Exercise device with proximity sensor
First Claim
1. An exercise device configured to sense objects outside the footprint of the exercise device, the exercise device comprising:
- an exercise mechanism comprising a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user;
a sensor coupled to the exercise mechanism and configured to sense objects outside the footprint of the exercise mechanism; and
a controller in operative communication with the sensor and the movable element, wherein the controller is configured to provide a response to objects, other than a user using the exercise mechanism, sensed by the sensor that are outside the footprint of the exercise mechanism.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An exercise device configured to sense objects outside the footprint of the exercise device, the exercise device comprising:
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an exercise mechanism comprising a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user; a sensor coupled to the exercise mechanism and configured to sense objects outside the footprint of the exercise mechanism; and a controller in operative communication with the sensor and the movable element, wherein the controller is configured to provide a response to objects, other than a user using the exercise mechanism, sensed by the sensor that are outside the footprint of the exercise mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for responding to objects outside the footprint of an exercise device, the method comprising:
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providing an exercise device having a sensor in communication with a controller that controls functions of the exercise device; sensing objects in the area outside the footprint of the exercise device with the sensor; and providing a response to objects, other than a user using the exercise mechanism, sensed by the sensor that are outside the footprint of the exercise mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects outside the footprint of the exercise device, the exercise device comprising:
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a frame; a movable element operatively coupled to the frame for movement in performance of exercise by a user; a sensor coupled to the frame or the movable element, wherein the sensor is configured to sense objects outside the footprint of the exercise device as the objects approach the exercise device and while the movable element is moving; and a controller in operative communication with the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to provide a response to sensed objects, other than a user using the exercise mechanism, when the sensor, wherein the console is configured to provide a response when the sensor senses objects approaching the exercise device, thereby warning the user of the exercise device of the approaching objects. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification