At a glance
| Patent number | CN117064246B (application CN202310873718) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product shape, structure, and method |
| Original title | Mirror combined towel rack with box body (一种带箱体的镜子结合毛巾架) |
| Patent owner | DONGGUAN LAMXON TECHNOLOGY BUILDING MATERIAL CO LTD |
| Inventors | Chen Qingyuan, Tu Qixu, Chen Qiang, Li Xinwei |
| Filing date | 2023-07-17 |
| Grant date | 2024-05-28 |
| Status (China) | Active - In force in China until at most 2043-07-17 (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 CN117064246B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a mirror towel rack comprising a box body with a bottom window covered by a movable cover plate. Inside, a towel placing mechanism consists of two opposing track plates with J-shaped sliding rails, a sliding assembly, and a power component. The assembly includes a roller for winding the towel. Key structural features include first and second driving pieces fixed to the track plates that engage with transmission parts on the assembly to rotate the roller during movement. The sliding assembly also includes a balance weight, support rollers, and specific driving supports to open the cover plate.
Claims 2-9 add optional features:
- Hook-and-loop fasteners on the roller surface (Claim 2).
- Torsion spring for the cover plate (Claim 3).
- Drying means between track plates (Claim 4).
- Water absorbing assembly with vacuum suction plate (Claim 5-6).
- Fragrance spray pipe (Claim 7).
- UV germicidal lamps (Claim 8).
- Vertical storage plates in the box (Claim 9).
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. It restricts making, selling, or importing products falling within its claims within China. Since there are no corresponding US patents, this specific patent does not directly block sales in the United States.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Automated bathroom fixtures and mechanical towel dispensers are a competitive field. While this specific Chinese patent has no foreign counterparts, similar mechanisms for winding textiles or automated storage might be covered by existing US utility patents held by other entities. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review focusing on the J-rail winding mechanism and sensor integration is recommended before tooling.
- Component Sourcing. The design relies on precise alignment of driving pieces and transmission gears. Manufacturing tolerances must ensure smooth engagement without jamming, which may require custom-molded polymer or metal parts.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Width and height of the box body to match mirror sizes (e.g., 24", 30", 36"). |
| Material | Aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or ABS plastic for the frame and tracks. |
| Finish | Anodized, powder-coated, or wood-grain laminate to match bathroom decor. |
| Features | Integration of LED lighting strips, heated drying elements, or UV-C modules. |
| Control | Touchless infrared sensors, app connectivity, or physical button interfaces. |
| Capacity | Roller diameter and length adjusted for towel thickness and quantity. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- UL 1598 / UL 153 - Safety standards for luminaires (if LED lights are integrated) and portable lamps.
- FCC Part 15 - Electromagnetic compatibility if wireless controls or digital displays are used.
- ADA Compliance - Reach ranges and operable parts if installed in commercial/public restrooms.
- California Prop 65 - Screening of plastics and coatings for restricted substances.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define box size, mirror style, and required features (drying, UV, etc.).
- Design - Engineer the J-rail geometry, gear ratios for the roller, and sensor placement.
- Prototype - Build functional units to test winding reliability, noise levels, and sensor response.
- Pilot Run - Verify electrical safety, durability cycles, and finish quality.
- Production - Injection molding for plastic parts, CNC machining for metal rails, assembly of electronics and mechanics.
Quantities & timeline
Tooling costs depend heavily on the complexity of the injection molds for the sliding assembly and the precision of the rail extrusions. Electronic components (sensors, controllers) typically have shorter lead times than custom mechanical parts. Send us your target dimensions, feature list, estimated quantity, and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
