Transaction card with a partial glass layer

Abstract

A transaction card having a partial glass layer including an interior glass member coupled to a non-glass frame, the frame defining opposing planar surfaces, having a frame outer periphery coextensive with the card's outer periphery, and having a frame inner periphery spaced radially inward from the frame outer periphery, the frame inner periphery defining an interior area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the card's periphery, and a payment module configured for contactless operation or contact / contactless dual interface operation.

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 Art

[0002] Credit card issuers continue to seek transaction cards that include materials with optimal performance, desired weight, and appearance. In recent years, various types of glass with strong fracture resistance and scratch resistance, and having shape conformity or high strength that adds weight and a modern appearance to the card, have been developed. However, glass components may still be somewhat weaker or more prone to damage compared to other types of materials. Thus, in this field, there is a need for a structure that minimizes the risk of damage, optimizes functionality, and maximizes the overall look and feel of the card.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the invention includes a transaction card having an outer perimeter and a lateral dimension defining an area. The transaction card has a partial glass layer including an internal glass member coupled to a non - glass frame. The glass member can be shape - conforming glass. The frame defines opposing planar surfaces and has an outer perimeter of the frame co - extensive with the outer perimeter of the card and an inner perimeter of the frame radially inwardly spaced from the outer perimeter of the frame. The inner perimeter of the frame defines an internal area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having a perimeter co - extensive with the perimeter of the card and a payment module configured for non - contact operation or contact / non - contact dual - interface operation.

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

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

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

[0007] In some embodiments, the frame can include metal. The metal of the frame can include at least one cut that defines a gap extending from an outer perimeter of the frame to an inner perimeter of the frame and optionally can include a non-metal filler disposed within the gap defined by the cut. A metal frame having such a cut can include a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In some embodiments, the additional layer can include a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In such embodiments, the additional layer can further include at least one non-metal base layer and one or more printed layers and / or a non-RF interference layer disposed between the booster antenna and the metal frame. In one embodiment of a metal frame, the frame can have a second thickness that is 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 that is greater than the height defined by the glass member in relation to the additional layer.

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

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner circumference of the frame may define a flush edge, such as a straight edge perpendicular to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface of the frame. In such embodiments, the glass member aligns with the flush edge defined by the inner circumference of the frame and defines a flush outer peripheral edge that is adhesively coupled to this edge.

[0010] In other embodiments, the inner circumference of the frame defines a stepped edge between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, the stepped edge defining a ledge intermediate the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, where the surface of the glass member is supported by a ledge, such as a planar surface parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame. In such embodiments, the glass member has 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 thickness and the second thickness. The ledge defined by the frame may be disposed between the additional layer and the glass member. An intermediate layer having a perimeter defined by the inner circumference of the ledge may be disposed between the glass member and an additional layer, such as a transparent layer such as an adhesive layer or 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 composed 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 constituting the outermost layer of the transaction card may be adhered to the partial glass layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

[0013] Referring now to the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary transaction card embodiment 100 having a lateral dimension (length L1 and width W1) defining the card outer perimeter COP and area (L1×W1). In FIG. 1, for example, in accordance with the ISO / IEC 7810 ID-1 standard, the dimension is generally such that L1 is greater than W1 and L1×W1 = 85.60×53.98 mm (3·3 / 8 in×2·1 / 8 in), with rounded corners having a radius of 2.88 to 3.48 mm (about 1 / 8 in) and an overall thickness of 0.76 millimeters (1 / 32 in). However, the present invention is not limited to cards having any particular size, shape, or ratio. The partial glass layer 102 includes an internal 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 outer perimeter (FOP) is coextensive with the card outer perimeter COP. The frame inner perimeter (FIP) is spaced inwardly from the frame outer perimeter (FOP). The frame inner perimeter has a lateral dimension (length L2 and width W2) defining the internal area (L2×W2) occupied by the glass member 104. At least one additional layer 110 has a peripheral ALP aligned with the frame outer perimeter FOP, and together they define the outer perimeter of the card 100. In one embodiment, the frame 106 includes metal and at least one additional layer includes plastic. Suitable metals for the frame may include stainless steel, aluminum, tungsten, precious metals or exotic metals such as gold, titanium, etc., and any combination or alloy thereof. Combinations of materials, including combinations of metal and non-metal (e.g., metal with a ceramic coating; non-metal with a metal foil layer; steel with a gold foil cladding), can likewise be used in the frame. Suitable plastic layers for at least one additional layer include, without limitation, PVC, polyester, PET, HDPE, etc., and any known type of plastic for use in cards, including their blends or copolymers.The glass layer 104 has a recess 105 configured to house a payment module (not shown in FIG. 1), which can be a through-hole or a pocket open only on one surface. The payment module, which can be any type of payment module known in the art, typically includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip configured for at least non-contact (e.g., radio frequency (RF) identification - RFID) operation, and preferably, as is well known in the art, an IC chip configured for dual interface (contact and non-contact) operation.

[0014] The glass member 104 preferably includes high-strength, flexible or shape-conforming glass, such as, without limitation, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate aluminosilicate glass, sapphire glass or ion-exchanged strengthened glass. Many examples of such flexible or shape-conforming glass are known in the art and are preferred for their anti-scattering properties and strength. Glass of this type is also denser than the conventional plastic layers found in some transaction cards, and thus imparts additional bulk or weight to the overall look and feel of the card. While the preferred embodiments include flexible or shape-conforming glass compositions, the term "glass" as used herein includes transparent or translucent, typically inorganic, amorphous non-crystalline compounds as well as crystalline compounds sometimes also referred to as "crystals", and in many cases (but not limited to) SiO 2 or Al 2 O 3It means any material having any non-polymer chemical composition (i.e., non-plastic composition). Further, acceptable glass layers can include glass types known as "safety glass", including laminated glass (typically, layers of glass and one or more plastics held together by an interlayer), tempered glass, and engraved glass. Although there can be several advantages to having glass that is transparent or translucent, embodiments of the present invention can include embodiments in which the internal member 104 includes other non-metallic or non-plastic materials (such as ceramics) that are opaque or only semi-translucent. Although depicted as a monolithic layer, the partial glass layer can include composites of multi-material layers, including multiple glass layers of the same or different types of glass. In some embodiments, at least one additional layer 110 can include at least one metal layer. In some embodiments, the glass can be coated with an adhesive or coating, such as a decorative, structural, or optical property (such as an infrared (IR) blocker) or radio frequency (RF) (such as an RF blocker)-controlling coating designed to control such properties.

[0015] In the exemplary transaction card embodiment 200 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a partial glass layer 202 including an internal 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 polymer material, ceramic and / or glass. In the embodiments of both FIGS. 1 and 2A, 2B, 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 the 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 a plurality of layers in some embodiments, such as layers laminated together. Any of the card embodiments disclosed herein can include, without limitation, any dimension coextensive with or smaller than the lateral dimension of a card known for use within a credit card, including, for example, a decorative layer (e.g., wood, leather, ceramic, metal), a layer including a magnetic stripe, a layer including a signature block, etc., or any type of layer.

[0016] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the frame 206 defines a first annular width AW1 between the outer and inner perimeters of the frame for at least one first portion of the frame, and the tab 230 defines a second width AW2 that is greater than the first width for at least one second portion of the frame. The frame may have the same annular width across the entire perimeter of the card (except at the location of the tab in embodiments with tabs), or the annular width may vary 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, and each side of the card may have a different annular width from the other sides, or one side of the card may have a different annular width from the other sides. The annular width may be variable along one or more edges of the card. The card embodiments are not limited to a single tab, and the tab is not limited to providing support for a payment module. In other embodiments, additional or alternative tabs (not shown) may be provided to align other aspects of the card, such as a display screen or biometric sensor, or to provide support for them. The payment module 220 is embedded within the tab 230.

[0017] In some embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the frame 206 may include metal. The metal of the frame can include at least one cut 240 that defines a gap extending laterally through the full thickness of the frame in the Z direction and from a starting point O on the outer periphery of the frame to an end point T located on the inner periphery of an opening in a tab 230 for accommodating the payment module 220. A non-metal filler, such as a non-RF interference filler (not shown), can be disposed within the gap defined by the cut. Although depicted as having a diagonal linear geometry, the cut 240 can have any geometry known in the art, including stepped, curved, sinusoidal, zigzag, or combinations thereof. The opposing locations of the starting point (O) and the end point (T) are not limited to specific locations. They may be aligned with each other along a line parallel to the long edge of the card that defines the length of the card, or one of the end point or the starting point may be relatively closer to one of the long edges of the card than the other. The non-limiting geometry for the cut can be any that conforms 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 cut may be provided elsewhere on the card, including one or more cuts extending from the outer periphery of the frame to the inner periphery of the frame, or one or more cuts having no end point or start point on either the outer or inner periphery. The non-limiting geometries for such cuts are 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 the Same," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In a structure having a metal frame, particularly in a structure with any of the aforementioned cuts, whether filled or unfilled, the metal frame can serve as a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In particular, although not depicted or preferred, the configuration in FIG. 1 can similarly have one or more of the cuts as described above if the frame 106 includes metal.

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

[0020] In some embodiments, the frame includes a non-metallic material, such as but not limited to epoxy, FR4, ceramic, carbon fiber, or a plant-based material such as wood. Embodiments including a non-metallic frame, such as the card embodiment 500 depicted in FIG. 5A, are well-suited 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 outer perimeter (FOP), and the groove 542 is radially inset from the FOP. A filler (not shown) can be disposed over the windings 545 within the groove 542. An additional layer can cover the frame to hide the groove and / or the fill. The windings and grooves can be disposed on either or both surfaces of the frame and can include one or more vias from a groove on one side to a groove on the other side. In the card embodiment 501 depicted in cross-section in FIG. 5B, the groove 542 extends between the surfaces of the top 507 and bottom 508 of the frame radially inward from the frame outer perimeter FOP, and the winding 545 is wound around the perimeter within the cross-sectional volume of the card. In such embodiments, a filler (not shown) is typically applied over the winding, such that the resulting FOP has a smooth edge between the upper and lower surfaces of the frame. Embodiments having a metallic frame can similarly include an embedded booster antenna of any of the designs described herein, where the groove is lined with a non-metallic non-RF interfering material such as ferrite and / or the winding is coated with this material to minimize interference.

[0021] Referring now to the cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 3A, the glass member 304 of layer 302 within 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 within a volume 305 bounded by the glass member 304, the frame 306, and at least one additional layer 310. The upper surfaces 307 of the glass member 304 and the frame 306 preferably exist 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 having a height E1 that is greater than a height E2 corresponding to the plane defined by the glass member with respect to at least one additional layer 310. Due to the fitting height of the glass member, the frame can 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 surface and the bottom planar surface. Similarly, the glass member 304 defines a straight outer perimeter 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 further described 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 "flush" edge compared to the corresponding edges depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, where flush means a geometry that does not include steps but can have a geometry other than straight lines.

[0023] In the cards 600 and 601 depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are extremely useful in other embodiments, for example, embodiments involving a metal frame, the inner circumference of the frame 606 defines a stepped edge 609 between the planar top surface 607 and the planar bottom surface 608 of the frame. The stepped edge 609 defines a ledge 650 or an overhang 651 intermediate the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, and this ledge or overhang connects to the surface of the glass member 604. As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the ledge 650 or the overhang 651 defines a planar surface facing a glass layer parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, but the ledge is not limited to such a structure, and it is possible to contour the glass layer to mesh with the contour surface of the ledge or the overhang. As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the glass member 604 has a first thickness T1 in the Z direction, the frame 606 has a second thickness T2 greater than the first thickness, and the ledge 650 or the overhang 651 has a thickness T3 equal to the difference (T2 - T1) between the first thickness and the second thickness. The volume 605 may contain an unfilled volume, or may be filled with an adhesive or other type of fluid or curable filler, such as a transparent or translucent filler, or may include a pre-formed layer, such as another glass layer or a non-glass transparent layer. The material of the volume 605 can include any other material known in the art.

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

[0025] In addition, as aspects of the embodiments of the present invention, there are the following. [Aspect 1] In a transaction card having an outer periphery and a lateral dimension defining an area: A partial glass layer including an internal glass member connected to a non-glass frame, wherein the frame defines opposing planar surfaces, the outer periphery of the frame is coextensive with the outer periphery of the card, the inner periphery of the frame is radially inwardly spaced from the outer periphery of the frame, and the inner periphery of the frame defines an internal area occupied by the glass member; a partial glass layer; At least one additional layer having a perimeter coextensive with the outer periphery of the card; A payment module configured for contactless operation or contact / contactless dual interface operation; A transaction card including. [Aspect 2] The transaction card according to Aspect 1, wherein the glass member includes shaped glass. [Aspect 3] The transaction card according to Aspect 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. [Aspect 4] The transaction card according to Aspect 3, wherein the opposing capping layers include a material selected from the group consisting of polymer materials, ceramics, and glass. [Aspect 5] The transaction card according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the at least one additional layer includes printed information or graphics. [Aspect 6] The frame defines a first width between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the frame for at least a first portion of the frame, the tab defines a second width greater than the first width for at least a second portion of the frame, and the payment module is embedded within the tab. The transaction card according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. [Aspect 7] The transaction card according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the glass member has a first thickness and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. [Aspect 8] The transaction card according to aspect 7, further comprising an adhesive layer within a region bounded by the glass member, the frame, and the at least one additional layer of the transaction card. [Aspect 9] The transaction card according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the frame includes a metal. [Aspect 10] The transaction card according to aspect 9, wherein the metal of the frame includes at least one cut that defines a gap extending from the outer periphery of the frame to the inner periphery of the frame. [Aspect 11] The transaction card according to aspect 10, comprising a non-metallic filler disposed within the gap defined by the cut. [Aspect 12] The transaction card according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein the metal frame having the at least one cut includes a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. [Aspect 13] The transaction card according to aspect 9, wherein the at least one additional layer includes a booster antenna layer including a booster antenna physically or inductively connected to the payment module. [Aspect 14] The transaction card according to aspect 13, wherein the at least one additional layer further includes at least one non-metallic base layer and one or more printed layers. [Aspect 15] The transaction card according to aspect 13 or 14, further comprising a non-RF interference layer between the booster antenna and the metal frame. [Aspect 16] The glass member has a first thickness, the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the partial glass layer constitutes the outermost layer of the transaction card, and the frame defines a height on the surface of the card that is greater than the height defined by the glass member with respect to the at least one additional layer. The transaction card according to any one of aspects 9 to 15. [Aspect 17] The transaction card according to aspect 1, wherein the frame includes a non-metallic material. [Aspect 18] The transaction card according to aspect 17, wherein the non-metallic material includes a material selected from the group consisting of epoxy, FR4 ceramic, carbon fiber, and plant-based materials. [Aspect 19] Further comprising a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module, wherein the frame includes at least one groove, and the booster antenna includes windings disposed inside the at least one groove, the transaction card according to aspect 17 or 18. [Aspect 20] The frame defines an outer peripheral edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface, the at least one groove is disposed on the top surface, the bottom surface, or a combination thereof, and is radially fitted from the outer peripheral edge, the transaction card according to aspect 17. [Aspect 21] Further comprising a filling material disposed on the booster antenna within the groove, the transaction card according to aspect 19 or 20. [Aspect 22] The inner periphery of the frame defines a smooth edge between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface of the frame, the transaction card according to any one of aspects 1 to 21. [Aspect 23] The smooth edge includes a straight edge perpendicular to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface, the transaction card according to aspect 22. [Aspect 24] The glass member aligns with the smooth edge defined by the inner periphery of the frame and defines a smooth outer peripheral edge connected to the edge by adhesion, the transaction card according to aspect 22. [Aspect 25] The inner periphery of the frame defines a stepped edge between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface, the stepped edge defines a ledge between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface, and the surface of the glass member is supported by the ledge, the transaction card according to any one of aspects 1 to 21. [Aspect 26] The ledge defines a planar surface parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, the transaction card according to aspect 25. [Aspect 27] The glass member has a first thickness, and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the transaction card according to aspect 26. [Aspect 28] The ledge has a thickness equal to the difference between the first thickness and the second thickness, the transaction card according to aspect 27. [Aspect 29] The transaction card according to any one of aspects 25 to 28, wherein the ledge defined by the frame is disposed between the at least one additional layer having a perimeter coextensive with the perimeter of the card and the glass member. [Aspect 30] The transaction card according to aspect 29, 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 perimeter of the card and the glass member. [Aspect 31] The transaction card according to aspect 30, wherein the intermediate layer includes an adhesive layer. [Aspect 32] The transaction card according to aspect 30, wherein the intermediate layer includes a transparent layer. [Aspect 33] The transaction card according to aspect 32, wherein the intermediate layer includes glass. [Aspect 34] The transaction card according to any one of aspects 25 to 28, wherein the glass member is disposed between the at least one additional layer and the ledge defined by the frame. [Aspect 35] The transaction card according to aspect 34, wherein the partial glass layer constitutes the outermost layer of the transaction card. [Aspect 36] The transaction card according to aspect 34, wherein an outer protective layer constituting the outermost layer of the transaction card is adhered to the partial glass layer. [Aspect 37] The transaction card according to aspect 34, wherein the frame is made of a metallic material. [Aspect 38] The transaction card according to any one of aspects 1 to 34, further comprising at least one protective layer on the partial glass layer.

Claims

**Claim 1** In a transaction card having a lateral dimension that defines a perimeter and an area: A partial glass layer including an internal glass member coupled to a non-glass frame, the frame defining opposing planar top and bottom surfaces, a frame outer perimeter coextensive with the perimeter of the card, and a frame inner perimeter spaced inwardly from the frame outer perimeter, the frame inner perimeter defining an internal area occupied by the glass member; At least one additional layer having a perimeter coextensive with the perimeter of the card; A payment module configured for contactless operation or contact / contactless dual interface operation; A transaction card comprising: The perimeter of the transaction card is defined by a plurality of straight edges and corners, the frame defining a plurality of frame widths between the frame outer perimeter and the frame inner perimeter along each of the plurality of straight edges, the plurality of frame widths including a first frame width between the frame outer perimeter and the frame inner perimeter along a first edge defining a card length of the transaction card, a second frame width between the frame outer perimeter and the frame inner perimeter along a second edge defining a card width perpendicular to the card length, a third frame width between the frame outer perimeter and the frame inner perimeter along a third edge parallel and opposing the first edge, and a fourth frame width between the frame outer perimeter and the frame inner perimeter along a fourth edge parallel and opposing the second edge, at least one of the plurality of frame widths being constant along the entirety of each of the straight edges, 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 having a width greater than the width in other portions of the entirety of each of the straight edges between the frame outer perimeter and the frame inner perimeter, The transaction card includes one or more electronic components disposed on the at least one tab. **Claim 2** The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the glass member includes form-fitting glass. **Claim 3** The transaction card according to 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.

4. The transaction card according to claim 3, wherein the opposing capping layers include a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer material, a ceramic, and a glass.

5. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one additional layer includes printed information or graphics.

6. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glass member has a first thickness, and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

7. The transaction card according to claim 6, further including an adhesive layer within a region bounded by the glass member, the frame, and the at least one additional layer of the transaction card.

8. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame includes a metal.

9. The transaction card according to claim 8, wherein the metal of the frame includes at least one cut defining a gap extending from an outer periphery of the frame to an inner periphery of the frame.

10. The transaction card according to claim 9, including a non-metallic filler disposed within the gap defined by the cut.

11. The transaction card according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the metal of the frame having the at least one cut includes a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module.

12. The transaction card according to claim 8, wherein the at least one additional layer includes a booster antenna layer including a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module.

13. The transaction card according to claim 12, wherein the at least one additional layer further includes at least one non-metallic base layer and one or more printed layers.

14. The transaction card according to claim 12 or 13, further including a non-RF interference layer between the booster antenna and the metal of the frame.

15. The glass member has a first thickness, the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the partial glass layer constitutes the outermost layer of the transaction card, and the frame defines a height greater than the height defined by the glass member for the at least one additional layer on the planar top surface of the card. The transaction card according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes a non-metallic material.

17. The transaction card according to claim 16, wherein the non-metallic material includes a material selected from the group consisting of epoxy, FR4 ceramic, carbon fiber, and plant-based materials.

18. The transaction card according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module, wherein the frame includes at least one groove, and the booster antenna includes a winding disposed inside the at least one groove.

19. The frame defines an outer peripheral edge, the planar top surface, and the planar bottom surface, and at least one groove is disposed on the planar top surface, the planar bottom surface, or a combination thereof, and is fitted in a direction from the outer peripheral edge to the inner periphery of the frame. The transaction card according to claim 16.

20. The transaction card according to claim 18, further comprising a filler disposed on the booster antenna within the groove.

21. The inner periphery of the frame defines a flush edge between the planar top surface of the frame and the planar bottom surface of the frame. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The transaction card according to claim 21, wherein the flush edge includes a straight edge perpendicular to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface.

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

24. The inner periphery of the frame defines a stepped edge between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, the stepped edge defining a ledge between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, and the surface of the glass member being supported by the ledge. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

25. The ledge defines a planar surface parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame. The transaction card according to claim 24.

26. The glass member has a first thickness, and the frame has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The transaction card according to claim 25.

27. The ledge has a thickness equal to the difference between the first thickness and the second thickness. The transaction card according to claim 26.

28. The ledge defined by the frame is disposed between the at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the card and the glass member. The transaction card according to any one of claims 24 to 27.

29. The transaction card according to claim 28, further comprising an intermediate layer having a periphery defined by the inner periphery of the ledge disposed between the at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the card and the glass member.

30. The intermediate layer includes an adhesive layer. The transaction card according to claim 29.

31. The intermediate layer includes a transparent layer. The transaction card according to claim 29.

32. The intermediate layer includes glass. The transaction card according to claim 31.

33. The glass member is disposed between the at least one additional layer and the ledge defined by the frame. The transaction card according to any one of claims 24 to 27.

34. The partial glass layer constitutes the outermost layer of the transaction card. The transaction card according to claim 33.

35. An outer protective layer constituting the outermost layer of the transaction card is adhered to the partial glass layer. The transaction card according to claim 33.

36. The transaction card according to claim 33, wherein the frame is made of a metallic material.

37. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 33, further comprising at least one protective layer on the partial glass layer.

38. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tab consists of a single tab on one edge, and the one or more electronic components consist of a payment module.

39. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame widths include a plurality of 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.

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

41. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the card length is greater than the card width.

42. The transaction card according to claim 41, wherein the corners are rounded and have a radius.

43. The transaction card according to claim 42, wherein each of the plurality of frame widths is constant along each of the straight edges, except for optional tabs having a width greater than the width in other portions of the entirety of each of the straight edges between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the frame.

44. The transaction card according to claim 43, wherein each of the constant widths of at least one of the plurality of frame widths is different from each of the constant widths of at least another of the plurality of frame widths.

45. The transaction card according to claim 43, wherein each of the constant widths of the first frame width is equal to each of the constant widths of the third frame width, and each of the constant widths of the second frame width is equal to each of the constant widths of the fourth frame width.

46. The transaction card according to claim 43, wherein each of the constant widths of the first frame width, each of the constant widths of the second frame width, each of the constant widths of the third frame width, and each of the constant widths of the fourth frame width are equal.

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