Low-profile card reader

#This invention relates generally to the card reader field, and more specifically to a new and useful hybrid card reader in the card reader field.

#FIG. 1 is a view of a first variation of the card reader from the first broad face.

#FIG. 2 is a view of the first variation of the card reader from the second broad face.

#FIG. 3 is a view of a second variation of the card reader from the first broad face.

#The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

#As shown in FIG. 1, the low-profile card reader 100 includes: a carriage 200, a support arm 300, and a magnetic reading head 400 mounted to the support arm 300. The card reader 100 functions to read information from a card with a magnetic stripe (e.g., credit card, gift card, etc.). The card reader further functions to provide this functionality in a low-profile form factor (e.g., a thin form factor, such as less than 8 mm thick). The low-profile card reader is preferably incorporated within a point of sale system (POS system), but can alternatively be used in a stand-alone magstripe reader (e.g., connected to a POS terminal through a wire, smartphone jack, or wireless connection), any suitable payment terminal (e.g., smart payment terminal, etc.), or be used in any other suitable manner.

#1. Specific Examples of the Card Reader.