Abstract
The inventor here 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. Numerous embodiments of the document of the invention specialized for different applications are illustrated and described.
Claims
1. A self-destructing document comprising a coversheet capable of being 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 filament Which overlays or underlays and is adhered to said cutouts, connecting said cutouts in a random, non-linear fashion, and; a stripper, comprising a collar encircling and capable of being drawn along the length of said filament so as to release said adhered cutouts therefrom.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the shapes of the cutouts and filament are chosen to maximize data masking.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said filament further comprises a pull-tab at a free end to facilitate pulling of said filament.
4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the pull-tab is integral to the filament.
5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the filament comprises a surface which can be written or printed upon, so that the coversheet and filament present as a uniform writable surface.
6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the filament is passed through the stripper, wherein the stripper is attached permanently to the document, and is formed with finger-holds to facilitate gripping of the document.
7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the stripper is attached temporarily to the document.
8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the document provides protection from identity theft.
9. The invention of claim 1 further comprising an underlying backing sheet and; wherein, said coversheet has a lower adhesive surface which overlays and is temporarily adhered to said backing sheet.
10. The invention of claim 9 wherein the backing sheet is transparent.
11. The invention of claim 9 wherein the backing sheet acts to strengthen said overlaying coversheet by bonding thereto.
12. The invention of claim 9 wherein said underlying backing sheet further comprises a lower adhesive surface capable of affixing to a mailing or other surface.
13. The invention of claim 9 wherein said underlying backing sheet further comprises a lower adhesive surface capable of affixing to a mailing or other surface, and wherein said lower adhesive surface is protected by a release liner.
14. The use of the document of claim 1 in the protection of confidential information.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The drawings on the first sheet illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, useful in corporate security. FIG. 1A details document components in an exploded view, while FIG. 1B shows a filled document ready for destruction. FIG. 1C illustrates initiation of release of the cutouts and document destruction.
(2) The drawings on the second sheet illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, useful in protection of information during mailing. FIG. 2A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. 2E) detailing filament end components. FIG. 2B shows a document affixed to a box and enclosed in a mailing pouch. FIG. 2C illustrates initiation of release of the cutouts and document destruction, while in FIG. 2D only the residual framework remains on the box.
(3) The drawings on the third sheet illustrate the typical steps of document destruction. FIG. 3A thru 3E show the steps from a completed document ready for destruction (FIG. 3A) through final release of the filament (FIG. 3D) and removal of chads with the stripper in FIG. 3E.
(4) 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. Insets (FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C) detail alternative embodiments of the stripper element.
(5) 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(6) The following drawings are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention.
(7) The drawings on the first sheet illustrate a first embodiment of the invention useful in corporate security. Note that the exploded view is used to illustrate the various layers, but in reality the document presents as a uniform surface as seen in FIG. 1B, which shows a document (1) ready for destruction. FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of the document and further illustrates the various elements. The embodiment includes a coversheet (2) which has been perforated (3). The perforations form a series of cutouts (4) which can be released from the coversheet by pulling on the filament (5), leaving a residual framework (6). The filament runs through the collar of a stripper (7) and terminates in an optional pull-tab (8). In this embodiment the stripper and/or pull-tab is attached to the coversheet by a temporary bond (9) and is detachable therefrom. In this embodiment the coversheet (2) is lightly perforated (3), such that the cutouts (4) can be easily released by pulling on the filament (5), but the page (1) maintains its integrity and usability prior to release. FIG. 1C shows release of the cutouts and document destruction. At the time of destruction, the document (1) may be placed writing down on a flat surface with the filament side up, anchored at a corner or as desired, and the filament (5) is pulled to release the cutouts, often employing the optional pull-tab (8). 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. Next the stripper is pulled along the length of the cutout bearing filament, and the cutouts are released as chads, completely obliterating any data. This process is further detailed in FIG. 3.
(8) The drawings on the second sheet illustrate a second embodiment of the invention useful as a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings. FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of a mailing label. As in the earlier figure, the invention comprises a coversheet (2) composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a filament (5) which in this case overlies the coversheet and a stripping device (7) as described above, but additionally comprises a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12). Elements at the terminus of the filament (5) are detailed in FIG. 2E, and include the stripping device (7), an optional pull-tab (8) and an attachment point (9). The addition of a backing sheet allows the invention to be attached to items at will. After release of the cutouts (4), the residual framework (6) remains adhered to the backing sheet and mailing. As the print is distributed over the entire surface of the label, by removing the cutouts and the information printed thereon, the print remaining on the residual framework attached to the package or mailing becomes incomprehensible. In FIG. 2B the mailing label is shown adhered to a box (12). In this drawing the label is contained within a mailing pouch (13) and adhered to the box. In FIG. 2C label destruction is initiated by drawing the filament (5) through the stripper (7) using the pull-tab (8), resulting in release of cutouts (4) from the perforated (3) coversheet (2) and displacement of chads (14) from the filament. In FIG. 2D the destructed document now composed only of the residual framework (6) remains adhered to the box. The steps of document destruction are further detailed in FIG. 3. 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.
(9) The drawings on the third sheet illustrate the sequence of steps in destruction of a typical document of the invention. Starting at the left side, FIG. 3A shows a document (1) ready for destruction. In this embodiment, the stripper and pull-tab are temporarily attached (9) to the coversheet. In FIG. 3B the stripper (7) and pull-tab (8) have been released from their attachment (9) to the coversheet (2), after pulling lightly on the pull-tab. FIG. 3C shows the cutouts (4) being released from the coversheet as the filament (5) is drawn by the pull-tab, while in FIG. 3D the filament (5), cutouts (4) and stripper (7) are fully separated from the label, leaving the residual coversheet framework (6) now without cutouts, but still adhered to the underlying backing sheet (not shown in this view, see FIG. 2). Finally in FIG. 3E the filament is grasped by the pull-tab (8) and the stripper (7) is drawn along the length of the filament (5), resulting in release of the cutouts (4) as chads (14), bearing random pieces of text and destruction of the original printed label.
(10) 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), perforations (3), cutouts (4), and filament (5), but to facilitate the label sitting flush with the container, the pull-tab is omitted and the filament end modified stiffened or reinforced (16). The insets (FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C) show two embodiments of the filament end/stripper. In FIG. 4B the filament has a reinforced end (16) which is integral to the filament (5) and which can be utilized as a pull-tab. In this embodiment the stripper (7) encircles and is folded flat against the filament so as to sit flush with the coversheet and container. The filament end (16) and stripper (7) are temporarily adhered to the coversheet (2) and released by lightly pulling to initiate release of cutouts. In FIG. 4C the stripper (7) is a cylinder which is permanently affixed to the coversheet (2). Filament and cutout release is performed in situ, with the filament (5) drawn through the stripper (7) while it is still attached to the container.
(11) The drawings on the fifth sheet 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 coversheets (2) with cutouts (4), and interconnecting filaments (5) with attached strippers (7) and pull-tabs (8). 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). The top central panel illustrates the use of multiple filaments on a single label (18). Filament release results in destruction of information from the upper portion of the panel, but leaves information intact on the lower portion for a later time. Hence each filament can be drawn independently to release cutouts from one or more portions of the coversheets, while leaving the adjacent text intact for a later time.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(12) 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.
(13) As the invention comprises certain optional elements, it can be tailored for each desired use. The pull-tab, shredder, backing sheet and the associated release liner are all optional elements of the invention, with their inclusion or exclusion in each embodiment depending on the application selected. Further the filament may under or overlay the coversheet and numerous mechanisms for attachment of the filament, stripper and/or pull-tab are contemplated.
Example 1
(14) This example provides a solution to the theft of corporate information, for instance communications produced within a controlled work environment. As shown in FIG. 1, the invention comprises a coversheet, a filament and a stripping device and may further comprise an optional pull-tab. In this embodiment the coversheet is lightly perforated, such that the cutouts can be easily released by pulling on the filament, but the page maintains its integrity and usability prior to release. At the time of destruction, the document is placed on a flat surface with the text down, filament side up, anchored at a corner or as desired, and the filament is pulled to release the cutouts. 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. Next the stripper is pulled along the length of the cutout bearing filament, sometimes employing the optional pull-tab, and the cutouts are released as chads, completely obliterating any data. The addition of an optional shredder further obfuscates any data. In a preferred embodiment, the filament underlays the coversheet so as to present a uniform upper writing surface. In a further 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. 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 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 2
(15) This example provides a further solution to the theft of corporate information, for instance communications produced within a controlled work environment. As previously, the invention comprises a coversheet, a filament with optional pull-tab, and a stripping device, and further comprises a backing sheet. In this embodiment the backing sheet does not have an adhesive covered lower surface, and the optional release liner is omitted. The addition of the backing sheet supports and strengthens the overlaying coversheet, and affords and more robust document when circumstances require. In this embodiment the coversheet may be more heavily perforated, as the cutouts are supported by and adhered to the underlying, unperforated, backing sheet. In this embodiment the filament overlays the coversheet and comprises a writable surface. In a further 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. Like the previous embodiment, this embodiment finds utility in the protection of all forms of confidential communications, including but not limited to corporate documents.
Example 3
(16) This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers. As shown in FIG. 2, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a coversheet, a filament, a stripping device and a backing sheet as described above, but in this embodiment the lower surface of the backing sheet is coated with an adhesive, with optional release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. The addition of a backing sheet allows the invention to be attached to items at will. In this embodiment the coversheet may be more heavily perforated, as the cutouts are supported by and adhered to the underlying, unperforated, backing sheet. The cutouts may be removed from the coversheet by pulling on the filament and peeling from the backing sheet, separating at the perforations, while the residual framework remains adhered to the backing sheet. As the print is distributed over the entire surface of the label, by removing the cutouts and the information printed thereon, the print remaining on the residual framework attached to the package, container or mailing becomes incomprehensible. In a preferred embodiment the filament overlays the coversheet and comprises a writable surface. 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. In a further preferred embodiment, the label may be enclosed in a mailing bag, behind a mailing window or may be affixed permanently or temporarily thereto. In this embodiment the adhesive lower surface and associated release liner of the backing sheet may be omitted. The bag may include one or more pouches configured to receive shipping labels. In some embodiments of the invention, the bag may include a single pouch that is viewable from either side of the bag, thereby allowing the bag to receive a label for mailing either, or both, to and from the recipient. In some embodiments of the invention, the bag may include a pouch that can be accessed from either side of the bag, or may comprise two or more pouches that may be proximate to each other, or at different locations in the bag. The bag may be closed by any suitable means, including but not limited to a zipper, channel, zip-lock style closure, hook and loop closure, adhesive closure, mechanical closure, etc. By providing a quick, simple and effective way to remove all identifying information from a mailing label, the invention provides both consumers and mailers with a way of protecting theirs or their client's information from capture and abuse. 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.
Example 4
(17) This example provides a series of solutions to the theft of personal and industrial medical information. As previously, the invention comprises a coversheet, a filament, a stripping device, sometimes including an optional shredder, 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 three, but has a specialized filament end comprising a pull-tab integral to the filament. The pull-tab is usually a stiffened extension of the filament which lays flush with the coversheet, presenting a uniform surface for printing and after adhesion to a container. In a preferred embodiment the filament overlays the coversheet and comprises a writable surface. 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 (HIPAA), 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.
