JP7278308B2 - Improved self-destructing documents for information security and privacy protection - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The threat of data confidentiality and identity theft is becoming more and more common, resulting in unspeakable agony and yearly suffering for those whose personal or business information is stolen and misused. resulting in billions of losses. However, while online hacking, phishing and other computer-assisted identity theft have made headlines in the press, large amounts of such information are commonly known as dumpster diving. More is being stolen the old-fashioned way by extracting information, personally identifiable information (PII), from discarded printed communications.

The myriad of items that pass through a typical mailbox, some solicited and others beyond personal control, range from names and addresses to others not designed for publication. A wealth of information, up to and including more private information, is included in public view. Moreover, the information contained in medical mailings and medication containers is highly sensitive and subject to misuse. Currently, such items do not have a quick and simple method of ensuring that this information is destroyed, and the use of information stolen from discarded mail and the like is not an option for the present invention. remains a big problem for which there is a solution.

Additionally, data theft and espionage within the industry are becoming increasingly common. Even in offices that have strict environmental controls, such as secure intranets, and do not allow files to be stored on critical devices, the need for handwritten notes and temporary notes remains a weakness in other secure systems.

Numerous solutions exist to protect such private information, but these often require external equipment such as paper shredders, or the usual simple paper tear, There may be incomplete erasure of information, such as with the use of concealment stamps and markers, or the like. Additionally, the ability to manufacture and distribute solutions is critical to their utility in competitive and cost-conscious markets. A further improvement to the present invention would allow for simple mass production using current manufacturing equipment and techniques. Due to their lack of real-world utility, currently available solutions fail to address pressing needs. The inventors herein disclose destructive (e.g., self-destructing or self-shredding) documents to provide a series of solutions to personal, medical, and industrial information theft, resulting in superior Provides levels of availability, manufacturability, privacy and protection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a suite of solutions to theft of personal, medical and industrial information. Briefly, the present invention includes a printable surface called a coversheet. Using a pattern of cuts or perforations, the coversheet is divided into a series of releasable island cutouts and residual framing so that the integrity of the page is maintained, but each cutout is a cutout. Or it can be released from the page using only minimal force due to the presence of perforations. To release the cutouts, the cover sheet is placed over or under two additional sheets, the separator and the topsheet, which together contain the release unit. The separator sheet has a series of eyelets positioned over the cutouts on the cover sheet, the top sheet is attached to the cutouts in the cover sheet through the holes in the separator, and in some embodiments these cutouts. It can help fix it in place. The separator and topsheet are adhered to each other around their periphery and have a removal tab on the separator and a starting tab on the topsheet that are tabs at one or both ends. The separator can also be adhered to the cover sheet around its perimeter to hold the release unit in place. To destroy the document, the release unit is first released from the coversheet using the removal tab and the perforated cutout is removed from the coversheet with the cutout attached to the topsheet. The topsheet is then released from the separator using the starting tab. Because the attached cutouts are larger than the holes in the separator, the shear forces break the anchor bonds holding the topsheet to the cutouts and the individual cutouts are released as perforation debris. Each punch scrap contains only a small amount of the original document information, ensuring complete erasure of the original document data. In some embodiments, the coversheet is fully perforated and the cutout is held in place by attachment to the topsheet.

In some embodiments, releasing the coversheet cutout reveals information contained in one or more other layers. In some embodiments, the coversheet is adhered to an adhesive backing sheet with an optional release liner to allow the coversheet to be attached to the item if desired. In all embodiments, the present invention destroys the printed surface and obliterates all readable text. Further details and embodiments are discussed below.

The present invention provides the following elements:
one or more perforated cover sheets;
one or more separator sheets;
It includes one or more topsheets.

The present invention may include one or more optional backing sheets, which, if self-adhesive, may incorporate an optional associated release liner.

Each of these is further detailed below, followed by a description of certain preferred embodiments. For the sake of brevity, singular numbers will be used in the text to refer to the above elements, but are intended to include one or more of the referenced elements where appropriate.

The first element of the invention comprises one or more coversheets. A cover sheet is typically a sheet of paper, plastic, polymer, cloth, metal, or other suitable material. One surface includes a writable or printable surface upon which handwriting, printing, graphics, mailings and other information can be entered. Optionally, text can be added to the coversheet through one or more top layers using thermal printing. Optionally, both sides may be writable. Cover sheets are well known in the art and are cut into a series of island contours or strips using methods such as die cutting or laser cutting commonly employed in the manufacture of stickers, self-adhesive labels, stamps, toilet paper, and the like. It is cut or perforated to have a "cutout". The cover sheet may be lightly perforated or fully perforated in any variation such that considerable force is required to remove the cutouts, such cutouts It is free to move and can be held in place by attachment of cutouts to the topsheet. The cutouts can be of the same or different shapes and sizes and their patterning on the coversheet can be uniform or random and can cover all or part of the coversheet. The dimensions, size and shape of the cutouts depend on the font type, font characters and font size, document format, etc., and can be selected to maximize data masking. Typical encryption methods that obscure information can be employed to optimize these parameters, ensuring that after destruction the information is indeterminate and cannot be forensically reassembled. Guarantee. After the cutout is released, the remaining portion of the coversheet is known as the residual framework. In some embodiments, the cover sheet is adhered to a bottom adhesive or non-adhesive backing sheet with an optional release liner. In some embodiments, the backing sheet is transparent. When no backing sheet is present, the cuts or perforations should normally be such that the cutout is substantially separated from the coversheet, but the integrity of the page is maintained and each cutout is a perforation. can be released from the page using only minimal force due to the presence of the When the backing sheet is further present to support the cutout, the cutout/perforation leaves the grid of the remaining coversheet attached to the lower backingsheet so that the cutout is more easily released from the backing and coversheet. can be made In some embodiments in which a backing sheet is employed, the cover sheet can resemble a perforated sticker, and the lower surface of the cover sheet can form a releasable bond with the underlying upper surface of the backing sheet. It is covered with a suitable adhesive, which is specifically referred to as a release layer which is further explained below. In some embodiments, the cover sheet further comprises one or more tabs at one or each edge, the tabs can serve to secure the cover sheet edges and separate the layers from each other. It can serve as a finger rest to facilitate pulling or can be gripped to facilitate pulling of the cover sheet. The tabs may be of any shape and configuration suitable for gripping and may be integrated into the cover sheet including flat and reinforced portions. The tab may further include a mechanism for securing the free end.

A second element of the invention includes one or more separator sheets or separators that incorporate a pattern of small holes that overlap each cutout on the cover sheet. These holes can be of any shape and size to cover the cutouts and allow the topsheet to adhere locally to the cutouts. The separator is usually, but not always, transparent and serves to separate the connection between the topsheet and the cutout, which after release of the cutout from the coversheet is released as punch debris. The size of the separator can be equal to the size of the topsheet, or can be smaller than the size of the topsheet, but in any case at least large enough to cover the attachment to the cutout. The separator may be permanently or temporarily adhered at one or more locations and on one or both sides to form an attachment with the remaining framework of the topsheet and/or coversheet. In some embodiments, the separator may have no perimeter adhesive and is held in place by the bond between the topsheet and the coversheet cutout. Separators typically have removal tabs at one or both ends that can be grasped to facilitate separation from other elements of the invention and document destruction. The tab may be of any shape and configuration suitable for gripping and may be integrated into the separator including flat and reinforced portions. In preferred embodiments, the removal tab is positioned at the opposite end of the release tab and may be offset with respect to the topsheet or coversheet. The tab may further include a mechanism to secure the free end.

A third component includes one or more topsheets that completely cover at least each of the holes on the separator and are secured to each of the cutouts through holes in the intervening separator. This attachment may be through any suitable means and may include topical or other adhesion, fusing or any chemical or mechanical bonding method. The attachments can be of any size, shape and number such that the cutouts are securely fixed to the topsheet through the holes without adhering to the intervening separator. The topsheet is usually a sheet composed of any suitable material and is usually, but not always, transparent. The topsheet further includes one or more release tabs, similar to the tabs previously described, at one or each end, which tabs serve as fingerholds to facilitate removal of the topsheet from the other layers. play a role. In preferred embodiments, the release tab is positioned at the opposite end of 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 bond to the cutouts and releases the cutouts as perforation debris. In some embodiments, the topsheet is adhered directly around the remaining framework of the coversheet and the separator is held in place by a fixation between the topsheet and the cutout. In some embodiments, the coversheet is fully perforated and the cutouts are held in place by fastening to the topsheet layer.

A fourth optional element of the invention includes a backing sheet and an optional release liner. By including a backing sheet, the document of the present invention can be reinforced or attached to merchandise if desired. The backing sheet includes a top surface to which the cover sheet can be adhered. Characteristically, the top surface has the properties of a release liner, i.e. is coated with a polyolefin such as HDPE, LDPE and PP plastic resins, silicone, polyvinyl alcohol or other suitable ingredients, which cover all or part of the backing sheet. It can be covered and allows a reliable but temporary bond to the underside of the cover sheet. This facilitates securing to the cover sheet, but allows subsequent release of the perforated cutout from the top surface of the backing sheet. In some embodiments of the invention, the backing sheet does not have adhesive applied to its underside and serves to strengthen the overlying cover sheet by bonding to it. In other embodiments, the underside of the backing sheet includes a second adhesive surface that can be attached to mailings or other surfaces and is typically protected by a release liner. In some embodiments, the underside may be coated with an adhesive, with or without an optional release liner, and attached to a mailing or other surface by any of those techniques known in the art. Can be glued. For example, the underside may typically include a simple sticker with a pressure sensitive adhesive covering the surface. The adhesive is protected by a release liner to protect the adhesive prior to labeling, as is common in the sticker industry. Characteristically, like the top surface of the backing sheet, the release liner includes a top surface that is coated with silicone, polyvinyl alcohol, or other suitable ingredients to reduce the tackiness of the surface and provide high adhesion to the second adhesive surface. Reliable, but allows temporary binding. The attached release liner can be peeled from the backing sheet to expose the adhesive-coated underside for ease of attachment to mailings or other surfaces. Alternatively, the adhesive on the underside of the backing sheet may be uncovered and require activation by water, light, temperature or other means known in the art, in which case the optional release liner can be omitted.

The exact selection or combination of materials employed in the structures of the present invention will depend on the specific application and embodiment. Suitable materials are known or apparent to those skilled in the art, and their exclusion from this list is not intended to detract from their importance in the present invention. In any case, suitable materials and methods are well known in the art and the following is intended to indicate, and not to limit, the selection of materials that may be employed. Cover sheets, backing sheets and release liners are typically composed of paper or cardboard, such as wood pulp or other fibrous products known in the art. In some embodiments, these elements are constructed from cloth or other woven fabric. Alternatively, plastics and other organic polymers can be used. Metal foils and alloys may also be advantageous in certain applications. In certain applications, thermally active materials and thermal printing can be employed to print through the top layer. Thermal printing produces a printed image by selectively heating a coated thermochromic or thermal paper and can be used to create an image on the sheet through an overlying or underlying layer. The coating changes the color of the heated area to produce an image in one or more colors. Alternatively, thermal transfer, laser, inkjet or any other form of printing may be employed. Text and images can be added before, during, or after roll-to-roll bonding of layers, and can appear on both sides of any layer depending on the embodiment. The topsheet may also be constructed of the materials described above and may be the same or different material as the coversheet. Similarly, separators and tabs can be constructed from the various materials described above. In many applications, one or more layers are constructed from transparent materials. Preferred materials can be stored and utilized in roll form to facilitate simple manufacturing.

The adhesive can be of any type commonly used in the manufacture of stickers and labels. For example, the adhesive can be permanent, peelable or highly tacky. The adhesive selected for each surface will best suit the task at hand. For example, a relatively strong bond is required to ensure a bond between the backing sheet and the mailing, while a relatively weak bond is required between the backing sheet and the mailing material to facilitate easy release of the clip when the topsheet is pulled. can be employed between cover sheets. Any materials and methods known in the art to produce a rigid bond of the bottom surface to the mail piece and a releasable bond between the top surface and the coversheet are contemplated within the scope of this invention.

The exact choice or combination of perforation techniques employed in the construction of the coversheet depends on the embodiment and can be applied before, during or after roll-to-roll bonding of the layers. Optionally, the coversheet is slightly perforated so that the cutout is securely attached to the coversheet and requires a shear force between the separator and the coversheet to facilitate removal. At the other end of the spectrum, the coversheet may be fully perforated so that the cutout is separated from the coversheet for all purposes and held in place by securing the cutout to the topsheet. This can be accomplished using laser cutting during the print processing stage of the roll-to-roll process after layer combination and spot bonding of the cutouts to the topsheet.

The main advantage of the present invention compared to the state of the art is the combination of simplicity and the security features it provides. The advantage is that it is integral to the invention and since no external equipment is required, the increase in cost is minimal and there are no further ongoing costs or requirements. As described in most cases, after destruction, the text is divided into physically distinct parts, each part of the freed cutout (punching waste), the part on the remaining framework. After document destruction, each individual part contains textual components that are not properly readable by themselves and is doubly secure due to the combination of features listed herein.

Importantly, the present invention provides a significant improvement in terms of ease of manufacture using current technology compared to other solutions in the art. Label manufacturers typically employ roll-to-roll processing, also known as reel-to-reel processing or R2R, in which a continuous sheet of flexible material (called a web) is rolled up for more convenient handling and transportation. ). Thus, materials such as paper, cloth, plastic films and foils of various weights and lengths are processed through processing machines such as printing machines, laminating machines, coating machines and cutting/punching machines to create intermediate or final products. can be adopted. In this case, each layer of the label is contained on a roll and the layers are combined and processed in a process known as print converting. Individual rolls of each layer are fed into a machine and bonded using chemical, mechanical, thermal, adhesive or other means as dictated by the embodiment. The use of layers allows for customization of label embodiments, such as pre-printing, use of heat-activated materials for subsequent application of information, and selection of different materials and transparencies for different layers. Upon completion, the combined layers can be rewound to create an output roll or can be further processed on the same or different machine depending on the application. Common print processing techniques include die cutting, laser cutting or other suitable punching/cutting techniques and thermal or conventional printing. Common finishing techniques include techniques well known in the art such as cutting, sheeting, folding, creasing or other processes to provide a customized finished label. Compared to other solutions in the art, the present invention allows all elements to be contained on a roll and processed by currently available and economically competitive equipment in the label making industry. has the advantage of being able to Rolls of each inventive element can be customized with final printing and punching already added so that the rolls can be easily assembled and then cut or processed for distribution. Alternatively, the input may be blank, ready for customized data entry and/or drilling during or after the process of combining layers. This gives flexibility for different solutions. To employ other materials such as tapes or filaments, solid tabs and cutting equipment require special machinery and expertise not currently found on the market.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL FIGURES OF THE FIGURES The drawings on the first sheet show embodiments of devices useful for protecting information on mailings. FIG. 1A details the document components in exploded view and includes an inset (FIG. 1E) detailing the eyelets in the separator layer. FIG. 1B shows the document attached to the box. Figure 1C shows the release of the cutout, separator and topsheet from the box, and in Figure 1D the cutout is released from the topsheet by pulling the separator and topsheet apart.

The drawings on the second sheet show further embodiments of devices useful for protecting information on mailings. FIG. 2A details the document components in exploded view and includes an inset (FIG. 2E) detailing the eyelets in the separator layer. FIG. 2B shows the document attached to the box. FIG. 2C shows the release of the coversheet, cutout, separator and topsheet from the box, and in FIG. 2D the cutout is released from the coversheet and topsheet by pulling the separator and topsheet apart.

The drawing on the third sheet shows an embodiment of the invention and is useful for enterprise security. FIG. 3A shows the document components in detail in an exploded view, and FIG. 3B shows the completed document. FIG. 3C illustrates clipping release and document destruction.

A drawing on the fourth sheet shows an embodiment of a device used in prescribing and protecting medical information. In Figure 4A, a label of the present invention is attached to a dosing container.

The drawing on the fifth sheet in FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the device, clearly showing multiple labels as a single sheet.

The drawing on the sixth sheet in FIG. 6 shows roll-to-roll mass production of the present invention using current commercial technology.

The document components are detailed in an exploded view. Shows the document attached to the box. Figure 3 shows the release of the cutout, separator and topsheet from the box. By pulling the separator and topsheet apart, the cutout is shown to be released from the topsheet. Detail shows the perforations in the separator layer. The document components are detailed in an exploded view. Shows the document attached to the box. Figure 2 shows the release of the coversheet, cutout, separator and topsheet from the box. By pulling the separator and topsheet apart, the cutout is shown to be free from the coversheet and topsheet. Detail shows the perforations in the separator layer. The document components are detailed in an exploded view. Indicates a completed document. Indicates clipping release and document destruction. 1 shows a label of the present invention attached to a medication container. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the device, clearly showing multiple labels as a single sheet; Figure 3 illustrates roll-to-roll mass production of the present invention using current commercial technology;

Detailed Description of the Drawings The following drawings are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the claimed invention.

The drawings on the first sheet show embodiments of devices useful for protecting information during mailing. FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). This embodiment comprises a heat-activated perforated coversheet consisting of the remaining framework (6) and cutouts (4), and a backing sheet (10) with an optional release liner (11), wherein the backing sheet (10) can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. An intervening separator sheet (7) is positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet (5). An eyelet (19) in the separator allows the topsheet to be directly bonded to the lower coversheet cutout (see inset FIG. 1E). The separator can be sandwiched and held in place by bonding the topsheet and the cutout, or it can be bonded to the perimeter of the topsheet (5) and/or the remaining framework (6) of the coversheet, various It may feature one or more release tabs (8) to allow removal of layers. In FIG. 1B, a mailing label (1) is shown adhered to a box (12). In Figure 1C the topsheet (5) and separator (7) have been removed from the box using the release tab (8). Since the topsheet is locally adhered to the cutout (4), the cutout (4) is released from the perforated coversheet and leaves the remaining framework (6) attached to the box. In FIG. 1D document destruction is completed by removing the topsheet (5) from the separator (7) using the release tab (8) so that the cutouts are released as perforation debris (14).

The drawings on the second sheet show further embodiments of devices useful for protecting information during mailing. Figure 2A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). This embodiment comprises a heat-activated perforated coversheet consisting of the remaining framework (6) and cutouts (4), and a backing sheet (10) with an optional release liner (11), wherein the backing sheet (10) 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 the topsheet (5). An eyelet in the separator ((19), see inset FIG. 2E) allows the topsheet sheet to bond directly to the fully perforated cutout, holding the cutout in place. . The separator is further temporarily bonded around the remaining framework (6) and/or to the topsheet (5) and features one or more tabs (8) to allow removal or separation of the various layers. do. In Figure 2B, the mailing label (1) is shown adhered to the box (12). In Figure 2C, the cover sheet (2) with cutouts (4) and residual framework (6), the separator (7) and the top sheet (5) are separated using a first release tab (8). Removed from the box, leaving the backing sheet (10) attached to the box. In FIG. 2D, a second release tab (8) is used to adhere the topsheet (5) to the separator (7) and adhere such that the fully perforated cutout is released as a perforation waste (14). Destruction of the document is completed by removing it from the remaining framework (6). The labels of the present invention are suitable for all forms of transport and communication requiring labels, including boxes, letters, parcels, packages, mailing cylinders, posts, deliveries, airmail, transport, documents, notes, Including, but not limited to, memos, flyers, newspapers, advertising materials, and the like.

The drawings on the third sheet show embodiments of devices used in protecting corporate information and notes. Figure 3A shows an exploded view of a secure document (1) comprising a coversheet (2), a separator (7) and a topsheet (5), one or more layers allowing removal or separation of the various layers. It features multiple tabs (8). In this embodiment, the cutouts (4) are fully perforated in the coversheet (2) using laser cutting after combining the layers and are held in place by their fixation to the topsheet. be done. An intervening separator sheet (7) is positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet (5) and permanently attached to the remaining framework (6). FIG. 3B shows writing on the top writable surface of the secure document (1). In Figure 3C, the topsheet (5) has been pulled away from the combined separator (7) and coversheet (2) using tabs (8). Since the holes in the separator (7) are smaller than the cutouts, the bond between the topsheet (5) and the cutouts (4) is separated by the shear forces generated and the cutouts are released as individual perforation debris (14). and the information on document (1) is destroyed. Because the print is distributed over the surface of the document, removing the clipping and the information printed thereon renders the print remaining on the rest of the document framework incomprehensible. The secure document of the present invention is suitable for all forms of confidential information.

A drawing on the fourth sheet shows an embodiment of a device used in prescribing and protecting medical information. The label of the present invention is attached to the dosing container (15). This embodiment includes the above elements, coversheet (2) with remaining framework and perforations (3) and cutouts (4), plus topsheet (5) and separators (7) and label release and Including one or more tabs (8) for breaking. This embodiment applies to all labeled medical applications, including hospitals, research, blood banks, inpatient and outpatient prescription drugs, law enforcement, and all other instances where medical information may be compromised. Useful for supplies.

The drawing on the fifth sheet in Figure 5 shows the use of multiple label panels (17) incorporated into a single sheet (16). The elements of the invention are as previously described and include a perforated coversheet (2) and cutouts (4), a separator (7), a tab (8) and a topsheet (5). Each instance of the label can be applied independently because the backing sheet and release liner (11) are perforated at the edges of each panel. In the illustration, six panels are shown as one sheet, each containing duplicate copies of each label. At the bottom right a panel with a set of duplicate labels (17) is shown separated from the sheet (16). Each panel may contain a single or multiple topsheets such that release of the topsheet destroys information from only one portion of the panel, but the information underneath remains intact until later times. be. Thus, each topsheet can be used independently to release cutouts from one or more portions of the coversheet while the adjacent text remains intact until later times.

The drawing on the sixth sheet in FIG. 6 shows mass production of the present invention using current commercial technology. By utilizing roll-to-roll manufacturing of the topsheet (5), separator sheet (7), coversheet (2) and backing sheet (10) with release liner (11), the described suitable are combined (20) using any adhesive or fusion technique. After combining the layers, other print processing techniques may be employed, including thermal or conventional printing and/or die or precision laser perforation (21). The final step involves print processing (22), where the roll can be split, cut or otherwise processed to produce the final embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the coversheet (2) may be pre-printed with information or may employ a heat-activated surface such that information may be added to the label during or after processing (21). In some embodiments, the backing sheet (10) and/or release liner (11) are omitted.

Description of Embodiments The figures, examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and various modifications or alterations in light thereof will be suggested to those skilled in the art and the present application. and within the spirit and scope of and within the scope of the appended claims. The following examples are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the claimed invention, and any limitations set forth in the illustrative embodiments should be construed as limitations on the scope of the claims. shouldn't. All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Because the present invention includes certain optional elements, it can be tailored for each desired use. The backing sheet and associated release liner are optional elements of the invention, and their inclusion and exclusion in each embodiment is selected depending on the application. Additionally, the topsheet and separator can pass over or under the coversheet and numerous mechanisms are contemplated for attachment of the topsheet, separator and/or tabs.

Example 1
This embodiment provides a solution to identity theft from discarded mailings and containers and employs a topsheet with a separator sheet positioned between the coversheet and the topsheet. As shown in FIG. 1A, the present invention provides a mailing label comprising a heat-activatable coversheet and a backing sheet having a release liner, the mailing label adhering to a package, container or mailing. can be done. A separator covering the writable portion of the coversheet and having eyelets aligned over each of the cutouts overlies the coversheet and temporarily overlies the remaining framework of the underlying coversheet at all or part of its perimeter. adhesively attached. A removal tab at one end of the separator allows the separator/topsheet sandwich to be removed from the coversheet, removing the cutout secured to the topsheet from the coversheet. A topsheet at least equal in size to the separator and offset relative to the separator to allow easy access to the projecting release tab overlies the separator. The topsheet is secured through small aligned holes in the intervening separator to cutouts in the coversheet and is temporarily adhered to the underlying separator at all or part of its perimeter. In this embodiment, text can be added to the coversheet through the overlying separator and topsheet using thermal printing. Alternatively, in instances where no backing sheet is present, text can be added to the underside of the invention and cover sheet inserted into a clear mailing pouch showing the text side. After removing the separator, topsheet and attached cutouts from the coversheet using the removal tab, the label is broken by pulling on the tab to separate the topsheet and separator. Shear forces are applied and the cutouts are unable to pass through the separator eyelets, resulting in a break in the bond to the topsheet and the cutouts falling apart as random perforation debris. Here, the rest of the print is rendered incomprehensible, as the document information has been destroyed by the remaining framework of the cover sheet and a large amount of punch debris.

Example 2
This embodiment provides a solution to identity theft from discarded mailings and containers and employs a topsheet with a separator sheet positioned between the coversheet and the topsheet. As shown in FIG. 2A, the present invention provides a mailing label comprising a heat-activatable coversheet and a backing sheet having a release liner, the mailing label adhering to a package, container or mailing. can be done. A tab at one end of the coversheet allows release of the sandwich of coversheet, separator and topsheet from the adhesive backing sheet and package. Overlying the coversheet is a separator covering the writable portion of the coversheet and having eyelets aligned over each of the cutouts. The cutouts are fully perforated using laser cutting after combining the layers and are held in place by spot attachment of the cutouts to the topsheet. The separator can be temporarily adhered to the remaining framework of the underlying cover sheet on all or part of its perimeter. The topsheet may overlie the separator, be secured to the cutout through the aligned separator holes, and be temporarily adhered to the underlying separator on all or part of its perimeter. The topsheet is at least equal in size to the separator and is often offset relative to the separator to allow easy access to the projecting release tab. In this embodiment, text can be added to the coversheet through the overlying separator and topsheet using thermal printing. Alternatively, in instances where no backing sheet is present, text can be added to the underside of the invention and cover sheet inserted into a clear mailing pouch showing the text side. After removing the separator, topsheet and attached cutouts from the coversheet using the removal tab, the label is broken by pulling on the tab to separate the topsheet from the other layers. Shear forces are applied and the cutout cannot pass through the separator eyelet, resulting in the anchor bond to the cutout breaking and the cutout falling apart as random piercing debris. Here, the rest of the print is rendered incomprehensible, as the document information has been destroyed by the remaining framework of the cover sheet and a large amount of punch debris.

Example 3
The present embodiments provide a solution to theft of corporate information, such as communications occurring within a controlled work environment. As shown in Figure 3A, the present invention includes a coversheet having a suitable writable surface, a separator, a topsheet, and one or more tabs. In some embodiments, the cutouts are fully perforated in the coversheet using laser cutting after combining the layers and are held in place by the attachment of the cutouts to the topsheet. An intervening separator sheet is positioned between the coversheet and the topsheet and is permanently attached to the remaining framework around it. After adding text, the document can be destroyed by pulling the separator tab. Since the separator is bonded to the coversheet and the cutout has already been laser cut from the coversheet, the shear forces created by pulling on the tab separate the anchor bond between the topsheet and the cutout and the cutout is Released as individual punch debris, the information on the document (1) is destroyed. In an alternative embodiment, the separator is temporarily bonded to both the coversheet and the topsheet such that the separator and topsheet support the perforated coversheet and the page maintains its integrity and utility prior to release. The cutout is only slightly perforated from the cover sheet so that it does. Upon breaking, by pulling on the separator and coversheet tabs, the separator/topsheet is pulled away from the coversheet and the topsheet is secured in the cutout through the separator holes so that the shear forces generated also cause the sewing machine to break. The cutout is removed from the eyelet cover sheet. A tab on the topsheet and separator is then used to separate these two layers. Because the holes in the separator are smaller than the cutouts, the bond between the topsheet and the cutouts is broken and the cutouts fall apart as individual perforation debris. Because the print is distributed over the surface of the document, removing the clipping and the information printed thereon renders the print remaining on the rest of the document framework incomprehensible. In some embodiments, a label may include a single panel according to one or more examples of the invention, or may have multiple panels each containing zero or more examples of the invention. Panels may be contiguous or exist as individual components. By providing a quick, easy, all-in-one system for stripping all identifying information from sensitive documents, the present invention provides businesses with a way to protect the information of their businesses or their customers from acquisition and misuse. do. Ease of use and compliance are maximized because no external equipment is required and destruction can be accomplished on site. The labels of the present invention are easily manufactured using currently available technology and are suitable for all forms of confidential communication, including letters, documents, notebooks, notes, drawings, drawings, drawings, sketches, scribbles, pranks. Including but not limited to writing, cards, sheets, rolls, bulk writing and images.

Example 4
The present embodiments provide a series of solutions to personal, industrial and medical information theft. As noted above, the present invention includes a coversheet, topsheet, separator, and adhesive backing sheet, which may be used for any article containing private medical information, such as a package, container, document or mailing. can be glued to This embodiment includes all of the elements of Example 2 and allows complete removal of labels from medical containers. In an alternative embodiment, the backing sheet and release liner may be omitted and the cover sheet adhered directly to the container such that after document destruction the remaining framework of the cover sheet remains adhered to the container. In some embodiments, the release tab can be a stiffened extension of the topsheet that is integrated into the topsheet and is coplanar with the coversheet and releases uniformly after adhesion to the container for printing. present a smooth surface. In preferred embodiments, the topsheet is offset relative to the coversheet to allow easy access to the tabs. In further preferred embodiments, the label may include a single panel according to one or more examples of the invention, or may have multiple panels each containing zero or more examples of the invention. Panels may be contiguous or exist as individual components. After advances in genetic science and the subsequent introduction of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, the need for better patient information security has never been greater. This embodiment is well suited for use in protecting prescription and patient information on pharmaceuticals, containers, labels, prescriptions and other commercial products containing such sensitive medical information.

Example 5
This example provides an overview for manufacturing the invention on a commercial scale using currently available technology. Roll-to-roll processing is commonly employed in label manufacturing and is readily utilized for the present invention as shown in FIG. Individual rolls of each layer are fed into a machine and bonded using chemical, mechanical, thermal, adhesive or other means as dictated by the embodiment. After bonding, the combined layers can be rewound to create an output roll or can be further processed (print processing) on the same machine or a different machine depending on the application. Common print processing techniques include die cutting, laser cutting or other suitable punching/cutting techniques and thermal or conventional printing. Common finishing techniques include techniques well known in the art such as cutting, sheeting, folding, creasing or other processes to provide a customized finished label. In some embodiments, the coversheet is pre-printed, while in other embodiments a roll of heat-activated material is employed so that the information can be added later. In some embodiments, a backing sheet with a release liner is omitted. In some embodiments, the topsheet and separator can be supplied as transparent rolls. In some embodiments, the coversheet is fully perforated using a precision laser after the cutout is secured to the topsheet. Compared to other solutions in the art, the present invention allows all elements to be contained on a roll and processed by currently available and economically competitive equipment in the label making industry. has the advantage of being able to Each inventive element roll can be customized and ready for lamination of the final product, or can be blank and ready for customized data and perforations during or after the lamination process. This gives flexibility for different solutions. To employ other materials such as tapes or filaments, solid tabs and cutting equipment require special machinery and expertise not currently found on the market.

Claims (6)

A self-destructing document comprising a coversheet, a topsheet and a separator,
The coversheet can be written or printed on and is cut or perforated to form a series of island cutouts that can be released from the coversheet by pulling. can be
the topsheet overlies or underlies the cutout;
the separator comprises a non-adhesive sheet incorporating a pattern of small holes overlying each of the cutouts on the cover sheet;
the cutout is secured to the topsheet through the eyelet without adhering to the separator;
self-destructing document. 2. The self-destructing document of claim 1, wherein one or more of the coversheet, or the separator, or the topsheet has one or more tabs at each or both ends. 2. The self-destructing document of Claim 1, wherein the coversheet is made from a thermally printable material. 2. The self-destructing document of claim 1, wherein all of said coversheet, said topsheet and said separator are transparent. 3. The self-destructing document of Claim 1, further comprising a backing sheet. 6. The self-destructing document of Claim 5, wherein the backing sheet further comprises an adhesive surface capable of being attached to mailings or other surfaces.

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