U.S. patent application number 11/582469 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for debit or credit cardholder.
This patent application is currently assigned to Higher One, Inc.. Invention is credited to David D. Decker, Sean P. Glass, Miles H. Lasater, Andrew M. Rakaczki, Mark T. Volchek.
Application Number | 20070089999 11/582469 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37984328 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070089999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Decker; David D. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2007 |
Debit or credit cardholder
Abstract
There is provided a protective case for a plastic data card.
This protective case includes a non-transparent housing having a
first planar surface and a second planar surface both having a
desired length and a desired height. The first planar surface and
the second planar surface are joined together at a first end with a
slit separating the first planar surface from the second planar
surface. This slit extends inward from an opposing second end of
said transparent housing. The slit terminates proximate the first
end at a distance from the first end which is effective to position
desired data on the plastic data card at an effective distance from
the first end. A transparent window is formed in the first planar
side and is effective to expose the desired data. The height of the
second planar surface is effective to expose a magnetic stripe on
the plastic data card.
Inventors: |
Decker; David D.; (West
Haven, CT) ; Glass; Sean P.; (New Haven, CT) ;
Lasater; Miles H.; (New Haven, CT) ; Rakaczki; Andrew
M.; (Milford, CT) ; Volchek; Mark T.; (New
Haven, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WIGGIN AND DANA LLP;ATTENTION: PATENT DOCKETING
ONE CENTURY TOWER, P.O. BOX 1832
NEW HAVEN
CT
06508-1832
US
|
Assignee: |
Higher One, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37984328 |
Appl. No.: |
11/582469 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60728621 |
Oct 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2200/10 20130101;
A45C 11/182 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/039 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/18 20060101
A45C011/18 |
Claims
1. A protective case for a plastic data card, comprising: a
non-transparent housing having a first planar surface and a second
planar surface both having a desired length and a desired height;
said first planar surface and said second planar surface being
joined together at a first end with a slit separating said first
planar surface from said second planar surface, said slit extending
inward from an opposing second end of said transparent housing,
said slit terminating proximate said first end at a distance from
said first end effective to position desired data on said plastic
data card at an effective distance from said first end; a
transparent window formed in said first planar side effective to
expose said desired data; and wherein said height of said second
planar surface is effective to expose a magnetic stripe on said
plastic data card.
2. The protective case of claim 1 wherein said non-transparent
housing is formed from a material selected from the group
consisting of metals, plastics and composites.
3. The protective case of claim 2 wherein said non-transparent
housing is decorated with a distinctive name or logo.
4. The protective case of claim 2 wherein said non-transparent
housing is a plastic being selected from the group consisting of
opaque plastics, translucent plastics and patterned plastics.
5. The protective case of claim 4 wherein said non-transparent
housing is opaque polycarbonate.
6. The protective case of claim 5 wherein said non-transparent
housing is injection molded opaque polycarbonate.
7. The protective case of claim 5 wherein said non-transparent
housing is decorated with a distinctive name or logo.
8. The protective case of claim 2 wherein a corner adjacent said
first end is distended and effective to engage a holding
device.
9. The protective case of claim 8 wherein said distended corner
defines a loop.
10. The protective case of claim 9 wherein said holding device is a
lanyard.
11. The protective case of claim 10 wherein said lanyard is
decorated with a distinctive name or logo.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional
Application No. 60/728,621, filed on Oct. 20, 2005, entitled "Debit
or Credit Cardholder", which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a cardholder for plastic cards,
such as credit cards or debit cards. More particularly, a
non-transparent cardholder permits access to the cardholder's name
and information stored on magnetic media while obscuring the card
number from view.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The use of credit cards, debit cards, automated teller
machine (ATM) cards, identification cards and the like
(collectively hereinafter referred to as plastic data cards) is
ubiquitous. As these cards are accepted in lieu of cash at ever
lower cost denominations, such as vending machines and fast food
restaurants, the need to carry cash is reduced. Traditionally, the
plastic data cards were carried in plastic envelopes contained in a
wallet or purse. However, with the wide-spread acceptance of these
cards, carrying a wallet or purse is at times superfluous.
[0006] Self contained protective cases for carrying a plastic data
cards are known, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,998 discloses a
rigid plastic case that dispenses a card for use when flexed. The
disclosure of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,998 patent is incorporated by
reference in its entirety herein.
[0007] Features of the plastic data cards make the prior art
protective cases less desirable. The plastic data cards typically
present data in two formats, as digital data encoded in a magnetic
stripe and as visible data printed or embossed numbers and letters.
Either format provides sufficient information to use the plastic
data card and potentially access monetary value associated with the
card. Removal of the card for use introduces a risk that an
unauthorized observer will surreptitiously record or remember the
data for subsequent illicit use.
[0008] One area where use of plastic data cards is particularly
wide-spread is on college campuses. College students tend to be
more trusting of others then the general population and the threat
of illicit use of data is enhanced on campus. Students' reliance on
debit/credit/ID cards for on-campus and off-campus use in
cafeterias, libraries, dorms, gyms, school buildings, retail
merchants, and other entities creates the need for a convenient,
secure, and simple solution regarding transportation of said cards.
In a campus environment the need to getup and go without the burden
of carrying an entire wallet is quite beneficial.
[0009] There remains then, a need for a protective case for one or
more plastic data cards that provides ease of transport while
reducing the threat of the data being compromised.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
[0011] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a
protective case for a plastic data card. This protective case
includes a non-transparent housing having a first planar surface
and a second planar surface both having a desired length and a
desired height. The first planar surface and the second planar
surface are joined together at a first end with a slit separating
the first planar surface from the second planar surface. This slit
extends inward from an opposing second end of said transparent
housing. The slit terminates proximate the first end at a distance
from the first end which is effective to position desired data on
the plastic data card at an effective distance from the first end.
A transparent window is formed in the first planar side and is
effective to expose the desired data. The height of the second
planar surface is effective to expose a magnetic stripe on the
plastic data card.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the protective case of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 a front view of the protective case of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional latitudinal view of the
protective case of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view of the
protective case of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional latitudinal view of
the protective case of FIG. 2.
[0017] Like reference numbers and designations in the various
drawings indicated like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 shows in perspective view a plastic cardholder or
protective case 10 of the invention. The protective case 10 is
especially suited for housing plastic data cards, such as
debit/credit/ID cards, having a data encoded magnetic data strip
located on a top half of the back of the card. The plastic
cardholder 10 is preferably made from a non-transparent rigid
plastic, having limited flexibility. An exemplary plastic is
injection molded polycarbonate. Other plastic, metals and
composites may also be used to form the protective case. Processes
other than injection molding may also be used.
[0019] By non-transparent, it is meant that data on the card,
either embossed or printed, readable when the card is outside the
protective case 10 is not readable when the card is inside the
protective case. The embossed or printed data is obscured such as
through the use of an opaque plastic, a translucent plastic or a
patterned plastic.
[0020] A plastic data card is inserted into a slit formed along a
first side 12 of the protective case 10 and held in place by a
combination of a concave slit design and friction caused by the
inner sidewalls of the protective case on opposing sides of the
plastic data card. The slit 14 is best seen in magnified
cross-sectional view in FIG. 5. With reference back to FIG. 1, the
protective case 10 includes a transparent window 16 for
identification purposes. The transparent window 16 is of a size and
shape that enables the name on the card, any affiliation and the
card expiration date to be displayed. For example, the transparent
window 10 could be a generally rectangular cut out formed through
the non-transparent plastic. For security reasons the card number
is hidden by a first portion 18 of the protective case 10. ID
photos placed on an upper corner of the card are visible for
identification purposes since the upper corner of the plastic data
card extends beyond the first side 12 and is not obscured by the
first portion 18. The magnetic strip on the card also extends
beyond the first side 12 and is available to be swiped with the
plastic data card fully inserted into the protective case 10. A
corner 20 on an opposing second side 22 of the protective case is
distended and effective to engage a holding device. In one
embodiment, the distended corner includes a loop 24, or other
feature, which can then be connected to a standard lanyard.
[0021] An intended use of the protective case 10 is for securing
debit/credit/ID cards for mobile applications on or off campus such
as debit card purchases, card reader functionality for entrance to
various buildings, stored-value use for food or bookstore
purchases, and several other functions common to university ID card
usage. The plastic data card is capable of being swiped while in
the protective case as it rises out of the top half of the plastic
holder.
[0022] This product was conceived as a method of providing security
and convenience for card carriers while going about their everyday
activities. Card carriers will no longer be forced to carry their
wallets and other sensitive materials with them for on and off
campus use. The plastic cardholder is intended to be placed around
the neck via a standard or branded lanyard. The plastic cardholder
itself may be branded if so desired. The plastic cardholder was
also designed with a transparent front lower-left window 16
displaying the name of the student, faculty, or staff member and
their affiliation with the University as printed in the card for
identification purposes. The plastic cardholder is also designed to
hide the actual 16 digit card number for security purposes. For
this reason the plastic cardholder is preferably formed from a
solid white or other non-transparent polycarbonate plastic to
prevent visual confirmation of sensitive information.
[0023] The lanyard (not shown) is attached to the plastic
cardholder 10 via a loop 22 on a corner 20 on the second side 22 of
the protective case 10. The lanyard is snapped into place via a
clip attached to a standard lanyard. The whole unit is to be worn
around the neck allowing for transportation of the debit/credit/ID
card without the need for a wallet or loose carrying in a back
pack, purse, etc.
[0024] Students' reliance on debit/credit/ID cards for on-campus
and off-campus use in cafeterias, libraries, dorms, gyms, school
buildings, retail merchants, and other entities creates the need
for a convenient, secure, and simple solution regarding
transportation of said cards. In a campus environment the need to
getup and go without the burden of carrying an entire wallet is
quite beneficial. Our plastic cardholder addresses those needs and
takes into consideration the many facets of life in a college
community. Furthermore, the plastic cardholder is meant for general
use in any application where debit/credit/ID card usage is required
or desired. Our plastic cardholder was designed to function with
and retro fit any standard debit/credit/ID card where security and
ease of transportation are necessary and desired.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the protective case 10 with a
plastic data card 26 inserted and illustrated by cross-hatching. A
first portion of the plastic data card is visible through the
transparent window 12 enabling the card holder's name and
affiliation to be readily viewed. A second portion of the plastic
data card is obscured by the first portion 18 of the protective
case preventing unauthorized persons from viewing the card number
and expiration date. A third portion of the plastic data card 26
extends beyond the first side 12 of the protective case 10 to
enable swiping of a magnetic stripe (on the back side of the
plastic data card) in a card reader.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, nominal dimensions for the
protective case 10 without a plastic data card inserted into slit
14 are: Length: 35/8 inches.times.Width: 3/16 inch.times.Height: 1
2/8 inches. With a plastic data card inserted, nominal dimensions
are Length: 4 inches.times.Width: 3/16 inch.times.Height: 23/8
inches. The protective case has a non-transparent housing with a
first planar surface 28 and a second planar surface 30 both having
a desired length 32 and a desired height 34. The first planar
surface 28 and the second planar surface 34 are joined together at
a first end 36 with the slit 14 separating the first planar surface
from the second planar surface.
[0027] The slit 14 extends inward from an opposing second end 38 of
said transparent housing and terminates 40 proximate the first end
36 at a distance from the first end effective to position desired
data on the plastic data card at an effective distance from the
first end. This distance is such that the transparent window 16
formed in the first planar side 28 is effective to expose the
desired data.
[0028] The height 34 of the second planar surface 30 is effective
to expose a magnetic stripe on the plastic data card.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the plastic cardholder
is manufactured by injection molding polycarbonate. Raw
polycarbonate is purchased in a pelletized form from a plastic
material supplier. A metal (usually steel or aluminum) mold is
forged to the desired shape of the final cardholder design. The
process to make a mold can be as few as 3 or 4 weeks to as long as
months, depending on the complexity of the part and the number of
cavities required. The finished mold is mounted into an injection
molding machine. Water lines are connected to the cooling channels
in order to maintain a constant mold temperature during the molding
process. Small plastic (i.e. polycarbonate) pellets are melted and
injected, using the injection molding machine, into the steel mold
that creates the shape of the cardholder. The protective cases are
then cooled in the mold, and when the desired temperature is
reached, the mold opens and they are ejected. The mold then closes
and the molding cycle begins again.
[0030] A machine operator takes the part that was ejected from the
mold and removes the runner and gate. The runner and gate are how
the material gets to the cavity after it is injected by the molding
machine. The runner and gates are then discarded or recycled and
the molded part is prepared for shipment or a secondary operation,
such as being decorated.
[0031] In one embodiment, the protective case is next decorated,
such as branding the cardholder with a University name or other
distinctive name or logo. If the cardholders are to be decorated,
they are moved from the molding department to a secondary
department and staged for hot stamping. Hot stamping involves a
pre-colored film, a hot stamp die, and usually a holding or
locating fixture. Desired artwork is supplied for the graphics, so
that the hot stamp die can be made. A film color is chosen for the
graphics and a fixture is made once the molded parts are available.
The fixture is mounted on the hot stamp machine and the film is
also installed. The machine is then turned on to heat up the die. A
molded protective case is placed into the holding fixture and the
hot stamp machine is activated. The die is lowered onto the film
and part at the same time. The details of the die (which are the
graphics to be printed) are then transferred through the film and
printed onto the part in the color that was chosen for the film.
Once the graphics have been printed, the die is raised and the
cardholder removed from the fixture and placed into a box for
shipping.
[0032] Lanyards are purchased separately and are attached to a loop
at the lower right hand corner of the holder. Lanyard snaps onto
the loop by the clasp and becomes a hanging unit that is meant to
be worn around the neck or carried on the person as desired. As
with the protective case, the lanyard may be decorated with a
distinctive name or logo.
[0033] One or more embodiments of the present invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *