Patent Publication Number: US-6712742-B2

Title: Compact abdominal exercise apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/366,121 filed Mar. 21, 2002. The entirety of this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention in general relates to exercise apparatuses that enable users to exercise and strengthen certain muscle groups, and more particularly to enable users to exercise and strengthen the abdominal muscles. The invention relates to a compact abdominal exercise apparatus that provides quick-change resistance and allows the user to perform abdominal crunches either in the seated or supine position. 
     2. Statement of the Problem 
     Compact abdominal exercise apparatuses that include resistive force have been known for forty years. These apparatuses typically include a resistive member that is located between a handle member and a support member. Typically, a user is in a seated position when operating these apparatuses. In this position, the support member of these apparatuses is typically placed on top of or below a user&#39;s thigh and the handle member is grasped by a user&#39;s hands. A user exerts force downward on the handle member causing compression of the resistive member and thereby exercising their abdominal muscles in the process. Further, the handle members position the user&#39;s hands in a non-ergonomical position, such as horizontal. 
     All known prior art compact abdominal exercise apparatuses placed the hand positions at a height that didn&#39;t enable effective ergonomic crunches by the user. These apparatuses typically place the hands of the user in an elevated position approximately equal to chin or head height. In this context, “crunch” refers to the motion in which the trunk of the human body is raised from a supine position, while the spine is flexed so that the anterior portion of the spine is convex, with the legs remaining straight or bent. A crunch motion needs to be straight downward, thereby isolating abdominal muscles from hip flexors and back muscles. Otherwise, the hip flexors and back muscles are contributing to the exertive force and the abdominal muscle groups are not isolated and exercised independently. The range of travel for many of the prior art compact abdominal exercising apparatuses is generally too much to be conducive to a short crunch of the abdominal muscles. 
     These apparatuses typically include a resistive member that is some variation of a springing mechanism. When these springing mechanisms are located on the outside of a sliding assembly, the user is in constant jeopardy of being pinched by the springing mechanism during exercising. Further, if the springing mechanisms are located inside of a sliding assembly, the user is unable to easily access the springing mechanisms, should they wish to adjust the springing mechanism resistive force. 
     These apparatuses generally are difficult to adjust the resistive forces easily. Some of these apparatuses posses no variable resistive force whatsoever, thereby being of limited use to a user. Other apparatuses have a single spring or a plurality of springs that are an integral part of the sliding assembly and that are not designed to be easily adjusted or changed. These apparatuses don&#39;t allow the user to increase or decrease the resistive force. 
     Some prior art apparatuses include adjustable resistive forces. These prior art apparatuses must be taken apart to access and change the resistive force. Other prior art apparatuses contain a chamber and a piston that comprise a closed system. These apparatuses&#39; resistive forces are adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pressure within the chamber prior to exercising. 
     Some apparatuses include a chamber for a gas and a piston that is connected to a handle with a lower support. In these apparatuses, a vent allows the gas to escape when the piston is forced through the chamber, thereby creating resistive force, but only in one direction. Once the compression stroke is completed, a user must reposition the piston within the chamber to refill the chamber with the gas. 
     Therefore, to minimize the risk of injury as well as achieve a greater level of comfort and control compared to that resulting from performing abdominal exercises while lying on the floor, there has been a need for an apparatus and/or technique whereby a person sitting in a chair or lying horizontal on the ground or floor can use the crunch motion while performing repetitions of exercises equivalent to sit-ups, rotary sit-ups and/or knee-ups, but while remaining within safe limits of stress to the back and to the abdominal muscles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,726 issued Sep. 10, 1991 to Willem J. Van Straaten discloses an apparatus in which a person sitting on a chair, standing, or lying on the back with knees bent, applies a pumping action to a plunger, compressing a spring in a cylinder positioned vertically between the thighs or pressed against the abdomen. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,119 issued Dec. 10, 1991 to Martin W. Johnson discloses an apparatus in which a person sitting on a chair with the chin at the height of a horizontal pushbar attached to a vertical column pivotally supported on the floor places the arms over the pushbar and pushes down against the resistive force of a spring in the column, while twisting the upper portion of the body to the right and left, and then slowly allows the spring&#39;s resistive force to push his trunk upward to resume the original upright position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,162 issued Sep. 5, 1989 to Neckamm et al. discloses a spring-loaded piston and cylinder assembly apparatus in which a transverse handle bar attached to a rod is pushed through the spring-loaded pipe. The pipe is attached at its lower end to a transverse support rod resting on the thighs of the user, the rod being slideably disposed within the pipe. 
     At the same time, the prior art designs did not consider the fact that users can more quickly and efficiently exercise their muscle groups by utilizing an increasing/decreasing quick change resistive force. Prior art abdominal exercise apparatuses are generally not capable of providing a resistive force that enable a user to quickly increase or decrease the resistive force on the exercise apparatus. Further, prior art designs had unwieldy handles that didn&#39;t allow the muscle groups to be comfortably and effectively grasped, thereby allowing a user to comfortably use the exercise apparatus. Thus, it is evident that if the advantageous properties inherent in compact abdominal exercise apparatuses are to be enjoyed by the public, a significant advance in such compact abdominal exercise apparatuses is required. 
     SOLUTION 
     The present invention advances the art and helps to overcome the aforementioned problems by providing a novel adjustable resistance mechanism that includes a connector assembly and a plurality of quick change elastic members. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus according to the invention provides a connector assembly comprising a first member and a second member that slide together and define a first line of motion. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus according to the invention includes a protective cover that fits over the connector assembly to keep the internal parts, including the connector assembly, from pinching the user during use. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus according to the invention provides an ergonomical apparatus that allows a user to exercise their abdominal muscles in either a sitting position or a supine position. Each of the above features is separately novel, and the novel combination of all the features results in a compact abdominal exercise apparatus that should be a welcome addition to a user&#39;s exercise equipment stable. 
     The invention provides a compact abdominal exercise apparatus comprising: a lower body member adapted to engage a portion of the human body below the abdomen; an upper body member adapted to engage a portion of the human body above the abdomen; and an upper body member and lower body member connector assembly comprising: a first tube having a first tube proximal end and a first tube distal end; a second tube having a second tube proximal end and a second tube distal end, the second tube having a longitudinal slot; a first elastic anchor member attached to the first tube; a second elastic anchor member attached to the second tube; the lower body member attached to the proximal end of one of the first tube and the second tube and the upper body member attached to the proximal end of the other of the first tube and the second tube; and the first tube slideably fitting within the second tube with the first elastic anchor member extending through and longitudinally slideable within the slot and located farther from the one of the lower body support member and the upper body support member to which it is attached than the one of the lower body support member and the upper body support member to which it is not attached. 
     Preferably, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus further includes a first elastic member connected between the first elastic anchor member and the second elastic anchor member. Preferably, the first elastic member comprises an elastic cord. Preferably, the first elastic member comprises an elastic band. Preferably, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus further includes a second elastic member connectable between the first elastic anchor member and the second elastic anchor member. Preferably, the elastic support members comprise elastic cords. Preferably, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus further includes a protective cover substantially enclosing the connector assembly. Preferably, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus further includes an elastic member connectable between the first elastic anchor member and the second elastic anchor member, and wherein said protective cover includes an opening providing access to the elastic member. Preferably, the protective cover assembly is padded. Preferably, the lower body member is adapted to engage the front portion of the human thigh. Preferably, the upper body support member is adapted to engage a human hand. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a compact abdominal exercise apparatus comprising: a forward thigh member adapted to engage the forward portion of the human thigh; an upper body member adapted to engage a portion of the body above the abdomen; a plurality of resilient cords; a lower body cord anchor; an upper body cord anchor; a constraint assembly connecting the lower body member and the upper body member; the constraint assembly permitting relative motion of the lower body member and the upper body member in a first direction along a line connecting the lower body member and upper body member and preventing relative motion of the lower body member and upper body member in directions perpendicular to the first direction; the constraint assembly including: a lower body support member rigidly connecting the lower body member and the lower body cord anchor; and an upper body support member rigidly connecting the upper body member and the upper body cord anchor; the lower body cord anchor located closer to the upper body member than the upper body cord anchor; and the resilient cords connectable between the lower body cord anchor and the upper body cord anchor. Preferably, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus further includes a protective cover substantially enclosing the constraint assembly and the cord anchors, the protective cover including an opening for accessing the cords. 
     In a further aspect, the invention provides a compact abdominal exercise apparatus comprising: a lower body member adapted to engage a portion of the human body below the abdomen; an upper body member adapted to engage a portion of the human body above the abdomen; a constraint assembly connecting the lower body member and the upper body member, the constraint assembly permitting relative motion of the lower body member and the upper body member in a first direction along a line connecting the lower body member and upper body member and preventing relative motion of the lower body member and upper body member in directions perpendicular to the first direction, the constraint assembly including a resistance mechanism resisting but not preventing relative motion of the lower body member and the upper body member in the first direction; and a protective cover substantially enclosing the constraint assembly. Preferably, the constraint assembly includes a resistance adjuster and the cover includes an opening providing access to the resistance adjuster. Preferably, the cover comprises a first piece and a second piece and a fastener for fastening the first piece to said second piece. Preferably, the cover comprises molded plastic. 
     The abdominal exercise apparatus according to the invention provides, for the first time, a compact abdominal exercise apparatus that achieves a quick change resistive force mechanism with a range of travel that is ideal for exercising the abdominal muscles. The plurality of elastic members adds efficiency to quickly increasing and decreasing the resistive forces of the invention. The molded cover adds comfort and security from the novel slotted connector assembly. Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus with the protective cover open; 
     FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus with the protective cover open; 
     FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus with the protective cover open; 
     FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the back first member of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 7 depicts an end view of the first elastic anchor member of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus, 
     FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the back second member; 
     FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the protective cover; 
     FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an elastic member; 
     FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a second elastic anchor member; 
     FIG. 13 depicts a front view of another embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 14A depicts a side view of the second elastic anchor member as depicted in the embodiment in FIG. 13 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 14B depicts a top view of the first elastic anchor member as depicted in the embodiment in FIG. 13 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 14C depicts a side view of the first elastic anchor member as depicted in the embodiment in FIG. 13 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 15 depicts a front view of another embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 16 depicts a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13-15 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus with molded covers covering the internal mechanical features; 
     FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13-15 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; 
     FIGS. 18A and 18B depict a side view demonstrating a user in a sitting position exercising with the compact abdominal exercise apparatus; and 
     FIG. 19 depicts a side view demonstrating a user in a supine position lying on their back with their feet against a wall exercising with the compact abdominal exercise apparatus. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Overview 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  provides a convenient, comfortable, and effective approach to exercising the abdominal muscles of a user. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  includes a lower body support  102  that is placed on top of a user&#39;s thighs and an upper body support  104  including handles  108  that are grasped ergonomically by a user&#39;s hands. The hands exert downward force on an upper member causing compression of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  and thereby exercising the abdominal muscles. 
     The rectus abdominus muscles are a pair of long flat muscles, one on either side of the navel, which extend along the whole length of the front of the abdomen from the lower rib cage to the front of the iliac and pubic bones of the pelvis. The rectus abdominus muscles are interconnected by the linea alba, a band of fibrous connective tissue. 
     The obliquus externus abdominus muscles (external obliques) are broad, thin, flat muscles situated on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen and attached by fibrous connective tissue to the rectus abdominus. They extend from the medial margins of the lower rib cage and are directed outwardly toward the rim of the iliac bone of the pelvis. 
     The obliquus internus abdominus muscles (internal obliques) are thinner and smaller than the obliquus externus muscles. The internal obliques lie beneath and transversely to the external obliques. The internal obliques extend from the lateral margins of the lower rib cage and are directed inwardly toward the rim of the pelvic iliac bone. The internal obliques are also attached to the rectus abdominus muscles by fibrous connective tissue. 
     A Compact Abdominal Exercise Apparatus 
     FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  includes a lower body support  102  and an upper body support  104 . The lower body support  102  and upper body support  104  slide within each other as depicted in FIGS. 1-5,  9 , and  11 - 13 . The lower body support  102  is connected to a lower body support pad  106 . The upper body support  104  includes handles  108  for a user to grasp. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  includes an upper body support  104  and lower body support  102  connector assembly  110 . 
     The connector assembly  110  includes a first member  112  and a second member  114  that interconnect to provide a compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  that provides crunching abdominal exercises to a user. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus with the protective cover  116  open. The connector assembly  110  is exposed when the protective cover  116  is open. Further, FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a side view and front view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus with the protective cover  116  open. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section view through the lines  5 — 5  of FIG. 4 of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . The first member  112  includes a first member proximal end  118  and a first member distal end  120 . The second member  114  includes a second member proximal end  122  and a second member distal end  124 . The first member  112  also includes a first elastic anchor member  126  that is connected to the first member  112  in the proximity of the first member distal end  120 . The second member  114  also includes a second elastic anchor member  128  connected to the second member  114  in the proximity of the second member distal end  124 . The first elastic anchor member  126  and the second elastic anchor member  128  are connected together by a first elastic member  130 . Preferably, a second elastic member  132  is employed to add increased resistance during operation of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus. Preferably, additional elastic members are stored in optional spare elastic member ribs  134  located adjacent to the location of second elastic anchor member  128  or elsewhere, where space exists to store additional elastic members. 
     When the first member  112  or second member  114  are molded into two or more pieces as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the pieces can be held together by fasteners, such as screws that screw into screw bosses  136 , located in various locations on the first member  112  and the second member  114 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first member  112  includes first member channels  137  that are formed to fit the second elastic anchor member  128 . The slot  138  allows fasteners, such as the second anchor member fasteners  140 , to fasten the second elastic anchor member  128  to the second member  114  while allowing the first member  112  to slideably move between the second elastic anchor member  128  and the second member  114 . The slot  138  allows the first member  112  to slideably move relative to the second member  114 , when the second elastic anchor member  128  is attached to the second member  114 . The first member  112  also includes a first member ridge  139  that is formed to fit between the second elastic anchor member  128  and the second member  114 . The second elastic member  132  is attached to the second member  114  by elastic anchor member fasteners  140 . Vent holes  142  equilibrate the air pressure within the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  during use by a user. The second member  114  includes second member outer channels  144  that guide the first member  112  to slideably move relative to the second member  114 . The second member  114  also includes second member inner channels  150  that guide the first member  112  to slideably move relative to the second member  114 . The second member channels  135  are defined by the area between the second member outer channels  144  and the second member inner channels  150 . Preferably, the second member  114  is molded into one, two, or more pieces. In FIG. 8, a two-piece second member  114  is shown. 
     FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the back first member  158  of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . Near the proximity of the first member distal end  120  is the first elastic anchor member  126  which holds one end of the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . FIG. 7 depicts an end view of the first elastic anchor member  126  of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . The first elastic anchor member  126  includes a first elastic anchor member hole  192  and a first elastic anchor member opening  194 . The first elastic anchor member opening  194  is sized slightly smaller than the first elastic anchor member hole  192  to allow the elastic member body  190  to fit through but not the elastic member end, thereby creating a catch for the elastic members  130  , 132 , and  160 . 
     FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . Preferably, the handles  108  are covered with optional handle covers  146 . The second member  114  includes second elastic anchor member mounts  148  for accepting the second elastic anchor member fasteners  140 . The second member  114  also includes second member inner channels  150  that guide the first member  112  to slideably move relative to the second member  114 . Preferably, the second member  114  is molded into one, two, or more pieces. In FIG. 8, a two-piece second member  114  is shown. Second member  114  includes a back second member  152  and a front second member  154 . Preferably, the first member  112  is molded into one, two, or more pieces. In FIG. 8, a two-piece first member  112  is shown. First member  112  includes a front first member  156  and a back second member  158 . 
     FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the back second member  152 . The back second member  152  includes second member channels  135  defined by the second member outer channels  144  and the second member inner channels  150 . FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the protective cover  116 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover  116  attaches to the front second member  154  of the second member  114 . The protective cover  116  includes protective cover hinge tabs  170  that fit into front second member holes  188 , as depicted in FIG. 10, in the second member  114 . FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the elastic members  130  and  132 . Preferably, the first elastic member  130  and second elastic member  132  include a slightly larger end such as elastic member end  178  that preferably is larger in size than the elastic member body  190  and the second elastic anchor member opening  180 , as depicted in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a second elastic anchor member  128 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the second elastic anchor member  128  includes an indent or recessed area, such as the second elastic anchor member indent  184 . In this embodiment, the second elastic anchor member indent  184  of the second elastic anchor member  128  is formed to fit next to the first member ridge  139 . The second elastic anchor member  128  also includes a curved area that fits within the first member channels  137 , such as the second elastic anchor member curved portion  183 . The second elastic anchor member  128  also includes a second elastic anchor member opening  180 . The second elastic anchor member opening  180  is sized to allow the elastic member body  190  to fit within the opening. The second elastic anchor member  128  also includes a second elastic anchor member upper catch  182  that is sized to allow the elastic member body  190  to fit within the opening, but the opening is a smaller size than the elastic member end  178  of the elastic members  130  and  132  to be a catch and hold the elastic members  130  and  132  in position as the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  is used. 
     FIG. 13 depicts a front view of another embodiment  400  of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus. In this embodiment, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  400  includes an upper body support  404  connected to the first member  412  and a lower body support  402  connected to the second member  414 . The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  400  includes a lower body support  402  that is placed on top of a user&#39;s thighs and an upper body support  404  including handles  408  that are grasped ergonomically by a user&#39;s hands. In this embodiment, the first member  412  and the second member  414  are of a tubular configuration. Preferably, the tubular configuration is cylindrical or a pipe or cylinder that has a cross-section of a square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or other geometric shapes. The second elastic anchor member  428  is attached in the proximity of the second member distal end  424 . The first elastic anchor member  426  is attached to the proximity of the first member distal end  420 . FIG. 13 depicts an optional third elastic member  460  connected between the second elastic anchor member  428  and the first elastic anchor member  426 . The second elastic member  432  and the first elastic member  430  are depicted connected to the second elastic anchor member  428  but not the first elastic anchor member  426 . In this embodiment, the size or diameter of the first member  412  is slightly less than the size or diameter of the second member  414 , to enable the first member  412  to slideably move within the second member  414 . 
     The first member proximal end  418  is the same end that the handles  408  are attached to the first member  412 . The first member distal end  420  is the opposite end from the first member proximal end  418  of the first member  412 . The second member proximal end  422  is the same end that the lower body support  402  is attached to the second member  414 . The second member distal end  424  is the opposite end from the second member proximal end  422  of the second member  414 . 
     Preferably, elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460  are made of rubber or some other elastic material. Preferably, elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460  have ends that are of a larger size or diameter than the second elastic anchor member  428  and the first elastic anchor member  426  openings. Preferably, elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460  are elastic bands or elastic rubber bands. 
     FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  400 . The first member  412  and second member  414  are separated to depict second member slots  462 . Preferably, there are one, two, or more second member slots  462  and in FIG. 15, two are shown. The first elastic anchor member  426  protrudes through these second member slots  462  when the first member  412  and second member  414  are slid together as shown in FIG.  13 . FIGS. 14A-14C depict various views of the first elastic anchor member  426  and the second elastic anchor member  428 . 
     FIG. 14A depicts a portion of the second member distal end  424  of the second member  414  and the second elastic anchor member  428  that is attached to the second member distal end  424 . In FIG. 14B, the first member  412  is shown from a distal end view. The first elastic anchor member  426  is shown attached to the first member distal end  420  of the first elastic anchor member  426 . The first elastic anchor member holes  492  of the first elastic anchor member  426  are shown with a narrower opening than the first elastic anchor member hole  492  diameter to facilitate the holding of the first elastic member  430 , second elastic member  432 , and third elastic member  460 . As in the embodiment described above, these elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460  preferably have an elastic member end  478  that is a greater diameter than the elastic member body  490 , thereby enabling a user to easily connect and disconnect the elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460  from the first elastic anchor member  426  and second elastic anchor member  428 . Though FIG. 14B depicts the first elastic anchor member  426 , the size of first elastic anchor member holes  492  and dimension of the first elastic anchor member  426 , the second elastic anchor member  428  preferably possesses these same first elastic anchor member hole  492  sizes and dimensions. FIG. 14C depicts a portion of the first member distal end  420  of the first member  412  and the first elastic anchor member  426  that is attached to the first member distal end  420 . 
     FIG. 15 depicts a front view of another embodiment  500  of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus. In this embodiment, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  500  includes an upper body support  504  connected to the first member  512  and a lower body support  502  connected to the second member  514 . The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  500  includes a lower body support  502  that is placed on top of a user&#39;s thighs and an upper body support  504  including handles  508  that are grasped ergonomically by a user&#39;s hands. 
     The first member proximal end  518  is the same end that the handles  508  are attached to the first member  512 . The first member distal end  520  is the opposite end from the first member proximal end  518  of the first member  512 . The second member proximal end  522  is the same end that the lower body support  502  is attached to the second member  514 . The second member distal end  524  is the opposite end from the second member proximal end  522  of the second member  514 . 
     In this embodiment, the first member  512  and the second member  514  are of a tubular configuration. The tubular configuration preferably is cylindrical or pipe or cylinder that has a cross-section of a square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or other geometric shapes. The second elastic anchor member  528  is attached in the proximity of the second member distal end  524 . The first elastic anchor member  526  is attached to the proximity of the first member distal end  520 . In this embodiment, the size or diameter of the first member  512  is slightly less than the size or diameter of the second member  514 , to enable the first member  512  to slideably move within the second member  514 . 
     Preferably, elastic members  530 ,  532 , and  560  are made of rubber or some other elastic material. Preferably, elastic members  530 ,  532 , and  560  have ends or are shaped to allow the second elastic anchor member  528  and the first elastic anchor member  526  to hold elastic members  530 ,  532 , and  560 . Preferably, elastic members  530 ,  532 , and  560  are elastic bands or elastic rubber bands. 
     The second member  514  includes second member slots  562 . Preferably, there are one, two, or more second member slots  562  and in FIG. 15, two are shown. The first elastic anchor member  526  protrudes through these second member slots  562  when the first member  512  and second member  514  are slid together as shown in FIG.  15 . 
     In this embodiment, the first elastic anchor member  526  and second elastic anchor member  528  are configured to hold a first elastic member  530  and a second elastic member  532  that are elastic bands, like heavy-duty rubber bands designed for exercise apparatuses. In FIG. 15, the first elastic anchor member  526  and second elastic anchor member  528  are shown being capable of connecting two elastic members. The first elastic anchor member  526  and second elastic anchor member  528  could be such that they support one, two, or more elastic members. 
     FIG. 16 depicts a side view of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13-15 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  with molded covers covering the internal mechanical features. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  includes an upper front protective cover  472  and an upper rear protective cover  470  that cover some of the internal mechanical features, as depicted in FIGS. 13-15. The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  also includes lower front protective cover  474  and a lower back protective cover  475  that covers some of the internal mechanical features. A slotted protective access cover  466  has a quick access opening  468  to allow access to elastic members  430 ,  432 ,  460 ,  530 ,  532 , and  560 . FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13-16 of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . 
     FIGS. 18A and 18B depict a side view demonstrating a user in a sitting position exercising with the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . In FIG. 18A, a user is depicted in an upright seated position with the lower body support  102 ,  402 , and  502  in contact with the tops of the users thighs and the users hands are grasping the handles  108 ,  408 , and  508 . In FIG. 18B, the user is in the crunched position. In FIG. 19, a user is depicted in a supine position with the user&#39;s back flat against the floor and their feet against a wall. The lower body support  102 ,  402 , and  502  is in contact with the thighs and the users hands are grasping the handles  108 ,  408 , and  508 . 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  is ergonomically designed to be comfortable to a user. The handles  108 ,  408 , and  508  are angled to facilitate a comfortable grasp of the user during use of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . Further, the handle covers  146  and lower body support pad  106 ,  406 , and  506  are composed of foam, or alternatively other soft materials such as plastic, rubber or Styrofoam. In addition, the lower body support  102 ,  402 , and  502  is wide enough to be supported by two thighs of a user. Preferably, the width of the, lower body support  102  is between 8 and 20 inches. Most preferably, the width of the lower body support  102  is 13 inches. The span of the handles  108  is preferably between 5 and 30 inches, and most preferably 14 inches. Preferably, the height of the lower body support  102  is between 1 inch and 14 inches, and most preferably 6 inches. Preferably, the height of the upper body support  104  is between 2 inches and 12 inches, and most preferably 8 inches. The upper body support  104 , lower body support  102 , first member  112 , and second member  114  are composed of plastic, or alternatively other rigid lightweight materials such as plexiglass, polymeric materials, wood, aluminum, and carbon. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the protective cover  116  is hingeable and rotates about protective cover hinge tabs  176 . In another embodiment, the protective cover  116  preferably contains access holes or portions to enable a user to change the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  without rotating the protective cover  116 . The protective cover  116  is made of the same or different material than the first member  112  and second member  114  as described above. 
     The first member proximal end  118  is the same end that the handles  108  are attached to the first member  112 . The first member distal end  120  is the opposite end from the first member proximal end  118  of the first member  112 . The second member proximal end  122  is the same end that the lower body support  102  is attached to the second member  114 . The second member distal end  124  is the opposite end from the second member proximal end  122  of the second member  114 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the first elastic member anchor  126  and second elastic member anchor  128  preferably hold one, two, or more elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . The first elastic member anchor  126  is located in the proximity of the first member distal end  120 . The second elastic member anchor  128  is located in the proximity of the second member distal end  124 . As a user increases the compressive force on the first member  112  towards the second member  114  during exercise, the distance between the first elastic member anchor  126  and the second elastic member anchor  128  increases, thereby increasing the tensile stress on the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . Conversely, as a user decreases the compressive force on the first member  112  towards the second member  114 , the distance between the first elastic member anchor  126  and the second elastic member anchor  128  decreases, thereby decreasing the tensile stress on the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . 
     The upper body support and lower body support connector assembly  110  can be configured in a variety of embodiments. The connector assembly  110  includes the first member  112  and the second member  114 , whereby the first member  112  and the second member  114  slide past each other relatively to enable a compressive type movement. In one embodiment and as would be known to those skilled in the art, the first member  112  is attached to the upper body support  104  and the second member  114  is attached to the lower body support  102 . In another embodiment, the first member  112  preferably is attached to the lower body support  102  and the second member  114  preferably is attached to the upper body support  104 . 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  preferably includes one, two, or more elastic members. In the preferred embodiment, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  includes a first elastic member  130  and a second elastic member  132 . In another embodiment of the present invention, there preferably is a third elastic member  160 . The elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  are rubber tubing or other material capable of creating a resistive force upon stretching. Alternatively, other elastic members could be other resistive forces, such as hook and ring ends for springs, compressed gas pistons, an air bag compressed by a plunger, compressed or extended coil springs, stretching a band that is mounted sideways with a hook or roller, compressing a foam or elastomer spring or donut, a torsion spring like a tape measure, flat elastic band style spring, a scissor arrangement, and handles attached to an air bag. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  have an elastic member end  178  at one or both ends of the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . The elastic member end  178  allows a user to quickly connect and disconnect the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  from the first elastic member anchor member  126  and second elastic member anchor member  128 . The elastic member end  178  of the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  preferably are of a large diameter or size to facilitate connection to the first elastic member anchor member  126  and second elastic member anchor member  128 . The elastic member body  190  preferably is of a size that is smaller than the elastic member end  178  to slide through the first elastic anchor member holes  192 . 
     The first elastic anchor member holes  192  in the first elastic member anchor member  126  and second elastic member anchor member  128  preferably are one, two, or more. In one embodiment, there are two first elastic anchor member holes  192  in the first elastic member anchor member  126  and second elastic member anchor member  128 ; and in another embodiment of the present invention, there are three first elastic anchor member holes  192  in the first elastic member anchor member  126  and second elastic member anchor member  128 . The optional spare elastic member ribs  134  hold additional elastic members that are not in use, as shown in FIG.  2 . Alternatively, the first elastic anchor member  126  and second elastic anchor member  128  preferably comprise a hook type of arrangement, such that it accepts elastic members that are capable of being attached to this hook type of arrangement. 
     As described above, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  preferably comprises a variety of molded pieces that are assembled into one unit. The molded pieces preferably are fastened together using screws and screw bosses  136 , or, alternatively, other fasteners. These fasteners preferably are located in a variety of locations and are not limited by those shown in FIG. 5 or other figures. 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  includes slot  138 . In the preferred embodiment, slot  138  is formed in the center of the back first member  158 . Slot  138  allows the first member  112  to slide between the first elastic anchor member  126  that is fastened to the second member  114  by elastic anchor member fasteners  140 . Preferably, the length of slot  138  is between 1 inch and 16 inches, and most preferably 6 inches. Preferably, the width of slot  138  is between 0.1 inches and 2.0 inches, and most preferably 0.25 inches. 
     The elastic anchor member fasteners  140  preferably are bolts or other fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the elastic anchor member fasteners  140  preferably are of a width less than slot  138 , to enable the second member  114  to attach to the first elastic anchor member  126 . The vent holes  142  allow pressure equalization within the housing of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 . In the preferred embodiment, the vent holes  142  are located preferably near the second member proximal end  122 , and can be located elsewhere to facilitate pressure equalization. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first member  112  slides within the second member  114 , via second member outer channels  144  and second member inner channels  150 . In the preferred embodiment, the first member  112  is attached to the upper body support  104  and the second member  114  is attached to the lower body support  102 . As described above and as would be known to those skilled in the art, this configuration could be swapped, whereby the first member  112  is attached to the lower body support  102  and the second member  114  is attached to the upper body support  104 . 
     The second member outer channels  144  and second member inner channels  150  define the second member channels  135 , as shown in FIG.  5 . The first member channels  137  slide within the second member channels  135 . The second elastic anchor member mounts  148  accept the elastic anchor member fasteners  140 . 
     The slotted protective access cover  466  includes a quick access opening  468  that allows a user to access and quickly connect or disconnect the elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460 , thereby increasing or decreasing the resistive force of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  400 . In this embodiment, the elastic members  430 ,  432 , and  460  preferably are connected or disconnected from either the first elastic anchor member  426  or the second elastic anchor member  428  without opening a cover, while also providing protection for the user from the internal connector assembly  110 . In the embodiment  400  depicted in FIG. 16, the upper rear protective cover  470  and upper front protective cover  472  also protect the user from the internal connector assembly  110 . The upper rear protective cover  470  and upper front protective cover  472  are attached together by fasteners as described above or, preferably, they snap around the first member  412 . The lower front protective cover  474  and lower back protective cover  475  preferably attach to each other by fasteners as described above or, preferably, they snap around the second member  414 . Preferably, covers  470 ,  472 ,  474 , and  475  are made of plastic or, alternatively, some other lightweight material. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the protective cover  116  includes the protective cover hinge tabs  176  that slide into the front second member holes  188 , thereby creating a hingeable cover for opening to access the connector assembly  110  and the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . The protective cover hinge tabs  176  protrude slightly from the sides of the protective cover  116  to fit into the front second member holes  188 . Other methods of opening and closing the protective cover  116  such as clips and snaps, or other methods commonly known to those skilled in the art, can be employed. 
     The second elastic anchor member  128  includes a second elastic anchor member upper catch  182  that is sized smaller than the elastic member end  178  of the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . The second elastic anchor member opening  180  is sized slightly larger in diameter than the elastic member body  190  of the elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . The second elastic anchor member indent  184  fits the first member ridge  139 , and the second elastic anchor member curved portion  183  fits the first member channels  137 . 
     The first member  112  includes a first member ridge  139  at the junction of the first member channels  137 . In FIG. 5, one first member ridge  139  is depicted; however, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100  preferably includes one, two, or more first member ridges  139 . The first member channels  137  have a slightly smaller diameter than the second member channels  135 , to allow for the first member  112  to slideably move within the second member  114 . 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 ,  400 , and  500  can be used in a seated position, as in FIGS. 18A and 18B, or in a supine position with legs bent, as in FIG.  19 . In the seated position, as depicted in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the user rests the lower body support  102 ,  402 , and  502  on the top of the legs in the lap area, grasps the handles  108 ,  408 , and  508 , and then crunches downward applying pressure on the handles  108 ,  408 , and  508  such that the first member  112 ,  412 , and  512  slides down within the connector assembly  110  causing the first elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  to stretch and provide a resistive force against the downward crunching movement. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus requires the user to crunch relatively straight downward in order for the first member  112 ,  412 , and  512  to slide within the connector assembly as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. This relatively straight downward crunching motion requires flexion of the user&#39;s lower vertebra column, thereby isolating the abdominal muscles, as opposed to an incorrect crunch involving bending the body forward at the hips which recruits the hip flexors (seated or supine positions) and/or lower back muscles (seated position). The upper body support  104 ,  404 , and  504  is designed to provide for maximum sliding motion between the first member  112 ,  412 , and  512  and the second member  114 ,  414 , and  514 , while maintaining a compact design that rests comfortably on the user&#39;s lap and the handles  108 ,  408 , and  508  are approximately at chest height. 
     The aforementioned crunching motion provides resistive training of all of the abdominal muscles, including the upper and lower rectus abdominus, the internal and external abdominal obliques and the transverse abdominus. In the preferred embodiment, the invention provides for one or more resistance levels such that the user can add additional elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160  for higher resistance as their firmness level increases. Further, the beginner resistance level is approximately 10 pounds resistive force and progresses up to more than 50 pounds of resistive force for advance settings using additional elastic members  130 ,  132 , and  160 . 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 ,  400 , and  500  alternatively can be used in the supine position, as depicted in FIG.  19 . In the supine position, the user lies flat on his/her back with legs bent with feet either flat on the floor or with feet against a wall or other stable surface. The crunching movement is similar to that described for the seated crunch; however, in the supine position, the user must also overcome the gravitational resistance of the user&#39;s upper body in addition to the resistive force of the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 ,  400 , and  500  during the crunching motion. The resistive force provided by the present invention therefore enhances the supine crunch providing abdominal training beyond what is achievable from a standard supine crunch without the compact abdominal exercise apparatus. 
     The compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 ,  400 , and  500  alternatively can be used to do leg-ups in the supine position. In the supine position, the user lies flat on his/her back with legs bent with feet in the raised-position. The user then pulls their legs towards the body (versus a standard crunch where the user pulls their head and upper torso up and in towards the legs). The resistive force provided by the present invention therefore enhances the supine crunch providing abdominal training beyond what is achievable from a standard supine crunch without the compact abdominal exercise apparatus. 
     Further, the compact abdominal exercise apparatus  100 ,  400 , and  500  alternatively can be used to perform oblique exercises, where the user rests the lower body support  102 ,  402 , and  502  on the top of one thigh, and then crunches downward slightly towards that thigh, such that the oblique abdominals are independently exercised. The starting position puts the user&#39;s torso in a slightly angled position or gives them a slight twist, which then emphasizes the oblique abdominals further. To exercise the other side, the user merely shifts the unit over to the other thigh. This can be performed in either a seated position or in the supine position. 
     There has been described a compact abdominal exercise apparatus that has a quick change resistive force with a plurality of elastic members and a slotted connector assembly that is more effective, efficient, and ergonomic than prior art compact abdominal exercise apparatuses. It should be understood that the particular embodiments shown in the drawings and described within this specification are for purposes of example and should not be construed to limit the invention, which will be described in the claims below. Further, it is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of the specific embodiments described, without departing from the inventive concepts. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in and/or possessed by the invention herein described.