Multi-layer metal-carbon transaction cards and associated methods

• US 9,665,814 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 05/30/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Black Card, LLC
• Original Assignee: Black Card, LLC
• Inventors: Blum, Scott Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): ELLIS, SUEZU Y
• Application Number:
  US13/830,604
• Publication Number:
  US 20130320095A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,538 Days
• Field of Search: 235487, 235488, 235492, 235493, 235379, 235380, 428408, 4285395, 428545, 4272497, 340 54, 340 541
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 15/14 next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/44 using mechanical means, e.g. engraving
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/445 using chemical means, e.g. etching
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/45 Associating two or more layers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/02 characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/022 Processes or apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07722 the record carrier being multilayered, e.g. laminated sheets flat articles in general, see B32B37/00

Abstract

A transaction card having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is metal and the second layer is carbon.

Claims

1. A transaction card, comprising:

a substantially planar sheet having a front surface, a back surface and a continuous peripheral edge;

wherein the planar sheet includes a first metal layer of stainless steel coated with a diamond-like carbon coating with etched interlocking strips of repeated strings of text throughout the front surface providing a woven fabric appearance to the entire front surface and a second layer adhered directly adjacent the first layer, the second layer comprising a woven carbon fiber layer at the back surface; and

wherein a first metal layer thickness is greater than a thickness of the second layer of woven carbon fiber.

2. The transaction card of claim 1 wherein the substantially planar sheet includes a transparent portion.

3. The transaction card of claim 2 wherein the transparent portion includes an optically recognizable layer.

4. The transaction card of claim 2 wherein the transparent portion includes an infrared-blocking ink.

5. A method of making a transaction card, the method comprising:

printing a back surface of a first sheet with text, the first sheet comprising woven carbon fiber;

coating a second sheet with a diamond-like carbon coating, the second sheet comprising stainless steel;

etching interlocking strips of repeated strings of text across the second sheet to provide a woven fabric appearance to an entire front surface;

adhering the first sheet directly adjacent to the second sheet with the front surface of the second sheet facing away from the first sheet; and

hot stamping a signature panel, a magnetic strip, and a hologram onto a back surface of the transaction card.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising applying a design to a front surface of the transaction card.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the interlocking text comprises recitations of “

BLACK CARD”

.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein applying the design comprises etching.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein applying the design comprises engraving.

10. The method of claim 5, further comprising attaching a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip to the transaction card.