US 8915829

As of my last update, I am unable to perform a real-time search of the USPTO database and CAFC dockets. The information provided below is based on the latest available data and may not reflect the most current status.

Here is a summary of U.S. Patent No. 8,915,829:

Title: Reformer exercise apparatus

Assignee: Balanced Body Inc.

Inventors: Ken Endelman, Christopher J. Savarino, Brian Masterson, Elger Oberwelz, James R. Yurchenco, Anthony Patron, Thomas Dieter Christian Overthun, Joerg Student, David Webster, Jennifer Ellen Davis-Wilson

Filing Date: March 5, 2014

Issue Date: December 23, 2014

Abstract:

A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall, an integral downwardly slanted inner wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein between the outer and inner walls. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having an upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly releases the cords by pivoting either of the shoulder stops.

Plain-Language Summary of Independent Claims:

This patent primarily focuses on the mechanical design of a reformer-style exercise apparatus, with an emphasis on adjustability, user convenience, and a clean aesthetic.

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes the fundamental structure of the reformer. It details a frame with two parallel side rails. Each rail has a specific C-shaped cross-section that creates a hidden, outwardly facing channel. Inside this channel, a foot bar support assembly can slide and be locked into different positions along the length of the machine. This design keeps the adjustment mechanism for the foot bar out of sight and protected.

Independent Claim 13: This claim focuses on the arm cord system. It describes a reformer with a head end that has two vertical tubes, or "risers," that hold pulleys for the arm cords. Each riser has a pulley at the bottom and another at the top, along with guides to direct the cords. This design allows for a smooth and controlled movement of the arm cords during exercises.

Independent Claim 20: This claim introduces an arm cord retraction system that is mounted underneath the moving carriage. This system includes two spring-loaded reels, one for each arm cord, that automatically take up any slack. A key feature is a locking mechanism with toothed latches that engage with the reels to hold the cords at a desired length. This mechanism is linked together so that a single action can release both reels simultaneously.

Independent Claim 22: This claim details the actuator for the arm cord retraction system described in claim 20. It specifies that the shoulder stops, which are the pads that the user's shoulders rest against, are designed to be rotatable. When a user rotates one of the shoulder stops, it activates a mechanism that disengages the latches from both of the cord reels, allowing the user to easily adjust the length of the cords while in a reclined position.

Independent Claim 27: This claim describes a kit that allows a conventional reformer to be retrofitted with the arm cord retraction system. The kit would include the spring-loaded reels, the interconnected latching mechanism, and the actuating shoulder stops, along with instructions for installation.

Independent Claim 30: This claim focuses on the carriage of the reformer. It describes a carriage with an integrated, adjustable headrest. The carriage has a main body and a separate, hinged headrest section. An adjustment mechanism, likely a lever or cam system, allows the user to change the angle of the headrest for comfort and proper support during different exercises.

Independent Claim 32: This claim details the design of the reformer's legs. The legs are designed to be replaceable and have a shape that complements the corners of the frame. They attach to the frame with a single bolt and have a recessed area on the bottom. This recess is designed to securely fit over the corners of another reformer, allowing for stable and space-saving stacking of multiple units.

Independent Claim 35: This claim describes a feature that adds another dimension to the exercises. It involves using an elastic resistance member, like a band or spring, connected between the movable foot bar assembly and the head end of the reformer. This allows the foot bar to be used for resistance-based exercises where the user pulls it along the rails, working against the tension of the elastic member.

Litigation:

A search of CAFC dockets for 2026 did not reveal any litigation involving US Patent 8,915,829. However, this does not rule out the possibility of past or pending litigation in other courts.