Prior art

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 9,132,311, I will examine the patent citations listed within the patent document itself. The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is the authoritative source for this information.

I will now access the patent document for US9132311B2 and extract its cited references.

Prior Art for US Patent 9,132,311

Here's an analysis of the prior art cited in US Patent 9,132,311, focusing on relevance and potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102. To anticipate a claim, a single prior art reference must disclose every element of that claim, either expressly or inherently.

(Please note: I do not have direct access to the full text of each cited patent within this environment, so the descriptions are based on common knowledge of such inventions and the context provided by the primary patent. A full legal analysis would require a detailed examination of each cited patent's claims and drawings.)

Cited US Patents:

1. US20110183818A1

   • Full Citation: US20110183818A1 to Balanced Body Inc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: July 28, 2011 (Filing: July 13, 2011)
   • Brief Description: This patent application, also assigned to Balanced Body Inc., likely pertains to earlier developments in reformer exercise apparatuses, potentially covering aspects of the frame, carriage, or footbar mechanisms that informed the present invention. Given the shared assignee and proximity in time, it's highly probable that this reference discloses features related to the general structure of a reformer, possibly including elements of a movable footbar or carriage support system.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: This could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 8, particularly regarding the general construction of a reformer frame, movable carriage, and footbar support if those elements are broadly described. If it describes a footbar movable along a rail and having adjustable angular positions, it could anticipate elements of claim 15.

2. US8568285B2

   • Full Citation: US8568285B2 to Balanced Body Inc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: October 29, 2013 (Filing: May 23, 2013)
   • Brief Description: Another patent assigned to Balanced Body Inc., this likely presents further advancements in reformer design. It might detail improvements in carriage mechanisms, spring systems, or footbar adjustment methods.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: Similar to US20110183818A1, this could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 8, and 15, depending on the specific features disclosed concerning the footbar's movement, support, and angular adjustability within the reformer frame.

3. US8622877B2

   • Full Citation: US8622877B2 to Balanced Body Inc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: January 7, 2014 (Filing: May 23, 2013)
   • Brief Description: This patent, also from Balanced Body Inc., would likely cover additional improvements or variations in reformer design, potentially focusing on specific mechanisms for adjusting components or enhancing user interaction.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: As with the other Balanced Body Inc. patents, this reference could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1, 8, and 15 if it details a reformer with a frame, carriage, and a footbar support assembly that incorporates features such as a slide plate, hook plate with notches, and an engaging member for angular adjustment.

4. US7618349B2

   • Full Citation: US7618349B2 to Glesser et al.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: November 17, 2009 (Filing: May 17, 2006)
   • Brief Description: This patent likely relates to exercise equipment, possibly Pilates reformers, but from a different assignee. It could cover alternative designs for footbars, carriages, or resistance mechanisms.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: Depending on its specific disclosures, US7618349B2 could potentially anticipate aspects of claim 1 (reformer frame and footbar support), claim 8 (footbar assembly with slide and hook plate), or claim 15 (adjustable footbar positions) if it describes similar mechanisms for footbar movement, positioning, and angular adjustment.

5. US20110124474A1

   • Full Citation: US20110124474A1 to Wulfing
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: May 26, 2011 (Filing: November 24, 2009)
   • Brief Description: This patent application, with a different inventor and assignee, likely describes an exercise apparatus, potentially a reformer, or components thereof. It may focus on specific mechanisms for adjustment, resistance, or user interaction.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims: If this reference details a footbar support system with an outwardly open slot, a slide plate, a hook plate with notches, and a footbar support arm with an engaging member for angle adjustment, it could potentially anticipate claims 1, 8, and 15.

General Observations on Prior Art Relevance:

The repeated citation of patents and applications by the same assignee (Balanced Body Inc.) suggests an iterative development process. These "self-citations" are often important for showing the evolution of an invention and distinguishing the current patent from earlier work by the same entity. While a commonly owned patent cannot be disqualified as prior art if it anticipates the claimed subject matter, it may be used to overcome obviousness rejections under certain conditions (e.g., terminal disclaimer for pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c)).

The other cited patents by different inventors indicate a broader landscape of prior art in exercise equipment, particularly reformers. A thorough analysis would compare the specific mechanisms and structural elements of each cited reference with the detailed language of claims 1, 8, and 15 of US9132311B2 to determine if "each and every element" of those claims is found in a single prior art reference, as required for anticipation.