Transaction card with partial glass layer

Abstract

To provide a transaction card with a partial glass layer.SOLUTION: A transaction card has a partial glass layer including an internal glass member connected to a non-glass frame. The frame defines opposite planer surfaces, has an outer periphery of the frame having the same extension as the outer periphery of the card, and has an inner periphery of the frame separated radially inward from the outer periphery of the frame. The inner periphery of the frame defines an internal area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having the periphery of the same extension as the periphery of the card, and a payment module configured for non-contact operation or contact / non-contact dual interface operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 107,698, filed October 30, 2020, entitled “TRANSACTION CARD WITH PARTIAL GLASS LAYER,” which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Credit card issuers continue to search for transaction cards that contain materials that have the desired weight and appearance with optimal performance. In recent years, various types of conformable or high-strength glass have been developed that have strong break and scratch resistance, and add weight and a modern look to the card. However, glass elements can still be somewhat weaker or more susceptible to damage than other types of materials, and therefore there is a need in the industry for constructions that minimize the risk of damage, optimize functionality, and maximize the overall look and feel of the card. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the invention includes a transaction card having lateral dimensions defining a perimeter and an area. The transaction card has a partial glass layer including an interior glass member coupled to a non-glass frame. The glass member can be form-fitting glass. The frame defines opposing planar surfaces and has a frame perimeter coextensive with the card's perimeter and a frame inner perimeter spaced radially inward from the frame perimeter. The frame inner perimeter defines an interior area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having a perimeter coextensive with the card's perimeter and a payment module configured for contactless operation or contact / contactless dual interface operation.

[0004] The at least one additional layer can include a pair of opposing capping layers formed, for example, of a polymeric material, a ceramic, and a glass, where a partial glass layer is disposed between the opposing capping layer pair. The additional layer can include printed information or graphics.

[0005] In some embodiments, the frame defines a first width between an outer frame perimeter and an inner frame perimeter for at least a first portion of the frame, and the tab defines a second width for at least a second portion of the frame, the second width being greater than the first width, where the payment module is embedded within the tab.

[0006] In some embodiments, the glass member may have a first thickness and the frame may have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In such embodiments, the transaction card may further include an adhesive layer in an area bounded by the glass member, the frame, and the at least one additional layer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the frame may include metal. The metal of the frame may include at least one break defining a gap extending from the outer periphery of the frame to the inner periphery of the frame, and may optionally include a non-metallic filler disposed within the gap defined by the break. A metal frame having such a break may include a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In some embodiments, the additional layer may include a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In such embodiments, the additional layer may further include at least one non-metallic base layer and one or more printed layers and / or non-RF jamming layers disposed between the booster antenna and the metal frame. In one metal frame embodiment, the frame may have a second thickness greater than the thickness of the glass member where the partial glass layer is the outermost layer of the transaction card, where the frame defines a height on the surface of the card in relation to the additional layer greater than the height defined by the glass member.

[0008] In other embodiments, the frame may include non-metallic materials such as, but not limited to, epoxy, FR4 ceramic, carbon fiber, and plant-based materials. In such embodiments, the booster antenna, physically or inductively coupled to the payment module, may include a winding disposed within a groove disposed within the frame. The groove may be disposed on a top or bottom surface of the frame, or a combination thereof, and may be inset radially from the outer periphery of the frame. A filler material may be disposed within the groove and above the booster antenna.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner perimeter of the frame may define a step-free edge between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface of the frame, e.g., a straight edge perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces. In such embodiments, the glass member defines a step-free outer perimeter edge that is aligned with and adhesively connected to the step-free edge defined by the inner perimeter of the frame.

[0010] In other embodiments, the inner periphery of the frame defines a stepped edge between the planar top and bottom surfaces of the frame, the stepped edge defining a ledge intermediate the planar top and bottom surfaces of the frame, where a surface of the glass member is supported by the ledge, e.g., a ledge defining a planar surface parallel to the planar top and bottom surfaces of the frame. In such embodiments, the glass member may have a first thickness, the frame may have a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and the ledge may have a thickness equal to the difference between the first and second thicknesses. The ledge defined by the frame may be disposed between the additional layer and the glass member. An intermediate layer having a periphery defined by the inner periphery of the ledge may be disposed between the glass member and the additional layer, e.g., an adhesive layer or a transparent layer such as glass. The glass member may be disposed between the additional layer and the ledge defined by the frame, particularly in embodiments where the frame is constructed of metal.

[0011] At least one protective layer may be disposed on the partial glass layer, or the partial glass layer may constitute the outermost layer of the transaction card. An outer protective layer may be adhered to the partial glass layer, which constitutes the outermost layer of the transaction card. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective exploded view of an exemplary transaction card embodiment having a glass member with a non-glass frame. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A depicts a schematic perspective exploded view of an exemplary transaction card embodiment having a glass member with a metal frame sandwiched between capping layers. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic plan view of the card embodiment of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the glass member and frame have different thicknesses. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the glass member and the frame have different thicknesses, with the glass member defining an outer surface of the fitted card at a height less than that of the frame. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment having a booster antenna layer between other stacked layers of the card. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic plan view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame includes an embedded booster antenna on the top or bottom surface of the card. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame includes an embedded booster antenna in a groove that extends from the periphery of the frame between the top and bottom surfaces of the card. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame has a stepped inner perimeter that forms a ledge that supports the glass member. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame has a stepped inner perimeter that forms a radially overlapping overhang with the glass member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Referring now to the figures, none of which are intended to be to scale or proportion, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary transaction card embodiment 100 having lateral dimensions (length L1 and width W1) that define the card perimeter COP and area (L1×W1). Although depicted in FIG. 1 with dimensions L1×W1=85.60×53.98 mm (3·3 / 8 in×2·1 / 8 in), with L1 generally greater than W1, for example in accordance with the ISO / IEC 7810ID-1 standard, with rounded corners having a radius of about 1 / 8 in, and an overall thickness of 0.76 mm (1 / 32 in), the invention is not limited to cards having any particular size, shape, or proportions. The partial glass layer 102 includes an inner glass member 104 connected to a non-glass frame 106. The frame 106 defines opposing planar surfaces (upper surface 107 and lower surface 108 as positioned in FIG. 1). The frame perimeter (FOP) is coextensive with the card perimeter COP. The frame inner perimeter (FIP) is spaced inwardly from the frame perimeter (FOP). The frame inner perimeter has lateral dimensions (length L2 and width W2) that define an interior area (L2×W2) occupied by the glass member 104. At least one additional layer 110 has a peripheral ALP aligned with the frame perimeter FOP, which together define the perimeter of the card 100. In one embodiment, the frame 106 includes a metal and the at least one additional layer includes a plastic. Suitable metals for the frame may include stainless steel, aluminum, tungsten, precious or exitic metals, such as gold, titanium, and the like, and any combination or alloy thereof. Combinations of materials can be used in the frame as well, including combinations of metals and non-metals (e.g., metals with ceramic coatings; non-metals with metal foil layers; steel with gold foil cladding). Suitable plastic layers for the at least one additional layer include any type of plastic known for use in cards, including, but not limited to, PVC, polyester, PET, HDPE, and the like, as well as blends or copolymers thereof.The glass layer 104 has a recess 105 (which may be a through hole or a pocket open to only one surface) configured to accommodate a payment module (not shown in FIG. 1). The payment module, which may be any type of payment module known in the art, typically includes at least an integrated circuit (IC) chip configured for contactless (e.g. radio frequency (RF) identification--RFID) operation, and preferably includes an IC chip configured for dual interface (contact and contactless) operation, as is well known in the art.

[0014] The glass member 104 preferably comprises a high strength, flexible or conformable glass, such as, but not limited to, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, sapphire glass, or ion-exchange strengthened glass. Many examples of such flexible or conformable glass are known in the art and are preferred for their shatter-resistant properties and strength. Such types of glass are also denser than the traditional plastic layers found in some transaction cards, and therefore add additional weight or mass to the overall look and feel of the card. Although preferred embodiments include flexible or conformable glass compositions, the term "glass" as used herein refers to any material having any non-polymeric chemical composition (i.e., non-plastic composition) that is transparent or translucent, typically inorganic, and often containing, but not limited to, SiO2 or Al2O3 as a primary constituent, including amorphous non-crystalline compounds as well as crystalline compounds, sometimes also referred to as "crystals." Additionally, acceptable glass layers may include glass types known as "safety glass," including laminated glass (typically including one or more layers of glass and plastic, each held together by an interlayer), tempered glass, and engraved glass. Although glass having transparency or translucency may have some advantages, embodiments of the present invention may include embodiments in which the interior member 104 includes other non-metallic or non-plastic materials (e.g., ceramics) that are opaque or only translucent. Although depicted as a monolithic layer, the partial glass layer may include a composite of multiple material layers, including multiple glass layers of the same or different types of glass. In some embodiments, at least one additional layer 110 may include at least one metal layer. In some embodiments, the glass may be coated with an adhesive or coating, such as a coating that is decorative, structural, or designed to control optical properties (e.g., infrared (IR) blocker) or radio frequency (RF) (e.g., RF blocker).

[0015] In the exemplary transaction card embodiment 200 depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, a partial glass layer 202 including an inner glass member 204 and a non-glass frame 206 is disposed between a pair of opposing capping layers 210, 212. In a preferred embodiment, the opposing capping layers can include a polymeric material, ceramic, and / or glass. In both Figures 1 and 2A, 2B embodiments, one or more of the layers 110, 210, 212, or other additional layers (not shown), can include information or graphics. The information / graphics can be printed or disposed directly on the capping layer or partial glass layer using any known technique (e.g., etching, laser processing, etc.), or can be disposed on one or more other layers. Any of the layers 110, 210, 212 can include multiple layers in some embodiments, such as layers laminated together. Any of the card embodiments disclosed herein can include any type of layer of any dimension coextensive with or smaller than the lateral dimensions of the card known for use in credit cards, including, but not limited to, decorative layers (e.g., wood, leather, ceramic, metal), layers including magnetic stripes, layers including signature blocks, and the like.

[0016] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the frame 206 defines a first annular width AW1 between the outer and inner frame peripheries for at least a first portion of the frame, and the tab 230 defines a second width AW2 greater than the first width for at least a second portion of the frame. The frame may have the same annular width around the entire periphery of the card (except for the location of the tab, in embodiments involving a tab), or the annular width may be different along different sides of the card. For example, the frame may have a first width along a relatively long side of the card and a second width along a relatively short side of the card, where each side of the card may have a different annular width than the other sides, or one side of the card may have a different annular width than the other sides. The annular width may be variable along one or more edges of the card. The card embodiment is not limited to a singular tab, and the tab is not limited to providing support for a payment module. Other embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a tab (not shown) positioned to align or provide support for other aspects of the card, such as a display screen or biometric sensor. The payment module 220 is embedded within the tab 230.

[0017] In some embodiments, such as those depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, the frame 206 may include metal. The metal of the frame may include at least one break 240 that defines a gap extending laterally through the entire thickness of the frame in the Z direction and from an origin O on the outer periphery of the frame to an end T located on the inner periphery of the opening in the tab 230 for receiving the payment module 220. A non-metallic filler (not shown), such as a non-RF interference filler, may be disposed within the gap defined by the break. Although depicted as having a diagonal linear geometry, the break 240 may have any geometry known in the art, including stepped, curved, sinusoidal, zigzag, or combinations thereof. The opposing locations of the origin (O) and end (T) are not limited to any particular location. They may be aligned with each other along a line parallel to the long edges of the card that define the length of the card, or one of the end or origin may be relatively closer to one of the long edges of the card than the other. Non-limiting geometries for the cuts can be conforming to any of the geometries shown or described in U.S. Patent Application No. 10,762,412, entitled "DI Capacitive Embedded Metal Card," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] The cuts may be provided elsewhere on the card, including one or more cuts that extend from the outer periphery of the frame to the inner periphery of the frame, or one or more cuts that do not have an end or beginning on one of the outer or inner periphery. Non-limiting geometries for such cuts are those conforming to any of the geometries shown or described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 971,439, entitled "DI Metal Transaction Device and Method of Manufacturing Thereof," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In structures having a metal frame, particularly structures with any of the aforementioned cuts, filled or unfilled, the metal frame can serve as a booster antenna that is physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In particular, although not depicted or preferred, the configuration in FIG. 1 can also have one or more of the cuts as described above when the frame 106 includes metal.

[0019] 4, in other embodiments having a metal frame (typically, but not always, continuous), the additional layer 410 of the card 400 may include a booster antenna layer 440 including a booster antenna 445 (e.g., including multiple metal windings, as known in the art) physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In such an embodiment, the additional layer may include a first stack 410 including at least one non-metallic (e.g., plastic) base layer 412 and one or more printed layers 414. A non-RF jamming layer (e.g., ferrite) 416 may be disposed between the booster antenna layer 440 and the metal frame 406, but may not be necessary for some antenna designs. The various layers may be hot or cold laminated together and / or may include adhesive layers and / or adhesive carrier sheets between the functional layers. Also depicted is a top layer 415 which may include a transparent layer (e.g., without limitation, a hard coat including inorganic or nanoparticles in a polymer, resin, etc.) that protects the glass and metal layers from scratches and may have printing or graphics thereon, such as printing or graphics identifying the card type (e.g., VISA, American Express, etc.), issuer (e.g., bank name), cardholder name, etc. There may be fewer or additional layers than those shown.

[0020] In some embodiments, the frame comprises a non-metallic material, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, FR4, ceramic, carbon fiber, or a plant-based material, such as wood. An embodiment including a non-metallic frame, such as the card embodiment 500 depicted in FIG. 5A, is highly suitable for including a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module, where the booster antenna includes one or more windings 545 disposed within a groove 542 defined within the frame. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 506 defines a frame perimeter (FOP), and the groove 542 is inset radially from the FOP. A filler material (not shown) can be disposed within the groove 542 and above the windings 545. An additional layer can cover the frame to hide the groove and / or the filler. The windings and grooves can be disposed on either or both surfaces of the frame and can include one or more vias from the groove on one side to the groove on the other side. In the card embodiment 501 depicted in cross section in Figure 5B, the groove 542 extends radially inward from the frame perimeter FOP between the top 507 and bottom 508 surfaces of the frame, with the windings 545 wound circumferentially within the cross-sectional volume of the card. In such an embodiment, a filler (not shown) is typically applied over the windings so that the resulting FOP has smooth edges between the upper and lower surfaces of the frame. An embodiment having a metal frame may also include an embedded booster antenna of any of the designs described herein, with the groove lined and / or the windings coated with a non-metallic, non-RF-interfering material such as ferrite to minimize interference.

[0021] Referring now to the cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 3A, the glass member 304 of the layer 302 in the card 300 can have a first thickness T1 in the Z direction, and the frame 306 can have a second thickness T2 that is greater than the first thickness. A filler, such as an adhesive layer, can be disposed as a filler in the volume 305 bounded by the glass member 304, the frame 306 and the at least one additional layer 310. The upper surfaces 307 of the glass member 304 and the frame 306 preferably lie on a common plane. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the partial glass layer 302 constitutes the outermost (exposed) layer of the transaction card 301. The surface 307 of the frame 306 is an exposed surface that defines a plane with a height E1 that is greater relative to the at least one additional layer 310 compared to the height E2 corresponding to the plane defined by the glass member. The recessed height of the glass member allows the frame to protect the glass.

[0022] For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the inner perimeter of the frame 306 defines a straight edge 309 between the planar top surface 307 and the planar bottom surface 308 of the frame, where the straight edge is perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces. Similarly, the glass member 304 defines a straight outer peripheral edge 303 that is aligned with and adhesively connected to the straight edge 309 defined by the inner perimeter of the frame. In other embodiments, the inner perimeter can define an edge having a non-linear shape, as described further below, and further, in embodiments with relatively straight edges, the radius can be curved and one or more protrusions or indentations can be present. The geometry depicted in FIG. 3B may also be referred to as a "step-less" edge, as compared to the corresponding edges depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, where step-less means a geometry that does not include a step, but can have a geometry other than a straight line.

[0023] In cards 600 and 601 depicted in Figures 6A and 6B, which are highly useful in other embodiments, e.g., embodiments with metal frames, the inner periphery of frame 606 defines a stepped edge 609 between the frame's planar top surface 607 and planar bottom surface 608. Stepped edge 609 defines a ledge 650 or overhang 651 intermediate the frame's planar top and bottom surfaces, which ledge or overhang connects with a surface of glass member 604. As depicted in Figures 6A and 6B, ledge 650 or overhang 651 defines a planar surface that faces the glass layer parallel to the frame's planar top and bottom surfaces, although the ledge is not limited to such a configuration and the glass layer can be contoured to mate with the contoured surface of the ledge or overhang. As depicted in Figures 6A and 6B, glass member 604 has a first thickness T1 in the Z direction, frame 606 has a second thickness T2 greater than the first thickness, and ledge 650 or overhang 651 has a thickness T3 equal to the difference between the first and second thicknesses (T2-T1). Volume 605 may include an unfilled volume, or may be filled with an adhesive or other type of flowable or hardenable filler, such as a transparent or translucent filler, or may include a preformed layer, such as another glass layer or a non-glass transparent layer. The material of volume 605 may include any other material known in the art.

[0024] As depicted in Figure 7A, the card is assembled with ledge 750 disposed between glass member 704 and additional layer 710. As depicted in Figure 7B, the card is assembled with glass member 704 disposed between layer 110 and ledge 750, with layer 702 forming the outermost layer of transaction card 700. In the structure depicted in Figure 7B, the frame preferably includes, consists of, or consists essentially of a metallic material.

[0025] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown, but rather, various modifications can be made in the details, within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims, without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. In a transaction card having lateral dimensions defining a perimeter and an area: a partial glass layer including an interior glass member connected to a non-glass frame, the frame defining opposing planar surfaces, a frame periphery coextensive with the periphery of the card, and an interior frame periphery spaced radially inward from the frame periphery, the interior frame periphery defining an interior area occupied by the glass member; at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the periphery of the card, the at least one additional layer including a booster antenna layer including a booster antenna; a payment module configured for contactless or contact / contactless dual interface operation, the payment module being physically or inductively coupled to the booster antenna; a transparent layer forming an outermost surface of the card and disposed on at least the partial glass layer, the transparent layer allowing at least the booster antenna to be viewed from the outermost surface of the card; a frame inner periphery defining a stepped edge between the planar top surface and the planar bottom plane of the frame, the stepped edge defining a ledge intermediate the planar top surface and the planar bottom plane of the frame, a surface of the glass member being supported by the ledge, the ledge defining a plane parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom plane of the frame.

2. The periphery of the transaction card (100) is defined by a plurality of straight edges and corners (c), and the frame (206) defines a plurality of frame widths between the frame periphery (206) and the frame inner periphery (FIP) along each of the plurality of straight edges, the plurality of frame widths including a first frame width (FW1) between the frame periphery and the frame inner periphery along a first edge that defines a card length of the transaction card, and a second frame width (FW2) between the frame periphery and the frame inner periphery along a second edge that defines a card width perpendicular to the card length.

2. The transaction card of claim 1, further comprising: a second frame width (FW2) between the frame outer periphery and the frame inner periphery along a third edge parallel to and opposite the first edge; a third frame width (FW3) between the frame outer periphery and the frame inner periphery along a third edge parallel to and opposite the second edge; and a fourth frame width (FW4) between the frame outer periphery and the frame inner periphery along a fourth edge parallel to and opposite the second edge, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame widths is constant along an entirety of each of the straight edges.

3. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the transparent layer includes a hard coat layer.

4. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the transparent layer comprises a polymer material.

5. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the transparent layer contains printed information or graphics.

6. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the glass member comprises shape-conforming glass.

7. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the at least one additional layer includes a pair of opposing capping layers, and the partial glass layer is disposed between the pair of opposing capping layers.

8. The transaction card of claim 7, wherein the opposing capping layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polymeric materials, ceramics and glass.

9. A transaction card as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the glass member has a first thickness and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

10. The transaction card of claim 9, further comprising an adhesive layer within an area bounded by the glass member, the frame and the at least one additional layer of the transaction card.

11. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the at least one additional layer further includes at least one non-metallic base layer and one or more printed layers.

12. The transaction card of claim 1, further comprising a non-RF jamming layer between the booster antenna and the metal frame.

13. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the glass member has a first thickness and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the partial glass layer constitutes an outermost layer of the transaction card, and the frame defines a height on the surface of the card relative to the at least one additional layer that is greater than a height defined by the glass member.

14. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a non-metallic material.

15. The transaction card of claim 14, wherein the non-metallic material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of epoxy, FR4 ceramic, carbon fiber and plant-based materials.

16. The transaction card of claim 14, wherein the frame includes at least one groove, and the booster antenna includes a winding disposed within the at least one groove.

17. The transaction card of claim 14, wherein the frame defines an outer peripheral edge, a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least one groove is disposed on the top surface, the bottom surface, or a combination thereof and is fitted radially from the outer peripheral edge.

18. The transaction card of claim 17, further comprising a filler material disposed within the groove over the booster antenna.

19. A transaction card as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner periphery of the frame defines a stepless edge between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface of the frame.

20. The transaction card of claim 19, wherein the stepless edge includes a straight edge perpendicular to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface.

21. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the glass member defines a stepless outer peripheral edge that is aligned with and adhesively connected to a stepless edge defined by the inner periphery of the frame.

22. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the glass member has a first thickness and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

23. The transaction card of claim 22, wherein the ledge has a thickness equal to the difference between the first thickness and the second thickness.

24. A transaction card as described in claim 1, wherein the ledge defined by the frame is positioned between the at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the card and the glass member.

25. The transaction card of claim 24, further comprising an intermediate layer having a perimeter defined by an inner perimeter of the ledge disposed between the at least one additional layer having a perimeter coextensive with the outer perimeter of the card and the glass member.

26. The transaction card of claim 25, wherein the intermediate layer comprises an adhesive layer.

27. The transaction card of claim 25, wherein the intermediate layer includes a transparent layer.

28. The transaction card of claim 27, wherein the intermediate layer comprises glass.

29. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the glass member is disposed between the at least one additional layer and a ledge defined by the frame.

30. The transaction card of claim 29, wherein the partial glass layer constitutes an outermost layer of the transaction card.

31. The transaction card of claim 29, wherein the partial glass layer has an outer protective layer adhered thereto, the outermost layer of the transaction card.

32. The transaction card of claim 29, wherein the frame is constructed from a metallic material.

33. A transaction card as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one protective layer on the partial glass layer.

34. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame widths is constant along the entirety of each of the straight edges, except for at least one tab between the outer frame periphery and the inner frame periphery having a width greater than the width at any other portion of the entirety of each of the straight edges.

35. The transaction card of claim 34, comprising one or more electronic components disposed on at least one of the tabs.

36. The transaction card of claim 35, wherein the at least one tab comprises a single tab on one edge, and the one or more electronic components comprise a payment module.

37. The transaction card of claim 34, wherein the multiple frame widths include multiple tabs, and the one or more electronic components are selected from the group consisting of a payment module, a display screen, and a biometric sensor.

38. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame widths is variable along each of the straight edges.

39. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the card length is greater than the card width.

40. The transaction card of claim 39, wherein the corners are rounded and have a radius.

41. The transaction card of claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of frame widths is constant along the entirety of each of the straight edges, except for an optional tab between the outer frame periphery and the inner frame periphery, the tab having a width greater than the width at other portions of the entirety of each of the straight edges.

42. The transaction card of claim 41, wherein the respective constant width of at least one of the plurality of frame widths is different from the respective constant width of at least another of the plurality of frame widths.

43. A transaction card as described in claim 41, wherein the respective constant widths of the first frame widths and the respective constant widths of the third frame widths are equal, and the respective constant widths of the second frame widths and the respective constant widths of the fourth frame widths are equal.

44. The transaction card of claim 41, wherein the respective constant widths of the first frame width, the respective constant widths of the second frame width, the respective constant widths of the third frame width, and the respective constant widths of the fourth frame width are equal.

45. The transaction card of claim 1, further comprising a coating disposed on the inner glass member and configured to block infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) waves.

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