DOOR JAMB EXERCISE SYSTEM

Abstract

The door jamb exercise support member includes an elongated shaft having at least one planar surface, a pair of couplers associated therewith having a size and shape for select engagement with a respective pair of screws that cooperate to flush mount the at least one planar surface to a door jamb, a receiving channel formed from the elongated shaft having a size and shape for select slide-in reception of a bracket, and a pair of concentric locking apertures formed from opposing sides of the elongated shaft and generally aligned with the receiving channel. Upon select insertion of the bracket into the receiving channel, a retaining aperture generally concentrically aligns with each of the pair of concentric locking apertures for select slide-through reception of a locking pin substantially retaining the bracket within the receiving channel by simultaneously engaging the retaining aperture in the bracket and the pair of concentric locking apertures.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a door jamb exercise system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a series of support members that selectively attach to a door jamb in place of a traditional wood or metal door stop, the support members couple to a king stud of the frame of a building to provide support for upwards of 500 lb loads when performing a wide range of exercises all within a traditional doorway.

Popular fitness options include outdoor activities, going to the gym, team sports, etc. While outdoor workouts are typically free and can be a particularly enjoyable way to exercise (e.g., enjoying fresh air), outdoor workouts are subject to weather conditions such as temperature, rain, and/or snow. In this respect, depending on the location, outdoor workouts may be subject to seasonal restrictions, e.g., summer typically provides warmer and sunnier weather conducive for outdoor workouts while winter is typically colder and may be snowy (and not particularly ideal for outdoor workouts). Outdoor workouts are also subject to day-to-day weather conditions, such as rain or snow, regardless of the season. Team sports are likewise typically seasonal and require more coordination among a group of people, and may require payment of fees to team sports organizers or facilities reservations.

Gyms on the other hand may be particularly ideal for individual workouts that require equipment, such as for cardiovascular workouts (e.g., treadmills) or for strength training. In the case of strength training, most gyms provide access to a wide range of free standing workout equipment and/or free weights. Although, most gyms require payment of monthly membership fees to gain access to the workout equipment, which can certainly be costly over time. Moreover, depending on the location, desired gym equipment may not always be readily available as the gym can get particularly crowded during certain times of the day (e.g., immediately before or after work), which can also undesirably slow down the pace of a workout as a result of waiting to use certain equipment. Also, gyms may schedule coordinated workouts or activities during certain times of the day that may not be particularly conducive for certain people to go to the gym. Gyms are also not typically within walking distance, so additional time is needed to drive to and/or from the gym to access the workout equipment. While activities within gyms are typically not affected by outdoor weather conditions, poor road conditions (e.g., snow or ice during winter) can result in decreased participation.

Given the time and expense of gyms, a wide variety of home workout equipment has been developed over the years, including home treadmills, workout systems, and free weights. Even so, home gym equipment designed to provide a wide variety of cardiovascular and/or strength training exercises are often large, bulky, and take up a considerable amount of space within the home, not to mention the equipment can certainly be an eyesore. As such, some may build or dedicate certain rooms as a “home gym”, which may be an overall inefficient use of valuable square footage within the home. Even pull-up bars that attach to the inside of a door sill, which are much smaller and have almost no footprint relative to home gyms or free weights, can undesirably prevent use of the door (e.g., the pull-up bar may block closing the door). Pull-up bars can even damage wood framing if placed under too much weight.

Thus, there is a need in the art for home workout equipment in the form of a door jamb exercise system that includes a support member frame system that securely attaches within the inside of a door frame, and enables a wide range of exercises for a full body workout, all without the unsightliness of large or bulky gym equipment. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment disclosed herein, a door jamb exercise support member may include an elongated shaft (e.g., one that is hollow and made from a 6061 aircraft aluminum material having a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches) having at least one planar surface, a pair of couplers associated with the at least one planar surface having a size and shape for select engagement with a respective pair of screws that cooperate to flush mount the at least one planar surface to a door jamb, a receiving channel formed from the elongated shaft having a size and shape for select slide-in reception of a bracket, and a pair of concentric locking apertures formed from opposing sides of the elongated shaft and generally aligned with the receiving channel, whereby upon select insertion of the bracket into the receiving channel, a retaining aperture formed therein generally concentrically aligns with each of the pair of concentric locking apertures for select slide-through reception of a locking pin substantially retaining the bracket within the receiving channel by simultaneously engaging the retaining aperture in the bracket and the pair of concentric locking apertures.

More specifically, the receiving channel may be centrally positioned within at least an exterior surface of the elongated shaft and may include a width of approximately 0.25 inches and a length of approximately 2 inches. Alternatively, the receiving channel may extend through both the exterior surface and the planar surface of the elongated shaft to provide additional locking support at both the interior and exterior sides of the support member. Moreover, the bracket may be an L-shaped anchor bracket that has a bracket plate positioned relative to an attachment plate about an approximate 90 degree bend. The 90 degree bend may include an approximate 0.5 inch radius soft bend and the L-shaped anchor bracket may have a strength of at least 500 pounds. Here, the attachment plate may couple to an exercise attachment that may include one or more of a U-shaped handle attachment, an angled handle attachment, a ring attachment, an L-shaped handle attachment, or a straight handle attachment. Alternatively or in addition to, the bracket plate may also include a ring attachment outwardly extending therefrom having a size and shape for select attachment to a carabiner coupled to an elastic band, a cannonball, or a T-bar.

In another aspect of these embodiments, a pair of external apertures may be formed from an exterior surface of the elongated shaft and be respectively concentrically aligned with the pair of couplers that include a pair of internal apertures formed from the at least one planar surface. As such, the pair of screws (e.g., a pair of lag screws or the like) having a head relatively smaller than the pair of external apertures yet larger than the pair of internal apertures are allowed to extend through the elongated shaft to place a forward pressure on a surface opposite the planar surface for flush engagement with the door jamb. A pair of caps having a size and shape for select slide-in engagement with the pair of external apertures may hide the lag screws thereunder to provide a more finished look akin to a traditional door stop.

In another embodiment, a door jamb exercise system may include a set of support members each having at least one planar surface for flush mounting to a door jamb by way of a lag screw having a length extendable into at least a portion of a king stud of a doorframe when the respective set of support members are attached thereto. At least one lock channel may be formed in each of the set of support members, wherein opposing support members designed for attachment to a left side vertical door jamb and a right side vertical door jamb may include reciprocally located lock channels. Moreover, each of the lock channels may be inwardly facing such that, when coupled to the door jamb, each of the set of support members appear completely integrated within the doorframe as a conventional door stop for use with a door mounted therein while at the same time doubling as an in-home exercise system supporting at least 500 pounds of exercise force.

More specifically, the set of support members may include a header support member, a left side vertical support member configured for attachment to the left side vertical door jamb, and a right side vertical support member configured for attachment to the right side vertical door jamb. Each of the support members may further have a generally elongated and hollow shaft having a substantially rectangular cross-section approximately one inch deep by two inches wide. The left side vertical support member and the right side vertical support member may be formed from multiple smaller support members that interlock together into a longer support member commensurate in size with the height of the left side vertical door jamb and/or the height of the right side vertical door jamb.

The lock channels formed in each of the set of support members may be of a universal size, namely a size and shape for selectively receiving a universally sized anchor bracket coupled to more or more exercise attachments. The anchor bracket may more specifically include a bracket plate having a central retaining aperture that seats within an interior of the respective support member through the lock channel for concentric alignment with a pair of sidewall apertures formed within opposing sidewalls of the support member. The bracket plate may be of a length commensurate with a length of the lock channel to substantially prevent side-to-side movement when located therein. Moreover, when seated within the lock channel, a shoulder surface of the bracket plate that includes an approximately 90 degree bend may at least partially rest on a top surface of the support member to provide multi-point engagement of the bracket plate with the support member.

In another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, a process for installing an exercise system within a door jamb may include steps for aligning a header support member including at least one connector for selectively coupling to an exercise attachment along a header door jamb, securing the header support member along the header door jamb, positioning at least one vertical support member with respect to a left side vertical door jamb or a right side vertical door jamb, and affixing the at least one vertical support member to at least one of the left side vertical door jamb or the right side vertical door jamb, wherein the header support member and the at least one vertical support member have a width approximately that of a conventional door stop to accommodate normal usage of a door therein after installation of the exercise system.

More specifically, the at least one vertical support member may include at least one connector having a size and shape commensurate with that of the at least one connector of the header support member, for selectively coupling to the exercise attachment. Here, the process may include steps for sliding an angle bracket of the exercise attachment into the connector comprising a channel, and locking the angle bracket within the channel to the header support member or the vertical support member with a detent pin. In this embodiment, the locking step may include the step of inserting the detent pin through a pair of sidewall apertures formed from opposing sides of the respective support member and a retaining aperture in the angle bracket concentrically aligned with the pair of sidewall apertures. Moreover, the securing and the affixing steps may include the step of screwing the header support member and the at least one vertical support member to the door jamb with a pair of lag screws having a length extending at least partially into a king stud.

Alternatively, the process may include steps for separating a header door stop, a left side vertical door stop, and a right side vertical door stop from the door jamb and disconnecting the header door stop, the left side vertical door stop, and the right side vertical door stop out from engagement the respective door jamb. The separating step may further include driving a wedge between the respective door jamb and each of the header door stop, the left side vertical door stop, and the right side vertical door stop with a combination of a wedge and a screwdriver, a claw of a hammer, or a crowbar.

In another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, the door jamb exercise system may include a header support member, a left side vertical support member, and a right side vertical support member that cooperate to replace a traditional wood door stop and to provide a doorway exercise system. Each of the support members may attach to the frame of the building by a series of lag screws that couple to internally located king studs. Moreover, the support members may each include one or more receiving channels having a universal size and/or shape to selectively receive and retain an angle bracket coupled to one or more attachments for use in performing exercises with the door jamb exercise system.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process for installing one embodiment of a door jamb exercise system as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective view illustrating separating a left side vertical door stop from a left side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating separating a header door stop from a header door jamb;

FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view illustrating removing the left side vertical door stop from the left side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 5 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating partial removal of the left side vertical door stop from the left side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 6 is an environmental perspective view illustrating removing the header door stop from the header door jamb;

FIG. 7 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 6, illustrating partial removal of the header door stop;

FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIGS. 6-7, illustrating further partial removal of the header door stop;

FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIGS. 6-8, illustrating complete removal of the header door stop from the header door jamb;

FIG. 10 is an environmental perspective view illustrating removing a right side vertical door stop from a right side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 11 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 10, illustrating partial removal of the right side vertical door stop from the right side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 12 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIGS. 10-11, illustrating further partial removal of the right side vertical door stop;

FIG. 13 is an environmental perspective view illustrating locating a header support member along the header door jamb;

FIGS. 14-17 are environmental perspective views illustrating screwing the header support member into the header door jamb;

FIG. 18 is an environmental perspective view illustrating screwing a left side vertical support member into the left side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 19 is an environmental perspective view illustrating screwing a right side vertical support member into the right side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 20 is an environmental perspective view illustrating the header support member, the left side vertical support member, and the right side vertical support member screwed into the respective header door jamb, the left side vertical door jamb, and the right side vertical door jamb;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of one of the header support member, the left side vertical support member, or the right side vertical support member having a plurality of receiving channels and mounting apertures therein;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view the support member of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 21, further illustrating a detent pin and a ring attachment in exploded relation relative thereto;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the detent pin and the ring attachment in exploded relation relative to one another;

FIG. 25 is front perspective view illustrating engagement of a U-shaped handle attachment with one of the receiving channels in the support member, and locked thereto by the detent pin;

FIG. 26 is another front perspective view similar to FIG. 25, further illustrating locking engagement of the U-shaped handle attachment with the receiving channel of the support member;

FIG. 27 is an open end view of the support member having the U-shaped handle attachment locked thereto, further illustrating extension of an angle bracket welded to the U-shaped handle attachment extending into an interior of the support member and retained therein by the detent pin extending therethrough;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view of a door frame having the door jamb exercise system installed therein;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged diagrammatic view further illustrating the door frame having the door jamb exercise system installed therein;

FIG. 30A is an enlarged diagrammatic view further illustrating an L-shaped bracket engaged with one of the vertical support members;

FIG. 30B is a right side elevation view of the L-shaped bracket of FIG. 30A;

FIG. 31 is an environmental perspective view of a plurality of caps having a size and shape to seal off the mounting apertures in the support members;

FIG. 32A is a front elevation view of an angled handle attachment for use as part of the door jamb exercise system disclosed herein;

FIG. 32B is a side elevation view of the angled handle attachment of FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom and right sides of the angled handle attachment of FIGS. 32A and 32B;

FIG. 34 is a rear elevation view of the angled handle attachment of FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 33;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the angled handle attachment of FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 33-34;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the top and left sides of the angled handle attachment of FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 33-35;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the top, rear, and left sides of the U-shaped handle attachment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the top and left sides of the U-shaped handle attachment of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the top and front sides of the U-shaped handle attachment of FIGS. 37-38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view illustrating the top and right sides of the U-shaped handle attachment of FIGS. 37-39;

FIG. 41 is an enlarged perspective view of an angle bracket welded to the U-shaped handle attachment;

FIG. 42A is a perspective view of an elastic band having a handle at one end and a carabiner clip coupled to another;

FIG. 42B is a top view of a D-ring for use with the door jamb exercise system disclosed herein;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an elastic band similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 42A, further illustrating a cannonball coupled thereto at one end and a ring attachment coupled thereto at another end;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged perspective view taken about the circle 44 in FIG. 43, further illustrating the cannonball coupled to the elastic band by way of the carabiner;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 43, further illustrating the exercise band coupled to the ring attachment;

FIG. 46 is an enlarged perspective view taken about the circle 46 in FIG. 45, further illustrating the ring attachment coupled to the elastic band about the carabiner;

FIG. 47A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anchor bracket for use as part of the door jamb exercise system disclosed herein;

FIG. 47B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the anchor bracket for use as part of the door jamb exercise system disclosed herein;

FIG. 48A is a bottom plan view of the anchor bracket illustrated in FIG. 47A;

FIG. 48B is a bottom plan view of the alternative anchor bracket illustrated in FIG. FIG. 47B;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view of an L-shaped handle attachment for use as part of the door jamb exercise system disclosed herein;

FIG. 50A is a left side elevation view of the L-shaped handle attachment of FIG. 49;

FIG. 50B is a bottom plan view illustrating the detent pin in exploded relation relative to the L-shaped handle attachment;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom, rear, and left sides of the L-shaped handle attachment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom, rear, and right sides of the L-shaped handle attachment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom and right sides of the L-shaped handle attachment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom, front, and left sides of the L-shaped handle attachment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom, rear, and left sides of the L-shaped handle attachment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating an L-shaped handle attachment having a detent pin extending through a mounting aperture within the angle bracket welded thereto;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating the rear, bottom and left sides of a straight handle attachment for use with the door jamb exercise system as disclosed herein;

FIG. 58 is a left side elevation view of the straight handle attachment of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view illustrating the rear and top sides of the straight handle attachment of FIGS. 57-58;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view illustrating the rear and right sides of the straight handle attachment of FIGS. 57-59;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view illustrating the rear and bottom sides of the straight handle attachment of FIGS. 57-60;

FIG. 62A is a bottom view of the straight handle attachment FIGS. 57-61;

FIG. 62B is a front view of the straight handle attachment FIGS. 57-61;

FIG. 63A is an enlarged bottom view taken about the circle 63A in FIG. 62A, further illustrating the angle bracket welded thereto;

FIG. 63B is an enlarged front view taken about the circle 63B in FIG. 62B, further illustrating the angle bracket welded thereto;

FIG. 64A is a bottom plan view of the ring attachment of FIG. 24 for use with the door jamb exercise system as disclosed herein;

FIG. 64B is a right side elevation view of the ring attachment of FIGS. 24 and 64A;

FIG. 65A is another side elevation view of the straight handle attachment of FIGS. 57-63;

FIG. 65B is a cross-sectional view of the ring attachment taken about the line 65B-65B in FIG. 64A;

FIG. 65C is a top plan view of the ring attachment of FIGS. 24 and 64A and 64B;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view illustrating the front, bottom, and right sides of the ring attachment of FIGS. 24, 64A, 64B, and 65C;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view illustrating the front, top, and left sides of the ring attachment of FIGS. 24, 64A, 64B, 65C, and 66;

FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic front view of a T-bar accessory for use with the door jamb exercise system as disclosed herein;

FIG. 69 is a front elevation view of the T-bar accessory of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is an environmental perspective view illustrating slide-in engagement of the angle bracket of the angled handle attachment with one of the receiving channels in the header support member;

FIG. 71 is an environmental perspective view illustrating locking the angle bracket to the header support member with the detent pin;

FIG. 72 is an environmental perspective view illustrating locking another angled handle attachment to the header support member with another detent pin;

FIG. 73 is an environmental perspective view of the angled handle attachment of FIG. 72 locked to the header support member by the detent pin;

FIG. 74 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing a pull-up with the angled handle attachments of FIGS. 71-73 coupled to the header support member;

FIG. 75 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 74, further illustrating performing a pull-up with the handled handle attachments turned inwardly;

FIG. 76 is an environmental perspective view illustrating inserting the angle bracket welded to the U-shaped handle attachment into the left side vertical support member;

FIG. 77 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing a triceps exercise with the U-shaped handle attachments coupled to the left and right side vertical support members;

FIG. 78 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing a triceps extension with the L-shaped handle attachments coupled to the left and right side vertical support members at a position relatively higher than that illustrated in FIG. 77;

FIG. 79 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 78, further illustrating performing the triceps extension with the L-shaped handle attachments coupled to the left and right side vertical support members;

FIG. 80 is an environmental perspective view illustrating inserting the angle bracket welded to the straight handle attachment into a receiving channel in the left side vertical support member and locking it thereto with the detent pin;

FIG. 81 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing a pushup with the straight handle attachments coupled to the left and right side vertical support members;

FIG. 82 is an environmental perspective view illustrating attaching the carabiner of a sling support to one ring attachment engaged with the header support member;

FIG. 83 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing crunches with a pair of the sling supports coupled to the header support member by a respective pair of the ring attachments;

FIG. 84 is an environmental perspective view illustrating attaching a pair of cannonballs to a respective set of the carabiners coupled to the header support member by way of a pair of the ring attachments;

FIG. 85 is an environmental perspective view illustrating hanging from the pair of cannonballs coupled to the header support member;

FIG. 86 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing a pull-up with the pair of cannonballs;

FIG. 87 is an environmental perspective view illustrating coupling a carabiner at one end of the elastic band to the ring attachment already engaged with the right side vertical support member;

FIG. 88 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing an arm curl with a pair of the elastic bands coupled to the left and right side vertical support members;

FIG. 89 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 88, further illustrating performing the arm curl with the pair of elastic bands;

FIG. 90 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing another arm curl with the T-bar accessory coupled to the left side vertical support member;

FIG. 91 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 90, further illustrating performing the arm curl with the T-bar accessory coupled to the left side vertical support member;

FIG. 92 is an environmental perspective view illustrating locking the ring attachment to the header support member with the detent pin;

FIG. 93 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing a triceps extension using a pair of the elastic bands coupled to the header support member by way of the ring attachment;

FIG. 94 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 93, further illustrating performing the triceps extension with the pair of elastic bands coupled to the header support member;

FIG. 95 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIGS. 93-94, illustrating performing the triceps extension with the T-bar accessory coupled to the header support member;

FIG. 96 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIGS. 93-95, further illustrating performing the triceps extension with the T-bar accessory;

FIG. 97 is an environmental perspective illustrating attaching the T-bar accessory to the carabiner of the elastic band in a reverse configuration;

FIG. 98 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 97, further illustrating the T-bar accessory coupled to the carabiner of the elastic band in the reverse configuration;

FIG. 99 is an environmental perspective view illustrating performing an arm extension with the T-bar accessory in the reverse configuration; and

FIG. 100 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 99, further illustrating performing the arm extension with the T-bar accessory in the reverse configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the exemplary drawings for purposes of illustration, a process for installing a door jamb exercise system (1000) is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-20, the installed door jamb exercise system is generally illustrated in FIGS. 20, 28, 29, 30A, and 70-100 with respect to reference numeral 200, and a sample set of exercises that can be performed therewith are generally illustrated in FIGS. 74-75, 77-79, 81, 83, 85-86, 88-91, and 93-100. Unlike other home gyms, the door jamb exercise system 200 disclosed herein does not require or otherwise impede on any floor or wall space. In this respect, the door jamb exercise system 200 may be usable by those who live in confined spaces (e.g., apartments, condos, relatively small single family homes, etc.) and facilitates easy installation and/or removal. In fact, in most cases, the door jamb exercise system 200 may be designed to integrate within a doorway 202 (best shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 20) in a manner consistent with house aesthetics, thereby decreasing any visual indication that the door jamb exercise system 200 is integrated therewith. As such, the door jamb exercise system 200 blends in and appears as a regular doorway, yet still provides the flexibility to replicate exercises that may otherwise require bulky or cumbersome gym equipment (e.g., equipment that can be an eyesore or otherwise require a separate room, such as a dedicated indoor gym).

In this respect, FIG. 1 is flowchart illustrating a process (1000) for installing the door jamb exercise system 200 within a frame 204 of the doorway 202. The frame 204 is one of the strongest parts of a home, and is considered one of the safest places (e.g., especially during an earthquake or tornado). By fastening the door jamb exercise system 200 to the frame 204, the door jamb exercise system 200 can handle loads over 500 lbs. The first installation step (1002) is to cut the header door stop from the head door jamb and to cut each of the left and right vertical door stops from the respective left and right vertical door jambs. In this respect, FIG. 2 illustrates cutting a left side vertical door stop 206 from a left side vertical door jamb 208 through use of a utility knife 210 or the like. Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates cutting a header door stop 212 from a header door jamb 214 with the utility knife 210, or the like. The same process is then repeated for cutting a right side vertical door stop 216 from a right side vertical door jamb 218 (not shown).

After cutting, the next step (1004) is to separate the header door stop 212, the left side vertical door stop 206, and the right side vertical door stop 216 from each of the respective header door jamb 214, the left side vertical door jamb 208, and the right side vertical door jamb 218, as illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 4-12. Here, a wedge 220 (e.g., a flathead screwdriver or the like) may be aligned with and otherwise inserted between where the door stops 206, 212, 216 contact or otherwise abut the respective door jambs 208, 214, 218 to help separate the door stops 206, 212, 216 from the door jambs 208, 214, 218. In this respect, applying a force to the inserted wedge 220, such as by way of a hammer 222 (FIGS. 4-6 and 10), may help drive the wedge 220 into the space where the door stops 206, 212, 216 contact or otherwise abut the respective door jambs 208, 214, 218. The process of separating the door stops 206, 212, 216 from the respective door jambs 208, 214, 218 may continue along the length or height of the door stops 206, 212, 216 with the wedge 220 until fully separated. Alternatively and/or in addition to, a claw 224 of the hammer 222 (or a similarly shaped device like a crowbar) maybe used to drive a wedge between the door stops 206, 212, 216 and the respective door jambs 208, 214, 218 as illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 7-9 and 11-12.

In one example sequence, FIG. 4 illustrates initially removing the left side vertical door stop 206 from the left side vertical door jamb 208 by pounding in the wedge 220 in between with the hammer 222. The process of using the wedge 220 and the hammer 222 continues along the length thereof, of which FIG. 5 illustrates that the left side vertical door stop 206 is now partially removed from the left side vertical door jamb 208. In a similar instance, FIG. 6 illustrates initial removal of the header door stop 212 from the header door jamb 214 by pounding the wedge 220 in between with the hammer 222. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate progressively pulling the header door stop 212 out from engagement with the header door jamb 214 until complete removal is achieved as illustrated in FIG. 9. A similar process for removing the right side vertical door stop 216 from the right side vertical door jamb 218 is then illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. In effect, by replacing the door stops 206, 212, 216 with the door jamb exercise system 200, it allows use of the doorway 202 and the frame 204 as if the door stops 206, 212, 216 were still in place.

After removing the wood door stops 206, 212, 216 from the existing door jambs 208, 214, 218, the next step (1006) in the process (1000) illustrated in FIG. 1 is to locate a header support member 226 along the header door jamb 214, as illustrated in FIG. 13, for attachment thereto. Once located, the header support member 226 is secured to the header door jamb 214 by way of a set of screws 228 as part of step (1008). Here, in one embodiment, the header support member 226 may attach to the header door jamb 214 with a plurality of 3.125 inch lag screws 228 (FIGS. 14-17). As such, the lag screws 228 are of a size and shape to extend into the body of the header support member 226 through a set of support member apertures 230, 230′. Upon installation, in one embodiment as illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 28, the screws 228 tighten the header support member 226 to the header door jamb 214 and are of a length to extend through a one inch jamb 232, extend through a two inch trimmer 234, and into a two inch thick king stud 236 formed as part of the overall frame 204 of the house. This helps ensure the rigidity of the doorway jamb exercise system 200.

In a similar manner, the next steps and are to locate (1010) and secure (1012) a left side vertical support member 238 and a right side vertical support member 240 along the respective left side vertical door jamb 208 and the right side vertical door jamb 218. The process for doing so is similar to that disclosed above with respect to locating and securing the header support member 226 to the header door jamb 214. Specifically, the 3.125 inch lag screws 228 may secure the left side vertical support member 238 and the right side vertical support member 240 to the respective left side vertical door jamb 208 and the right side vertical door jamb 218 by being drilled into the one inch jamb 232, the two inch trimmer 234, and the two inch thick king stud 236 by way of a set of the support member apertures 230. Like the header support member 226, attaching each of the left side vertical support member 238 and the right side vertical support member 240 to the king stud 236 helps ensure the rigidity of the doorway jamb exercise system 200. As a result, each of the support members 226, 238, 240 essentially couple to the frame 204 by way of the king stud 236, as illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 20 and 28. This, in turn, provides enough strength and stability to withstand up to 500 lb. loads when using the door jamb exercise system 200.

Accordingly, once installed, the door jamb exercise system 200 essentially replaces the door stops 206, 212, 216, i.e., the door jamb exercise system 200 doubles as an in-home exercise system and operates as the actual door stop for continued use of the door as usual. The door jamb exercise system 200 provides complete integration therewith such that the doorway 202 appears substantially the same as if the door stops 206, 212, 216 had not been removed. At this point, the door jamb exercise system has finished installation (1012). To this end, the estimated installation duration may be approximately twenty minutes and may only require use of three common household tools, including the wedge 220, the hammer 222, and a screwdriver 242, such the electric drill illustrated in FIGS. 14-19.

Since each of the support members 226, 238, 240 are designed to replace the wood door stops 208, 212, 216, the support members 226, 238, 240 may be generally rectangular in shape have a cross-section that is approximately one inch deep by two inches wide. Additionally, the left side vertical support member 238 and the right side vertical support member 240 may be approximately 79 inches long (i.e., approximately the height of a standard open doorway 202) and the header support member 226 may be anywhere between 30 inches and 36 inches long, depending on the width of the doorway 202. Although, of course, each of the support members 226, 238, 240 may vary in length, width, height, and thickness depending on the location for installation and/or desired structural integrity. In one example, the left side vertical support member 238 and/or the right side vertical support member 240 may be manufactured and shipped in lengths of approximately 20 inches, 26 inches, or 40 inches, wherein one or more of the support member 238, 240 may interlock to form the desired length (e.g., the aforementioned 79 inches). Moreover, while the embodiments disclosed herein illustrate the door jamb exercise system 200 installed to the frame 204 within the doorway 202, the door jamb exercise system 200 could be installed to other three-sided enclosures, such as hallways or the like. Each of the support members 226, 238, 240 may also be painted to match the color and/or décor of the door frame 204, hallway, etc.

FIGS. 21-27 illustrate one embodiment of the support members 226, 238, 240 for use in assembling the door jamb exercise system 200 disclosed herein. Specifically, in one embodiment, the support members 226, 238, 240 may be made from 6061 aircraft aluminum and include a 0.125 inch thickness. Moreover, the support members 226, 238, 240 may include multiple sets of the support member apertures 230, 230′ formed therein, which may be pre-drilled to facilitate efficient fastening of the support members 226, 238, 240 to the trimmer 234 and the king stud 236. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the support members 226, 238, 240 may include six sets of the support member apertures 230, 230′ in line with one another, each of which may be drilled through a front surface 244 (FIG. 21) and a rear surface 246 (FIG. 22) thereof to provide access for mounting the support members 226, 238, 240 flush with the respective door jamb 208, 214, 218. The size of the support member apertures 230 formed in the front surface 244 have a relatively larger diameter to accommodate pass through reception of the entire lag screw 228, including the shank and larger diameter head. The diameter of the support member apertures 230′ grilled into the rear surface 246 may have a relatively smaller diameter to accommodate pass through reception of the shank portion of the lag screws 228, but not the larger diameter head. This allows the head of the lag screws 228 to place forward pressure in the support members 226, 238, 240 into engagement with the respective door jambs 208, 214, 218 to securely hold the support members 226, 238, 240 to the door jambs 208, 214, 218 after installation. As such, the entire lag screw 228, including the larger diameter head, extend into the body of the support members 226, 238, 240 through the front surface 244 to flush mount the support members 226, 238, 240 to each of the door jams 208, 214, 218 from an interior thereof. The support member apertures 230, 230′ may be offset from each end of the support members 226, 238, 240 by about 2.5 inches, and may be positioned about every 11.5 inches thereafter. Once installed, the outwardly facing support member apertures 230 drilled from the front surface 244 maybe plugged with a cap 248 (FIG. 31) to maintain aesthetics.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 21-27, a series of receiving channels 250, 250′ may be cut from the front surface 244 (FIGS. 21 and 23-26) and/or the rear surface 246 (FIG. 22) to accommodate select reception and engagement of one or more various exercise workout accessories for use with the door jamb exercise system 200. Specifically, in one embodiment, each of the receiving channels 250, 250′ may be approximately 0.25 inches wide by 2 inches long and may be centrally positioned intermittently along the length of the support members 226, 238, 240, such as in between sets of the support member apertures 230, 230′ as illustrated best in FIGS. 21 and 22. In one embodiment, each of the receiving channels 250, 250′ may have the same size and/or shape for universal compatibility with a commonly shaped angle bracket 252 (FIGS. 25-27, 30, 32-41, 49-63, and 65A) in slide-fit engagement therewith. The angle bracket 252 may integrate with various workout accessories for use with the door jamb exercise system 200, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the angle bracket 252 may be made from a metal material and be welded to the respective workout accessory.

In one embodiment in this respect, FIGS. 25-27 and 37-41 illustrate the angle bracket 252 coupled with a U-shaped handle attachment 254. As best illustrated in FIG. 41, e.g., the angle bracket 252 may have an L-shape structure that includes a bracket plate 256 outwardly extending from the U-shaped handle attachment 254 that turns approximately 90 degrees into an attachment plate 258 welded to the U-shaped handle attachment 254. In one embodiment, the 90 degree turn may have a 0.5 inch radius bend such that the turn is not a “hard” turn, but a “soft” turn capable of absorbing a 500 pound (“lb”) or larger load without flexing or bending. Such a bend may also facilitate wedged engagement of the angle bracket 252 with the receiving channel 250 during use as disclosed herein. In this respect, the bracket plate 256 may have a width and thickness approximately that, or somewhat smaller than, the width of the receiving channel 250 (e.g., 2 inches wide by 0.25 inches thick) to facilitate select slide-in reception. With respect to the height, the bracket plate 256 should be no taller than the width of any of the support members 226, 238, 240 to ensure the bracket plate 256 does not extend out from the rear surface 246 thereof, because the rear surface 246 is positioned flush up against the respective door jamb 208, 214, 218 after installation. In some embodiments, the bracket plate 256 may be 1.375 inches tall and include a surface 260 having a central retaining aperture 262 (e.g., 0.25 inches in diameter) bored therein. Moreover, the attachment plate 258 may be approximately 2 inches in height by 1.5 inches wide by 0.25 inches thick. Although, the length, width, height, and thickness of the receiving channel 250 and/or the angle bracket 252 (e.g., the bracket plate 256 and/or the attachment plate 258) may vary depending on the embodiment and/or desired structure and/or use (e.g., maximum allowable load).

Once inserted, a shoulder surface 264 of the angle bracket 252 may rest on the front surface 244 of the respective support member 226, 238, 240 and the bracket plate 256 may extend through the body of the respective support member 226, 238, 240 into which it has been inserted. As such, the bracket plate 256 may reside flush with the rear surface 246 as generally illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 27.

After insertion of the angle bracket 252, the central retaining aperture 262 bored into the bracket plate 256 concentrically aligns with a pair of sidewall apertures 266, 266′ within the respective support member 226, 238, 240. The sidewall apertures 266, 266′ are accessible from both the entry and exit of the doorway 202 and cooperate with the retaining aperture 262 to selectively receive a detent pin 268 (e.g., 3 inches in length). In one embodiment, the detent pin 268 may include a locking ball detent 270 at one end and a removal ring 272 at another end, which helps facilitate insertion and/or removal.

To install, the detent pin 268 first slides through one of the sidewall apertures 266, then through the centrally located retaining aperture 262 in the angle bracket 252 seated within the receiving channel 250, and then out from the second of the sidewall apertures 266′ in the select support member 226, 238, 240. The sidewall apertures 266, 266′ and the retaining aperture 262 are of a size and shape (e.g., 0.25 inches in diameter) to facilitate slide-through reception of the detent pin 268, but not without providing some additional force because the sidewall apertures 266, 266′ and the retaining aperture 262 are somewhat smaller than that of the ball detent 270 that protrudes out from a shaft 274. Here, e.g., the shaft 274 may also be approximately 0.25 inches in diameter, yet be slightly larger in diameter where the ball detect 270 is located. As such, insertion necessarily requires depressing the ball detent 270 into the shaft 274 to pass the detent pin 268 through each of the sidewall apertures 266, 266′ and the retaining aperture 262. In this respect, the ball detent 270 is able to selectively protrude out from or compress into the shaft 274 during installation. This helps prevent return travel once passed through each of the sidewall apertures 266, 266′ and the retaining aperture 262. After passing through the final sidewall aperture 266′, the ball detent 270 again extends or pops back out to effectively lock the detent pin 268 in place. In effect, when fully inserted, the detent pin 268 remains lodged therein by the ball detent 270 so that the detent pin 268 does not simply slide out from engagement therewith without some additional pulling force. Accordingly, to remove, the detent pin 268 includes the aforementioned removal ring 272, which provides convenient handling access for applying the force necessary to depress the ball detent 270 to facilitate removal through each of the sidewall apertures 266, 266′ and the retaining aperture 262.

FIGS. 25-27 illustrate one embodiment wherein the angle bracket 252 welded to one end of the U-shaped handle attachment 254 is inserted within the receiving channel 250 of one of the support members 226, 238, 240. As shown therein, the bracket plate 256 is seats within the receiving channel 260 and extends far enough therein to allow the shoulder surface 264 turned approximately 90 degrees relative thereto to sit or rest on the top surface 244, thereby enhancing surface area engagement therewith. The detent pin 268 extends through the width of the respective support member 226, 238, 240 and out the other side so the ball detent 270 (FIG. 25) can extend or pop back out to prevent inadvertent backsliding of the detent pin 268, as discussed above. As such, when in this configuration, the U-shaped handle attachment 254 (or any other accessory that may be include the angle bracket 252) may be supported by surface area engagement of the shoulder surface 264 of the attachment plate 258 with the front surface 244 of the respective support member 226, 238, 240, by way of side-to-side engagement of the bracket plate 256 within the receiving channels 250, 250′ formed from the front surface 244 and the rear surface 246, and by the shaft 274 now residing within the respective support member 226, 238, 240 and the retaining aperture 262. Thus, when applying a load to an exercise accessory coupled to any one of the respective support member 226, 238, 240 by way of the angle bracket 252 (e.g., when doing pull-ups, pushups, hanging leg lifts, etc.), the angle bracket 252 applies equal pressure to opposite sides of the respective support member 226, 238, 240, thereby creating a more evenly balanced load on the support member system. This, in turn, decreases the fatigue on the detent pin 268 and increases the overall longevity of the door jamb exercise system 200. As such, the increased surface area and multi-point engagement disclosed herein only helps to ensure load distribution and support while performing exercises. Moreover, when pressure is applied to the angle bracket 252 (e.g., by any one or more accessories usable with the door jamb exercise system 200), there is little or no movement or rattle in the attachments.

As briefly discussed above, the door jamb exercise system 200 as disclosed herein is designed for use with a variety of accessories and/or attachments that may include, e.g., the U-shaped handle attachment 254 (FIGS. 25-27 and 37-41), a ring attachment 276 (FIGS. 21, 23-24, 64, 65B, 65C, and 66-67), an L-shaped handle attachment 278 (FIGS. 30 and 49-56), an angled handle attachment 280 (FIGS. 32-36), a straight handle attachment 282 (FIGS. 57-63, and 65A), a T-bar attachment 284 (FIGS. 68-69), and an anchor bracket 286 (FIGS. 47-48). Of course, this list is non-exhaustive. In fact, in some embodiments, the exercise attachments 254, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 and/or other accessories that may be known in the art may couple to the support members 226, 238, 240 by way of the universal angle bracket 252 welded at a 90 degree angle to the attachment desired to be used with the door jamb exercise system 200, such as discussed above with respect to the U-shaped handle attachment 254. In one embodiment, the tubing forming each of the attachments 254, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 may be approximately one inch in diameter and may be the same as or comparable to motorcycle handle bars (e.g., with respect to size, shape, and/or rigidity).

More specifically, the ring attachment 276 illustrated in FIGS. 21, 23-24, 64, 65B, 65C, and 66-67 may be made from forged or extruded steel or a comparable alloy material. In one embodiment, the ring attachment 276 may be about 2 inches wide by 1.375 inches in height and approximately 0.25 inches thick. In general, and as best shown in FIGS. 24, 64, and 66-67, the ring attachment 276 has as similar construction to that of the angle bracket 252, namely including a similar bracket plate 288 that turns at about a 90 degree angle to form a shoulder 290 having a surface 292 (FIG. 24) that sits flush against the front surface 244 when engaged with the receiving channel 250 in any one of the support members 226, 238, 240. Similarly, the 90 degree turn may have a 0.5 inch radius bend such that the turn is not a “hard” turn, but a “soft” turn capable of absorbing a 500 pound (“lb”) or larger load without flexing or bending. Such a bend may also facilitate wedged engagement of the ring attachment 276 with the receiving channel 250 during use as disclosed herein. The bracket plate 288 may also include a central retaining aperture 294 approximately 0.25 inches in diameter and configured to selectively receive the detent pin 268, as disclosed above with respect to the angle bracket 252 and the retaining aperture 268. Moreover, the ring attachment 276 may also include a D-ring 296 welded to an upper edge 298 (FIG. 67) along the 2 inch side. The D-ring 296 may be approximately 1.25 inches wide by about 0.75 inches in height, by 0.1875 inches thick.

In another embodiment, a D-ring accessory 299 illustrated in FIG. 42B may have a size and shape to selectively attach to a carabiner 300 (FIG. 42A). In this respect, in one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 42A, the carabiner 300 may thread on to a strap 302 coupled to one end of an elastic band 304 having a handle 306 coupled thereto to an opposite end thereof. The carabiner 300 may couple to the D-ring accessory 299 to facilitate connection of the elastic band 304 to various accessories, or the carabiner 300 may be used to couple to the D-ring 296 of the ring attachment 276, when the ring attachment 276 is coupled to any one of the support members 226, 238, 240. In the latter example, coupling to the ring attachment 276 facilitates use of the elastic band 304 in connection with the door jamb exercise system 200 for purposes of resistance training exercises.

Moreover, in other embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 43-46, the elastic band 304 may include straps 302, 302′ having loops therein that selectively couple to a pair of carabiners 300, 300′. Providing elastic bands 304 that include the pair of straps 302, 302′, instead of the single strap 302 and the handle 304 as illustrated in FIG. 42A, may enhance the versatility of the elastic bands 304. For example, the elastic band 304 is not necessarily limited to use with just the handle 306. Rather, the handle 306 could be swapped out for other accessories, such as a cannonball 308 illustrated in FIGS. 43-45.

FIGS. 30 and 49-56 more specifically illustrate the L-shaped handle attachment 278, which may be used as a pull up bar and/or dip bar. Specifically, the L-shaped handle attachment may be made from the aforementioned one inch tube and be approximately 12 inches long and include the angle bracket 252 welded to one end. Although, of course, the length may vary depending on the desired size of the L-shaped handle attachment 278. In the embodiment wherein the length is approximately 12 inches, a 90 degree bend may be formed along its length to separate the L-shaped handle attachment 278 generally into an extension section 310 (e.g., three inches in length) and a grip section 312 (e.g., nine inches in length) having a grip 314 (e.g., foam) formed thereon.

FIGS. 32-36 more specifically illustrate the angled handle attachment 280, which may be made from, e.g., a one inch tube that is approximately 15 inches long. As best illustrated in FIGS. 32A and 32B, the angled handle attachment 280 may include a first 90 degree bend at approximately 2.5 inches, a second 90 degree bend after another 6.5 inches, and a third 90 degree bend with a 45 degree turn terminating into a handle 316 having the grip 314 (FIGS. 33-36) thereon.

In another attachment accessory, the straight handle attachment 282 is more specifically illustrated in FIGS. 57-63 and 65A, including having the angle bracket 252 welded to one end. Moreover, the straight handle attachment 282 may include a handle section 318 having a length of approximately five inches that carries a similar grip 314 thereon. The straight handle attachment 282 may be used for push-ups, lat pull downs, etc.

In another aspect of the door jamb exercise system 200 disclosed herein, the T-bar attachment 284 illustrated in FIGS. 68-69 may include a length of approximately 18 inches and be made from a one inch diameter tube having a 0.125 inch thickness. As illustrated in FIGS. 68 and 69, the T-bar attachment 284 is generally bent at a midpoint 320 to form an angle α of about 36 degrees between opposing handle sides 322. The T-bar attachment 284 may further include one or more D-rings 324 welded or otherwise coupled thereto. In this respect, FIGS. 68 and 69 illustrate a D-ring 324 welded to a top portion thereof and a D-ring 324′ welded to a bottom portion thereof. As shown, the D-rings may be welded at or near the midpoint 320 that forms the bend having the angle α between each of the handle sides 322. Of course, each of the handle sides 322 may further include the grip 314 thereon and may vary in size and shape, depending on the desired application.

In another accessory as disclosed herein, the anchor bracket 286 illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48 may be made from a steel material having a 0.25 inch thickness and may include a 90 degree bend that forms a baseplate 324 and a mounting plate 326. Again, this 90 degree turn may have a 0.5 inch radius bend such that the turn is not a “hard” turn, but a “soft” turn capable of absorbing a 500 pound (“lb”) or larger load without flexing or bending. Such a bend may also facilitate wedged engagement of the anchor bracket 286 with the receiving channel 250 during use as disclosed herein. Moreover, one of the baseplate 324 or the mounting plate 326 may be approximately 2 inches wide by 1.375 inches in height by 0.25 inches deep and the other of the baseplate 324 or the mounting plate 326 (bent 90 degrees relative thereto) may be approximately 2 inches wide by 2 inches in height by 0.25 inches deep, and vice versa. The baseplate 324 may include an approximately 0.25 inch aperture 328 centered therein to selectively receive the aforementioned detent pin 268 when the anchor bracket 286 is inserted within the receiving channel 250 in the respective support member 226, 238, 240. Moreover, the mount plate 326 may include a 0.75 inch bore drilled therein to facilitate select reception and attachment to an accessory, such as the carabiner 300.

Specifically, FIGS. 47A and 48A illustrate one embodiment wherein the baseplate 324 is approximately 2 inches wide by 2 inches in height by 0.25 inches deep and the mount plate 326 is approximately 2 inches wide by 1.375 inches in height by 0.25 inches deep. Alternatively, FIGS. 47B and 48B illustrate another embodiment wherein the baseplate 324 is approximately 2 inches wide by 1.375 inches in height by 0.25 inches deep and the mount plate 326 is approximately 2 inches wide by 2 inches in height by 0.25 inches deep.

FIGS. 70-100 illustrate sample embodiments for installing and/or performing various exercises with the door jamb exercise system 200. Specifically, e.g., FIG. 70 illustrates sliding the bracket plate 256 of the angle bracket 252 welded to the angled handle attachment 280 into one of the receiving channels 250 in the header support member 226 and FIG. 71 illustrates inserting the detent pin 268 into the corresponding sidewall aperture 266 to lock the angle bracket 252 within the receiving channel 250 in the header support member 226. FIG. 72 illustrates repeating the process illustrated with respect to FIGS. 70 and 71, namely coupling another of the angled handle attachments 280′ to the header support member 226. As such, FIG. 73 illustrates the angled support member 280′ secured to the header support member 226 by the detent pin 268. In turn, FIGS. 74 and 75 illustrate performing pull-ups with the angled handle attachments 280, 280′ coupled to the header support member 226. FIG. 74 illustrates performing exercises with the angled handle attachments 280, 280′ turned outwardly, while FIG. 75 illustrates performing exercises with the angled handle attachments 280, 280′ turned inwardly.

In another embodiment, FIG. 76 illustrates inserting the angle bracket 252 welded to the U-shaped handle attachment 254 into the left side vertical support member 238, for eventual securement therein by inserting the detent pin 268 through the indicated sidewall aperture 266. Once attached, FIG. 77 illustrates performing a triceps exercise with the U-shaped handle attachments 254 coupled to the left and right side vertical support members 238, 240. Additionally, FIGS. 78 and 79 illustrate performing additional triceps extension exercises with the L-shaped handle attachments 278 coupled to the left and right side vertical support members 238, 240 at a height relatively higher than the location where the U-shaped handle attachments 254 couple thereto in FIGS. 76-77.

FIG. 80 illustrates coupling the straight handle attachment 282 to the left side vertical support member 238 by way of engaging its angle bracket 252 with the corresponding receiving channel 250 therein, and locking it thereto with the detent pin 268. Accordingly, FIG. 81 illustrates performing a pushup with the straight handle attachments 282 coupled to the left and right side vertical support members 238, 240.

In another aspect of the door jamb exercise system 200 disclosed herein, FIG. 82 illustrates attaching the carabiner 300 coupled to a sling support 332 to one ring attachment 276 already engaged with the header support member 226. FIG. 83 illustrates performing crunches by hanging from a pair of the sling supports 332, 332′ coupled to the header support member 226 by a pair of the ring attachments 276, 276′.

In another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, FIG. 84 illustrates attaching a pair of the cannonballs 308, 308′ coupled to a respective set of the carabiners 300, 300′ to the header support member 226 by way of the ring attachments 276, 276′. In this respect, FIGS. 85 and 86 illustrate first hanging from the pair of cannonballs 308, 308′ (FIG. 85) and then performing a pull-up therewith (FIG. 86).

FIG. 87 illustrates coupling the carabiner 300 at one end of the elastic band 304 to the ring attachment 276 already engaged with the right side vertical support member 240. While not illustrated, the process may be repeated for attaching another elastic band 304′ to another ring attachment 276′ already engaged with the left side vertical support member 240′. Accordingly, once the elastic bands 304, 304′ are respectively attached to the left side vertical support member 238 and the right side vertical support member 240 as illustrated in FIGS. 88 and 89, it is possible to perform a number of exercises with the elastic bands 304, 304′, such as independent arm curls (FIGS. 88 and 89). Alternatively in this respect, FIGS. 90 and 91 illustrate performing a two handed arm curl with the elastic bands 304, 304′ coupled only to the left side vertical support member 238 and by way of the T-bar attachment 284.

Similarly, FIG. 92 illustrates locking the ring attachment 276 to the header support member 226 with the detent pin 268. As such, FIGS. 93-100 illustrate performing triceps extensions using the elastic band 304 coupled to the header support member 226, including with the cannonballs 308 (FIGS. 93 and 94), the T-bar attachment 284 in a downward orientation (FIGS. 95 and 96), and with the T-bar attachment 284 in an upward orientation (FIGS. 97-100).

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door jamb exercise support member, comprising:

an elongated shaft having at least one planar surface;

a pair of couplers associated with the at least one planar surface having a size and shape for select engagement with a respective pair of screws that cooperate to flush mount the at least one planar surface to a door jamb;

a receiving channel formed from the elongated shaft having a size and shape for select slide-in reception of a bracket; and

a pair of concentric locking apertures formed from opposing sides of the elongated shaft and generally aligned with the receiving channel, whereby upon select insertion of the bracket into the receiving channel, a retaining aperture formed therein generally concentrically aligns with each of the pair of concentric locking apertures for select slide-through reception of a locking pin substantially retaining the bracket within the receiving channel by simultaneously engaging the retaining aperture in the bracket and the pair of concentric locking apertures.

2. The exercise support member of claim 1, wherein the receiving channel is centrally positioned within at least an exterior surface of the elongated shaft and comprises a width of approximately 0.25 inches and a length of approximately 2 inches.

3. The exercise support member of claim 2, wherein the receiving channel extends through both the exterior surface and the at least one planar surface of the elongated shaft.

4. The exercise support member of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises an L-shaped anchor bracket having a bracket plate positioned relative to an attachment plate about an approximate 90 degree bend.

5. The exercise support member of claim 4, wherein the attachment plate is coupled to an exercise attachment selected from the group consisting of a U-shaped handle attachment, an angled handle attachment, a ring attachment, an L-shaped handle attachment, or a straight handle attachment.

6. The exercise support member of claim 4, wherein the 90 degree bend includes an approximate 0.5 inch radius soft bend and the L-shaped anchor bracket has a strength of at least 500 pounds.

7. The exercise support member of claim 4, wherein the bracket plate includes a ring attachment outwardly extending therefrom having a size and shape for select attachment to a carabiner coupled to an elastic band, a cannonball, or a T-bar.

8. The exercise support member of claim 1, including a pair of external apertures formed from an exterior surface of the elongated shaft, each of the pair of external apertures being respectively concentrically aligned with the pair of couplers comprising a pair of internal apertures formed from the at least one planar surface.

9. The exercise support member of claim 8, wherein the pair of screws comprise a pair of lag screws having a head relatively smaller than the pair of external apertures yet larger than the pair of internal apertures, thereby allowing the pair of lag screws to extend through the elongated shaft to place a forward pressure on a surface opposite the at least one planar surface for flush engagement with the door jamb.

10. The exercise support member of claim 9, including a pair of caps having a size and shape for select slide-in engagement with the pair of external apertures to hide the lag screws thereunder.

11. The exercise support member of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft is hollow and comprises a 6061 aircraft aluminum material having a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches.

12. A door jamb exercise system, comprising:

a set of support members each having at least one planar surface for flush mounting to a door jamb by way of a lag screw having a length extendable into at least a portion of a king stud of a doorframe when the respective set of support members are attached thereto; and

at least one lock channel formed in each of the set of support members, wherein opposing support members designed for attachment to a left side vertical door jamb and a right side vertical door jamb include reciprocally located lock channels;

wherein each of the lock channels are inwardly facing such that, when coupled to the door jamb, each of the set of support members appear completely integrated within the doorframe as a conventional door stop for use with a door mounted therein while at the same time doubling as an in-home exercise system supporting at least 500 pounds of exercise force.

13. The exercise system of claim 12, wherein the set of support members includes a header support member, a left side vertical support member configured for attachment to the left side vertical door jamb, and a right side vertical support member configured for attachment to the right side vertical door jamb.

14. The exercise system of claim 13, wherein the left side vertical support member and the right side vertical support member comprise multiple relatively smaller support members interlocked together.

15. The exercise system of claim 12, wherein the least one lock channel formed in each of the set of support members comprise a universal size having a size and shape for selectively receiving a universal anchor bracket.

16. The exercise system of claim 15, wherein the anchor bracket includes a bracket plate having a central retaining aperture that seats within an interior of the respective support member through the lock channel for concentric alignment with a pair of sidewall apertures formed within opposing sidewalls of the support member.

17. The exercise system of claim 15, wherein the bracket plate comprises a length commensurate with a length of the lock channel to substantially prevent side-to-side movement when located therein, wherein when seated within the lock channel, a shoulder surface of the bracket plate generally comprising an approximately 90 degree bend at least partially rests on a top surface of the support member to provide multi-point engagement of the bracket plate with the support member.

18. The exercise system of claim 12, wherein each of the set of support members include a generally elongated and hollow shaft having a substantially rectangular cross-section approximately one inch deep by two inches wide.

19. A process for installing an exercise system within a door jamb, comprising the steps of:

aligning a header support member along a header door jamb, the header support member including at least one connector for selectively coupling to an exercise attachment;

securing the header support member along the header door jamb;

positioning at least one vertical support member with respect to a left side vertical door jamb or a right side vertical door jamb, the at least one vertical support member including at least one connector having a size and shape commensurate with that of the at least one connector of the header support member, for selectively coupling to the exercise attachment; and

affixing the at least one vertical support member to at least one of the left side vertical door jamb or the right side vertical door jamb, wherein the header support member and the at least one vertical support member comprise a width approximately that of a conventional door stop to accommodate normal usage of a door therein after installation of the exercise system.

20. The process of claim 19, including the step of sliding an angle bracket of the exercise attachment into the connector comprising a channel.

21. The process of claim 20, including the step of locking the angle bracket to the header support member or the vertical support member with a detent pin.

22. The process of claim 21, wherein the locking step includes the step of inserting the detent pin through a pair of sidewall apertures formed from opposing sides of the respective support member and a retaining aperture in the angle bracket concentrically aligned with the pair of sidewall apertures.

23. The process of claim 19, wherein the securing and the affixing steps include the step of screwing the header support member and the at least one vertical support member to the door jamb with a pair of lag screws having a length extending at least partially into a king stud.

24. The process of claim 19, including the step of separating a header door stop, a left side vertical door stop, and a right side vertical door stop from the door jamb.

25. The process of claim 24, wherein the separating step includes driving a wedge between the respective door jamb and each of the header door stop, the left side vertical door stop, and the right side vertical door stop with a combination of a wedge and a screwdriver, a claw of a hammer, or a crowbar.

26. The process of claim 25, including the step of disconnecting the header door stop, the left side vertical door stop, and the right side vertical door stop out from engagement the respective door jamb.