# US 11,992,743 B2 · Exercise apparatus and methods of storing same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,992,743 B2 - Document ID: US11992743B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/836,178 - Filed: 2022-06-09 - Published: 2023-12-14 - Granted: 2024-05-28 - Earliest claimed: 2022-06-09 - Assignees: Expectations, LLC - Applicants: Expectations, LLC - Inventors: Nicholas M. Soller; Christopher H. Leier; Darrin M. Swagel - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11992743B2 ## CPC - A63B 23/0211: {moving torso with immobilized lower limbs} - A63B 71/0036: {Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment (A63B47/00, A63B55/00, A63B60/56 take precedence)} - A63B 21/00047: {Exercising devices not moving during use (benches A63B21/4029; isometric exercising devices A63B21/0023; step exercisers A63B23/0458; walk exercisers A63B23/0464)} - A63B 21/068: using user's body weight - A63B 23/0205: {Abdomen} - A63B 23/0233: {Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch} - 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 A method of storing an exercise apparatus by moving the exercise apparatus from an apparatus use position into an apparatus storage position comprises releasing a mast relative to a frame and moving the mast from an upward, mast use position to a downward, mast storage position proximate the frame positioned on a support surface. The method can also include releasing a post relative to the mast from a post use position to a post storage position, and/or releasing a handle relative to the frame and moving the handle from a handle use position to a handle storage position proximate the frame. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of storing an exercise apparatus by moving the exercise apparatus from an apparatus use position into an apparatus storage position, comprising: releasing a mast relative to a frame and moving the mast from an upward, mast use position to a downward, mast storage position proximate the frame positioned on a support surface; and releasing a post relative to the mast from a post use position to a post storage position, wherein after the post is released the post is moved outward and then pivoted. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising releasing a handle relative to the frame and moving the handle from a handle use position to a handle storage position proximate the frame. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a leg supported by the support surface and the handle is positioned proximate the leg in the handle storage position. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, wherein the handle is released by pushing a detent assembly to disengage a bracket. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2, further comprising loosening a de-rattler knob operatively connected to the handle. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein a lap pad assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the mast and is positioned proximate the frame in the mast storage position. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a leg supported by the support surface and the mast is positioned proximate the leg in the mast storage position. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the mast is released by moving a mast spring plunger out of engagement with the mast. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein after the mast is released the mast is moved in an upward direction and then pivoted downward. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein a lap pad assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the mast and is positioned proximate the frame in the mast storage position, and wherein a bolster pad assembly is operatively connected to the post and is positioned proximate the lap pad assembly in the post storage position. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the post is released by moving a post spring plunger out of engagement with the post. ### Claim 12 A method of storing an exercise apparatus by moving the exercise apparatus from a use position into a storage position, comprising: releasing a mast relative to a frame and moving the mast from an upward, mast use position to a downward, mast storage position proximate the frame positioned on a support surface; releasing a post relative to the mast from a post use position to a post storage position, wherein the post is released by moving a mast spring plunger out of engagement with the mast, and wherein after the post is released the post is moved outward and then pivoted; and releasing a handle relative to the frame and moving the handle from a handle use position to a handle storage position proximate the frame. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein a lap pad assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the mast and is positioned proximate the frame in the mast storage position, and wherein the frame includes a leg supported by the support surface and the mast is positioned proximate the leg in the mast storage position. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the mast is released by moving a mast spring plunger out of engagement with the mast, and wherein after the mast is released the mast is moved in an upward direction and then pivoted downward. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the frame includes a leg supported by the support surface and the handle is positioned proximate the leg in the handle storage position. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the handle is released by pushing a detent assembly to disengage a bracket. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, further comprising loosening a de-rattler knob operatively connected to the handle. ### Claim 18 A method of storing an exercise apparatus by moving the exercise apparatus from an apparatus use position into an apparatus storage position, comprising: releasing a mast relative to a frame and moving the mast from an upward, mast use position to a downward, mast storage position proximate the frame positioned on a support surface, wherein the mast is released by moving a mast spring plunger out of a mast aperture and then the mast is moved in an upward direction and then pivoted downward about a mast fastener extending through a mast slot in the mast; and releasing a post relative to the mast from a post use position to a post storage position, wherein after the post is released the post is moved outward and then pivoted proximate the mast and the frame. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein the post is released by moving a post spring plunger out of engagement with the post, and wherein after the post is released the post is moved outward and then pivoted about a post fastener extending through a post slot in the post.