# US 10,118,062 B2 · Exercise apparatus and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,118,062 B2 - Document ID: US10118062B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/403,934 - Filed: 2017-01-11 - Published: 2018-07-12 - Granted: 2018-11-06 - Earliest claimed: 2017-01-11 - Applicants: Kristopher Barr - Inventors: Kristopher Barr - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10118062B2 ## CPC - A63B 5/00: Apparatus for jumping (mats for jumping A63B6/00; for racing or riding sports, e.g. hurdles A63K) - A63B 5/22: Foot obstacles for skipping {, e.g. horizontally-rotating obstacles} - A63B 69/0057: {Means for physically limiting movements of body parts (A63B23/0211 takes precedence)} - A63B 71/06: Indicating or scoring devices for games or players {, or for other sports activities} - A63B 17/00: Exercising apparatus combining several parts such as ladders, rods, beams, slides - A63B 23/1236: {Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement} - A63B 2210/50: Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract An apparatus for exercise use, which is easy to carry, fold up, and that can be used in methods, which include workout programs to help people improve athletic performance and promote weight loss. The apparatus may include first and second U-shaped members, and first and second attachment devices, which connect first and second ends of the first and second U-shaped members, such that first U-shaped member and the second U-shaped member form a substantially rectangular shape when the apparatus is placed in an unfolded and flat state on a ground surface, and the apparatus can be placed in a folded state in which the first U-shaped member sits on top of and is substantially aligned with the second U-shaped member. The apparatus may further include first and second straps, which form a plus sign, and which together with the U-shaped members may form four substantially rectangular openings. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus comprising: a first U-shaped member; a second U-shaped member; a first attachment device; and a second attachment device; wherein the first attachment device connects a first end of the first U-shaped member to a first end of the second U-shaped member, and the second attachment device connects a second end of the first U-shaped member to a second end of the second U-shaped member, such that the first U-shaped member and the second U-shaped member form a substantially rectangular shape when the apparatus is placed in an unfolded and flat state on a ground surface, and such that the apparatus is configured to be placed in a folded state in which the first U-shaped member sits on top of and is substantially aligned with the second U-shaped member; further comprising: a first strap having a first end and a second end; and wherein the first end of the first strap is connected to the first attachment device, and the second end of the first strap is connected to the second attachment device, such that when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state on the ground surface, the first strap substantially bisects the rectangular shape; and further comprising: a second strap having a first end and a second end; and wherein the first end of the second strap is connected substantially to a midpoint of a bottom of the first U-shaped member, and the second end of the second strap is connected substantially to a midpoint of a bottom of the second U-shaped member, such that when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state on the ground surface, the second strap substantially bisects the rectangular shape, and the second strap is substantially perpendicular to the first strap. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second straps, and the first and second U-shaped members, when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state, form four substantially rectangular openings. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the four substantially rectangular openings are approximately thirteen and a half by eleven and one half inches, is configured to permit a person's foot to step into any one of the four substantially rectangular openings when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state, without touching the apparatus. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first strap and the second strap are connected substantially at a midpoint of the first strap and a midpoint of the second strap, such that the midpoints of the first and second straps, substantially overlap when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state on the ground surface. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third attachment device is comprised of hooks and a fourth attachment device is comprised of loops which mate and connect with the hooks of the third attachment device to attach the third attachment device to the fourth attachment device. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third attachment device is comprised of either hooks or loops and a fourth attachment device is comprised of loops or hooks which mate and connect with the hooks or loops of the third attachment device to attach the third attachment device to the fourth attachment device; and wherein a fifth attachment device is comprised of either hooks or loops and a sixth attachment device is comprised of either loops or hooks which mate and connect with the hooks or loops of the fifth attachment device to attach the sixth attachment device to the fifth attachment device. ### Claim 7 A method comprising the steps of: placing an apparatus in an unfolded and flat state; wherein the apparatus includes: a first U-shaped member; a second U-shaped member; a first attachment device; and a second attachment device; and wherein the first attachment device connects a first end of the first U-shaped member to a first end of the second U-shaped member, and the second attachment device connects a second end of the first U-shaped member to a second end of the second U-shaped member, such that first U-shaped member and the second U-shaped member form a substantially rectangular shape when the apparatus is placed in the unfolded and flat state on a ground surface, and such that the apparatus is configured to be placed in a folded state in which the first U-shaped member sits on top of and is substantially aligned with the second U-shaped member; wherein the apparatus includes a first strap having a first end and a second end; and wherein the first end of the first strap is connected to the first attachment device, and the second end of the first strap is connected to the second attachment device, such that when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state on the ground surface, the first strap substantially bisects the rectangular shape; wherein the apparatus includes a second strap having a first end and a second end; and wherein the first end of the second strap is connected substantially to a midpoint of a bottom of the first U-shaped member, and the second end of the second strap is connected substantially to a midpoint of a bottom of the second U-shaped member, such that when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state on the ground surface, the second strap substantially bisects the rectangular shape, and the second strap is substantially perpendicular to the first strap. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 further comprising placing the apparatus in a state such that a leg of the first U-shaped member and a leg of the second U-shaped member along with the ground surface substantially form a triangular shape. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 wherein the first and second straps, and the first and second U-shaped members, when the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state, form four substantially rectangular openings; and the method further comprising stepping into and out of one or more of the substantially rectangular openings, while the apparatus is in the unfolded and flat state. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7 further comprising placing the apparatus in a state such that a leg of the first U-shaped member and a leg of the second U-shaped member along with the ground surface substantially form a triangular shape; and stepping over the first strap, while the apparatus is in the state such that the leg of the first U-shaped member and the leg of the second U-shaped member along with the ground surface substantially form the triangular shape.