Stairclimber apparatus pedal mechanism

A simulated stair climbing-type exercise apparatus comprising:

• a frame adapted for placement on a horizontal surface;
• a first pedal assembly having a first pedal and a second pedal assembly having a second pedal, movable with respect to said frame in a vertical direction;
• a resistance mechanism secured to said frame;
• a transmission including a pair of one way clutches for directly connecting said first pedal assembly and said second pedal assembly to said resistance mechanism such that said resistance mechanism is effective to apply a resistance force opposing said first pedal assembly movement in the downward portion of said vertical direction and said second pedal assembly movement in the downward portion of said vertical direction;
• a first drive belt connecting said first pedal assembly to said one of said pair of one way clutches and a second drive belt connecting said second pedal assembly to said other of said pair of one way clutches;
• a first return mechanism and a second return mechanism attached to said frame and said first and second drive belts respectively effective to move said first and second pedal assemblies in the upward portion of said vertical movement;
• and
• a first track member and a second track member, said first track member secured to said frame and said second track member secured to said frame, said first pedal assembly operably coupled to said first track member and said second track second pedal assembly operably connected to said second pedal assembly such that said first pedal and said second pedal are maintained generally parallel to a predetermined plane throughout said vertical motion of said first and second pedal assemblies.