Patent Abstract:
This disclosure describes an apparatus and methods to support a punching bag, or a punching bag and rebound platform, within a doorway or other architectural opening. Mounting the apparatus does not involve modifying or altering the supporting architectural structures and surfaces (e.g., with screws, brackets, adhesives, etc.). Clamps are instrumental in safely securing the apparatus and stabilizing it for high-performance use of a plurality of punching bags. Adjustment mechanisms not only facilitate the mounting of the apparatus to a plurality of doorframes and other architraves but also accommodate the height and depth preferences of a user. In addition, a folding mechanism allows the apparatus to be compacted for storage or transport.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known to support a punching bag by attaching it to a stable structure for appropriate use. Previous references include those that teach a punching bag support method involving, for example, an exercise machine, telescoping poles, a freestanding apparatus, or various apparatuses that mount to a ceiling or overhead architectural structure, a wall, a door, a doorframe, a ceiling and a floor, or a ceiling and a wall. 
     As used herein, a “punching bag support apparatus,” or “support apparatus,” is an apparatus made to support a plurality of types of punching bags, including weighted or inflated bags—for example: a heavy bag, angle bag, focus bag, or speed bag. In the example of a speed bag, the support apparatus is made to also support a horizontal rebound drum, more commonly known, and referred to herein, as a rebound platform or simply a platform. 
     In fact, a speed bag requires special considerations to support the bag for proper use. A speed bag is typically an air-inflated, teardrop-shaped punching bag about nine inches in height, rotatably attached to a rebound platform, from which the bag hangs and which provides a solid rebound surface for the bag when in use. After being struck by a user, a speed bag rebounds off of the platform quickly, usually two or more times after every strike, such that the user can strike the bag repeatedly and rhythmically and keep it in continuous motion. Since this type of use requires minimal loss of energy in the struck bag, the platform and the accompanying means of support require substantial rigidity and stability. While the degree to which a platform vibrates is determined in part by the density of the platform&#39;s material, its overall stability and effectiveness for speed bag performance is largely affected by the method or apparatus by which the platform is mounted. A platform or support apparatus that is generally unstable or that significantly vibrates will deaden the rebound of the bag and thus hinder the user from striking the bag with the speed and rhythm that is paramount to speed bag users. 
     Previous references that could provide support for a type of punching bag other than a speed bag and rebound platform—for example, a heavy bag or focus bag—fail at least to also provide adequate support for a speed bag and rebound platform. 
     Previous references that could provide support for a speed bag and rebound platform fail at least to employ a means or apparatus that would also provide adequate support for other types of punching bags. 
     Further, previous references that could provide support for a speed bag and rebound platform fail at least to provide such support in one or more of the following ways:
         1) The reference fails to employ a method or apparatus that would not effectively alter or modify the supporting structures (for example, a wall or ceiling), in that it utilizes screws, bolts, anchors, nails, adhesives, or other fastening methods that would penetrate the supporting structures in order to achieve a requisite level of support;   2) The reference fails to employ a method or apparatus that would not cause markings or indentations to the supporting structures, in that the apparatus invariably presses into the supporting structures in order to achieve a requisite level of support or as a result of movement during punching bag use;   3) The reference fails to employ a method or apparatus that would not be a safety hazard, in that its mounting or tensioning means do not ensure against the slipping or falling of the apparatus as a result of movement during punching bag use or merely under the force of gravity;   4) The reference fails to employ a method or apparatus that would achieve a level of stability and performance required for speed bag use as described above, in that it does not provide for the use of a solid rebound platform or does not provide requisite high-rebound and low-vibration characteristics.       

     Thus, there is still a need for a punching bag support apparatus that is not subject to the limitations and problems enumerated above. 
     These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
     As used herein, the phrases “coupled to,” “coupled with,” and “attached to” are used synonymously. Unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled” and the term “attached” are intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements, components, or members that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element, component, or member is located between the two elements, components, or members). 
     Moreover, elements, components, or members that are described as “coupled” or “attached” in a given embodiment are not necessarily mutually exclusive of each other in form or function across all embodiments comprising similar elements, components, or members. Nonetheless, as coupled or attached, the elements, components, or members integrate to establish the overall form and function as described. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These teachings provide apparatus, systems and methods for which a punching bag, or a punching bag and a rebound platform, can be mounted and secured to a plurality of architectural openings, including various architraves, e.g., a doorframe, such that the mounting utilizes surrounding architectural structures and surfaces without modification, alteration, or injury to those structures and surfaces, and such that the apparatus as mounted provides sufficient stability for repetitive striking of a punching bag. 
     A support apparatus is envisioned to have at least one bag-support member, to which a punching bag could be attached, or to which a horizontal rebound platform could be attached as in the case of, for example, a speed bag application. 
     In one embodiment, the bag-support member could be sized and disposed to be, for example, at least 50%, 70%, or 90% of the width of a doorway and centered between a left vertical side and a right vertical side of a doorframe of the doorway. In another embodiment, the bag-support member could comprise a horizontal, elongated member that is greater than the width of the doorway and that could extend beyond the left vertical side and the right vertical side of the doorframe, abutting the doorframe on a front-left side and a front-right side, respectively. In another embodiment, a modified version of the horizontal, elongated member could be telescoping on at least one end, allowing its length to be adjusted to suit a plurality of doorframes and architectural spaces. 
     The bag-support member could be adjustably coupled to an upper clamp assembly attached to an upper portion of the doorframe such that, as mounted, the support apparatus is proximate to the doorframe at a plurality of heights and depths to facilitate the use of a plurality of punching bags. The upper clamp assembly could assist in generally securing the apparatus in its mounted position and reducing movement of the apparatus during punching bag use. The upper clamp assembly could include one or more clamps comprised of at least one front member, at least one rear member, and at least one tightening mechanism, such that each clamp in the assembly could be tensioned around a front side and a rear side of the doorframe. Such clamping means could prevent the apparatus from being jarred from its mounted position and falling as a result of lateral movement of the punching bag or, in particular, by upward movement of a speed bag rebounding against an attached platform. 
     In some embodiments, the upper clamp assembly is envisioned to include a rigid, elongated, horizontal member that supports at least a portion of the weight of the apparatus by being sized and disposed to abut a top surface of the upper portion of the doorframe on, for example, the rear side of the doorframe. The horizontal member could span greater than 60%, 80% or 90% of the width of the doorway and could be coupled to one or more shorter elongated, horizontal members that each spans, for example, less than 20% or 30% of the width of the doorway, and that are sized and disposed to abut a top surface of an upper portion of the doorframe on a side opposite the longer horizontal member—e.g., on a front side. 
     In another embodiment, the horizontal member of the shorter length as described above could be utilized similarly to abut the upper portions of the doorframe on both the front side and the rear side. Alternatively, the horizontal member of the longer length as described above could be utilized similarly to abut the upper portions of the doorframe on both sides. Further, one or more of such configurations in one or more combinations of multiple longer and shorter horizontal members could comprise the upper clamp assembly of the support apparatus without departing from the scope of these teachings. 
     One or more bag-support members could be coupled to the upper clamp assembly using at least one rigid vertical element. The vertical element could comprise, for example: a bracket about five inches wide and one quarter inch thick, or a round tube that is about one inch in diameter, or about a one-inch square tube. Alternatively, a plurality of brackets or tubes could be employed in front-and-rear or side-by-side configurations relative to the depth and the width of the doorway, respectively. In some embodiments, such bag-support members and vertical elements are envisioned to be vertically telescoping on at least one end, allowing the length of each to be adjusted to suit a plurality of doorframes and architectural spaces. 
     Such vertical elements could comprise a series of coupling points such as holes, indents, tracks, or slots, for example, arranged vertically such that the coupling between the bag-support members and the upper clamp assembly is vertically adjustable—for example: in at least one-inch or two-inch increments, or infinite sliding adjustability, within a span of at least one foot. Such vertical variability could allow the bag-support members, and thus the punching bag itself, to be raised or lowered to suit the preference of a user. 
     Similarly, one or more of the bag-support members could comprise a series of coupling points arranged horizontally such that the coupling between the bag-support member and the upper clamp assembly could also be horizontally adjustable—for example: in at least one-half-inch or one-inch increments, or infinite sliding adjustability, within a span of at least three inches. Such horizontal variability could allow the bag-support member, and thus the punching bag itself, to be positioned forward or backward, relative to the depth of the doorway, to suit the preference of the user. Further, in an embodiment comprising a bag-support member configured as an elongated horizontal member that abuts the front-left side and the front-right side of the doorframe, such horizontal adjustment in the coupling of the bag-support member to the upper clamp assembly could facilitate the mounting of the apparatus with an attached rebound platform in doorways with a plurality of frame dimensions—for example, 5 inches deep, 6½ inches deep, or 7 inches deep, such that the platform rests in a perfectly level position. 
     In some embodiments, the coupling between the horizontal and vertical elements of the bag-support members is envisioned to be rotatable in order to compact the apparatus when unmounted, to allow more convenient storage or ease in transport, for example. 
     To further secure the support apparatus to the doorframe, a left-side clamp assembly and a right-side clamp assembly are envisioned. These side clamp assemblies could each be comprised of one or more elongated members in the sizes and configurations described herein for the upper clamp assembly. In some embodiments, the left-side clamp assembly and the right-side clamp assembly could be coupled to at least one of the bag-support members adjustably, such that the coupled members as a whole can be sized and disposed to mount to a plurality of doorway widths, depths, and doorframe dimensions. 
     It is envisioned that any of the clamp assemblies could comprise at least one or two support materials: a first material that is at least semi-rigid, to provide the primary structure of the clamp; and a second material that comprises a padding, to provide protection to the surfaces of the doorframe, wall or other architectural structures with which the clamp comes into contact. Moreover, a plurality of padding materials could be employed on the clamps or any part of the support apparatus to provide grip, or to protect against scratches or blemishes on the architectural surfaces, or to dampen vibration of the apparatus during punching bag use, or to absorb shock to the apparatus or the architectural structures during punching bag use. Alternatively, the first material could comprise a semi-rigid material that also functions as a padding material, such as a hard rubber. Such a material could be the only material of which the clamps are comprised. Contemplated semi-rigid or rigid materials include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, hardwood, fiberglass, hard plastic, and hard rubber. Contemplated padding materials include, but are not limited to, soft rubber, foam rubber, soft plastic, vinyl, felt, and cloth. 
     The support apparatus is further envisioned to comprise at least one attachment mechanism to allow coupling with a known punching bag attachment device, such as an S-hook or a spring hook, which could allow the attachment of a plurality of types of punching bags. The support apparatus could have at least one such attachment mechanism for a punching bag to be used without a rebound platform, in addition to an attachment mechanism to allow coupling with a rebound platform, to which a speed bag could be attached via a known swivel hook, for example. 
     The support apparatus is envisioned to comprise a material that could support a punching bag of any known weight, for example: 10 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs, or heavier; and any known size, for example: 6 inches, 8 inches, 12 inches, or larger; and any known filling, for example: air (inflated), fiber, or foam. 
     The support apparatus is envisioned to comprise a material that could support a rebound platform of any known material, for example: wood or plastic; and any known weight, for example: 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 30 lbs, or heavier; and any known length and width, for example: 12 inches by 18 inches, 18 inches by 18 inches, 18 inches by 24 inches, or larger; and any known shape, for example: a perfect or modified circle, square or rectangle, or an irregular shape; and any known thickness, for example: ¾ inch, 1 inch, 3 inches, or greater. 
     Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of alternative embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed support apparatus to which a speed bag and a rebound platform are attached. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , unmounted and folded into a storage position. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus, illustrating a depth adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the apparatus, illustrating an alternative depth adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , but to which a heavy bag is attached. As in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 6  illustrates: a bag-support member comprising two vertical elements; and an upper clamp assembly comprising two tightening mechanisms and one common, elongated horizontal rear member. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment, which illustrates: a bag-support member comprising one vertical element; and an upper clamp assembly comprising one tightening mechanism and one elongated horizontal rear member. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the support apparatus of  FIG. 7 , but it shows an attached speed bag and platform rather than a heavy bag. Some hidden structures of the apparatus and doorframe are shown in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, exploded view of a bag-support member, isolating the basic components of an alternative embodiment of a depth adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial, perspective view of a bag-support member, isolating another alternative embodiment of a depth adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 8 , illustrating a left-side bag-support member and a right-side bag-support member that also serve as a front member of a left-side clamp and a front member of a right-side clamp, respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Previous support methods that rely on clamping suffer from the dilemma that, in order to achieve optimal support and stability by clamps alone, a support apparatus would have to be lighter than a weight that would maximize performance use. Previous methods that rely on leveraging suffer from the dilemma that, in order to achieve optimal support and stability by leverage points alone, the support apparatus would have to be heavier than a weight that would be necessary for high-performance use, and this could make installation more difficult or impossible in some situations. Therefore, by either method, apparatus usability and performance must be compromised for the sake of clamping or leveraging effectiveness. 
     The disclosed methods provide several advantageous technical effects over previous methods. The methods herein teach a clamping and leveraging support means together, such that the two work integrally and optimally in a plurality of embodiments. No longer must the apparatus&#39;s weight be contingent upon support and stability factors. The result demonstrates how both support and performance can be maximized without conflict. 
     A particular advantage of the disclosed methods is clamping that requires minimal tensioning and assists in safely securing a support apparatus—with either a punching bag by itself or a punching bag attached to a rebound platform—within a direct space of an architectural opening, such as a doorway. In contrast, a support method that relies primarily or solely on leveraging the weight of an apparatus against, for example, a doorframe or door, may require an indirect, horizontally displaced mounting of the apparatus—i.e., away from the direct space of the doorway—such that it protrudes into, for example, an adjacent room, in order for the leverage to be sufficient to achieve a requisite level of support, stability, or safety. 
     A further advantage of the disclosed methods is the obviating of a need for additional supporting members, such as a wall brace or a ceiling brace. Yet another advantage is the obviating of a need for an installation that requires, for example, screwing support brackets into a doorframe, or drilling holes into wall studs—or any modifications or alterations, for that matter, to the supporting structures. Other advantages include the ability to easily mount and unmount, with a single apparatus, a conventional speed bag and rebound platform—or a plurality of punching bag types—and achieve a level of performance that meets or exceeds known apparatuses. 
     The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other, remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
     In  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a support apparatus  100  is shown from a rear view, mounted to a doorframe  190 . In this embodiment, the apparatus  100  supports a speed bag  160  and a rebound platform  150 . A known swivel device  162  attaches speed bag  160  to rebound platform  150 . Doorframe  190  is contemplated to have an inner width of about 30 inches, although the inner width could be as narrow as about 24 inches or as wide as about 40 inches for this embodiment of the apparatus. The shape of rebound platform  150  is contemplated to be circular but could be a plurality of shapes. Rebound platform  150  is contemplated to have a diameter of about 23 inches; however, that diameter could be as great as the inner width of doorframe  190  or as small as the distance between two contact points 180 degrees apart where speed bag  160  rebounds off of rebound platform  150  after being struck. Rebound platform  150  is further contemplated to have a thickness of about 1 inch; however, the thickness of rebound platform  150  could be greater or less than 1 inch—for example, ½ inch or 3 inches. The material of rebound platform  150  is contemplated to be comprised of solid wood but could be a plurality of materials, solid or otherwise—for example: wood comprising internal chambers, or solid plastic, or cushioned plastic. Further, speed bag  160  could be air-inflated or any known type, and could be, for example, about 9 inches high, or any known size and shape of punching bag. 
     Continuing  FIG. 1 , the support apparatus  100  comprises a first vertical element  130  and a second vertical element  140 , both of which abut doorframe  190  and function as rear clamp members of an upper clamp assembly  119  (further described below for  FIG. 2 ). A horizontal clamp member  115  rests abuttingly on a top surface of doorframe  190  and thereby leverages a weight of the apparatus  100 . Horizontal clamp member  115  is shown coupled to vertical elements  130  and  140  by a first T-knob fastener  117  and a second T-knob fastener  118 , respectively. Thusly,  FIG. 1  (and the corresponding front view of  FIG. 2 ) represents one contemplated system that combines a leveraging method and a clamping method integrally in one embodiment of the support apparatus  100 . 
     While  FIG. 1  shows horizontal clamp member  115  coupled about midway along the length of vertical elements  130  and  140 , T-knob fasteners  117  and  118  can be inserted into any one of a plurality of holes  125  and  127 , respectively, to vertically adjust the distance of horizontal clamp member  115  from the attached rebound platform  150 . Similarly, a first T-knob fastener  111  and a second T-knob fastener  121  can be inserted into any one of the plurality of holes  125  and  127 , respectively, to vertically position a tightening mechanism  113  and a tightening mechanism  123 , respectively. This configuration represents one contemplated method for adjusting speed bag  160  appropriately for the height of a user. 
     Note that in other contemplated embodiments not shown but similar to that of  FIG. 1 , vertical elements  130  and  140  could be sized and disposed such that they do not abut the upper portion of doorframe  190  as in  FIG. 1  but rather are configured entirely below it. In such configurations, vertical elements  130  and  140  would not necessarily function as rear clamp members of upper clamp assembly  119  but could be coupled to upper clamp assembly  119 , which could comprise a plurality of rear clamp members similar to front clamp members  122  ( FIG. 2) and 147  ( FIG. 2 ) of an upper clamp  120 , and front clamp members  112  ( FIG. 2) and 148  ( FIG. 2 ) of an upper clamp  110 . Alternatively, upper clamp assembly  119  could comprise horizontal clamp member  115  and a similarly sized clamp member (not shown) on the opposing side of doorframe  190 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a right-side clamp assembly  170  and a left-side clamp assembly  180  (named relative to a front side of the apparatus, as in  FIG. 2 ), each clamped onto a respective side of doorframe  190 . Right-side clamp assembly  170  is shown comprised of a rear clamp member  133  coupled to a rear clamp member  172  wherein a T-knob fastener  174  adjusts the coupling of rear clamp members  133  and  172  via a slot  176  in rear clamp member  133 , such that rear clamp member  172  abuts doorframe  190 . A tightening mechanism  137  brings the rear clamp member  133  and a first bag-support member  154  ( FIG. 2 ) toward each other and tensioned around doorframe  190  by turning T-knob fastener  153  ( FIG. 2 ), which passes through any one of a plurality of holes  149  ( FIG. 2 ) and threads into a mating part  165  coupled to rear clamp member  133 . Likewise, a left-side clamp assembly  180  is configured in the same manner as right-side clamp assembly  170 , but on the left side of doorframe  190 . The plurality of holes  149  ( FIG. 2 ) provides one contemplated means of adjustability such that left-side clamp assembly  180  and right-side clamp assembly  170  may be positioned appropriately for the width of doorframe  190 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , bag-support member  154  is contemplated to be a hollow tube made of a rigid material such as aluminum or steel, as are vertical elements  130  and  140 . Bag-support member  154  is illustrated as about 1¼-inch square and about 44 inches long. Note, however, that in other embodiments not shown, bag-support member  154  and vertical elements  130  and  140  are contemplated to be a plurality of shapes and dimensions—for example: at least a ¾-inch, 1-inch or 2-inch square or other multi-sided tube, or a round tube about ¾ inch or greater in diameter, or a round or multi-sided telescoping tube that adjusts in length to fit an available space proximate to a doorway, or a rigid, relatively flat, non-tubular material. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , bag-support member  154  abuts the left side and right side of doorframe  190  and thereby functions as a front clamp member of right-side clamp assembly  170  ( FIG. 1 ) and a front clamp member of left-side clamp assembly  180  ( FIG. 1 ). A padding material  158  is shown between bag-support member  154  and the left side and right side of doorframe  190 . The dual-purpose functionality of bag-support member  154 , such that it leverages apparatus  100  against the front of doorframe  190  and also serves as one of the front clamp members of right-side clamp assembly  170  ( FIG. 1 ) and left-side clamp assembly  180  ( FIG. 1 ), further demonstrates a method of combining leveraging and clamping integrally in support apparatus  100 . 
     Note that in other contemplated embodiments not shown but similar to that of  FIG. 2 , bag-support member  154  could be a length less than the inner width of doorframe  190  and would not necessarily abut the left side or the right side of doorframe  190 . In those embodiments, bag-support member  154  would not necessarily serve as the front clamp member of right-side clamp assembly  170  ( FIG. 1 ) or of left-side clamp assembly  180  ( FIG. 1 ), but rather could be centered between the left side and the right side of doorframe  190  and could be coupled to right-side clamp assembly  170  ( FIG. 1 ) and left-side clamp assembly  180  ( FIG. 1 ), each comprising a plurality of front clamp members similar to rear clamp members  133 ,  172 , and  135 ,  182 , on the left side and right side of doorframe  190 , respectively. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is the front side of upper clamp assembly  119  ( FIG. 1 ), comprising upper clamp  110  and upper clamp  120 , each clamped onto doorframe  190 . Upper clamp  110  is shown comprised of a front clamp member  148  coupled to a front clamp member  112  wherein a T-knob fastener  114  adjusts the coupling of front clamp members  148  and  112  via a slot  116  in front clamp member  148 , such that front clamp member  112  abuts doorframe  190 . A tightening mechanism  113  brings the front clamp member  148  and vertical member  130  toward each other and tensioned around doorframe  190  by turning T-knob fastener  111  ( FIG. 1 ), which passes through any one of the plurality of holes  125  ( FIG. 1 ) and threads into a mating part  165  coupled to front clamp member  148 . Upper clamp  120  is configured in the same manner as upper clamp  110  but is proximate to the left side, instead of the right side, of doorframe  190 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the embodiment of the support apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in an unmounted, folded position, with upper clamps  110  and  120  ( FIG. 2 ) removed (and not shown) and speed bag  160  detached. Coupled to the first bag-support member  154  are a second bag-support member  134  and a third bag-support member  144 . Bag-support members  134  and  144 , however, could be sized and disposed to be uncoupled from bag-support member  154 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , for example. Note further that in other similar embodiments contemplated but not shown, bag-support members  134  and  144  do not necessarily exist, and vertical elements  130  and  140  could be sized and disposed to couple directly or by other configurations to bag-support member  154 . 
     Continuing  FIG. 3 , vertical element  140  is coupled to bag-support member  134  via an attachment mechanism  142 , which is contemplated in this embodiment to have two attachment points, facilitated here by example as a fixed pin  143  and a removable T-knob fastener  141 , both of which extend through bag-support member  134  and vertical element  140 . T-knob fastener  141  could be removed to allow vertical element  140  to rotate toward bag-support member  154  to the position illustrated. An attachment mechanism  132  is configured similarly. Thusly, when apparatus  100  is unmounted from doorframe  190  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), upper clamp assembly  119  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) could be folded down from its vertical position, toward bag-support member  154 , with or without upper clamps  110  and  120  ( FIG. 2 ) removed, and with or without speed bag  160  detached, for the purposes of storing or transporting support apparatus  100 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , an alternative support apparatus  101  is illustrated comprising a first depth adjustment mechanism  600  for adjusting rebound platform  150  in relation to doorframe  190  ( FIG. 2 ). Fixedly coupled to rebound platform  150  is a bag-support member  610  and a bag-support member  620 , to which a bag-support member  630  and a bag-support member  640 , respectively, are slidingly coupled. Bag-support members  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640  comprise a plurality of coupling points  611 ,  621 ,  631  and  641 , respectively, shown euphemistically to represent indents/detents into which one or more pins or tabs (not shown) may be inserted to lock bag-support members  630  and  640  to bag-support members  610  and  620 , respectively, in a plurality of positions forward or backward relative to a depth of doorframe  190 . In this manner, the user may position rebound platform  150  and speed bag  160  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ): more directly within doorframe  190  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), requiring less room space, for example; or forward and away from doorframe  190  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), allowing the user a wider range of movement around the front of rebound platform  150 . 
     Continuing  FIG. 4 , a second depth adjustment mechanism  605  adjusts the horizontal distance between bag-support member  154  and upper clamp member  115 . Bag-support member  154  is slidingly coupled to bag-support members  630  and  640 . In a manner similar to adjustment mechanism  600 , the plurality of coupling points  631  and  641  lock bag-support member  154  in a plurality of positions such that bag-support member  154  and upper clamp member  115  may both firmly abut doorframe  190  as shown in FIGS.  1  and  2 —while keeping rebound platform  150  and the overall apparatus  101  level horizontally. 
     Note that in  FIG. 4 , clamp assemblies  119 ,  170  and  180  of  FIG. 1  are not illustrated in order to simplify the drawing but are nonetheless envisioned. Also note that in other contemplated embodiments not shown but similar to that of  FIG. 4 , depth adjustment mechanisms  600  and  605  are easily adaptable for support apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) configured for a plurality of punching bags to be used without rebound platform  150 . For example, bag-support members  610  and  620  could be rigidly coupled to an additional bag-support member (e.g., bag-support member  154 ) comprising an attachment mechanism for a punching bag (not shown), requiring no other modification to the other elements of  FIG. 4  as illustrated. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a support apparatus  102  comprising an alternative depth adjustment mechanism  700  that is similar in purpose to depth adjustment mechanism  605  ( FIG. 4 ). In this embodiment, however, a bag-support member  710  comprises a slot  730  and a slot  750 ; and a bag-support member  720  comprises a slot  740  and a slot  760 . Slots  730 ,  740 ,  750 , and  760  are illustrated as hidden (i.e., dashed lines), since bag-support members  710 ,  720 , and  154  are illustrated in this embodiment as square tubes with four surfaces wherein the only slotted surface of each bag-support member  710 ,  720  and  154  is the one abutting platform  150 . Platform  150  could comprise at least one hole (not shown) for each respective slot  730 ,  740 ,  750 , and  760 . Optionally, rebound platform  150  could comprise corresponding slots illustrated by the said dashed lines. Alternatively, only platform  150  could comprise slots  730 ,  740 ,  750 , and  760 , and bag-support members  710 ,  720 , and  154  could each comprise at least one hole (not shown) respectively. In any of these said options, a nut  712  and a nut  714  each thread onto a bolt (not shown) through slots  730  and  750 , respectively, coupling bag-support member  710  to rebound platform  150 , while a nut  716  threads onto a bolt (not shown) through slot  750 , coupling bag-support member  154  to rebound platform  150 . Likewise, a nut  722  and a nut  724  each thread onto a bolt (not shown) through slots  740  and  760 , respectively, coupling bag-support member  720  to rebound platform  150 , while a nut  726  threads onto a bolt (not shown) through slot  760 , coupling bag-support member  154  to rebound platform  150 . 
     Thusly, a plurality of coupling points are provided such that bag-support member  154  and upper clamp member  115  may be positioned to both firmly abut doorframe  190  as in FIGS.  1  and  2 —while keeping rebound platform  150  and the overall apparatus  102  level horizontally. 
     Note that in  FIG. 5 , the clamp assemblies  119 ,  170  and  180  of  FIG. 1  are not illustrated in order to simplify the drawing but are nonetheless envisioned. 
       FIG. 6  shows an embodiment that uses the same component configuration of support apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In  FIG. 6 , however, attached to support apparatus  100  is a heavy bag  801  using a standard chain and swivel  814  coupled to bag-support  154  via an attachment mechanism  807 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment that comprises a single vertical element  803  in place of vertical elements  130  and  140  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Vertical element  803  is illustrated here as a relatively flat and wide support member, although it could be sized similarly to, for example, vertical element  130  ( FIG. 1 ). Note that other component configurations are contemplated wherein, for example, vertical element  130  ( FIG. 2 ) is rotatably coupled to bag-support member  154  (FIG.  2 )—but centered within doorframe  190 , similar to the vertical element  803  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , but heavy bag  801  ( FIG. 7 ) is replaced with rebound platform  150  and speed bag  160 . Some components of apparatus  103  and some surfaces of doorframe  190  that are hidden in this front view are drawn here in dashed lines. An upper clamp assembly  805  is shown as a single-clamp configuration similar to clamp  110  or clamp  120  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Note that other configurations not shown are envisioned wherein, for example, upper clamp assembly  805  comprises a plurality of upper clamps having clamp members of a plurality of sizes as described for FIGS.  1  and  2 —but coupled to the single vertical element  803 . 
       FIG. 9  is a partial, exploded view isolating the components of an alternative embodiment of a depth adjustment mechanism  900  and relates to support apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  6 ).  FIG. 9  focuses on only the left-side members of depth adjustment mechanism  900 . The same component configuration, however, could be mirrored for the right-side members of depth adjustment mechanism  900 . Note that in alternative embodiments not shown but contemplated herein, depth adjustment mechanism  900  could be disposed in a plurality of configurations—for example, in a single, center configuration, rather than the double, left-right configuration shown. 
     A bag-support member  902  could be sized and disposed relative to doorframe  190  ( FIG. 2 ) in a plurality of ways as contemplated for bag-support member  154  ( FIG. 2 ). Bag-support member  902  is shaped, in  FIG. 9 , as a double “T” comprising a plurality of coupling points illustrated as a row of holes  913  drilled through the square tubing of bag-support member  902 . Similarly, a bag-support member  909  could be sized and disposed relative to vertical element  130  ( FIG. 2 ) in a plurality of ways as contemplated for bag-support member  134  ( FIG. 2 ), and could comprise rotatable coupling mechanism  142  ( FIG. 2 ). Additionally, bag-support member  909  comprises a plurality of coupling points illustrated as a row of holes  912  drilled through the vertical sides of bag-support member  909 . Bag-support members  902  and  909  could be adjustably coupled by inserting bag-support member  902  between the vertical sides of bag-support member  909  such that the rows of holes  912  and  913  match in a position to allow bag-support member  902 , and vertical elements  130  and  140  ( FIG. 2 ), to firmly abut the front side and rear side of doorframe  190  ( FIG. 2 ), respectively. A set of bolts  911  and a set of nuts  910  fasten the coupling between bag-support members  902  and  909 . 
     Note that the coupling points illustrated as the rows of holes  912  and  913  are also contemplated alternatively as comprising, for example, slots, indents/detents, or other mechanisms for adjustable coupling. 
       FIG. 10  is a partial, perspective view isolating the components of another alternative embodiment of a depth adjustment mechanism  901  and relates to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Note that in alternative embodiments not shown but contemplated herein, depth adjustment mechanism  901  could be disposed in a plurality of configurations—for example, a double, left-right configuration, rather than the single center configuration shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     A bag-support member  903  could be sized and disposed relative to doorframe  190  ( FIG. 7 ) in a plurality of ways as contemplated for bag-support member  800  ( FIG. 7 ). Bag-support member  903  is shaped as a “T” comprising a plurality of coupling points illustrated as a pair of rows of holes  906  drilled through a flattened part of bag-support member  903 . Similarly, a bag-support member  905  could be sized and disposed in a plurality of ways as contemplated for bag-support member  803  ( FIG. 7 ) and could additionally comprise a rotatable coupling mechanism (not shown), such as a hinge, to allow the vertical part of bag-support member  905  to fold downward. In  FIG. 10 , bag-support member  905  comprises a plurality of coupling points illustrated as a pair of rows of holes  908  drilled through the horizontal portion of bag-support member  905 . Bag-support members  903  and  905  could be adjustably coupled such that the pairs of rows of holes  906  and  908  match in a position to allow bag-support members  903  and  905  to firmly abut the front side and rear side of doorframe  190  ( FIG. 2 ), respectively. A set of fasteners  904  fastens the coupling between bag-support members  903  and  905 . 
     Note that the coupling points illustrated as the pairs of rows of holes  906  and  908  are also contemplated alternatively as comprising, for example, slots, indents/detents, or other known mechanisms for adjustable coupling. 
       FIG. 11  shows an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 8 . However, a support apparatus  104  comprises a left-side bag-support member  1003  and a right-side bag-support member  1004 . In this illustration, bag-support members  1003  and  1004  are each coupled directly to rebound platform  150 , although a plurality of configurations are contemplated. For example, an embodiment is envisioned wherein bag-support members  1003  and  1004  each comprise an additional thin, flat portion (not shown) similar to that of bag-support member  903  ( FIG. 10 ) that could adjustably couple to vertical element  803 . Alternatively, bag-support members  1003  and  1004  could comprise or couple to members (not shown) similar to bag-support members  134  and  144  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Other embodiments can be contemplated within the scope of these teachings that could support a plurality of punching bags with or without a rebound platform. 
     In fact, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more configurations and embodiments are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. These teachings, therefore, are not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in the interpretation of both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the term “comprise,” in all its forms, should be interpreted as referring to elements, members, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, members, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, members, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification or the claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. Also, the words “a” and “an” in the claims should be taken as denoting “at least one” even if “at least one” appears in other claim wording.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0