AU2018427101A1 - Improved self-destructive documents for information security and privacy protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The inventor herein discloses destructive (self-destructing) documents useful for the protection of confidential information. The invention comprises a document which can be easily and instantly broken down into dozens of individual components, hence obliterating any information contained thereon. As the self-destruction of the document requires no extraneous equipment for destruction and guarantees elimination of readable data, the invention represents a vast improvement over the state of the art. Further refinements allow simple mass production of the invention using current manufacturing equipment and technologies. Numerous embodiments of the document of the invention specialized for different applications are illustrated and described.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

IMPROVED SELF-DESTRUCTIVE DOCUMENTS FOR INFORMATION SECURITY

AND PRIVACY PROTECTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Threats to data privacy and identity theft are increasingly common, resulting in untold anguish and hundreds of millions in losses yearly to those who have their personal or corporate information stolen and abused. But while online hacking, phishing and other computer aided theft of personal information makes newspaper headlines, masses of such information are still stolen the old-fashioned way, by extracting information personally identifiable information (RP) from printed communications which end in the trash, commonly known as dumpster diving.

The myriad of items passing through a typical mailbox, some solicited, others beyond the control of the individual, contain a wealth of information in public view, from names and addresses, to other more private information not designed for public disclosure. Further, information contained in medical mailings and prescription containers is highly confidential and open to abuse. Currently such items have no quick and simple way to assure that this information is destroyed, and the use of information purloined from discarded mailings and the like remains a huge problem to which the instant invention provides a solution.

In addition, data theft and espionage within industry are increasingly common. Even in an office with strict environmental controls such as a secured intranet and the absence of file saving facilities on sensitive equipment, the necessity of hand- written notes and temporary memos remains a weak link in an otherwise secure system. While numerous solutions exist to protect such private information, these most often require extraneous equipment, such as paper shredding, or may result in incomplete erasure of information, as is usually the case with simple paper ripping, use of concealment stamps and markers or the like. Additionally, the ability to manufacture and distribute the solution is key to usability in a competitive and cost-conscious market Further refinements to the instant invention allow for simple mass production using current manufacturing equipment and technologies. Lacking real world utility the currently available solutions fail to address a pressing need. The inventor herein discloses a destructive (eg. self-destructing or self-shredding) document and provides a series of solutions to the theft of personal, medical and industrial information consequently providing a superior level of affordability, manufacturability, privacy and protection.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The instant invention provides a series of solutions to the theft of personal, medical and industrial information. In summary, the invention comprises a printable surface called a coversheet. Using a pattern of cuts or perforations, the coversheet is partitioned into a series of releasable island cutouts and a residual framework, such that the integrity of the page is maintained, but each cutout can be released from the page using only minimal force, due to the presence of the cuts or perforations. In order to release the cutouts the coversheet is overlain or underlain with two additional sheets, a separator and a topsheet, which together comprise the release unit. The separator sheet has a series of small holes which are positioned to overlay the cutouts on the coversheet, the topsheet is attached through the holes of the separator to the cutouts of the coversheet, and in some embodiments may help anchor these cutouts in place. The separator and topsheet are adhered to each other at their periphery and have tabs at one or both ends, a removal tab on the separator, and an initiation tab on the topsheet. The separator can also be adhered at its periphery to the coversheet to hold the release unit in place. To destroy the document, the release unit is first liberated from the coversheet using the removal tab, causing the perforated cutouts to detach from the coversheet due to their attachment to the top sheet The topsheet is then released from the separator using the initiation tab. As the attached cutouts are larger than the holes of the separator, the shear force breaks the anchor bonds holding the topsheet to the cutouts, and individual cutouts are released as chads. Each chad contains a fraction of the original document information, ensuring complete obliteration of the original document data. In some embodiments the coversheet is fully perforated and the cutouts are held in place by their attachments to the topsheet

In some embodiments release of the coversheet cutouts will reveal information contained on one or more of the other layers. In some embodiments the coversheet is adhered to an adhesive backing sheet with an optional release liner, allowing it to be affixed to items as desired. In all embodiments the invention renders destruction of the printed surface and

obliteration of any readable text Further details and embodiments are discussed below.

The invention comprises the following elements: one or more perforated coversheets, one or more separator sheets one or more topsheets

The invention may also comprise one or more optional backing sheets, which if adhesive may incorporate an optional associated release liner,

each of which are further detailed below, followed by a description of certain preferred embodiments. For brevity, the singular is used within the text to refer to the above elements, but is intended to include one or more of the referenced elements where appropriate.

A first element of the invention comprises one or more coversheets. The coversheet is typically a piece of piper, plastic, polymer, cloth, metal, or other suitable material. One surface comprises a writable or printable surface, on which hand writing, printing, graphics, mailing and other information can be entered. In some instances the text may be applied to the coversheet through one or more overlying layers using thermal printing. In some instances both surfaces may be writable. The coversheet is cut or perforated with a series of island outlines or“cutouts'’ using methods such as die or laser cutting well known in the art and commonly employed in the production of stickers, adhesive labels, stamps, toilet paper etc. The coversheet may be slightly perforated, such that significant force is required to dislodge the cutouts, or any variation up to fully perforated such the cutouts are free floating and may be held in place by their attachment to the topsheet. The cutouts may be the same or different shapes and sizes, and their patterning on the coversheet may be uniform or random, and may cover all or a part of the coversheet

Dimensions, sizes and shapes of the cutouts will depend on font type, font characters and font size, document format etc, and can be chosen to maximize data masking. Typical cryptographic methods of obscuring the information can be employed to optimize these parameters to ensure the information is indeterminate after destruction and cannot forensically be reassembled.

Following release of the cutouts, the remaining portion of the coversheet is known as the residual framework. In some embodiments the coversheet is adhered to an underlying adhesive or non-adhesive backing sheet with optional release liner. In some embodiments the backing sheet is transparent When no backing sheet is present, the cutting or perforation shall usually be such that the cutouts are substantially separated from the coversheets, but the integrity of the page is maintained, and each cutout can be released from the page using only minimal force due to the presence of the perforations. When a backing sheet is present to further support the cutouts, the cuts/perforations may be such that the cutouts are more easily released from the backing and coversheets to leave the residual coversheet lattice affixed to the underlying backing sheet In some embodiments in which a backing sheet is employed, the coversheet may be akin to a perforated sticker and the coversheet’s lower surface is covered in an adhesive which can form a releasable bond with the underlying upper surface of the backing sheet, which is formulated as a release layer as further described below. In some embodiments the coversheet further comprises one or more tabs at one or each end, which can serve to fasten the coversheet ends, act as finger holds to facilitate separation of layers from each other, or which can be gripped to facilitate pulling of the coversheet. The tab may be any shape and conformation suitable for gripping, and may be integral to the coversheet, comprising a flattened and reinforced section. It may additionally comprise a mechanism to secure the free end.

A second element of the invention comprises one or more separator sheets, or separators, which incorporate a pattern of small holes that overlap each cutout on the coversheet. These holes may be of any shape and size and overlay the cutouts allowing the topsheet to be spot adhered to the cutouts. The separator is usually, but not always, transparent, and acts to sever the connection between the topsheet and the cutouts following their release from the coversheet, discharging them as chads. The separator may be equal to or smaller in size than the topsheet, but in any case, at least large enough to cover the attachments to the cutouts. The separator may be permanently or temporarily adhered in one or more places and on one or both sides, so as to form attachments with the topsheet and/or coversheet residual framework. In some embodiments the separator may have no peripheral adhesion and be held in place by the bonds between the topsheet and coversheet cutouts. The separator usually has a removal tab at one or both ends which can be gripped to facilitate separation from the other elements of the invention and document destruction. The tab may be any shape and conformation suitable for gripping, and may be integral to the separator, comprising a flattened and reinforced section. In preferred embodiments the removal tab is positioned at the opposite end to the release tab and may be offset with respect to the topsheet or coversheet It may additionally comprise a mechanism to secure the free end.

A third element comprises one or more topsheets, which at least completely covers each of the holes on the separator, and is anchored to the each of the cutouts through the holes of the intervening separator. This attachment may be through any suitable means, and may include spot or other adhesion, fusion or any chemical or mechanical bonding methods. The attachment may be of any size, shape and number such that the cutouts are firmly anchored through the holes to the topsheet without adhering to the intervening separator. The topsheet will typically be a sheet, composed of any suitable material and will typically, but not always, be transparent The topsheet further comprises one or more release tabs at one or each end similar to the tabs described previously, which act as finger holds to facilitate detachment of the topsheet from the other layers. In prefered embodiments the release tab is positioned at the opposite end to the removal tab and may be offset with respect to the separator or coversheet. Pulling the topsheet away from the separator using the release tab breaks the bonds to the cutouts resulting in their release as chads. In some embodiments the topsheet is adhered peripherally directly to the coversheet residual framework, and the separator is held in place by the anchors between the topsheet and cutouts. In some embodiments the coversheet is fully perforated and the cutouts are held in place by their anchors to the topsheet layer.

A fourth optional element of the invention comprises a backing sheet and optional release liner. By including a backing sheet, the document of the invention can be strengthened, or can be affixed to items as desired. The backing sheet comprises an upper surface to which a coversheet can be adhered. Characteristically the upper surface has the properties of a release liner, i.e. coated with polyolefins such as HOPE, LDPE and PP plastic resins, silicon, polyvinyl alcohol or other suitable components, which may cover all or part of the backing sheet and allows a reliable but temporary bond to the lower surface of the coversheet. This facilitates sticking to the coversheet, but allows subsequent release of the perforated cutouts from the upper surface of the backing sheet. In some embodiments of the invention, the backing sheet has no adhesive applied to its lower surface, and acts to strengthen the overlaying coversheet by bonding thereto. In other embodiments the lower surface of the backing sheet comprises a second adhesive surface capable of affixing to a mailing or other surface and is usually protected by a release liner. In some embodiments, the lower surface may be coated in an adhesive, with or without an optional release liner, and can be adhered to a mailing or other surface by any of those techniques known in the art. For instance, the lower surface may typically comprise a simple sticker, with a pressure sensitive adhesive covering the surface. The adhesive is protected by a release liner, to safeguard the adhesive prior to the label being applied as is common in the sticker industry. Characteristically, similarly to the upper surface of the backing sheet, the release liner comprises an upper surface which is coated with silicon, polyvinyl alcohol or other suitable components, to reduce the stickiness of the surface, and allow a reliable but temporary bond to a second adhesive coated surface. The attached release liner can be peeled away from the backing sheet to expose the adhesive covered lower surface to facilitate affixing to a mailing or other surface. Alternatively the adhesive on the lower surface of the backing sheet may be uncovered, and require activation by water, light, temperature or other means known in the art, and in this instance the optional release liner may be omitted.

The exact choice or combination of materials employed in construction of the invention depends on the specific application and embodiment Suitable materials are known, or will become known, to those skilled in the art, and their exclusion from this list is not intended to detract from their importance in this invention. In any case, suitable materials and methods are well known in the art and die following is intended to illustrate, not limit, the choices of materials which may be employed. Typically, the coversheet, backing sheet and release liner are composed of papers or cardboards, e.g. any pulp of wood or other fibrous products as known in the art In some embodiments these elements are composed of cloth or other woven materials. Alternatively plastics and other organic polymers may be used. In certain applications metallic foils and alloys may also be advantageous. In certain applications thermal active materials and thermal printing may be employed to print through overlying layers. Thermal printing produces a printed image by selectively heating coated thermochromic paper, or thermal paper and can be used to create an image on a sheet through overlying or underlying layers. The coating changes color in the areas where it is heated, producing an image in one or more colors. Alternatively thermal transfer, laser, inkjet or any other form of printing may be employed. Text and images may be applied prior to, during, or subsequent to roll-to-roll combination of the layers, and may appear on either side of any layer, depending on the embodiment. The topsheet may also be composed of the above materials and may be the same or different material to the coversheet. Likewise the separator and tab may be constructed from the variety of materials listed above. In many applications one or more layers will be constructed from a transparent material. Preferred materials may be stored and utilized in a roll format to facilitate easy manufacturing.

The adhesive may be of any type commonly used in the production of stickers and labels. For instance, the adhesive may be permanent, peel able or high tack. The adhesive chosen for each of the surfaces will best suit the task at hand. For instance, a relatively strong bond is needed between the backing sheet and the mailing to ensure fastening, while a relatively weaker bond might be employed between the backing sheet and coversheet so as to facilitate easy release of the cutouts upon pulling of the topsheet Any materials and method known in the art which produces a firm bond of the lower surface to a mailing, and a releasable bond between the upper surface and coversheet is contemplated within the scope of the instant invention.

The exact choice or combination of perforating techniques employed in construction of the coversheet will depend on the embodiment, and may be applied prior to, during, or subsequent to roll-to-roll combination of the layers. In some cases the coversheet will be slightly perforated such that the cutouts are firmly attached to the coversheet and require a shear force between the separator and coversheet to facilitate removal. At the other end of the spectrum, the coversheet may be fully perforated such that the cutouts are for all purposes separated from the coversheet and may be held in place by their anchors to the top sheet This may be achieved using laser cutting during the converting stage of the roll-to-roll process following combination of the layers and spot adhesion of the cutouts to the topsheet.

The principle advantage of the invention over the art is the combination of simplicity and security features afforded. As the advantage is integral to the invention and does not require extraneous equipment, there is minimal incremental cost and no further ongoing costs or requirements. As described in most instances, following destruction the text is broken into physically distinct parts, that on each of the released cutouts (chads), that on the residual framework. Following document destruction, each separate part contains components of the text indecipherable in its own right, and doubly secure due to the combination of features cited herein.

Importantly, the invention provides significant improvements for easy manufacturing using current techniques compared to other solutions in the art. Typically label manufacturers employ roll-to-roll processing, also known as reel-to-reel processing or R2R, and utilize continuous sheets of flexible materials (called webs) that are rolled up for more convenient handling and transportation. Materials such as paper, cloth, plastic film and foils of various weights and lengths can hence be employed in processing machines such as printing presses, laminating, coating and cutting/perforating machines to create an intermediate or final product In this instance, each layer of the label is contained on a roll and the layers are combined and manipulated in a process known as converting. Individual rolls of each layer are presented to the machine and are bonded as dictated by the embodiment using chemical, mechanical, thermal, adhesive or other means. The use of layers allows for customization of label embodiments such as pre-printing, use of thermal active materials for later application of information, and selection of different materials and transparencies for different layers. At completion the combined layers can be re-reeled to create an output roll or can be further processed on the same or a different machine depending on the application. Common converting techniques include die cutting, laser cutting or other suitable perforation/cutting techniques, and thermal or conventional printing. Common finishing techniques include techniques well known in the art such as slitting, sheeting, fan-folding, scoring or other processes to provide a customized completed label. Compared to other solutions in the art, the instant invention has the advantage that all elements can be contained on rolls and processed through equipment currently utilized and economically competitive in the label making industry. The rolls of each invention element may be customized with final print and perforation already applied so the rolls can be simply combined and then cut or processed for distribution. Alternatively the inputs may be blank and ready for customized data input and/or perforation during or following the layer combination process. This imparts a flexibility for a variety of solutions. To employ other materials such as tapes or filaments, solid tabs and cutting devices, requires specialized machinery and expertise not currently found in the marketplace.

BRIEF DESCRIFTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The drawings on the first sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device useful in protection of information on mailings. FIG. 1 A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. IE) detailing small holes in the separator layer. FIG. IB shows a document affixed to a box. FIG. 1C illustrates release of the cutouts, separator and topsheet from the box, while in FIG. ID the cutouts are released from the topsheet by pulling apart the separator and topsheet. The drawings on the second sheet illustrate a further embodiment of the device useful in protection of information on mailings. FIG. 2A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. 2E) detailing small holes in the separator layer. FIG. 2B shows a document affixed to a box. FIG. 2C illustrates release of the coversheet, cutouts, separator and topsheet from the box, while in FIG. 2D the cutouts are released from the coversheet and topsheet by pulling apart the separator and topsheet

The drawings on the third sheet illustrate an embodiment of the invention, useful in corporate security. FIG. 3 A details document components in an exploded view, while FIG. 3B shows a filled document FIG. 3C illustrates release of the cutouts and document destruction.

The drawings on the fourth sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device, used in the protection of prescription and medical information. In FIG. 4A a label of the invention is affixed to a prescription container.

The drawings on the fifth sheet in FIG. 5 illustrate an embodiment of the device, in which multiple labels are formulated as a single sheet

The drawings on the sixth sheet in FIG. 6 illustrate roll to roll mass production of the invention using current commercial technologies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The following drawings are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention. The drawings on the first sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device useful in protection of information during mailing. FIG. 1 A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). The embodiment comprises a thermal active perforated coversheet composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. An intervening separator sheet (7) is positioned between the coversheet and topsheet (5). Small holes (19) in the separator allow the topsheet to be bonded directly to the underlying coversheet cutouts, see inset FIG. IE. The separator may be sandwiched and held in place by the topsheet-to-cutout bonds, or may be bonded to the periphery of the topsheet (5) and/or the residual framework (6) of the coversheet and feature one or more release tabs (8) to allow the various layers to be detached. In FIG. IB the mailing label (1) is shown adhered to a box (12). In FIG. 1C the topsheet (5) and separator (7) have been removed from the box using the release tab (8). As the topsheet is spot adhered to the cutouts (4), they are released from the perforated coversheet, leaving the residual framework (6) attached to the box. In FIG.1D document destruction is completed by detaching the topsheet (5) from the separator (7) using the release tab (8) so that cutouts are released as chads (14).

The drawings on the second sheet illustrate a further embodiment of the device useful in protection of information during mailing. FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). The embodiment comprises a thermal active perforated coversheet composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. In this embodiment an intervening separator sheet (7) is positioned between the coversheet and topsheet (5). Small holes ((19) see inset FIG. 2E) in the separator allow the topsheet sheet to be bonded directly to the fully perforated cutouts holding them in place. The separator is additionally temporarily bonded to the periphery of the residual framework (6) and/or the topsheet (5) and features one or more tabs (8) to allow the various layers to be detached or separated. In FIG. 2B the mailing label (1) is shown adhered to a box (12). In FIG. 2C the coversheet (2) with cutouts (4) and residual framework (6), the separator (7) and the topsheet (5) have been removed from the box using a first release tab (8), leaving the backing sheet (10) attached to the box. In FIG.2D document destruction is completed by detaching the topsheet (5) from the separator (7) and adhered residual framework (6) using a second release tab (8) so that the fully perforated cutouts are released as chads (14). The label of the invention is suitable for all forms of shipping and communications requiring a label, including but not limited to a box, letter, parcel, package, mailing tube, posting, delivery, airmail, shipment, document, note, memo, flyer, newspaper, advertising materials etc.

The drawings on the third sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device, used in the protection of corporate information and notes. FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of a secure document (1) comprising a coversheet (2), separator (7) and topsheet (5) and features one or more tabs (8) to allow the various layers to be detached or separated. In this embodiment the cutouts (4) are fully perforated from the coversheet (2) using laser cutting following combination of the layers, and are held in position by their anchors to the topsheet An intervening separator sheet (7) is positioned between the coversheet and topsheet (5) and is attached permanently to the residual framework (6). FIG. 3B illustrates writing being applied to the top writable surface of the secure document (1). In FIG. 3C the topsheet (5) is pulled away from the bonded separator (7) and coversheet (2) using the tab (8). As the holes of the separator (7) are smaller than the cutouts, the bonds between the topsheet (5) and cutouts (4) are severed by the shear force generated, and the cutouts are released as individual chads (14) and information on the document (1) is destroyed. As the print is distributed over the entire surface of the document, by removing the cutouts and the information printed thereon, the print remaining on the residual document framework becomes incomprehensible. The secure document of the invention is suitable for all forms of confidential information. The drawings on the fourth sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device, used in the protection of prescription and medical information. A label of the invention is affixed to a prescription container (15). This embodiment comprises the elements listed above, including a coversheet (2), comprising a residual framework, perforations (3) and cutouts (4), as well as a topsheet (5) and separator (7), and one or more tabs (8) for release and destruction of the label. This embodiment is useful for all labeled medical goods including hospital, research, blood bank, inpatient and outpatient prescriptions, law enforcement and all other instances in which medical information might be at risk.

The drawings on the fifth sheet in FIG. 5 illustrate the use of multiple label panels (17) incorporated into a single sheet (16). The elements of the invention are as previously described and include perforated coversheets (2) and cutouts (4), separators (7), tabs (8) and topsheets (5). As the backing sheet and release liner (11) are perforated at the edge of each panel, each instance of the label may be independently applied. In the illustration six panels, each comprising a duplicate copy of a label, are shown as one sheet In the bottom right, a panel with a set of duplicate labels (17) is shown partitioned from the sheet (16). Each panel may comprise a single or multiple topsheets such that topsheet release results in destruction of information from only one portion of the panel, but leaves information intact on the lower portion for a later time.

Hence each topsheet can be used independently to release cutouts from one or more portions of the coversheets, while leaving the adjacent text intact for a later time.

The drawings on the sixth sheet in FIG. 6 illustrate mass production of the invention using current commercial technologies. Utilizing roll-to-roll manufacturing a topsheet (5), separator sheet (7), coversheet (2) and backing sheet (10) with release liner (11) are combined (20) together using appropriate adhesives or fusion technologies as described. Following combining of layers, other converting techniques including thermal or conventional printing and/or die or precision laser perforating may be employed (21). The final step involves finishing (22), where the rolls can be split, cut or otherwise processed to produce die final embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the coversheet (2) may be pie-printed with information, or may employ a thermal active surface such that information can be applied to the label during conversion (21), or at a later time. In some embodiments the backing sheet (10) and/or release liner (11) are omitted.

DESCRIFnON OF EMBODIMENTS

[0005] It is understood that the figures, examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention, and none of the limitations implied in the example embodiments should be construed as limiting on the claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

As the invention comprises certain optional elements, it can be tailored for each desired use. The backing sheet and the associated release liner are optional elements of the invention, with their inclusion or exclusion in each embodiment depending on the application selected. Further the topsheet and separator may under or overlay the coversheet and numerous mechanisms for attachment of the topsheet, separator and/or tab are contemplated.

Example 1: This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers and employs a topsheet with a separator sheet positioned between the coversheet and topsheet. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a thermal active coversheet and a backing sheet with release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. Overlaying the coversheet is a separator which covers the writable portion of the coversheet and has small holes aligned over each of the cutouts, and is adhered temporarily at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying coversheet residual framework. A removal tab at one end of the separator allows the separator/topsheet sandwich to be detached from the coversheet, causing the cutouts anchored to the topsheet to be removed from the coversheet Overlaying the separator is a topsheet at least equal in size to the separator and offset with respect thereto to allow easy access to the protruding release tab. The topsheet is anchored to the cutouts of the coversheet through the small aligned holes in the intervening separator, and is temporarily adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying separator. In this embodiment text can be applied to the coversheet through the overlying separator and topsheets using thermal printing. Alternatively in instances in which a backing sheet is not present, text may be applied to the lower surface of the coversheet and the invention inserted into a clear mailing pouch text side showing. Following removal of the separator, topsheet and attached cutouts from the coversheet utilizing the removal tab, the label is destroyed by pulling on the tab to separate the topsheet and separator. A shear force is created and the cutouts are unable to pass through the small holes of the separator, so the bonds to the topsheet are broken and the cutouts fall away as random chads. As the document information is now broken into a coversheet residual framework and numerous chads, the print remaining becomes incomprehensible.

Example 2: This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers and employs a topsheet with a separator sheet positioned between the coversheet and topsheet As shown in FIG. 2A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a thermal active coversheet and a backing sheet with release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. A tab at one end of the coversheet allows release of tiie coversheet, separator and topsheet sandwich from the adhesive backing sheet and package. Overlaying the coversheet is a separator which covers the writable portion of the coversheet and has small holes aligned over each of the cutouts. The cutouts have been fully perforated using laser cutting after layer combination, and are held in place by their spot attachments to the topsheet The separator may be adhered temporarily at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying coversheet residual framework. Overlaying the separator is a topsheet, anchored through the aligned separator holes to the cutouts, and may additionally be temporarily adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying separator. The topsheet is at least equal in size to the separator and often offset with respect thereto to allow easy access to the protruding release tab. In this embodiment text can be applied to the coversheet through the overlying separator and topsheets using thermal printing. Alternatively in instances in which a backing sheet is not present, text may be applied to the lower surface of the coversheet and the invention inserted into a clear mailing pouch text side showing. Following removal of the separator, topsheet and attached cutouts from the coversheet utilizing the removal tab, the label is destroyed by pulling on the tab to separate the topsheet from the other layers. A shear force is created and the cutouts are unable to pass through the small holes of the separator, so the anchor bonds to the cutouts are broken and they fall away as random chads. As the document information is now broken into a coversheet residual framework and numerous chads, the print remaining becomes incomprehensible.

Example 3: This example provides a solution to the theft of corporate information, for instance communications produced within a controlled work environment. As shown in FIG.3A, the invention comprises a coversheet with a suitable writable surface, a separator and a topsheet and one or more tabs. In some embodiments the cutouts are fully perforated from the coversheet using laser cutting following combination of the layers, and are held in position by their attachments to the topsheet. An intervening separator sheet is positioned between the coversheet and topsheet and is attached around its periphery permanently to the residual framework.

Following addition of text, the document can be destroyed by pulling on the tab of the separator. As the separator is bonded to the coversheet, and the cutouts are already laser cut from the coversheet, the shear force generated by pulling on the tab causes the anchor bonds between topsheet and cutouts to be severed, and the cutouts are released as individual chads and information on the document (1) is destroyed. In an alternate embodiment, the separator is temporarily bonded to both the coversheet and topsheet, cutouts are only slightly perforated from the coversheet such that the separator and topsheet provide support for the perforated coversheet and the page maintains its integrity and usability prior to release. At the time of destruction, pulling on the separator and coversheet tabs results in the separator/topsheet being pulled away from the coversheet, and since the topsheet is anchored to the cutouts through the holes in the separator, the shear force generated also results in detachment of the cutouts from the perforated coversheet Next, the tabs on the topsheet and separator are used to pull apart these two layers.

As the holes of the separator are smaller than the cutouts, the bonds between the topsheet and cutouts are severed and the cutouts fell away as individual chads. As the print is distributed over the entire surface of the document, by removing the cutouts and the information printed thereon, the print remaining on the residual document framework becomes incomprehensible. In some embodiments, the label may contain a single panel with one or more instances of the present invention, or may have multiple panels each featuring zero or more instances of the present invention. The panels may be adjoined or present as individual components. By providing a quick, simple and integrated system to remove all identifying information from a confidential document, the invention provides corporations a way of protecting theirs or their client’s information from capture and abuse. As no extraneous equipment is required and the destruction can be achieved in situ, ease of use and compliance are maximized. The label of the invention is easily manufactured using currently available technologies and is suitable for all forms of confidential communications, including but not limited to letters, documents, notes, memos, drawings, graphics, sketches, graffiti, doodle, cards, sheets, rolls, reams and images.

Example 4: This example provides a series of solutions to the theft of personal, industrial and medical information. As previously, the invention comprises a coversheet, a topsheet, a separator and an adhesive backing sheet, which can be adhered to any item bearing private medical information e.g. a package, container, document or mailing. This embodiment contains all of the elements of example two, and allows removal of the complete label from the medical container. In alternative embodiments the backing sheet and release liner may be omitted and the coversheet adhered directly to the container such that the coversheet residual framework is left adhered to the container following document destruction, hi some embodiments the release tab is integral to the topsheet and may be a stiffened extension thereof which lays flush with the coversheet, presenting a uniform surface for printing after adhesion to a container. In a preferred embodiment the topsheet is offset with respect to the coversheet to allow easy access to the tab.

In a further preferred embodiment, the label may contain a single panel with one or more instances of the present invention, or may have multiple panels each featuring zero or more instances of the present invention. The panels may be adjoined or present as individual components. Following advances in the genetic sciences and the subsequent introduction of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (fflPAA), the need for better patient information security has never been greater. This embodiment is well suited for use in the protection of prescription and patient information on pharmaceuticals, container, labels, prescriptions and other items containing such sensitive medical information.

Example 5: This example provides an outline for manufacturing of the invention on a commercial scale utilizing currently available technologies. Roll-to-roll processing is commonly employed in the manufacture of labels, and is easily exploited for the instant invention as illustrated in FIG. 6. Individual rolls of each layer are presented to the machine and are bonded as dictated by the embodiment using chemical, mechanical, thermal, adhesive or other means. Following bonding, the combined layers can be re-reeled to create an output roll or can be further processed (converted) on the same or a different machine depending on the application. Common converting techniques include die cutting, laser cutting or other suitable

perforation/cutting techniques, and thermal or conventional printing. Common finishing techniques include techniques well known in the art such as slitting, sheeting, fan-folding, scoring or other processes to provide a customized completed label. In some embodiments the coversheet is pro-printed, while in others a roll of thermal active materials is employed so that information can be applied at a later time. In some embodiments backing sheet with release liner are omitted. In some embodiments the topsheet and separator may be supplied as transparent rolls. In some embodiments the coversheet is fully perforated using precision laser, after the cutouts have been anchored to the topsheet Compared to other solutions in the art, the instant invention has the advantage that all elements can be contained on rolls and processed through equipment currently utilized and economically competitive in the label making industry. The rolls of each invention element may be customized ready for lamination of a final product, or blank and ready for customized data and perforation during or following the lamination process. This inparts a flexibility for a variety of solutions. To employ other materials such as tapes or filaments, solid tabs and cutting devices, requires specialized machinery and expertise not currently found in the marketplace.

Claims (7)

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A self-destructing document comprising a coversheet capable of being written or printed upon, and cut or perforated so as to form a series of island cutouts which can be released from said coversheet by means of pulling on; a topsheet which overlays or underlays and is anchored to said cutouts, through; a separator, comprising a sheet which incorporates a pattern of small holes that overlap each of said cutouts on said coversheet.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein one or more of said coversheet, or said separator, or said topsheet have one or more tabs at each or both ends.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the shapes of said cutouts are chosen to maximize data masking.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said coversheet is made of thermal printable material.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the any of said sheets are transparent

6. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a backing sheet.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said backing sheet further comprises an adhesive surface capable of affixing to a mailing or other surface.