freedom of a user are handled differently.
  • ratings for each profile also are limited within the interest category. For example, a man will not be able to view the ratings of a first woman if that first woman interacted with a second woman— even if the first woman had elected to choose an interest in men as well.
  • Members of the present invention also referred to as the users, can make their sexual orientation known when signing up to use the present invention if they wish— but it is not required. Nor is it required to mention whether a member is married or not. In fact, there will be no place on the profile in the preferred embodiment of the present invention to check a box that lists one's sexual orientation or relationship status.
  • identity and freedom of a user are handled in a particular way. For example, if there is a male user in a scenario where the user wants to view a group of women seeking women, the male user will pay an additional fee.
  • Other elements of the method of the present invention after the decision to be either the gift giver or gift receiver and group preferences include deciding whether to display a public or private profile.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention has a concept of public and private subscriptions.
  • users of the present invention have profiles that can be browsed by non-members of the present invention.
  • Non-members of the present invention have only limited access to the public subscribers' profiles. Further, non- members of the present invention cannot interact in any way with the public members.
  • users of the present invention have profiles that cannot be browsed by non-members of the present invention.
  • users of the present invention have profiles that can only be browsed by other members of a specific gender classification... which is at least one of male, female, transgendered. Private members must pay for more than one specific gender classification.
  • each user will be able to set other items such as language.
  • pictures are required to be submitted and displayed.
  • the preferred embodiment requires a full frontal photograph of the user in a classier manner that one might wear on a date.
  • the gift options are vetted by the hub and ultimately displayed.
  • the gift is purchased by a Gift Giver through the discreet method of the present invention via the hub and received by the Gift Receiver.
  • the Gift Giver and Gift Receiver can then agree to meet or otherwise communicate.
  • the rating aspect of the present invention is based upon the experience between the two users.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention is very concerned with safety, and thus, vetting of users. Accordingly, users join the site of the present invention, also referred to as a network of the present invention, and users are vetted by elements of the site. This vetting includes verification of background, gender, criminal history and age in a way that protects the identity of the user being vetted. The vetting process ensures that each user can participate in complete anonymity unless the user wishes to reveal his or her identity. The vetting process also validates the experience for the users, particularly by validating male users in the preferred embodiment.
  • the present invention provides proper vetting so that users feel comfortable dealing with users - even though none of the users might know who each other's identity.
  • the present invention has a process whereby a Gift Receiver can express a desire to receive a specific good or service located in commerce.
  • the Gift Receiver will express the desire to a group, network, or specifically communicate the desire to a Gift Giver.
  • the Gift Giver also may make suggestions.
  • the Gift Giver can engage in a confidential purchase process where the Gift Giver will discreetly purchase the goods in question. These goods are then shipped or delivered via a third party source to the Gift Reciver.
  • the transaction and delivery process go through the site of the present invention. This makes it so that the Gift Giver will not learn the identity, location or other details of the Gift Receiver, and the Gift Receiver will not learn the identity, location or other details of the Gift Giver.
  • the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can consent to reveal their personal information on their own while communicating with each other.
  • the Gift Receiver can elect to interact or meet the Gift Giver in person or via online, audio or visual means. After the gift facilitates this interaction or meeting, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver then rate this contact and experience so that other users can have access to the results of the rating.
  • FIG 1 is a detailed flow chart of the process of the present invention.
  • FIG 2 is a flow chart of the present invention detailing the role of the hub. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • the present invention is a method for a personal or social networking online venue where users identify themselves as wanting to give or receive gifts.
  • the gifting process facilitates a meeting or other interaction between the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver. From there, both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver rate their individual experience.
  • the rating is submitted into the server, database and/or hub of the present invention such that other users can have access and analysis of each review. This then helps the other users determine whether the individual user being rated is someone that these other users may want to meet, provide or receive a gift or otherwise interact.
  • the present invention relates to a method where a date or friendship can be facilitated by a process of connecting through giving gifts. This process of giving gifts is conducted via a hub of the present invention.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a subscription and membership compiling the users, or members. The preferred embodiment more specifically relates to an annual subscription for the present invention.
  • the present invention has Gift Givers and Gift Receivers as the hub and Web site ultimately work with the method of the present invention to allow the Gift Receivers to submit links to particular items on online stores for gift givers to use, as well as a central hub which is accessed via an online means that can be posted via the hub on the Gift Receiver's profile once approved.
  • the Gift Giver can then click on these links and discreetly make a deposit to the hub via a Web site of the present invention
  • the web site in the preferred embodiment covers the shipping and handling, taxes, and a purchasing fee for the hub to purchase the gift from the online store discreetly and then allow the online store of choice to send the gift or gifts to the Gift Receiver. In this manner, most cases are facilitated to result in a meeting arrangement based on mutual decision of the Gift Giver and Gift Receiver.
  • Communication amongst members, also referred to as users, on the Web site of the present invention is moderated and reviewed at the hub to prevent illegal activity from taking place on the Web site.
  • moderation and review of communication is not required in all embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, this moderation and review extends beyond the initial allowed moderated email contact.
  • the Gift Givers are allowed to provide the Gift Receivers gifts to unlock further forms of communication, as well as serving as a means to get to know a Gift Giver better with the consent of the Gift Receiver.
  • the actions that can be privately made or unlocked between the two users and the overseeing site is that after a gift has been agreed to be given, the Gift Giver and Gift Receiver are each permitted the ability to communicate via instant messaging, audio or microphone, and visual web camera.
  • picture identifications and disclosure forms are sent to the site administration at the hub before signing up by the users and being allowed to become members of the present invention.
  • This information is used by the website to fill out the gift orders of the gifts givers so the online stores can send the gifts to the right place.
  • the information is also used to do confidential background checks on all men and transgendered individuals who wish to make arrangements to meet other members and not just communicate with them online. All women will be allowed in the preferred embodiment to initially meet with other members as long as they fill out and sign the disclosure form which allows the website to do a confidential background check on them if another member requests that one be done. This also helps support the cost of the background check.
  • an additional embodiment of the present invention pertaining to the background check relates to other types of conventional identification mechanisms such as biometric data and IP address verification.
  • the gifts will be sent to the address of the Gift Giver to give the gift to the Gift Receiver when they meet, instead of given to the address of the Gift Receiver which will be done on all other methods of communication or information given or seen through the process of giving a gift.
  • both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver After each method of interaction in which a gift is given, both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver have the ability to rate the other member on how well each enjoyed their time with the other through that particular method of interaction.
  • the listing is such items, in the preferred embodiment, as whether they "enjoyed their experience with that member", "the experience was alright but could have been better", or they "did not enjoy their experience with that member”.
  • Another box can be checked that expresses whether or not the Gift Receiver received the gift from the Gift Giver.
  • the date and time of the responses will be given and submitted to the website via the at least one server and the hub to be posted later when both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver have given their answers.
  • These responses will be posted indefinitely on each member's profile, in the preferred embodiment. This will help other members decide whether they would like to give a gift or receive a gift to interact with that particular member.
  • FIG 1 provides a detailed flow chart that expresses the process of the present invention in its preferred embodiment.
  • the present invention operates first when a user logs onto the Web site (10).
  • the Web site is associated with at least one server.
  • a hub (20) within the Web site (10) facilitates many of the functions of the present invention relating to the hub (20), the at least one server, security, anonymity, and gift transactions.
  • the personal information includes identifying details such as name, birth date, and phone and address information.
  • Email submission of this information is transmitted to the Web site (10) via the at least one server.
  • the at least one server is secure.
  • the transmittal or submission of the personal information can be conducted via email or fax as well as regular mail.
  • the fax is transmitted to a dedicated number that in the preferred embodiment converts the fax via conventional means to an electronic file that will reach the administrators operating within the hub (20). The same administrators within the hub (20) also will receive the emails or even regular mail submissions.
  • the basic verification means (25) includes having the hub (20) respond back to the contact information provided by the user who is applying for membership.
  • This verification means in the preferred embodiment includes sending to the user a password that the user must use to respond back to the hub (20) via email.
  • the hub (20) will send to the user a disclosure release form (30).
  • the disclosure release form (30) must be signed by the user and returned to the hub (20). This is particularly relevant for male members of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the disclosure release form (20) is the means of the present invention to authorize the administrators within the hub (20) to conduct a thorough background check (40) on the users prior to membership.
  • the background check (40) will be conducted on an annual basis or some other predetermined amount of time. This means that the membership or subscription to the present invention must be renewed on an annual or predetermined amount of time, with each renewal contingent on a background check (40) as described herein.
  • the administrators or automated means within the hub (20) will determine whether that individual will be allowed to make arrangements to meet another member on the Web site (10) or otherwise within the present invention. If an individual does not pass the confidential background check (40), that user is simply listed as not wanting to meet. Members listed as not wanting to meet can either be members who decided they did not want to meet with other members or members that failed the background check (40). In this way, such users will not be ostracized or otherwise treated as someone others may not want to interact with online just because they are not allowed to meet with other members. The hub (20) also will determine whether the user is rejected for membership (50) or approved for membership (70).
  • the user is either not permitted to participate (60), is granted limited access, or is labeled as a non-verified or background check failure.
  • an individual who wishes to join the Web site (10) has to list which site they want to join based on languages available and send in a copy of a picture identification that includes the user's full name, birth date, phone number and address. Also submitted is a signed disclosure form that allows the Web site (10) via the hub (20) permission to run a background check (40) on that individual.
  • the preferred embodiment requires two full body pictures must be sent via email that match the description of the individual on the picture identification.
  • the users must list what type of membership they want to have public, exactly which parts of their profile is able to be browsed by members and non-members alike or a private profile that is only able to be viewed by members.
  • the individual in this embodiment must list their gender classification as well as which gender classification or gender classifications they wish to interact with. After the proper required information to become a member is sent, in this embodiment, a phone call is made to the submitted phone number on the identification and a password is given. The user is then asked to respond to the Web site (10) via the hub (20) through email.
  • the user will have the option in an additional embodiment to choose whether or not the user wants to listen to music while the user is on the site and then continue the process of signing onto the present invention in order to receive gifts (80) or send gifts (90) as is the case in an additional embodiment.
  • an additional embodiment permits the user to engage in a general overview membership (75) under the limited conditions as stated above. At this point, each user will be afforded the opportunity to be listed and registered as a Gift Giver or a Gift Receiver in one embodiment.
  • Those who choose to receive gifts (80) and send gifts (90) will then have a choice as to which class of membership they would like to participate in.
  • classes include men seeking men (100), men seeking women (110), women seeking men (115), women seeking women (120), and other personal type classes (130).
  • groups such as bisexuals or those who merely wish to participate via the just looking type of membership— also termed general overview membership (75)-- in order to look around through the various classes, would pay an additional membership fee for each class they would like to view or participate.
  • Other members of the present invention can opt out of being viewed by such members as the general overview membership (75) can elect to have their online profiles only viewable to regular members for an additional fee.
  • Users electing to receive gifts (80) will be able to establish a profile (85) via conventional online means. Users electing to send gifts (90) also will be able to establish and decide on a profile (95).
  • the user in one embodiment may decide to display and create a public or private profile.
  • the users are permitted via the present invention to communicate with others via email, private message or other means (140). This can be conducted without engaging in the gifting process of the present invention as described below.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention places limits on how many correspondences can be made (150) prior to the gifting process.
  • these limits (150) also limit what type of information can be said or conveyed prior to the gifting process.
  • the purpose of these limits (150) is to encourage the gifting process of the present invention. Again, the gifting process is what facilitates the more complete interaction between the users.
  • the gifting process relates to those who choose to receive gifts (80) and those who choose to send gifts (90).
  • the present invention requires that a gift order request must be made before the present invention will permit detailed contact information, as well as audio or visual contacts among members. In this manner, a meeting cannot be arranged until the connection between the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver is made via the gifting process.
  • the present invention enforces all the above limits (150) through conventional means such as software that tracks words and certain pre-calculated information or data such as phone numbers and email addresses.
  • the present invention blocks certain functions such as audio and visual communication until certain thresholds are crossed. This includes engaging in the gifting process and subscription fees and plans.
  • these limits (150) include maintaining anonymity of the users.
  • the present invention uses such blocking and limits (150) as described to hide all ascertainable identity information of each user. This includes blocking attempts to lure a user off of the online means of the present invention to an email, phone, address or other outside venue. Profiles also are limited to general items to avoid identifying information as described above. The background checks serve as the safeguard to maintain a safe and quality environment for the users.
  • This review includes reviewing the links posted on the profile of the Gift Receiver (180). After deciding to purchase one or more gifts for the Gift Receiver, the Gift Giver will place a deposit (200) with the hub (20). This deposit will cover all of the costs associated with the purchase of the gift. These costs include taxes, shipping, handling and price. The preferred embodiment also includes a service charge on the part of the present invention. It also is important to note that the deposit and all personal or financial information will come directly from the Gift Giver and to the hub (20) of the present invention. After receiving the deposit and confirming the gift selection, the hub (20), via its automated or live administrators, will then purchase the gift or gifts selected by the Gift Giver (210). The hub (20) will direct the selling venue to ship the purchased gift to the Gift Receiver (220).
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention does not obligate the Gift Receiver to do anything once the Gift Receiver receives the gift.
  • the system of the present invention polices itself through the process of having users rate and review their experiences for others to see. Once the Gift Receiver receives the gift or gifts, the Gift Receiver and the Gift Giver (who purchased the gift or gifts) can interact in more detail (230).
  • the Gift Receiver can list what the Gift Receiver would like to do or how they want to interact in more detail (230) or meet (235) while the Gift Giver can list what the Gift Giver would like to do or how the Gift giver would want to interact in more detail (230) or meet (237).
  • Such interactions in more detail (230) can be erotic in nature, but are not limited to that area as the preferred embodiment is such that the gift is the facilitator for a meeting, "date" or other interaction.
  • the interactions in more detail (230), as mentioned above, become much more available after the gift is received by the Gift Receiver as the present invention via conventional means through the hub (20), lifts many of the restrictions and limitations concerning interaction among members.
  • Such interactions include audio (240), visual (250)—such as Web cams or videos, and ability to discuss actual in-person meetings (260) if both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver agree to release such information. Once the gift is received, the meeting, date or interaction had been facilitated.
  • the present invention also offers surveys via conventional online means relating to each user's experience. Moreover, each type of interaction will have a survey as well. In the preferred embodiment, an audio survey (280), visual survey (270), and in-person survey (290) will better permit each user to express his or her opinion of each type of interaction employed with the present invention.
  • the surveys (270, 280, 290) also are referred to as reviews or ratings.
  • the users can create a record within the present invention of the experience so that other users can determine whether or not they wish to send or receive gifts from a user. For example, if a user receives a gift and appreciates the gift, that user may log a positive rating about the user who gifted the gift.
  • the present invention in its preferred embodiment, will employ similar conventional means to limit attempts to advertise businesses unless approved at the hub.
  • discussion of illegal activities also will be prevented via conventional means such as word recognition.
  • Profile photos of the present invention in the preferred embodiment, also will not permit nude or similarly situated photos of the user.
  • users can submit such photos to the hub(20), where the hub (20) will store and lock the photos within the at least one server of the present invention. After a gift is sent to a Gift Receiver, such photos may be unlocked within the hub (20) and sent to a user involved in that particular gift transaction.
  • users must consent via a conventional online approval to receive nude or erotic photos.
  • the profile photos relate to full body and face photographs of the user.
  • Age of the users in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is 21 and older, which is verified by the background check (40).
  • the profile photos are of good quality and are unlocked to other members as certain thresholds as described above are crossed.
  • there are three mandatory profile photos that include a full frontal view of the user, a view of the user in a situation such as when one is on a date, and a back view of the user.
  • the user also may have a headshot as well.
  • the profile photo is accompanied by some words describing the user and gets into some of his or her likes and dislikes.
  • An additional embodiment is such that a female who fails a background check will still be permitted to join as a member, but will be prohibited by the limitations described above from meeting or interacting in detail with other members of the present invention.
  • a male receives the background check as soon as the male attempts to join the present invention; however, males are categorized as to whether they can or cannot meet other members based on the results of the background check.
  • anyone using the present invention can request via the hub (20) a background check of another user. However, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that fees will be assessed on the user requesting the background check.
  • the background check information is kept confidential within the hub (20), with the user being researched only being informed whether he or she passed or failed the check.
  • FIG 2 is a more general view of the present invention.
  • the Gift Receiver (300) solely interacts with the hub (320) in regard to Gift Receiver personal information (330).
  • the Gift Giver (310) also solely interacts with the hub (320) in regard to Gift Giver personal information (340).
  • the Gift Receiver (300) also provides the links and desired gift information (350) through the hub (320), which ultimately approves or disapproves as described above.
  • the Gift Giver (310) goes through the hub (320) with all purchase information relating to the gift (360).
  • the hub (320) then conducts the actual transaction through a third party merchant or venue (370) such that the third party merchant or venue (370) only has the financial, purchase order and contact information of the hub (320).
  • the third party merchant or vendor (370) then ships the gift or gifts (380) to the Gift Receiver (300). Only then can the Gift Receiver (300) and the Gift Giver (310) interact in a more intimate and detailed manner (390).

Abstract

A method for giving and receiving gifts where a Gift Giver and a Gift Receiver can elect to receive gifts and receive gifts respectively via confidential online means such that the gifting process is conducted by routing the purchase through a hub as a deposit such that the hub will then make the official purchase of the chosen gift and subsequently order the gift to be shipped to the Gift Giver. The gift then becomes a facilitator for a potential relationship, date or meeting between the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver. Each user can then rate his or her experience relating to the gifting process as well as other aspects of the interaction.

Description

Method for Giving and Receiving Gifts
Field of the Present Invention
The present invention relates to a method where a date or friendship can be facilitated by a process of allowing a first user (the Gift Giver) to submit a vetted gift to a second user (the Gift Receiver) via a hub such that the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can use the experience as a means of connecting. The Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver then rate this contact and experience so that other users can have access to the results of the rating.
Background of the Present Invention
Gift giving during the courtship process is a time -honored tradition in many countries and cultures around the world. For example, the T'u-jen of China historically presented potential love interests with cash, cloth and a mare. The Saami men of Scandinavia offered liquor, gilded rings, silver, cups and ladles. Studies have shown that men give gifts to a potential mate or interest as a means of sending a signal of the positive qualities that the male may possess. The female may pick up this signal in a subtle manner that may ultimately facilitate the beginning of a positive relationship. Even today, gift giving and gift receiving are common facilitators in the initial phases of the courtship process.
The advent of online communications has revolutionized the way people interact. For example, dating services have evolved from videocassettes and in-person meet-ups to detailed online venues where users match various elements of their lives and
personalities. Outlets such as FACEBOOK TM, LINKED IN TM and MYSPACE TM also provide a means for users to interact with others while being a bit selective as to whom they want to participate in such encounters or connections. Moreover, online venues such as CRAIG SLI ST TM allow confidential connections for everything from sales of goods to various forms of personal advertisements. Sites such as
EHARMONY.COM, JDATE.COM, and MATCH.COM also are such that profiles and traditional data is gathered during the courtship process. However, these sites do not relate to gifts as a facilitator for spurring the beginnings of a date or meeting.
The problem arises in that people often like to present an initial gift to someone they are interested in prior to an actual date. This is relevant when people know only a little about a person but not to the degree that one would learn while on a first date. At the same time, these potential users want to be assured that the other parties involved in the interaction are legitimate and "real" as opposed to imposters, underage or even criminals. As such, there is a need for an online method that limits full participation to users, particularly male members, who have been properly vetted via a confidential background check. The present invention solves this need by pushing all personal details through a hub in order to maintain discretion and security for the users.
But relating to the notion of a method of using a gift as a facilitator, the problem is that there is no online method out there that provides complete security and discretion for all these users, while at the same time providing a secure venue for these users to find each other to ultimately meet or interact. The present invention solves this need by providing an online venue that first vets its potential users and then permits additional access to interaction and communication as certain thresholds in the process of the present invention are met. More specifically, the present invention also provides a means so that a Gift Receiver may request certain gifts, with these gifts first being approved by the hub or administrators of the present invention prior to posting on a profile. The Gift Giver then may purchase such gifts, with all purchase and personal information going directly to the hub. The hub will then actually make the purchase so that the Gift Receiver receives the gift while neither the Gift Giver or the Gift Receiver know the identity of contact information of the other. Only after the gifting process occurs will the present invention permit additional and more detailed interaction and contact between the users. The present invention therefore solves the need for a means of facilitating a relationship or encounter via an initial gift through the method as described.
The present invention is different from a typical registry because a registry ends when the gift is delivered. In addition, a registry typically requires that at least one user knows the contact information or some details about the other user. In contrast, the present invention maintains anonymity while also providing a triggered means to permit additional interaction via audio, visual or in-person. In this manner, the present invention affords the users an opportunity to use the gift as a facilitator as they make a connection. At the same time, the present invention is different because it attaches a rating and review mechanism to the gifting process. In this manner, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver then rate this contact and experience so that other users can have access to the results of the rating. Moreover, the present invention differs from all other methods because of the triggering elements. For example, the present invention limits contact among members of select groups until a user receives a gift from another user who sent the gift. Once that gift is received, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver will be permitted via the present invention to engage in more developed contact as they seek to talk, chat, email or meet.
US Patent Application 2002/0095298 filed by Ewing on July 18, 2002 is a blind gift method and system. Ewing seeks to provide a means to send and receive gifts while using pseudonyms. Unlike the present invention, Ewing does not offer a means for a gift sender and a gift receiver to rate the experience so that additional users can potentially review such ratings prior to sending or receiving a gift. In addition, the present invention differs by providing various thresholds in the process that serve to incrementally provide interactive access between a Gift Giver and a Gift Receiver, with a major trigger of the present invention occurring after the gift is received by the Gift Giver so that the users can exchange enough information to meet.
US Patent Application 2002/0023009 filed by Ikeda on February 21, 2002 is a method of giving gifts via online network. Ikeda is a method of using commercial networks to send and receive gifts that have been selected by users via a register. As mentioned above, Ikeda also does not offer a means for a gift sender and a gift receiver to rate the experience so that additional users can potentially review such ratings prior to sending or receiving a gift. In addition, the present invention differs by providing various thresholds in the process that serve to incrementally provide interactive access between a Gift Giver and a Gift Receiver, with a major trigger of the present invention occurring after the gift is received by the Gift Giver. The same differences apply for such items as US Patent Application 2006/0190281 filed by Kott on August 24, 2006. Kott is a system and method to facilitate self-regulation of social networks through trading and gift exchange. However, Kott also differs in terms of the thresholds, safeguards, and means provided by the present invention. In addition, none of these items offer the ability to selectively reveal the gift on the part of the Gift Giver. Moreover, the site of the present invention itself can serve as verification means for certain information revealed by the Gift Receiver. This is applicable for those who might not want to use a site that is un- moderated, but the present invention may approve a background check and confirms such items as age and gender.
There remains a need to provide a venue for people wishing to engage in the gift giving and receiving process as a means of facilitating some sort of relationship. The present invention satisfies this need through its use of thresholds and safeguards as described below, as well as the rating system. By conducting these novel methods of use, the present invention allows the users to participate in a safe and reliable manner.
Summary of the Present Invention
The present invention relates to a method where a fist user will be afforded the opportunity to present a second user with a gift via a discreet online means. One of the users will be designated a Gift Giver while the other user will be designated a Gift Receiver. Both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can then rate their individual experiences through the online means such that other users within the present invention can have access to such reviews and ratings. In many ways, the present invention is an online method for dating that helps initiate a first date via the gift giving process, followed by the review process to provide insight for other users on the experiences during this "date."
The present invention relates to a method where a user submits a copy of a personal document such as an identification card to a hub of the present invention. An element within the hub will respond back to the user. The user then expresses to the present invention via the hub whether the user will be a gift giver or a gift receiver. From there, the user may decide which types of gifts to give or to receive as well as decide whether or not the user wants to actually meet other users. A background check of the present invention then commences. This background check is particularly true when it comes to male users as envisioned in the preferred embodiment.
There are various ways that the present invention can handle the identity and freedom of a user. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention serves to offer a private site element for each group that the user joins, although the preferred embodiment applies an additional fee for each different group that the user engages. Such groups include male seeking female, male seeking male and female seeking male. For example, in the one embodiment of the present invention, if a male user is seeking a female user, the male user will be a part of the female seeking male group. If that same male wants to interact with the male seeking male group or transgendered seeking male group, the male user will pay a small additional fee for each gender classification he wants to interact with. Those in a particular gender classification can only interact with, view, and otherwise be viewed by their own gender classification or other gender classifications. Nobody in one gender classification can view a gender classification that is not interested in interacting with him/her. So in this manner, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, men cannot view the profiles of women or transgendered who do not want to interact with men and vice versa. This is to protect the privacy of users, especially those who are transgendered or are interested in the same sex and do not want others to know about it for reasons such as comfort in expressing such personal information outwardly.
In another embodiment of the present invention, identity and freedom of a user are handled differently. For example, ratings for each profile also are limited within the interest category. For example, a man will not be able to view the ratings of a first woman if that first woman interacted with a second woman— even if the first woman had elected to choose an interest in men as well. Members of the present invention, also referred to as the users, can make their sexual orientation known when signing up to use the present invention if they wish— but it is not required. Nor is it required to mention whether a member is married or not. In fact, there will be no place on the profile in the preferred embodiment of the present invention to check a box that lists one's sexual orientation or relationship status. Although the preferred embodiment will make note that cheating on those who are in serious relationships is something that the Web site of the present invention is not about. It also will be recommended in the preferred embodiment that those who are in committed or monogamous relationships not use this web site to stray as that also is not what the site is for in its preferred embodiment.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention, identity and freedom of a user are handled in a particular way. For example, if there is a male user in a scenario where the user wants to view a group of women seeking women, the male user will pay an additional fee. Other elements of the method of the present invention after the decision to be either the gift giver or gift receiver and group preferences include deciding whether to display a public or private profile.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has a concept of public and private subscriptions. With a public subscription, users of the present invention have profiles that can be browsed by non-members of the present invention. Non-members of the present invention have only limited access to the public subscribers' profiles. Further, non- members of the present invention cannot interact in any way with the public members. On the other hand, with a private subscription, users of the present invention have profiles that cannot be browsed by non-members of the present invention. Further, with a private subscription, users of the present invention have profiles that can only be browsed by other members of a specific gender classification... which is at least one of male, female, transgendered. Private members must pay for more than one specific gender classification. In terms of operation and features, according to the present invention, each user will be able to set other items such as language. In the preferred embodiment, pictures are required to be submitted and displayed. For example, the preferred embodiment requires a full frontal photograph of the user in a classier manner that one might wear on a date. Meanwhile, the gift options are vetted by the hub and ultimately displayed. The gift is purchased by a Gift Giver through the discreet method of the present invention via the hub and received by the Gift Receiver. The Gift Giver and Gift Receiver can then agree to meet or otherwise communicate. The rating aspect of the present invention is based upon the experience between the two users.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is very concerned with safety, and thus, vetting of users. Accordingly, users join the site of the present invention, also referred to as a network of the present invention, and users are vetted by elements of the site. This vetting includes verification of background, gender, criminal history and age in a way that protects the identity of the user being vetted. The vetting process ensures that each user can participate in complete anonymity unless the user wishes to reveal his or her identity. The vetting process also validates the experience for the users, particularly by validating male users in the preferred embodiment. Most importantly, if the identity of a first user is to be kept confidential until a certain time, then the present invention - via proper vetting - ensures that the other users are comfortable dealing with the first user even though the first user's identity is confidential. In other words, the present invention provides proper vetting so that users feel comfortable dealing with users - even though none of the users might know who each other's identity. In short, the present invention has a process whereby a Gift Receiver can express a desire to receive a specific good or service located in commerce. The Gift Receiver will express the desire to a group, network, or specifically communicate the desire to a Gift Giver. The Gift Giver also may make suggestions. Ultimately, the Gift Giver can engage in a confidential purchase process where the Gift Giver will discreetly purchase the goods in question. These goods are then shipped or delivered via a third party source to the Gift Reciver.
It is important to note that the transaction and delivery process go through the site of the present invention. This makes it so that the Gift Giver will not learn the identity, location or other details of the Gift Receiver, and the Gift Receiver will not learn the identity, location or other details of the Gift Giver. However, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can consent to reveal their personal information on their own while communicating with each other. Once the Gift Receiver receives the good, the Gift Receiver can elect to interact or meet the Gift Giver in person or via online, audio or visual means. After the gift facilitates this interaction or meeting, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver then rate this contact and experience so that other users can have access to the results of the rating.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG 1 is a detailed flow chart of the process of the present invention. FIG 2 is a flow chart of the present invention detailing the role of the hub. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The present invention is a method for a personal or social networking online venue where users identify themselves as wanting to give or receive gifts. By providing a gift from one user to another user via the hub of the present invention, the gifting process facilitates a meeting or other interaction between the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver. From there, both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver rate their individual experience. The rating is submitted into the server, database and/or hub of the present invention such that other users can have access and analysis of each review. This then helps the other users determine whether the individual user being rated is someone that these other users may want to meet, provide or receive a gift or otherwise interact.
The present invention relates to a method where a date or friendship can be facilitated by a process of connecting through giving gifts. This process of giving gifts is conducted via a hub of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a subscription and membership compiling the users, or members. The preferred embodiment more specifically relates to an annual subscription for the present invention.
The present invention has Gift Givers and Gift Receivers as the hub and Web site ultimately work with the method of the present invention to allow the Gift Receivers to submit links to particular items on online stores for gift givers to use, as well as a central hub which is accessed via an online means that can be posted via the hub on the Gift Receiver's profile once approved. The Gift Giver can then click on these links and discreetly make a deposit to the hub via a Web site of the present invention, the web site in the preferred embodiment covers the shipping and handling, taxes, and a purchasing fee for the hub to purchase the gift from the online store discreetly and then allow the online store of choice to send the gift or gifts to the Gift Receiver. In this manner, most cases are facilitated to result in a meeting arrangement based on mutual decision of the Gift Giver and Gift Receiver.
Communication amongst members, also referred to as users, on the Web site of the present invention is moderated and reviewed at the hub to prevent illegal activity from taking place on the Web site. However, moderation and review of communication is not required in all embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, this moderation and review extends beyond the initial allowed moderated email contact. The Gift Givers are allowed to provide the Gift Receivers gifts to unlock further forms of communication, as well as serving as a means to get to know a Gift Giver better with the consent of the Gift Receiver. Amongst the actions that can be privately made or unlocked between the two users and the overseeing site is that after a gift has been agreed to be given, the Gift Giver and Gift Receiver are each permitted the ability to communicate via instant messaging, audio or microphone, and visual web camera. In addition, the Gift Giver and Gift Receiver then are granted the ability to unlock pictures and/or images of the Gift Giver and/or the Gift Receiver. Also, the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver can then be granted the access to the likes and dislikes of the Gift Receiver and the Gift Giver. It should be noted that pictures, images, likes, and/or dislikes may be of a private and potentially adult nature, along with allowing the gift giver to reveal their own locked pictures. It should be noted, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, that instant messaging will be allowed after a gift has been given. Only email will be allowed without a gift having been given. Email interaction allows members to decide if they want to interact with each other further beyond email.
Moreover, picture identifications and disclosure forms are sent to the site administration at the hub before signing up by the users and being allowed to become members of the present invention. This information is used by the website to fill out the gift orders of the gifts givers so the online stores can send the gifts to the right place. The information is also used to do confidential background checks on all men and transgendered individuals who wish to make arrangements to meet other members and not just communicate with them online. All women will be allowed in the preferred embodiment to initially meet with other members as long as they fill out and sign the disclosure form which allows the website to do a confidential background check on them if another member requests that one be done. This also helps support the cost of the background check. In the event that a female does not pass a requested background check or a male or transgendered individual does not pass a background check after their request to have a background check done on themselves so that they can be allowed to make arrangements to meet other members of the site, their profile will stay at or in the case of women be moved to not wanting to meet in person. It also should be noted that an additional embodiment of the present invention pertaining to the background check relates to other types of conventional identification mechanisms such as biometric data and IP address verification.
In the case of those willing and able to meet other members in person, the gifts will be sent to the address of the Gift Giver to give the gift to the Gift Receiver when they meet, instead of given to the address of the Gift Receiver which will be done on all other methods of communication or information given or seen through the process of giving a gift. After each method of interaction in which a gift is given, both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver have the ability to rate the other member on how well each enjoyed their time with the other through that particular method of interaction. The listing is such items, in the preferred embodiment, as whether they "enjoyed their experience with that member", "the experience was alright but could have been better", or they "did not enjoy their experience with that member". And in the case of meeting the Gift Receiver, another box can be checked that expresses whether or not the Gift Receiver received the gift from the Gift Giver. The date and time of the responses will be given and submitted to the website via the at least one server and the hub to be posted later when both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver have given their answers. These responses will be posted indefinitely on each member's profile, in the preferred embodiment. This will help other members decide whether they would like to give a gift or receive a gift to interact with that particular member.
FIG 1 provides a detailed flow chart that expresses the process of the present invention in its preferred embodiment. The present invention operates first when a user logs onto the Web site (10). The Web site is associated with at least one server. A hub (20) within the Web site (10) facilitates many of the functions of the present invention relating to the hub (20), the at least one server, security, anonymity, and gift transactions. Once a user logs onto the Web site (10) for the first time, that user in one embodiment will send or transmit personal information to the hub (20). However, in the preferred embodiment, this personal information is such that the user will submit a personal document such as an identification card. The user will be seeking membership to the present invention or otherwise looking to participate on a limited trial basis. The personal information includes identifying details such as name, birth date, and phone and address information. Email submission of this information is transmitted to the Web site (10) via the at least one server. The at least one server is secure. The transmittal or submission of the personal information can be conducted via email or fax as well as regular mail. The fax is transmitted to a dedicated number that in the preferred embodiment converts the fax via conventional means to an electronic file that will reach the administrators operating within the hub (20). The same administrators within the hub (20) also will receive the emails or even regular mail submissions.
Administrators or a conventional automated system within the hub (20) will take the information submitted and engage in a basic verification means (25). The basic verification means (25) includes having the hub (20) respond back to the contact information provided by the user who is applying for membership. This verification means in the preferred embodiment includes sending to the user a password that the user must use to respond back to the hub (20) via email. Once basic verification is established, the hub (20) will send to the user a disclosure release form (30). The disclosure release form (30) must be signed by the user and returned to the hub (20). This is particularly relevant for male members of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The disclosure release form (20) is the means of the present invention to authorize the administrators within the hub (20) to conduct a thorough background check (40) on the users prior to membership. It is important to note that in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the background check (40) will be conducted on an annual basis or some other predetermined amount of time. This means that the membership or subscription to the present invention must be renewed on an annual or predetermined amount of time, with each renewal contingent on a background check (40) as described herein.
Once the background check (40) is concluded, the administrators or automated means within the hub (20) will determine whether that individual will be allowed to make arrangements to meet another member on the Web site (10) or otherwise within the present invention. If an individual does not pass the confidential background check (40), that user is simply listed as not wanting to meet. Members listed as not wanting to meet can either be members who decided they did not want to meet with other members or members that failed the background check (40). In this way, such users will not be ostracized or otherwise treated as someone others may not want to interact with online just because they are not allowed to meet with other members. The hub (20) also will determine whether the user is rejected for membership (50) or approved for membership (70). If the user is rejected for membership (50), then the user is either not permitted to participate (60), is granted limited access, or is labeled as a non-verified or background check failure. In an additional embodiment, an individual who wishes to join the Web site (10) has to list which site they want to join based on languages available and send in a copy of a picture identification that includes the user's full name, birth date, phone number and address. Also submitted is a signed disclosure form that allows the Web site (10) via the hub (20) permission to run a background check (40) on that individual. In addition, the preferred embodiment requires two full body pictures must be sent via email that match the description of the individual on the picture identification. In this embodiment, the users must list what type of membership they want to have public, exactly which parts of their profile is able to be browsed by members and non-members alike or a private profile that is only able to be viewed by members. The individual in this embodiment must list their gender classification as well as which gender classification or gender classifications they wish to interact with. After the proper required information to become a member is sent, in this embodiment, a phone call is made to the submitted phone number on the identification and a password is given. The user is then asked to respond to the Web site (10) via the hub (20) through email.
If the individual, also referred to as a user, is approved for membership (70), the user will have the option in an additional embodiment to choose whether or not the user wants to listen to music while the user is on the site and then continue the process of signing onto the present invention in order to receive gifts (80) or send gifts (90) as is the case in an additional embodiment. It should be clear that in the preferred embodiment, anyone can browse limited information about users who have chosen a public profile - and that costs nothing and does not require membership. However, an additional embodiment permits the user to engage in a general overview membership (75) under the limited conditions as stated above. At this point, each user will be afforded the opportunity to be listed and registered as a Gift Giver or a Gift Receiver in one embodiment. Those who choose to receive gifts (80) and send gifts (90) will then have a choice as to which class of membership they would like to participate in. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, such classes include men seeking men (100), men seeking women (110), women seeking men (115), women seeking women (120), and other personal type classes (130). In the preferred embodiment, groups such as bisexuals or those who merely wish to participate via the just looking type of membership— also termed general overview membership (75)-- in order to look around through the various classes, would pay an additional membership fee for each class they would like to view or participate. Other members of the present invention can opt out of being viewed by such members as the general overview membership (75) can elect to have their online profiles only viewable to regular members for an additional fee.
Users electing to receive gifts (80) will be able to establish a profile (85) via conventional online means. Users electing to send gifts (90) also will be able to establish and decide on a profile (95). The user in one embodiment may decide to display and create a public or private profile. Once the classes are chosen, the users are permitted via the present invention to communicate with others via email, private message or other means (140). This can be conducted without engaging in the gifting process of the present invention as described below. However, the preferred embodiment of the present invention places limits on how many correspondences can be made (150) prior to the gifting process. In addition, these limits (150) also limit what type of information can be said or conveyed prior to the gifting process. The purpose of these limits (150) is to encourage the gifting process of the present invention. Again, the gifting process is what facilitates the more complete interaction between the users.
As we see in FIG 1, the gifting process relates to those who choose to receive gifts (80) and those who choose to send gifts (90). In fact, the present invention requires that a gift order request must be made before the present invention will permit detailed contact information, as well as audio or visual contacts among members. In this manner, a meeting cannot be arranged until the connection between the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver is made via the gifting process. The present invention enforces all the above limits (150) through conventional means such as software that tracks words and certain pre-calculated information or data such as phone numbers and email addresses. In addition, the present invention blocks certain functions such as audio and visual communication until certain thresholds are crossed. This includes engaging in the gifting process and subscription fees and plans. At the same time, it is important to note that these limits (150) include maintaining anonymity of the users. Prior to the gifting process, the present invention uses such blocking and limits (150) as described to hide all ascertainable identity information of each user. This includes blocking attempts to lure a user off of the online means of the present invention to an email, phone, address or other outside venue. Profiles also are limited to general items to avoid identifying information as described above. The background checks serve as the safeguard to maintain a safe and quality environment for the users.
A user seeking to receive gifts (80), also referred to as the Gift Receiver, will submit links (160) to the hub (20) of the present invention. These submitted links (160) are to online outlets, stores and venues containing items that the user would like to receive as gifts. Automated or live administrators within the hub (20) must then approve the links (170). If the hub (20) disapproves of a link (165), then that link will not appear on the Gift Receiver's profile and the link will not be used in the gifting process. Once approved, the links may be posted on the profile of the Gift Receiver (180). Then, a user seeking to send gifts (90), also referred to as the Gift Giver, may review the profile of the Gift Receiver (190). This review includes reviewing the links posted on the profile of the Gift Receiver (180). After deciding to purchase one or more gifts for the Gift Receiver, the Gift Giver will place a deposit (200) with the hub (20). This deposit will cover all of the costs associated with the purchase of the gift. These costs include taxes, shipping, handling and price. The preferred embodiment also includes a service charge on the part of the present invention. It also is important to note that the deposit and all personal or financial information will come directly from the Gift Giver and to the hub (20) of the present invention. After receiving the deposit and confirming the gift selection, the hub (20), via its automated or live administrators, will then purchase the gift or gifts selected by the Gift Giver (210). The hub (20) will direct the selling venue to ship the purchased gift to the Gift Receiver (220). In this manner, the Gift Giver will not have access to the contact information or address of the Gift Receiver, and vice versa. In regard to the gifting process, the preferred embodiment of the present invention does not obligate the Gift Receiver to do anything once the Gift Receiver receives the gift. The system of the present invention polices itself through the process of having users rate and review their experiences for others to see. Once the Gift Receiver receives the gift or gifts, the Gift Receiver and the Gift Giver (who purchased the gift or gifts) can interact in more detail (230). In addition, the Gift Receiver can list what the Gift Receiver would like to do or how they want to interact in more detail (230) or meet (235) while the Gift Giver can list what the Gift Giver would like to do or how the Gift giver would want to interact in more detail (230) or meet (237). Such interactions in more detail (230) can be erotic in nature, but are not limited to that area as the preferred embodiment is such that the gift is the facilitator for a meeting, "date" or other interaction. The interactions in more detail (230), as mentioned above, become much more available after the gift is received by the Gift Receiver as the present invention via conventional means through the hub (20), lifts many of the restrictions and limitations concerning interaction among members. Such interactions include audio (240), visual (250)— such as Web cams or videos, and ability to discuss actual in-person meetings (260) if both the Gift Giver and the Gift Receiver agree to release such information. Once the gift is received, the meeting, date or interaction had been facilitated.
As mentioned above, the present invention also offers surveys via conventional online means relating to each user's experience. Moreover, each type of interaction will have a survey as well. In the preferred embodiment, an audio survey (280), visual survey (270), and in-person survey (290) will better permit each user to express his or her opinion of each type of interaction employed with the present invention. The surveys (270, 280, 290) also are referred to as reviews or ratings. In this manner, the users can create a record within the present invention of the experience so that other users can determine whether or not they wish to send or receive gifts from a user. For example, if a user receives a gift and appreciates the gift, that user may log a positive rating about the user who gifted the gift.
Relating back to the limitations as described above, the present invention,, in its preferred embodiment, will employ similar conventional means to limit attempts to advertise businesses unless approved at the hub. In addition, discussion of illegal activities also will be prevented via conventional means such as word recognition. Profile photos of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, also will not permit nude or similarly situated photos of the user. However, users can submit such photos to the hub(20), where the hub (20) will store and lock the photos within the at least one server of the present invention. After a gift is sent to a Gift Receiver, such photos may be unlocked within the hub (20) and sent to a user involved in that particular gift transaction. In an embodiment of the present invention, users must consent via a conventional online approval to receive nude or erotic photos.
The profile photos, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, relate to full body and face photographs of the user. Age of the users, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is 21 and older, which is verified by the background check (40). Preferably, the profile photos are of good quality and are unlocked to other members as certain thresholds as described above are crossed. In the preferred embodiment, there are three mandatory profile photos that include a full frontal view of the user, a view of the user in a situation such as when one is on a date, and a back view of the user. The user also may have a headshot as well. The profile photo is accompanied by some words describing the user and gets into some of his or her likes and dislikes.
The present invention also accepts fees via the hub (20). In the preferred embodiment, the present invention accepts subscription or membership fees prior to approval as a member. For background checks that cost additional money, additional fees may be incurred upon that user during the gift sending and deposit process in order to make up any monetary disparity from the norm. This may apply for a member living in a foreign country where background checking is a bit more onerous.
An additional embodiment is such that a female who fails a background check will still be permitted to join as a member, but will be prohibited by the limitations described above from meeting or interacting in detail with other members of the present invention. In contrast, according to this embodiment, a male receives the background check as soon as the male attempts to join the present invention; however, males are categorized as to whether they can or cannot meet other members based on the results of the background check. In an additional embodiment, anyone using the present invention can request via the hub (20) a background check of another user. However, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that fees will be assessed on the user requesting the background check. In all embodiments, the background check information is kept confidential within the hub (20), with the user being researched only being informed whether he or she passed or failed the check.
FIG 2 is a more general view of the present invention. As we see in FIG 2, the Gift Receiver (300) solely interacts with the hub (320) in regard to Gift Receiver personal information (330). Meanwhile, the Gift Giver (310) also solely interacts with the hub (320) in regard to Gift Giver personal information (340). The Gift Receiver (300) also provides the links and desired gift information (350) through the hub (320), which ultimately approves or disapproves as described above. In FIG 2, we also see that the Gift Giver (310) goes through the hub (320) with all purchase information relating to the gift (360). The hub (320) then conducts the actual transaction through a third party merchant or venue (370) such that the third party merchant or venue (370) only has the financial, purchase order and contact information of the hub (320). The third party merchant or vendor (370) then ships the gift or gifts (380) to the Gift Receiver (300). Only then can the Gift Receiver (300) and the Gift Giver (310) interact in a more intimate and detailed manner (390).
Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and should be interpreted as any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims I claim:
1. A method for giving and receiving gifts, comprising:
permitting users an ability to subscribe to a Web site, the Web site in
communication with a hub and at least one server;
requiring the users to submit personal information to the hub;
verifying the personal information of the users via the hub;
responding to requests by the users for a subscription by having the hub contact the users after the personal information is submitted;
determining whether the users will be permitted to make arrangements to meet with any of the users, such a determination made by the hub and based on the personal information;
allowing each of the users to choose to either be a gift giver or a gift receiver; limiting communications between the users until the gift receiver receives a gift from the gift giver;
allowing the users electing to be the gift receiver to submit links to the hub, the links relating to online merchants and proposed gifts;
determining via the hub whether or not the links are approved for display to the users opting to be the gift giver;
posting the links that are approved by the hub on a profile of the gift receiver; allowing the gift giver to review the links posted on the profile of the gift receiver such that the gift giver can click on the links and select the gift; accepting a deposit from the gift giver to the hub for all costs, fees, and service charges associated with the gift that was selected by the gift giver;
purchasing the gift that was selected by the gift giver, the purchase being conducted by the hub;
directing shipment of the gift to the gift receiver, the direction of shipment being conducted by the hub;
allowing the gift giver and the gift receiver to interact in more detail and arrange a meeting once the gift is received by the gift receiver; and
providing a means for the gift giver and the gift receiver to document the experience via a review, the review creating a record within the at least one server such that the users can view via the Web site.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising submitting personal document containing name, birth date, and contact information.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring the users to fill out, sign and return a disclosure release form.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising conducting an annual background check on each of the users.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising conducting an annual background check on all male and transgendered users who indicate a desire to arrange for meetings with the users.
6. The method of claim 3, further comprising allowing female users to initially meet with the users so long as the female users fill out, sign and return the disclosure release form.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising listing the profile of the users who fail the background check as not wanting to meet other of the users.
8. The method of claim 6, further comprising listing the profile of the users who fail the background check as not wanting to meet other of the users.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising inhibiting an exchange of detailed information until the gift receiver receives the gift from the gift giver.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising moderating activity of the users to prevent illegal acts, such moderation conducted via the hub.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising reviewing activity of the users to prevent illegal acts, such review conducted via the hub.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising unlocking access to more detailed forms of communication between the gift giver and the gift receiver once the gift is received by the gift receiver.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising granting the gift giver and the gift receiver the ability to communicate with each other via instant messaging, audio, and visual Web camera when the gift is received by the gift receiver.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising granting the gift giver and the gift receiver the ability to arrange a meeting with each other when the gift is received by the gift receiver.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising granting the gift giver and the gift receiver the ability to unlock images that are saved within the profile of each other when the gift is received by the gift receiver.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing responses to the review that are submitted by the gift giver and the gift receiver on the profile of each of the users that are rated.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising posting the responses to the review that are submitted by the gift giver and the gift receiver on the profile of each of the users that are rated such that the responses are posted on the profile for the duration of the existence of the profile.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising permitting the gift giver to rate the gift receiver if the gift receiver does not communicate with the gift giver after the gift is sent to the gift receiver.
19. The method of claim 1, further comprising requiring each of the users to choose a classification group contained within the Web site via the at least one server and the hub, the classification group being a venue for the users who choose the classification group to be either the gift giver or the gift receiver with other of the users who also choose to be within the classification group.
20. A method for giving and receiving gifts, comprising:
permitting users an ability to subscribe to a Web site, the Web site in
communication with a hub and at least one server;
requiring the users to submit personal information to the hub;
verifying the personal information of the users via the hub;
responding to requests by the users for a subscription by having the hub contact the users after the personal information is submitted; determining whether the users will be permitted to make arrangements to meet with any of the users, such a determination made by the hub and based on the personal information;
allowing each of the users to choose to either be a gift giver or a gift receiver; limiting communications between the users until the gift receiver receives a gift from the gift giver;
allowing the users electing to be the gift receiver to submit links to the hub, the links relating to online merchants and proposed gifts;
determining via the hub whether or not the links are approved for display to the users opting to be the gift giver;
posting the links that are approved by the hub on a profile of the gift receiver; allowing the gift giver to review the links posted on the profile of the gift receiver such that the gift giver can click on the links and select the gift;
accepting a deposit from the gift giver to the hub for all costs, fees, and service charges associated with the gift that was selected by the gift giver;
purchasing the gift that was selected by the gift giver, the purchase being conducted by the hub;
directing shipment of the gift to the gift receiver, the direction of shipment being conducted by the hub;
allowing the gift giver and the gift receiver to interact in more detail and arrange a meeting once the gift is received by the gift receiver; providing a means for the gift giver and the gift receiver to document the experience via a review, the review creating a record within the at least one server such that the users can view via the Web site;
further comprising submitting personal document containing name, birth date, and contact information;
further comprising requiring the users to fill out, sign and return a disclosure release form;
further comprising conducting an annual background check on each of the users; further comprising conducting an annual background check on all male and transgendered users who indicate a desire to arrange for meetings with the users;
further comprising allowing female users to initially meet with the users so long as the female users fill out, sign and return the disclosure release form;
further comprising listing the profile of the users who fail the background check as not wanting to meet other of the users;
further comprising listing the profile of the users who fail the background check as not wanting to meet other of the users;
further comprising inhibiting an exchange of detailed information until the gift receiver receives the gift from the gift giver;
further comprising moderating activity of the users to prevent illegal acts, such moderation conducted via the hub;
further comprising reviewing activity of the users to prevent illegal acts, such review conducted via the hub; further comprising unlocking access to more detailed forms of communication between the gift giver and the gift receiver once the gift is received by the gift receiver; further comprising granting the gift giver and the gift receiver the ability to communicate with each other via instant messaging, audio, and visual Web camera when the gift is received by the gift receiver;
further comprising granting the gift giver and the gift receiver the ability to arrange a meeting with each other when the gift is received by the gift receiver;
further comprising granting the gift giver and the gift receiver the ability to unlock images that are saved within the profile of each other when the gift is received by the gift receiver;
further comprising placing responses to the review that are submitted by the gift giver and the gift receiver on the profile of each of the users that are rated;
further comprising posting the responses to the review that are submitted by the gift giver and the gift receiver on the profile of each of the users that are rated such that the responses are posted on the profile for the duration of the existence of the profile; further comprising permitting the gift giver to rate the gift receiver if the gift receiver does not communicate with the gift giver after the gift is sent to the gift receiver; and
further comprising requiring each of the users to choose a classification group contained within the Web site via the at least one server and the hub, the classification group being a venue for the users who choose the classification group to be either the gift giver or the gift receiver with other of the users who also choose to be within the classification group.
PCT/US2009/065973 2009-11-25 2009-11-25 Method for giving and receiving gifts WO2011065948A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Publications (1)

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WO2014035703A3 (en) * 2012-08-28 2014-10-09 Microsoft Corporation Content gift techniques
WO2015113100A1 (en) * 2014-01-30 2015-08-06 Ad Res Pty Ltd Systems and methods for gifting physical items
US9135255B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2015-09-15 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. System and method for making gift recommendations using social media data
US9171326B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2015-10-27 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. System and method for making gift recommendations using social media data

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US20020095298A1 (en) * 1999-04-19 2002-07-18 Frogmagic, Inc. Blind Gift Method and System
US20050125309A1 (en) * 2000-04-19 2005-06-09 Zhengrong Song Methods and systems of assisting users in purchasing items
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US20080282324A1 (en) * 2007-05-10 2008-11-13 Mary Kay Hoal Secure Social Networking System with Anti-Predator Monitoring
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US20020023009A1 (en) * 2000-03-10 2002-02-21 Fumiko Ikeda Method of giving gifts via online network
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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WO2014035703A3 (en) * 2012-08-28 2014-10-09 Microsoft Corporation Content gift techniques
US9135255B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2015-09-15 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. System and method for making gift recommendations using social media data
US9171326B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2015-10-27 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. System and method for making gift recommendations using social media data
WO2015113100A1 (en) * 2014-01-30 2015-08-06 Ad Res Pty Ltd Systems and methods for gifting physical items

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