Cross-country skiing simulator

Claim 1

An exercise apparatus for simulating cross-country skiing, comprising: a) a base frame having front and rear ends; b) four parallel, substantially horizontal tracks mounted on said base frame to extend between said front and rear ends and forming an inner pair and an outer pair of tracks; c) a drive shaft mounted for rotation adjacent said front end of said frame; d) two pulleys associated with each track, said pulleys being mounted for rotation at separate locations adjacent opposite ends of each said track, a first pulley mounted on said drive shaft and a second pulley mounted adjacent the rear end of said frame; e) endless belt means mounted in association with each said track for motion around said pulleys; f) two foot-receiving plates mounted for sliding motion one on each of the two of said horizontal tracks forming the inner pair of tracks, and each secured to its respective endless belt means; g) two pole-receiving plates mounted for sliding motion one on each of the two of said horizontal tracks forming the outer pair of tracks, and each secured to its respective endless belt means; h) two ski poles; i) means fixed to said pole-receiving plates and to the lower ends of said ski poles providing a pivotable connection between said pole-receiving plates and said lower pole ends; j) one-way clutch means linking each said first pulley to said drive shaft whereby motion of said belt is freely permitted in one direction but motion of said belt means in the opposite direction drives said drive shaft; and k) a flywheel mounted on said drive shaft.