Outdoor Cup Holder Stand with Spike Base and Foldable Arms

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines an outdoor cup rack comprising a positioning rod with a mounting disc at the upper end. Several mounting rods (arms) are hinged to the disc, each terminating in a placement ring for a cup. The lower end of the positioning rod has a spike-shaped introduction part. A limiting structure on the disc uses a mounting block, a first spring, and a limiting rod to lock the arms in position. A protection structure on the rod includes a second spring and a protective jacket that covers the spike.

Claim 2 specifies that a handle is fixed to the middle of the limiting rod to facilitate operation.

Claim 3 adds a motor fixed to the mounting disc, with a fan attached to its output shaft via a bottom plate. The motor and fan connect to a mobile power source.

Claims 4 and 5 specify that the motor in Claim 3 can be a servo motor or a stepper motor.

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 in China. Making or selling this specific design in China would require the owner’s permission. However, the public record shows no US counterpart or any foreign family members. Therefore, under current public records, this specific patent does not restrict making or selling this design in the United States.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Outdoor accessories and camping gear are a crowded field. While this specific patent has no citations, similar spike-based holders or folding arm mechanisms may be covered by other US patents held by major outdoor brands. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is strongly recommended before tooling.
• Material Safety. The spike tip and moving parts must meet general consumer product safety standards regarding sharp edges and pinch points, even if not explicitly detailed in the patent claims.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• CPSC Guidelines: General requirements for sharp objects and small parts (if applicable to children’s products, though this is adult-oriented).
• California Prop 65: If using certain plastics or coatings, warning labels may be required.
• FCC Part 15: If the optional fan/motor module contains electronic components or wireless connectivity (though the patent mentions simple wiring to a power bank, check final design).
• Battery Compliance: If shipped with batteries, UN 38.3 transport regulations apply.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target market (camping vs. beach), load capacity, and feature set (fan included?).
2. Design - Finalize rod diameter, arm geometry, spring rates, and injection mold layouts.
3. Prototype - Create functional samples using machined frames and 3D-printed parts to test locking mechanism smoothness.
4. Pilot Run - Small batch production to validate assembly tolerances and packaging.
5. Production - Mass manufacture via stamping/extrusion and injection molding.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling involves molds for the plastic rings, protective sleeves, and internal blocks, plus dies for metal stamping or extrusion profiles. Development time focuses on tuning the spring tension for the locking mechanism. Send us your quantity estimates, material preferences, and target price and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Likely requires aluminum extrusion for the central rod to balance weight and strength. Injection molding is typically used for the complex shapes of the mounting block, protective sleeve, and cup rings. Stamping may be employed for the metal limiting pins. Assembly relies heavily on screws and snap-fit connections for the spring mechanisms.

Cost drivers

Weight is a significant cost driver due to shipping logistics for outdoor gear. The number of molds impacts upfront tooling costs, especially if multiple colorways or sizes are planned. Fastener count affects labor time during assembly. Impact grade material selection for the spike tip ensures durability but may increase material costs.

Prototyping path

Start with machined frames for the central rod to test structural integrity. Use 3D-printed parts for the housing and rings to verify fit and function of the locking mechanism. Build a functional sample to assess the ease of deploying the arms and retracting the protective sleeve. Impact testing on the spike will likely follow, to check that it does not bend excessively under normal soil pressure.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely simplify the protective sleeve mechanism if it proves too complex to assemble reliably. The spring rate for the locking pin should typically be checked across prototypes to avoid jamming. We would also verify that the fan motor mount, if included, does not interfere with the folding arms’ clearance.

Common failure points

Spring fatigue is a potential issue if the locking mechanism is operated frequently. Hinge boss wear could lead to loose arms over time. UV degradation may affect plastic components if left outdoors for extended periods. Bolts loosening due to vibration during transport is another concern to address with thread-locking adhesives or self-locking nuts.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How stable is it on soft ground?

The design uses a spike-shaped introduction part at the bottom. According to the patent, this spike is inserted directly into soil or sand, creating a firm anchor point that prevents the stand from tipping over on uneven surfaces like lawns or beaches.

Can the arms fold for storage?

Yes. The mounting rods (arms) are hinged to the top disc. A spring-loaded limiting rod allows the arms to be locked in a horizontal position for use. To store the unit, you pull the limiting rod to release the lock, allowing the arms to fold down against the central positioning rod.

Is the sharp spike dangerous to carry?

The patent describes a protection structure consisting of a protective jacket and a second spring. This jacket slides over the spike tip to cover it during transport, preventing accidental punctures or injuries when the item is packed in a bag or car trunk.

Does it come with a fan?

An optional motor and fan assembly can be attached to the mounting disc. The patent states that the motor connects to a mobile power source via wires. This feature is not mandatory and can be omitted for a simpler, lighter version.

What materials are used?

The patent mentions that the protective jacket can be made of plastic or stainless steel. The central rod and arms are implied to be metal (likely aluminum or steel given the context of outdoor furniture), while the rings and housing blocks are likely molded plastic for grip and insulation.

How many cups can it hold?

The specific embodiment in the patent describes six mounting rods. However, the claims refer to “several” mounting rods, meaning the number can be adjusted based on the size of the mounting disc and customer requirements.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent is currently in force in China, but the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, this specific patent does not restrict manufacturing or selling this design in the United States. However, other patents may exist in the outdoor accessory field, so a freedom-to-operate check is recommended.

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 CN106901487B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (camping brand, resort supplier, retailer)
• Quantity and estimated annual volume
• Features needed (with or without fan, number of arms)
• Materials preference (aluminum vs. steel, plastic type)
• Target price per unit
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

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