US 11857482

US Patent 11857482, titled "Massage device having variable stroke length," was filed on February 25, 2022, and issued on January 2, 2024. The inventors are Philip C. Danby and John Charles Danby. The current assignees are Hyperice IP Subco LLC and Hyperice IP Topco LLC. The original assignee was Hyperice IP Subco LLC.

Abstract:
The patent discloses exemplary embodiments of massaging devices, with one embodiment featuring a piston with a longitudinal axis, a massaging head connected to the piston, a motor situated on one side of the longitudinal axis, and a handle on the other side. It also includes a drive mechanism designed to move the piston and massage head.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1: Percussive Massager with Quick-Connect System
  This claim describes a percussive massager that includes a housing, and a piston with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the piston has a cylindrical bore. A motor is partially within the housing, connected to the piston's proximal end, and configured to make the piston move back and forth (reciprocate) at a specified speed. A drive mechanism controls a fixed stroke length for the piston. A key feature is a quick-connect system at the piston's distal end, designed to secure a massaging head by simply sliding it into the bore, even while the piston is actively reciprocating.

• Claim 32: Method of Assembling a Percussive Massager
  This claim outlines a method for putting together a percussive massager. The method involves placing a motor at least partially inside a housing and connecting it to the proximal end of a piston, so the motor can make the piston reciprocate at a first speed. The piston's distal end includes a quick-release connector with a cylindrical bore. The method also includes positioning a drive mechanism within the housing to control the piston's fixed stroke length. The quick-release connector is designed to secure a massaging head when it is slid into the bore, even while the piston is operating.

• Claim 34: Percussive Massager with Quick-Release Connector and Cylindrical Pocket
  This claim describes a percussive massager comprising a housing and a piston within the housing, having a proximal and a distal end. A motor, located at least partially within the housing, is connected to the piston's proximal end to cause it to reciprocate at a first speed. A drive mechanism is positioned between the motor and the piston, controlling a predetermined stroke length of the piston. The distal end of the piston features a quick-release connector, which is configured to secure a first massaging head while the piston is reciprocating. The massaging head itself is characterized by having a substantially cylindrical pocket designed to receive this quick-release connector.

Litigation Information:
US Patent 11857482 has been the subject of extensive litigation initiated by Hyperice. Hyper Ice, Inc. and its IP holding entity, Hyperice IP Subco, LLC, have filed numerous patent infringement complaints against various companies, including Therabody, Costco Wholesale, Sharper Image, HoMedics, Ekrin Athletics, and other retailers. These lawsuits, many filed in January and February 2024, assert that numerous percussive massage devices on the market infringe upon the '482 patent. The cases have been filed in various U.S. District Courts, including the Central District of California and the Western District of Texas. Some cases have been consolidated or stayed pending the outcome of parallel infringement actions. A PTAB case, PGR2024-00053, has also been filed. While there is significant ongoing litigation in District Courts, specific CAFC 2026 dockets related to appeals of these cases are not explicitly identified in the available information.

Here is the known litigation involving US patent 11857482, as of April 26, 2026:

District Court Cases:

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00102
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-02034
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00037
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00036
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00035
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00034
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00033
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00032
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00031
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00030
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00029
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00028
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00258
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00115
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00073
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-01158
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-05982
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00097
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00098
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00099
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00100
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00291
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00390
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00391
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00410
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-01472
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-01512
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00004
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00066
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-21791
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:25-cv-00429
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2025)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00056
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Florida Middle District Court

  • Case Number: 3:25-cv-01074
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2025)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:25-cv-00452
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2025)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-22169
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-03304
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-03311
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Michigan Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-10115
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Minnesota District Court

  • Case Number: 0:24-cv-00011
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: New York Southern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-02962
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2025)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00063
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation is active.

Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Cases:

• Jurisdiction: PTAB
  • Case Number: PGR2024-00053
  • Filing Date: (Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, but context suggests 2024)
  • Plaintiff(s): Petitioner (not explicitly named, but typically a third party challenging the patent).
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets (but would be the patent owner, Hyperice IP Subco LLC or Hyperice IP Topco LLC).
  • Outcome/Current Status: Final Written Decision.

The Google Patents page also indicates that "First worldwide family litigation filed" is active, with a link to Darts-ip, but does not provide specific case details within the provided text.

It is important to note that the provided search results from Unified Patents and Google Patents list these cases but do not consistently provide the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) for each entry. To obtain that specific information, a direct search within the Unified Patents portal using the patent number or accessing PACER with the case numbers would be necessary.Here is the known litigation involving US patent 11857482, as of April 26, 2026:

District Court Cases:

The following cases are listed as active litigation related to US11857482, with specific plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. The current assignee of the patent is Hyperice IP Subco LLC and Hyperice IP Topco LLC.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00102
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-02034
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00037
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00036
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00035
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00034
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00033
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00032
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00031
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00030
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00029
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 6:24-cv-00028
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00258
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00115
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00073
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-01158
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-05982
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00097
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00098
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00099
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00100
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00291
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00390
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00391
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00410
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-01472
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-01512
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00004
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00066
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-21791
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:25-cv-00429
  • Filing Date: 2025 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-00056
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Florida Middle District Court

  • Case Number: 3:25-cv-01074
  • Filing Date: 2025 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court

  • Case Number: 8:25-cv-00452
  • Filing Date: 2025 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-22169
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-03304
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-03311
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Michigan Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-10115
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Minnesota District Court

  • Case Number: 0:24-cv-00011
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: New York Southern District Court

  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-02962
  • Filing Date: 2025 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00063
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active litigation.

Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Cases:

• Jurisdiction: PTAB
  • Case Number: PGR2024-00053
  • Filing Date: 2024 (specific date not available in snippets)
  • Plaintiff(s): Petitioner (not explicitly named).
  • Defendant(s): (Patent Owner, likely Hyperice IP Subco LLC or Hyperice IP Topco LLC).
  • Outcome/Current Status: Final Written Decision.

The Google Patents page also notes "First worldwide family litigation filed," with a link to Darts-ip, but specific case details beyond this are not provided in the readily available information.

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 11857482. This proceeding, PGR2024-00053, has reached a Final Written Decision, indicating a definitive outcome for the claims challenged. The bottom-line defensive posture for a defendant will depend on the specific claims that were invalidated or sustained in this proceeding.

PGR2024-00053 — Therabody, Inc. v. Hyperice IP Subco, LLC et al.

• Type: Post-Grant Review (PGR)
• Filed: 2024-09-27
• Status: Final Written Decision
• Judge panel: Not publicly available from the provided data or immediate search results.
• Petition grounds: Not publicly available from the provided data or immediate search results. A PGR petition typically challenges claims under 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, 103, and/or 112 based on any grounds of patentability.
• Institution decision: Not publicly available from the provided data or immediate search results.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): The status indicates a Final Written Decision was issued on 2026-04-20. However, the specific claim-level outcomes (which claims were canceled, which were held patentable) and the panel's reasoning are not available from the provided information or immediate search results. To get this detail, one would typically need to review the full decision on the USPTO PTAB Decisions portal.
• Settlement / termination: Not publicly available from the provided data or immediate search results.
• Appeal: The status "Final Written Decision" implies that an appeal to the Federal Circuit is possible within the statutory timeframe. However, no appeal information is immediately available from the provided data or search results.
• Defensive value: Without the specifics of the Final Written Decision, it is unknown which claims, if any, were invalidated or sustained. If claims central to an infringement theory were canceled, it would significantly weaken an assertion. Conversely, if all challenged claims were sustained, it would strengthen the patent owner's position. Further investigation into the content of the Final Written Decision is crucial.

Strategic summary

The patent US11857482 has been subjected to one Post-Grant Review, PGR2024-00053, initiated by Therabody, Inc. This proceeding has concluded with a Final Written Decision on 2026-04-20. As a PGR, the challenge could have included a broader range of patentability grounds compared to an IPR, including subject matter eligibility (§ 101) and written description/enablement (§ 112), in addition to novelty and obviousness (§ 102, § 103).

The current status indicates a definitive outcome from the PTAB. However, without access to the full Final Written Decision, the specific claims that were canceled, sustained, or left untested are unknown. This lack of detail means the precise narrowing or hardening of the patent cannot be determined at this time. The estoppel landscape under 35 U.S.C. § 325(e)(2) will apply to Therabody, Inc., barring them from raising any grounds they raised or reasonably could have raised during this PGR against the claims that survived. For other potential defendants, the availability of prior art grounds would depend on the scope of the PGR and the outcome for specific claims.

A pattern signal is that Therabody, Inc. acted as the petitioner, indicating a potential competitor or entity with an interest in challenging the patent's validity. This suggests that the patent's claims are likely relevant in the marketplace.

Recommended next steps

To fully understand the impact of PGR2024-00053 on US11857482, the critical next step is to obtain and thoroughly review the Final Written Decision (FWD).

1. Retrieve the FWD: Access the official FWD for PGR2024-00053 through the USPTO PTAB Decisions portal. The direct link is typically in the format: https://ptab.uspto.gov/ptabfn/details/PGR2024-00053. Review the FWD to identify:
   • Which claims were challenged.
   • Which claims were found unpatentable (canceled).
   • Which claims were found patentable (sustained).
   • The specific reasoning provided by the PTAB panel for each claim's outcome.
2. Evaluate for Appeal: Determine if either party has appealed the FWD to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This information would typically be available on the Federal Circuit's docket or through services like CourtListener. If an appeal is pending, the FWD is not yet final.
3. Assess Defensive Posture: Based on the FWD's claim-by-claim outcome, determine which claims remain valid and enforceable. If any claims cited in a demand letter or infringement allegation were canceled, this provides a strong defense. If core claims survived, understanding the PTAB's reasoning can help craft alternative invalidity arguments or guide design-around efforts.
4. Estoppel Analysis: For any claims that were upheld, carefully review the petition grounds and the FWD to understand the scope of estoppel that applies to Therabody, Inc. This helps assess the remaining universe of available prior art for other potential challengers.

Inventors

• Philip C. Danby (Hyperice IP Subco LLC at time of filing)
• John Charles Danby (Hyperice IP Subco LLC at time of filing)

Original assignee

The original assignee, Hyperice IP Subco LLC, is an operating company that manufactures and sells percussive massage devices. They ship products embodying the claims. Hyperice IP Subco LLC is currently operating as a subsidiary of Hyperice IP Topco LLC.

Assignment timeline

• 2013-07-01 (executed) / recorded 2022-05-24 — Reel 059937/0430

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: DANBY, PHILIP C.; Danby, John Charles
  • Assignee: GOOD FORTUNE 5, LLC
  • Correspondent: Matthew F. O'Connor, 2372 Morse Ave., Ste. 770, Irvine, CA 92614.
  • Context: Transfer of inventor rights to an LLC.

• 2022-05-24 (executed) / recorded 2022-05-24 — Reel 059937/0431

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: GOOD FORTUNE 5, LLC
  • Assignee: HYPER ICE, INC.
  • Correspondent: Matthew F. O'Connor, 2372 Morse Ave., Ste. 770, Irvine, CA 92614. (This correspondent recurs in this chain)
  • Context: Transfer from an LLC to an operating company.

• 2023-01-25 (executed) / recorded 2023-01-26 — Reel 061183/0316

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: HYPER ICE, INC.
  • Assignee: HYPERICE IP TOPCO, LLC
  • Correspondent: Matthew F. O'Connor, 2372 Morse Ave., Ste. 770, Irvine, CA 92614. (This correspondent recurs in this chain)
  • Context: Internal reorganization / transfer to parent IP holding company.

• 2023-01-26 (executed) / recorded 2023-01-26 — Reel 061183/0318

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: HYPERICE IP TOPCO, LLC
  • Assignee: HYPERICE IP SUBCO, LLC
  • Correspondent: Matthew F. O'Connor, 2372 Morse Ave., Ste. 770, Irvine, CA 92614. (This correspondent recurs in this chain)
  • Context: Internal reorganization / transfer to subsidiary IP holding company.

• 2023-07-19 (executed) / recorded 2023-07-19 — Reel 062145/0904

  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: HYPERICE IP SUBCO, LLC
  • Assignee: ACP POST OAK CREDIT I LLC
  • Correspondent: Robert M. McArthur, Locke Lord LLP, 601 S. Figueroa St., Suite 2100, Los Angeles, CA 90017.
  • Context: Securitization of assets (patent as collateral for a loan).

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11857482
    2013 : Inventors assigned to Good Fortune 5 LLC
    2022 : Good Fortune 5 LLC assigned to Hyper Ice Inc
    2023 : Hyper Ice Inc assigned to Hyperice IP Topco LLC
         : Hyperice IP Topco LLC assigned to Hyperice IP Subco LLC
         : Hyperice IP Subco LLC granted security interest to ACP Post Oak Credit I LLC
    2024 : Patent issued
         : First infringement suit filed

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — unclear. While Good Fortune 5, LLC might appear to be a shell entity, the subsequent transfer to Hyper Ice, Inc., an operating company, suggests it may have been an initial holding entity for the inventors' rights before formalizing with the operating company. There is no definitive evidence that Good Fortune 5, LLC itself was a licensing-only shell in the typical NPE sense.
2. Known asserter in the chain — not present. None of the assignees (Good Fortune 5, LLC, Hyper Ice, Inc., Hyperice IP Topco, LLC, Hyperice IP Subco, LLC, ACP Post Oak Credit I LLC) are recognized as known NPEs on public lists like RPX or Unified Patents.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present. Matthew F. O'Connor is listed as the correspondent for multiple assignments in this chain, specifically for the transfers from the inventors to Good Fortune 5, LLC (Reel 059937/0430), Good Fortune 5, LLC to Hyper Ice, Inc. (Reel 059937/0431), Hyper Ice, Inc. to Hyperice IP Topco, LLC (Reel 061183/0316), and Hyperice IP Topco, LLC to Hyperice IP Subco, LLC (Reel 061183/0318). This recurrence signals a consistent legal representative for the Hyperice entities' patent portfolio transactions.
4. Cascading transfers — not present. While there are several transfers within a relatively short period (2022-2023), these appear to be part of an internal corporate restructuring/assignment process (from inventors to an initial LLC, then to the operating company, and then to IP holding entities), rather than rapid transfers between unrelated shell LLCs.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — not present. The earliest recorded litigation for US11857482 appears to have been filed in January/February 2024, after the last assignment to Hyperice IP Subco, LLC (January 26, 2023) and the security interest granted to ACP Post Oak Credit I LLC (July 19, 2023).
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication that the original assignee, Hyperice IP Subco LLC, or any other entity in the chain, has undergone a bankruptcy filing leading to a patent sale.
7. Privateering — unclear. While Hyperice is an operating company that has initiated significant litigation, there is no explicit evidence of them transferring the patent to a separate NPE to assert on their behalf. Hyperice IP Subco LLC, the current assignee and plaintiff in many cases, is an IP holding entity directly associated with the operating company.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not terminate at any known defensive aggregators like RPX, AST, LOT Network, or Unified Patents.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion
The patent chain shows a clear progression from the inventors to Hyperice, an operating company, and then to its associated IP holding entities (Hyperice IP Topco, LLC and Hyperice IP Subco, LLC). The repeat correspondent, Matthew F. O'Connor, consistently represents the Hyperice entities throughout these transfers, indicating an integrated legal strategy rather than a third-party assertion scheme. Hyperice IP Subco, LLC, the current assignee, is actively asserting the patent against competitors, aligning with an operating-company assertion model.

USPTO Assignment Center search page: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 11857482

To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 11857482, we will look at the patent citations listed within the patent itself, as these are the references considered by the patent examiner during prosecution. Unfortunately, the provided full patent text does not explicitly list the "Cited Prior Art" section, which is typically found after the claims. Without direct access to this section of the patent, I cannot definitively list the prior art cited by the patent itself.

However, based on the information provided regarding the patent's subject matter (percussive massage devices with quick-connect systems and variable stroke length), I can describe how to approach identifying relevant prior art and what types of patents would likely be considered.

To determine potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, each claim of US11857482 would need to be compared feature-by-feature against the disclosures of any prior art reference. A reference anticipates a claim if it discloses every element of that claim, either explicitly or inherently, arranged in the same way.

Given the claims of US11857482, relevant prior art would likely include:

• Percussive massagers: Devices that use a reciprocating piston and massage head for deep tissue massage.
• Quick-connect or quick-release mechanisms for tools/attachments: Any system allowing for rapid attachment and detachment of components, particularly those that might operate while a device is in motion.
• Variable stroke length mechanisms: Devices that can adjust the amplitude of a reciprocating motion, whether mechanical (like a cam system as mentioned in the patent description) or hydraulic.
• Massaging devices with data connectivity and programmable features: Patents describing massagers that can connect to external devices for data transfer, customized programs, or usage tracking.

General approach to identifying relevant prior art (if direct citations were available):

1. Retrieve Cited References: Access the USPTO public pair or Google Patents to view the "Cited References" section of US11857482.
2. Full Citation: For each cited patent, obtain its full citation (e.g., US Patent number, Inventor(s), Issue Date, Assignee).
3. Publication/Filing Date: Note the earliest of the publication or filing dates, as this determines its prior art status relative to US11857482's priority date (July 1, 2013).
4. Brief Description: Summarize the core technology disclosed in the prior art patent, focusing on elements relevant to percussive massagers, quick-connect systems, variable stroke, or control mechanisms.
5. Potential Anticipation Analysis: Systematically compare the elements of each independent claim (Claims 1, 32, 34) of US11857482 against the disclosure of the prior art reference. If all elements of a claim are found in the prior art, it potentially anticipates that claim.

Without the specific list of prior art references cited within US11857482, a detailed analysis of which claims are potentially anticipated cannot be provided. However, any existing patents disclosing a percussive massager with a quick-connect head, especially one operable while the device is reciprocating, or a device with a mechanism for variable stroke length, would be highly relevant. The patent describes a "Scotch yoke" mechanism for converting rotary to linear motion and mentions a "lost motion system" for varying the stroke length (FIG. 7), suggesting that prior art in these mechanical areas would also be pertinent.

To determine the obviousness of US patent 11857482 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, we need to identify prior art references that, when combined, would have made the claimed invention apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art (POSITA). This analysis requires not only identifying the elements in the prior art but also a motivation to combine them and a reasonable expectation of success.

The independent claims of US11857482 focus on a percussive massager with a quick-connect system for interchangeable massaging heads, where the connection can occur even while the piston is reciprocating. Key elements include:

• A housing, piston, motor, and drive mechanism controlling a predetermined stroke length.
• A quick-connect system at the distal end of the piston for a massaging head, allowing connection while the piston reciprocates. (Claims 1, 32)
• Specifically, in claim 1, the piston has a substantially cylindrical bore into which the massaging head slides.
• In claim 34, the massaging head has a substantially cylindrical pocket to receive the quick-release connector.

Combination of Prior Art References and Motivation for Obviousness

References:

1. US 9,889,066 B2 (Danby et al.): This patent, titled "Massaging device having a heat sink," is a parent application to US11857482 and is incorporated by reference. It describes a massaging device with a handle, piston, massaging head attached to the piston, motor, and drive mechanism. Crucially, it explicitly mentions a "quick connect mechanism for connecting the massaging head to the piston" and that "the quick connect mechanism comprises at least one magnet and the massaging head is connected to the piston by magnetic force." It also notes that "the end 626 of the massaging head 620 is rounded, pointed or tapered (not shown) to allow it to easily slip into the opening 608 even while the piston 608 is moving."
2. US 2013/0261516 A1 (Cilea et al.): This application describes a "Hand Held Percussion Device" with a mechanical plunger (piston) and various external mechanical plungers (massaging heads) that "may be used and it is possible that the external mechanical plungers 103 will be easily or readily changed." It highlights the use of plungers of differing shapes, sizes, contours, textures, and hardness.
3. WO 2000/038613 A3 (Huang): This patent application discloses a percussive massager with a massage head portion and a motor. It details a rotatably driven output shaft connected to connecting poles that reciprocate axially. It also mentions "interchangeable" surfaces for the interface with the patient.
4. US 2008/0306417 A1: This reference describes personal massagers, some of which are rechargeable and waterproof. It mentions motors with offset weights to generate vibration and the use of embedded magnets for electrical connection, though not specifically for interchangeable massage heads.

Obviousness Argument:

A POSITA, at the time of the invention of US11857482, would have been motivated to combine elements from these prior art references to achieve the claimed percussive massager with a quick-connect system allowing head changes during operation.

For Claims 1, 32, and 34 (Quick-Connect System with Reciprocating Piston):

• Core elements in prior art: US 9,889,066 B2 (Danby et al.) explicitly discloses a percussive massager with a piston, motor, drive mechanism, and a quick-connect mechanism for the massaging head, specifically mentioning magnetic connection. Crucially, it states that the massaging head can "easily slip into the opening... even while the piston... is moving." This directly addresses the key feature of connecting the head while the piston reciprocates. The general concept of easily changeable massage heads is also present in US 2013/0261516 A1 (Cilea et al.) and WO 2000/038613 A3 (Huang), which discuss "readily changed" plungers and "interchangeable" surfaces, respectively.

• Motivation to Combine: The motivation to combine these features stems from several factors:

  • Market Need/Design Need: Percussive massagers are used for deep tissue massage on various muscle groups and body parts. A POSITA would recognize the advantage of quickly changing massage heads to adapt to different therapeutic needs (e.g., different shapes, sizes, hardness for varied applications) without interrupting the massage session. US 2013/0261516 A1 highlights the use of "plungers of differing shapes, sizes, contours, textures, and hardness" to address soft tissue dysfunction and pain syndromes, clearly indicating a desire for interchangeability.
  • Known Solutions: The concept of quick-connect mechanisms, including magnetic connections, was known in the art for various applications, as evidenced by US 9,889,066 B2 specifically applying it to massage heads. US 2008/0306417 A1 also mentions embedded magnets for electrical connections in massagers, demonstrating familiarity with magnetic coupling in the field.
  • Efficiency and User Convenience: Allowing a user to change massaging heads while the device is operating improves user experience and efficiency. The explicit disclosure in US 9,889,066 B2 that the massaging head can "easily slip into the opening... even while the piston... is moving" provides direct motivation and a pathway for a POSITA to implement this feature.

• Reasonable Expectation of Success: Given the explicit description in US 9,889,066 B2 regarding the quick-connect mechanism allowing connection during piston movement, a POSITA would have a high expectation of success in implementing this feature. The mechanism described (e.g., magnetic attraction with tapered ends) is straightforward and would be understood to function as intended. The mechanical principles for reciprocating pistons and drive mechanisms are well-established, as shown in US 9,889,066 B2 (citing a Scotch yoke mechanism) and WO 2000/038613 A3.

Therefore, the combination of US 9,889,066 B2 (disclosing the core quick-connect and the ability to change heads during piston movement) with the general knowledge of interchangeable heads from US 2013/0261516 A1 and WO 2000/038613 A3, motivated by user convenience, efficiency, and addressing varied therapeutic needs, would render the quick-connect systems of Claims 1, 32, and 34 obvious to a POSITA. The specific features like a cylindrical bore in the piston (Claim 1) or a cylindrical pocket in the massaging head (Claim 34) are conventional design choices for mating quick-connect elements and would be apparent to a skilled artisan.