WO2013036280A1

WO2013036280A1 - System and method for protecting a machine readable card

Info

Publication number: WO2013036280A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/000393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kristopher BARNINGS; Walter STEELMAN
Original assignee: Barnings Kristopher; Steelman Walter
Priority date: 2011-09-11
Filing date: 2012-09-11
Publication date: 2013-03-14

Abstract

A machine readable card protector is disclosed. Said machine readable card protector comprising: a sleeve having a first portion and a second portion; said sleeve having a width and a height; said sleeve having a plurality of edges having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; said sleeve having at least one open edge capable of receiving a portion of a machine readable card. Said sleeve having at least one of said plurality of edges are sealed between said first portion and said second portion. Said machine readable card having a first side and a second side.

Description

APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT

Title System and Method for Protecting a Machine Readable Card

Inventors Mr. ristopher BARNINGS and Mr. Walter STEELMAN

Docket No 105-0006PCT

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for protecting a machine readable card. In one embodiment, said machine readable card comprises a credit card, but use of a credit card is illustrative only and not limiting.

[0002] Machine readable cards (such as a credit card, a government identification card, a driver's license, a corporate identification card, a student identification card, or similar) are a well-known part of modern life. Many people are bound to carry around many of said machine readable cards for extended periods of every day. Their ubiquity has arisen on account of their convenience and many uses. Despite their usefulness, however, many components of said machine readable cards are fragile and prone to damage. For example, some cards comprise a magnetic strip. Magnetic strips are prone to damage due to repeated use due to friction wearing away critical portions of said magnetic strip. Likewise, holograms, electronic tags, thumbprints, and signatures are prone to harm due to repeated use and movement of said machine readable cards. Such use and movement can occur by the act of reading a magnetic strip with a card reader (sometimes called "swiping" a card). In another embodiment, merely carrying a card in one's pocket can cause a frequent rubbing of one card on another and thereby ruining a portion of said card. Likewise, carrying multiple cards in a stack in a pocket can cause several cards to be harmed due to said frequent rubbing.

[0003] Solutions for protecting said machine readable cards are well-known but, ultimately, ineffective. For example, in one embodiment, banks will ship new cards to users in a card sized envelope. Some such envelopes comprise protective materials for keeping their contents safe from friction and other harmful elements. This approach, however, only works where a user is willing to keep track of the bank issued envelope. This goal often proves to be unachievable due to mishandling and misplacing said envelope. Further, where said card is held in said envelope, the combination of the two is unlikely to fit in a standard credit card slot in an envelope. Consequently, many banks have ceased to issue cards in said envelopes altogether.

[0004] Another approach is to laminate said machine readable cards to ensure that portions of said cards are protected from harm. This approach fails, however, because lamination often makes cards unreadable by card readers. For example, in one embodiment, a laminated credit card will be too thick for a credit card reader. In another embodiment, a magnetic strip cannot be read through said lamination. Further, lamination is not removable and repositionable in cases where the machine readable card must be replaced or altered. [0005] ^"None of the above inventions, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant disclosure as claimed. Accordingly, an improved system and method for protecting a machine readable card would be advantageous.

SUMMARY

[0006] A machine readable card protector is disclosed. Said machine readable card protector comprising: a sleeve having a first portion and a second portion; said sleeve having a width and a height; said sleeve having a plurality of edges having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; said sleeve having at least one open edge capable of receiving a portion of a machine readable card. Said sleeve having at least one of said plurality of edges are sealed between said first portion and said second portion. Said machine readable card having a first side and a second side. Said sleeve is capable of holding said machine readable card between said first portion and said second portion. Said machine readable card having one or more machine readable components. Said sleeve is capable of protecting said one or more machine readable components. Said sleeve is made of a sleeve material, wherein said one or more machine readable components are readable through said sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figures 1 A and 1 B illustrate a front view and a back view of a card.

[0008] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an elevated front view and a perspective overview of a sleeve.

[0009] Figure 2C illustrates an elevated front view of an unnotched sleeve.

[0010] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a plurality of views of a first construction method for said sleeve.

[0011] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate an elevated front view, a lower perspective overview and an upper perspective overview of sleeve.

[0012] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate an elevated front view of said card outside of said sleeve, said card inserted into said sleeve and said card inside of said sleeve.

[0013] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective rear overview of sleeve holding said card.

[0014] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective side view and an elevated side view of second side edge.

[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective rear overview of sleeve holding said card.

[0016] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate a plurality of views of a second construction method for said sleeve. [0017] Figures 10A, 10B, I OC and 10D illustrate an elevated front view of a cut sleeve material, a perspective front view of said cut sleeve material being folded, an elevated front view of a sleeve with said card, and an elevated rear view of said sleeve with said card.

[0018] Figures 1 1 A, 1 I B, 1 1 C and 1 1 D illustrate an unapplied view, an application view, a top applied view, and a side applied view of a cover being applied to card.

[0019] Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D illustrate an unapplied view, an application view, a top applied view, and a side applied view of a cover being applied to magnetic strip on card.

[0020] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of card with cover, and cover comprises one or more graphics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Described herein is an improved system and method for protecting a machine readable card. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0022] Figures 1 A and I B illustrate a front view and a back view of a machine readable card 100. Machine readable card 100 can comprise a first side 101 , a second side 102, an identifier 103, a username 104, hologram 105, a bank logo 106, a magnetic strip 107, and an electronic tag 108. Further, machine readable card 100 can comprise a card height 1 10 and a card width 1 1 1. In one embodiment, magnetic strip 107 can comprise a magnetic strip height 1 12. In one embodiment, identifier 103 and username 104 can be stamped into machine readable card 100 thereby creating one or more indentions 1 13 in second side 102. Further, machine readable card 100 can comprise a watermark 1 14, a thumbprint 1 15 a signature block 1 16 and a user picture 1 17. In one embodiment, machine readable card 100 can comprise one or more machine readable components, such as identifier 103, username 104, magnetic strip 107, electronic tag 108, watermark 1 14, thumbprint 1 1 5 or signature block 1 16. In one embodiment, machine readable card 100 can comprise identifying components such as identifier 103, username 104, hologram 105, bank logo 106, magnetic strip 107, electronic tag 108, watermark 1 14, thumbprint 1 15, signature block 1 16, or user picture 1 17. Said machine readable card 100 can comprise identifying information, protected information, privileged information, or similar. In one embodiment, portions of machine readable card 100 can be capable of reflecting an otherwise hidden message when an irregular light is shown thereupon; for example, in one embodiment, hologram 105 or watermark 1 14 can comprise an image visible only when a black light is reflected off of it. In one embodiment, machine readable card 100 can comprise a credit card, a government identification card, a driver's license, a corporate identification card, a student identification card, or similar. In one embodiment, electronic tag can comprise an RFI strip, RF1D tag, a short range wireless communications tag, a long range wireless communications tag, or a wireless communications tag.

[0023] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an elevated front view and a perspective overview of a sleeve 200. Sleeve 200 can comprise a plurality of edges. Said plurality of edges can comprise a top edge 202, a bottom edge 204, a first side edge 206 and a second side edge 208. In one embodiment, one of said plurality of edges can comprise an open edge 210. In one embodiment, said plurality of edges can comprise at least one open edge (such as said open edge 210). In one embodiment, at least one of said plurality of edges can be sealed between said first portion 214 and said second portion 216. In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can comprise an envelope capable of holding an object (such as said machine readable card 100) by opening said open edge 210 and inserting said machine readable card 100 through said open edge 210. In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can comprise a notch 212 (though not always). In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can comprise a first portion 214 and a second portion 216. In one embodiment, said sleeve 200 can comprise said first portion 214 and said second portion 216 bound at three of said plurality of edges and open at said open edge 210. Sleeve 200 can comprise a width 218 and a height 220.

[0024] Figure 2C illustrates an elevated front view of an unnotched sleeve 230. In one embodiment, said unnotched sleeve 230 can be substantially similar to said sleeve 200 however, said unnotched sleeve 230 can lack said notch 212.e

[0025] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a plurality of views of a first construction method for said sleeve 200. Figure 3A illustrates an elevated front view of machine readable card 100 with a cut sleeve material 300. Figure 3B illustrates an elevated front view of said cut sleeve material 300 bending around said machine readable card 100. Figure 3C illustrates an elevated front view of cut sleeve material 300 welded around said machine readable card 100. Figure 3D illustrates an elevated front view of cut sleeve material 300 trimmed into said sleeve 200. In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a width 302 and a height 304.

[0026] In one embodiment, creating said sleeve 200 from said cut sleeve material 300 can comprise: cutting said cut sleeve material 300 from a sheet of a sleeve material, folding said cut sleeve material 300 at a folded edge 306 between said first portion 214 and second portion 216; and welding said first portion 214 and said second portion 216 together at a welded edge 308. In one embodiment, creating said sleeve 200 from said cut sleeve material 300 can further comprise removing an excess material 310 from said cut sleeve material 300. In one embodiment, cut sleeve material 300 can comprise said sleeve material. In one embodiment, said cutting said cut sleeve material 300 from a sheet of said sleeve material can comprise die cutting said cut sleeve material 300 therefrom.

[0027] In one embodiment, cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a substantially non-opaque, flexible material. In one embodiment, cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a category 5 recyclable material (unlike the prior art such as Tyvek). In one embodiment, cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a biodegradable polyethelene film. In one embodiment, cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a film comprising a high clarity. In one embodiment, magnetic strip 107 can be read through cut sleeve material 300.

[0028] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate an elevated front view, a lower.perspective overview and an upper perspective overview of sleeve 200. In one embodiment, said welded edge 308 can comprise a seam with a minimum visual appearance but still capable of holding said first portion 214 and second portion 216 together while being used in card readers.

[0029] In one embodiment, welding said welded edge 308 can comprise: welding said first portion 214 to said second portion 216 with a welding process. In one embodiment, said welding process can comprise a sonic weld. In one embodiment, welding process can comprise an impulse weld. In one embodiment, the term "welding" or to "weld" can comprise binding a plurality of portions of said sleeve 200 to one another.

[0030] In one embodiment, said welding process can comprise a high frequency weld. In one embodiment, said high frequency weld can hold certain plastics with chemical dipoles, such as PVC, polyamides (PA) and/or acetates can be heated with high frequency electromagnetic waves. High frequency welding can use this property to soften the plastics for joining. The heating can be localized, and the process can be continuous. Also known as Dielectric Sealing, R.F. (Radio Frequency) Heat Sealing.

[0031] In one embodiment, said welding process can comprise an induction weld. In a ferromagnetic work piece, plastics can be induction-welded by formulating them with metallic or ferromagnetic compounds, called susceptors. These susceptors absorb electromagnetic energy from an induction coil, become hot, and lose their heat energy to the surrounding material by thermal conduction.

[0032] In one embodiment, said welding process can comprise radio frequency welding (also known as "RF welding"). Radio frequency welding is a very mature technology that has been around since the 1940s. Two pieces of material are placed on a table press that applies pressure to both surface areas. Dies are used to direct the welding process. When the press comes together, high frequency waves (usually 27.12 MHz) are passed through the small area between the die and the table where the weld takes place. This high frequency (radio frequency) field causes the molecules in certain materials to move and get hot, and the combination of this heat under pressure causes the weld to take the shape of the die. RF welding is fast. This type of welding is used to connect polymer films used in a variety of industries where a strong consistent leak-proof seal is required. In the fabrics industry, RF is most often used to weld PVC and polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics. This is a very consistent method of welding. The most common materials used in RF welding are PVC and polyurethane. It is also possible to weld other polymers such as nylon, PET, EVA and some ABS plastics.

[0033] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate an elevated front view of said machine readable card 100 outside of said sleeve 200, said machine readable card 100 inserted into said sleeve 200 and said machine readable card 100 inside of said sleeve 200. In one embodiment, said notch 212 can open said sleeve 200 around a portion of said machine readable card 100; wherein said machine readable card 100 can be accessed for removing said machine readable card 100 from said sleeve 200.

[0034] In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can comprise a flap capable of folding over said open edge 210 of sleeve 200 and tuck inside of open edge 210. In one embodiment, said flap can tuck completely within said plurality of edges and thereby can leave no edges exposed for snagging or hanging up on various card readers.

[0035] In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can protect both sides of machine readable card 100, including any custom embodiments of said machine readable card 100 (that have been thermally imprinted on a blank stock card, for example). In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can extend a usefulness time period of machine readable card 100 by protecting said machine readable card 100 from friction and environmental damage.

[0036] In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can protect machine readable card 100 by not using an adhesive to hold said sleeve 200 to said machine readable card 100. Further, but not adding an adhesive (in one embodiment) said machine readable card 100 can be removed from sleeve 200 without damaging either said machine readable card 100 or said sleeve 200.

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective rear overview of sleeve 200 holding said machine readable card 100.

[0038] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective side view and an elevated side view of second side edge 208. In one embodiment, machine readable card 100 can comprise a thickness 702. In one embodiment, first portion 214 of sleeve 200 can comprise a thickness 704. In one embodiment, second portion 216 of sleeve 200 can comprise a thickness 706. In one embodiment, said thickness 704 and said thickness 706 can be approximately .001 " (otherwise known as " 1 mil"). In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a polyester or polyethelene material. In one embodiment, said thickness 704 and said thickness 706 can vary up to .003" if necessary. [0039] In one embodiment, said sleeve 200 can comprise an affable solution to the prior art (such as Tyvek sleeves) in that said sleeve 200 can be made to be tight on the surface of said machine readable card 100 and said sleeve 200 can be permeable to information stored on said magnetic strip 107; thereby, said sleeve 200 can render said machine readable card 100 as useable as if said sleeve 200 were not on said machine readable card 100 at all.

[0040] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective rear overview of sleeve 200 holding said machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, sleeve 200 can comprise a graphic. In one embodiment, said graphic can comprise one or more letters 802 and/or one or more logos 804. In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 300 can comprise a graphically printable material. Thus, in one embodiment, sleeve 200 can comprise several options for adding custom designs (such as one or more letters 802 and one or more logos 804) to a surface of said sleeve 200. In one embodiment, one or more portions of sleeve 200 can be left uncovered by said one or more letters 802 and/or one or more logos 804 in order to facilitate accessing one or more information sources on said machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, said information sources can comprise magnetic strip 107, a CVV code, and one or more numbers on machine readable card 100.

[0041] Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate a plurality of views of a second construction method for said sleeve 200. Figure 9A illustrates an elevated front view of machine readable card 100 with a cut sleeve material 900. Figure 9B illustrates an elevated front view of said cut sleeve material 900 bending around said machine readable card 100. Figure 9C illustrates an elevated front view of cut sleeve material 900 welded around said machine readable card 100. Figure 9D illustrates an elevated front view of cut sleeve material 900 trimmed into said sleeve 200.

[0042] In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 900 can be similar to said cut sleeve material 300 with the additional feature of an adhesive flap 902. In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 900 can comprise said width 302 and a height 904. In one embodiment, said adhesive flap 902 can comprise a height 905. In one embodiment, said height 904 can comprise a length equal to or greater than the sum of said card height 1 10 times two plus said height 905. In one embodiment, said adhesive flap 902 can comprise an adhesive strip 907.

[0043] In one embodiment, creating a sleeve 908 from said cut sleeve material 900 can comprise: cutting said cut sleeve material 900 to said width 302 and said height 904; folding at said folded edge 306 between a first portion 910 and a second portion 912; creasing between said second portion 912 and said adhesive flap 902 at a second folded edge 914; and attaching said first portion 910 to said second portion 912 at a first side weld 916 and a second side weld 918. In one embodiment, said sleeve 908 can comprise three sealed edges and one open edges; wherein said open edge can comprise an opening near said adhesive flap 902. In one embodiment, said machine readable card 100 can slide into said open edge. In one embodiment, said adhesive flap 902 can fold over and seal around said machine readable card 100 so as to close said open edge and hold in said machine readable card 100.

[0044] Figures 10A, 10B, I OC and 10D illustrate an elevated front view of a cut sleeve material 1000, a perspective front view of said cut sleeve material 1000 being folded, an elevated front view of a sleeve 1001 with said machine readable card 100, and an elevated rear view of said sleeve 1001 with said machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 1000 can comprise a height 1002. In one embodiment, said cut sleeve material 1000 can comprise a first panel 1004, a second panel 1006 and a third panel 1008. In one embodiment, forming said sleeve 1001 can comprise: folding said cut sleeve material 1000 into said first panel 1004, said second panel 1006, and said third panel 1008; attaching a portion of said second panel 1006 to said third panel 1008; and welding said sleeve 1001 along a first side 1010. In one embodiment, said sleeve 1001 can comprise said first side 1010 and a second side 1012. In one embodiment, said second side 1012 can comprise an open side of said sleeve 1001 capable of receiving said machine readable card 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, any of said sleeve 200, said unnotched sleeve 230, said sleeve 908 and/or said sleeve 1001 (or other sleeves described herein) (hereafter the "disclosed sleeves") can comprise a polypropylene or polyethylene. In one embodiment, any of said sleeves can be wire welded. In other words, the material can be folded over itself and the entire piece put under to "hot" wires. In one embodiment, the parts that overlap seal together and the remaining flap is just cut by way of heat due to the wire. In one embodiment, it works much like shrink wrap machines. In one embodiment, portions of this process can also be known as "impulse seal". In one embodiment, a wire element heated with electricity that can cut and seal in a straight line.

[0046] In one embodiment, said disclosed sleeves can be useful in protecting a machine readable card; thus, in one embodiment, said disclosed sleeves comprises a machine readable card protector and use of said disclosed sleeves comprises a method of protecting a machine readable card.

[0047] Figures 1 1 A, 1 I B, 1 1C and 1 I D illustrate an unapplied view, an application view, a top applied view, and a side applied view of a cover 1 100 being applied to machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can be used for protecting machine readable card 100. Cover 1 100 can comprise a first side 1 101 and a second side 1 102. In one embodiment, protecting machine readable card 100 with cover 1 100 can comprise: aligning cover 1 100 with machine readable card 100, pressing 1 103 said cover 1 100 onto machine readable card 100, and flattening 1 104 said cover 1 100 against machine readable card 100. Cover 1 100 can comprise a cover height 1 105, a cover width 1 106 and a cover thickness 1 107. Machine readable card 100 can comprise a card thickness 1 108. In one embodiment, cover width 1 106 can be equal to or less than card width 1 1 1. In one embodiment, cover height 1 105 can be equal to or less than card height 1 10. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can completely cover second side 102 of machine readable card 100, as illustrated in Figures 1 1 C and 1 I D.

[0048] In one embodiment, cover thickness 1 107 can be thin enough to ensure said machine readable components remain readable by a machine. Further, cover thickness 1 107 must be thin enough such that cover thickness 1 107 plus card thickness 1 108 are less than a threshold for said machines reading said machine readable components. For example, in one embodiment, cover thickness 1 107 can be 0.080mm or less. In one embodiment, one or more signals from machine readable card 100 can be read through cover 1 100. For example, in one embodiment, a signal from magnetic strip 107 can be read through cover 1 100. Likewise, a signal from electronic tag 108, hologram 105, watermark 1 14, identifier 103, username 104 or similar can be read through cover 1 100.

[0049] In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can be cut with a cutting device. In one embodiment, said cutting device can press a preset cutline into an uncut sheet of cover 1 100. In another embodiment, said cutting device can comprise a laser for cutting. In one embodiment, said cutting device can comprise a kiss cutting device. In yet another embodiment, said cutting device can use a die cut for cutting cover 1 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can comprise a flexible material. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can comprise a translucent material capable of visually exposing a portion of said second side of said machine readable card. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can comprise a polyester film.

[0050] In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can comprise an adhesive on second side 1 102 capable of attaching said cover 1 100 to machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, said adhesive can comprise an acrylate polymer adhesive. In one embodiment, said adhesive can have a pH lacking acidity. In one embodiment, low acidity can protect machine readable card 100 by not removing a portion of machine readable card 100 (such as magnetic strip 107) when removing cover 1 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can attach to machine readable card 100 with static electricity.

[0051] In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can be capable of attaching and covering a portion of said machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can be capable of detaching from and reapplying to machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can be repositionable on machine readable card 100 by pealing cover 1 100 from machine readable card 100, repositioning cover 1 100 on machine readable card 100, and reapplying cover 1 100 to machine readable card 100. Likewise, in one embodiment, cover 1 100 can be reused among a plurality of said cards 100.

[0052] In one embodiment, a method for protecting machine readable card 100 can comprise aligning cover 1 100 with a portion of machine readable card 100 and applying cover 1 100 to second side 102. In one embodiment, protecting machine readable card 100 can comprise applying a thumbprint 1 15 to machine readable card 100 and covering thumbprint 1 15 with cover 1 100. In one embodiment, thumbprint 1 15 can be protected from smearing and damage with cover 1 100. Likewise, protecting machine readable card 100 can comprise signing cover 1 100 in signature block 1 16 and covering signature block 1 16 with cover 1 100. In one embodiment, signature block 1 16 can be protected from smearing and damage with 1 100.

[0053] Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D illustrate an unapplied view, an application view, a top applied view, and a side applied view of a cover 1 100 being applied to magnetic strip 107 on machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can cover a portion of machine readable card 100 smaller than second side 102. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can comprise cover 1 200. In one embodiment, cover 1200 can be used to protect magnetic strip 107 only. Cover 1200 can comprise first side 1201 and second side 1202. In one embodiment, protecting magnetic strip 107 with cover 1200 can comprise aligning cover 1200 with magnetic strip 107 and applying cover 1200 to magnetic strip 107. In one embodiment, applying cover 1200 to magnetic strip 107 can comprise the steps of a pressing 1203 and a flattening 1204. In one embodiment, cover 1200 can comprise a cover height 1205 and a cover width 1206. In one embodiment, cover height 1 205 is equal to or greater than magnetic strip height 1 12.

[0054] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of machine readable card 100 with cover 1 100, and cover 1 100 comprises one or more graphics 1300. Graphics 1300 can comprise one or more text graphic 1301 and/or one or more logo graphic 1302. In one embodiment, graphics 1300 can be used to decorate machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, graphics 1300 can be used as an ornamental sales point for cover 1 100. In one embodiment, graphics 1300 can comprise logos and slogans for a company. In one embodiment, graphics 1300 can comprise important security information. In one embodiment, graphics 1300 can comprise a disguise for machine readable card 100. In one embodiment, cover 1 100 can comprise a printable material capable of receiving one or more of said graphics 1300. In one embodiment, said printable material comprises a thermal transfer printable material and/or a matte top-coat to receive said graphics.

[0055] Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."

Claims

1. A machine readable card protector comprising:

a sleeve having a first portion and a second portion;

said sleeve having a width and a height;

said sleeve having a plurality of edges having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

said sleeve having at least one open edge capable of receiving a portion of a machine readable card;

said sleeve having at least one of said plurality of edges are sealed between said first portion and said second portion;

said machine readable card having a first side and a second side;

said sleeve is capable of holding said machine readable card between said first portion and said second portion;

said machine readable card having one or more machine readable components; said sleeve is capable of protecting said one or more machine readable components; and,

said sleeve is made of a sleeve material, wherein said one or more machine readable components are readable through said sleeve.

2. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said one or more machine readable components comprise a magnetic strip.

3. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said one or more machine readable components comprise a signature block.

4. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said sleeve material comprises a non-opaque and flexible material.

5. The machine readable card protector of claim I wherein said sleeve material comprises a polyethelene film.

6. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said sleeve material comprises a polyester.

7. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 further comprising a notch in said sleeve; wherein, a portion of said machine readable card remains uncovered by said sleeve at said notch when said machine readable card is inserted into said sleeve.

8. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said machine readable card in said sleeve can be read in a card reader without removing said sleeve.

9. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said machine readable card is held within said sleeve without an adhesive.

10. The machine readable card protector of claim 1 wherein said sleeve material is capable of receiving a graphic.

1 1 . The machine readable card protector of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive flap; wherein,

said adhesive flap is capable of holding a portion of said first portion to said second portion.

12. A method of protecting a machine readable card comprising:

creating a sleeve from a sleeve material,

inserting a machine readable card into said sleeve,

using said machine readable card within said sleeve, and

protecting one or more machine readable components on said machine readable card.

13. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 12 wherein creating said sleeve from said sleeve material comprises:

folding said sleeve material at a folded edge between a first portion and a second portion of said sleeve;

welding at least one of a plurality of edges of said sleeve together; and leaving at least one of said plurality of edges of said sleeve unwelded at an open edge capable of receiving a portion of said machine readable card.

14. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein welding at least one of said plurality of edges of said sleeve together comprises wire welding.

15. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein welding at least one of said plurality of edges of said sleeve together comprises sonic welding.

16. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein welding at least one of said plurality of edges of said sleeve together comprises high frequency welding.

17. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein welding at least one of said plurality of edges of said sleeve together comprises radio frequency welding.

18. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 12 wherein creating said sleeve from said sleeve material comprises:

creasing between said second portion and an adhesive flap in said sleeve material; attaching said first portion to said second portion with said adhesive flap; and leaving at least one of a plurality of edges of said sleeve unwelded at an open edge capable of receiving a portion of said machine readable card.

19. The method of protecting a machine readable card of claim 12 wherein creating said sleeve from said sleeve material comprises:

folding said sleeve material at a folded edge between a first panel, a second panel and a third panel of said sleeve;

attaching a portion of said second panel to said third panel

leaving at least one of a plurality of edges of said sleeve unwelded at an open edge capable of receiving a portion of said machine readable card.

20. A system for protecting a machine readable card comprising: a cover having a first side, a second side, a cover height, a cover width, and a cover thickness; and,

a machine readable card comprising one or more machine readable components, a card width and a card height; wherein,

said cover is capable of attaching and covering a portion of said machine readable card, and

said cover is capable of detaching from and reapplying to a portion of said machine readable card.

21. The system for protecting a machine readable card claim 13 wherein said one or more machine readable components comprise a magnetic strip having a magnetic strip height and a magnetic strip width.

22. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 21 wherein said cover protects said magnetic strip by aligning said cover with said magnetic strip and

applying said cover to said machine readable card so as to entirely cover said magnetic strip; further wherein,

said cover height is greater than said magnetic strip height.

23. The system for protecting a machine readable card claim 13 wherein said one or more machine readable components comprise an electronic tag.

24. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 23 wherein said electronic tag comprises an RFI strip.

25. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 23 wherein said electronic tag comprises a wireless communications tag.

26. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover comprises a flexible material.

27. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover comprises a translucent material capable of visually exposing a portion of said second side of said machine readable card.

28. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover comprises a polyester film.

29. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover comprises a printable material capable of receiving one or more graphics.

30. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 29 wherein said graphics comprises a text graphic.

31. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 29 wherein said graphics comprises a logo graphic.

32. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 29 wherein said printable material comprises thermal transfer printable material.

33. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 29 wherein said printable material comprises a matte top-coat to receive said graphics.

34. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 further comprising an adhesive on said second side of said cover; wherein said adhesive is capable of attaching said cover to said machine readable card.

35. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 34 wherein said adhesive comprises an acrylate polymer adhesive.

36. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 34 wherein said adhesive does not comprise an acid; thereby, said machine readable components are not damaged by said cover.

37. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover is capable of attaching to said machine readable card by static electricity.

38. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover thickness is less than 0.081 mm.

39. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein one or more signals from said machine readable components are readable though said cover.

40. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover is repositionable on said machine readable card by pealing said cover from said machine readable card, repositioning said cover on said machine readable card, and reapplying said cover to said machine readable card.

41. The system for protecting a machine readable card of claim 13 wherein said cover width is equal to said card width and

said cover height is equal to said card height.

42. A method for protecting a card comprising: aligning a cover with a portion of a card, and

applying said cover to a second side of said card; wherein,

said cover comprises a first side, said second side, a cover height, a cover width, and a cover thickness;

said card comprises a card width, a card height, a first side, a second side, and a card thickness; and

said cover is capable of detaching from and reapplying to said card.

43. The method for protecting a card of claim 42 further comprising covering a magnetic strip on said card.

44. The method for protecting a card of claim 42 further comprising applying a thumbprint to said card and

covering said thumbprint with said cover.

45. The method for protecting a card of claim 42 further comprising signing said card in a signature block and

covering said signature block with said cover.

46. A system for protecting an identification card comprising: a cover having a first side, a second side, a cover height, a cover width, and a cover thickness; and,

an identification card comprising one or more identification components, a card width and a card height; wherein,

said cover is capable of attaching and covering a portion of said identification card, and

said cover is capable of detaching from and reapplying to said identification card.

47. The system for protecting an identification card of claim 46 said cover comprises a polyester film capable of receiving one or more graphics by thermal transfer.

48. The system for protecting an identification card of claim 46 further comprising an adhesive on said second side of said cover; wherein said adhesive is capable of attaching and covering said portion of said identification card, and

said adhesive comprises an acrylate polymer adhesive.

49. The system for protecting an identification card of claim 46 wherein one or more signals from said identification components are readable though said cover.