CN112272845B - Improved self-destruct file for information security and privacy protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The inventors herein disclose a destructible (self-destructing) file useful for protecting confidential information. The present invention includes a document that can be readily broken down into many discrete components in a timely manner to destroy any information contained therein. The present invention represents a great improvement over the prior art, since the self-destruction of this document does not require additional equipment for destruction and ensures the elimination of readable data. Further improvements allow simple mass production of the invention using current manufacturing equipment and techniques. There are shown and described numerous embodiments of the present document specific to different applications.

Description

Improved self-destructing files for information security and privacy protection

Background technique

Threats of data privacy and identity theft are increasingly prevalent, causing untold suffering and costing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to those whose personal or corporate information is stolen or misused. But while cyber-hacking, phishing, and other computer-assisted theft of personal information grab headlines, much of this information remains personally identifiable by extracting information from printed correspondence that ends up in the trash. Information (PII) is stolen the old fashioned way, commonly known as spam searching.

The myriad of items passing through a typical mailbox (some solicited, others beyond an individual's control) contain a vast amount of information in public view, from names and addresses to other more private information not intended to be disclosed to the public. Further, the information contained in medical mailers and prescription containers is highly confidential and susceptible to misuse. Currently, there is no quick and easy way for such items to ensure the destruction of this information, and the use of information stolen from discarded mail or the like remains a huge problem, to which the present invention provides a solution.

Additionally, data theft and espionage are increasingly common in the industry. Even in offices with strict environmental controls (such as using a secure intranet and no file saving capabilities on sensitive devices), the need for handwritten slips and impromptu memos remains a weak link in otherwise secure systems.

Although many solutions exist for protecting such private information, most of these solutions usually require additional equipment such as paper shredders, or may result in incomplete erasure of information, such as by simple shredding of paper, use of cover stamps This is the case with flags etc. Additionally, the ability to manufacture and distribute solutions is critical to availability in a competitive and cost-conscious market. A further refinement of the invention allows simple mass production using current manufacturing equipment and techniques. Due to the lack of practicality in the real world, none of the currently available solutions can address the pressing need. The inventors herein disclose a destructive (e.g., self-destructive or self-shredding) file and provide a range of solutions to the misappropriation of personal, medical, and industrial information, thereby providing a high level of affordability, Manufacturability, privacy and protection.

Contents of the invention

The invention provides a series of solutions for the misappropriation of personal information, medical information and industrial information. Briefly, the present invention includes a printable surface, referred to as a cover sheet. Using a pattern of cuts or perforations to separate the cover sheet into a residual frame and a series of releasable island cutouts allows the integrity of the page to be maintained while allowing the sheet to be removed using only minimal force due to the cuts or perforations. Release each cut-out on the page. To release the cut-out, two additional sheets are placed above or below the cover sheet—the separator and the top sheet, which together form the release unit. The separator sheet has a series of small holes positioned to be placed over the cut-outs on the cover sheet, the top sheet is attached to the cover sheet cut-outs through the holes of the separator, and at some Embodiments can help keep these cutouts in place. The separator and top sheet are glued to each other at their perimeters and have tabs at one or both ends - a removal tab on the separator and an activation tab on the top sheet). The separator may also be glued at its periphery to the cover sheet to hold the release unit in place. In order to destroy the document, the release unit is first disengaged from the cover sheet using the removal lug, thereby separating the perforation cut-out from the top sheet due to its attachment to the top sheet. The top sheet is then released from the separator using the activation lugs. Since the attached cutouts are larger than the apertures of the separator, the shear force breaks the secure joint keeping the top sheet connected to the cutouts, and each cutout is released into crumbs. Each crumb contains a small portion of the original file information, ensuring complete destruction of the original file data. In some embodiments, the cover sheet is fully perforated and the cut-outs are held in place by attaching them to the top sheet.

In some embodiments, the release cover sheet cutout will reveal information contained on one or more other layers. In some embodiments, the cover sheet can be bonded to an adhesive backing sheet with an optional release liner, allowing the cover sheet to be adhered to the article if desired. In all embodiments, the invention presents the destruction of the printed surface and the destruction of any readable text. Further details and examples are discussed below.

The present invention includes the following elements:

one or more perforated cover sheets,

One or more separator sheets

one or more top sheets

The present invention may also include one or more optional backing sheets which, when adhesive, may incorporate an optional associated release liner,

Each of these elements will be described in further detail below, followed by a description of certain preferred embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the singular form is used herein when referring to the above elements, but where appropriate, the singular form is intended to include one or more of the mentioned elements.

The first element of the invention comprises one or more cover sheets. The cover sheet is typically a sheet of paper, plastic, polymer, fabric, metal or other suitable material. A surface includes a writable surface or a printable surface on which handwritten information, printed information, graphical information, mailing information, and other information can be entered. In some cases, text may be applied to the cover sheet using thermal printing through one or more overlying layers. In some cases, both surfaces are writable. The cover sheet is cut or perforated to have a series of island-like outlines or "cut-outs" using methods such as die-cutting or laser cutting as is known in the art and commonly employed in the production of stickers, adhesive labels, postage stamps, toilet paper, etc. . The cover sheet can be lightly perforated such that a great deal of force is required to disengage the cut-out, or any variation up to full perforation of the cover sheet so that the cut-out is free-floating and can pass through Attach to the top sheet to hold these cutouts in place. The cutouts may be of the same or different shapes and sizes, and the pattern of these cutouts on the cover sheet may be uniform or random and may cover all or a portion of the cover sheet. The size, size and shape of the cutout will depend on the font type, font characters, font size, file format, etc., and can be chosen to mask the data to the greatest extent. Typical cryptographic methods for hiding information can be used to optimize these parameters to ensure that information is unrecognizable after destruction and cannot be reassembled through forensics. After releasing the cut-out, the remainder of the cover sheet is called the residual frame. In some embodiments, the cover sheet is bonded to an underlying adhesive backing sheet or a non-adhesive backing sheet with an optional release liner. In some embodiments, the backing sheet is transparent. When no backing sheet is present, the cut or perforation should generally separate the cut-out from the cover sheet substantially, but maintain the integrity of the page and, due to the presence of the perforation, release each sheet from the page using only minimal force. a cutout. When there is a backing sheet to further support the cut-out, the cut/perforation can make it easier to release the cut-out from the backing sheet and cover sheet, leaving behind the cutouts that are adhered to the underlying backing sheet. Residual cover sheet grille. In some embodiments employing a backing sheet, the cover sheet can resemble a perforated sticker, and the lower surface of the cover sheet is covered with adhesive, which can be aligned with the upper surface of the underlying backing sheet. A releasable bond is formed which is made into a release layer as further described below. In some embodiments, the cover sheet further includes one or more tabs at one or each end, which may be used to secure the ends of the cover sheet, act as finger grips to help separate the layers from each other pieces, or can be gripped to help pull the cover sheet. The lugs may have any shape and configuration suitable for gripping, and may be integral with the cover sheet, including flat portions and reinforced portions. The lug may additionally include a mechanism for securing the free end.

A second element of the invention comprises one or more separator sheets or separators comprising a pattern of small holes placed above each cut-out on the cover sheet. These holes can be of any shape and size and are placed over the cutout, allowing point bonding of the top sheet to the cutout. The separator is usually, but not necessarily, transparent and serves to break the connection between the top sheet and the cut-outs, followed by releasing the cut-outs from the cover sheet, releasing these cut-outs into crumbs. The separator may be equal or smaller in size than the top sheet, but in any case the separator is at least large enough to cover the attachment to the cutout. The separator may be permanently or temporarily bonded on one or both sides and at one or more locations to form an attachment to the top sheet and/or cover sheet residual frame. In some embodiments, the separator may not be perimeter bonded, but held in place by the bond between the top sheet and the cover sheet cutout. The separator typically has removal lugs at one or both ends thereof that can be grasped to facilitate separation of the separator from other elements of the invention and document destruction. The lugs may have any shape and configuration suitable for gripping, and may be integral with the separator, including a flat portion and a reinforced portion. In a preferred embodiment, the removal lug is positioned at the end opposite the release lug and may be offset relative to the top sheet or cover sheet. The lug may additionally include a mechanism for securing the free end.

The third element comprises one or more top sheets at least completely covering each hole in the separator and secured to each cutout through the holes of the intermediate separator. The attachment may be by any suitable means and may include point or other bonding, fusing or any chemical or mechanical joining method. The attachments can be of any size, shape and number such that the cut-outs are securely secured to the top sheet through the holes without being bonded to the intervening separator. The top sheet will generally be a sheet of any suitable material and will usually, but not necessarily, be transparent. The top sheet further includes one or more release tabs at one or each end, similar to the previously described tabs, which act as finger grips to help separate the top sheet from the other layers. In a preferred embodiment, the release lug is positioned at the end opposite the removal lug and may be offset relative to the separator or cover sheet. Pulling the top sheet away from the separator using the release tab breaks the engagement of the top sheet with the cut-out, causing the cut-out to be released as debris. In some embodiments, the top sheet is bonded directly to the cover sheet residual frame at the perimeter, and the separator is held in place by fixation between the top sheet and the cutout. In some embodiments, the cover sheet is fully perforated and the cut-outs are held in place by securing the cut-outs to the top sheet 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 the document can be adhered to an article if desired. The backing sheet includes an upper surface that can be bonded to the cover sheet. The upper surface is characterized by release liner properties, i.e. coated with polyolefin (such as HDPE, LDPE and PP plastic resins), silicon, polyvinyl alcohol or other suitable composition, the coating can cover all or all of the backing sheet part, and allows reliable but temporary bonding to the lower surface of the cover sheet. This facilitates adhesion to the cover sheet, but allows subsequent release of the perforated cutouts from the upper surface of the backing sheet. In some embodiments of the invention, an adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the backing sheet, and the backing sheet is used to reinforce the cover sheet by bonding to the lying cover sheet. In other embodiments, the lower surface of the backing sheet includes a second adhesive surface capable of being adhered to the mailer surface or other surface and typically protected by a release liner. In some embodiments, the lower surface, with or without an optional release liner, can be coated with an adhesive and bonded to a mailer or other surface by any technique known in the art. For example, 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 protect the adhesive prior to label application as is common in the sticker industry. Similar to the upper surface of the backing sheet, the release liner is characterized by including an upper surface coated with silicon, polyvinyl alcohol, or other suitable composition to reduce the stickiness of the surface and allow for secure but temporary bonding to the second adhesive-coated surface. The attached release liner can be peeled away from the backing sheet to expose an adhesive-covered lower surface to facilitate adhesion to a mailer or other surface. Alternatively, the adhesive on the lower surface of the backing sheet may be uncovered and needs to be activated by water, light, temperature, or other means known in the art, and in this case, the optional adhesive may be omitted. Optional release lining.

The particular choice or combination of materials employed in the construction of the invention depends on the particular application and embodiment. Suitable materials are known or will become known to those skilled in the art, and the absence of a listed material does not imply that the material is of lesser importance in the invention. In any case, suitable materials and methods are well known in the art, and the following is intended to illustrate, not limit, the selection of materials that may be employed. Typically, the cover sheet, backing sheet, and release liner are constructed of paper or cardboard (eg, any wood pulp or other fiber product known in the art). In some embodiments, these elements are constructed of fabric or other woven material. Alternatively, plastics and other organic polymers can be used. Metal foils and alloys may also be advantageous in certain applications. In some applications, thermally active materials and thermal printing methods can be used to print through overlying layers. Thermal printing produces printed images by selectively heating coated thermochromic or thermal paper, and can be used to create images on sheets through layers placed above or below. Heated areas of the coating change color, creating an image with one or more colors. Alternatively, thermal transfer, laser, inkjet or any other form of printing may be used. Depending on the embodiment, text and images may be applied before, during or after roll-to-roll layer combination, and may appear on either side of any layer. The top sheet may also consist of the materials mentioned above, and may be of the same or different material than the cover sheet. Likewise, the separators and lugs may be constructed from the various materials listed above. In many applications, one or more layers will be constructed from a transparent material. Preferred materials can be stored and utilized in roll form to facilitate ease of manufacture.

The adhesive can be of any type commonly used in sticker and label production. For example, the adhesive can be permanent, peelable or high tack. The adhesive selected for each surface will be most suitable for the task at hand. For example, a relatively strong bond is required between the backing sheet and the mailer to ensure fastening, while a relatively weak bond may be used between the backing sheet and the cover sheet to facilitate the pulling of the top sheet. It is easy to release the cut-out part when cutting the material. Any materials and methods known in the art that produce secure engagement of the lower surface with the mailer and releasable engagement between the upper surface and the cover sheet are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

The particular choice or combination of perforation techniques employed in the construction of the cover sheet will depend on the embodiment, and may be applied before, during or after roll-to-roll layer combination. In some cases, the cover sheet will be lightly perforated so that the cut-outs are firmly attached to the cover sheet and shear forces between the separator and cover sheet are required to facilitate removal. At the other extreme of this aspect, the cover sheet could be fully perforated such that the cut-outs are for all purposes separated from the cover sheet and these cut-outs could be removed by securing them to the top sheet. Stay in place. This can be achieved using laser cutting during the conversion stage of roll-to-roll processing, after the individual layers are brought together and the cut-outs are spot bonded to the top sheet.

The main advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the combination of simplicity and safety features offered. Since this advantage is integral to the invention and requires no additional equipment, there is minimal incremental cost and no further ongoing costs or requirements. As described in most cases, after destruction, the text is broken up into physically distinct parts, ie on each released cutout (crumb), on the residual frame. After destroying the file, each detached section contains textual components that cannot be deciphered independently and are doubly secure due to the combination of features referenced in this article.

Importantly, the present invention provides a significant improvement in ease of manufacture using current technology compared to other solutions in the prior art. Typically, labelmakers employ roll-to-roll processing (also known as reel-to-reel processing, or R2R) and utilize a continuous sheet of flexible material called a roll that is rolled up for more convenient Handling and Shipping. Thus, various weights and lengths of materials such as paper, fabric, plastic film and foil, etc. intermediate or final product. In this case, each layer of labels is included in the volume, and the individual layers are combined and manipulated in a process called transformation. Separate rolls of each layer are delivered to the machine and joined using chemical, mechanical, heat, adhesive or other means as indicated by the examples. The use of individual layers allows for customizing label embodiments such as pre-printing, using thermally active materials for later application of information, and choosing different materials and transparencies for different layers. After completion, the combined plies can be rewound to form an output roll, or can be further processed on the same machine or a different machine depending on the application. Common conversion techniques include die cutting, laser cutting or other suitable perforation/cutting techniques, and thermal or conventional printing. Common finishing techniques include those known in the art such as slitting, sheeting, fanfolding, scoring, or other finishing means for providing a custom finished label. The advantage of the invention compared to other solutions in the prior art is that all elements can be contained on a roll and processed with economically competitive equipment currently available in the label making industry. Rolls with each inventive element can be customized to already have final print and perforations applied, so the rolls can simply be assembled and then cut or processed for distribution. Alternatively, the input can be blank and ready to enter custom data and/or perforations during or after layer combination processing. This gives flexibility to various solutions. Employing other materials such as tape or filament, robust lugs and cutting devices requires specialized machinery and expertise not currently available in the market.

Description of drawings

The drawing on the first page shows an embodiment of a device useful in protecting information on a mailpiece. Figure 1A details the file components in an exploded view, including an inset detailing the apertures in the separator layer (Figure 1E). Figure 1B shows the files attached to the box. Figure 1C shows the release of the cutout, separator and top sheet from the box, while in Figure ID the cutout is released from the top sheet by pulling the separator away from the top sheet.

The drawing on the second page shows another embodiment of a device useful in protecting information on a mailpiece. Figure 2A details the file components in an exploded view, including an inset detailing the apertures in the separator layer (Figure 2E). Figure 2B shows the files attached to the box. Figure 2C shows the release of the cover sheet, cutout, separator and top sheet from the box, while in Figure 2D the cutout is released from the cover sheet and top sheet by pulling the separator away from the top sheet. Department.

The drawing on page three shows an embodiment of the invention useful in corporate security. Figure 3A details the file components in an exploded view, while Figure 3B shows the filled out file. Figure 3C shows the release of the cutout and the destruction of the file.

The drawing on the fourth page shows an embodiment of the device for protecting prescription and medical information. In Figure 4A, the label of the present invention is adhered to a prescription container.

The drawing on page five shows in Figure 5 an embodiment of an apparatus in which multiple labels are formed into a single sheet.

The drawing on page six shows in Figure 6 roll to roll mass production of the invention using current commercial technology.

Detailed ways

The following figures are provided to illustrate, but not limit, the claimed invention.

The drawing on the first page shows an embodiment of a device useful in protecting information during mailing. Figure 1A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). This embodiment comprises a thermally active perforated cover sheet consisting of a residual frame (6) and cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10) with an optional release liner (11) which can Glued to the package, container or mailer (12), as described above. An intermediate separator sheet (7) is positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet (5). See panel IE, the small hole (19) in the separator allows the top sheet to be joined directly to the cover sheet cutout placed below. The separator can be sandwiched between the top sheet and the cutout and held in place by the engagement of the two, or can be joined to the perimeter of the top sheet (5) and/or to the residual frame (6) of the cover sheet perimeter, and feature one or more release lugs (8) to allow separation of the layers. In Figure IB, the mailing label (1) is shown glued to the box (12). In Figure 1C the top sheet (5) and separator (7) have been removed from the box using the release lug (8). When the top sheet is point bonded to the cutout (4), the cutout is released from the perforated cover sheet, leaving a residual frame (6) attached to the box. In Figure ID, document destruction is accomplished by separating the top sheet (5) from the separator (7) using the release lug (8) such that the cutouts are released as shreds (14).

The drawing on the second page shows another embodiment of a device useful in protecting information during mailing. Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the mailing label (1). This embodiment comprises a thermally active perforated cover sheet consisting of a residual frame (6) and cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10) with an optional release liner (11) which can Glued to the package, container or mailer (12), as described above. In this embodiment the intermediate separator sheet (7) is positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet (5). Small holes in the separator (see (19) of inset 2E) allow the top sheet to be joined directly to the fully perforated cut-outs, thereby holding these cut-outs in place. Additionally, the separator is temporarily joined to the perimeter of the residual frame (6) and/or top sheet (5) and features one or more lugs (8) to allow separation or separation of the various layers. In Figure 2B, the mailing label (1) is shown glued to the box (12). In Figure 2C the cover sheet (2), separator (7) and top sheet with cutout (4) and residual frame (6) have been removed from the box using the first release lug (8) (5), leaving the backing sheet (10) attached to the box. In Figure 2D, the fully perforated cut-out is released into pieces by separating the top sheet (5) from the separator (7) and bonded residual frame (6) using the second release lug (8). Crumbs (14) to complete file destruction. The labels of the present invention are suitable for use in all forms of transportation and communication requiring a label, including but not limited to boxes, letters, mailers, parcels, mailing tubes, postage, drop-offs, airmail, ocean shipments, documents, receipts, memos, leaflets, newspapers, advertising materials, etc.

The drawing on the third page shows an embodiment of the device for protecting company information and documents. Figure 3A shows an exploded view of a security document (1) comprising a cover sheet (2), a separator (7) and a top sheet (5) with one or more lugs (8) Features to allow separation or separation of individual layers. In this embodiment, after the individual layers are brought together, laser cutting is used to fully perforate cutouts (4) from the cover sheet (2) and these are secured by securing the cutouts to the top sheet. The outlet remains in place. An intermediate separator sheet (7) is positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet (5) and is permanently attached to the residual frame (6). Figure 3B shows the application of text to the top writable surface of the security document (1). In Figure 3C, the top sheet (5) is pulled away from the engaged separator (7) and cover sheet (2) using the lugs (8). Since the holes of the separator (7) are smaller than the cut-outs, the bond between the top sheet (5) and the cut-outs (4) is broken by the shear force generated and the cut-outs are released as dispersed crumbs (14), and the information on file (1) will be destroyed. Since the print is distributed over the entire surface of the document, by removing the cut-out and the information printed thereon, the remaining print on the residual document frame becomes incomprehensible. The security document of the present invention is suitable for all forms of confidential information.

The drawing on the fourth page shows an embodiment of the device for protecting prescription and medical information. The label of the present invention is adhered to the prescription container (15). This embodiment includes the elements listed above, including a cover sheet (2), a top sheet (5), a separator (7) and one or more lugs (8) for releasing and destroying the label. The sheet comprises a residual frame, perforations (3) and cutouts (4). This embodiment is useful for all labeled medical supplies (including hospital prescriptions, research prescriptions, blood bank prescriptions, inpatient prescriptions, and outpatient prescriptions), law enforcement documents, and all other situations where medical information may be at risk.

The drawing on page five illustrates in Figure 5 the use of multiple label panels (17) combined into a single sheet (16). The elements of the invention are as previously described and consist of a perforated cover sheet (2) and cutouts (4), separators (7), lugs (8) and top sheet (5). Since the backing sheet and release liner (11) are perforated at the edge of each panel, each label instance can be applied individually. In the illustration, six panels, each comprising a copy of the label, are shown as one sheet. At the bottom right, a panel with a set of repeating labels (17) is shown cut from the sheet (16). Each panel may comprise a single or multiple top sheets such that releasing the top sheet causes information from only a portion of the panel to be destroyed, leaving information on lower portions intact for later use. Thus, each top sheet can be used individually to release the cutout from one or more portions of the cover sheet while leaving adjacent text intact for later use.

The drawing on page six shows in Figure 6 the mass production of the invention using current commercial technology. The top sheet (5), separator sheet (7), cover sheet (2) and release liner (11) The backing sheet (10) is combined (20) together. After the individual layers are brought together, other conversion (21) techniques can be employed, including thermal or conventional printing and/or stamping or precision laser perforation. The final step involves finishing (22), in which the roll may be separated, cut, or otherwise processed to produce the final embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the cover sheet (2) may be pre-printed with the information, or may employ a heat-active surface so that the information can be applied to the label during the conversion (21) or later. In some embodiments, the backing sheet (10) and/or release liner (11) are omitted.

Description of the embodiment

It should be understood that the drawings, examples, and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications or changes therefrom will be suggested to those skilled in the art, and will be included within the spirit and scope of the application and the intended within the scope of the appended claims. The following examples are offered to illustrate rather than limit the claimed invention, and no limitations implied in the example embodiments should be construed as limitations on the claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Since the invention includes certain optional elements, these elements can be tailored for each desired use. The backing sheet and associated release liner are optional elements of the present invention, both being included or excluded in each embodiment depending on the application chosen. Further, the top sheet and separator may be placed under or over the cover sheet, and any number of mechanisms for attaching the top sheet, separator and/or lugs are conceivable.

Example 1: This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mail items and containers and employs a top sheet with a separator sheet positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet. As shown in Figure 1A, the present invention provides a mailer label comprising a heat-activated cover sheet and a backing sheet with a release liner that can be adhered to a package, container, or on mail. Placed over the cover sheet is a separator covering the writable portion of the cover sheet and having small holes aligned above each cutout and temporarily bonded over all or part of its perimeter to the remaining frame of the covering sheet placed underneath. A removal lug at one end of the separator allows separating the separator/top sheet sandwich from the cover sheet, thereby removing the cut-out secured to the top sheet from the cover sheet. Placed above the separator is a top sheet at least equal in size to the separator and offset relative to the separator to allow easy access to the protruding release lug. The top sheet is secured to the cut-out of the cover sheet by aligned apertures in the intervening separator, and all or part of its perimeter is temporarily bonded to the separator placed below. In this embodiment, the text may be applied to the cover sheet using a thermal printing method with the separator and top sheet placed over it. Alternatively, in the absence of a backing sheet, the text may be applied to the lower surface of the cover sheet, and the invention is shown with the text inserted into the text side of the clear mailer. After removing the separator, top sheet and attached cutout from the cover sheet using the removal tab, the label is destroyed by pulling the tab to separate the top sheet from the separator. Shear forces were generated and the cutouts could not pass through the small holes of the separator, so the engagement of the cutouts with the top sheet was broken and the cutouts fell into random debris. Now, the remaining printed content is rendered incomprehensible as the document information is broken down onto the overlay sheet remnant frame and a lot of debris.

Example 2: This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mail items and containers and employs a top sheet with a separator sheet positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet. As shown in Figure 2A, the present invention provides a mailer label comprising a thermally active cover sheet and a backing sheet with a release liner that can be adhered to a package, container or on mail. Tabs at one end of the cover sheet allow release of the cover sheet, separator and top sheet sandwich from the adhesive backing sheet and wrapper. Placed over the cover sheet is a separator covering the writable portion of the cover sheet and having an aperture aligned over each cutout. After the individual layers are brought together, laser cutting has been used to fully perforate the cutouts and hold them in place by attaching the cutout points to the top sheet. All or part of the perimeter of the separator may be temporarily glued to the underlying remaining frame of cover sheet. Placed above the separator is the top sheet, which is secured to the cut-out by the aligned separator holes and otherwise all or part of its perimeter may be temporarily bonded to the separator placed below. The top sheet is at least equal in size to the separator and is generally offset relative to the separator to allow easy access to the protruding release lug. In this embodiment, the text may be applied to the cover sheet using a thermal printing method with the separator and top sheet placed over it. Alternatively, in the absence of a backing sheet, the text may be applied to the lower surface of the cover sheet, and the invention is shown with the text inserted into the text side of the clear mailer. After removing the separator, top sheet and attached cutout from the cover sheet using the removal tab, the label is destroyed by pulling on the tab to separate the top sheet from the other layers. Shearing forces are generated and the cut-out cannot pass through the small hole of the separator, so its fixed engagement with the top sheet is broken and the cut-out falls off as random debris. Now, the remaining printed content is rendered incomprehensible as the document information is broken down onto the overlay sheet remnant frame and a lot of debris.

Example 3: This example provides a solution to the misappropriation of corporate information such as communications generated within a controlled work environment. As shown in Figure 3A, the present invention includes a cover sheet with a suitable writable surface, a separator, a top sheet, and one or more tabs. In some embodiments, laser cutting is used to fully perforate cutouts from the cover sheet after the individual layers are brought together, and these cutouts are held in place by attaching the cutouts to the top sheet . An intervening separator sheet is positioned between the cover sheet and the top sheet and is permanently attached to the residual frame around its perimeter. After the text has been added, the document can be destroyed by pulling on the lug of the detached piece. Since the separator is bonded to the cover sheet and the cutout has been laser cut out of the cover sheet, the shear force generated by pulling on the lug causes the fixed joint between the top sheet and the cutout to break , the cutouts are released as scattered crumbs, and the information on file (1) is destroyed. In an alternative embodiment, the separator is temporarily joined to both the cover sheet and the top sheet, with the cut-outs being only slightly perforated from the cover sheet, so that the separator and top sheet provide the perforated cover sheet with support, and the page maintains its integrity and usability until released. When destroying, pulling on the separator tab and the cover sheet tab will cause the separator/top sheet to be pulled away from the cover sheet and since the top sheet is secured to the cutout through the hole in the separator , the resulting shear force also causes the cut-out to separate from the perforated cover sheet. Next, use the tabs on the top sheet and separator piece to pull the two layers apart. Since the aperture of the separator is smaller than the cut-outs, the bond between the top sheet and the cut-outs is broken and the cut-outs are released as dispersed debris. Since the print is distributed over the entire surface of the document, by removing the cut-out and the information printed thereon, the remaining print on the residual document frame becomes incomprehensible. In some embodiments, a tab may contain a single panel with one or more instances of the invention, or may have multiple panels, each panel featuring zero or more instances of the invention. Panels can be adjoined or rendered as separate components. By providing a fast, simple and integrated system to remove all identifying information from confidential documents, the present invention provides companies with a means of protecting their own or their customers' information from capture and misuse. Ease of use and malleability are maximized since no additional equipment is required and in-situ destruction can be achieved. The tags of the present invention are easy to manufacture using currently available technology and are suitable for all forms of confidential communication, including but not limited to letters, documents, receipts, memos, drawings, graphics, sketches, scribbles, scribbles, cards, forms, Scrolls, lots of paper and images.

Example 4: This example provides a series of solutions for the misappropriation of personal information, industrial information and medical information. As previously stated, the present invention includes a cover sheet, a top sheet, a separator, and an adhesive backing sheet that can be adhered to any item (such as a package) that carries private medical information. , container, document or postal item). This embodiment incorporates all the elements of Example Two and allows the complete label to be removed from the medical container. In an alternative embodiment, the backing sheet and release liner may be omitted, and the cover sheet bonded directly to the container, leaving a residual frame of the cover sheet bonded to the container after destruction of the document. In some embodiments, the release lug is integral with the top sheet, and may be a rigid extension of the top sheet that sits flush with the cover sheet, thereby presenting an opening for printing after being bonded to the container. Even surface. In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet is offset relative to the cover sheet to allow easy access to the lugs. In another preferred embodiment, a label may contain a single panel featuring one or more instances of the invention, or may have multiple panels each featuring zero or more instances of the invention. Panels can be adjoined or rendered as separate components. With advances in genetic science and the subsequent introduction of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, the need for greater patient information security has never been greater. This embodiment is well suited for use in protecting prescription and patient information on medicines, containers, labels, prescriptions and other items containing such sensitive medical information.

Example 5: This example provides an overview of manufacturing the invention on a commercial scale using currently available technology. As illustrated in Figure 6, roll-to-roll processing is commonly employed in the manufacture of labels and is readily utilized in the present invention. Separate rolls of each layer are delivered to the machine and joined using chemical, mechanical, heat, adhesive or other means as indicated by the examples. After splicing, the combined plies can be rewound to form an output roll, or can be further processed (converted) on the same machine or a different machine depending on the application. Common conversion techniques include die cutting, laser cutting or other suitable perforation/cutting techniques, and thermal or conventional printing. Common finishing techniques include those known in the art such as slitting, sheeting, fanfolding, scoring, or other finishing means for providing a custom finished label. In some embodiments, the cover sheet is pre-printed, while in other embodiments, a roll of thermally active material is used so that the information can be applied later. In some embodiments, a backing sheet with a release liner is omitted. In some embodiments, the top sheet and separator may be supplied as a transparent roll. In some embodiments, the cover sheet is fully perforated using a precision laser after the cutout has been secured to the top sheet. The advantage of the invention compared to other solutions in the prior art is that all elements can be contained on a roll and processed with economically competitive equipment currently available in the label making industry. Rolls with each inventive element can be customized ready for lamination of the final product, or blank and ready for custom data and perforations during or after the lamination process. This gives flexibility to various solutions. Employing other materials such as tape or filament, robust lugs and cutting devices requires specialized machinery and expertise not currently available in the market.

Claims (7)

1. A self-destruct file, including: a cover sheet on which writing or printing can be made and which can be cut or perforated to form a series of island cut-outs from which the cut-outs can be released by pulling; a top sheet placed above or below said cutout and spot bonded to said cutout; a separator comprising a sheet incorporating a pattern of small holes placed above each of said cutouts on said cover sheet; Wherein pulling the top sheet from the separator creates a shear force that releases the point-bonded cut-out from the cover sheet and further bonds the point-bonded The cut-out portion is disconnected from the cover sheet. 2. The self-destructing document of claim 1, wherein one or more of the cover sheet, or the separator, or the top sheet has one or more lugs. 3. The self-destructing document of claim 1, wherein the shape of the cutout is selected to mask data to a maximum extent. 4. The self-destructing document of claim 1, wherein the cover sheet is made of a thermally printable material. 5. The self-destructing document of claim 1, wherein said cover sheet, top sheet and said separator are all transparent. 6. The self-destructing document of claim 1, further comprising a backing sheet. 7. The self-destructing document of claim 6, wherein the backing sheet further comprises an adhesive surface capable of being adhered to a mailer or other surface.

Images