At a glance
| Patent number | CN209862619U (application CN201920429513) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Snap-button structure for joining suitcase bodies (一种旅行箱体子母扣结构) |
| Patent owner | Cosen (Xiamen) Industrial Co., Ltd. (科森(厦门)实业有限公司) |
| Inventor | Bai Yili |
| Filing date | 2019-04-01 |
| Grant date | 2019-12-31 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2025-03-25) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 1 later document |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN209862619U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a first and a second suitcase body, with a stud assembly fixed on the first and a socket assembly fixed on the second, which snap together and can be separated.
Claims 2-3 - the stud assembly has a base and a guide post with a ring groove; base and post can be one piece. Claims 4-7 - the socket assembly has a base and a socket housing with a slot; a springy ring inside the housing has its two ends crossing the slot; the inside bottom of the housing is closed (claim 5); base and housing can be one piece (claim 6); the ring is U-shaped (claim 7). Claims 8-9 - magnets in both assemblies (claim 8), held in ring grooves (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 it lapsed for non-payment of annual fees (recorded in 2025). It no longer restricts anyone - in China or elsewhere.
Before production, keep in mind:
- Other patents may exist. Connectable luggage and luggage-stacking systems are an active area for luggage brands. Use your own styling and have a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search done by a US patent attorney before volume production.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Case type | Hard-shell or soft-side suitcases, carry-ons, duffels, backpacks |
| Position | Back or side panel; one, two or more connectors per side |
| Connector size | Scaled to the case size and load - to be confirmed in design |
| Materials | Engineering plastic or metal stud and socket; steel spring ring |
| Magnets | With or without |
| Finish | Colors matched to the case; branded cap on the stud |
| Packaging | Sold built into case sets; optional retrofit kits for soft bags |
Things to plan for (US market)
- Load and wear - test holding force, number of connect/release cycles and rolling over curbs with full cases.
- Magnets - if used, keep them away from the zone where electronics are usually packed and state it in the instructions.
- Labeling - country of origin and material labels on the luggage.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - case types, sizes and quantity.
- Design - connector size, position and fixing into the case panel.
- Prototype - sample cases for connect, release, holding-force and rolling tests.
- Pilot run - small batch of complete cases.
- Production - volume production, packaging and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
The stud, socket and ring are small molded and stamped parts; the main project is integrating them into your case shells or soft panels. Send us your case range, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
