CARD WITH METAL LAYER AND ELECTROSTATIC PROTECTION

摘要

A metal card or a hybrid metal-plastic includes an acrylic resin protective clear coat layer and/or a “hard” nano-particle top-coat layer overlying any exposed metal surface in order to insulate the metal and reduce the likelihood of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) or a short circuit condition. In a particular embodiment the “hard” nano-particle top-coat layer overlies the clear coat layer. The dual stage protective layers which include a clear-coat layer and a top-coat ensure that the problem associated with an ESD and/or a short circuit condition is minimized. In addition, the dual stage protection imparted to a card by forming a clear-coat layer and a top-coat layer ensures that any card surface treatment or card decoration is protected over time from excessive wear or scratching due to use in conjunction with a POS device and/or handling.

主权项

1. A card comprising:
a layer of electrically conductive material having an inner surface and outer surface; said inner and outer surfaces being generally planar and parallel to each other; a first assembly of electrically non-conductive material attached to the inner surface of the layer of electrically conductive material; and an electrically non-conducting protective coating overlying said outer surface for preventing said outer surface from making direct contact with any other surface; and wherein said protective coating includes at least one of the following: (a) a clear coat layer of resin; or (b) a hard top coat layer of electrically non conductive nanoparticles; wherein said clear coat layer functions to provide electrical insulation to any surface it overlies and said hard top coat layer functions to provide both electrical insulation and protection against wear and tear to any surface it overlies.