Patents by Inventor Robert L. Zimpel

Robert L. Zimpel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240075339
    Abstract: A manually powered treadmill includes a front rotatable element and a rear rotatable element coupled to a frame; a bearing assembly at least partially supporting one of the front or rear rotatable elements; and a running belt disposed about the front and rear rotatable elements. The bearing assembly includes a predefined low viscosity bearing fluid. The running belt defines a non-planar running surface. The running belt includes a first endless belt and a plurality of slats, each slat having a first side and a second side and coupled to the first endless belt. Each slat in the plurality of slats defines at least one aperture, and the at least one aperture is structured to receive a fastener to facilitate coupling to the first endless belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Patent number: 11826608
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided according to various embodiments. The treadmill includes a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; an intermediate member coupled to the frame that is disposed intermediate the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element and coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element; a running belt disposed about the first and second rotatable elements, the running belt defining a non-planar surface; and a safety device coupled to the intermediate member. The safety device is operable to substantially prevent rotation of at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Publication number: 20230158355
    Abstract: A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partly supported by the plurality of bearings, where at least a portion of the running belt defines a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element. The safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 11590377
    Abstract: A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partly supported by the plurality of bearings, where at least a portion of the running belt defines a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element. The safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 11465005
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame; a rotatable element coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by the rotatable element; and, a first element and a second element, both of which are coupled to the running belt. The running belt includes a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved. Further, one of the first and second elements and the running belt freely rotate in a first direction of rotation relative to the frame. However, in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation, the one of the first and second elements is substantially prevented from rotation relative to the frame to substantially prevent or resist rotation of the running belt relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Publication number: 20220314062
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided according to various embodiments herein. The treadmill includes a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; an intermediate member coupled to the frame that is disposed intermediate the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element and coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element or the second rotatable element; a running belt disposed about the first and second rotatable elements, the running belt defining a non-planar surface; and a safety device coupled to the intermediate member. The safety device is operable to substantially prevent rotation of at least one of the first rotatable element or the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element or the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Publication number: 20220233904
    Abstract: A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a first rotatable element coupled to the frame; a second rotatable element coupled to the frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partly supported by the plurality of bearings, where at least a portion of the running belt defines a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element. The safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a first rotational direction and permit rotation of the at least one of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 11369835
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided according to various embodiments herein. The treadmill includes a frame; a front shaft coupled to the frame; a rear shaft coupled to the frame; and a running belt disposed about the front and rear shafts, wherein the running belt assumes at least a portion of a curved running surface, the curved running surface having a radius of curvature of approximately 88 to 138 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Publication number: 20210077846
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame; a rotatable element coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by the rotatable element; and, a first element and a second element, both of which are coupled to the running belt. The running belt includes a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved. Further, one of the first and second elements and the running belt freely rotate in a first direction of rotation relative to the frame. However, in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation, the one of the first and second elements is substantially prevented from rotation relative to the frame to substantially prevent or resist rotation of the running belt relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 10850150
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by the plurality of bearings and adapted for rotational movement relative to the frame, the running belt having a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved; a braking system configured to selectively resist rotation of the running belt; a support element coupled to the frame; and a safety device coupled to the running belt. The safety device is at least partly supported by the support element. The running belt freely rotates in a first direction of rotation relative to the frame, however, in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation, engagement between the support element and at least a portion of the safety device substantially prevents rotation the running belt relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 10799745
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame; a front running belt pulley; a rear running belt pulley; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by at least one of the front running belt pulley and the rear running belt pulley, the running belt including a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved; a support element coupled to the frame; and a safety device coupled to the running belt. The safety device is at least partly supported by the support element. The running belt freely rotates in a first direction of rotation relative to the frame, however, in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation, engagement between the support element and at least a portion of the safety device substantially prevents rotation the running belt relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Publication number: 20200254293
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame; a front running belt pulley; a rear running belt pulley; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by at least one of the front running belt pulley and the rear running belt pulley, the running belt including a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved; a support element coupled to the frame; and a safety device coupled to the running belt. The safety device is at least partly supported by the support element. The running belt freely rotates in a first direction of rotation relative to the frame, however, in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation, engagement between the support element and at least a portion of the safety device substantially prevents rotation the running belt relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 10709926
    Abstract: A manual powered treadmill includes a frame; a front shaft assembly coupled to the frame; a rear shaft assembly coupled to the frame; an intermediate shaft coupled to the frame, the intermediate shaft is disposed intermediate the front shaft assembly and the rear shaft assembly; a running belt disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies, the running belt defining at least a portion of a non-planar running surface; and a safety device coupled to the intermediate shaft. The safety device is operable to substantially prevent movement of the running belt in a first direction and to permit movement of the running belt in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Publication number: 20200179739
    Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by the plurality of bearings and adapted for rotational movement relative to the frame, the running belt having a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved; a braking system configured to selectively resist rotation of the running belt; a support element coupled to the frame; and a safety device coupled to the running belt. The safety device is at least partly supported by the support element. The running belt freely rotates in a first direction of rotation relative to the frame, however, in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation, engagement between the support element and at least a portion of the safety device substantially prevents rotation the running belt relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Publication number: 20200139189
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided according to various embodiments herein. The treadmill includes a frame; a front shaft coupled to the frame; a rear shaft coupled to the frame; and a running belt disposed about the front and rear shafts, wherein the running belt assumes at least a portion of a curved running surface, the curved running surface having a radius of curvature of approximately 88 to 138 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Patent number: 10561883
    Abstract: A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by the plurality of bearings and adapted for rotational movement relative to the frame, the running belt having a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved; a braking system configured to selectively resist the rotational movement of the running belt; and a safety device coupled to the frame, wherein the safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the running belt in a first direction and substantially permit rotation of the running belt in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 10561884
    Abstract: A manually operated treadmill is provided that includes a frame having a front end and a rear end positioned opposite the front end; a front shaft rotatably coupled to the frame proximate the front end; a rear shaft rotatably coupled to the frame proximate the rear end; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt supported by the plurality of bearings, wherein the running belt includes a curved running surface; and a safety device coupled to at least one of the front shaft and the rear shaft, wherein the safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of at least one of the front shaft and the rear shaft in a first rotational direction while permitting rotation of the at least one of the front shaft and the rear shaft in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Patent number: 10265566
    Abstract: A manually operated treadmill is provided that includes a treadmill frame having a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, a front shaft assembly rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame at the front end, a rear shaft assembly rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame at the rear end, and a running belt disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies, wherein the running belt defines a curved running surface upon which a user of the treadmill may run. The treadmill also includes an incline adjustment system movably coupled to the treadmill frame for moving at least one of the front end and the rear end relative to a support surface, wherein increasing a height of the front end relative to the rear end and the support surface increases a running speed that a user can achieve on the running belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards
  • Publication number: 20190083844
    Abstract: A treadmill is provided according to various embodiments herein. The treadmill includes a frame; a front shaft coupled to the frame; a rear shaft coupled to the frame; and a running belt disposed about the front and rear shafts, wherein the running belt assumes at least a portion of a curved running surface. The running belt includes: a first endless belt and a plurality of slats, each slat having a first side and a second side and coupled to the first endless belt, wherein each slat in the plurality of slats includes a user engagement surface provided on the first side of the slat and a rib positioned on the second side of the slat, wherein the rib extends away from the user engagement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez, Daniel D. Wagner, Robert L. Zimpel
  • Publication number: 20180236291
    Abstract: A manually powered treadmill includes a frame; a plurality of bearings coupled to the frame; a running belt at least partially supported by the plurality of bearings and adapted for rotational movement relative to the frame, the running belt having a running surface, at least a portion of which is curved; a braking system configured to selectively resist the rotational movement of the running belt; and a safety device coupled to the frame, wherein the safety device is structured to substantially prevent rotation of the running belt in a first direction and substantially permit rotation of the running belt in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Vance E. Emons, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Scott D. Hoerig, Matthew J. Zank, Robert L. Zimpel, Joel W. Richards