Patent Application
20070007334
Not Applicable
The present invention relates generally to access and ID cards. More specifically the present invention relates to access and ID cards for use in the banking and financial industry.
The present invention relates to simple electronic devices that are widely used by banking and financial institutions and the general public. For years, banking and financial institutions have been issuing ATM, ID, and Key cards to customers for accessing accounts at various remote terminals such as automated teller machines (ATMs).
A common problem with ATM, access, and ID cards occurs once a dishonest business obtains information stored on such cards. An unscrupulous business may double charge a card owner, distribute the information in an unauthorized manner, or abuse access to such information in a number of other ways without the acknowledgement and consent of the card holder. It is an object of the present invention to create a system that prevents double charging and the unauthorized dissemination of information stored on such cards. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a card that is smaller in size and more convenient for a user to carry, store, and use while providing the same, if not more functionality.
It is a common occurrence for users to hole punch a card so that it can be connected to a key loop, card loop, necklace, or wallet when there is provided a Velcro™ strap on the card and inside a wallet. This practice leads to destroyed or damaged cards that may not work properly with a reader causing the user to waste time and energy in an effort to replace the card and creates an additional expense burden on the issuing institution to provide a replacement card, which is typically provided at no cost to the user. It is another object of the invention to provide for a card that provides means for a user to hole punch a card in a manner that is provided for and cannot result in any damage to the card that would effect its functionality.
A keycard is an efficient security device, along with a metal key combination lock and radio lock commonly found on automobiles. It is well known that hotels have been using keycards, however they are big and expensive due to the fact they are re-programmable. Additionally, the readers and writers for keycards are also typically large and expensive. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lower cost and lighter weight alternative to the current keycard system that could have applications beyond hotel services to bus and subway systems, access restriction in commercial settings, personal use and access to electronic devices or physical locations such as a locker or drawer.
It is therefore an object of the present invention combine three of the most frequently used personal items into one owner friendly accessory by reducing the size and weight of each item.
It is another object of the present invention to make the electronic withdraw and purchase of goods and services from a cash account easier and more secure.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an improved access and ID cards for use in the banking and financial industry. These together with other objectives of the invention along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Its physical dimension in comparison to similar cards known to exist in the prior art characterizes the present invention. The physical embodiment of the card disclosed in the present invention makes it more user-friendly with respect to weight and size.
The mini card of the present invention combines the three of the most frequently used personal items into one owner friendly accessory by reducing the size and weight of each item while simultaneously making the electronic withdraw and purchase of goods and services from a cash account easier and more secure.
The bank ID card of the present invention is added to ATM card verification procedures for extra consumer protection. The bank ID card includes important personal information such as social security number, citizenship, and driver's license number. In an alternative embodiment, a bank can even edit a clients' credit history into his/her bank ID card. A bank ID card that has this important information could be recognized between banks, eliminating the need for a new application when one applies for a new account with a bank, by simply providing the new bank with the current bank ID card.
The key card of the present invention enables secured access into personal space and belongings.
a illustrates a back view of the mini ATM card of the present invention;
a illustrates a side view of the mini ATM card of the present invention;
b illustrates a side view of the Mini Id/Access card of the present invention;
In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention. The invention is an improved ATM, access, and ID card 100 for use in the banking and financial industry.
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The card 100 of the present invention also includes a small thumbnail area 105 at the top of the card that is designed to ease card handling for a user. The thumbnail area 105 is large enough for a user to handle the card without leaving fingerprints all over the surface of the card, which may interfere with a card reader 110. Additionally, the card 100 can be formed with or a user may create a hole 106 of any shape or size within the allowed thumbnail area.
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The present invention teaches a method of combating common fraud schemes known in the prior art. In the method taught by the present invention, also known as “Temporary Withdraw Identification Number System” or TWINS, a user must present two cards upon use. In the prior art it is common for a personal identification number system or PIN to be used which requires user to enter a PIN number upon use of the card, but many retailers do not require the entry of the PIN number when a purchase is made with an ATM card and the TWINS system aims to combat this lapse in security.
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It is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the designs are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
