Debit card having applied personal identification number (PIN) and scratch-off coating and method of forming same

Abstract

A method of forming a debit card and a debit card formed by the method are disclosed. A planar card member has opposing surfaces. A PIN is printed on one of the surfaces. The planar card member is advanced along a predetermined path of travel such as on a conveyor. A radiation cured, opaque scratch-off coating is applied onto the surface having the PIN such that the PIN is covered by the applied scratch-off coating. The scratch-off coating is radiation cured, preferably by ultraviolet radiation.

1 - 48  (CANCELLED)  
     
     
         49 . A method of forming a debit card, which comprises: 
 flexographically printing an opaque scratch-off coating over a PIN on a surface of the debit card; and    radiation curing the scratch-off coating.    
     
     
         50 . A method according to  claim 49 , and further comprising the step of metering a scratch-off material from an anilox metering roll onto an impression plate, and transferring the scratch-off material from the impression plate onto the surface of the debit card.  
     
     
         51 . A method according to  claim 49 , wherein the step of printing an opaque scratch-off coating further comprises printing a substantially opaque ink layer and printing an ink layer either under or over the opaque scratch-off coating ink layer.  
     
     
         52 . A method according to  claim 51 , wherein the step of printing the substantially opaque printed ink layer comprises the step of printing an ultraviolet curable ink layer that is opaque after curing.  
     
     
         53 . A method according to  claim 49 , and further comprising the step of ink jet printing over the opaque scratch-off coating.  
     
     
         54 . A method according to  claim 49 , and further comprising the step of applying a security indicia on the opaque scratch-off coating.  
     
     
         55 . A method according to  claim 54 , wherein the security indicia comprises a control code.  
     
     
         56 . A method according to  claim 49 , wherein the debit card comprises a substantially rigid plastic substrate.  
     
     
         57 . A method according to  claim 49 , wherein the debit card is substantially rectangular configured and wallet sized.  
     
     
         58 . A method according to  claim 49 , and further comprising the step of applying a release coating over the PIN before printing the opaque scratch-off coating to enhance removal of the scratch-off coating without damaging the PIN.  
     
     
         59 . A method of forming a debit card, which comprises: 
 radiation curing an opaque scratch-off coating that has been flexographically printed over a PIN on a surface of a debit card.    
     
     
         60 . A method according to  claim 59 , and further comprising the step of metering a scratch-off material from an anilox metering roll onto an impression plate, and transferring the scratch-off material from the impression plate onto the surface of the debit card.  
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 59 , and further comprising the step of printing a substantially opaque ink layer and printing an ink layer either under or over the opaque scratch-off coating ink layer.  
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 61 , wherein the step of printing the substantially opaque printed ink layer comprises the step of printing an ultraviolet curable ink layer that is opaque after curing.  
     
     
         63 . A method according to  claim 59 , and further comprising the step of ink jet printing over the opaque scratch-off coating.  
     
     
         64 . A method according to  claim 59 , and further comprising the step of applying a security indicia on the opaque scratch-off coating.  
     
     
         65 . A method according to  claim 64 , wherein the security indicia comprises a control code.  
     
     
         66 . A method according to  claim 59 , wherein the debit card comprises a substantially rigid plastic substrate.  
     
     
         67 . A method according to  claim 59 , wherein the debit card is substantially rectangular configured and wallet sized.  
     
     
         68 . A method according to  claim 59 , and further comprising the step of applying a release coating over the PIN before printing an opaque scratch-off coating to enhance removal of the scratch-off coating without damaging the PIN.  
     
     
         69 . A debit card comprising: 
 an opaque scratch-off coating formed from a radiation cured medium and flexographically printed over a PIN on a debit card.    
     
     
         70 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , wherein said debit card comprises a telephone calling card.  
     
     
         71 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , wherein said debit card comprises a credit card.  
     
     
         72 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , wherein said opaque scratch-off coating comprises a substantially opaque printed ink layer and a printed ink layer either under or over the substantially opaque printed ink layer.  
     
     
         73 . A debit card according to  claim 72 , wherein said opaque printed ink layer comprises an ultraviolet cured ink that is opaque after ultraviolet curing.  
     
     
         74 . A debit card according to  claim 73 , wherein said ink layer under or over the opaque ink layer comprises a second substantially opaque printed ink layer.  
     
     
         75 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , and further comprising a printed ink layer over the opaque scratch-off coating.  
     
     
         76 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , and further comprising a security indicia applied on the opaque scratch-off coating.  
     
     
         77 . A debit card according to  claim 76 , wherein said security indicia comprises a control code.  
     
     
         78 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , wherein said debit card comprises a substantially rigid plastic substrate.  
     
     
         79 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , wherein said debit card is substantially rectangular configured and wallet sized.  
     
     
         80 . A debit card according to  claim 69 , and further comprising a release coating interposed between said PIN and opaque scratch-off coating for enhancing scratch-off of the scratch-off coating without damaging the PIN.