Artistic Flower Stand with Rotating Water Tank and Manual Gear Lift

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 describes an artistic flower stand comprising a showcase (1) and an arc baffle (2). The key feature is a water tank (3) rotatably connected to the showcase via a first pin shaft, an ear plate (7), and a first gear (8). A manual mechanism consisting of a sliding support (10), pull rod (11), and first rack rod (9) drives the first gear. Inside the tank, a supporting mechanism includes a partition plate (19), vertical rod (18), and support block (16) with a sealing ring (17). This block is moved by a second rack rod (23) meshing with a second gear (24). The second gear is connected to an insertion rod (26) that passes through a fixed bushing (25). Limit bumps (6) restrict rotation, and multiple springs (14, 21, 29) provide reset forces for the sliders and racks.

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, so it no longer restricts anyone in China either. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart.

Two items deserve early attention:

• Other patents may exist. Interior decorative fixtures and mechanical display stands are a competitive field with many active patents in the US regarding rotating mechanisms and water-tight connectors. Before mass production, we advise a freedom-to-operate (FTO) review.
• Mechanical Complexity. The dual-gear system requires precise alignment of the pin shafts and racks. Tolerances must be tight to ensure smooth rotation without jamming, which impacts tooling costs.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• CPSC Safety Standards: Ensure no sharp edges on the arc baffle (2) or protruding pins. Small parts must be secured to avoid choking hazards if marketed to households with children.
• Material Compliance: If used in food-adjacent retail spaces, materials should meet FDA guidelines for incidental contact, though this is primarily a decorative item.
• Packaging: Flat-pack designs reduce shipping volume but increase assembly complexity. Consider pre-assembled options for premium tiers.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target dimensions, material preferences, and quantity.
2. Design - CAD modeling of the gear ratios and seal interfaces.
3. Prototype - 3D printed models for fit check; machined samples for load testing.
4. Pilot Run - Assembly trials to verify spring tension and rotation smoothness.
5. Production - Injection molding for plastic parts; CNC or stamping for metal components; final assembly.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling for injection molds (gears, sliders) and cutting dies (sheet metal baffles) takes several weeks. Prototyping focuses on verifying the waterproof seal integrity during vertical movement. Send us your desired dimensions, material choice, estimated quantity and target price and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Injection molding is likely required for the complex gear shapes (8, 24) and slider blocks (13, 28). Sheet metal fabrication or aluminum extrusion would typically be used for the showcase frame (1) and baffle (2). Acrylic forming might be chosen for the water tank (3) to maintain visibility.

Cost drivers

The high part count from the multi-spring and dual-rack system likely increases assembly labor. Surface finish quality on visible metal or acrylic components typically has a significant effect on cost. Packaging volume is another likely driver, as bulky assembled units ship poorly compared to flat-packed kits.

Prototyping path

Start with a 3D model and load check to simulate the gear interaction. Produce a cut and bent sample of the metal frame. Assemble a functional prototype to test the sealing surface and gasket compression under vertical movement. A flat-pack trial would typically follow, to assess user assembly difficulty.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely simplify the reset mechanism if possible; the current design uses three separate spring systems (14, 21, 29) which adds part count. We would typically verify the alignment tolerance for the first pin shaft to prevent wobbling during rotation, and consider replacing the complex insertion rod (26) linkage with a simpler direct-drive shaft if feasible.

Common failure points

Shaft and bearing alignment is critical; misalignment causes binding. Spring fatigue and rate consistency affect the return-to-neutral function. Sealing surface and gasket compression must withstand repeated vertical travel without leaking. Acrylic cracking could occur if the tank is stressed during rotation. Insufficient load capacity may result if the vertical rod (18) is too thin for larger plants.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the rotation work?

The water tank is attached to a central pin shaft. A gear on this shaft meshes with a rack rod connected to a manual pull handle. When you pull the handle, the rack turns the gear, rotating the entire tank assembly smoothly.

Can I change the plant height easily?

Yes. The internal support block moves up and down via a second gear and rack system linked to the main drive. You can adjust the plant’s position relative to the water level without removing the tank or getting your hands wet.

Is the water tank sealed?

The support block has a sealing ring that fits tightly against the inner wall of the tank. This prevents water from leaking into the mechanical housing below the tank. However, the tank itself is open at the top for planting.

What materials are best for this?

Acrylic is common for the tank to show off the roots and water. Aluminum or powder-coated steel works well for the showcase base and baffle to ensure stability and a premium look. Gears are typically made from durable, self-lubricating plastics like POM.

Does it require maintenance?

Occasional cleaning of the gears and rails is needed to prevent dust buildup. Check the sealing rings periodically for wear to ensure no leaks occur during the vertical adjustment movement.

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, decorative mechanical items may be covered by other US patents - see Patent & Production - 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 CN112790566B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (home decor brand, retail fixture supplier, giftware manufacturer)
• Target dimensions (tank diameter, total height)
• Material preferences (acrylic, metal, wood accents)
• Finish requirements (color, texture)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.