Patent Information & Production OptionsAutomobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate · Patent CN118144688B

Patent CN118144688B: bibliographic data, legal status, family, a plain-language reading of the claims, plus customization, US compliance points and how a manufacturing project runs.

At a glance

Patent numberCN118144688B (application CN202410571443)
TypeChina invention patent (发明专利) - protects product shape, structure, and process
Original titleAutomobile luggage rack (一种汽车行李架)
Patent ownerJiangxi Huasheng Aluminum Co ltd
InventorsWang Gang, Qing Lingbin
Filing date2024-05-10
Grant date2024-07-19
Status (China)In force - valid until at most 2044-05-10, provided annual fees are paid
Patent familyChinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed
Cited by0 later documents
SourceGoogle Patents (search for CN118144688B)

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a car luggage rack comprising a U-shaped frame (1) and a baffle (2) rotatably mounted on the opening side. Together they form a rectangular enclosure. A locking mechanism connects them. Key internal components include mounting grooves (102) in the frame walls housing a main pull rod (5) that reciprocates. Attached to the main rod are branch pull rods (501) equipped with upward brake blocks (502) and biased by springs (503). Above these are upper support rods (6) with pairs of rollers (601). A pull rope (204) links the baffle’s rotating shaft (201) to the main rod. Rotating the baffle moves the main rod, causing the brake blocks to engage or disengage the rollers to lock or release cargo.

Claim 2 specifies end grooves (101) in the frame walls where the ends of the rotating shaft sit. Claim 3 details the locking mechanism as a locking groove (103) in the frame and a lock head (202) on the baffle. Claim 4 adds bearing plates (104) at the frame ends to support/buffer the falling baffle. Claim 5 onward describe further structural refinements of the shaft and linkage components.

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 in force. Making, selling, or importing this specific design in China requires permission from the patent owner. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.

Two points to settle early:

  • Other patents may exist. Automotive roof racks are a crowded field with numerous global patents covering crossbar designs, locking mechanisms, and aerodynamic profiles. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is essential to ensure your version does not infringe on existing US or international IP, particularly regarding the mechanical linkage and roller-brake interaction.
  • Material and Process. The patent focuses on the linkage and does not specify material grades. Manufacturing process (extrusion vs. casting) and alloy choice are open and affect cost and strength.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

AreaOptions
Frame Material6061-T6 Aluminum extrusion, steel tube, or composite polymer
DimensionsLength and width adjusted to fit specific vehicle roof rails or track systems
FinishAnodized black/silver, powder-coated, or painted
Locking ControlManual latch, keyed cylinder, or electronic remote control (as hinted in description)
Roller TypeNylon, Teflon, or metal bearings for different weight capacities
Spring RateAdjusted for ease of operation vs. holding force

Things to plan for (US market)

  • FMVSS 209 / SAE J321: While primarily for seatbelts, similar dynamic testing principles apply to cargo retention systems to prove they hold under deceleration forces.
  • DOT Compliance: Ensure the rack does not obscure license plates or exceed height limits specified by state laws.
  • Corrosion Resistance: ASTM B117 salt spray testing is standard for automotive exterior components exposed to road salts and weather.
  • UV Stability: Plastic components (rollers, ropes) must withstand prolonged sun exposure without degrading.

How a project runs

  1. Inquiry - Vehicle compatibility list, load capacity requirements, and quantity.
  2. Design - CAD modeling of the U-frame, linkage geometry, and roller spacing.
  3. Prototype - CNC machined samples to test the smoothness of the baffle-triggered locking action.
  4. Pilot Run - Durability testing (cycle life of springs/ropes) and vibration table tests.
  5. Production - Extrusion cutting, stamping, injection molding for plastic parts, assembly, and QC.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling costs depend heavily on whether the frame is custom-extruded or cut from standard stock. Injection molds for the brake blocks and rollers add upfront cost. Testing cycles for spring fatigue and corrosion resistance take several weeks. Send us your target vehicle models, load capacity, finish preference, estimated volume and we will reply with options.

Patent drawings

Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 1
Fig. 1 - Perspective view of the luggage rack structure.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 2
Fig. 2 - Side view of the rack installed on a vehicle.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 3
Fig. 3 - Exploded view of the main components.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 4
Fig. 4 - Top view of the internal layout.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 5
Fig. 5 - Detailed view of the baffle hinge area.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 6
Fig. 6 - Cross-section of the frame wall.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 7
Fig. 7 - Close-up of the brake block engaging rollers.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 8
Fig. 8 - View of the branch rod and spring assembly.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 9
Fig. 9 - Alternative configuration of the linkage.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 10
Fig. 10 - Upper support rod with roller pairs.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 11
Fig. 11 - Mechanical diagram of the locking action.
Automobile Luggage Rack with Spring-Brake Crossbars and Folding Rear Gate - Patent Fig. 12
Fig. 12 - Diagram of the unlocking action.

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

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This page is based on the public patent document CN118144688B, assigned to Jiangxi Huasheng Aluminum Co ltd. IP2M is an independent manufacturing service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by the patent owner. Images marked as concept renderings are illustrations, not photos of an existing product. Patent status information is provided for reference only and is not legal advice; confirm freedom to operate for your market before production. Full disclaimer.