Patent CN107031231B
Updated November 7, 2026Portable Intelligent Folder with Rotating Clamp and Soft-Set Handles
Standard folders often fail to stay closed when carried or stacked, leading to scattered documents and damaged edges. Portable storage solutions need mechanisms that secure contents without bulky locks. In this design, a rotating block within a symmetrical groove on the folder lid drives a motion bar through fixed plates. Limited blocks engage with the bottom of these plates to maintain closure stability. The unit is held by soft-set handles featuring rubber rods and interlocking patches, while an anti-skid pad ensures the folder stays put on any surface.
- China invention patent - active
- No filings outside China
- Office stationery & document management
- Plastic/metal components, rubber grips, spring mechanism
Splat! What let you down?
🔄
Rotating Block Clamp
A symmetrical groove houses a rotating block connected to a motion bar for secure lid closure.
✋
Soft-Set Handles
Exterior handles feature rubber rods and interlocking patches for a comfortable, stable grip.
🛡️
Anti-Skid Base
Rubber pads with chequer patterns prevent the folder from sliding off desks or tables.
🏷️
Integrated Marking Frame
The outer surface of the folder lid includes a frame for labels, aiding quick organization.
Bring this product to market
- ✓ Patent review Patent family and legal status reviewed in the relevant jurisdictions.
- 2 Product brief · now How it works, uses and options written up
- 3 Prototype First samples for buyers to review
- 4 Pilot run Small first batch for launch customers
- 5 Volume production Repeat orders at scale
Buyer interest
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Patent Rights & Team Participation
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Participation is generally appropriate where:
- You own the relevant patent rights or have obtained permission or a license from the rights holder.
- The relevant patent rights have expired or have been legally invalidated in the jurisdictions where the planned activities will take place.
- The planned development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities have been independently assessed and do not infringe applicable patent rights in the relevant jurisdictions.
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The problem
Traditional office folders rely on simple flaps or elastic bands that often loosen over time. When carried in a bag or stacked on a desk, these closures can fail, causing documents to scatter or edges to bend. Furthermore, many portable file holders lack ergonomic handling features, making them difficult to carry securely with one hand. There is a need for a compact solution that maintains internal pressure on files while offering a reliable external grip and stable placement on surfaces.
The solution
- A placing clamp (1) forms the main body, providing a rigid structure to hold documents.
- A folder lid (2) is mounted on top, featuring a symmetrical groove (3) embedded in its upper section.
- Inside the groove, a rotating block (4) is positioned, connected to a motion bar (5).
- The motion bar extends through the groove and interacts with fixed plates (6) attached to the inner wall of the placing clamp.
- Limited blocks (7) are placed at the bottom of the fixed plates to engage with the motion bar assembly, ensuring the lid stays closed.
- Two soft sets (9) serve as handles on the exterior, connected via fixed blocks (8). These handles contain sub-patches (10) and rubber rods (12) for grip and retention.
Who it is for
- Mobile Professionals: Consultants and sales staff who carry physical contracts and proposals between meetings and need a secure, non-bulky holder.
- Office Administrators: Teams managing shared physical files where quick labeling and stable stacking on desks are required.
- Legal Assistants: Paralegals handling case files that must remain organized and protected during transport to courts or client sites.
- Educational Institutions: Schools needing durable, easy-to-carry portfolios for student projects or teacher materials that withstand frequent handling.
How it works
The main parts
| No. | Part | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Placing Clamp | Main body holding the documents; includes inner walls for mounting. |
| 2 | Folder Lid | Top cover with integrated grooves for the clamping mechanism. |
| 3 | Symmetrical Groove | Channel in the lid housing the rotating block and motion bar. |
| 4 | Rotating Block | Central component that pivots to drive the locking action. |
| 5 | Motion Bar | Connects the rotating block to the fixed plates, extending outward. |
| 6 | Fixed Plates | Mounted on the inner wall; guide the motion bar. |
| 7 | Limited Blocks | Located under fixed plates; contact the motion bar to stabilize closure. |
| 8 | Fixed Blocks | External mounts connecting the body to the soft handles. |
| 9 | Soft Sets | Flexible handles for carrying, containing internal locking elements. |
| 10 | Sub-Patches | Internal tabs within the soft sets that interact with female patches. |
| 11 | Strip Through-Hole | Opening in the soft set allowing passage of the gag lever post. |
| 12 | Rubber Rods | Elastic elements between sub-patches providing tension and grip. |
| 13 | Female Patch | Outer layer of the handle that covers the sub-patch. |
| 14 | Marking Frame | Area on the lid for attaching labels. |
| 15 | Rubber Pad | Anti-skid base plate with chequer pattern. |
| 16 | Brute Spring | Spring located under the rotating block to assist return/pressure. |
| 17 | Gag Lever Post | Restraining rod inside the handle preventing detachment. |
Operating Steps
- Insert Documents: Place papers into the cavity formed by the placing clamp and folder lid.
- Close the Lid: Lower the folder lid onto the placing clamp. The motion bar (5), driven by the rotating block (4), slides through the groove (3) and fixed plates (6).
- Engage Lock: As the lid closes, the limited blocks (7) make contact with the bottom of the fixed plates (6) and the motion bar assembly, securing the lid in place. The brute spring (16) provides consistent pressure.
- Carry: Grip the soft sets (9). The rubber rods (12) and interlocking patches (10, 13) ensure the handles remain firmly attached to the body via the fixed blocks (8).
- Place: Set the folder down. The rubber pad (15) prevents sliding due to its anti-skid chequer pattern.
Applications
Mobile Client Meetings
Sales representatives carrying physical contracts benefit from the secure rotating clamp. Unlike elastic bands that stretch out, the mechanical lock keeps documents flat and protected during transit between client offices.
Shared Office Desks
In hot-desking environments, employees need to leave files temporarily. The anti-skid rubber pad ensures the folder doesn’t slide across the desk if bumped, while the marking frame allows for clear identification of ownership or project status.
Legal Document Transport
Paralegals moving case files to court require robust protection. The integrated handles provide a comfortable grip for heavy stacks, and the internal locking mechanism prevents accidental opening if the folder is dropped or jostled in a briefcase.
Student Portfolios
High school and college students transporting art projects or thesis drafts need durability. The soft-set handles reduce strain on fingers during long walks, and the rigid clamp structure protects paper edges from bending inside backpacks.
Retail Inventory Management
Small business owners tracking inventory sheets need quick access. The folder opens smoothly via the rotating block, and the external label frame allows for rapid categorization of stock lists without removing the papers.
Where it is less suitable
- Digital-Only Workflows: Companies fully transitioned to cloud storage may find physical folder mechanisms unnecessary overhead.
- Extreme Heavy Loads: While sturdy, the plastic and spring components are designed for standard office paper volumes, not industrial-grade weight-bearing tasks.
- Outdoor Fieldwork: The open-top loading mechanism might expose documents to rain or dust compared to sealed zippered cases.
Patent & Production
At a glance
| Patent number | CN107031231B (application CN201710288679) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product structure and method |
| Original title | A kind of portable intelligent file for office (一种用于办公的便携式智能文件夹) |
| Patent owner | Dongying Maitian Network Information Technology Co.,Ltd. |
| Inventors | Fan Zihui, Liu Youpeng, Gao Xiaobing, Tan Yumei, Xia Qingquan, Huang Qing, Lan Yuanmei, Chen Lindan, Hu Lingjuan, Wu Zhaoyu |
| Filing date | 2017-04-27 |
| Grant date | 2018-12-04 |
| Status (China) | In force until at most 2037-04-27 (provided annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Public record shows Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN107031231B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a portable intelligent folder comprising a placing clamp (1) and a folder lid (2). The lid features a symmetrical groove (3) containing a rotating block (4) connected to a motion bar (5). The motion bar passes through the groove and interacts with fixed plates (6) on the clamp’s inner wall. Limited blocks (7) are positioned under the fixed plates to engage the motion bar. The exterior includes fixed blocks (8) connecting to soft sets (9) which act as handles. These handles contain sub-patches (10), strip through-holes (11), and rubber rods (12).
Claim 2 specifies a gag lever post (17) within the strip through-hole (11) of the soft set (9), fixing the sub-patch (10) to prevent detachment. Claim 3 adds a female patch (13) on the outer surface of the soft set (9) that contacts the sub-patch (10). Claim 4 includes a marking frame (14) on the outer surface of the folder lid (2). Claim 5 describes a rubber pad (15) with an anti-skid chequer pattern fixed to the bottom of the placing clamp (1). Claim 6 details a brute spring (16) connected to the bottom of the rotating block (4) and contacting the inner bottom wall of the groove (3).
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 in China and is currently in force. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart. Consequently, the patent rights do not restrict the manufacture or sale of this specific design in the United States based solely on this document. However, because the patent is active in China, making or selling this exact configuration in China would require permission from the current assignee.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Office document holders are a mature category with numerous existing utility patents covering various clamping, locking, and ergonomic handle designs. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure the specific combination of the rotating block, motion bar, and soft-set handle mechanism does not infringe on other active US patents in the stationery sector.
- Material Safety. Since this is an office product likely handled frequently, material choices must align with general consumer safety standards regarding plastics and adhesives.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Standard letter, A4, or custom sizes for the placing clamp body |
| Materials | ABS or PP for the main body and lid; silicone or TPE for soft sets |
| Colors | Full Pantone matching for the body, lid, and rubber components |
| Handles | Soft-set texture depth and rubber rod hardness |
| Labels | Size and style of the marking frame (e.g., slot-in vs. adhesive) |
| Base | Thickness and pattern of the anti-skid rubber pad |
Things to plan for (US market)
- ASTM D4236 - Labeling of art materials for chronic health hazards (if applicable to inks or markers used with the folder).
- California Prop 65 - Screening for lead, cadmium, or phthalates in plastics and rubber components.
- REACH Compliance - If exporting to Europe, chemical registration requirements apply to plastics.
- General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) principles often inform US import expectations for consumer goods.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define dimensions, capacity, and target retail price.
- Design - Finalize mold layouts for the clamp, lid, and handle inserts.
- Prototype - Create 3D-printed samples to test the rotating block fit and spring tension.
- Tooling - Manufacture injection molds for plastic parts and stamping dies for metal springs/plates.
- Production - Injection molding, stamping, spring assembly, and final packaging.
Quantities & timeline
The project requires multiple injection molds for the body, lid, and handle components, along with tooling for the metal plates and springs. Assembly involves snapping or screwing the motion bar into the rotating block and installing the rubber rods. Send us your dimensions, material preferences, color codes, estimated quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Production notes
Tooling and process
Likely processes include ABS or PP injection molding for the main body and lid. Metal components like the fixed plates and motion bars typically require stamping. Springs are sourced or wound using standard wire forming techniques.
Cost drivers
The number of molds is a primary cost driver, particularly for the complex geometry of the symmetrical groove and soft sets. Print setup costs depend on whether the marking frame requires direct printing or separate label application. Spring and clip quality significantly impacts the perceived value and longevity. Actual costs typically depend on final materials, order volume, and supplier quotes.
Prototyping path
A 3D-printed sample is typically used first to verify the fit of the rotating block and motion bar. Off-the-shelf springs are tested to determine the correct rate before custom winding. Function and cycle tests confirm the latch mechanism’s reliability.
What we would change before tooling
Wall thickness and joint design should be optimized to prevent cover cracking during stress testing. Ink compatibility should be verified if the marking frame is printed directly. Sharp edges on the stamped metal plates must be deburred to ensure user safety. Final changes will typically depend on prototype results.
Common failure points
Hinge fatigue may occur if the rotating block interface is too tight. Clip spring loss is a risk if the limited blocks wear down. Spring fatigue and rate consistency affect the closing force over time. Ensure the rubber rods do not detach from the sub-patches during heavy use.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
Frequently asked questions
How does the locking mechanism work?
The folder uses a rotating block housed in a symmetrical groove on the lid. This block is connected to a motion bar that slides through fixed plates on the body. When closed, limited blocks engage with the motion bar to keep the lid securely shut, assisted by a brute spring for consistent pressure.
Are the handles removable?
No. The soft-set handles are fixed to the body via fixed blocks. They contain internal sub-patches and rubber rods that interlock with female patches to create a permanent, ergonomic grip that won’t detach during normal use.
What materials are used?
The main body and lid are typically made from injection-molded plastics like ABS or PP. The handles feature rubber or silicone components for grip, and the internal mechanism uses stamped metal plates and steel springs. An anti-skid rubber pad is attached to the base.
Can I customize the size?
Yes. While standard office sizes are common, the mold tooling can be adapted for different lengths and widths. We can also adjust the capacity of the placing clamp depending on your needs.
Does it have a label area?
Yes. Claim 4 of the patent specifies a marking frame on the outer surface of the folder lid. This allows you to insert or print labels for easy identification of contents.
Is it safe for children?
The design includes smooth surfaces and rounded edges typical of office supplies. However, small parts like springs and pins should be checked against age-appropriate safety guidelines if intended for young users.
Can this design be made and sold in the US?
The patent was filed in China and is currently in force there. The public record shows no US counterpart, so it does not restrict the design in the US. However, other US patents may exist in the office stationery field, so we recommend a freedom-to-operate check before volume production.
Are you affiliated with the patent owner?
No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.
Request a quote
Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN107031231B in the subject.
Helpful details to include:
- Your company and channel (office supply brand, educational distributor, corporate gifter)
- Dimensions (length, width, height) and paper capacity
- Materials preference (ABS, PP, rubber types)
- Color specifications (Pantone codes)
- Estimated quantity and target price
- Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment
You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.
Page editor: Emily Zhang, Product Editor · IP2M
Last updated November 7, 2026. If something on this page looks wrong, email [email protected] and we will check it against the patent.
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This page is based on the public patent document CN107031231B, assigned to Dongying Maitian Network Information Technology Co.,Ltd.. IP2M is an independent manufacturing service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by the patent owner. Images marked as concept renderings are illustrations, not photos of an existing product. Patent status information is provided for reference only and is not legal advice; confirm freedom to operate for your market before production. Full disclaimer.