Patent Description:
Single panel cards, and in particular cards sized for ready stowage in and retrieval from a wallet or purse, are employed for a wide variety of purposes. For example, such cards may take the form of collector cards, access cards, identity cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, transit cards and transaction cards (e.g. credit, debit and gift cards). Such cards are often associated with a given financial institution and/or merchant of goods and/or services who issues or otherwise promotes the distribution/use of such cards. In turn, such cards often comprise visual and/or functional features unique to or otherwise associable with a corresponding merchant and/or financial institution, thereby enhancing consumer brand recognition and goodwill in relation to the merchant and/or financial institution.

In an effort to distinguish one card from another, cards of the described nature have incorporated increasingly creative features. However, such features often entail significant additional card production expense, thereby curtailing widespread implementation. For example, implementation of such features may entail a degree of customization that is simply too expensive for limited or even widespread card distributions by smaller or otherwise cost-conscience financial institutions and merchants. And, incorporation of such creative features often accomplishes only a single one of two competing objectives, i.e. visible card differentiation or functional card differentiation.

<CIT> describes a dual-interface hybrid metal smartcard with a booster antenna or coupling frame. <CIT> describes a card configured to receive a separate battery. <CIT> describes a chip card with integrated active components.

The present invention relates to an illuminable card, as defined in claim <NUM>, which facilitates the implementation of creative visual/functional illumination features by providing both card customization and card production efficiencies. The illuminable card of the invention comprises: An illuminable card, comprising: a card body, including: an electrically non-conductive carrier layer; and, a first core layer overlying and interconnected to a first side of the carrier layer, wherein the first core layer is at least partially light transmissive; electrically-conductive first and second contact pads, supportably interconnected to the carrier layer in opposing, spaced relation to one another, for receiving a power signal from at least one of an external power supply and/or an on-board power supply; an antenna electrically interconnected at offset positions thereof to different ones of the first and second contact pads, for receiving a contactless power signal from an external source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation; an illuminable patch, supportably interconnected to the carrier layer between the first and second contact pads to illuminate upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads; and, a mask overlying at least a portion of the illuminable patch and defining a predetermined image visible on a first side of the illuminable card upon illumination of the illuminable patch; and wherein the illuminable patch, and the antenna are disposed on and supportably interconnected to a common side of the carrier layer.

Such illumination may be provided for aesthetic and/or for functional purposes. For example, the illumination may provide a visual indication associated with an intended functional use of the illuminable card and/or may provide or otherwise highlight a desired visual image.

For such purposes, the illuminable card includes the mask overlying a portion of the illuminable patch and defining a predetermined image visible on a first side of the illuminable card upon illumination of the illuminable patch. The mask may be patterned to block and permit passage of predetermined portions of light emitted by the illuminable patch to define the predetermined image.

As may be appreciated, the provision of an illuminable patch and overlying mask to define a predetermined image provides numerous advantages relative to design approaches that rely strictly upon customized configuration of illumination sources to obtain the desired image. For example, in disclosed illuminable card embodiments, a base card design may be established so that customization may be readily and inexpensively realized via the utilization of a mask that provides the desired visible image upon illumination of the illuminable patch. By way of example, the predetermined visible image may correspond with a name, logo, character, graphics or other visual representation associated with or otherwise selected by a given entity.

Further, in contemplated embodiments, the first and second contact pads may be defined by elongated, first and second contact rails, respectively. In turn, the utilization of first and second contact rails facilitates ready positioning of the illuminable patch at a plurality of different positions relative thereto during card production, thereby further facilitating card customization while advantageously accommodating use of a base card design to yield production efficiencies. In that regard, opposing edge portions of said first and second contact rails may have corresponding lengths in a first dimension that are each greater than a maximum cross-dimension of the illuminable patch in said first dimension. Additionally or alternatively, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may have corresponding lengths in a first dimension that are each greater than lengths of adjacent, corresponding edge portions of the illuminable patch in the first dimension, thereby facilitating positioning of the illuminable patch at a plurality of different positions relative thereto.

Further, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may extend coincidentally and/or in equispaced relation along the corresponding lengths thereof. For example, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may extend in substantially parallel relation along the corresponding lengths thereof.

In one approach, a rectangular card body may be provided, wherein the opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails extend in parallel relation to a peripheral edge of the card body. For example, the opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may extend parallel to a length edge or a width edge of the illuminable card, thereby accommodating illuminable patch positioning at a plurality of different locations along the length or the width of the illuminable card.

In some implementations, the first and second contact rails may each have a corresponding substantially constant width along the corresponding lengths thereof. In one approach, the first and second contact rails may have the same width along the corresponding lengths thereof. Further, the first and second contact rails may have substantially equal corresponding lengths.

In some embodiments, a first part of the edge portion of the first contact rail may be overlapped by a corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch (i.e. in direct, overlapping contact therewith), and a second part of the first contact rail may extend beyond the corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch in a first dimension (e.g. extending beyond either or both ends of the corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch). In such implementations, the non-overlapped, second part of the edge portion of the first contact rail may have a corresponding length in a first dimension that is at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>%, of a length of the overlapped, first part of the edge portion of the first contact rail in the first dimension.

In some embodiments, the mask may comprise a printed mask, e.g. printed on an inward-facing side and/or outward facing side of the first core layer. The printed mask may comprise at least one or a plurality of printed ink layers, wherein the printed ink is at least partially opaque or substantially opaque so as to block passage of predetermined portions of light emitted by the illuminable patch to yield the predetermined image.

In one approach, the printed mask may define at least a first portion of a first print layer printed on the first core layer. In turn, a second portion of the first print layer may comprise one or more of:.

In another approach, the mask may be defined by removing portions a layer that is at least partially opaque or substantially opaque so as to permit passage of predetermined portions of light emitted by the illuminable patch to yield the predetermined image. For example, a metal foil layer with removed portions may be provided between the illuminable patch and the first core layer.

In some implementations, the first portion and the second portion of the first print layer may be printed as part of a continuous printing operation to further facilitate production efficiencies. Optionally, a second print layer may be printed on a side of the first core layer that opposes the side on which the first print layer is printed, wherein the second print layer comprises one or more of:.

In some arrangements, the illuminable patch may comprise an electrically conductive matrix (e.g. defined by a plurality of electrically conductive particles) and a plurality of illuminable diodes disposed between the first and second contact pads, or rails, wherein the illuminable diodes illuminate when a power signal is received at the first and second contact pads. In one approach, the diodes may be disposed on the downward-facing side of the carrier layer with at least a portion of the electrically conductive matrix disposed over the diodes, wherein a portion of the electrically conductive matrix may overlap and thereby directly contact a portion of the first contact pad, or rail, and wherein the electrically conductive matrix may be slightly spaced from or in direct contact with the second contact pad, or rail. In such arrangements, the carrier layer may be transparent to allow light emitted by illuminable patch to pass therethrough.

Optionally, a phosphorescent patch may be provided in overlapping relation to the illuminable patch so as to fluoresce upon illumination of the illuminable patch, e.g. between the illuminable patch and the mask. The phosphorescent patch may have substantially the same configuration as the configuration of the illuminable patch. In one approach, the phosphorescent patch may be supportably interconnected to the upward-facing side of the carrier layer in opposing relation to the illuminable patch. In another approach, the phosphorescent patch may be supportably interconnected to the downward-facing side of the carrier layer, with the illuminable patch supportably disposed thereupon (e.g. a plurality of diodes may be supportably disposed over the phosphorescent patch with an electrically conductive matrix supportably disposed over the diodes).

In some embodiments, the illuminable card may comprise an optional translucent layer that is located in overlapping relation to the illuminable patch, between the illuminable patch and the overlying mask, and that includes at least a portion that extends to a peripheral edge of the illuminable card. In turn, a portion of light emitted by the illuminable patch may be internally reflected within the translucent layer and directed to the peripheral edge of the illuminable card to illuminate such peripheral edge, thereby providing a distinctive feature to the illuminable card. In one approach, the translucent layer may comprise a sheet-like layer that extends to and about the entirety of the peripheral edge of the illuminable card. For example, when a rectangular illuminable card is provided, each of the length edges and width edges may be illuminated by the translucent layer upon illumination of the illuminable patch. Optionally, the translucent layer may comprise a fluorescent pigment, or dye.

In contemplated embodiments, the card body may further include a second core layer interconnected to the carrier layer on a side opposite to the first core layer, and/or a metal layer (e.g. a metal foil layer) interconnected to the carrier layer on a side opposite to the first core layer. In conjunction with such embodiments, the first core layer, and the second core layer and/or metal layer may be of a common peripheral configuration so that each layer extends continuously around a peripheral edge of the illuminable card.

Various approaches may be implemented to provide for the receipt of a power signal from an external power supply. In the present invention, the illuminable card comprises a first antenna, electrically coupled or couplable at offset locations thereof (e.g. at or near opposite ends thereof) to different ones of the first and second contact pads, for receiving a contactless signal from an external source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation which can provide a power signal at the first and second contact pads. The first antenna is supportably interconnected to the carrier layer. In some implementations, the first antenna may be supportably interconnected to the downward-facing side of the carrier layer, wherein the first antenna may extend about the first and second contact pads, or rails, and the illuminable patch. In other implementations, the first antenna may be supportably interconnected to the upward-facing side of the carrier layer, opposite to the downward-facing side of the carrier layer, wherein the first antenna may extend in non-overlapping relation to and about the first and second contact pads, or rails, and the illuminable patch, and wherein the first antenna is electrically coupled or couplable to the first and second contact pads via an electrically conductive bridge that extends through the carrier layer.

In some arrangements, a film layer(s) may be interconnected to either or both sides of the carrier layer in overlapping relation the components supportably interconnected to the carrier layer (e.g. first and second contact pads, illuminable patch, optional first antenna, optional phosphorescent patch, optional second antenna referenced below, etc.) to define a pre-laminated inlay. For example, transparent film layers may be adhesively attached to and cover the entirety of each side of the carrier layer and supported components, thereby providing a pre-laminated inlay to facilitate assembly and interconnection (e.g. via lamination) with additional layers of the illuminable card (e.g. second core layer, metal layer, outer protective layers, adhesive and/or thermoset interconnecting layers, etc.).

In some implementations, the illuminable card may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip disposed in a pocket that extends into the illuminable card on the first side thereof, and a second antenna electrically coupled or couplable to the IC chip for receiving a contactless signal from an external contactless chip card reader that includes a source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation, wherein the contactless signal is received by the first antenna and the second antenna to provide a power signal at the first and second contact pads and a combined power/data signal to the IC chip, respectively. In the later regard, IC chip and contactless chip card reader may be provided for contactless data transmissions therebetween. In contemplated arrangements, the second antenna may be supportably interconnected to the carrier member (e.g. supportably interconnected to the same side or the opposite side to which the first antenna and/or first and second contact pads, or rails, are supportably interconnected).

In some embodiments, the first antenna may comprise a first plurality of metallic loops and the second antenna may comprise a second plurality of metallic loops, wherein the second plurality of metallic loops extend about the first plurality of metallic loops, e.g. on the same side or an opposite side of the carrier layer. Further, the first plurality of metallic loops and second plurality of metallic loops may be provided to extend about the first and second contact pads and the illuminable patch on the same side or an opposite side of the carrier layer.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the illuminable card may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip disposed in a pocket that extends into the illuminable card on the first side thereof, wherein the first antenna is electrically coupled or couplable to the IC chip for receiving a contactless signal from an external contactless chip card reader that includes a source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. In turn, the contactless signal is received by the first antenna to provide a power signal at the first and second contact pads and a combined power/data signal to the IC chip. In the later regard, IC chip and contactless chip card reader may be provided for contactless data transmissions therebetween.

In another approach for utilizing an external power supply, the illuminable card may comprise an IC chip electrically interconnected to a plurality of contact pads disposed for receiving a contact electrical power/data signal from an external contact chip card reader, wherein the IC chip and contact chip card reader may be provided for contact data transmissions therebetween. In conjunction with such approach, the first and second contact pads, or rails, may be electrically interconnected to different ones of the plurality of contact pads and/or corresponding contact terminals of the integrated circuit chip for receiving a power signal to illuminate the illuminable patch. In one approach, the IC chip and plurality of contact pads may be disposed in a pocket that extends in to the illuminable card from the first side thereof. In turn, metallic, first and second connection lines may be supportably disposed on the carrier layer and interconnected to and between the first and second contact pads, or rails, and different ones of the plurality of contact pads and/or corresponding contact terminals of the integrated circuit chip, respectively.

The first core layer, second core layer, and protective, outer film layers may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, polyester, and/or polycarbonate). Further, the carrier layer may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate and/or polycarbonate). Additionally, the various layers described herein may be interconnected via lamination, with thermo-adhesive polymer-based layers and/or thermosetting, polymer-based layers disposed between adjacent one of the layers.

In modified embodiments incorporating one or more of the foregoing features, an illuminable card may include a card body comprising interconnected, electrically non-conductive first and second carrier layers, and a first core layer overlying and interconnected to the second carrier layer. Electrically-conductive first and second contact pads may be supportably interconnected to an upward-facing side of the first carrier layer for receiving a power signal from one of an external power supply (i.e. a contactless and/or contact power supply not included in the illuminable card) and an on-board power supply (e.g. a battery or the like). Further, an illuminable patch may be supportably interconnected to a downward-facing side of the second carrier layer, facing the first carrier layer, for electrical coupling with the first contact pad and second contact pad, wherein the illuminable patch illuminates upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads. Such illumination may be provided through the first core layer on a first side of the illuminable card and/or at a peripheral edge of the illuminable card.

In contemplated implementations, the second carrier layer may be transparent or translucent. In the later regard, at least a portion of light emitted by the illuminable patch may be internally reflected in a translucent second carrier layer and directed to a peripheral edge of the illuminable card to illuminate the peripheral edge.

In some embodiments, the illuminable patch may be of an elongate configuration and located to extend along at least a portion or an entirety of a peripheral edge of the illuminable card. For example, the illuminable patch may extend along and in parallel relation to one peripheral side edge, a plurality of peripheral side edges (e.g. opposing and/or contiguous side edges), or the entire peripheral edge of a rectangular illuminable card. In one approach, the illuminable patch may extend along an entirety of a peripheral edge of the illuminable card to define a frame-like configuration (e.g. a rectangular frame). In such embodiments, the illuminable patch may define an open field on the second carrier for overlapped positioning relative to one or more antennas provided on the first carrier layer, as otherwise described herein. Further, a phosphorescent patch may be provided in overlapping relation to the illuminable patch, and may have a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration of the illuminable patch (e.g. a frame-like configuration).

In some implementations, the first and second contact pads may be defined by elongated, first and second contact rails, respectively. In turn, the illuminable patch may be configured for positioning between and electrical coupling with the first and second contact rails at a plurality of different positions relative thereto (e.g. the illuminable patch may be a polygonal, ellipsoid or other closed configuration and located within a central field of the second carrier in spaced relation to a peripheral edge thereof). Such positioning may be defined during card production, thereby facilitating card customization while advantageously accommodating use of a base card design to yield production efficiencies. Additionally or alternatively, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may have corresponding lengths in a first dimension that are each greater than a maximum cross-dimension of the illuminable patch in the first dimension. Further, the opposing edge portions may have lengths great than adj acent, corresponding edge portions of the illuminable patch in the first dimension, thereby facilitating positioning of the illuminable patch at a plurality of different positions relative thereto.

Additionally, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may extend coincidentally and/or in equispaced relation along the corresponding lengths thereof. For example, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails may extend in substantially parallel relation along the corresponding lengths thereof.

In some embodiments, a first part of the edge portion of the first contact rail may be overlapped by a corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch (i.e. in direct, overlapping contact therewith), and a second part of the first contact rail may extend beyond the corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch in a first dimension (e.g. extending beyond either or both ends of the corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch). In such implementations, the non-overlapped, second part of the edge portion of the first contact rail may have a corresponding length in a first dimension that is at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% , of a length of the overlapped, first part of the edge portion of the first contact rail in the first dimension.

In some implementations, the first antenna may be supportably interconnected to the upward-facing side of the first carrier layer, wherein the first antenna may be located to extend about the first and second contact pads, or rails. The first antenna may be also located to extend about an illuminable patch that is positioned between the first and second contact pads, or rails, for electrical coupling therewith.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first antenna may be located to extend within and in non-overlapping relation to an elongated illuminable patch that extends along one or a plurality of side edges of a rectangular illuminable card. For example, the first antenna may be located within an open field defined by a frame-like illuminable patch, as otherwise described herein. In such arrangements, first and second electrical contacts may be supportably disposed on the downward-facing side of the second carrier layer in electrical contact with and between different, offset portions of the elongated illuminable patch and different ones of the first and second contact pads, wherein electrically non-conductive material may be provided between the first and second electrical contacts and the first antenna in over-lapped regions thereof.

In the present invention, the illuminable card includes a mask overlying a portion of an illuminable patch positioned and defining a predetermined image visible on a first side of the illuminable card upon illumination of the illuminable patch. The mask may be patterned to block and permit passage of predetermined portions of light emitted by the illuminable patch to define the predetermined image.

a printed flood layer extending across substantially all of an inward-facing side or outward-facing side of the first core layer.

As noted, a phosphorescent patch may be provided in overlapping relation to the illuminable patch so as to fluoresce upon illumination of the illuminable patch, e.g. between the illuminable patch and the mask. The phosphorescent patch may have substantially the same configuration as the configuration of the illuminable patch. In one approach, the phosphorescent patch may be supportably interconnected to an upward-facing side of the second carrier layer in opposing relation to the illuminable patch. In another approach, the phosphorescent patch may be supportably interconnected to the downward facing t side of the second carrier layer, with the illuminable patch supportably disposed thereupon.

In contemplated embodiments, the card body may further include a second core layer interconnected to the downward-facing side of the first carrier layer, i.e. on a side opposite to the second carrier layer, and/or a metal layer (e.g. a metal foil layer) interconnected to the first carrier layer on the downward-facing side, i.e. opposite to the second carrier layer. In conjunction with such embodiments, the first core layer and the second core layer and/or metal layer may be of a common peripheral configuration so that each layer extends continuously around a peripheral edge of the illuminable card.

In some arrangements, a film layer(s) may be interconnected to either or both of the downward-facing side of the first carrier layer and/or the upward-facing side of the second carrier layer in overlapping relation the components supportably interconnected to the first carrier layer and second carrier layer (e.g. first and second contact pads, illuminable patch, optional first antenna, optional phosphorescent patch, optional second antenna referenced below, etc.) to define a pre-laminated inlay. For example, transparent film layers may be adhesively attached to and cover the entirety of the downward-facing side of the first carrier layer and upward-facing side of the second carrier layer and supported components, thereby providing a pre-laminated inlay to facilitate assembly and interconnection (e.g. via lamination) with additional layers of the illuminable card (e.g. second core layer, metal layer, outer protective layers, adhesive and/or thermoset interconnecting layers, etc.).

The first core layer, second core layer, and protective, outer film layers may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, polyester, and/or polycarbonate). Further, the first and second carrier layers may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate and/or polycarbonate). Additionally, the various layers described herein may be interconnected via lamination, with thermo-adhesive polymer-based layers and/or thermosetting, polymer-based layers disposed between adjacent one of the layers.

In some arrangements, the illuminable patch may comprise a substantially clear, electrically-conductive layer supportably disposed on a carrier layer for electrical coupling with a first contact pad (e.g. direct or capacitive coupling), or rail, provided on the same or another carrier layer, an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of illuminable diodes supportably disposed on the electrically-conductive layer, and an electrically-conductive pad supportably disposed on the intermediate layer for electrical coupling with a second contact pad (e.g. direct or capacitive coupling), or rail, provided on the same or another carrier layer. In the later regard, the electrically-pad may be electrically isolated from the electrically-conductive layer by a layer of electrically non-conductive material disposed therebetween.

In examples of methods and multiple cards, not belonging to the claimed invention, each of the cards may include:.

In a further example, not belonging to the claimed invention, for a first portion of said plurality of illuminable cards each corresponding illuminable card may include:.

Additionally, for a second portion of the plurality of illuminable cards, each corresponding illuminable card further may include:.

In some examples, not belonging to the claimed invention, for each illuminable card of the first portion of the plurality of illuminable cards the corresponding commonly-configured first illuminable patch may be disposed in a common first location relative to the corresponding first and second contact pads, or rails. In a further example, not part of the claims, for each illuminable card of the second portion of the plurality of illuminable cards the corresponding commonly-configured second illuminable patch may be disposed in a common second location relative to the corresponding first and second contact pads, or rails, wherein said first relative location said second relative location are different.

In some general examples, the commonly-configured first illuminable patch and the commonly configured second illuminable patch may be different configurations. In turn, the commonly-configured first illuminable patch and the commonly configured second illuminable patch may be provided to define substantially common electrical loads (e.g. by comprising common areas and common materials).

In some examples, not belonging to the claimed invention, for each illuminable card of the first portion of the plurality of illuminable cards common first printing (e.g. the same graphics and/or human-readable printing) may be provided on the corresponding first core layer, and for each illuminable card of the second portion of the plurality of illuminable cards common second printing (e.g. the same graphics and/or human-readable printing) may be provided on the corresponding first core layer, wherein said first common printing and second common printing are different.

In such method and multiple card examples, that are not claimed, the illuminable cards comprising the first portion of the plurality of card may have additional first common card features as described in relation to any of the illuminable card embodiments described herein, with the exception of visible account indicia and other personalization data, and the illuminable cards comprising the second portion of the plurality of cards may have additional second common card features as described in relation to any of the illuminable card embodiments described herein, with the exception of visible account indicia and other personalization data. As may be appreciated, one or more of such additional first common card features and additional second common card features may be different.

<FIG> is an exploded assembly view of one embodiment of an illuminable card <NUM> that includes a card body comprising an electrically non-conductive carrier layer <NUM>, and a first core layer <NUM> overlying and interconnected to an upward-facing side of the carrier layer <NUM>. In some implementations, the first core layer <NUM> may be at least partially light transmissive (e.g. transparent or translucent) or opaque. The illuminable card <NUM> further includes electrically-conductive first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>, defined by corresponding rails in the illustrated embodiment, supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> in opposing, spaced relation to one another for receiving a power signal. Additionally, the illuminable card <NUM> includes an illuminable patch <NUM> supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> to provide an electrical current pathway between the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the illuminable patch illuminates upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>. Such illumination may be provided through the first core layer <NUM> on a first side of the illuminable card <NUM> and/or through a peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM>. The illumination may be provided for aesthetic and/or for functional purposes. For example, the illumination may provide a visual indication associated with an intended functional use of the illuminable card and/or may provide or otherwise highlight a desired visual image.

As shown, the illuminable card <NUM> includes a mask <NUM> overlying at least a portion of the illuminable patch <NUM> and defining a predetermined image <NUM> on the first side of the illuminable card <NUM> upon illumination of the illuminable patch <NUM>. As will be further described, the mask <NUM> permits passage of and blocks passage of different portions of the illumination to provide the predetermined image <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a first antenna <NUM> is included in illuminable card <NUM> to receive a contactless signal from an external source of radio-frequency radiation, and to provide the power signal at the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>. In that regard, first antenna <NUM> may comprise a continuous length of metal defining one or more loops and having offset locations (e.g. opposing ends) interconnected to different ones of the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, first antenna <NUM> is supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM>, and may be disposed to extend about the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> and illuminable patch <NUM>.

In the example, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, the illuminable patch <NUM>, and the first antenna <NUM> are disposed on and supportably interconnected to a common side of carrier layer <NUM>. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, the illuminable patch <NUM>, and the first antenna <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to a downward-facing, first side of carrier layer <NUM>, with metallic cross-connection bridges between first antenna <NUM> and first and second rails <NUM>, <NUM> being provided on and through the carrier layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first antenna <NUM> may be disposed on an upward-facing, second side of carrier layer <NUM>, opposite to the first side thereof, with metallic cross-connection bridges between first antenna <NUM> and first and second rails <NUM>, <NUM> being provided on and through the carrier layer <NUM>. By way of example, and as shown in <FIG>, a metallic bridge <NUM> (shown in phantom) may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to carrier layer <NUM>, wherein metallic cross-connections may be provided through carrier layer <NUM> between an end of first antenna <NUM> and first contact rail <NUM>.

In some arrangements, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, first antenna <NUM>, and bridge <NUM> may be defined by metallic layer(s) supportably disposed on carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. via plating and etching operations). In other arrangements, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and bridge <NUM> may be defined by metallic wire supportably disposed on and partially embedded in the carrier layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> and the illuminable patch <NUM> may be provided to facilitate positioning of the illuminable patch <NUM> at any one of a plurality of different positions relative to the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> during manufacture, wherein the illuminable patch is functional for illumination at any one of the positions. In that regard, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> may have corresponding lengths in a first dimension that are greater than a maximum cross-dimension of the illuminable patch <NUM> in the first dimension. Additionally or alternatively, the opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> may have corresponding lengths in a first dimension that are greater than the lengths of adjacent, corresponding edge portions of the illuminable patch <NUM> in the first dimension, as shown in <FIG>.

Further, the opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> may extend coincidentally and/or in equispaced spaced relation along the corresponding lengths thereof. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> may extend in substantially parallel relation to each other and in relation to a peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM>. Additionally, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a corresponding substantially constant width along the corresponding lengths thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, a first part of the edge portion of the first contact rail <NUM> may be overlapped by the corresponding edge portion of the illuminable patch <NUM>, wherein a second part of the first contact rail <NUM> extends beyond the corresponding edge portion of the illuminable path in the first dimension noted above (e.g. the second part may extend in either or both directions beyond the overlapped, first part in the first dimension). To facilitate positioning of the illuminable patch <NUM> at a number of different positions relative to first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> during manufacture, the non-overlapped, second part may have a corresponding total length in the first dimension that is at least <NUM>%, and in some embodiments at least <NUM>%, of a length of the overlapped, first part in the first dimension.

The illuminable patch <NUM> may assume a range of different configurations, including a polygonal configuration (e.g. a rectangular configuration as shown and described in relation to <FIG>,<FIG> and <FIG> below), or an ellipsoid configuration (e.g. a circular configuration as shown and described below in relation to <FIG>), or an elongate configuration (e.g. a rectangular frame-like configuration as shown and described below in relation to <FIG>).

In at least some contemplated applications in which a plurality of illuminable cards <NUM> are provided that have different corresponding designs, it may be desirable to employ corresponding illuminable patches <NUM> having configurations that each present a substantially common electrical load upon receipt of a substantially common power signal. In that regard, in some implementations the material(s) utilized to define the illuminable patches <NUM> may be substantially the same for each of the illuminable cards <NUM>, thereby providing for a substantially common load per unit area upon illumination. Further, the illuminable patches <NUM> may be of a substantially common area. Such approach is of particular benefit for applications in which the plurality of illuminable cards <NUM> with different corresponding designs are intended for use with external sources of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation that provide contactless power signals at the same or substantially the same frequency (e.g. a contactless transaction card reader provided for signal transmissions to/from contactless transaction cards at a frequency of about <NUM>).

As may be appreciated, the mask <NUM> may define a predetermined pattern that blocks and permits passage of predetermined portions of the light emitted by the illuminable patch <NUM> to define the predetermined image <NUM>. For example, mask <NUM> may be provided to permit a greater degree of light passage through a pattern area corresponding with human-readable characters and other configurations corresponding with a given logo, name, character, scene or other image selected by a given customer.

As shown in <FIG>, the mask <NUM> may be disposed in overlying, corresponding relation to any of the positions at which the illuminable patch <NUM> may be located during manufacture, between the illuminable patch <NUM> and the overlying first core layer <NUM>. In one approach, the mask <NUM> may be defined as part of an optional print layer <NUM> that may be provided on an inward-facing side of the first core layer <NUM>. For example, the print layer <NUM> may comprise an opaque or substantially opaque ink layer (e.g. an ink of any desired color) that is printed across at least a predetermined portion of an inward-facing side of the first core layer <NUM> so as to extend about and thereby define the predetermined pattern of the mask <NUM>, thereby allowing for light passage through the predetermined pattern. In that regard, the print layer <NUM> may be provided to comply with visual opacity requirements of ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>. In one approach, the print layer may extend across the entirety of an inward-facing side or outward-facing side of the first core layer <NUM>, with exception of the predetermined pattern of the mask <NUM>. In another approach, the mask <NUM> may be supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> in overlying relation to the illuminable patch <NUM>.

In various embodiments, illuminable card <NUM> may include one or more additional features. For example, an optional phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be supportably disposed on the carrier layer <NUM> in overlying, corresponding relation to any of the positions at which the illuminable patch <NUM> may be located during manufacture, between the underlying illuminable patch <NUM> and the overlying mask <NUM>. In such embodiments the phosphorescent patch <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the illuminable patch <NUM>.

In one approach, phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be defined by a coating comprising a phosphorescent material that is supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> in overlying relation to the illuminable patch <NUM>. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, a phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be supportably disposed on the upward-facing, second side of carrier layer <NUM>, in overlapping relation to the illuminable patch <NUM> disposed on the downward-facing, first side of carrier layer <NUM>. The phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be provided to effectively convert a visible blue tone illumination of diodes comprising illuminable patch <NUM> to a visible white tone illumination, thereby further enhancing the aesthetic and/or functional features of the illuminable card <NUM>.

As an additional optional feature, illuminable card <NUM> may include a translucent layer <NUM> that is located in overlying relation to the illuminable patch <NUM>, between the illuminable patch <NUM> and the overlying mask <NUM>, and that includes at least a portion to a peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM>. In turn, a portion of light emitted by the illuminable patch <NUM> may be internally reflected within the translucent layer <NUM> and thereby directed to the peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM> to illuminate the peripheral edge. In one approach, the translucent layer <NUM> may comprise a sheet-like layer that comprises a translucent, polymer-based material (e.g. a material comprising an acrylic polymer, a polycarbonate polymer, or the like), and that extends to a peripheral edge that extends about the entirety of the peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM>. In some embodiments, a translucent, polymer-based material may be utilized that also comprises a fluorescent pigment, or dye, that may be clear or colored for a given application.

As an additional optional feature, illuminable card <NUM> may include a film layer(s) (not shown), interconnected to either or both sides of the carrier layer <NUM> in overlapping relation to the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, illuminable patch <NUM>, first antenna <NUM>, and/or phosphorescent patch <NUM> (if included), so as define a pre-laminated inlay. For example, a separate film layer may be adhesively attached to and cover the entirety of each side of the carrier layer <NUM>, thereby yielding a pre-connected assembly. The film layer(s) may be transparent to allow for the passage of light emitted by illuminable patch <NUM> therethrough. Additionally, printing may be provided on the film layer(s). For example, a printed mask <NUM> may be provided in overlapping relation to illuminable patch <NUM> (e.g. printed as part of a print layer in a manner analogous to print layer <NUM> described herein). The film layer(s) may comprise polymer-based materials.

In contemplated embodiments, the card body of illuminable card <NUM> may further include one or a plurality of additional layers disposed on a downward-facing side of the carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. on an opposing side to the first core layer <NUM>). For example, and as shown in <FIG>, an optional second core layer <NUM> may be interconnected to a downward-facing side of the carrier layer <NUM>. As will be further described below, printing may be provided on either or both of the first core layer <NUM> and second core layer <NUM>, wherein such printing is visible from a first side and/or second side of the illuminable card. In turn, a protective, transparent outer film layer(s) may be provided on an outward-facing side of each of the first core layer <NUM> and second core layer <NUM> (if provided). In some embodiments, one or both of the outer film layer(s) may be laser engravable to facilitate the provision of personalization data, as discussed herein.

The first core layer <NUM> (e.g. about. <NUM> inch thick), second core layer <NUM> (e.g. about. <NUM> inch thick), and protective, outer film layers may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, polyester, and/or polycarbonate). Further, the carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. about. <NUM> inch thick) may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate and/or polycarbonate). Additionally, the various layers described herein may be interconnected via lamination, with thermo-adhesive polymer-based layers or thermosetting, polymer-based layers disposed between adjacent one of the layers.

The illuminable card <NUM> may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, the illuminable card <NUM> may be provided as a collector card, an identity card, an access card, a loyalty card, a membership card, a transit card, or a transaction card. In the later regard, and as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, illuminable card <NUM> may be provided with additional features for use as a transaction card.

In particular, and as shown in <FIG>, the card body of illuminable card <NUM> may define a card configuration having at a length L, a width W and a thickness in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>. In that regard, the first core layer <NUM>, the second core layer <NUM> (if provided), and the outer film layer(s) (if provided) may each be of a common length and width, in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>, and thereby accommodating lamination of such layers in an interconnected assembly. Additionally, and as shown in <FIG>, the carrier layer <NUM>, and optional translucent layer <NUM> and pre-laminated inlay film layers, may each be of the same length and width, in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>, and thereby accommodating lamination of such layers in an interconnected assembly.

Further, in the transaction card form illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the illuminable card <NUM> may include a number of features to accommodate use with magnetic stripe card reader and/or a contact chip card reader and/or a contactless chip card reader. In particular, and as shown in <FIG>, an integrated circuit (IC) chip module <NUM> (e.g. including at least an IC chip) and a second antenna <NUM> may be included for contactless signal transmissions to/from a contactless chip card reader, e.g. radio-frequency radiation signals that provide a power/data signal to the IC chip module <NUM> via second antenna <NUM> and that provide a power signal at first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> via first antenna <NUM>. As may be appreciated, such contactless signals may provide for data transmissions between the contactless chip card reader and the IC chip module <NUM> (e.g. data transmissions attendant to the completion of a payment transaction utilizing the illuminable card <NUM>). In that regard, the IC chip module <NUM> and second antenna <NUM> may be provided for operation in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the second antenna <NUM> may comprise a continuous length of metal supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> and defining one or more outer loop(s) 76a. In one approach, the outer loops(s) 76a may be disposed to extend about the first antenna <NUM>, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and illuminable patch <NUM> on the first side of the carrier layer <NUM>, e.g. the outer loops(s) 76a may extend about a peripheral edge portion of the carrier layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the second antenna <NUM> may be correspondingly disposed on and supportably interconnected to the second side of carrier layer <NUM>.

In some arrangements, the second antenna <NUM> may be defined by metallic layer(s) supportably disposed on carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. via plating and etching operations). In other arrangements, the second antenna <NUM> may be defined by metallic wire supportably disposed on and partially embedded in the carrier layer <NUM>.

Various approaches may be utilized to provide for electrical coupling between the second antenna <NUM> and the IC chip module <NUM>. For example, in some approaches the IC chip module <NUM> may be embedded within the illuminable card <NUM> and directly interconnected to the second antenna <NUM> (e.g. two opposing ends of the outer loop(s) 76a may be electrically interconnected to different ones of a plurality of contacts provided on an IC chip of the IC chip module <NUM>).

In the approach shown in <FIG> and <FIG> the illuminable card <NUM> may include a pocket <NUM> that extends in to a first side of the illuminable card <NUM> and that is adapted to receive the IC chip module <NUM> for electrical coupling with the second antenna <NUM>. In some implementations, the IC chip module <NUM> may include an electrically non-conductive substrate, an IC chip supportably interconnected to an inward-facing side of the substrate, and a plurality of contact pads supportably interconnected to an outward-facing side of the substrate and electrically interconnect through the substrate to different ones of a plurality of contacts of the IC chip. In the later regard, the plurality of contact pads may be provided for contact signal transmissions to/from a contact chip card reader, e.g. electrical signals that provide power to the IC chip module <NUM> and that provide for data transmission between the contact chip card reader and the IC chip module <NUM> (e.g. data transmissions attendant to the completion of a payment transaction utilizing the illuminable card <NUM>). In that regard, the IC chip module <NUM> and plurality of contact pads may be provided for operation in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>. As may be appreciated, in such implementations the illuminable card <NUM> may be utilized as a dual interface transaction card.

In some arrangements, the IC chip module <NUM> may further include a coupling antenna supportably interconnected to an inward-facing side of the substrate and electrically interconnected to the IC chip of the IC chip module <NUM>. For example, coupling antenna may comprise a continuous length of metal defining one or more loop(s) extending about the IC chip and electrically interconnected to different ones of a plurality of contacts of the IC chip. In turn, the second antenna <NUM> may be provided for inductive coupling with the coupling antenna of the IC chip module <NUM>. More particularly, and as shown in <FIG>, second antenna <NUM> may include one or more inner loop(s) 76b, wherein the outer loop(s) 76a and inner loop(s) 76b are defined by the continuous length of metal. The inner loop(s) 76b may be disposed so that, when the IC chip module <NUM> is secured in the pocket <NUM>, the inner loop(s) 76b and the coupling antenna of the IC chip module <NUM> are positioned in opposing, spaced relation for inductive coupling. As shown in <FIG>, a metallic bridge <NUM> (shown in phantom) may be supportably interconnected to an upward-facing, second side of carrier layer <NUM>, wherein metallic cross-connections may be provided through carrier layer <NUM> to electrically interconnect an end of outer loop(s) 76a and an end of inner loop(s) 76b.

In another approach, the IC chip module <NUM> may be provided for direct or inductive coupling with the first antenna <NUM>, free from inclusion of a second antenna <NUM>. In such arrangements, the first antenna <NUM> may be utilized to receive contactless RF signals from a contactless card reader to provide a power signal at first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and to provide a power/data signal to the IC chip of IC chip module <NUM>.

In some arrangements, the second antenna <NUM>, first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, first antenna <NUM>, and bridge <NUM> (if necessary) may be defined by metallic layer(s) supportably disposed on carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. via plating and etching operations). In other arrangements, the second antenna <NUM>, first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and bridge <NUM> (if necessary) may defined by metallic wire that is supportably disposed on and partially embedded in the carrier layer <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG> and <FIG> which illustrate optional printing <NUM> visible from a first side of the illuminable card <NUM> and optional printing <NUM> visible from a second side of the illuminable card <NUM>, respectively. Printing <NUM> and/or <NUM> may comprise one or more predetermined print regions that include corresponding graphics (e.g. a pictorial scene, a logo, a photo, etc.), corresponding human-readable characters (e.g. numbers, letters, and/or representations thereof) and/or one or more corresponding machine-readable markings (e.g. a bar code, a multi-dimensional matrix code, etc.), as described in relation to print layer <NUM>. As shown, printing <NUM> may be provided in offset relation to the mask <NUM>. In that regard, some or all of the printing <NUM> may be provided as a portion of the print layer <NUM>, wherein the print layer <NUM> may be defined in a continuous printing operation utilizing a plurality of print stations.

Printing <NUM> may be forward printed on an outward-facing side of the transparent first core layer <NUM> (e.g. regardless of whether the first core layer <NUM> is transparent, translucent or opaque), or reverse printed on an inward-facing side of the transparent first core layer <NUM>. Similarly, printing <NUM> may be forward printed on an outward-facing side of the second core layer <NUM> (e.g. regardless of whether the second core layer <NUM> is transparent, translucent or opaque), or reverse printed on an inward-facing side of the second core layer <NUM> if the second core layer <NUM> is transparent.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable card <NUM> may also include personalization data 24a, 24b comprising visible indicia indicative of or otherwise corresponding with an account or record uniquely associated with the illuminable card <NUM> (e.g. a payment account administered by or on behalf of a card issuer payment institution, a membership account administered by card issuer merchant institution, etc.). In some embodiments, visible personalization indicia 24a and/or 24b may be provided by embossing the card body of the illuminable card <NUM> to define the indicia. In other embodiments, visible personalization indicia 24a and/or 24b may be defined by printing on one or both of the first core layer <NUM> and/or second core layer <NUM>. In still other embodiments, visible personalization indicia 24a and/or 24b may be defined at an outward-facing surface of the illuminable card <NUM> (e.g. by at least one of laser engraving, ink jet printing and thermoprinting).

The visible personalization indicia 24a may comprise human-readable characters indicative of a corresponding account (e.g. account number). Further, visible personalization indicia 24b may include additional human-readable data corresponding with a given account, including a corresponding card expiration date, a corresponding account service grade level, and/or corresponding customer-specific data (e.g. customer name, customer duration, data, etc.). In the illuminable card <NUM> embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, visible indicia 24a, 24b are provided for viewing from a first side of the transaction card <NUM>. In other embodiments, visible indicia 24a and/or 24b may be also or alternately provided for viewing from the second side of the transaction card <NUM>. As may be appreciated, the visible indicia 24a, 24b may be provided as personalization data on illuminable card <NUM> as a part of card personalization processing.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable card <NUM> may also include a magnetic stripe <NUM> affixed to the second side of the illuminable card <NUM>. The magnetic stripe <NUM> may be encoded during card personalization with personalization data unique to the illuminable card <NUM> (e.g. data corresponding with the account indicated by visible indicia 24a). The magnetic stripe <NUM> may be provided in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>. As further shown, a signature block <NUM> and/or hologram <NUM> may also be affixed to the second side of the transaction card <NUM> (e.g. via hot-stamping).

Reference is now made to <FIG> which illustrates a bottom view of the carrier layer <NUM> shown in <FIG> (i.e. the first side of the carrier layer <NUM>), together with the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, the illuminable patch <NUM>, the first antenna <NUM>, and the second antenna <NUM>, as supportably interconnected to the downward-facing, first side of the carrier layer <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminable patch <NUM> may include a plurality of illuminable diodes <NUM> disposed between the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and an electrically-conductive matrix <NUM> disposed over the plurality of diodes <NUM> between the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the plurality of illuminable diodes illuminate when a power signal is received at the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>. In one approach, the plurality of illuminable diodes <NUM> may be provided by disposing a suspension that comprises the diodes on a surface of the carrier layer <NUM>. In turn, the electrically-conductive matrix <NUM> may be provided by disposing another suspension that comprises metallic particles (e.g. silver-containing particles) over the plurality of diodes <NUM>. As shown, the electrically-conductive matrix <NUM> may overlap and thereby directly contact the first contact rail <NUM>, and may be slightly spaced from the second contact rail <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable patch <NUM> may be advantageously located at any of a continuum of locations along the first and second contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. Such locations may extend across a length of the carrier layer <NUM>, and correspondingly across a corresponding length of the illuminable card <NUM>, thereby facilitating customized placement for a given customer and associated mask design.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic, side cross-sectional view of the carrier layer <NUM> and supportably interconnected components shown in <FIG>. As illustrated, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, illuminable patch <NUM>, first antenna <NUM>, and second antenna <NUM> (i.e. as defined by outer loops 76a and inner loops 76b) may be supportably disposed on the downward-facing, first side of carrier layer <NUM>. In turn, bridge <NUM> and bridge <NUM> may be supportably disposed on the second side of carrier layer <NUM> and may extend therethrough to establish the illustrated cross-connections, otherwise described herein. <FIG> further illustrates the optional inclusion of a phosphorescent patch <NUM>, supportably interconnected to the upward-facing, second side of carrier layer <NUM> in overlapping relation to illuminable patch <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of the carrier layer <NUM> and supportably interconnected components shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown, second antenna <NUM> and bridge <NUM> are supportably disposed on the upward-facing, second side of carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. in non-overlapping relation to first antenna <NUM>).

In view of the unique customization opportunities afforded by the present invention, numerous additional embodiments can be recognized. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate bottom views of modified embodiments of the carrier layer <NUM> shown in <FIG> (i.e. the first side of the carrier layer <NUM>), together with first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, illuminable patch <NUM>, first antenna <NUM>, and second antenna <NUM>, as supportably interconnected to the first side of the carrier layer <NUM>. In such modified embodiments, the illuminable patch <NUM> may include a plurality of illuminable diodes <NUM> disposed between the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and an electrically-conductive matrix <NUM> disposed over the plurality of diodes <NUM> between the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the plurality of illuminable diodes illuminate when a power signal is received at the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>. In one approach, the plurality of illuminable diodes <NUM> may be provided by disposing a suspension that comprises the diodes on a surface of the carrier layer <NUM>. In turn, the electrically-conductive matrix <NUM> may be provided by disposing another suspension that comprises metallic particles (e.g. silver-containing particles) over the plurality of diodes <NUM>. As shown, the electrically-conductive matrix <NUM> may overlap and thereby directly contact the first contact rail <NUM>, and may be slightly spaced from the second contact rail <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable patch <NUM> may be advantageously located at any of a continuum of locations along the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>. Such locations may extend across a width of the carrier layer <NUM>, and correspondingly across a corresponding width of the illuminable card <NUM>, thereby facilitating customized placement for a given customer and associated mask design.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of sets of first and second contact pads 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, 40c and 42c, may be supportably interconnected to carrier layer <NUM> to facilitate positioning of illuminable patch <NUM> at any of a corresponding plurality of locations, thereby facilitating customized placement for a given customer and associated mask design. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, each set of contact pads may include a stub-like first contact pad 40a, 40b and 40c, and a corresponding, complex-shaped second contact pad 42a, 42b and 42c (e.g. an annular, ring-shaped configuration as shown in <FIG>), configured to extend in slightly spaced relation along at least a portion of a coincidentally-shaped illuminable patch <NUM>. Such an approach advantageously provides for multi-location positioning of illuminable patch <NUM>, while also accommodating a complex-shaped illuminable patch <NUM>, as may be desirable for a given implementation.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of an illuminable card <NUM> that may include features in common to the features of illuminable card <NUM> shown and described above in relation to <FIG>, with certain modifications thereto. As such, in relation to the common features, the same reference numerals are utilized in <FIG> and the feature descriptions provided above commonly apply, except as otherwise described or shown in specific relation to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable card <NUM> includes a card body comprising interconnected, electrically non-conductive first and second carrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. each comprising a polymer-based material), and first core layer <NUM> overlying and interconnected to the second carrier layer <NUM>. First and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>, or rails, and optionally first antenna <NUM> and/or second antenna <NUM>, may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to a common, upward-facing side of the first carrier layer <NUM>. Illuminable patch <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to a downward-facing side of the second carrier layer <NUM>, facing the upward-facing side of the first carrier layer <NUM>, for electrical coupling with the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. via direct or capacitive coupling), wherein the illuminable patch illuminates upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>. Such illumination may be provided through the first core layer <NUM> on a first side of the illuminable card <NUM> and/or at a peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM>.

In one approach, a metallic bridge <NUM> (shown in phantom) may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to a downward-facing, first side of the first carrier layer <NUM>, with metallic cross-connections at opposing ends through the first carrier layer <NUM> to the first antenna <NUM> and first contact rail <NUM> disposed on an upward-facing, second side of the first carrier layer <NUM>. Further, another metallic bridge (shown in phantom) may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to a downward-facing, first side of the first carrier layer <NUM>, metallic cross-connections at opposing ends through the first carrier layer <NUM> to offset locations (e.g. opposing ends) of the second antenna <NUM> disposed on an upward-facing, second side of the first carrier layer <NUM>. In another approach, first antenna <NUM>, and optionally second antenna <NUM>, may be supportably disposed on the downward-facing, first side of the first carrier layer <NUM>, with a metallic bridge extending through the first carrier layer <NUM> for cross-connection at opposing ends to the first antenna <NUM> and first contact rail <NUM>, and with another metallic bridge extending through the first carrier layer <NUM> for cross-connection at opposing ends to offset locations (e.g. opposing ends) of the second antenna <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> and the illuminable patch <NUM> may be provided to facilitate positioning of the illuminable patch <NUM> at any one of a plurality of different positions on second carrier layer <NUM> relative to the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> on first carrier layer <NUM> during manufacture, wherein the illuminable patch is functional for illumination at any one of the positions. In that regard, opposing edge portions of the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> may have corresponding lengths in a first dimension that are greater than a maximum cross-dimension of illuminable patch <NUM> in the first dimension to accommodate such variable positioning, and in some embodiments greater than the lengths of adjacent, corresponding edge portions of the illuminable patch <NUM> in the first dimension, as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, illuminable card <NUM> may be modified to provide a plurality of sets of first and second contact pads that are disposed on and supportably interconnected to second carrier layer <NUM>, e.g. as shown and described in relation to <FIG>, to facilitate positioning of illuminable patch <NUM> at any of a corresponding plurality of locations, thereby facilitating customized placement for a given customer.

The second carrier layer <NUM> may be one of transparent and translucent. When second carrier layer <NUM> is translucent, at least a portion of light emitted by the illuminable patch <NUM> may be internally reflected within the second carrier layer <NUM> and directed to a peripheral edge of the illuminable card <NUM> for illumination thereof. Optionally, the second carrier layer <NUM> may comprise a fluorescent pigment, or dye. When second carrier layer <NUM> is transparent or translucent, at least a portion of light emitted by the illuminable patch <NUM> may pass through the second side of the second carrier layer <NUM> for illumination of at least a portion of a first side of the illuminable card <NUM>. In the later regard, mask <NUM> may be provided to overlay at least a portion of the illuminable patch <NUM> to define a predetermined image <NUM> on the first side of the illuminable card <NUM> upon illumination of the illuminable patch <NUM>. The mask <NUM> may be defined as part of an optional print layer <NUM> that may be provided on an inward-facing side of the first core layer <NUM>. For example, the print layer <NUM> may comprise an opaque or substantially opaque ink layer (e.g. an ink of any desired color) that is printed across at least a predetermined portion of an inward-facing side of the first core layer <NUM> so as to extend about and thereby define the predetermined pattern of the mask <NUM>, thereby allowing for light passage through the predetermined pattern. In that regard, the print layer <NUM> may be provided to comply with visual opacity requirements of ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>. In one approach, the print layer may extend across the entirety of an inward-facing side or outward-facing side of the first core layer <NUM>, with exception of the predetermined pattern of the mask <NUM>. In another approach, the mask <NUM> may be supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> in overlying relation to the illuminable patch <NUM>.

Phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to the second carrier layer <NUM> in overlying relation to at least a portion of illuminable patch <NUM>, e.g. between at least portions of illuminable patch <NUM> and mask <NUM>. The phosphorescent patch <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the illuminable patch <NUM>. Phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to the upward-facing side of second carrier layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to the downward-facing side of second carrier layer <NUM>, between the downward-facing side of second carrier layer <NUM> and at least a portion of illuminable patch <NUM> (e.g. at least a portion of illuminable patch <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to a downward-facing side of the phosphorescent patch <NUM>).

As an additional optional feature, illuminable card <NUM> may include a film layer(s) (not shown), interconnected to the downward-facing side of first carrier layer <NUM> and/or the upward-facing side of second carrier layer <NUM> in overlapping relation to the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, illuminable patch <NUM>, first antenna <NUM>, second antenna <NUM> and/or phosphorescent patch <NUM> (if included), so as define a pre-laminated inlay. For example, a separate film layer may be adhesively attached to and cover the entirety of the downward-facing side of first carrier layer <NUM> and upward-facing side of second carrier layer <NUM>, thereby yielding a pre-connected assembly. The film layer(s) may be transparent to allow for the passage of light emitted by illuminable patch <NUM> therethrough. Additionally, printing may be provided on the film layer(s). For example, a printed mask <NUM> may be provided in overlapping relation to illuminable patch <NUM> (e.g. printed as part of a print layer in a manner analogous to print layer <NUM> described herein). The film layer(s) may comprise polymer-based materials.

In contemplated embodiments, the card body of illuminable card <NUM> may further include one or a plurality of additional layers disposed on a downward-facing side of the carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. on an opposing side to the first core layer <NUM>). For example, and as shown in <FIG>, an optional second core layer <NUM> may be interconnected to a downward-facing side of the carrier layer <NUM>. As described above in relation to illuminable card <NUM>, printing <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided on either or both sides of the first core layer <NUM> and second core layer <NUM>, respectively, wherein such printing is visible from a first side and/or second side of the illuminable card <NUM>. In turn, a protective, transparent outer film layer(s) may be provided on an outward-facing side of each of the first core layer <NUM> and second core layer <NUM> (if provided).

The first core layer <NUM> (e.g. about. <NUM> inch thick), second core layer <NUM> (e.g. about. <NUM> inch thick), and protective, outer film layers may comprise polymer-based materials (e.g. polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, polyester, and/or polycarbonate). Further, the first carrier layer <NUM> and second carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. about. <NUM> inch combined thickness) may comprise a polymer-based material (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate and/or polycarbonate). Additionally, the various layers described herein may be interconnected via lamination, with thermo-adhesive polymer-based layers or thermosetting, polymer-based layers disposed between adjacent one of the layers.

The illuminable card <NUM> may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, the illuminable card <NUM> may be provided as a collector card, an identity card, an access card, a loyalty card, a membership card, a transit card, or a transaction card. In the later regard, illuminable card <NUM> may be provided with additional features for use as a transaction card, as described in relation to illuminable card <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the illuminable card <NUM> of <FIG>, with modified configurations of illuminable patch <NUM> on second carrier layer <NUM> and phosphorescent patch <NUM>. The illuminable card <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include features in common to the features of illuminable card <NUM> and illuminable card <NUM>, shown and described above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, with certain modifications thereto. As such, in relation to the common features, the same reference numerals are utilized in <FIG> and the feature descriptions provided above commonly apply, except as otherwise described or shown in specific relation to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable patch <NUM> may be of an elongate configuration that extends along (e.g. in parallel relation to) at least a portion or an entirety of a peripheral edge of illuminable card <NUM>, wherein the illuminable patch <NUM> is disposed for electrical coupling with first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>, for illumination upon the provision of a power signal to first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>. In turn, the second carrier layer <NUM> may be translucent to yield enhanced edge illumination about at least one side edge, a plurality of side edges, or an entire peripheral edge of illuminable card <NUM>. More particularly, and as shown, illuminable patch <NUM> may be of a frame-like, rectangular configuration that defines an open field therewithin on the second carrier layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, illuminable patch <NUM> may extend along a single edge, two opposing, electrically interconnected edges in a width dimension or length dimension, or three, electrically interconnected, contiguous edges of illuminable card <NUM>,.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the first antenna <NUM> may be located on first carrier layer <NUM> so as to extend within and in non-overlapping relation to the frame-like, illuminable patch <NUM> (e.g. within the open field defined by the frame-like, illuminable patch <NUM>). In turn, first and second electrical contacts 52a, 52b may be disposed and supportably interconnected to the downward-facing, first side of the second carrier layer <NUM>, in electrical contact with and between different, offset portions of the illuminable patch <NUM> and different ones of the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>. In such arrangements, an electrically non-conductive material <NUM> may be provided between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, 52b and the first antenna <NUM> in over-lapped regions thereof.

An optional phosphorescent patch <NUM> may be supportably disposed on the carrier layer <NUM> in overlying, corresponding relation to any of the positions at which the illuminable patch <NUM> may be located during manufacture, between the underlying illuminable patch <NUM> and the overlying mask <NUM>. In such embodiments the phosphorescent patch <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the illuminable patch <NUM>. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, phosphorescent patch may be of a frame-like configuration that coincides with the fame-like configuration of illuminable patch <NUM>.

Optionally, in addition to frame-like, illuminable patch <NUM>, another illuminable patch 50a may be provided on the second carrier layer <NUM> and located between first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and another phosphorescent patch 80a may be provided in overlapping relation to illuminable patch 50a, in a manner analogous to that described above in relation to the illuminable patch <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In such arrangements, the combined electrical load presented by illuminable patch <NUM> and illuminable patch 50a may be established to be substantially equal with the illuminable patches <NUM> other ones of the embodiments, for the design/operational purposes otherwise described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, illuminable card <NUM> includes a card body comprising an electrically non-conductive carrier layer <NUM> and first core layer <NUM> overlying and interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM>, with first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>, or rails, disposed on and supportably interconnected to a common side (e.g. downward-facing) of the first carrier layer <NUM>. Further, illuminable patch <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to the same side (e.g. downward-facing) of the carrier layer <NUM> for electrical coupling with the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. via direct or capacitive coupling), wherein the illuminable patch illuminates upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM>. In the later regard, a single antenna <NUM> may be disposed on and supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> and electrically interconnected at offset locations thereof of to the first and second contact pads <NUM>, <NUM> to provide the power signal thereto, and electrically interconnected to IC chip module <NUM> to provide power/data signals.

As shown in <FIG>, integrated circuit (IC) chip module <NUM> (e.g. including at least an IC chip) and the antenna <NUM> may be included for contactless signal transmissions to/from a contactless chip card reader, e.g. radio-frequency radiation signals that provide a power/data signal to the IC chip module <NUM> via antenna <NUM> and that provide a power signal at first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM> via antenna <NUM>. As may be appreciated, such contactless signals may provide for data transmissions between the contactless chip card reader and the IC chip module <NUM> (e.g. data transmissions attendant to the completion of a payment transaction utilizing the illuminable card <NUM>). In that regard, the IC chip module <NUM> and antenna <NUM> may be provided for operation in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the antenna <NUM> may comprise a continuous length of metal supportably interconnected to the carrier layer <NUM> and defining one or more outer loop(s) 76a. In one approach, the outer loops(s) 76a may be disposed to extend about the first and second contact rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and illuminable patch <NUM> on a common side of the carrier layer <NUM>.

In some arrangements, the antenna <NUM> may be defined by metallic layer(s) supportably disposed on carrier layer <NUM> (e.g. via plating and etching operations). In other arrangements, the antenna <NUM> may be defined by metallic wire supportably disposed on and partially embedded in the carrier layer <NUM>.

Various approaches may be utilized to provide for electrical coupling between antenna <NUM> and the IC chip module <NUM>. For example, in some approaches the IC chip module <NUM> may be embedded within the illuminable card <NUM> and directly interconnected to the antenna <NUM> (e.g. two opposing ends of the outer loop(s) 76a may be electrically interconnected to different ones of a plurality of contacts provided on an IC chip of the IC chip module <NUM>).

In the approach shown in <FIG> the illuminable card <NUM> may include a pocket <NUM> that extends in to a first side of the illuminable card <NUM> and that is adapted to receive the IC chip module <NUM> for electrical coupling with the antenna <NUM>. In some implementations, the IC chip module <NUM> may include an electrically non-conductive substrate, an IC chip supportably interconnected to an inward-facing side of the substrate, and a plurality of contact pads supportably interconnected to an outward-facing side of the substrate and electrically interconnect through the substrate to different ones of a plurality of contacts of the IC chip. In the later regard, the plurality of contact pads may be provided for contact signal transmissions to/from a contact chip card reader, e.g. electrical signals that provide power to the IC chip module <NUM> and that provide for data transmission between the contact chip card reader and the IC chip module <NUM> (e.g. data transmissions attendant to the completion of a payment transaction utilizing the illuminable card <NUM>). In that regard, the IC chip module <NUM> and plurality of contact pads may be provided for operation in compliance with ISO/IEC Standard <NUM>. As may be appreciated, in such implementations the illuminable card <NUM> may be utilized as a dual interface transaction card.

In some arrangements, the IC chip module <NUM> may further include a coupling antenna supportably interconnected to an inward-facing side of the substrate and electrically interconnected to the IC chip of the IC chip module <NUM>. For example, coupling antenna may comprise a continuous length of metal defining one or more loop(s) extending about the IC chip and electrically interconnected to different ones of a plurality of contacts of the IC chip. In turn, the antenna <NUM> may be provided for inductive coupling with the coupling antenna of the IC chip module <NUM>. More particularly, and as shown in <FIG>, antenna <NUM> may include one or more inner loop(s) 76b, wherein the outer loop(s) 76a and inner loop(s) 76b are defined by the continuous length of metal. The inner loop(s) 76b may be disposed so that, when the IC chip module <NUM> is secured in the pocket <NUM>, the inner loop(s) 76b and the coupling antenna of the IC chip module <NUM> are positioned in opposing, spaced relation for inductive coupling. As shown in <FIG>, a metallic bridge <NUM> (shown in phantom) may be supportably interconnected to a second side of carrier layer <NUM>, wherein metallic cross-connections may be provided through carrier layer <NUM> to electrically interconnect an end of outer loop(s) 76a and an end of inner loop(s) 76b.

In the embodiments described above, illuminable patch <NUM> may comprise a substantially clear, electrically-conductive layer supportably disposed on carrier layer <NUM>, or another carrier layer <NUM> if provided, for electrical coupling with a first contact pad <NUM> (e.g. direct or capacitive coupling), or rail, provided on a carrier layer <NUM>, an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of illuminable diodes supportably disposed on the electrically-conductive layer, and an electrically-conductive pad supportably disposed on the intermediate layer for electrical coupling with a second contact pad <NUM> (e.g. direct or capacitive coupling), or rail, provided on the carrier layer <NUM>. In the later regard, the electrically-conductive pad may be electrically isolated from the electrically-conductive layer by a layer of electrically non-conductive material disposed therebetween.

Claim 1:
An illuminable card (<NUM>), comprising:
a card body, including:
an electrically non-conductive carrier layer (<NUM>); and,
a first core layer (<NUM>) overlying and interconnected to a first side of the carrier layer (<NUM>), wherein the first core layer (<NUM>) is at least partially light transmissive;
electrically-conductive first and second contact pads (<NUM>, <NUM>), supportably interconnected to the carrier layer (<NUM>) in opposing, spaced relation to one another, for receiving a power signal from at least one of an external power supply and/or an on-board power supply;
an antenna (<NUM>) electrically interconnected at offset positions thereof to different ones of the first and second contact pads (<NUM>, <NUM>), for receiving a contactless power signal from an external source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation;
an illuminable patch (<NUM>), supportably interconnected to the carrier layer (<NUM>) between the first and second contact pads (<NUM>, <NUM>) to illuminate upon receipt of a power signal at the first and second contact pads (<NUM>, <NUM>); and,
a mask (<NUM>) overlying at least a portion of the illuminable patch (<NUM>) and defining a predetermined image (<NUM>) visible on a first side of the illuminable card upon (<NUM>) illumination of the illuminable patch (<NUM>); and
wherein the illuminable patch (<NUM>), and the antenna (<NUM>) are disposed on and supportably interconnected to a common side of the carrier layer (<NUM>).