GB2584072A - Antimicrobial holder for card - Google Patents

Abstract

An antimicrobial holder for a card comprises a sleeve 10,10’ which is at least in part transparent and which is dimensioned to receive a card therein. The sleeve 10,10’ has at least one closeable card-receiving opening, and the sleeve 10; 10’ is formed from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto. The holder encloses a card inserted therein, without risk of an antimicrobial layer being removed. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an antimicrobial holder for a card including forming a rigid plastics card holder having an antimicrobial agent impregnated therein, and forming a antimicrobial agent impregnated transparent overlay receivable on the front of the rigid plastics holder. Further disclosed is antimicrobial identification badge or holder formed from a biodegradable polymeric substrate which is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

Description

Antimicrobial Holder for Card The present invention relates to an antimicrobial holder for a card, and to a method of providing antimicrobial protection for a card.

Antimicrobial plastic cards are conventionally protected by using a film laminate that 5 has been treated with an antimicrobial agent. This film laminate is applied to the card, front and reverse. The edges of the card remain exposed and uncovered.

Furthermore, the conventional method of applying antimicrobial film laminate to the front and reverse of the card, allows for the edges of the film laminate to deteriorate and become scuffed over time by wear and tear, allowing the possibility of the film to curl at the edges and peel away. This renders the card below the surface of the film to be exposed to exterior dirt, grime and bacteria that could grow on the unprotected surface where the film has peeled.

Additionally, plastic cards are manufactured by forming one or more layers. These inner layers are not currently treated with an antimicrobial agent.

Some plastic cards are processed with embedded smart chips, signature strips and magnetic strips etc. In the conventional method of manufacturing plastic cards, these elements cannot be permanently covered by film laminate, either plain or antimicrobial, as this will affect their functionality. In the case of the signature strip for example, it cannot always be guaranteed that the user has used antimicrobial ink in order to sign his or her name.

There is already in existence a rigid plastic card sleeve, for holding cards, in which the card or ID is inserted by a sliding motion and held in place by a raised frame and one or more overlaps. The overlaps can be on two sides or all sides of the sleeve. These card holders can be single sided or dual sided. These are open faced card holders that currently offer no protection against bacteria forming on the card or ID.

Furthermore, the opening slot used to slide the card in or out, is such that the card is prone to slipping out, due to wear and tear, frequency of use and regular removal of the card. This weakens the rigidity of the plastic with the consequence that cards can be lost, and new ones need to be issued. Re-issuance costs are extremely high especially in the case of high security areas, such as ports and airports. Notification of loss to the appropriate authorities adds to the time and expense of reissuance.

The present invention seeks to provide a means of providing antimicrobial protection 5 for a card which obviates the above-referenced problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an antimicrobial holder for identification, the holder comprising: an identification receiver which is at least in part transparent and which is dimensioned to receive a card therein, the identification receiver being closeable to enclose the identification, wherein the identification receiver is formed from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto.

The provision of a holder for the card which is impregnated with antimicrobial agent ensures that an antimicrobial effect can be achieved on all of the surfaces of the card without needing to apply a coating directly to the card itself This ensures that all parts 15 of the card are sanitised, including working components such as contact elements.

The impregnation of the antimicrobial agent directly into the substrate ensures that there is no risk of the antimicrobial agent being worn or peeled off, as is the case for film coatings applied to the card.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are outlined in 20 claims 2 to 10.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing antimicrobial protection for a card, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an antimicrobial holder in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and b] inserting the card into the identification receiver of the antimicrobial holder such that the card fully contacts the antimicrobial agent of the polymeric substrate.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an antimicrobial holder for a card, the method comprising the step of forming an identification receiver from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, the identification receiver being dimensioned to receive identification therein, and the identification receiver being closable to enclose the identification.

Preferably, the identification receiver may be formed via extrusion.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an antimicrobial holder for a card, the method comprising the steps of forming a rigid plastics holder from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, and forming a transparent overlay from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein and which is receivable on the front of the rigid plastics holder.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an antimicrobial identification badge or identification holder formed from a biodegradable polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with 15 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of first and second embod ments of antimicrobial card holders in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of third embodiments of antimicrobial card holders in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of further embodiments of antimicrobial card holders in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention is directed to a method of converting existing cards whether comprised of plastic, paper or other similar substrate i.e. bank cards, loyalty cards, wearable security pass cards, lanyard cards, photo cards, visitor cards, membership cards and similar from being unprotected to being fully protected from bacteria and other pathogens, mould and fungi.

Whilst there are in existence antimicrobial plastic cards, the method allows for immediate protection of all surfaces and edges of the card via an antimicrobial agent impregnated within a transparent sleeve for those cards that are untreated and have longevity left before being possibly replaced by an antimicrobial card.

By inserting untreated cards into the antimicrobial transparent sleeve, the card becomes fully protected from exterior bacteria and pollutants.

The surfaces of a card, preferably a plastic card such as bank cards, loyalty cards, wearable security pass cards, lanyard cards, photo cards, visitor cards, membership cards and similar, include both back and front side, as well as all perimeter edges.

Plastic cards are manufactured by forming one or more layers. These inner layers are not currently treated with an antimicrobial agent.

In the present invention, and as shown in Figure 1, there is provided an antimicrobial holder or sleeve 10; 10' that covers every single surface of the card. This is advantageous, as the sleeve 10; 10' protects any card edges from ever becoming 15 damaged or even exposed to exterior elements.

In addition, a closure mechanism such as a zip-lock, flap, popper, or re-sealable seam could be incorporated into the design of the sleeve 10; 10' to completely encapsulate the card within the sleeve 10; 10', without any open edge whatsoever.

Should the card be removed from the sleeve 10; 10', for whatever reason, allowing the possibility of bacterial contamination, once returned and re-inserted into the sleeve 10; 10', the integral antimicrobial protection will assist in neutralising and rendering harmless any bacteria or pathogens that have meanwhile accumulated on the surfaces of the exposed card and such bacteria will over time cease to exist.

The antimicrobial agent used is based on silver ion technology or similar. One or more antimicrobial layers may be provided, comprising a plurality of antimicrobial agents. The or each antimicrobial layer may contain a single blended mixture of a plurality of antimicrobial agents. Alternatively, if it is desirable to provide distinct areas of different antimicrobial agents on or in a polymeric substrate of the antimicrobial sleeve.

Antimicrobial impregnated polymers may also be included in the antimicrobial sleeve itself Active antimicrobial agents, such as silver, gold, copper, arsenic, mercury (and amalgams thereof), 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), and polyarylor polyalkyl-ammonium or phosphonium halides (especially cetrimonium bromide) may be incorporated into various polymers. In particular, polymers formed from (meth)acrylic acid monomers may be particularly appropriate, as such polymers are known to retain silver among other heavy metal antimicrobial agents. However, any such antimicrobial impregnated polymers may be advantageous, due to the provision of sustained release of more potent antimicrobial agents than otherwise could be provided.

Other antimicrobial agents may be selected from the group consisting of: 2- phenylphenol, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), 2- (thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole, cyanoacrylates (especially ethy1-2-cyano-3,3'-diphenyl acrylate), isothiazolinone and derivatives thereof (especially 2-methy1-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2- octy1-4 sothiazlin-3 -one, 4,5-dichloro-n-octy1-4-i sothiazolin-3 -one, and N-buty1-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one), halogenated phenols (especially 2,4,6-tribromophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, pentachloropenol, p-chlorocresol), nitrophenols, fatty acids and derivatives thereof (especially octanoic acid, nonanoic acid), triazole fungicides (especially propiconazole, cyproconazole), N-dichlorofluoromethylthio-N',N'-dimethyl-N-para-tolylsulfamide (tolylfluanid), N-(trihalomethyl-thio)phthalimides (especially N(trichloromethyl-thio)phthalimide, (benzyloxy)methanol, 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol, ph en yl propan oi ds (especially 2-m ethoxy-4-(prop-2-en-1-y1)ph en ol), organic sal i cyl ate s (especially phenyl salicylate), and rotenoids (especially rotenone).

The antimicrobial agent in this instance could be incorporated directly into the substrate 25 of the antimicrobial holder at the point of manufacture, for example by extrusion. Examples of suitable polymeric substrates include polyvinyl cholori de or polycarbonate, for instance, and therefore the sleeve could be flexible or rigid.

It is al so possible, however, to apply an antimicrobial coating to the sleeve 10; 10' during the manufacturing process, rather than directly impregnating the material itself 30 This still allows for constant antimicrobial contact with a card inserted therein.

Another way of doing this, could be to incorporate the antimicrobial master batch powder into an anti-glare finish or other finish, such as anti-UV within the transparent material or preferably the antimicrobial powder could simply be incorporated into the substrate at an earlier stage of manufacture.

The advantage of using this extrusion method, as opposed to an external coating, is that the antimicrobial agent, being fully incorporated within the material, will never scratch off, rub off, or wear unevenly. Points of weakness that occur if the antimicrobial agent is applied via a method of coating to either the outer or inner surface of the substrate of a sleeve or card can allow bacteria to adhere to these weak points and multiply.

The antimicrobial transparent sleeve 10; 10' is not restricted to holding a single card, but could be used for containing more than one card. This could be a plurality of cards stacked together, or could be a sleeve having multiple individual card holders in series.

In addition, the sleeve can be designed in such a way that allows it to be opened on a hinge or seam, in a similar fashion to a book or wallet or card holder, and thereby 15 allowing two or more cards to be contained therein and protected from external conditions and/or infection.

Another design could be such that the dimensions of the sleeve 10; 10' be suitable for protection of any cards, whether of paper or plastic or card that already reside within a wallet, or existing card holder. Wallets, purses, handbags and garment pockets are already proven to harbour bacteria and the use of the sleeve 10; 10' would provide excellent protection for the card, as well as keeping it clean from dust, grime dirt and other contaminates that could affect the functionality and aesthetics of the card.

If required the sleeve 10; 10' could be single, or multi-punched in any position to allow attachment of a lanyard or clip or similar attachments.

The material used for the substrate is intended to be robust enough for longevity and high usage. It is not intended to be single use or disposable. This long-life and re-usable quality is of environmental benefit. However, it may also be advantageous that the material used for the substrate be biodegradable, compostable, or otherwise recyclable. Biodegradable polymers, in particular biodegradable plastics materials, are a special class of polymer capable of degrading, typically via a bacterial decomposition process. Typically, the material would be an agro-polymer, derived from biomass, or a biopolyester, such as polylactic acid, either naturally or synthetically formed. Other classes of biodegradable polymers could be considered, however, such as polyanhydrides, polyurethanes, and poly(ester amide)s.

The material used for the substrate can be of a thickness that allows for the transmission of radio frequency signals, such as RFID, and other circuitry contained within the plastic card to remain effective without the need for removing the card from the sleeve. Examples of such cards include contactless bank cards, smart cards, hotel key cards, travel cars, and similar. Other possible arrangements will be apparent to the skilled person.

Suggested uses for the antimicrobial card sleeve include the protection of transport cards, passenger cards, door access cards and any other plastic cards, wearable security pass cards, medical cards, bank & smart cards, and membership cards, event tickets, business cards madc of paper or card or any substratc that has not previously bccn treated with any sort of antimicrobial protection.

High risk areas would benefit enormously from the use of antimicrobial card sleeves 10; 10', such as hospitals, clinics and medical institutions. Clean room environments such as laboratories, food preparation, catering and hospitality areas would also benefit from the use of antimicrobial card sleeves. The sleeves would also be useful in schools, and any other educational establishment where there is high risk of bacterial contamination. Trade exhibitions and entertainment events where high volumes of people congregate would benefit from the use of antimicrobial card sleeves 10; 10' and also Passenger Cruise Ships where cards are used exclusively for passenger identification, payment, and door access on board, where the risk of the spread of infectious disease, such as flu, norovirus and other gastro-intestinal bacteria and pathogens can all be minimised with the use of antimicrobial card sleeves.

It is also possible, within the bounds of the present invention, to provide an antimicrobial fascia film that is positioned inside the sleeve. This addition not only 30 firmly secures the card in place, preventing it from slipping out, but also provides an antimicrobial barrier for the ID card within. The antimicrobial fascia film may be integrally formed with the sleeve, and may be at least in part tacky or adhesive.

Insertion of a card or ID, in this instance is simply a matter of sliding the card between the rigid plastic holder 110, such as those illustrated in Figure 2, and the transparent 5 overlay on the front (or if double sided, the reverse). Said overlay, or indeed any transparent sleeve film, having an antimicrobial coating, could have a die cut area around certain areas of the film or overlay which, when temporarily removed, will expose, for example, a chip or magnetic strip, fingerprint, or other smart card technology recognition areas which require direct contact with a reading or scanning 10 device. The removable die cut section may include a releasable or resealable adhesive to allow it to be reattached thereby maintaining a full antimicrobial area or surface when replaced in the die cut area. A flap or similar exposable portion could also be provided.

Of course, the rigid plastic holder H 0 could also readily be formed from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, and preferably also being formed from a biodegradable polymer material. A double locking mechanism is therefore achieved, by the existing raised frame with overlapped plastic, and also the additional transparent antimicrobial "window" that now covers the open face.

Another option would be to make the card holders without any lanyard holes, in order to 20 create a badge or ID sleeve that can be worn by means of a clip, or not worn at all.

One example of a suitable badge which could be formed from a polymeric material impregnated with at least one antimicrobial agent, preferably being formed from a biodegradable polymer such as polylactic acid, is shown in Figure 3 at reference 210.

The badge 210 may have a rear rigid or semi-rigid portion 212 which is formed from the polymeric material impregnated with at least one antimicrobial agent, into which an at least in part transparent identification portion 214, formed from the same or a different polymeric material impregnated with at least one antimicrobial agent is provided. This identification portion 214 could be formed with the identification information, or the identification information could be sandwiched into the badge 210.

This construction again creates a badge 210 in which an surfaces are antimicrobial, thereby minimising the risk of contamination.

It is therefore possible to provide a means of enclosing a card in such a manner so as to be completely enclosed by an antimicrobial agent, whilst also allowing the card to 5 function.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub -combi nation The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims (15)

1. Claims 1. An antimicrobial holder for identification, the holder comprising: an identification receiver which is at least in part transparent and which is dimensioned to receive a card therein, the identification receiver being closeable to enclose the identification, wherein the identification receiver is formed from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto.
2. 2. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the identification receiver is formed as a sleeve having at least one closeable card-receiving opening.
3. 3. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sleeve is formed by extrusion.
4. 4. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the closeable 15 card-receiving opening comprises a closure mechanism such as a zip-lock, flap, popper, or re-sealable seam.
5. 5. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an antimicrobial fascia film which is positioned inside the identification 20 receiver.
6. 6. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in claim 5, wherein the antimicrobial fascia film is integrally formed with the identification receiver.
7. 7. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the antimicrobial fascia film is at least in part tacky or adhesive.
8. 8. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification receiver comprises a rigid plastic holder and a transparent overlay on 30 the front.
9. 9. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an exposable portion which is positioned to permit exposure of a readable or scannable portion of a received card.
10. 10. An antimicrobial holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymeric substrate is formed from a biodegradable polymer material.
11. 11. A method of providing antimicrobial protection for a card, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an antimicrobial holder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and b] inserting the card into the identification receiver of the antimicrobial holder such that the card fully contacts the antimicrobial agent of the polymeric substrate.
12. 12. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial holder for a card, the method comprising the step of forming an identification receiver from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, the identification receiver being dimensioned to receive identification therein, and the identification receiver being closeable to enclose the identification.
13. 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the identification receiver is formed via extrusion.
14. 14. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial holder for a card, the method comprising the steps of forming a rigid plastics holder from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein, and forming a transparent overlay from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto and which is receivable on the front of the rigid plastics holder.
15. 15. An antimicrobial identification badge or identification holder formed from a biodegradable polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto.