US 12396919

Here is a concise summary of US patent 12396919:

US Patent 12396919 Summary

• Title: Percussive therapy device with electrically connected attachment
• Assignee: Therabody Inc.
• Inventors: Jason Wersland, Benjamin Nazarian, Jaime Sanchez Solana, Eduardo Merino, Richard Tang
• Filing Date: August 19, 2024
• Issue Date: August 26, 2025 (Publication date of the B2 patent)
• Abstract: A percussive therapy system includes a percussive therapy device with a housing, an electrical source, a motor, a switch, and a reciprocating push rod assembly. An attachment connects to the push rod assembly and provides at least one therapeutic effect to a user. This attachment may contain an actuator for therapeutic effects (like vibration, heating, cooling, or exfoliation) or a sensor to gather biometric data from the user or operational information from the device (such as thermal data, oxygen content, blood flow, force, angular position, or linear position data).

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a percussive therapy system. It includes a percussive therapy device with a main body (housing), power (electrical source), a motor, a way to turn it on (switch), and a part that moves back and forth (push rod assembly) to deliver percussive action. The system also features an attachment designed to connect to the end of this push rod assembly. This attachment is special because it can either provide a therapeutic effect itself (using an actuator like a heater or a vibrator) or gather data (using a sensor like a temperature sensor or an accelerometer) related to the user or how the device is being used.
• Independent Claim 11: This claim outlines a method for providing a therapeutic effect to a user. It involves obtaining the percussive therapy device described above (with its housing, electrical source, motor, switch, and reciprocating push rod assembly) and an attachment capable of delivering a therapeutic effect. The method then involves operating the percussive therapy device with this attachment to apply the therapeutic effect to the user.
• Independent Claim 18: This claim describes a percussive therapy system comprising a percussive therapy device similar to Claim 1. The device includes a housing, electrical source, motor, switch, and a push rod assembly configured to reciprocate. Crucially, the system also has a "routine controller" which can initiate a pre-defined treatment plan (protocol). This protocol is set up to guide the user to apply the attachment to a specific body part until a thermal sensor detects that the body part has reached a predetermined temperature.

Litigation Status:

The patent's information indicates "Family has litigation" and that the "First worldwide family litigation filed" was on November 6, 2019. However, a search of CAFC (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) dockets specifically for US12396919 for the year 2026 did not yield specific active case filings or outcomes. It is not possible to determine from the available search results if there is active litigation concerning this particular patent number in the CAFC in 2026.

While the patent summary notes that "Family has litigation" and the "First worldwide family litigation filed" was on November 6, 2019, a search for specific litigation involving US patent 12396919 on Unified Patents, CAFC, and PACER did not yield any specific active case filings or outcomes for this exact patent number as of April 26, 2026. Therefore, no known litigation involving US patent 123969919 can be listed with the requested details.

Proceedings overview

There is currently one AIA trial proceeding on file for US patent 12396919, which is a Post-Grant Review (PGR) that is pending institution. This means the patent has not yet been subjected to substantive review by the PTAB, and its claims remain untested in this proceeding. For a defendant, this indicates that the patent is currently unhardened by PTAB trials, and an initial defensive posture would involve assessing the strength of the grounds raised in the pending PGR.

PGR2026-00051 — Hyper Ice, Inc. v. Therabody Inc.

• Type: Post-Grant Review
• Filed: 2026-05-26
• Status: Pending. This proceeding was filed very recently and is in the preliminary stages before a decision on institution has been made.
• Judge panel: Not yet publicly available for pre-institution stage.
• Petition grounds: Specific claims challenged, prior art, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are not yet publicly detailed in search results for such a newly filed petition. Given it's a PGR, grounds could include §§ 101, 102, 103, and 112.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The PTAB has a statutory deadline to issue an institution decision within 6 months of the petition filing date.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable; no institution decision has been made.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; the proceeding is in its earliest stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable.
• Defensive value: As this PGR was just filed, its primary defensive value lies in the potential for claims to be challenged and potentially invalidated. Until an institution decision is made, the full impact is unknown. If instituted, it could provide strong grounds for challenging the patent's validity.

Strategic summary

Currently, none of the claims of US patent 12396919 have been canceled or sustained by a PTAB Final Written Decision. All claims are presently untested in AIA trial proceedings.

The estoppel landscape is nascent. If PGR2026-00051 is instituted, Hyper Ice, Inc. (and its privies) would be estopped from raising in future proceedings (e.g., district court litigation) any ground raised or that reasonably could have been raised in the PGR concerning the claims subject to institution. For other defendants facing assertion of this patent, all prior art grounds remain available for challenge, as no estoppel has yet attached to any claims.

No patterns signals can be observed at this early stage, as this is the first recorded AIA trial proceeding for US12396919.

Recommended next steps

• Monitor the status of PGR2026-00051 (Hyper Ice, Inc. v. Therabody Inc.) closely. The critical upcoming milestone is the institution decision deadline, which will be approximately six months from the filing date of 2026-05-26.
• Review the petition once it becomes publicly available (typically after filing but before institution) to understand the specific claims challenged and the grounds asserted by Hyper Ice, Inc. This will provide insight into potential validity weaknesses.

Inventors

• Jason Wersland (Therabody Inc.)
• Benjamin Nazarian (Therabody Inc.)
• Jaime Sanchez Solana (Therabody Inc.)
• Eduardo Merino (Therabody Inc.)
• Richard Tang (Therabody Inc.)

Original assignee

Therabody Inc. is the original assignee named on US patent 12396919. Therabody Inc. ships percussive therapy devices embodying the claims, such as the Theragun. Their primary line of business is in percussive therapy devices and other wellness products. Therabody Inc. is currently operating.

Assignment timeline

• 2024-10-07 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-07 — Reel 006509/0074

  • Conveyance: Assignment of Assignors Interest
  • Assignor: SANCHEZ SOLANA, JAIME; TANG, RICHARD; MERINO, EDUARDO; Nazarian, Benjamin; WERSLAND, Jason
  • Assignee: THERAGUN, INC.
  • Correspondent: MICHAEL J. FEGIN, FAKHIMI & FEGIN LLP, 12920 SEAL BEACH BLVD. SUITE 240, SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, 90740
  • Context: Transfer of inventor rights to the original assignee.

• 2024-10-07 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-07 — Reel 006509/0075

  • Conveyance: Change of Name
  • Assignor: THERAGUN, INC.
  • Assignee: THERABODY, INC.
  • Correspondent: MICHAEL J. FEGIN, FAKHIMI & FEGIN LLP, 12920 SEAL BEACH BLVD. SUITE 240, SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, 90740. This correspondent recurs.
  • Context: Corporate name change of the original assignee.

• 2025-08-22 (executed) / recorded 2025-08-22 — Reel 006653/0748

  • Conveyance: Security Interest
  • Assignor: THERABODY, INC. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THERAGUN, INC.)
  • Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
  • Correspondent: CHEN, HUI, JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, 10017
  • Context: Grant of security interest by the operating company.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 12396919
    2024 : Inventors assigned to Theragun Inc
         : Theragun Inc changed name to Therabody Inc
    2025 : Security interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — not present. The transfers involve the original inventors assigning to the operating company (Theragun, Inc./Therabody, Inc.) and a security interest granted by the operating company. There is no indication of transfer to a licensing-only LLC.
2. Known asserter in the chain — not present. None of the assignees (Theragun, Inc., Therabody, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.) are publicly known NPEs.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present. Michael J. Fegin of Fakhimi & Fegin LLP is listed as the correspondent for both the assignment from the inventors to Theragun, Inc. (Reel 006509/0074) and the subsequent change of name from Theragun, Inc. to Therabody, Inc. (Reel 006509/0075).
4. Cascading transfers — not present. The transfers are separated by a reasonable time frame and reflect inventor assignment, a corporate name change, and a security interest, not multiple quick transfers between shell entities.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. While the patent notes "Family has litigation" filed on 2019-11-06, this patent (US12396919) was filed in 2024 and issued in 2025, and no specific litigation for this patent number was found. The assignments occurred after the stated "First worldwide family litigation filed" date, but there is no direct evidence linking these assignments to specific litigation for this patent.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication that Therabody Inc. has filed for bankruptcy or that the patents were sold in such proceedings.
7. Privateering — not present. The patent remains with the original operating company, Therabody Inc.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not terminate at any known defensive aggregators.

Verdict

Insufficient data. The assignment records show the transfer from inventors to the operating company (Theragun/Therabody Inc.) and a subsequent security interest granted by Therabody Inc. to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.. While a repeat correspondent appears for the initial transfers, there are no other strong signals like shell-entity transfers or known asserters in the chain, nor is there clear evidence of pre-litigation transfer specific to this patent, to confidently label it as an NPE asset.

https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/patent/index.html - Search for patent US12396919.
Reel 006509/0074, recorded 2024-10-07.
Reel 006509/0075, recorded 2024-10-07.
Reel 006653/0748, recorded 2025-08-22.

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 12396919, I would need access to the patent document's full citation list, which is typically found within the patent itself under "References Cited" or similar sections. The provided text from the patent summary and other sections does not include a list of prior art citations.

While I can search the USPTO database, I do not have direct interactive access to specific USPTO tools to pull a formatted list of prior art citations and their details directly from the patent document's record.

Therefore, I cannot provide the specific prior art citations, their publication/filing dates, brief descriptions, or which claims they potentially anticipate under 35 U.S.C. § 102 without that initial list from the patent document itself.

I cannot perform an obviousness analysis for US patent 12396919 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 because the "Prior art" section explicitly states that the necessary prior art citations are not available in the provided text. To conduct such an analysis, I would need access to the patent's full citation list, including specific prior art references, their publication/filing dates, and descriptions, to identify potential combinations and motivations for combining them.

To provide a comprehensive analysis of US patent 12396919, I will search the USPTO database for the specified patent number and detail any patent term adjustments (PTA), patent term extensions (PTE), continuation applications, divisional applications, related family members, and the projected expiration date.

A search for US patent 12396919 on the USPTO website via Patent Public Search or Patent Center would be the authoritative source for this information. However, direct, interactive access to these live USPTO tools is not available in this environment.

Based on the provided information, here's what can be deduced about US12396919:

Continuation Applications, Divisional Applications, and Related Family Members:

The "CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS" section of US12396919 provides a detailed lineage of related applications. This patent is a continuation of several applications, indicating it is part of a patent family. [cite: None]

Specifically, US12396919 is a continuation of:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/162,499, filed Jan. 31, 2023. [cite: None]

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/162,499 is itself a continuation of:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/244,278, filed Apr. 29, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,564,860). [cite: None]
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/739,630, filed May 9, 2022 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,890,253). [cite: None]

Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/244,278 is a continuation-in-part of:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/018,099, filed Sep. 11, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,357,697). [cite: None]

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/018,099 is a continuation-in-part of:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/869,402, filed May 7, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,857,064). [cite: None]

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/869,402 is a continuation-in-part of:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/796,143, filed Feb. 20, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,940,081). [cite: None]
• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/675,772, filed Nov. 6, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,702,448). [cite: None]

This complex chain of continuations and continuation-in-parts demonstrates that US12396919 is a late-stage family member, claiming priority through a series of earlier applications. The earliest priority date listed in this chain is December 26, 2018, from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/785,151. [cite: None]

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA):

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) compensates patent applicants for certain delays caused by the USPTO during the prosecution of a utility or plant patent application. It is added to the 20-year lifespan of the issued patent. Common reasons for PTA include the USPTO failing to issue a first office action within 14 months, failing to respond to an applicant's reply or appeal within four months, or failing to issue the patent within three years of the filing date. Applicant delays can reduce PTA.

The provided patent text does not explicitly state the specific PTA granted for US12396919. This information would typically be found on the face of the issued patent or in its prosecution history on USPTO Patent Center.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE):

Patent Term Extension (PTE) is available for patents claiming products (such as human drugs, medical devices, food additives, or color additives) that require regulatory approval from agencies like the FDA or USDA, to restore a portion of the patent term lost during this approval process. The maximum PTE is typically five years, and the total patent life with an extension cannot exceed 14 years from the date of marketing approval.

Given that US12396919 relates to a "percussive therapy device," which is a type of medical device, it could potentially be eligible for PTE if it required regulatory review and approval by the FDA. However, the provided text does not indicate whether a PTE was applied for or granted for US12396919.

Projected Expiration Date:

The default term for U.S. patents filed on or after June 8, 1995 (excluding design patents), is 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. This term can be adjusted by PTA or PTE.

The earliest priority date mentioned in the patent text is December 26, 2018. [cite: None] Therefore, without any adjustments, the base expiration date would be December 26, 2038.

However, one search result suggests an expiry date of March 15, 2025, for a patent with a filing date of March 15, 2005. This information from PatSnap, while a general example, does not appear to directly apply to US12396919 which has a filing date of August 19, 2024, and a publication date of August 26, 2025. Given the conflicting dates, I will rely on the patent's stated filing and priority dates to project the expiration.

Based on the earliest priority date of December 26, 2018, and assuming no PTA or PTE, the projected expiration date for US12396919 would be December 26, 2038. It is crucial to note that this is a projection and the actual expiration date could be affected by PTA, PTE, or terminal disclaimers, which are not detailed in the provided text.

Defensive Disclosure: US Patent 12396919 - Percussive Therapy Device with Electrically Connected Attachment

This document describes various derivative works and technical disclosures related to US Patent 12396919, aiming to establish prior art for future incremental improvements by competitors, rendering such improvements obvious or non-novel. These disclosures are grounded in the core claims of US12396919 and expand upon its teachings through specific technical variations and applications.

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Derivatives of Independent Claim 1: Percussive Therapy System

Claim 1 Core Elements: A percussive therapy system including a device (housing, electrical source, motor, switch, reciprocating push rod assembly) and an attachment (operatively connected, provides therapeutic effect, comprises actuator for therapeutic effect or sensor for data).

Derivative 1.1: Multi-Frequency Voice Coil Actuator with Graphene Heating Element

• Claim Axis: Material & Component Substitution
• Enabling Description: The percussive therapy device housing is constructed from a high-strength, low-resonance carbon fiber composite. The traditional rotary motor is replaced with a linear voice coil actuator, capable of precise, high-frequency reciprocal motion (up to 200 Hz) with variable stroke length (0.5 mm to 16 mm). This allows for direct digital control of percussion frequency and amplitude without mechanical conversion. The attachment integrates a multi-zone graphene-based resistive heating element capable of achieving surface temperatures up to 60°C within 10 seconds, powered directly via integrated electrical contacts. Temperature uniformity is maintained by a closed-loop control system utilizing embedded NTC thermistors. The attachment's contact surface is coated with a biocompatible, high-density polyethylene for durability and hygiene.

flowchart TD
    A[Power Source] --> B(Control Unit: MCU, H-Bridge Driver)
    B --> C{Linear Voice Coil Actuator}
    C --> D[Push Rod Assembly]
    D --> E[Attachment with Graphene Heater]
    E -- Thermistor Feedback --> B
    F[User Interface] -- Control Signals --> B
    E -- Therapeutic Effect: Percussion & Heat --> G[User]

Derivative 1.2: Deep Tissue Cryo-Percussive Device for Industrial Material Stress Testing

• Claim Axis: Operational Parameter Expansion (Extreme Scale & Temperature)
• Enabling Description: This derivative describes a large-scale percussive therapy device adapted for industrial material stress testing, such as fatigue analysis of aerospace components. The device operates with impact forces ranging from 500 N to 5000 N, and percussion frequencies from 10 Hz to 50 Hz. The push rod assembly is constructed from high-tensile strength tool steel. The attachment incorporates a Peltier-effect cooling actuator, capable of achieving surface temperatures as low as -40°C, and is fabricated from cryogenically-treated titanium alloy. The cooling system is coupled with a fluidic heat exchanger to dissipate heat, utilizing a closed-loop refrigeration cycle with R-134a refrigerant. A high-resolution load cell embedded within the attachment measures impact force, while an ultrasonic sensor monitors surface deformation of the tested material.

graph TD
    A[Industrial Power Supply] --> B(High-Power Motor)
    B --> C(Heavy-Duty Push Rod Assembly)
    C --> D[Cryo-Percussive Attachment]
    D -- Peltier Cooling --> E[Heat Exchanger Unit]
    E -- Refrigerant Loop --> E
    D -- Impact Force --> F[Load Cell]
    D -- Surface Deformation --> G[Ultrasonic Sensor]
    F -- Data --> H(Industrial Control System)
    G -- Data --> H
    H -- Control Signals --> B
    H -- Control Signals --> D
    H -- Data Output --> I[Analysis Workstation]
    D -- Therapeutic Effect: Cryo-Percussion --> J[Material Specimen]

Derivative 1.3: Agricultural Soil Compaction Percussor for Seedbed Preparation

• Claim Axis: Cross-Domain Application (AgTech)
• Enabling Description: A percussive device for preparing agricultural seedbeds. The device, mounted on a tractor or autonomous farming robot, employs a heavy-duty electric motor powered by the vehicle's onboard generator. The push rod assembly terminates in an attachment with a hardened steel tamper head. This attachment provides percussive force for compacting soil to a precise density suitable for seed germination. An integrated soil moisture sensor (capacitive or TDR) and a soil compaction sensor (penetrometer-based) within the attachment provide real-time data to a control unit. The system adjusts percussive frequency (5-20 Hz) and force (100-1000 N) based on soil type, moisture content, and desired compaction level, optimizing seed-to-soil contact.

graph TD
    A[Tractor/Robot Onboard Power] --> B(Motor & Drive System)
    B --> C(Hydraulic/Pneumatic Push Rod Assembly)
    C --> D[Hardened Steel Tamper Attachment]
    D -- Soil Moisture Data --> E(Agricultural Control Unit)
    D -- Soil Compaction Data --> E
    E -- Control Signals --> B
    E -- Control Signals --> C
    E -- Data Logging --> F[Farm Management System]
    D -- Therapeutic Effect: Soil Compaction --> G[Soil/Seedbed]

Derivative 1.4: Percussive Surgical Tool with Real-Time Tissue Impedance Sensing

• Claim Axis: Cross-Domain Application (Medical/Robotic Surgery)
• Enabling Description: This describes a miniature, robotically-controlled percussive surgical tool for precise tissue manipulation or bone shaping during minimally invasive procedures. The device housing is sterile and constructed from surgical-grade titanium. A micro-motor drives a push rod assembly with an amplitude of 0.1-2 mm and a frequency of 50-500 Hz. The interchangeable attachment, made from medical-grade stainless steel, includes a pair of micro-electrodes for real-time tissue impedance sensing. This sensor provides feedback on tissue density, hydration, and cellular integrity, enabling the surgical robot to dynamically adjust percussive parameters (force, frequency, depth) to prevent unintended tissue damage and achieve optimal surgical outcomes. Data is transmitted wirelessly to the surgical console via a secure Wi-Fi Direct connection.

graph TD
    A[Surgical Robot Arm] --> B(Micro-Motor & Drive)
    B --> C(Miniature Push Rod Assembly)
    C --> D[Sterile Percussive Attachment]
    D -- Micro-Electrodes --> E(Tissue Impedance Sensor)
    E -- Digital Signal --> F(Surgical Control Unit)
    F -- Wireless Data (Wi-Fi Direct) --> G[Surgical Console/Display]
    F -- Control Signals --> B
    D -- Therapeutic Effect: Percussion --> H[Tissue/Bone]

Derivative 1.5: Smart Percussive Massage Device for Companion Animal Therapy with Integrated AI Optimization

• Claim Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech (AI-driven optimization, IoT sensors)
• Enabling Description: A percussive therapy device specifically designed for companion animals (e.g., dogs, horses) with AI-driven optimization. The device incorporates an array of IoT sensors within the attachment, including a thermal camera (micro-bolometer array for thermal data), a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor for blood oxygenation and blood flow, and a 6-axis IMU (gyroscope and accelerometer) for movement tracking. This raw sensor data is continuously streamed via Bluetooth 5.0 LE to a local edge computing module, which in turn sends aggregated data to a cloud-based AI platform. The AI analyzes animal-specific biometric data, historical treatment responses, and breed-specific anatomical models to generate optimized percussive therapy protocols (frequency, amplitude, duration, force target, temperature control for heating/cooling actuators, and target body areas). These optimized protocols are then sent back to the device's routine controller for real-time adjustments.

graph TD
    A[Percussive Therapy Device] --> B(Attachment: Thermal Cam, NIRS, 6-axis IMU)
    B -- Sensor Data (Bluetooth 5.0 LE) --> C[Edge Computing Module (Local Processing)]
    C -- Aggregated Data (Internet) --> D[Cloud AI Platform (Optimization Engine)]
    D -- Optimized Protocols --> C
    C -- Control Signals --> E(Device Routine Controller)
    E -- Percussion, Heat/Cool --> B
    F[Veterinary Interface (Mobile App/Web)] -- User Input --> D
    F -- Real-time Feedback --> D
    B -- Therapeutic Effect --> G[Companion Animal]

Derivative 1.6: Energy Harvesting Percussive Device with Blockchain-Verified Usage Log

• Claim Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech (Blockchain) & The "Inverse" (Limited Functionality)
• Enabling Description: This percussive therapy device features a kinetic energy harvesting system that converts a portion of the percussive motion into electrical energy, supplementing the internal battery and extending operational time in a "limited-functionality" mode where only basic percussion (fixed frequency/amplitude) is available without relying on full battery power. The device's internal microcontroller logs every usage session, including duration, force profile, attachment type (detected via NFC tag in attachment), and energy harvested. This usage data is then cryptographically signed and periodically uploaded to a private blockchain ledger for immutable verification of device usage, maintenance history, and attachment authenticity. This ensures compliance in regulated environments (e.g., physical therapy clinics) and allows for transparent tracking of device lifetime metrics.

sequenceDiagram
    participant D as Percussive Device
    participant A as Attachment (NFC Tag)
    participant E as Energy Harvester
    participant C as Control Unit (MCU)
    participant B as Blockchain Node
    participant L as Blockchain Ledger

    User->>D: Activates Device
    D->>A: Detect Attachment (NFC Read)
    D->>E: Initiate Percussion
    E->>C: Harvested Energy Output
    C->>C: Log Usage Data (Time, Force, Type, Energy)
    C->>B: Periodically Submit Signed Data
    B->>L: Validate & Add Transaction
    L-->>B: Confirmation
    B-->>C: Confirmation
    User->>D: Operates device in limited mode (if battery low, powered by E)

Derivative 1.7: Smart Attachment for Exfoliation with Micro-Vibration Feedback for Skin Health

• Claim Axis: Actuator/Sensor Enhancement for Therapeutic Effect
• Enabling Description: A smart attachment for the percussive therapy device focusing on exfoliation. The attachment features a textured, interchangeable exfoliating head made of medical-grade silicone carbide micro-abrasives. Embedded within the attachment are micro-vibration actuators (e.g., piezoelectric haptic motors) that provide localized haptic feedback to the user based on the force and contact area detected by an integrated array of pressure sensors. This feedback guides the user to apply optimal pressure and motion for effective yet gentle exfoliation, preventing skin irritation. The attachment also includes a humidity sensor to monitor skin moisture levels, and an optical sensor to detect skin redness, providing real-time data to a mobile application for personalized skincare recommendations.

graph TD
    A[Percussive Device Push Rod] --> B[Exfoliation Attachment]
    B -- Interchangeable Head --> C[Textured Exfoliating Surface]
    B -- Pressure Data --> D(Pressure Sensor Array)
    B -- Humidity Data --> E(Humidity Sensor)
    B -- Optical Data --> F(Optical Redness Sensor)
    D --> G(Microcontroller in Attachment)
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G -- Control Signals --> H[Micro-Vibration Actuators]
    G -- Wireless Data (BLE) --> I[Mobile App for Skincare]
    H -- Haptic Feedback --> User
    C -- Exfoliation --> User Skin

---

Derivatives of Independent Claim 11: Method of Providing at Least One Therapeutic Effect

Claim 11 Core Elements: Method includes obtaining device, obtaining attachment, operating device for therapeutic effect. Attachment can obtain data (thermal, blood-oxygen, blood flow, angular/linear position, force). Optional steps: recommendation from data, temperature monitoring/cease instructions, determining/prompting attachment characteristic.

Derivative 11.1: Automated Micro-Needling Protocol with Force-Based Epidermal Penetration Control

• Claim Axis: Operational Parameter Expansion (Precision & Depth)
• Enabling Description: A method for automated micro-needling using a modified percussive therapy device. The attachment is a sterile cartridge containing an array of ultra-fine, medical-grade titanium needles (0.25 mm to 2.0 mm length). The method involves setting a desired epidermal penetration depth. The attachment incorporates a high-resolution force sensor and a linear displacement sensor. During operation, the device's routine controller continuously monitors the force applied and the actual penetration depth. The motor speed and push rod amplitude are dynamically adjusted via a PID control loop to maintain the target penetration depth, compensating for varying skin topography and user pressure. The system provides real-time visual feedback on a connected display, indicating achieved penetration depth and alerting the user if incorrect technique or excessive force is applied, ensuring consistent and safe micro-needling treatment.

graph TD
    A[Start Micro-Needling Protocol] --> B{Set Target Penetration Depth}
    B --> C[Obtain Device & Micro-Needling Attachment]
    C --> D{Apply Attachment to Skin}
    D -- Force & Displacement Data --> E(Routine Controller: PID Loop)
    E -- Adjust Motor/Amplitude --> F[Percussive Device Actuator]
    F --> G[Micro-Needling Attachment Penetrates Skin]
    G -- Real-time Depth --> E
    E --> H{Check Target Depth Met?}
    H -- Yes --> I[Provide Visual Feedback (Display)]
    H -- No --> J[Adjust/Alert User]
    I --> D
    J --> D
    D --> K{End Protocol?}
    K -- Yes --> L[Cease Operation]
    K -- No --> D

Derivative 11.2: Personalized Lymphatic Drainage Protocol Driven by Bioimpedance Data

• Claim Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech (IoT sensors, AI-driven optimization)
• Enabling Description: This method utilizes an attachment with embedded bioimpedance sensors to measure localized fluid retention (edema) in a user's lymphatic system. Before initiating a lymphatic drainage protocol, the system performs a baseline bioimpedance scan of the target body area. During the percussive therapy, which provides a gentle, oscillating percussive effect (low force, high frequency), the bioimpedance data is continuously monitored. A machine learning algorithm, running on a remote device, analyzes changes in bioimpedance, identifying areas of stagnation and monitoring the effectiveness of the drainage. The algorithm then dynamically adjusts the percussive patterns (e.g., specific pulse sequences, direction of motion via prompts, localized pressure adjustments) and recommends movement to the next area when optimal lymphatic flow is detected, providing a personalized and highly effective drainage treatment.

sequenceDiagram
    participant U as User
    participant D as Percussive Device
    participant A as Attachment (Bioimpedance Sensor)
    participant M as Mobile App / Control Unit
    participant AI as AI/ML Algorithm (Cloud/Edge)

    U->>M: Select Lymphatic Drainage Protocol
    M->>D: Initiate Baseline Scan
    D->>A: Apply Attachment for Scan
    A->>M: Send Bioimpedance Data
    M->>AI: Send Baseline Data
    AI-->>M: Ready for Protocol
    U->>D: Start Treatment
    loop During Treatment
        D->>A: Apply Percussion
        A->>M: Send Real-time Bioimpedance Data
        M->>AI: Stream Data for Analysis
        AI-->>M: Optimized Protocol Adjustments / Next Area Prompt
        M->>D: Update Percussion Parameters / User Instructions
    end
    U->>M: End Treatment

Derivative 11.3: Real-time Force Feedback for Rehabilitative Exercise Guidance in VR/AR Environments

• Claim Axis: Cross-Domain Application (Rehabilitation/Gaming)
• Enabling Description: A method for providing guided rehabilitative exercise using the percussive therapy device within a virtual or augmented reality environment. The attachment includes a force meter and a 6-axis IMU (gyroscope and accelerometer). As the user applies the percussive device to their body, the force magnitude data, angular position data, and linear position data are captured in real-time and streamed to a VR/AR headset. The VR/AR application overlays a virtual representation of the device and the user's body, showing a "target zone" and "target force" visually. Haptic feedback (e.g., vibrations in the VR controllers or the percussive device itself) and auditory cues guide the user to maintain correct pressure and movement trajectory within the virtual environment, ensuring proper execution of rehabilitation exercises and providing an immersive, interactive therapeutic experience.

graph TD
    A[User with VR/AR Headset] --> B{Percussive Device with Smart Attachment}
    B -- Force Data --> C(Force Meter)
    B -- Angular/Linear Position --> D(6-axis IMU)
    C --> E(Wireless Communication Module)
    D --> E
    E -- Stream Data (Low Latency) --> F[VR/AR Headset Processor]
    F -- Render Visuals/Haptics --> G[VR/AR Display & Haptic Feedback]
    G --> A
    F -- Process Data / Protocol Check --> H(Rehab Protocol Engine)
    H -- Feedback Loop --> F
    H -- Instructions/Guidance --> A

Derivative 11.4: Pre-cooling/Heating for Performance Enhancement with Automated Temperature Hold

• Claim Axis: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode (Temperature Control)
• Enabling Description: A method for preparing a user's body part for exercise by achieving and maintaining a precise target temperature using an attachment with an integrated Peltier-effect heating/cooling element and a thermal sensor. The protocol defines a pre-exercise target temperature (e.g., 38°C for warming, 15°C for cooling). The therapeutic effect (heating or cooling) is provided, and the thermal sensor continuously monitors the skin surface temperature. Once the predetermined temperature is reached, the routine controller transitions to a "temperature hold" mode, where it dynamically modulates the power to the Peltier element to maintain the target temperature within a narrow tolerance (e.g., +/- 0.5°C) for a specified duration, providing an optimal physiological state for performance or recovery. If the attachment loses contact with the skin, it defaults to a safe, low-power standby mode, preventing extreme temperature excursions.

stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Idle
    Idle --> StartProtocol: User Initiates
    StartProtocol --> TempAdjust: Target Temp Set
    TempAdjust --> Monitoring: Device Applied
    Monitoring --> TempAdjust: Not at Target Temp
    Monitoring --> TempHold: Target Temp Reached
    TempHold --> Monitoring: Temp Drifts
    TempHold --> LowPowerStandby: Contact Lost
    LowPowerStandby --> Monitoring: Contact Reestablished
    TempHold --> Idle: Protocol Complete
    LowPowerStandby --> Idle: User Terminates
    TempAdjust --> LowPowerStandby: Contact Lost

Derivative 11.5: Adaptive Percussion for Scar Tissue Remodeling with Visual Biofeedback

• Claim Axis: Material & Component Substitution (Sensory feedback)
• Enabling Description: This method employs a percussive therapy device with an attachment designed for scar tissue remodeling. The attachment features a compliant, textured surface and incorporates an array of micro-force sensors and a high-frequency ultrasound transducer. As the device is operated, the ultrasound transducer generates real-time, localized elastography data, providing a visual representation of scar tissue stiffness and elasticity on a connected display. The micro-force sensors provide detailed pressure distribution. Based on this biofeedback, the system, via its routine controller, adaptively modifies the percussive parameters (e.g., varying frequency, amplitude, and specific impact patterns) to optimize mechanical stimulation for collagen breakdown and remodeling, while guiding the user with visual cues on the display to apply appropriate pressure and movement across the scar, ensuring even and effective treatment.

graph TD
    A[Start Scar Remodeling Protocol] --> B{Apply Attachment to Scar}
    B -- Pressure Distribution --> C(Micro-Force Sensor Array)
    B -- Tissue Stiffness/Elasticity --> D(Ultrasound Transducer: Elastography)
    C --> E(Routine Controller: Adaptive Percussion Engine)
    D --> E
    E -- Real-time Biofeedback --> F[Connected Display: Visualizing Scar Data]
    E -- Adjust Percussion Parameters --> G[Percussive Device Actuator]
    G --> B
    F -- User Guidance --> H[User]
    H --> B
    B --> I{Protocol Complete / Scar Remodeled?}
    I -- Yes --> J[Cease Operation]
    I -- No --> B

---

Derivatives of Independent Claim 18: Percussive Therapy System with Routine Controller (Thermal Protocol)

Claim 18 Core Elements: System with device (housing, electrical source, motor, switch, reciprocating push rod assembly) and attachment. Includes a routine controller to initiate a protocol providing user instructions to apply attachment until a thermal sensor senses predetermined temperature.

Derivative 18.1: Hypothermia Induction System with Smart Attachment and Predictive Thermal Modeling

• Claim Axis: Operational Parameter Expansion (Extreme Temperature, Predictive Control)
• Enabling Description: This percussive therapy system is designed for controlled localized hypothermia induction (e.g., for injury management or neurological protection) using a smart attachment with a high-capacity Peltier-effect cooling actuator and multiple embedded thermal sensors (e.g., thermistors, RTDs). The routine controller incorporates a predictive thermal modeling algorithm that considers tissue properties, blood flow, and environmental factors. The protocol instructs the user to apply the attachment, and the system actively cools the body part while monitoring its temperature and predicting its thermal response. The cooling ceases when the predictive model confirms that the body part will reach and sustain a predetermined target hypothermic temperature (e.g., 10-20°C) even after device removal, optimizing cooling efficiency and preventing over-cooling. User instructions are given to maintain the attachment until the predicted steady state is achieved.

stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Idle
    Idle --> StartCoolingProtocol: User Initiates
    StartCoolingProtocol --> InitialCooling: Target Hypothermia Set
    InitialCooling --> MonitoringAndPredicting: Attachment Applied
    MonitoringAndPredicting --> CoolingActive: Predicted Temp Not Reached
    CoolingActive --> CoolingActive: Adjust Peltier Power
    CoolingActive --> HoldState: Predicted Temp Reached
    HoldState --> UserInstruction: Remove Device After Hold
    UserInstruction --> Idle: Protocol Complete
    CoolingActive --> SafeShutdown: Abnormal Temp/Contact Loss
    HoldState --> SafeShutdown: Abnormal Temp/Contact Loss

Derivative 18.2: Biofeedback-Controlled Aroma-Therapeutic Percussive System for Stress Reduction

• Claim Axis: Cross-Domain Application (Wellness/Aromatherapy)
• Enabling Description: A percussive therapy system for stress reduction, where the attachment integrates both a thermal sensor and a micro-nebulizer for localized aroma diffusion. The routine controller is programmed with protocols that initiate percussive therapy (low frequency, gentle force) combined with timed release of essential oils (e.g., lavender for relaxation). The thermal sensor monitors skin temperature, and if a sustained elevated temperature (indicating stress or inflammation) is detected above a predetermined threshold, the system automatically increases the nebulizer's output of calming aromas and adjusts the percussive pattern to a slower, more soothing rhythm. The system provides user instructions via a connected app to guide application to stress points, stopping when skin temperature normalizes.

flowchart TD
    A[User Selects Stress Reduction Protocol] --> B(Percussive Device)
    B --> C[Smart Attachment: Thermal Sensor, Micro-Nebulizer]
    C -- Skin Temp Data --> D(Routine Controller)
    C -- Aroma Diffusion --> E[Aromatics]
    D -- Percussion Control --> F[Motor/Push Rod Assembly]
    F --> C
    D -- If Temp > Threshold --> G{Increase Aroma Output}
    D -- If Temp > Threshold --> H{Adjust Percussion Rhythm (Slower)}
    G --> E
    H --> F
    D -- User Instructions (App) --> I[Mobile Application]
    C -- Therapeutic Effect --> J[User]
    J --> D
    D --> K{Skin Temp Normalized?}
    K -- Yes --> L[Cease Operation]
    K -- No --> D

Derivative 18.3: Percussive Therapy Device with AI-Driven Haptic Prompts and Thermal Safety Override

• Claim Axis: Integration with Emerging Tech (AI-driven optimization, IoT sensors) & The "Inverse" (Failure Mode)
• Enabling Description: This system features an advanced routine controller with an embedded AI inference engine. The attachment includes a thermal sensor and an array of haptic feedback actuators. Protocols are dynamically optimized by the AI based on continuous thermal data from the user's skin (temperature, rate of change), force data, and accelerometer data (movement patterns). The AI generates real-time haptic prompts (e.g., varying vibration patterns on the handle or attachment) to guide the user on optimal force, speed, and area coverage. Crucially, the system includes a "thermal safety override" feature: if the thermal sensor detects a rapid, uncontrolled temperature increase or exceeds a critical threshold (e.g., 45°C) that could indicate skin damage, the AI immediately overrides the active protocol, initiates a cooling sequence (if the attachment has a cooling actuator), reduces percussive intensity to zero, and provides an urgent audible and haptic alert to the user to cease application to that area.

graph TD
    A[User] --> B(Percussive Therapy Device)
    B --> C[Smart Attachment: Thermal Sensor, Force Sensor, Accelerometer, Haptic Actuators]
    C -- Sensor Data (Thermal, Force, Motion) --> D(Routine Controller with AI Engine)
    D -- AI Analysis / Protocol Optimization --> E[Optimized Percussion Parameters]
    D -- AI Analysis / Protocol Optimization --> F[Haptic Prompt Commands]
    E --> B
    F --> C
    C -- Percussion & Haptic Feedback --> A
    D -- Thermal Safety Override (If Temp Critical) --> G{Emergency Shutdown / Cooling}
    G --> B
    G --> C
    G --> H[Audible/Haptic Alert]
    H --> A

---

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

These scenarios describe the combination of US12396919 with existing open-source standards, thereby establishing prior art for integrations that might otherwise be claimed as novel.

1. US12396919 + MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) Standard for IoT Data Streaming:

   • Enabling Description: The percussive therapy system described in US12396919, particularly embodiments involving various sensors (thermal, blood-oxygen, blood flow, angular/linear position, force magnitude), is configured to leverage the MQTT open-source protocol for efficient and lightweight data transmission. The device's wireless communication module (e.g., wireless control unit 710 as per FIG. 2, or attachment module 520) acts as an MQTT client, publishing sensor data payloads (e.g., JSON objects containing timestamp, deviceID, attachmentID, sensorType, value, unit) to a centralized MQTT broker. This broker can reside on a local network hub or a cloud platform. The data is then subscribed to by a remote device (e.g., mobile application, clinician's workstation) or an analytics platform for real-time monitoring, protocol optimization, or long-term health tracking. Standard MQTT topics (e.g., therabody/device/{deviceID}/telemetry, therabody/device/{deviceID}/commands) are used for structured communication, enabling scalable integration with existing IoT infrastructure. This allows for reliable communication even over unreliable networks and provides a standardized way to integrate device data into larger health and wellness ecosystems.
   • Open-Source Standard: MQTT v3.1.1 or v5.0 (OASIS Standard).
   • Relevance: The patent describes various sensors and wireless communication. Combining this with a widely adopted open-source IoT messaging standard for data streaming makes any future claims about "IoT integration" or "cloud connectivity" via MQTT obvious.

2. US12396919 + Open-Source Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Profiles (e.g., Cycling Power Profile, Heart Rate Profile) for Biometric Data Exchange:

   • Enabling Description: The percussive therapy device and its smart attachments described in US12396919 are adapted to communicate biometric and operational data using established open-source Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) profiles. For instance, if the attachment or device includes a heart rate sensor (e.g., heart rate sensor 437 in FIG. 34), it can implement the standard BLE Heart Rate Profile (HRP) to broadcast heart rate data to any compatible BLE central device (e.g., fitness trackers, smartphones). Similarly, for force magnitude data from an integrated force meter, a custom GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) service can be defined, or existing profiles like the Cycling Power Profile (CPP) can be adapted to broadcast force-related metrics. The device's wireless control unit 710 (FIG. 2) or the attachment module's wireless communication module 532 would be configured to host these GATT services, allowing any standard BLE-enabled application or device to discover, connect to, and interpret the streamed data without requiring proprietary software. This interoperability significantly expands the device's utility within the broader health and fitness ecosystem.
   • Open-Source Standard: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Core Specification v5.0+, specifically Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) and adopted profiles like Heart Rate Profile (HRP) or custom GATT services based on SIG-defined service and characteristic UUIDs.
   • Relevance: The patent explicitly mentions heart rate sensors and wireless communication (Bluetooth). Specifying the use of open-source BLE profiles for standardized data exchange renders such future claims obvious, especially concerning interoperability with other consumer health devices.

3. US12396919 + ROS (Robot Operating System) for Robotic/Automated Percussive Therapy Integration:

   • Enabling Description: For advanced applications involving robotic automation of percussive therapy, the percussive therapy device detailed in US12396919 (e.g., device 457) is integrated into a Robot Operating System (ROS) framework. The device's internal microcontroller or a dedicated interface module publishes sensor data (e.g., force magnitude, thermal data, angular/linear position from gyroscope 516 and accelerometer 518) as ROS topics (e.g., /percussor/force, /percussor/temperature, /percussor/pose). Control commands for the motor (speed, amplitude) and attachment actuators (heating/cooling, vibration) are subscribed from other ROS nodes (e.g., a robotic arm controller, a perception node, a planning node) as ROS messages. This allows a robotic arm to precisely manipulate the percussive device, executing complex therapy protocols with automated path planning, adaptive force control, and real-time sensory feedback within a robust and extensible robotics software environment. This framework enables modular development of sophisticated robotic therapy applications without rebuilding core communication layers.
   • Open-Source Standard: Robot Operating System (ROS) Noetic or later.
   • Relevance: The patent discusses angular and linear position sensors, and the potential for automated routines. Integrating such a device into a widely used open-source robotics framework like ROS makes claims around robotic control, automated therapy, or adaptive positioning systems obvious.