At a glance
| Patent number | CN105667120B (application CN201610180269) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - examined; protects the technical solution |
| Original title | Multifunctional folder (一种多功能文件夹) |
| Patent owner | Xue Zhiyuan (individual) |
| Inventor | Xue Zhiyuan |
| Filing date | 2016-03-26 |
| Grant date | 2017-05-31 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2019-03-19, effective 2018-03-26) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | No later citations listed |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN105667120B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a folder with a base board, a cover, a spine on the left of the base, a connecting assembly that hinges the cover to the spine with an adjustable gap, a fastening assembly on the right edges of cover and base that joins them detachably with an adjustable gap, and front and rear stops for the papers. The front stop is a rail with a slot and a lip that slides in it on a spring, pushed down by the closed cover and popping up when it opens; the rear stop is a strap between an anchor and the spine.
Claims 2-3 - holes in the spine, and the hinge leaf mounted on springs in those holes. Claims 4-6 - the fastening assembly: a hook on the cover and a catch on a spring-mounted support, with two spring-loaded jaws that grip the hook’s barb and a rim that keeps the jaws in place. Claim 7 - the rear strap: two elastic sections with a stiff middle section.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and has lapsed, so it no longer restricts anyone in China either. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Before production, keep in mind:
- Other patents may exist. Expanding folders, clipboards and storage clipboards have US utility and design patents. Have a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search done by a US patent attorney before volume production.
- Simplify where it helps. The four spring systems can be reduced or combined in design to hit a retail price while keeping the “fits any thickness” function.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Size | Letter, legal or A4; with or without a writing surface outside - to be confirmed in design |
| Material | PP or ABS boards, recycled plastic, aluminum for a premium version |
| Mechanism | Spring hinge and catch; simplified versions with elastic hinges |
| Storage | Optional inner pocket or compartment |
| Extras | Pen strap, ruler edge, name window |
| Branding | Colors, printed or embossed logos, school or company programs |
Things to plan for (US market)
- Children’s products - folders marketed for children 12 and under need CPSIA lead and phthalate testing, tracking labels and a Children’s Product Certificate.
- Materials - check plastics and coatings for California Proposition 65 substances.
- Finger safety - the snap catch and springs should not pinch; check edges and spring forces on prototypes.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - size, material, features and quantity.
- Design - board thickness, spring forces, hinge and catch details.
- Prototype - samples tested with stacks from a single sheet to full capacity.
- Pilot run - small batch to check assembly and durability.
- Production - volume production, packaging and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
The boards, spine, catch and lip need injection molds; springs and straps are standard parts. Send us your size, material, features, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
