Exercise Ball Stabilizer with Adjustable Backplate and Side Bumpers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in maintaining balance and stability during core exercises with exercise balls, leading to falls and injuries due to lack of gripping surfaces or insufficient stabilization, especially for those new to exercise routines.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose exercise apparatus with an adjustable framework and demountable padded exercise mats, including side bumper pads to secure the exercise ball in place, reducing the risk of ejection during movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users perform core exercises on exercise balls without additional support structures, then exercise freedom and simplicity are maintained, but user stability and safety deteriorate due to lack of gripping surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary framework structure with handgrips, footrests, and support bars that mediates between the user and the exercise ball. This framework provides the necessary gripping surfaces and stabilization points without restricting the fundamental freedom to perform various core exercises on the ball.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent components (handgrips, footrests, stabilizer bars) that can be selectively used depending on the specific exercise being performed. This segmentation allows users to access different support points as needed while maintaining exercise freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exercise balls are used without confinement structures, then exercise versatility is maintained, but ball stability deteriorates causing ejection risks during strenuous movements
Solution Approach 1:
The framework structure with side bumpers and positioning elements applies preliminary confining forces to prevent the exercise ball from being ejected during strenuous movements. The bumpers create a protective barrier that counteracts the outward forces generated during intense core exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework acts as an intermediary confining structure that holds the exercise ball in place without directly restricting user movement. The side bumpers and positioning mechanisms provide ball stability while maintaining exercise versatility.
3Device complexity
If hard surfaces are used for core exercises, then structural simplicity is maintained, but user comfort deteriorates causing discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The framework incorporates localized padding elements at contact points (seats, backrests, handgrips) where user body parts make contact. This local quality enhancement provides comfort at critical interfaces while maintaining the overall simplicity of the framework structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus for cooperating with an exercise ball during performance of core exercises thereon. The exercise apparatus comprises: (i) an exercise platform comprising a framework defining a first opening approximate its proximal end for receiving therein a first padded exercise mat and a second opening approximate its distal end for receiving therein a second padded exercise mat; (ii) an upright framework engaged with the exercise platform framework at its proximal end, the upright framework having a vertically adjustable backplate with an adjustable headrest and an adjustable handlebar grip, a handgrip support rail and a stabilizer bar integrally engaged with the proximal end of the exercise platform; (iii) a first padded exercise mat for demountable installation into the first opening defined in the exercise platform framework; and (iv) a second padded exercise mat for demountable installation into the first opening defined in the exercise platform framework.