With continued reference to FIG. 3, the contoured edge 122 of each upper portion 104 is configured to cradle an elongated exercise implement on its sleeves or on its bar shaft. As used herein, sleeves refer to the end portions of a barbell where weight plates are loaded, which typically have a larger diameter than the central shaft of the barbell. The curved geometry of the contoured edge 122 allows an Olympic bar to rest on its sleeves, with the sleeves positioned within the cradle region defined by the contoured edge 122. In some configurations, depending on the bar width and door opening size, the barbell may alternatively rest on the bar shaft itself rather than on the sleeves. The catch portion 126 is designed to accommodate either configuration, such that the sleeves may roll and rest against the catch portion 126, or the plain bar shaft may rest against the catch portion 126. Either way, the barbell will fit and rest against the catch portion 126 in a stable position. The contoured edge 122 accommodates bars of different configurations, including Olympic bars having larger diameter sleeves at each end of the bar shaft and standard bars where the bar shaft may contact the contoured edge 122 directly.

Floor Stand Configuration

Referring to FIG. 4, a pair of support devices 100 are shown positioned on a floor surface 160 and functioning as floor stands for supporting a barbell 152 with weight plates 154. The support devices 100 are oriented such that the second openings 114 receive the barbell 152 therethrough, with the barbell 152 extending horizontally through the second openings 114 of both support devices 100. In this configuration, the support devices 100 function as floor stands for supporting the barbell 152 above the floor surface 160, providing clearance between the weight plates 154 and the floor surface 160.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, each support device includes a grip assembly 128 attached to the lower portion of the plate member. When the support device is positioned on a floor surface, the grip assembly 128 contacts the floor surface and provides stable support. The grip assembly 128 is configured to swivel while maintaining a downward orientation due to gravity. As the support device turns or rotates during use, the grip assembly 128 remains oriented downwardly due to gravitational forces acting on the grip assembly 128, such that the grip assembly 128 maintains contact with the floor surface regardless of the rotational position of the plate member.

The grip assembly 128 shown in FIG. 4 is illustrated in a configuration where the grip assembly 128 is recessed relative to the recess 136 on the lateral portion 108 of the plate member 102. This differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 2, where the grip assembly 128 is substantially flush with the lateral portion 108 when assembled. Either configuration may be employed without detracting from the functionality of the support device 100, as both configurations permit the grip assembly 128 to contact the floor surface and provide stable support when the support device 100 is positioned on a floor surface. The recessed configuration and the flush configuration represent alternative assembly arrangements that may be selected based on manufacturing tolerances, user preference, or the specific exercise application.

The floor stand configuration elevates the barbell and weight plates off the floor surface, facilitating loading and unloading without requiring a user to lift the barbell from the ground. The arrangement shown in FIG. 4 demonstrates how two support devices 100 work in tandem to provide balanced support for a loaded barbell assembly, with weight plates loaded on each end of the barbell.

Mounting Hardware Configuration

The support device may be used for one arm row isolation technique lifting exercises when positioned on a floor surface. In this exercise application, the support device supports the barbell at an elevated position above the floor surface, with the barbell extending through the second opening, allowing a user to grasp the barbell with one arm and perform rowing movements while the opposite end of the barbell remains supported by the support device. The floor stand configuration provides stability during the one arm row isolation technique, with the grip assembly 128 swiveling as appropriate while maintaining the downward orientation due to gravity to keep the support device stable on the floor surface.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded view illustrates the support device and mounting hardware configured for attachment to a supporting structure such as a door frame 156. The support device includes the plate member with the first opening in the upper region and the second opening below the first opening. The plate member is formed from metal and has a uniform thickness of approximately 0.25 inches throughout the profile of the plate member. With continued reference to FIG. 5, the support device further comprises at least one mechanical fastener 146 configured to extend through the fastener aperture and into a supporting structure such as a door frame 156. The mechanical fasteners 146 may comprise lag bolts having a diameter of five-sixteenths of an inch. In some aspects, the mechanical fasteners may include various configurations such as lag bolts, hex nuts with washers, flange nuts (which combine a nut and an anti-slip washer ring as a single integrated part), screws, or wall-mounted lag bolts. Any or all of these fastener types may be employed depending on the installation requirements or user preference. Alternative fastener configurations may be used in cases where the original mounting hardware is unavailable or where a user prefers a different fastening approach. The fastener apertures 116 are positioned near corners of the upper portion of the plate member and are configured to receive the mechanical fasteners for securing the support device to the supporting structure.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the mounting hardware includes washers 148 configured to be positioned between the lag bolts 146 and the plate member. The washers 148 distribute the clamping force of the lag bolts 146 across a larger surface area of the plate member when the support device is mounted to the supporting structure. The lag bolts 146 and washers 148 pass through the fastener apertures 116 in the upper portion of the plate member to secure the support device to a vertical support structure such as a door frame 156 or wall stud.

The mounting configuration shown in FIG. 5 demonstrates the relationship between the plate member, the mounting hardware including the lag bolts 146 and washers 148, and the supporting structure. Pre-drilling of the supporting structure may be performed prior to installation of the lag bolts 146 to facilitate secure attachment of the support device to the door frame 156 or wall.

Method of Installation

The support device may be installed on a door frame or wall using a weight plate as a reference tool to determine proper mounting position and wall clearance. In some aspects, a user may employ a standard or Olympic weight plate, such as a 25 lb weight plate, as a positioning guide during installation. The weight plate provides a reference for verifying that the support device is positioned at an appropriate distance from the wall to accommodate a barbell with weight plates when the support device is mounted.

In one method of installation, the user rolls the weight plate so that it contacts the wall surface adjacent to the door frame. With the weight plate positioned against the wall, the user places the support device on top of the weight plate to check door frame fitting and to verify that the fastener apertures align with studs inside the door frame. This positioning technique allows the user to confirm that the mounting location provides sufficient clearance from the wall to accommodate the diameter of weight plates that will be used with the barbell.

After verifying proper positioning using the weight plate reference, the user may mark the measurement on the door frame to indicate the drilling locations for the fastener apertures. The user may test the diameter of plates fitting for bar rack adjustments before drilling to ensure that the selected mounting position accommodates the intended weight plate sizes. Pre-drilling of the door frame may be performed at the marked locations prior to installation of the lag bolts.

The support device may be mounted at multiple height positions on the door frame depending on the intended exercise application. In some configurations, the support device may be mounted at a pull-up height position near the top of the door frame for pull-up exercises or for suspending accessories such as dip rings and suspension trainers. The support device may alternatively be mounted at a squat rack height position at an intermediate height on the door frame for squat exercises. In other configurations, the support device may be mounted at a bench press rack height position at a lower height on the door frame for bench press exercises performed with a bench positioned beneath the supported barbell. Multiple support devices may be installed at different heights on the same door frame to provide multiple support levels for various exercise types.

Grip Assembly Components

Referring to FIG. 6, an exploded view illustrates the components of the grip assembly 128 and the relationship between the grip assembly 128 and the plate member 102. The plate member 102 is shown as a flat steel cut out forming the main body of the support device 100, with the first opening 112 in the upper region and the second opening 114 below the first opening 112. The lateral portion 108 of the plate member 102 includes a recess 136 formed therein. The recess 136 is configured to receive corresponding portions of the grip assembly 128 such that the grip assembly 128 sits flush with the lateral portion 108 of the plate member 102 when assembled, preventing the grip assembly 128 from creating a bulge that could cause tipping when the support device 100 is positioned on a floor surface.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the grip assembly 128 comprises a first buffer portion 130 and a second buffer portion 132 configured to attach to opposing sides of the lower portion 106 of the plate member 102. Each of the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 includes a protrusion 138 configured to engage the recess 136 to secure the grip assembly 128 to the plate member 102. The protrusions 138 extend from the inner surfaces of the buffer portions and are shaped to fit within the recess 136 on the lateral portion 108 of the plate member 102. When the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 are assembled around the lower portion 106, the protrusions 138 engage the recess 136 such that the grip assembly 128 is substantially flush with the plate member 102 when assembled. This flush configuration provides a stable base when the support device 100 is used as a floor stand, preventing tipping that could otherwise occur if the grip assembly 128 protruded beyond the lateral portion 108. Grip assembly fasteners 139 extend through the fastener apertures 134 to secure the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 together around the lower portion 106.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 are formed from a polymer material. The polymer material of the buffer portions functions to dampen impacts to the floor and dragging during use of the support device. The buffer portions also function as two-sided grips and provide grip surfaces for users during exercises involving direct hand contact with the support device.

The grip assembly configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 represents one embodiment of the grip assembly, and the grip assembly may be molded or formed in many different ways from many different materials. In some aspects, the grip assembly may be formed from rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane, nylon, ABS plastic, polycarbonate, fiberglass-reinforced polymer, carbon fiber composite, aluminum, or wood. In some cases, the grip assembly may be formed from combinations of these materials or from other suitable materials that provide desired characteristics such as durability, grip texture, impact resistance, or aesthetic appearance. The manufacturing process for the grip assembly may include injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, machining, casting, or other forming techniques depending on the selected material and desired properties of the finished grip assembly.

In some aspects, the grip assembly 128 may be interchangeable and customizable. The first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 may be replaceable with alternative grip configurations that vary in material, surface texture, contour, and color. By way of example, the grip assembly 128 may include bamboo-style grips, samurai-style grips, grips configured for grip tape wrapping, grips bearing logo designs, or rolling covers that may be positioned over the grip to alter rotation characteristics or tactile feel. In some cases, the components may be swapped by removing fasteners from the fastener apertures 134 and installing substitute buffer portions to tailor ergonomics and appearance to user preference.

The grip assembly 128 includes a polymer guide having a diameter of approximately 0.8 inches with insets for screws. When the support device is mounted to a door frame or overhead structure without a barbell installed, athletic tape may be wrapped around the grip section of the lower portion to enhance grip during pull-up exercises. In this configuration, a user may grasp the grip section and perform pull-up exercises using the support device as an overhead anchor point, with the athletic tape providing an additional exercise modality and improved tactile grip surface. The insets for screws are configured to receive mechanical fasteners that secure the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 together around the lower portion of the plate member. The grip assembly 128 includes an inner surface inset configured to receive the metal plate member around which the grip assembly 128 attaches. The inner surface inset provides a recessed area within each buffer portion that accommodates the thickness of the plate member when the buffer portions are assembled.

The lower portion includes a recessed region on the bottom where the buffer portions have a corresponding region to connect around the bottom part for an enhanced secure connection. The recessed region on the bottom of the lower portion cooperates with the protrusions 138 on the buffer portions to provide a secure mechanical interface between the grip assembly 128 and the plate member. The corresponding region on each buffer portion wraps around the bottom part of the lower portion, engaging the recessed region to prevent relative movement between the grip assembly 128 and the plate member during use.

Standard and Olympic Size Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 7, a comparison view illustrates two embodiments of the support device, including a standard-size embodiment and an Olympic-size embodiment. The standard-size embodiment is configured for use with standard weights, while the Olympic-size embodiment is configured for use with Olympic weights. The two embodiments share the same general configuration of the plate member with the first opening, the second opening, and the fastener apertures 116, but differ in overall dimensions and in the sizing of the openings to accommodate different barbell shaft diameters.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the second opening may be sized to receive a barbell shaft having a diameter of approximately one inch for standard weights in the standard-size embodiment. Alternatively, the second opening may be sized to receive a barbell shaft having a diameter of approximately two inches for Olympic weights in the Olympic-size embodiment. The different sizing of the second opening between the two embodiments allows the support device to accommodate the different shaft diameters associated with standard and Olympic barbell configurations.

The first opening has a generally trapezoidal shape, providing an internal area for reaching into and positioning a bar within the support device.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the Olympic-size embodiment of the support device has a height of approximately 9 inches on the right side of the plate member. The Olympic-size embodiment has a total length of approximately 11 inches at its longest point. The first opening in the Olympic-size embodiment has dimensions of approximately 6 inches long and 6 inches in height. The second opening in the Olympic-size embodiment has each side measuring approximately 2 inches with a rounded corner square shape. The tapered protrusion extends approximately 2 inches from the base of the sloped upper region in the Olympic-size embodiment. The fastener aperture centers are spaced approximately 7.5 inches apart in the Olympic-size embodiment.

The standard-size embodiment of the support device has a height of approximately 6.75 inches. The standard-size embodiment has a total length of approximately 8.125 inches at its longest point. The first opening in the standard-size embodiment has a height of approximately 4.5 inches and a length of approximately 3.75 inches. The second opening in the standard-size embodiment has dimensions of approximately 2.75 inches for receiving a standard barbell shaft. The tapered protrusion extends approximately 1.5 inches from the sloped region in the standard-size embodiment. The fastener aperture centers are spaced approximately 5.375 inches apart in the standard-size embodiment. The shorter overall dimensions of the standard-size embodiment allow more clearance space for wall positioning when racking a barbell.

The upper portion includes a notch 150 configured to indicate a measurement of clearance distance between a mounted barbell and a wall surface. The notch 150 provides a template for determining whether the support device is positioned at an appropriate distance from a wall to accommodate a barbell with weight plates. The notch 150 may be used to verify that the support device is not set back too far from the wall, which could prevent adequate space for a standard size barbell with weight plates to be positioned on the support device. In some configurations, plates wider in diameter than 25-pound plates may not fit on the rack when positioned against the wall. The notch 150 is shown in the Olympic-size embodiment in FIG. 7 and provides an estimate of barbell to wall clearance when the support device is mounted to a door frame or wall.

Structural Elements and Features

Referring to FIG. 8, an annotated isometric view illustrates the structural elements and features of the support device. The plate member is shown with the first opening formed through the plate member and bounded by the upper portion and the lateral portion. The first opening has a generally trapezoidal shape bounded by sloped inner edge surfaces extending from the upper portion 104 toward the lateral portion 108, and provides an access opening for reaching into and positioning a bar within the support device.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the catch portion 126 is positioned adjacent to the contoured edge of the upper portion. The catch portion 126 extends upwardly from the upper portion to define a raised barrier that prevents an elongated exercise implement from displacing laterally when resting on the contoured edge. When a barbell is placed on the contoured edge, it rolls down the slope until it contacts the catch portion 126, which retains the barbell in a stable position.

As further shown in FIG. 8, the second opening has a rounded rectangular shape with curved corners and is laterally offset from the first opening. The lateral offset positioning of the second opening relative to the first opening provides clearance between the two openings while maintaining structural integrity of the plate member. The rounded rectangular shape with curved corners of the second opening accommodates barbell shafts of different diameters, including two-inch Olympic barbell shafts and standard one-inch barbell shafts.

The second opening is configured to receive a cable attachment or a D-ring for cable-based exercises. The geometry of the second opening permits cable attachments to pass through the second opening and interface with the support device for exercises utilizing cable resistance. A D-ring may be coupled to the second opening to provide an attachment point for cables, straps, or other exercise accessories.

The support device may interface with straps as additional accessory components coupled to the openings or edges of the plate member. Straps may be threaded through the first opening or the second opening to provide attachment points for suspension exercises or to secure the support device to external structures. The strap attachment interface provided by the openings in the plate member allows the support device to accommodate various exercise configurations utilizing strap-based resistance or suspension.

The support device may interface with handles as additional accessory components coupled to the openings or edges of the plate member. Handles may be attached to the first opening or the second opening to provide gripping surfaces for exercises such as dip exercises or pull-up exercises. When no bar is installed, athletic tape may be wrapped around the grip section of the lower portion 106 to facilitate pull-up exercises. The handle attachment interface provided by the openings in the plate member allows the support device to function as a mounting platform for removable handle accessories.

As described previously, the upper portion includes a downwardly extending portion 120 terminating in a tapered protrusion that extends upwardly from the plate member. The downwardly extending portion 120 and the tapered protrusion are shown in FIG. 8 as the downwardly extending portion with the tapered tip. The tapered protrusion provides a termination point for the upper portion and the catch portion 126 is positioned on the left side of the tapered protrusion where a barbell comes to rest after rolling down the contoured edge.

Bench Press Exercise Configuration

Referring to FIG. 9, a pair of support devices 100 are shown mounted to a door frame 156 with a bench 158 positioned beneath a supported barbell 152 for bench press exercises. The support devices 100 are attached to opposite sides of the door frame 156 at a height suitable for bench press exercises, with the barbell 152 resting on the contoured edges 122 of the upper portions 104. The bench 158 is positioned beneath the barbell 152 such that a user lying on the bench 158 may reach upward to grasp the barbell 152 and perform bench press movements. The load capacity of the mounted configuration may depend on factors including how well the lag bolts are torqued into the structural members of the door frame 156, such as the studs. In some aspects, proper installation into solid structural members may contribute to enhanced load capacity. For enhanced safety and load capacity, hardened steel fasteners may be employed, although such fasteners are not required for operation of the support device.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the support devices 100 may be mounted to a supporting structure at an appropriate height for bench press exercises. The mounting height positions the barbell 152 at a level that allows a user to unrack the barbell 152 from the support devices 100 while lying in a supine position on the bench 158. After completing a set of bench press repetitions, the user may return the barbell 152 to the support devices 100 by guiding the barbell 152 back onto the contoured edges 122. The barbell 152 rolls down the contoured edges 122 toward the catch portions 126, which prevent the barbell 152 from displacing laterally when the barbell 152 is returned to the support devices 100.

The bench press exercise configuration demonstrates the versatility of the support device for accommodating different exercise types through adjustment of the mounting height on the supporting structure. The fastener apertures 116 in the upper portions 104 of the plate members 102 receive mechanical fasteners that secure the support devices 100 to the door frame 156 at the selected height appropriate for bench press exercises. The support devices 100 may be repositioned to different heights on the door frame 156 to accommodate users of different sizes or to adjust the starting position of the barbell for different bench press variations.

Accessory Attachment Configuration

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the dip rings 162 are shown hanging from the barbell 152, with each dip ring 162 suspended by a strap that loops over the barbell 152. The suspension trainer 164 straps are also attached to the barbell 152, extending downward from the supported bar. This configuration demonstrates how the support devices 100 function as a mounting platform for exercise accessories, with the barbell 152 serving as an overhead support structure from which the dip rings 162 and suspension trainer 164 are suspended.

The suspension trainer accessories shown in FIG. 10 may also be attached to the bar supported by the support devices 100. The suspension trainer accessories provide additional exercise options beyond dip exercises, including various pulling and pushing movements utilizing body weight resistance. The openings in the plate members 102, including the first openings 112 and the second openings 114, may receive straps, cables, or other attachment components associated with the dip rings and suspension trainer accessories. The geometry of the openings permits the attachment components to pass through the openings and interface with the support devices 100 for exercises utilizing the suspended dip rings and suspension trainer accessories.

Referring to FIG. 11, the support device 100 is shown with a rotatable sleeve 142 disposed around the cylindrical grip surface 140 of the grip assembly 128. Curved arrows adjacent to the rotatable sleeve 142 indicate the rotational capability of the sleeve, demonstrating that the rotatable sleeve 142 is configured to spin freely around the cylindrical grip surface 140. This configuration allows the support device 100 to accommodate exercises that involve rotation in the grip area, such that a user may rotate their grip without the support device 100 rotating or without friction between the user's hands and the grip surface. The rotatable sleeve 142 includes a retention element 144 configured to prevent removal of the sleeve from the grip assembly 128. The rotatable sleeve 142 reduces strain on the user's wrists and forearms during rotational movements by allowing the sleeve to rotate separately from the grip assembly 128 and the plate member 102.

Comprehensive Embodiment

In a comprehensive embodiment of the support device, the plate member is formed from metal. The metal construction of the plate member provides structural rigidity and durability for supporting elongated exercise implements such as barbells with weight plates. The plate member may be formed from steel or other suitable metal materials capable of withstanding the loads associated with exercise equipment.

The support device includes a grip assembly 128 comprising a first buffer portion 130 and a second buffer portion 132. The first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 are formed from a polymer material. Each of the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 includes fastener apertures 134 configured to receive mechanical fasteners. Grip assembly fasteners 139 extend through the fastener apertures 134 to secure the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 together around the lower portion of the plate member. The polymer material of the buffer portions provides impact dampening and grip surfaces while the fastener apertures 134 enable secure attachment of the buffer portions to each other and to the plate member.

As described previously, the lateral portion of the plate member includes a recess 136, and each of the first buffer portion 130 and the second buffer portion 132 includes a protrusion 138 configured to engage the recess 136 to secure the grip assembly 128 to the plate member. The engagement between the protrusions 138 and the recess 136 results in the grip assembly 128 being generally flush with the lateral portion of the plate member when assembled, providing a stable, non-tipping base when the support device is positioned on a floor surface.

The first opening has a generally trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal shape of the first opening provides an internal area for reaching into and positioning a bar within the support device.