Gym Ball Elevation Training Device Kit for Maximum Forward Bend Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise balls limit the range of motion and muscular work for back extensor muscle training due to their height and circumference, preventing exercises from being performed from a full forward bend and restricting the backward extension movement.

Innovation Solution

A set of elevation training devices with adjustable ring-shaped holders and struts allows for varying heights and diameters, enabling an upper body or lower body bending angle of at least 45°, preferably 60°, for enhanced training freedom and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If exercise balls are used at ground level, then the device structure remains simple and inexpensive, but the range of motion is limited and maximum forward bend cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of motionVSAvoidelevation device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevation device is divided into multiple height levels (e.g., ground level, first elevation level, second elevation level) that can be selectively used. This segmentation allows the system to provide varying ranges of motion without requiring a single complex structure, resolving the contradiction between operational freedom and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic selection between different elevation levels based on training requirements. By making the height configuration adjustable and selectable rather than fixed, the device adapts to different exercise needs while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If exercise ball height is increased to enable full forward bend, then training freedom improves, but the device becomes more expensive and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining freedomVSAvoidelevation device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple elevation devices of different heights are designed to be nestable within each other. This nesting capability allows the system to provide multiple height options for different training needs while minimizing storage space and reducing the overall weight burden, as smaller devices can be stored within larger ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The elevation devices are designed with universal characteristics that allow them to serve multiple functions: they can be used individually or in combination, stored nested within each other, and selected based on specific training requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing total weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple elevation devices with different heights are provided, then adaptability to different body sizes and exercises improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different body sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elevation devices are designed in a nested configuration where smaller devices fit within larger ones. This nesting design allows multiple height variants to be manufactured using similar processes and materials, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while providing adaptability for different body sizes and exercise types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The elevation devices share homogeneous structural characteristics and design elements across different height variants. This homogeneity in design allows for standardized manufacturing processes, reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate different user needs through selective use of different height levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

4Productivity

If exercise ball is positioned higher off the ground, then muscular work and training stimulus are optimized, but safety risks may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscular workVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elevation system is segmented into discrete height levels rather than continuous adjustment. This segmentation allows users to select appropriate heights based on their comfort and safety needs while still achieving optimized muscular work at higher levels, reducing safety risks associated with uncontrolled or excessive elevation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4291309B1Gym ball elevation training device kit for training the extensor muscles of the back, and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 MENGER JORN
  • EP4291309B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4291309B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4291309B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In training the extensor muscles of the back by means of balls, particularly in a prone position on the ball, there has hitherto been the difficulty of making available a device which is as easy as possible to handle and can be made available as cost-effectively as possible and by means of which an adequate training level can be achieved for a large number of different persons and also for different kinds of exercises on the ball. The present invention provides a gym ball elevation training device kit (10) which is designed for training the extensor muscles of the back and which comprises at least one gym ball (1) and at least two elevation training devices (11, 12, 13) which can each be mounted on the floor and which each have a ring-shaped gym ball holder (14); wherein the elevation training devices (11, 12, 13) have different heights (z10) and make available the respective gym ball holder at an individual training height in such a way that it is possible to achieve the greatest possible flexion angle (α) of the upper body or lower body relative to the horizontal plane. In this way, the training can also be improved, in particular made more effective/more efficient.