Patent Grant
7347360
Transaction cards are provided having one or more fold lines therein to provide compact and easily stored transaction cards. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the transaction cards to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. In addition, foldable transaction card systems are provided, each comprising a foldable transaction card and a case or housing for holding and/or storing the foldable transaction card therein. Moreover, foldable transaction card systems are provided wherein a foldable transaction card having a length and/or width that is smaller than traditionally-sized transaction cards is provided in a housing or a holder.
It is generally known to provide transaction cards for providing a means for purchasing goods or services without the use of paper money or coinage. Specifically, transaction cards may represent credit, whereby a user of the transaction card may present the card in lieu of the paper money or coinage. Alternatively, transaction cards may be debit cards, whereby electronic money, such as money stored in an account, is removed from the account each time that the transaction card is used. In addition, transaction cards may have a certain amount of money, or other valuable commodity, recorded thereon, whereby a user of the transaction card may remove the money directly from the transaction card. For example, retail stores now offer cards that can be purchased for a certain amount of money. That amount, or any other amount, may be represented on the transaction card. When the transaction card is utilized, the amount represented on the card may be reduced until the transaction card represents that it cannot be utilized anymore, or that the card represents that it is depleted of money. In addition, other values besides currency may be represented on the transaction card, such as equivalent goods or services.
Transaction cards typically have a magnetic stripe provided, or some other means, for storing information relating to the transaction card, such as, a security code, and information relating to an account or an amount of money that the transaction card may represent. For example, if the transaction card is a credit card, the information contained on the magnetic stripe may relate to an account whereby use of the credit card may alert the account to release funds for the purchase of goods or services. Of course, the magnetic stripe or other means may further contain any other information to allow the transaction card to be utilized. The transaction card is typically fed into or through a point-of-sale (“POS”) reader that reads the information contained on the magnetic stripe to extract the information as needed when the transaction card is being used.
The transaction card may further contain other features that allow for the secure and efficient use of the transaction card, such as holographic security devices, signature panels, photographs of the owner of the transaction card, embedded microchips, or any other item or element that may be useful for the transaction card.
Transaction cards are typically sized according to standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This means that most traditionally-sized transaction cards being utilized are of the same size and dimensions, typically about 2¼ inches by about 3⅜ inches in a generally rectangular configuration. However, a transaction card having dimensions according to this standard typically is too big to be stored in a convenient way except loose in a pocket, wallet or purse, or contained within a slot in a wallet or purse allowing the snug fit of the transaction card. Transaction cards are, therefore, highly susceptible to being lost or stolen. Other shapes and sizes would allow the transaction cards to be attached to, secured with, or otherwise stored with other items, such as key chains, for example.
A need exists, therefore, for a transaction card having the capability of being attached to securing means or stored in smaller areas than are currently allowed. For example, a need exists for a transaction card that may be clipped or otherwise attached to a keychain, or some other means for securing the transaction card to another item, yet is small enough to remain inconspicuous and compact, but handy. Further, a need exists for a transaction card having the above-noted advantages and further that maintains the information or other features typically disposed on or within a transaction card. Still further, a need exists for a case or housing or holder for holding and/or storing the foldable transaction card contained therein.
The present invention relates to a transaction card having one or more fold lines therein to provide a compact and easily stored transaction card. Moreover, the present invention relates to a foldable transaction card having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding a keychain, or other device for attaching the transaction card to another item, such as a set of keys, a wallet, or other item. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided that may be held or stored within housings or holders.
It is, therefore, an advantage to provide a transaction card that is foldable so as to be highly compact so that the transaction card may be stored in small areas. Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a transaction card that may be attached to another item via a securing means, such as a ring or chain. Moreover, it is an advantage to provide a foldable transaction card that may be contained within a housing, holder or case.
It is particularly an advantage to provide a transaction card that can be attached to a keychain, yet still remain small and compact. Therefore, an advantage of the present invention is that the transaction card may be small enough to be inconspicuous and be secured to another item thereby minimizing the chance that the transaction card will be misplaced, lost or stolen.
It is further an advantage to provide a transaction card that is foldable and held and/or stored within a housing, holder or case that comprises other features typically found on or within a transaction card, such as security devices, embedded microchips, or magnetic stripes having information stored thereon or the like.
Additional features and advantages of the presently preferred examples are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
The transaction cards described herein have one or more folds therein to provide a compact and easily stored transaction card. Moreover, the foldable transaction cards described herein have one or more holes or apertures therein for holding a keychain, or other device for attaching the transaction card to another item, such as a set of keys, a wallet, or other item. Moreover, transaction card systems are provided comprising foldable transaction cards and housings, holders or cases for holding and/or storing the foldable transaction cards. In addition, foldable transaction card systems are provided for foldable transaction cards having length and/or width dimensions smaller than traditionally-sized transaction cards.
Referring now to
Of course, the transaction card 10 typically comprises a plurality of layers (not shown) to form the rigid card. For example, transaction cards typically include inner layers of a polymeric material to provide the transaction card with thickness, strength, rigidity and bulk. In addition, outer layers are typically provided comprising a polymeric material that protects the inner layers of the transaction card. In addition, the polymeric material of the outer layers may provide rigidity and further may add to the thickness of the transaction card. The transaction card 10, and the other transaction cards described herein, may be made from any generally known material typically used for transaction cards, such as, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP). Typically, transaction cards such as the ones described herein have multiple layers of polymeric materials. For example, a typical card may have one or more internal layers of PVC or PP, and outer layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for rigidity and strength.
Transaction cards may further be transparent, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/092,681, filed Mar. 7, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/062,106, filed Jan. 31, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/653,837, filed Sep. 1, 2000 and further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/153,112, filed Sep. 7, 1999; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/160,519, filed Oct. 20, 1999; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/167,405, filed Nov. 24, 1999; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/171,689, filed Dec. 21, 1999, each of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety. The transparent transaction card may contain a plurality of optically recognizable layers or an infrared-blocking ink to allow the transparent transaction cards to be recognized by a POS card reader.
The transaction card 10 has a fold line 14 that allows the transaction card 10 to be folded, as illustrated in
Alternatively, the transaction card may include a reinforcing material at the location of the fold line 14 so that the fold line 14 does not pull apart, or otherwise destroy the transaction card 10 when folded. Of course, other materials may be utilized in the transaction card 10 to act as a hinge at the fold line 14, and the invention should not be limited in this regard. Moreover, the fold line 14 may comprise a break or small gap between the two halves of the transaction card 10 whereby a reinforcing strip may be disposed on one or both sides of the transaction card 10 for holding the two halves together to form a hinge. The strip may be a fabric or a thermoplastic material, such as an elastomeric material that may be stretched when the transaction card is folded, yet retain its shape when the transaction card 10 is unfolded.
The magnetic stripe 12 may contain a material for storing information that may be read by a POS reader. Typically, the magnetic stripe 12 contains a series of digits that the magnetic card reader can utilize to obtain information about the account that the transaction card is associated with, or otherwise to obtain information relating to the amount of money or other equivalent good or service represented by the transaction card 10. The magnetic stripe 12 of the present embodiment is, necessarily, split into two halves because of the fold line 14 that bisects the magnetic stripe 12. Therefore, the information contained on the magnetic stripe 12 must be readable by a magnetic card reader at a POS machine that accounts for the fold line 14. Typically, this means that some or all of the information should be contained on a first section 16 of the magnetic stripe 12, and the rest or a duplicate of the information should be contained on a second section 18 of the magnetic stripe 12. Therefore, the information contained on the magnetic stripe 12 may be readable by the POS reader. Alternatively, the magnetic stripe may be provided in parallel with one of the short ends of the transaction card, as illustrated in
Disposed in the transaction card 10 may be a plurality of apertures 20, 22, 24 and 26 that may be utilized to attach the transaction card 10 to a securing means, such as a ring 28, as illustrated in
The transaction card 50 may further have apertures 58, 60 for a securing means, such as a ring 62, or other securing means such as a chain or a string, for example. The ring 62 may be provided through the aperture 60, and may further be clipped into the aperture 58 after the transaction card 50 has been folded, as illustrated in
In an alternate example of the present invention, a transaction card, similar to the cards described above with respect to
In the unfolded position, the transaction card becomes a full-sized financial transaction card and/or a card that may be used as a form of payment to conduct transactions and in standard financial transaction card readers, such as those at retail POS locations or ATM (cash) machines. In a preferred embodiment, when the second section is folded and is otherwise inaccessible, the external surface area of the card is approximately half compared to when the second section is usably accessible in the unfolded position. In an alternate embodiment, the transaction card can-be refolded by folding the first and second sections in relation to one another and re-engaging the snap to keep the card folded. To allow folding, the first and second sections may be coupled by a flexible material or hinge. In an alternative embodiment, the card may have a plurality of folding sections.
Moreover,
Alternatively, the transaction card 180 may be permanently attached to the holder 190. The holder may further be attachable to a key chain, or the like, such that keys or the like may be removably attached to the holder 190, thereby minimizing the chances that the transaction card 180 may be misplaced. In addition, the transaction card 180 may be easily accessible if attached to a keychain or the like.
On external surfaces of the transaction card 180 (on the face of the transaction card opposite the magnetic strip 181) there may be disposed a protective material, such as a metallized surface, or other surface, that protects the transaction card 180 when the transaction card 180 is in the folded state. Specifically, a material such as aluminized polyester may be utilized as a coating or external layer of the transaction card 180. As shown in
A holder 214 may be disposed on the transaction card 200 on the central section 206, such that when folded together to form the folded state, a spring-loaded clip 216 may hold the folded transaction card 200 together. Although the present example is shown with the holder 214 disposed on the central section 206, the holder 214 may be disposed on any of the sections 204, 206 or 208 such that when folded, the holder may hold the folded transaction card in place with the spring-loaded clip 216. When actuated, the spring-loaded clip allows the outer sections 204, 208 to unfold from the central section 206, thereby forming the transaction card 200 in the unfolded state. As with the transaction card 180, as shown in
In another embodiment, the transaction card has an associated holder, receptacle, pocket, or sleeve (collectively, the “carrier”) that can fold in relation with the transaction card and in which the transaction card can be enclosed in whole or in part. The carrier itself may have a snap in an engaged or locked position such that in a first position, a second section of the carrier is folded in relation to a first section of the carrier (the “folded position of the carrier”), such that the transaction card is not usably accessible. When the carrier snap is actuated, the snap disengages or unlocks and the carrier second section unfolds in relation to the carrier first section, making accessible a foldable transaction card that simultaneously unfolds in relation to the carrier. The transaction card may be coupled to the carrier in a manner that allows it to be attached or detached. The carrier, in order to fold, may also have at least first and second sections coupled by a flexible material or hinge.
An example of this is shown in
Both the transaction card 220 and the carrier 224 may be detachable from the holder 228. Alternatively, the transaction card 220 may only be detachable from the carrier 224, thereby allowing the transaction card to be utilized in POS machines, such as ATMs. Alternatively, the transaction card 220 may be detachable and removable from the carrier 224, which may also be detachable and removable from the holder 228.
Although
Alternatively, a transaction card may be foldable within a foldable carrier and slidable from the foldable carrier, such that the carrier and the transaction card together form a full-sized transaction card that may be utilized in POS machines. For example, a spring-loaded clip may be actuated thereby allowing a carrier and transaction card to unfold. Once unfolded, a slot may be exposed that allows a user of the transaction card to push the transaction card out of the carrier, thereby exposing the magnetic stripe. Alternatively, a button may be exposed whereupon actuating the button allows the transaction card to be slid from the carrier. However, the transaction card may not be fully removable from the carrier, but may merely be slidable such that a full-sized transaction card is made from the smaller-sized transaction card and the carrier.
The transaction card 220 may have a metallized surface such that the surface protects the transaction card 220. For example, the surface of the transaction card may be made from aluminized polyester. Alternatively, the carrier 224 may be metallized, or made from some other protective material, to protect the transaction card 220. When folded, the transaction card 220 protects the magnetic stripe 221.
In an alternate example of the present invention,
When folded together, the transaction card 270 may be enclosed within the protective cover 272 and the bottom portion 280, as shown in
A foldable transaction card 306 may be contained within the case 301. The foldable transaction card 306 may have a first section 310 and a second section 308 that may be interconnected via a transaction card hinge 312. The transaction card hinge 312 may comprise a line of weakness disposed in the one or more layers of the transaction card 306. Alternatively, the hinge 312 may comprise a hinge material 321, such as a polymeric material, a fabric, or some other equivalent reinforcing material, which may be disposed over the line of weakness or space between the first section 310 and the second section 308. Preferably, the hinge material may be a thermoplastic polymeric sheet or film, such as, for example, polypropylene, that may be adhered to both the first section 310 and the second section 308 to allow the first section 310 and the second section 308 to fold relative to each other.
Further, disposed on an opposite side of the transaction card 306 may be a further hinge material 322, as illustrated in
Of course, the transaction card 306 may include a magnetic stripe 314 or other features that are typically contained on a transaction card, such as a holographic security indicator, embossed alpha-numeric characters, graphics, a signature panel, microchip or other like feature (not shown).
The transaction card 306 may be disposed within the case 301 and held within the case 301 via tracks 316a, 316b within which the transaction card 306 may be slid. In addition, the transaction card 306 may be removable from the tracks 316a, 316b so that the transaction card 306 may be fully removable from the case 301, as illustrated in
The foldable transaction card 356 may have a first section 360 and a second section 358 that are interconnected via a transaction card hinge 362. The transaction card hinge 362 may be similar, if not identical, to the transaction card hinge 312, as described above with reference to
The foldable transaction card 356 may be contained within the case 351 by being disposed within tracks 366a, 366b. The tracks may engage the foldable transaction card 356 when the foldable transaction card 356 is slid within the tracks 366a, 366b. Moreover, tabs (not shown) may be disposed within the tracks, and may be similar, if not identical, to the tabs 318a, 318b as described above with reference to
In use, the lid 353 may be swung from the base 355 to expose the foldable transaction card 356 contained therein. The foldable transaction card, having the transaction card hinge 362 may be opened to expose a magnetic stripe 364 disposed on or within the foldable transaction card 356. The unfolded transaction card may be swiped or otherwise utilized at a POS device while remaining disposed within the case 351. Alternatively, the transaction card 356 may be removed from the case 351 to be utilized, such as being physically disposed within a POS device, such as an ATM, or the like.
The foldable transaction card 406 may be removably disposed within the case 401 in a similar manner as described above with reference to
Specifically, the transaction card 550 comprises two halves 551, 553 that may be attached together via a hinge material 554 and a hinge backing material 556. The hinge material 554 may comprise an elastomeric material, such as a nitrile or neoprene elastomeric material, that may be disposed between the two halves 551, 553. Of course, any other hinge material is contemplated that may attach the two halves 551, 553 together, thereby allowing the transaction card 550 to fold. The hinge material 554 may, therefore, stretch when the foldable transaction card 550 is folded but retain its shape when the transaction card 550 is unfolded. Typically, the foldable transaction card 550 is folded such that the signature panel 560 and the magnetic stripe 562 are disposed within the folded transaction card, thereby protecting the signature panel and, especially, the magnetic stripe. The hinge backing material 556 may be provided on an opposite side of the transaction card 550 to provide reinforcement so that the two halves 551, 553 do not separate. Typically, the hinge backing material may be polypropylene, or other thermoplastic material that reinforces the hinge created between the two halves 551, 553 of the foldable transaction card 550. Of course, other materials are contemplated that can reinforce the hinge created between the two halves 551, 553.
The foldable transaction card 550 may be any size. Preferably, the foldable transaction card 550 may have one or more dimensions smaller than traditional transaction cards. Specifically, a traditional transaction card may be about 3⅜ inches long and about 2¼ inches wide. The foldable transaction card 550 may have a greatest length (measured from the middle of the foldable transaction card 550) that is less than 3⅜ inches. Particular embodiments illustrating non-traditionally-sized transaction cards are described herein with reference to
The transaction cards of the present embodiment described herein may have lengths and widths that are smaller or larger than traditional transaction cards. More specifically, a traditional transaction card may have a length of about 3⅜ inches and a width of about 2 ¼ inches. Therefore, a transaction card having a length, of less than 3⅜ inches may allow for a smaller foldable transaction card system when the transaction card has a fold therein and is disposed within a case, as described above.
The transaction card 610 shown in
The transaction card 620 shown has a width (W) and a length (L). In this particular embodiment, the transaction card 620 has a length (L) of greater than 3 inches, and more preferably of greater than approximately 3⅜ inches. For example, as shown in
The transaction card 630 has a width (W) and a length (L). In the embodiment described herein with reference to
The transaction card 640 shown has a width (W) and a length (L). The card 640 has a length (L) of between approximately 1 inch and approximately 1⅞ inches or a length (L) of greater than approximately 3 inches, and more preferably of greater than approximately 3⅜ inches. In addition, the width (W) is less than approximately 1 inch or greater than approximately 1⅞ inches. For example, as shown in
As noted above, each embodiment of a non-traditionally sized transaction card (i.e., having dimensions larger or smaller than traditionally-sized transaction cards) may have a fold line disposed therein and a hinge material that allows the transaction card to fold and unfold. The foldable non-traditionally sized transaction card may be incorporated into a foldable transaction card system, whereby the foldable transaction card has a case or housing for holding and/or storing the foldable transaction card. The non-traditionally sized foldable transaction card allows for the use of cases that are smaller in a certain dimension, such as a length and/or width, thereby providing transaction card systems that may be smaller, and more usable, especially when incorporated onto a keychain or other like connecting means. Of course, other sizes and shapes of transaction cards may be utilized in the present invention to arrive at a foldable transaction card system that is compact and convenient.
It should be noted that the dimensions of the transaction cards disclosed herein are representative only and the invention described herein should not be limited to any particular dimensions. Preferably, the transaction cards of the presently described preferred embodiments have dimensions ranging in length (L) from approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches, and ranging in width (W) from approximately 1 inch to approximately 1⅞ inches, for an aspect ratio (L/W) ranging from approximately 0.53 ( 1/1.785) to approximately 3 ( 3/1). In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length (L) of a transaction card described herein may be approximately 2 9/16 inches. Moreover, the width (W) of the transaction card having a length of 2 9/16 inches may be about 1 9/16 inches.
A magnetic stripe 704 may be contained on the transaction card 700. The magnetic stripe 704 may be located on the back side of the transaction card 700 (or in any other location apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art) and may be oriented either perpendicularly to the card's largest dimension or, preferably, parallel to the card's largest dimension, as illustrated in
For example, a typical magnetic stripe used on traditionally-sized transaction cards has up to three tracks, which conforms to standards set forth in ISO/IEC 7811. Each track is essentially a strip of specified width and location running the length of the magnetic stripe, on which data is encoded. According to ISO/IEC 7811, the first track of a three track magnetic stripe, is located closest to the edge of the card and contains data encoded at 210 bits per inch (“bpi”). The second track is adjacent to the first track and contains data encoded at 75 bpi. The third track is furthest from the edge of the card and contains data encoded at 210 bpi. According to ISO/IEC 7811, data is encoded on the tracks via two-frequency encoding. Higher bit densities would allow more data to be encoded over shorter magnetic stripe lengths. For example, data on the first and third tracks may be encoded at densities up to about 260 bpi or more. In addition, data on the second track may be encoded at densities up to about 100 bpi or more. Of course, other bit densities could be selected for the tracks in the magnetic stripe, and the invention should not be limited as herein described.
The transaction card 700 further may include other features common to traditional transaction cards, such as various security features, including but not limited to, an identification photograph, additional information, a signature panel, a holographic image, a microchip or the like.
Of course, the transaction card 700 may have a fold-line 702 that bisects the card 700, as illustrated in
The transaction card 700 may be incorporated into a case 711 to form a foldable transaction card system 710. The case 711 may be substantially similar to the cases, housings or holders described above with respect to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The foldable transaction card system 750, as illustrated in
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a foldable transaction card system may be combined with a money clip. For example, the embodiments described herein of a foldable transaction card and case or housing may include a money clip on a surface of the case or housing for holding and/or storing currency, or other like material. Moreover, the foldable transaction card systems may further be combined with a mobile telephone, such as a cellular telephone, or other personal communication device, such that the foldable transaction card may be removably attached to a housing or case that may be interconnected with the mobile telephone. Of course, foldable transaction card systems may be incorporated into other items as well, such as personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or other like devices.
The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art having read this disclosure will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
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