What is the serial number of the design patent owned by Stretch Zone for the Strap Attachment Apparatus?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We own the following approved and registered patent that is material to the Franchise Business.
Design Patent - Serial Number US 10,238,525 B2 filed on September 9, 2015 and approved on March 26th, 2019 for a Strap Attachment Apparatus for a table comprising a strap attachment apparatus for a treatment table including a spanning belt formed of flexible material secured across opposite sides of said table with a pair of anchors connected at opposite ends of the spanning belt for attachment to the table. The anchors include body strap retainers that support at least one body strap. The body strap is movable on the retainers to adjust the position of the straps to fit a person on the treatment table while the anchors remain fixed to the table. The patent term is for 15 years from the date of filing.
You must use the patent in accordance with the terms of the Franchise Agreement. If we develop any other patents material to the Franchise Business, we reserve the right to license them to you subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 14 — ITEM -14 PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 60–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Stretch Zone's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company owns a design patent for a Strap Attachment Apparatus, which is material to the franchise business. The serial number for this patent is US 10,238,525 B2. The patent was filed on September 9, 2015, and approved on March 26th, 2019. The patent covers a table with a strap attachment apparatus, including a spanning belt made of flexible material secured across opposite sides of the table, with anchors connected at the ends of the belt for attachment to the table. The anchors include body strap retainers that support at least one body strap, which is adjustable to fit a person on the treatment table while the anchors remain fixed. The patent term is for 15 years from the filing date.
As a Stretch Zone franchisee, you are required to use this patent in accordance with the terms outlined in the Franchise Agreement. Stretch Zone retains the right to license any other patents material to the franchise business to you, also subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement. This means that the franchisee must adhere to the specific guidelines and restrictions regarding the use of the patented Strap Attachment Apparatus to avoid any potential legal issues or breaches of contract.
The fact that Stretch Zone owns a design patent for this equipment indicates a level of proprietary technology and differentiation in the assisted stretching market. This could be a selling point for potential franchisees, as it suggests a unique and potentially more effective method compared to competitors. However, franchisees should carefully review the Franchise Agreement to fully understand the scope of permitted use and any limitations associated with the patent.
Prospective franchisees should also inquire about any pending patents or patent applications that Stretch Zone may have, as these could further enhance the value and competitive advantage of the franchise in the future. Understanding the intellectual property landscape is crucial for making an informed decision about investing in a Stretch Zone franchise.