Patent CN207169017U
Updated October 23, 2026Magnetic Tile Racks for Ultra-Thin Travel Mahjong
Travel mahjong sets make the tiles thin and small, and then the tiles will not stand up: they fall over in thin card racks, slide around on a train table and spill when the car moves. This design uses magnetism. The tiles contain soft-magnetic particles, and each rack is a slim open frame with magnetic strips along its sides, so a row of tiles snaps upright against it. End pieces set the lean of the tiles, and when the game is over the racks and a box frame assemble into the case that holds the whole set.
- China utility model - in force in China until May 2027 at most
- No filings outside China
- Tabletop & travel games
- Plastic frames, magnetic strips, magnetic tiles
Splat! What let you down?
🧲
Tiles snap upright
Magnetic strips in the rack hold thin tiles that contain soft-magnetic particles.
📐
Adjustable lean
End and support pieces set the angle the tiles lean back at, so the player can read them.
🧳
Racks become the box
Four racks and a box frame assemble into the case that carries the whole set.
🀄
Ultra-thin tiles
Designed for thin magnetic tiles - and the same idea works for chess, Go and other game pieces.
Bring this product to market
- ✓ Patent vetted China-only family and legal status checked
- 2 Product brief · now How it works, uses and options written up
- 3 Prototype First samples for buyers to review
- 4 Pilot run Small first batch for launch customers
- 5 Volume production Repeat orders at scale
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The problem
Mahjong is a game of 144 tiles, and a full set is heavy and bulky - the patent notes that players on long train and boat trips or short hotel stays leave their set at home. Thin travel sets exist, but the patent lists their problems: tiles in slotted card racks do not stand firmly or line up, fall over when the table moves, and folding card racks are themselves awkward to pack. Magnetic travel games with loose magnets tend to pull neighbouring pieces out of place.
The solution
The patent combines thin magnetic tiles with a magnetic rack that is also the packaging:
- Tiles are ultra-thin and contain soft-magnetic particles (the patent discusses thicknesses from fractions of a millimeter up to several millimeters).
- Each rack is a slim open frame of two long strips joined by end pieces.
- The strips carry permanent-magnet strips (magnetic rubber, plastic magnet or a row of magnets), so a tile placed against the frame stands upright and stays in line.
- Support pieces or angle adjusters on the frame give the rack a wide base and set how far the tiles lean back.
- Four racks plus a box frame assemble into the packing box for the set; the patent shows several box variants with clips and corners.
Who it is for
- Game and toy brands riding the growth of American mahjong and looking for a distinctive travel set.
- Travel-accessory brands - a pocket game kit for flights, RVs and cruises.
- Gift and museum-shop suppliers - compact cultural games for holiday and Lunar New Year gifting.
- Educational suppliers - magnetic game pieces that stay put on a classroom table.
How it works
The main parts
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Magnetic tiles | Thin tiles with soft-magnetic particles inside. |
| Long strips | Sides of the rack frame; carry the permanent-magnet strips. |
| Magnet strips | Magnetic rubber, plastic magnet or a row of small magnets along the strip. |
| End pieces | Join the long strips; in some versions magnets themselves. |
| Support / angle pieces | Widen the base and set the lean of the tiles. |
| Box frame | Combines with the racks to form the carrying case. |
Playing
- Take the racks out of the box and set the lean with the angle pieces.
- Place your tiles against the rack - they snap upright and line up.
- Play as usual; tiles stay standing even if the table moves.
- Lay tiles down on the table for melds and discards.
Packing up
- Stack the tiles inside the racks.
- Assemble the racks with the box frame into a closed case.
- Carry the case in a bag or pocket.
Applications
Travel mahjong sets
Flights, trains, RVs and cruise cabins - a set that fits in a bag and plays on a tray table.
American mahjong clubs and gifts
A distinctive compact set for players who already own a full-size set at home.
Magnetic chess, Go and checkers
The patent’s racks and magnetic pieces apply to other tile and piece games.
Hospitals, care homes and waiting rooms
Pieces that stay put on a lap tray or a moving table.
Classroom and cultural kits
Teaching mahjong or Chinese characters with pieces that stand on a magnetic rack.
Where it is less suitable
- Traditional full-size play - serious players often prefer the feel and sound of full-weight tiles.
- Automatic mahjong tables - those machines shuffle standard-size tiles, not thin magnetic ones.
Frequently asked questions
How do the tiles stay upright?
The tiles contain soft-magnetic particles and the rack’s long strips carry permanent-magnet strips. According to the patent, a tile placed against the rack is held upright and in line.
Do the tiles stick to each other?
The tiles contain soft-magnetic material rather than magnets, so they are attracted to the rack, not to each other. We confirm this on samples.
How thin and small are the tiles?
The patent covers a range of thin tiles from fractions of a millimeter to several millimeters thick. The final size is chosen for readability and handling.
Can it be made as an American mahjong set?
Yes - tile count, jokers and tile art are set to your rules, with racks and a case to match.
Are the racks the box?
Yes. The patent describes four racks and a box frame assembling into the packing box for the set, so nothing extra needs to be carried.
Are the magnets safe?
Magnets must be fully enclosed in the racks, and the product age-graded and tested. Children’s versions must meet ASTM F963 magnet rules; loose high-powered magnets are not used.
Can this design be made and sold in the US?
The patent was filed only in China, so it does not restrict the design in the US. It is in force in China until May 2027 at most, and making or selling it there needs the owner’s permission. Travel and magnetic games may be covered by other 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.
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Helpful details to include:
- Your company and sales channel (game retail, travel, gifts, Amazon…)
- Tile set (Chinese, American, other) and tile size
- Rack and case design, colors and materials
- Artwork and packaging
- Estimated quantity and target price
- Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment
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This page is based on the public patent document CN207169017U, assigned to Cao Yiyang (individual). 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.