Skate apparatus

Abstract

A skate apparatus for use in simulating movements made during Alpine and Nordic skiing. The skate apparatus comprises of a pair of skate members each having an elongate carriage member defining an upper platform surface and preferably having ski bindings affixed thereto. The carriage member supports a plurality of wheels, preferably arranged in pairs disposed along a central axis, that are rigidly maintained in a generally parallel configuration relative the upper platform surface. When worn and utilized by an individual, skate apparatus of the present invention closely mimics the balance and feel as would be encountered during conventional skiing maneuvers, especially with respect to turning motions made while skiing.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A skate apparatus for approximating the feel and handling of conventional snow skis comprising a pair of skate members operatively fastenable to respective ones of an individual's feet, each said skate members comprising an elongate carriage member having front and back ends and defining an upper platform surface, said carriage member having a plurality of wheels rotatively affixed thereto such that said wheel members rotate in substantially rigid orientation relative said upper platform surface.  
     
     
         2 . The skate apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of said wheels are rotatively mounted to said carriage member via dedicated axle members.  
     
     
         3 . The skate apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of said wheels are arranged as pairs of wheels, each respective pair of wheels being secured to said carriage member by a dedicated axle member.  
     
     
         4 . The skate apparatus of  claim 3  wherein each skate member is provided with at least four pairs of wheels arranged in a generally linear fashion along the length of said carriage member.  
     
     
         5 . The skate apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus further comprises a binding apparatus formed on each respective platform surface of said carriage members, each respective binding apparatus being operative to detachably interlock with a conventional ski boot.  
     
     
         6 . The skate apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of wheels are affixed to said carriage member such that said wheel members rotate in substantially parallel relation relative said upper platform surface.  
     
     
         7 . The skate apparatus of  claim 2  wherein each respective one of said axle members are rigidly maintained in substantially parallel relation relative said upper platform surface.  
     
     
         8 . The skate apparatus of  claim 3  wherein each respective one of said axle members are rigidly maintained in substantially parallel relation relative said upper platform surface.