At a glance
| Patent number | CN107487109B (application CN201710937991) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product shape, structure, and method |
| Original title | A kind of pen cover can be used as handset bracket (一种可当作手机支架用的笔盖) |
| Patent owner | China Jiliang University |
| Inventors | Liu Zheng |
| Filing date | 2017-09-30 |
| Grant date | 2018-08-21 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2020-09-18) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN107487109B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - A pen cap comprising a cap sleeve, a telescopic rod on one side, and two cylindrical shafts on the other side, parallel to the rod. Support plates attach to the shafts via through-holes and are locked by nuts. The plates protrude from the cap ends. Each plate has a concave platform with a limiting plate and a hinged flap. The flap fixes to the platform (flush when closed, vertical when open). A backing plate ensures flush surfaces. Two identical support plates face opposite directions.
Claim 2 - The flap connects to the concave platform via a hinge. Claim 3 - The fixing device securing the flap is a magnet with opposite magnetic properties. Claim 4 - The fixing device securing the flap is Velcro (hook-and-loop fastener).
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 due to non-payment of fees, so it no longer restricts anyone in China either. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Novelty stationery and phone accessories are a crowded field with many existing utility models and design patents covering similar folding mechanisms or stand structures. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended before tooling to ensure no active US patents cover specific variations of the telescopic rod or locking mechanism.
- Material Safety. Since this item is often handled by children or students, material choices must comply with US safety standards for heavy metals and small parts if marketed to under-14 age groups.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Size | Standard pen diameter (e.g., 8-12 mm) or custom barrel sizes |
| Materials | ABS plastic, aluminum alloy, brass, or wood |
| Finish | Matte, glossy, metallic plating, or soft-touch coating |
| Locking Mechanism | Magnetic closure, Velcro, snap-fit, or screw-lock |
| Branding | Laser engraving, pad printing, or UV printing on the cap sleeve |
| Rod Type | Single-stage or multi-stage telescopic extension |
Things to plan for (US market)
- ASTM F963 - Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requirements for toys if marketed to children under 14 (small parts testing).
- CPSC Lead Content Rules - Total lead content in accessible substrates must be below 90 ppm for children’s products.
- Proposition 65 - California warning requirements if materials contain listed chemicals (e.g., certain plastics or platings).
- FDA Compliance - Not applicable unless food-contact claims are made (unlikely for a pen).
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target price, volume, and branding needs.
- Design - CAD modeling of the cap, rod, and plate mechanism; select materials.
- Prototype - 3D printed or CNC machined samples for fit and function testing.
- Tooling - Injection molds for plastic parts or die-casting molds for metal parts.
- Production - Assembly, quality control, packaging, and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
Injection molding tools for the complex cap sleeve and plates require precision engineering. Assembly involves inserting rods, attaching flaps, and installing magnets/Velcro. Cycle times depend on mold complexity. Send us your quantity, material preference, finish, and branding details and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
