Reversible Article Board with Elastic Pockets for Portfolio Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portfolios are limited in their ability to hold multiple types or sizes of articles due to expensive and labor-intensive stitched storage pocket constructions, which increase production costs and restrict versatility.

Innovation Solution

A portfolio design featuring a reversible article holding board with a stitch-less, elastic pocket construction and hook-and-loop fastening system, allowing the board to be easily removable and attachable to the portfolio, enabling it to carry different types and sizes of articles on each side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stitched storage pockets are used in portfolios, then the pockets provide secure article retention, but the production cost and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle retention securityVSAvoidproduction cost and labor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the stitching operation from the pocket construction process, eliminating the need for needle and thread assembly. Instead, pockets are formed by bonding elastic material directly to the board using adhesive or heat sealing methods, removing the most labor-intensive step while maintaining pocket security and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical stitching system is replaced with a chemical bonding system using adhesives or heat sealing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical penetration and threading, reducing labor intensity and production complexity while achieving equivalent or superior retention security through the elastic properties of the bonding method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed storage pockets are used, then the portfolio structure is simple, but the portfolio cannot hold multiple types or sizes of articles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to hold multiple article types and sizesVSAvoidportfolio structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portfolio structure transitions from static fixed pockets to dynamic removable boards with elastic pockets. The boards can be taken out and replaced to accommodate different article types and sizes, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The portfolio is segmented into removable board components with individual pockets, allowing each board to be optimized for specific article types while the overall system maintains simplicity through standardized board interfaces and attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If stitched pocket construction is used, then the pockets are durable, but the production time and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepocket durabilityVSAvoidproduction speed and assembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The time-consuming stitching operation is extracted and replaced with faster bonding methods. Adhesive application or heat sealing can be performed continuously across multiple pockets simultaneously, dramatically increasing production speed while maintaining or enhancing durability through uniform bonding without stitch holes or thread tension issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The production process uses periodic bonding cycles (adhesive application followed by pressing and curing, or repeated heat sealing cycles) that can be optimized for speed and consistency, enabling high-volume production while ensuring each pocket achieves sufficient bond strength for durable article retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces production costs, enhances versatility, and allows for quick and easy assembly, while ensuring secure attachment and durability, making the portfolio more adaptable and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

The sidewalls and bottom wall are made of elastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each fastening arrangement is comprised of hook and loop fastening material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop fastening: Velcro

Data Source

PatentUS7441977B2Portfolio with reversible article retaining board and method of making article retaining pockets therefor

Publication Date: 2008.10.28 MERZON ADAM

AI summary

A portfolio including a panel and a removable and reversible article carrying board. The panel and board have a fastening arrangement, preferably a hook and loop fastener, for releasable engagement therebetween. The board preferably has at least one fastening arrangement located on each side. At least one fastening arrangement preferably extends outwardly beyond the board or panel to engage a fastening arrangement located on an away facing board or panel side. In a preferred embodiment, each board side has a fastener strip disposed along side edges and the panel has a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending fastener strips that each engages a fastener strip on the away facing board side and that also each engages a fastener strip on the toward facing board side. The board can include an expandable elastic pocket of bonded and preferably heat sealed construction.