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 written or printed upon, and cut or perforated so as to form a series of island cutouts which can be released from said coversheet by means of pulling on a divider which overlays or underlays and is anchored to said cutouts, and; a stripper, comprising a sheet or collar capable of releasing said adhered cutouts from said divider.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the shapes of the cutouts are chosen to maximize data masking.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein one or more of said coversheet, said divider or said stripper have one or more tabs at one or both ends.
4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the tab is integral to the divider.
5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the divider comprises a surface which can be written or printed upon, so that the coversheet and divider present as a uniform writable surface.
6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the stripper comprises a sheet which incorporates a pattern of holes that overlap each of said cutouts and facilitates anchoring to said divider.
7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said coversheet is made of thermal printable material.
8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the stripper is attached temporarily to the document.
9. The invention of claim 1 wherein any of said coversheet, said divider or said stripper are transparent.
10. 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.
11. The invention of claim 10 wherein said underlying backing sheet further comprises a lower adhesive surface capable of affixing to a mailing or other surface.
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 divider 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 divider (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, wherein a plurality of dividers terminate in a single tab, and pass through a plurality of strippers attached to the coversheet as a single stripper unit. FIG. 4A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. 4E) detailing divider end components. FIG. 4B shows a document affixed to a box. FIG. 4C illustrates initiation of release of the cutouts and document destruction, while in FIG. 4D only the residual framework and stripper unit remain on the box.
(5) The drawings on the fifth sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device, in which a plurality of strippers are formed into a single stripper unit which is not attached to the coversheet but is held in place by a plurality of dividers affixed to the coversheet. FIG. 5A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. 5E) detailing divider end components. FIG. 5B shows a document affixed to a box. FIG. 5C illustrates initiation of release of the cutouts and document destruction, while in FIG. 5D everything except the chads remain on the box.
(6) The drawings on the sixth sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device, used in the protection of prescription and medical information. In FIG. 6A a label of the invention is affixed to a prescription container. Insets (FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C) detail alternative embodiments of the stripper element.
(7) The drawings on the seventh sheet in FIG. 7 illustrate an embodiment of the device, in which multiple labels are formulated as a single sheet.
(8) The drawings on the eighth sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device, in which the divider is a sheet. FIG. 8A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. 8E) detailing small holes in the stripper layer. FIG. 8B shows a document affixed to a box. FIG. 8C illustrates release of the cutouts, stripper sheet and divider from the box, while in FIG. 8D the cutouts are released from the divider by pulling on the divider or stripper.
(9) The drawings on the ninth sheet illustrate a further embodiment of the device, in which the divider is a sheet. FIG. 9A details document components in an exploded view, including an inset (FIG. 9E) detailing small holes in the stripper layer. FIG. 9B shows a document affixed to a box. FIG. 9C illustrates release of the coversheet, cutouts, stripper sheet and divider from the box, while in FIG. 9D the cutouts are released from the coversheet and divider by pulling on the coversheet or divider.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(10) The following drawings are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention.
(11) 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 divider (5), leaving a residual framework (6). The divider runs through the collar of a stripper (7) and terminates in an optional tab (8). In this embodiment the stripper and/or 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 divider (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 divider side up, anchored at a corner or as desired, and the divider (5) is pulled to release the cutouts, often employing the optional 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 divider, and the cutouts are released as chads, completely obliterating any data. This process is further detailed in FIG. 3.
(12) 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 divider (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 divider (5) are detailed in FIG. 2E, and include the stripping device (7), an optional 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 divider (5) through the stripper (7) using the tab (8), resulting in release of cutouts (4) from the perforated (3) coversheet (2) and displacement of chads (14) from the divider. 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.
(13) 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 tab are temporarily attached (9) to the coversheet. In FIG. 3B the stripper (7) and tab (8) have been released from their attachment (9) to the coversheet (2), after pulling lightly on the tab. FIG. 3C shows the cutouts (4) being released from the coversheet as the divider (5) is drawn by the tab, while in FIG. 3D the divider (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 divider is grasped by the tab (8) and the stripper (7) is drawn along the length of the divider (5), resulting in release of the cutouts (4) as chads (14), bearing random pieces of text and destruction of the original printed label.
(14) The drawings on the fourth sheet illustrate a third embodiment of the invention useful as a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings. FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a mailing label. The invention comprises a coversheet (2) composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. In this embodiment a plurality of dividers (5) terminate in a single rigid tab (8) with handle (19) which is temporarily adhered to the coversheet. The dividers pass through a stripper unit (7) which is permanently attached along one side of the coversheet, and comprises a plurality of strippers equal in number to the divider number, attached to and spaced along the stripper unit so as to align with and encircle the dividers. Elements at the terminus of the dividers (5) are detailed in FIG. 4E, and include the stripping unit (7) permanently attached to the coversheet at an attachment point (9), and a tab (8), with handle (19) temporarily attached to the coversheet. In FIG. 4B the mailing label is shown adhered to a box (12). In FIG. 4C label destruction is initiated by breaking the bond between the tab and coversheet, and drawing the dividers (5) through the stripper unit (7) attached to the coversheet, by drawing the tab (8) using the attached handle (19). This results in the simultaneous release of all rows of cutouts (4) from the perforated (3) coversheet (2) and displacement of chads (14) from the divider. In FIG. 4D the destructed document now composed only of the stripper unit (7) and residual framework (6) which remains adhered to the box. 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.
(15) The drawings on the fifth sheet illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention useful as a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings. FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of a mailing label. The invention comprises a coversheet (2) composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. In this embodiment a plurality of dividers (5) terminate in a single rigid tab (8), which is permanently attached to the coversheet. The dividers pass through a stripper unit (7) with handle (19) which comprises a plurality of strippers equal in number to the divider number, attached to and spaced along the stripper unit so as to align with and encircle the dividers. In this embodiment the stripper unit is not adhered to the coversheet but rides along the dividers it encircles, and so using the handle can be pulled horizontally across the face of the label so as to simultaneously displace the rows of cutouts from the coversheet, and strip the dividers of chads as the stripper unit passes across the document face. Elements at the terminus of the dividers (5) are detailed in FIG. 5E, and include a tab (8) permanently attached to the coversheet, and a stripper unit (7) with handle (19). In FIG. 5B the mailing label is shown adhered to a box (12). In FIG. 5C label destruction is initiated by pulling on the handle (19) so as to pass the stripper unit (7) horizontally across the face of the document (2) along the dividers (5). This results in the simultaneous release of all rows of cutouts (4) from the perforated (3) coversheet (2) and displacement of chads (14) from the divider. In FIG. 5D the stripper unit (7) has completed its pass and the destructed document retains all portions of the device except the cutouts which are expelled as chads hence obliterating any data. 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.
(16) The drawings on the sixth 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 divider (5), but to facilitate the label sitting flush with the container, the tab is omitted and the divider end modified stiffened or reinforced (16). The insets (FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C) show two embodiments of the divider end/stripper. In FIG. 4B the divider has a reinforced end (16) which is integral to the divider (5) and which can be utilized as a tab. In this embodiment the stripper (7) encircles and is folded flat against the divider so as to sit flush with the coversheet and container. The divider end (16) and stripper (7) are temporarily adhered to the coversheet (2) and released by lightly pulling to initiate release of cutouts. In FIG. 6C the stripper (7) is a cylinder which is permanently affixed to the coversheet (2). divider and cutout release is performed in situ, with the divider (5) drawn through the stripper (7) while it is still attached to the container.
(17) The drawings on the seventh sheet in FIG. 7 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 dividers (5) with attached strippers (7) and 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 dividers on a single label (18). divider 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 divider 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.
(18) The drawings on the eighth sheet illustrate an embodiment of the device in which the divider is a broad tape or sheet. FIG. 8A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). The invention comprises a thermal active coversheet composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. In this embodiment an intervening stripper sheet (7) is positioned between the coversheet and divider sheet (5). Small holes (19) in the stripper sheet allow the divider sheet to be bonded directly to the underlying cutouts holding it in place, see inset FIG. 8E. The stripper sheet may additionally be bonded to the periphery of the divider (5) and/or the residual framework (6) of the coversheet and feature one or more release tabs (8) to allow the various layers to be detached. In FIG. 8B the mailing label (1) is shown adhered to a box (12). In FIG. 8C the divider (5) and stripper (7) have been removed from the box using the release tab (8), along with the adhered cutouts (4), leaving the residual framework (6) attached to the box. In FIG. 8D document destruction is completed by detaching the divider (5) from the stripper (7) using a second release tab (8) so that cutouts are released as chads (14).
(19) The drawings on the ninth sheet illustrate a further embodiment of the device in which the divider is a broad tape or sheet. FIG. 9A shows an exploded view of a mailing label (1). The invention comprises a thermal active coversheet composed of the residual framework (6) and the cutouts (4), a backing sheet (10), with optional release liner (11), which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing (12) as described above. In this embodiment an intervening stripper sheet (7) is positioned between the coversheet and divider sheet (5). Small holes (19) in the stripper sheet allow the divider sheet to be bonded directly to the underlying cutouts holding it in place, see inset FIG. 9E. The stripper sheet is additionally temporarily bonded to the periphery of the divider (5) and the residual framework (6) of the coversheet and features one or more tabs (8) to allow the various layers to be detached or separated. In FIG. 9B the mailing label (1) is shown adhered to a box (12). In FIG. 9C the coversheet with cutouts (4) and residual framework (6), the stripper (7) and the divider (5) have been removed from the box using a first release tab (8), leaving the backing sheet (10) attached to the box. In FIG. 9D document destruction is completed by detaching the divider (5) from the stripper (7) and adhered residual framework using a second release tab (8) so that cutouts are released as chads (14). The label of the invention is suitable for all forms of shipping and communications requiring a label, including but not limited to a box, letter, parcel, package, mailing tube, posting, delivery, airmail, shipment, document, note, memo, flyer, newspaper, advertising materials etc.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(20) 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.
(21) As the invention comprises certain optional elements, it can be tailored for each desired use. The 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 divider may under or overlay the coversheet and numerous mechanisms for attachment of the divider, stripper and/or tab are contemplated.
Example 1
(22) This example provides a solution to the theft of corporate information, for instance communications produced within a controlled work environment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the invention comprises a coversheet, a divider and a stripping device and may further comprise an optional tab. In this embodiment the coversheet is perforated such that the cutouts can be easily released by pulling on the divider, 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, divider side up, anchored at a corner or as desired (eg. with a hand), and the divider 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 divider, sometimes employing the optional 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 divider 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
(23) 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 divider with optional 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 divider overlays the coversheet and comprises a writable surface. In a further embodiment the cutouts may be completely severed from the coversheet, but held in place by an optional clear topsheet which is adhered temporarily with release liner to the residual framework of the coversheet, but not the cutouts. Following removal of the topsheet, the now free floating cutouts are extracted using the divider, and the attached stripper is then drawn along its length the release the cutouts. 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
(24) This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers. As shown in FIG. 2A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a coversheet, a divider, 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 divider 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 divider 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
(25) This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers in which a single tab with handle is used to draw multiple dividers through a stripper unit. As shown in FIG. 4A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a coversheet, a plurality of dividers, a stripping unit, a tab with handle and a backing sheet with release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. In this embodiment a plurality of dividers terminate in a single rigid tab with an attached handle which is temporarily adhered to the coversheet. Each divider passes through a stripper unit which is permanently attached along one side of the coversheet, and comprises a plurality of strippers equal in number to the divider number, attached to and spaced along the stripper unit so as to align with and encircle the dividers. When the tab is pulled by the attached handle, the dividers are drawn thru the stripper unit, releasing the cutouts from the coversheet, and then the chads from the divider. 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.
Example 5
(26) This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers in which a single stripper unit with handle is used to strip multiple dividers in situ. As shown in FIG. 5A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a coversheet, a plurality of dividers ending in a tab affixed to the coversheet, a stripping unit with handle threaded through the stripping unit and a backing sheet with release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. In this embodiment a plurality of dividers terminate in a single rigid tab which is permanently attached to the coversheet. Each divider passes through a stripper unit which comprises a plurality of strippers equal in number to the divider number, attached to and spaced along the stripper unit so as to align with and encircle the dividers. This stripper unit is not permanently attached to the coversheet, but is held in place by the encircled dividers, or by a temporary attachment to the coversheet. When the stripper unit is passed horizontally along the plane of the dividers and across the face of the document using the attached handle, the dividers are drawn thru the stripper unit, releasing the cutouts from the coversheet, and then the chads from the divider. When the stripper unit has completed its horizontal pass, the device remains intact except that the chads have been removed and expelled from the package. 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.
Example 6
(27) This example provides a series of solutions to the theft of personal and industrial medical information. As previously, the invention comprises a coversheet, a divider, 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 divider end comprising a tab integral to the divider. The tab is usually a stiffened extension of the divider which lays flush with the coversheet, presenting a uniform surface for printing and after adhesion to a container. In a preferred embodiment the divider 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.
Example 7
(28) This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers and employs a divider comprising a sheet, along with stripper sheet positioned between the coversheet and divider. As shown in FIG. 8A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a thermal active coversheet and a backing sheet with release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. Overlaying the coversheet is a stripper sheet which covers the writable portion of the coversheet and has small holes aligned over each of the cutouts. Overlaying the stripper sheet is a divider sheet at least equal in size to the stripper sheet. The divider sheet is spot adhered to the cutouts of the coversheet through the small aligned holes in the stripper, and is temporarily adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying stripper sheet. Additionally it is temporarily adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying coversheet to form a sandwich of the layers. In this embodiment text can be applied to the coversheet through the overlying stripper and divider sheets using thermal printing. Alternatively in instances in which a backing sheet is not present, text may be applied to the lower surface of the coversheet and the invention inserted into a clear mailing pouch text side showing. In order to destroy the label, the divider and stripper are first released from the coversheet using an end tab on the divider. The cutouts remain spot adhered to the divider and are released from the residual framework in this motion. Then the divider and stripper are detached from each other by pulling on a second tab. As the cutouts are unable to pass through the small holes of the stripper, the adhesive bond to the divider is broken and the cutouts fall away as random chads. 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.
Example 8
(29) This example provides a solution to the theft of personal information from discarded mailings and containers and employs a divider comprising a sheet, along with stripper sheet positioned between the coversheet and divider. As shown in FIG. 9A, the invention provides a mailing label comprising a thermal active coversheet and a backing sheet with release liner, which can be adhered to a package, container or mailing. Overlaying the coversheet is a stripper sheet which covers the writable portion of the coversheet and has small holes aligned over each of the cutouts, and is adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying coversheet residual framework. Overlaying the stripper sheet is a divider sheet at least equal in size to the stripper sheet. The divider sheet is spot adhered to the cutouts of the coversheet through the small aligned holes in the stripper, and is temporarily adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying stripper sheet. Additionally it is temporarily adhered at all or portions of its periphery to the underlying coversheet to form a sandwich of the layers. In this embodiment text can be applied to the coversheet through the overlying stripper and divider sheets using thermal printing. Alternatively in instances in which a backing sheet is not present, text may be applied to the lower surface of the coversheet and the invention inserted into a clear mailing pouch text side showing. In order to destroy the label, the coversheet, stripper and divider are first released from the backing sheet using an end tab on the coversheet to release the other elements from the backing sheet. Then the divider and stripper are detached from each other by pulling on a second tab on the stripper. As the cutouts are unable to pass through the small holes of the stripper, the adhesive bond to the divider is broken and the cutouts fall away as random chads. As the invention is now broken into a divider, a coversheet residual framework/shredder and chads, the print remaining becomes incomprehensible.
