Fig 1.
Temporal trend of global and Chinese patent applications in the field of running protective equipment (1898–2023).
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025), constrained by IPC classes A43B, A41D, and A63B. Data were cleaned through INPADOC family aggregation, applicant name harmonization, and manual screening. The figure illustrates the temporal distribution of global and Chinese filings, showing a nascent stage (1898–1970), a technological accumulation phase (1971–1999), and rapid growth after 2000. China’s share of global activity demonstrates a steady upward trajectory, reflecting policy support and enhanced innovation capacity.
Fig 2.
Priority country distribution of patents related to running protective equipment.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). The figure shows the geographical distribution of priority filings, identifying the United States (33.13%) and China (21.08%) as leading contributors, followed by Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Together, the top ten countries account for nearly 80% of global filings, underscoring the concentration of technological activity in a limited set of nations with advanced R&D and intellectual property systems.
Table 1.
Relevant Information of Global Important Applicants for Running Protective Equipment.
Table 2.
Top 10 IPC Classification Technologies in the World.
Fig 3.
Patent types and legal status in the field of running protective equipment.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). The figure shows the composition of invention, utility model, and design patents, alongside their legal statuses. Invention patents dominate (77.20%), but only 34.47% remain valid, while over half (50.53%) have lapsed, primarily due to unpaid annual fees or voluntary withdrawals. This reflects both the innovation focus of the sector and challenges in commercialization and long-term maintenance.
Fig 4.
Application trends of key IPC subclasses in the field of running protective equipment.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). IPC subclasses include A43B5/06 (running shoes), A43B13/18 (elastic soles), A43B13/12 (multi-layer soles), and A41D13/06 (knee or foot protectors). The figure highlights the dominance of running shoe technologies, particularly those related to sole structures and cushioning systems, as well as the steady growth of protective clothing and knee pad technologies after 2000.
Table 3.
Core patent screening index system.
Fig 5.
Technological evolution pathways of core patents in running protective equipment.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). The diagram is based on 19 core patents identified through TOPSIS evaluation (forward citations, family size, claims, survival period) and validated by manual review. It outlines three subdomains—running shoes, protective apparel, and knee pads—highlighting key milestones in material optimization, structural design, and functional integration.
Fig 6.
Evolution of patented technologies in running shoes.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). Representative patents were selected through TOPSIS-based screening and manual review, covering stability mechanisms, multi-layer cushioning, lightweight material integration, ventilation systems, and antibacterial protection. Example patents include contributions from U.S. (e.g., Brooks), German (e.g., Puma), and Chinese (e.g., Hongxing Erke) enterprises, reflecting the evolution of durability, comfort, and safety functions in running shoes.
Fig 7.
Evolution of patented technologies in sports protective clothing.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). Patents selected via TOPSIS and manual review illustrate innovations in thermal regulation, abrasion resistance, waist and knee support, muscle compression, and modular protective pad integration. Example patents include those from U.S. (Nike), Japan (Waco), and China (Li Ning, Yangzhou Huihai Clothing). The figure demonstrates the transition of protective apparel from single-function garments to multi-functional protective systems.
Fig 8.
Evolution of patented technologies in knee braces.
Note: Data were from Patsnap Global Patent Database (retrieval date: January 2025). Representative patents identified through TOPSIS and manual review highlight improvements in abrasion resistance, anatomical fit, fastening mechanisms, cushioning systems, and therapeutic functions. Example patents include those from U.S. (Fige International, Spenco), Textron, and China (Stange Sports Protection). The figure reflects the trend toward integrating preventive and rehabilitative roles in knee pad technologies.