At a glance
| Patent number | CN109044165B (application CN201811011989) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product method and structure |
| Original title | Towel rack with dressing mirror based on magnetic force falling prevention (一种基于磁力防掉的带有梳妆镜的毛巾架) |
| Patent owner | Wenzhou Gaoyi Bathroom Technology Co.,Ltd. |
| Inventors | Wu Xiaohong |
| Filing date | 2018-08-31 |
| Grant date | 2020-12-01 |
| Status (China) | Active - In force in China until at most 2038-08-31 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN109044165B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 describes a towel rack comprising a mounting bracket, a hanging groove, a toilet glass (mirror), and a towel rail main body. The key innovation lies in the towel rail main body, which includes a magnetic matching device, an outer sleeve layer, bearing devices, a shaft lever, and fixed end seats. The magnetic matching device contains a pop-up clamping rod device, a main magnetic block, a breathable layer, support rods, balancing weights, and limiting blocks. The pop-up clamping rod device specifically includes an anti-dropping sleeve head, a spring group, a fixing groove, a magnetic block, and a connecting rod. The arrangement allows the main magnetic block to interact with the magnetic block via repulsion when the shaft tilts, driving the sleeve head to clamp the towel.
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 is currently active in China. It has no US or other foreign counterpart. Making or selling this specific configuration in China would require the owner’s permission. For US markets, there is no direct patent barrier from this document.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Bathroom hardware is a competitive field with many existing patents regarding towel bars, mirrors, and mechanical locking systems. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure the magnetic tilt mechanism does not infringe on other US utility patents covering similar self-adjusting or locking fixtures.
- Material Safety. The use of strong magnets and moving parts near water requires careful material selection to prevent corrosion and ensure safety standards are met.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length of towel bar (e.g., 18-30 inches) and mirror size. |
| Materials | Stainless steel, brass, or coated aluminum for the shaft; tempered glass for the mirror. |
| Finish | Brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, or gold plating. |
| Mechanism Strength | Spring tension and magnet grade adjusted for towel weight sensitivity. |
| Mirror Type | Clear glass, fog-free coating, or LED-backlit options. |
| Mounting | Wall anchors, adhesive pads, or screw-fixed brackets. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- ANSI Z124.1 / IAPMO R&T: Standards for plumbing fittings and related products, though primarily for pipes, relevant for general bathroom fixture durability.
- UL Listing: If LED lighting is added to the mirror, UL certification is required for electrical safety.
- California Prop 65: Screening for lead, cadmium, and phthalates in coatings and plastics.
- ASTM F963: If marketed as accessible for children or in educational settings, toy safety rules regarding small parts (magnets) may apply strictly. Note: Strong magnets are regulated under CPSIA if considered toy-like or easily accessible to children.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define dimensions, finish, and target retail price.
- Design - Finalize the internal shaft geometry and magnet placement for optimal clamping force.
- Prototype - 3D printed housings and real magnets to test the tilt-trigger mechanism.
- Pilot Run - Injection molding for plastic parts, machining for shafts, assembly testing.
- Production - Mass manufacturing, quality control checks on magnetic response, packaging.
Quantities & timeline
Injection molds for the outer sleeve and internal carriers are required. Machining lines for the shafts and assembly stations for inserting magnets and springs will dictate capacity. Certification tests for electrical components (if any) add time. Send us your dimensions, finish, features, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
