Velvet-Release Baby Cap with Sweat Balloon and Air Cushion Chain

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a baby cap comprising a brim (1) and cap body (2). Key elements include an inner placement tube (4) topped by a transparent sweat balloon (3). The cap has three layers from outside to inside: brim (1), velvet hair-covering piece (6), and inner liner (7). The velvet piece (6) has a tapestry-like inner wall extending through the liner (7). The placement tube (4) is fixed through the brim and velvet piece to the liner. Multiple velvet chains (air cushion balls 81 connected by pipes 82) are situated between the velvet piece (6) and liner (7). Sweat guiding villi (5) connect the bottom of the tube to the liner. The tube contains an inner blocking pipe (41) with an air guide cluster and overflow pack.

Claim 2 specifies the sweat balloon (3) is a transparent sealed structure with a magnetic sheet (31) for attachment. Claim 3 details the velvet chain structure: air cushion balls (81) connected by breather pipes (82), with communication to the placement tube. Claims 4-9 further define the geometry of the balls, the use of helium in a self-floating ball (93), the silica gel material of the liner (7), and specific mechanical interlocks like limiting layers and magnetic adsorption within the tube structure.

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. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart. Making or selling this specific design in China requires the owner’s permission. For US production, the absence of a US patent means the design itself is not restricted by this document in the United States. However, infant products are subject to strict safety regulations regardless of patent status.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. While this specific combination is patented in China, infant headwear with moisture-wicking features, silicone liners, or magnetic closures may be covered by existing US patents. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is strongly recommended before tooling, especially regarding the magnetic attachment mechanism and the use of silica gel liners in consumer goods.
• Material Safety. The patent specifies a silica gel liner and transparent plastic/TPE balloons. In the US market, materials contacting infants must comply with CPSIA standards for heavy metals and phthalates. The choice of “silica gel” must be verified as food-grade or medical-grade silicone to meet regulatory expectations for mouth-contact or skin-contact items.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• CPSC Small Parts Regulations (16 CFR 1501): Magnets and small detachable parts (like the balloon assembly if removable) must be tested to ensure they do not pose a choking hazard for children under 3. Embedded magnets require specific labeling and strength testing.
• CPSIA Lead and Phthalate Limits: All accessible substrates, including the silica gel liner, plastic balloons, and metal magnets, must meet strict limits for heavy metals and phthalates.
• ASTM F963-17 (Toy Safety): If marketed as a toy or accessory with play value, additional physical/mechanical tests apply.
• California Prop 65: Silicone and certain dyes used in fabrics/plastics must be screened for listed chemicals.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target age group, material preferences (silicone grade), and quantity.
2. Design Adaptation - Create CAD models for the injection-molded balloons and tubes; select compatible silica gel compounds.
3. Prototype - 3D print housing parts; cast silicone liners; assemble with test magnets.
4. Safety Testing - Conduct initial drop tests, magnet pull tests, and chemical screening.
5. Production - Mold plastics, produce/cast liners, sew/assemble fabric layers, integrate magnets, final QC.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling for the complex internal tube/balloon structure will require precision molds. Silicone casting or molding for the liner adds process time. Magnet embedding must be done carefully to avoid voids. Send us your target price, quantity, and material specifications and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Likely requires injection molding for the TPU/TPU balloon and placement tube components. The silica gel liner typically involves compression molding or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection, depending on the desired porosity. Sewing or adhesive bonding is needed to attach the velvet chains and outer fabric layers. Heat pressing may be used to seal fabric edges.

Cost drivers

The primary cost drivers are typically the mold complexity for the multi-chamber balloon/tube assembly and the grade of skin-contact silicone used for the liner. Number of sizes significantly impacts mold count. Stitch density and fabric quality affect the outer layer costs. Packaging must account for fragile plastic components.

Prototyping path

Typically, start with a sewn first sample using generic foam or silicone sheets to test fit. Then move to 3D-printed or cast components for the balloon and tube structures to verify the magnetic attachment and fluid dynamics (if applicable). A wear trial on mannequin heads is essential to check comfort and security of the liner. Fit grading ensures the size deviation stays within infant head tolerance.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely simplify the internal “air guide cluster” and “self-floating ball” mechanics if they prove difficult to manufacture reliably. Ensuring the magnetic sheet (31) is fully encapsulated to prevent detachment is critical. We might replace the complex woven velvet chains with molded silicone bumps if durability testing shows seam slippage risks.

Common failure points

Seam slippage between the fabric liner and the rigid plastic tube interface is a typical risk. Color fading on the velvet exterior after washing is a likely risk. Sole delamination is not applicable, but component separation (balloon detaching from tube) is a concern. Hardware corrosion of the magnets due to sweat exposure needs testing. Sealing surface integrity of the transparent balloon is vital to prevent leaks. Magnet grade and retention must withstand repeated assembly cycles.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the “sweat balloon” work?

The patent describes a transparent balloon attached to the top of the cap’s internal tube. It is intended to collect or indicate sweat. The magnetic sheet allows it to be detached for emptying or cleaning. The “guiding villi” at the bottom of the tube help direct moisture toward this central channel rather than letting it soak the fabric.

Is the silica gel liner safe for babies?

The patent specifies a porous silica gel liner. In manufacturing, we would specify a medical-grade silicone and ask the supplier for the relevant FDA and skin-contact test documentation. Silica gel is generally considered safe for skin contact, but proper certification is required for infant products.

Can the air cushion balls be removed?

According to the claims, the air cushion balls (81) are connected by breather pipes (82) and fixed to the liner. They appear to be part of the structural assembly between the velvet layer and the liner, likely not individually removable by the user, though the whole inner assembly might be designed for washing.

What ages is this cap suitable for?

The patent does not specify age ranges. Typically, such designs would be sized for infants (0-12 months). Size deviation must be controlled during production to fit varying head circumferences safely without restricting breathing or movement.

How do I clean it?

The transparent balloon and magnetic components allow for disassembly of the top section. The liner and fabric parts would likely require gentle hand washing or spot cleaning to preserve the porous structure and prevent color fading. Avoid high heat which could warp the plastic components.

Are there choking hazards with the magnets?

The magnets are described as being fixedly connected or embedded (e.g., magnetic sheet 31). To meet US CPSC regulations, any magnetic component must be securely encapsulated so it cannot become a loose small part. We would perform rigorous pull tests to ensure retention.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent is in force in China, but the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, making or selling this design in the US is not restricted by this specific patent. However, you must still conduct a freedom-to-operate search to ensure no other US patents cover similar infant sweat-management features or magnetic closure mechanisms.

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 CN114504156B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (infant brand, e-commerce seller, pediatric supplier)
• Target age range and head circumference sizes
• Material preferences (silicone grade, fabric type, color)
• Quantity and estimated launch date
• Specific concerns (e.g., ease of cleaning, magnet strength, packaging requirements)

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