James R Ruth

US Patent:

6726107, Apr 27, 2004

Filed:

Apr 12, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/121239

Inventors:

James R. Ruth - Parkland FL

Assignee:

Tracfone Wireless, Inc. - Miami FL

International Classification:

G06K 1900

US Classification:

235487, 235492, 235375, 235435, 235449

Abstract:

Roadside assistance memberships are sold and activated by offering membership as a retail product. A roadside assistance package is offered as a retail item at a store. The customer pays for the membership at the retail vendor and activates at a later time. One method for activating the roadside assistance memberships is by a customer purchase of a member card for a roadside assistance membership associated with the membership at a retail vendor. The retail vendor then provides an indication of the purchase to a service vendor. The service vendor sets the purchased roadside assistance membership to a state from which it can be activated. The service vendor receives a roadside assistance membership number from a customer. When the roadside assistance membership number is indicated to be ready for activation, as indicated by the retail vendor, the service vendor activates the membership.