JP2013103495A - Aramid transaction card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aramid transaction card more advantageous, stronger, and more durable than a plastic card.SOLUTION: The transaction card 10 is a substantially planar (two-dimensional) sheet (plane sheet) 11 having a surface 12 and a backside. The card 10 includes a continuous peripheral edge 16. The peripheral edge 16 is substantially rectangular. However, it is conceivable that the card 10 may be of substantially any shape such as square, circular, or hexagonal.

Description

  The present invention relates to an aramid transaction card.

  In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a transaction card comprising a substantially planar sheet having a front surface, a back surface, and a continuous periphery, wherein at least a portion of the planar sheet is aramid.

  Preferred embodiments of the present aramid transaction card are detailed with emphasis on advantageous features. These embodiments describe a new and non-obvious transaction card shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for illustration only. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present aramid transaction card. FIG. 2 is a rear view of one embodiment of the present aramid transaction card. 3 is a perspective view from below of one embodiment of a layered structure for the aramid transaction card of FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of one embodiment of a layered structure for the aramid transaction card of FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transaction card 10 is a substantially planar (two-dimensional) sheet (planar sheet) 11 having a front surface 12 and a back surface 14. The card 10 includes a continuous peripheral edge 16. The peripheral edge 16 is substantially rectangular in the illustrated embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the card 10 can be of virtually any shape, such as a square, circle or hexagon. The range of the card 10 is not limited to any particular shape.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the transaction card 10 has a number 18 (FIG. 1) that identifies and confirms that the card 10 is associated with a particular account (billing, account). In the illustrated embodiment, the account number (billing number) 18 is 16 digits. However, in another embodiment, the card 10 may have fewer or more digits. The card 10 also has a name 20 and an expiration date 22 of the card owner. In certain embodiments, the card 10 may also have a year 24 or date when the cardholder first obtained the card 10. The information displayed on the card 10 can be provided by a conventional method such as embossing and / or printing.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the back surface 14 of the transaction card 10 includes a magnetic strip 26. The magnetic strip 26 stores information readable by a magnetic reader. For example, the magnetic strip 26 can include a series of numbers (digits) from which the magnetic card reader can obtain information about the account associated with the card 10 and / or cardholder. The back surface 14 of the transaction card 10 further includes a signature field 28.

  Although not shown, other embodiments of the transaction card 10 may include additional features such as embedded microchips, holographic images, and the like. The card 10 may further include one or more transparent portions. Such a transparent portion may include one or more optically recognizable layers or infrared blocking ink that allows the transparent portion to be recognized by an optical card reader. These additional features allow the transaction card 10 to function more easily, more efficiently, and / or more safely.

  Referring to FIG. 1, at least a part of the flat sheet 11 is made of aramid. The aramid can be in any of a variety of forms such as meta-aramid and para-aramid. Trade names for exemplary materials for aramid are Kevlar, Heracron, Nomex, Technora, Twaron, New Star, and Teijinconex. )including. The aramid can be any of various forms such as fibers, chopped fibers, powder, and / or pulp. In the aramid fiber embodiment, the aramid portion may be composed of braided aramid fibers.

  In some embodiments, the sheet 11 can be entirely aramid, and in certain other embodiments, the sheet 11 can include multiple layers, at least one layer being aramid. In multi-layer embodiments, the additional layers can be, for example, one or more polymeric materials or metals. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the surface layer 30 of the sheet 11 can be aramid, while the back layer 32 can be metal. In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, the surface layer 34 and the back layer 36 of the sheet 11 are aramids, while the intermediate layer 38 is a metal. In another embodiment, the outer layer (not shown) of the card 10 can be a polymeric material while the inner layer of the card 10 can be aramid or vice versa. The proportion of aramid in card 10 can be varied and can be up to 100%. The adaptive embodiments are not limited to any particular ratio or proportion of aramid, or the type and form of aramid.

  Most transaction cards today are made of plastic. The present aramid transaction card 10 is more advantageous, stronger and more durable than such a plastic card. The card 10 is also stiffer and has a longer life. In addition to these advantages, aramid gives the card 10 a unique feel and high-tech appearance. The card 10 is therefore more desirable because of its differentialness (discriminability) over typical plastic cards.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the design can be printed on the surface 12 of the sheet 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the letters “BLACK CARD” are repeated in a cross-shaped diagonal form. The card therefore has the appearance of a braided fiber. The letter “BLACK CARD” is also repeated at the edge surrounding the braided fiber appearance.

  The above description, in sufficient, clear, concise, and accurate representation, will allow the person skilled in the art related to this transaction card to make and use the transaction card. Presents the best mode contemplated for carrying out and the best mode for making and using it. This transaction card, however, can accept modifications and alternative configurations to those described above, which are completely equivalent. As a result, the transaction card is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the transaction card encompasses all modifications and alternative arrangements that fall within the spirit and scope of the transaction card as expressed generally by the claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the transaction card.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Transaction card 11 Sheet | seat 12 Front surface 14 Back surface 16 Perimeter 18 Number 20 Name 22 Expiration date 24 Acquisition date 26 Magnetic strip 28 Signature column 30, 34 Surface layer 32, 36 Back layer 38 Middle layer

Claims (1)

  A transaction card comprising a substantially planar sheet having a front surface, a back surface, and a continuous periphery, wherein at least a portion of the planar sheet is aramid.