At a glance
| Patent number | CN208286505U (application CN201820644938) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Acupoint massage insole (一种穴位按摩鞋垫) |
| Patent owner | Xinjiyuan (Fujian) Sporting Goods Co., Ltd. |
| Inventors | Ji Shanghang |
| Filing date | 2018-05-02 |
| Grant date | 2018-12-28 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2021-04-09) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 5 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN208286505U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - an insole whose lower layer has a raised rim around its edge, with a removable upper layer on the rim. The upper layer has through-holes at the foot’s acupoints. A soft massage cushion between the layers carries hemispherical silicone nubs under the holes, taller than the upper layer is thick, and an elastic layer lies between the lower layer and the cushion.
Claim 2 - the cushion consists of detachable forefoot, midfoot and heel sections. Claim 3 - matching projections and recesses join the sections. Claim 4 - a step at the top of the rim on its inner side carries the upper layer. Claims 5-6 - further features described in the patent, such as reinforcing ribs on the rim and a pull strap on the upper layer.
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 has lapsed, so it no longer restricts anyone in China either. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Massage and “reflexology” insoles with nubs, magnets or air cells have been patented in the US for decades and new filings continue; a freedom-to-operate (FTO) review of the final layer and nub design by a US patent attorney should come before tooling.
- Wording on the pack. Acupoint and reflexology benefits are traditional claims; the packaging should describe the product as a comfort or massage insole and avoid treatment claims.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Layers | EVA, PU foam or latex lower layer; fabric-laminated or microfiber top sheet |
| Nubs | Silicone hardness, nub size and number, colors |
| Hole map | Full-foot, forefoot-only or heel-focused layouts; brand’s own chart |
| Elastic layer | Foam density to set how far the nubs sink |
| Sizes | Men’s and women’s sizes, trim-to-fit lines |
| Packaging | Retail cards with size chart, refill packs of top sheets or cushions |
Things to plan for (US market)
- FDA and claims - a plain comfort insole sold without medical claims is not regulated as a device; claims to treat foot conditions, pain or circulation would change that. Keep wording to comfort and massage feel.
- FTC substantiation - “acupressure” or “reflexology” benefits on the pack must be supportable; we recommend describing the mechanism, not outcomes.
- California Prop 65 - check foams, adhesives and colorants.
- Size and material labeling - fiber and material content on the top fabric where required, and country-of-origin marking.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - sizes, nub layout, materials and quantity.
- Design - layer thicknesses, nub height above the top sheet and the hole map.
- Prototype - wear trials for comfort and nub return over a working day.
- Pilot run - small batch for durability, washing and packaging checks.
- Production - volume production, packaging and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
The lower layer needs a compression or injection mold per size range, the silicone nubs and cushion need silicone molds, and the top sheet needs a die-cut tool with the hole pattern. Most development time goes into the balance between nub height and elastic-layer firmness. Send us your sizes, nub layout, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
