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 Art

[0002] Credit card issuers continue to seek transaction cards that include materials having 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 vulnerable 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 that defines an area. The transaction card has a partial glass layer that includes 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 that is co - extensive with the outer perimeter of the card and an inner perimeter of the frame that is radially inwardly spaced from the outer perimeter of the frame. The inner perimeter of the frame defines an internal area that is 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 may include a pair of opposing capping layers formed of, for example, a polymer material, ceramic, and glass, where a partial glass layer is positioned between the pair of opposing capping layers. The additional layer may include printed information or graphics.

[0005] In some embodiments, the frame defines a first width between the outer and inner circumferences of the frame for at least a first portion of the frame, and the tab defines a second width 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 may have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In such embodiments, the transaction card may further have an adhesive layer within the area bordered by the glass member, the frame, and at least one additional layer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the frame may include metal. The metal of the frame may include at least one cut defining a gap extending from the outer circumference of the frame to the inner circumference of the frame, and optionally include a non-metallic filler placed within the gap defined by the cut. A metal frame having such a cut may include a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In some embodiments, an 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 a non-RF interference layer placed between the booster antenna and the metal frame. In one embodiment of the metal frame, the frame may have a second thickness greater than the thickness of the glass member that is the outermost layer of the transaction card, where the frame defines a height on the surface of the card 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 epoxy, FR4 ceramic, carbon fiber, and plant-based materials, for example, not limited to epoxy. In such embodiments, the booster antenna, which is physically or inductively coupled to the payment module, may include windings arranged within grooves located within the frame. The grooves may be located on the top or bottom surface of the frame, or a combination thereof, and may be radially fitted from the outer edge of the frame. A filler material may be placed on top of the booster antenna within the grooves.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner circumference of the frame may define a stepless edge between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, for example, a straight edge perpendicular to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface. In such embodiments, the glass member aligns with the stepless edge defined by the inner circumference of the frame and defines a stepless outer edge connected to this edge by adhesive.

[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 midway between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, where the surface of the glass member is supported by the ledge, for example, a ledge defining 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 and second thicknesses. The ledge defined by the frame may be located between the additional layer and the glass member. An intermediate layer having a perimeter defined by the inner circumference of the ledge may be located between the glass member and the additional layer, for example, a transparent layer such as an adhesive layer or glass. The glass member may be located between the additional layer and the ledge defined by the frame, particularly in embodiments where the frame is made of metal.

[0011] At least one protective layer may be placed 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 bonded to the partial glass layer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of an exemplary transaction card embodiment having a glass component with a non-glass frame. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a schematic exploded perspective view of an exemplary transaction card embodiment having a glass component with a metal frame sandwiched between capping layers. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows a schematic plan view of the card embodiment shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the glass members and frame have different thicknesses. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment, defining the outer surface of the card where the glass member and frame have different thicknesses, and the glass member is fitted at a height lower than the height of the frame. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment having a booster antenna layer between other stacked layers of the card. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows 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] Figure 5B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame includes an embedded booster antenna in a groove extending from the outer periphery of the frame between the top and bottom surfaces of the card. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame has a stepped internal perimeter that forms a ledge supporting the glass member. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary card embodiment in which the frame has a stepped internal perimeter that forms an overhang that radially overlaps with the glass member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Referring here to figures that are not intended to be at a constant scale or ratio, Figure 1 shows an exemplary transaction card embodiment 100 having lateral dimensions (length L1 and width W1) that define the card's outer perimeter COP and area (L1 × W1). In Figure 1, the dimensions are generally L1 is larger than W1, for example, in accordance with the ISO / IEC 7810 ID-1 standard, with L1 × W1 = 85.60 × W1 = 85.60 × W1 = 2 1 / 8 in, with rounded corners having a radius of 2.88 to 3.48 mm (approximately 1 / 8 in), and an overall thickness of 0.76 mm (1 / 32 in), but 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 (an upper surface 107 and a lower surface 108, as positioned in Figure 1). The outer periphery of the frame (FOP) extends in the same direction as the outer periphery COP of the card. The inner periphery of the frame (FIP) is separated inward from the outer periphery of the frame (FOP). The inner periphery of the frame has lateral dimensions (length L2 and width W2) that define the internal area (L2 × W2) occupied by the glass member 104. At least one additional layer 110 has a peripheral ALP aligned with the outer periphery FOP of the frame, and together these define the outer periphery 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 exitic metals such as gold, titanium, etc., and any combination or alloy thereof. Combinations of materials, including combinations of metals and nonmetals (e.g., metal with ceramic coating; nonmetal with metal foil layer; steel with gold foil cladding), can also be used within the frame. Suitable plastic layers for at least one additional layer include, but are not limited to, all types of plastics known for use in cards, including PVC, polyester, PET, HDPE, and their formulations or copolymers.The glass layer 104 has a recess 105 (which may be a through hole or a pocket open on only one surface) configured to accommodate a payment module (not shown in Figure 1). The payment module, which may be any type of payment module known in the art, typically includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip configured for at least 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 component 104 preferably includes high-strength, flexible, or shape-conforming glass, such as, not limited to, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, sapphire glass, or ion-exchange strengthened glass. Many examples of such flexible or shape-conforming glass are known in the art and are preferred for their shatterproof properties and strength. Such types of glass are also denser than the conventional plastic layer found in some transaction cards and thus impart additional weight to the overall look and feel of the card. Although preferred embodiments include flexible or shape-conforming glass compositions, the term “glass” as used herein means any material that is transparent or translucent, typically inorganic, and has any non-polymeric chemical composition (i.e., non-plastic composition) that often contains (but not limited to) SiO2 or Al2O3 as a primary component, including amorphous noncrystalline compounds and crystalline compounds, sometimes also called “crystal.” Furthermore, acceptable glass layers may include glass types known as “safety glass,” including laminated glass (typically comprising one or more layers, each of glass and plastic, held together by an intermediate layer), tempered glass, and engraved glass. While transparent or translucent glass may have several advantages, embodiments of the present invention may include embodiments in which the internal member 104 comprises other non-metallic or non-plastic material (e.g., ceramic) that is either opaque or translucent. Although depicted as a monolithic layer, a 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, e.g., decorative, structural, or a coating 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 internal glass member 204 and a non-glass frame 206, is positioned between a pair of opposing capping layers 210, 212. In preferred embodiments, the opposing capping layers may include polymer material, ceramic, and / or glass. In embodiments of Figures 1 and 2A, 2B, one or more of layers 110, 210, 212, or other additional layers (not shown), may contain information or graphics. The information / graphics may be printed or placed directly on the capping layer or partial glass layer using any known technique (e.g., etching, laser processing, etc.), or placed on one or more other layers. Any of layers 110, 210, 212 may include multiple layers in some embodiments, for example, layers stacked together. Any of the card embodiments disclosed herein may, without limitation, include any type of layer of any size that is equal to or smaller than the lateral dimensions of a card known for use in a credit card, including decorative layers (e.g., wood, leather, ceramic, metal), layers containing magnetic stripes, layers containing signature blocks, etc.

[0016] In the embodiments depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, the frame 206 defines a first annular width AW1 between the outer and inner circumferences of the frame for at least one first portion of the frame, and the tab 230 defines a second width AW2 greater than the first width for at least one second portion of the frame. The frame may have the same annular width all around the card (except where the tab is located, in embodiments with a tab), or the annular width may differ on different sides of the card. For example, the frame may have a first width along the relatively longer sides of the card and a second width along the relatively shorter sides of the card, and 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 embodiments are not limited to a single tab, and the tab is not limited to providing a support for a payment module. In other embodiments, additional or alternatively positioned tabs (not shown) may be provided to align other aspects of the card, such as a display screen or biometric sensor, or to provide supports for them. The payment module 220 is embedded within the tab 230.

[0017] For example, in some embodiments depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, the frame 206 may include metal. The metal of the frame may include at least one cut 240 defining a gap that extends laterally through the entire thickness of the frame in the Z direction and from a starting point O on the outer circumference of the frame to an endpoint T located on the inner circumference of an opening in a tab 230 for housing a payment module 220. A non-metallic filler (not shown), such as a non-RF interference filler, may be placed inside the gap defined by the cut. Although depicted as having a diagonal linear geometry, the cut 240 may have any geometry known in the art, including stepped, curved, sinusoidal, zigzag, or a combination thereof. The opposing locations of the starting point (O) and endpoint (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 endpoints or starting point may be relatively closer to one of the long edges of the card than the other. Non-limiting geometric shapes for the cuts may be any of the geometric shapes 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 present elsewhere on the card, including one or more cuts extending from the outer circumference to the inner circumference of the frame, or one or more cuts that do not have an endpoint or origin on either the outer or inner circumference. Non-limiting geometries for such cuts are to conform 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 for Manufacturing the Same,” which is incorporated herein by reference in whole. In structures having a metal frame, particularly structures with either filled or unfilled of the aforementioned cuts, the metal frame can serve as a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to the payment module. In particular, although not depicted and not preferred, the configuration in Figure 1 may similarly have one or more of the above-described cuts if the frame 106 contains metal.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, in another embodiment having a metallic frame (typically seamless although not always so), the additional layer 410 of card 400 can include a booster antenna layer 440 including a booster antenna 445 physically or inductively coupled to the payment module (e.g., including multiple metal windings as is well known in the art). In such an embodiment, the additional layer can 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 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 carrying sheets between the functional layers. Similarly depicted is a top layer 415 that can include a transparent layer (e.g., without limitation, a hard coat including polymers, inorganic particles or nanoparticles in a resin, etc.) protecting the glass and metal layers from scratches and can have printing or graphics thereon, such as printing or graphics identifying the card type (e.g., VISA, American Express, etc.), the issuer (e.g., bank name), the cardholder name, etc. There may be fewer or additional layers than those shown.

[0020] In some embodiments, the frame includes non-metallic materials, such as epoxy, FR4, ceramic, carbon fiber, or plant-based materials, such as wood. Embodiments including a non-metallic frame, such as the card embodiment 500 depicted in Figure 5A, are particularly well suited for including a booster antenna physically or inductively coupled to a payment module, where the booster antenna includes one or more windings 545 positioned in a groove 542 defined within the frame. As shown in Figure 5, the frame 506 defines the frame outer perimeter (FOP), and the groove 542 is fitted radially from the FOP. A filler (not shown) may be placed on top of the windings 545 within the groove 542. An additional layer may cover the frame to conceal the groove and / or filler. The windings and groove may be positioned on either or both surfaces of the frame and may include one or more vias from the groove on one side to the groove on the other side. In the card embodiment 501 shown in cross-sectional view in Figure 5B, the groove 542 extends radially inward from the outer peripheral FOP of the frame between the top 507 and bottom 508 surfaces of the frame, and the winding 545 is wound around the periphery within the cross-sectional volume of the card. In such embodiments, a filler (not shown) is typically applied on the winding, so that the resulting FOP has a smooth edge between the upper and lower surfaces of the frame. Embodiments having a metal frame may similarly include a recessed booster antenna of any design 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 to the cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 3A here, 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 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 greater than a height E2 corresponding to a 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 circumference 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 peripheral edge 303 that is aligned with and connected to this edge by an adhesive with respect to the straight edge 309 defined by the inner circumference of the frame. In other embodiments, the inner circumference 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 may 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 without steps, but can have a geometry other than a straight line.

[0023] In the cards 600 and 601 shown in Figures 6A and 6B, which are extremely useful in other embodiments, such as those 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 overhang 651 midway between 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 shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the ledge 650 or overhang 651 defines a planar surface facing the glass layer parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, but the ledge is not limited to this structure, and the glass layer can be contoured to interlock with the contour surface of the ledge or overhang. As shown in Figures 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 overhang 651 has a thickness T3 equal to the difference between the first and second thicknesses (T2-T1). The volume 605 may contain an unfilled volume, or it may be filled with an adhesive or other type of fluid or curable filler, such as a transparent or translucent filler, or it may contain a pre-formed layer, such as another glass layer or a non-glass transparent layer. The material of the volume 605 may include any other material known in the art.

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

[0025] While the present invention is illustrated and described herein in relation to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications to the details are possible within the scope of the equivalent claims without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. In a transaction card having lateral dimensions that define the outer perimeter and area: A partial glass layer comprising a glass member connected to a non-glass frame, wherein the frame defines opposing planar surfaces, a frame periphery extending in the same direction as the outer periphery of the transaction card, and a frame inner periphery radially separated inward from the frame periphery, and the frame inner periphery defines an internal area occupied by the glass member; An additional layer having a perimeter extending in the same manner as the outer perimeter of the transaction card, comprising at least one additional layer including a booster antenna layer including a booster antenna; A payment module configured for contactless operation or contact / contactless dual interface operation, the payment module being physically or inductively connected to the booster antenna; A transparent layer forming the outermost surface of the transaction card and disposed on at least the partial glass layer, wherein at least the booster antenna is visible from the outermost surface of the transaction card; Transaction card, wherein 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 defines a ledge midway between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame, the surface of the glass member is supported by the ledge, and the ledge defines a planar portion parallel to the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame.

2. The outer 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 outer periphery (206) and the inner periphery (FIP) of the frame along each of the plurality of straight edges, and the plurality of frame widths include a first frame width (FW1) between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the frame along a first edge that defines the card length of the transaction card, and a second edge that defines a card width perpendicular to the card length. The transaction card according to claim 1, comprising: a second frame width (FW2) between the outer circumference of the frame and the inner circumference of the frame; a third frame width (FW3) between the outer circumference of the frame and the inner circumference of the frame along a third edge parallel to and facing the first edge; and a fourth frame width (FW4) between the outer circumference of the frame and the inner circumference of the frame along a fourth edge parallel to and facing the second edge, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame widths is constant along the entire length of each of the straight edges.

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

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

5. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the transparent layer includes printed information or graphics.

6. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the glass member includes a shape-conforming glass.

7. 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.

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

9. The transaction card according to 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 according to claim 9, further comprising an adhesive layer within the region bordered by the glass member, the frame, and the at least one additional layer of the transaction card.

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

12. The transaction card according to claim 1, further comprising a non-RF interference layer between the booster antenna and the frame.

13. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein 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 transaction card greater than the height defined by the glass member with respect to the at least one additional layer.

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

15. The transaction card according to claim 14, wherein the nonmetallic material includes a material selected from the group consisting of epoxy, FR4 ceramic, carbon fiber, and plant-based materials.

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

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

18. The transaction card according to claim 17, further comprising a filler material disposed on the booster antenna within the groove.

19. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner circumference of the frame defines a stepless edge between the planar top surface and the planar bottom surface of the frame.

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

21. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the glass member is aligned with a stepless edge defined by the inner circumference of the frame, and defines a stepless outer edge connected to this edge by adhesive.

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

24. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the ledge defined by the frame is located between the glass member and the at least one additional layer having a perimeter coexisting with the outer perimeter of the transaction card.

25. The transaction card according to claim 24, further comprising the at least one additional layer having a perimeter extending in the same direction as the outer perimeter of the transaction card and an intermediate layer having a perimeter defined by the inner perimeter of the ledge, disposed between the glass member.

26. The transaction card according to claim 25, wherein the intermediate layer includes an adhesive layer.

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

28. The transaction card according to claim 27, wherein the intermediate layer includes glass.

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

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

31. The transaction card according to claim 29, wherein an outer protective layer constituting the outermost layer of the transaction card is bonded to the partial glass layer.

32. The transaction card according to claim 29, wherein the frame is made of a metal material.

33. The transaction card according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one protective layer on the partial glass layer.

34. The transaction card according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame widths is constant along the entire length of each of the straight edges, with the exception of at least one tab between the outer circumference of the frame and the inner circumference of the frame, which has a width greater than the width of the other portion of the entire length of each of the straight edges.

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

36. The transaction card according to claim 35, 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.

37. The transaction card according to claim 35, 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.

38. The transaction card according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame widths is variable along each of the straight edges.

39. The transaction card according to claim 2, wherein the card length is greater than the card width.

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

41. The transaction card according to claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of frame widths is constant along the entire length of each of the straight edges, with the exception of an optional tab between the outer circumference of the frame and the inner circumference of the frame, the tab having a width greater than the width of the other portion of the entire length of each of the straight edges.

42. The transaction card according to claim 41, wherein each of at least one of the plurality of frame widths is different from each of at least another of the plurality of frame widths.

43. The transaction card according to claim 41, wherein each of the first frame widths is equal to each of the third frame widths, and each of the second frame widths is equal to each of the fourth frame widths.

44. The transaction card according to claim 41, wherein each of the fixed widths of the first frame width, each of the fixed widths of the second frame width, each of the fixed widths of the third frame width, and each of the fixed widths of the fourth frame width are equal.

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

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