At a glance
| Patent number | CN209473731U (application CN201821599291) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | In-shoe protective cover with cap-type support (一种盖式支撑作用的鞋内防护罩) |
| Patent owner | Individual inventor |
| Inventor | Ma Mingwei |
| Filing date | 2018-09-29 |
| Grant date | 2019-10-11 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (effective 2021-09-29, recorded 2022-09-20) |
| Patent family | Only this Chinese patent - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 5 later documents, including one PCT application by another company |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN209473731U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - an in-shoe protective cover whose inside is lined with a silicone layer, glued on and wrapped around the rear edge of the cover; a foam reinforcing layer on the silicone at the inside front; groups of small vent holes on the front; and an opening at the front side.
Claim 2 - the cover is a three-dimensional, half-enclosing, semicircular plastic cap. Claim 3 - the silicone covers the whole inside; the foam is two thin crescent-shaped pads plus one thick pad twice as thick. Claim 4 - at least four groups of vent holes, at least five holes per group, each at least 2 mm across.
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 in 2021 because annual fees were not paid. It no longer restricts anyone - in China or elsewhere.
Before production, keep in mind:
- Other patents may exist. Sneaker crease protectors and toe shields are an active category with US design and utility patents and well-known brands. Use your own shape and 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 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | A size range mapped to US men’s and women’s shoe sizes - to be confirmed in design |
| Cap material | TPU, PP or PE with chosen hardness and thickness |
| Lining | Silicone lining as in the patent, or a fabric-faced lining |
| Foam | EVA or PU foam; thickness of the stepped pads |
| Ventilation | Hole pattern and size |
| Colors & branding | Clear, black, white or brand colors; molded logo |
| Packaging | Pairs in a blister, box or poly bag with size chart |
Things to plan for (US market)
- No safety claims - do not market it as protective safety footwear; describe it as a comfort and shape-keeping insert.
- Materials - check plastics and foam against California Proposition 65.
- Sizing chart - clear sizing reduces returns in footwear accessories.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - target sports, size range, materials and quantity.
- Design - cap shape from shoe lasts, lining and foam layout.
- Prototype - samples tried in common sneaker models.
- Pilot run - small batch to check fit, bonding and packaging.
- Production - volume production, packaging and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
The cap needs one mold per size; foam pads are die-cut and silicone is molded or cast. Send us your size range, materials, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
