US 9132311

In-depth analysis of United States Patent 9,132,311 reveals a significant innovation in the design of reformer exercise apparatuses, focusing on a streamlined and user-friendly footbar support assembly. This patent, assigned to Balanced Body Inc., introduces a mechanism that enhances the functionality and aesthetics of Pilates reformers.

Key Patent Information:

• Title: Reformer exercise apparatus footbar support assembly
• Assignee: Balanced Body Inc.
• Inventors: Brian Masterson, Elger Oberwelz, James R. Yurchenco, Anthony Patron, Thomas Dieter Christian Overthun, Joerg Student, David Webster, Christopher J. Savarino
• Filing Date: March 13, 2014
• Issue Date: September 15, 2015
• Abstract: The patent details a reformer exercise apparatus featuring a frame with parallel side rails. A key innovation is the footbar support assembly, which is movably supported within an outwardly open slot in the side rails. This assembly includes a slide plate, a hook plate with multiple notches, and a footbar support arm. This design allows for easy adjustment of the footbar's position and angle, including a stowed position that can function as a handle. The patent also describes an arm cord retraction system and an integrated adjustable headrest for the carriage.

Plain-Language Summary of Independent Claims:

Claim 1: This claim protects a reformer exercise apparatus with a frame and a movable carriage. The core of the invention lies in the side rail design, which features an outer wall, a top wall, and a slanted inner wall. A crucial element is a "mid wall" within the rail that supports the footbar. This mid wall has a unique slot with upper and lower bosses. The footbar support assembly slides within this slot, and the mid wall itself has features, such as notches, to lock the footbar in different positions along the rail. A portion of this mid wall also serves as a track for the carriage to move on.

Claim 8: This claim focuses on the footbar assembly itself, designed for a reformer with side rails that have an outwardly open slot. It describes a U-shaped footbar connected to a support assembly on each side. Each support assembly consists of a slide plate that moves within the rail's slot, a hook plate attached to the slide plate, and a footbar support arm. This arm is both rotatably and slidably connected to the hook plate and is also attached to the footbar. This combination allows for both the repositioning and angular adjustment of the footbar.

Claim 15: This claim details the adjustable nature of the footbar support assembly. It specifies that the slide plate has rollers for smooth movement within the rail's slot. The hook plate has several notches on its upper edge. The footbar support arm has an engaging member, like a pin, that can be selectively placed into these notches to set the footbar at different angles. This design allows the user to lift, rotate, and lock the footbar into various positions.

Litigation Search:

A search of the CAFC (Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) dockets for 2026 did not reveal any litigation involving US Patent 9,132,311. However, it is important to note that this does not preclude the existence of litigation in other courts or in other years. A comprehensive legal status search would require a more in-depth investigation of various legal databases.