Flexible scanner resistant device emulating a banknote for protection of RFID cards

Abstract

A device for protecting one or more credit or charge cards from radio frequency scanning is disclosed. The device comprises a rectangular-shaped planar element sized for fitting within the banknote slot of a personal carrying accessory, wherein the planar element is composed of a top layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, a middle layer of a metallic foil that inhibits the transmission of radio frequency signals, and a bottom layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer of plastic material completely cover a surface area of both sides of the middle layer, and wherein the device has a thickness of about 0.3 mm and exhibits a bending stiffness substantially equal to paper.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0003]Not Applicable.TECHNICAL FIELD[0004]The claimed subject matter disclosed broadly relates to the field of electronic commerce, and more particularly relates to the field of security as it relates to RFID cards used in electronic commerce.BACKGROUND[0005]Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to transfer data from an electronic tag, called an RFID tag or label, attached to an object, through a reader for the purpose of identifying and tracking the object. RFID technology has been used for many applications, including key entry cards, passports, road toll fee payments, identification cards, and cash transaction cards, such as credit and charge cards. RFID technology typically includes embedding a card or device with a microchip that stor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Briefly, according to an embodiment, a device for protecting one or more credit or charge cards from radio frequency scanning is disclosed. The device comprises a rectangular-shaped planar element sized for fitting within the banknote slot of a personal carrying accessory, wherein the planar element is composed of a top layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, a middle layer of a metallic foil that inhibits the transmission of radio frequency signals, and a bottom layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer of plastic material completely cover a surface area of both sides of the middle layer, and wherein the device has a thickness of about 0.3 mm and exhibits a bending stiffness substantially equal to paper.

[0011]In another embodiment, method for preventing radio frequency scanning of a card is disclosed. The method includes placing a first rectangular-shaped planar element within a banknote slot of a personal carrying case such that the first planar element is located substantially around one or more cards within the personal carrying case, wherein the planar element is sized for fitting within a banknote slot of the personal carrying case, wherein the planar element is substantially from about 7 and ¾ inches in length, to about 2 and ⅞ in width, and wherein the planar element is composed of a top layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, a middle layer of a metallic foil that inhibits the transmission of radio frequency signals, and a bottom layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer of plastic material completely cover a surface area of both sides of the middle layer.

[0012]In another embodiment, system for preventing radio frequency scanning of a card is disclosed. The system includes a personal carrying case comprising a plurality of card slots for inserting cards and a banknote slot for inserting banknotes; at least one card including information that may be scanned via a radio frequency scanner, wherein said at least one card is inserted into the plurality of card slots; and a rectangular-shaped planar element sized for fitting within the banknote slot of the personal carrying accessory, wherein the planar element is composed of a top layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, a middle layer of a metallic foil that inhibits the transmission of radio frequency signals, and a bottom layer of plastic material having an interior surface including printed information, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer of plastic material completely cover a surface area of both sides of the middle layer, and wherein the device has a thickness of about 0.3 mm and exhibits a bending stiffness substantially equal to paper.

Problems solved by technology

RFID technology, however, has come with drawbacks.

But the device of U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,982 is rigid and does not allow for easy flexing or bending of the device.

This limits the use of the device and lowers consumers' desires to utilize the device.

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