Luggage Rack with a Hidden Seat Plate and Gear-Driven Pin Mechanism

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a luggage rack comprising a box frame, a seat plate, a support plate, and universal wheels. The seat plate rotates from the lower left side of the frame. The support plate attaches to the seat’s upper left side. The locking mechanism includes a guide hole on the frame’s upper left, containing a rack bar with a pressing head and first spring. A cavity below holds a gear meshing with the rack bar. The gear drives a winding wheel connected by a rope to a first pin housed in a lower guide hole. The pin engages a clamping groove on the seat plate. A spring plate in a right-side groove contacts the seat. Additional elements include a limit block, second spring, and orifice plate. Dependent claims add details about the specific arrangement of the third spring, second pin, and driving lever within the seat plate’s guide slots, suggesting an alternative or enhanced locking configuration involving multiple pins and levers.

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 has lapsed due to non-payment of annual fees, so it no longer restricts anyone in China either. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Travel accessories and furniture mechanisms are heavily patented fields. While this specific gear-rope combination appears unique to this filing, similar self-locking luggage racks or convertible furniture may be covered by other US patents held by major manufacturers. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended before mass production.
• Material Safety. Since the device involves moving parts and potential pinch points (gears, ropes, pins), compliance with general consumer product safety standards regarding entrapment and sharp edges is critical.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• CPSC Guidelines: General consumer product safety rules apply. Ensure no sharp edges on exposed metal parts and test for pinch hazards in the gear/rack mechanism.
• ASTM Standards: If marketed for children or specific institutional use, relevant ASTM furniture standards (e.g., for stability and durability) should be reviewed.
• California Prop 65: Materials used in plastics and finishes must be screened for restricted chemicals.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target dimensions, load capacity, and aesthetic preferences.
2. Design - CAD modeling of the gear-rack interface and seat hinge geometry.
3. Prototype - 3D-printed functional mockups to test the locking action and ergonomic feel.
4. Pilot Run - Small batch production using injection-molded hardware and assembled frames.
5. Production - Full-scale manufacturing with quality control checks on pin engagement and wheel rotation.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling costs depend on whether the frame is welded from tubes or molded as a single piece. Injection molds for the gear and housing components require precision engineering. Assembly involves riveting or screwing the seat plates and installing the internal mechanism. Send us your desired dimensions, material preferences, and estimated volume and we will reply with options.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Likely processes include molded plastic hardware for the gear, winding wheel, and pressing head. The frame may involve aluminum frame extrusion or sewing if fabric-covered panels are used. Zipper assembly might be required if there are storage compartments added. Final assembly typically uses screws and rivets.

Cost drivers

Costs are typically driven by the hardware complexity (precision gears) and shell material choice. Fabric and zipper grade impacts cost if textile components are included. Packaging size affects shipping logistics.

Prototyping path

We would start with a sewn first sample if fabric is involved, alongside 3D-printed or machined hardware for the mechanism. Conduct a wheel and handle test for mobility. Build a functional sample to verify the locking pin engagement. Create production patterns for any soft goods.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely refine the shaft and bearing alignment of the gear to reduce friction noise. Testing spring fatigue and rate consistency is crucial to ensure the locking mechanism remains reliable over thousands of cycles.

Common failure points

Potential issues likely include zipper pull breakage if zippers are used, handle detachment from the frame, or wheel wear on rough surfaces. Seam failure is a risk for any upholstered parts. The motor mount cracking is not applicable here as it is a manual device, but frame distortion under heavy loads is a concern.

Frequently asked questions

How does the seat lock in place?

The seat is secured by a mechanical pin system. When you press the head on top of the rack, a rack bar moves down, turning a gear. This gear pulls a rope that lifts a pin into a groove on the seat plate, holding it firmly in the open position.

Is the seat stable enough for adults?

The patent describes a locking mechanism designed to prevent the seat from collapsing. Stability depends on the final material choices (metal vs. plastic) and the load rating set in design. We recommend testing prototypes to confirm weight limits.

Can the seat be removed or adjusted?

The seat plate is rotatably connected to the frame. It is designed to fold flat against the side when not in use. Adjustment angles are fixed by the locking pin position; custom designs could allow multiple locking positions.

What materials are used for the frame?

The patent mentions a “box frame” and “support plate,” typically implying metal (steel or aluminum) or durable plastic. Specific materials are chosen during the design phase based on cost and strength requirements.

Does it work with all suitcase sizes?

The rack is sized to accommodate standard luggage. Larger suitcases may overhang. Dimensions can be customized to fit specific bag sizes, such as carry-on or checked baggage standards.

Is the locking mechanism difficult to operate?

It requires a simple press of the head. The force needed depends on the spring tension and gear ratio. In most designs, it is intended to be user-friendly for hotel staff or travelers.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent was filed in China and has lapsed, and the public record shows no US counterpart, so it does not restrict the design in the US or in China. However, other patents may exist in this 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 CN108903195B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (hotel supplier, event rental, retail brand)
• Target dimensions and load capacity
• Preferred materials (metal, plastic, upholstery)
• Features (brakes on wheels, additional storage pockets)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

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