Multiple company credit card system

• US 4,443,027 A
• Filed: 07/29/1981
• Issued: 04/17/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Maurice G. Mcneely, Rodney A. Gomes
• Original Assignee: Maurice G. Mcneely, Rodney A. Gomes
• Inventors: Gomes, Rodney A., McNeely, Maurice G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Contreras, Wenceslao J.
• Application Number:
  US06/287,980
• Time in Patent Office: 993 Days
• Field of Search: 40/2.2, 40/625, 283/7, 283/83, 235/487, 235/492
• US Class Current: 283/83
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/00 Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof printing processes to produce identification or security features B41M3/14
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/30 Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/318 Signatures
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/072 the record carrier comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/077 Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07741 comprising a first part operating as a regular record carrier and a second attachable part that changes the functional appearance of said record carrier, e.g. a contact-based smart card with an adapter part which, when attached to the contact card makes the contact card function as a non-contact card
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3572 Multiple accounts on card
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3576 Multiple memory zones on card
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/363 with the personal data of a user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/29 the pass containing active electronic elements, e.g. smartcards
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/08 by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means without personal verification means G07F7/02
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 283/904 Credit card

Abstract

One or more miniaturized credit indicators are affixed to a wallet-size primary plate bearing the name, signature, picture and account number of an authorized user. Each of the indicators represent a different credit account. The indicators are locked into recessed spaces on the face of the plate. Magnetic tapes, microprocessor chips or integrated circuits imbedded in the indicators and plate provide identifying information. Means are provided for reading and decoding information stored in the plate or indicator.

Claims

1. A multiple-company credit card system comprising

(a) a primary identification plate containing legible means for identifying an authorized user, and coded means for identifying said user, plural solid, slightly recessed spaces on a front of the primary plate for affixation of a plurality of miniature credit indicators, and plural primary plate microcircuit chip coding means embedded in the primary plate adjacent the recessed spaces, the primary plate chip coding means having interconnection means extending into the recessed spaces for connecting with credit indicators mounted in the recessed spaces, and

(b) at least one miniature credit indicator having an upper side comprising a miniature reproduction of a credit card issued to an authorized user by a credit-granting establishment, each indicator having an underside with an adhesive means for attaching the indicator to one of the slightly recessed spaces in the primary plate, and a microcircuit chip embedded in each miniature credit indicator, the credit indicator microcircuit chips being adapted to interconnect with microcircuit chips embedded in the primary plate, each of the miniature indicators being provided with a microcircuit chip which is different from a microcircuit chip in any other miniature indicator.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising means for a business establishment to decode any coded information contained in the primary plate, and in circuit chip coding means in any miniature credit indicators affixed thereto, and means to read the legible information contained thereon, all said means used operatively with said primary plate.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2 wherein the primary plate provides for the affixation of from 6 to 18 miniature credit indicators with separate chip coding means.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the primary plate contains the name and a photograph of the authorized user;

legible dates defining the plate'"'"'s term of validity;

a legible account number assigned to the user; and

a blank space suitable for affixation of the authorized user'"'"'s signature.

5. A multiple-company credit card system comprising a primary identification plate containing legible means for identifying an authorized user, a coded means for identifying the user and having recesses set into a front face of the primary plate for affixation of a plurality of miniature credit cards, a plurality of chips embedded in the primary plate adjacent the recesses and having means for connecting each of the chips to each of the recesses, a plurality of miniature credit cards having adhesive means on undersides thereof for affixation of the miniature credit cards in the recesses, and each of the miniature credit cards having a chip which is different from any chip in another miniature credit card and means for severally connecting the credit card chips with the chips embedded in the primary plate to provide information signals.