EXERCISE DECK OF AN EXERCISE DEVICE THAT IS SEPARABLE FROM OR INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTABLE RELATIVE TO UPRIGHTS OF THE EXERCISE DEVICE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

The present Application for Patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/568,912 by HOGGARTH et al., entitled “INPUT DEVICE FOR AN EXERCISE DEVICE,” filed Mar. 22, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/709,334 by HOGGARTH et al., entitled “INPUT DEVICE FOR AN EXERCISE DEVICE,” filed Oct. 18, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/726,760 by HOGGARTH et al., entitled “INPUT DEVICE FOR AN EXERCISE DEVICE,” filed Dec. 2, 2024, each of which is assigned to the assignee hereof, and each of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to exercise devices and, more specifically, to an exercise deck of an exercise device that is separable from or independently adjustable relative to uprights of the exercise device.

BACKGROUND

Indoor exercise has increased in popularity and accessibility. Many people exercise indoors with the aid of an exercise device. Exercise devices may be designed to simulate outdoor exercise activities, such as a treadmill to simulate running, a stationary bicycle to simulate cycling, or a rower to simulate rowing. Additionally, or alternatively, exercise devices may be designed to exercise a certain muscle or muscle group, reduce the impact or force applied to the user, aid in certain types of indoor exercises, perform any other function, and combinations thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an input device to adjust at least one operating parameter of an exercise device. The input device includes an input arm and a limit sensor in the input arm. The limit sensor detects a magnitude of an input that is above a safety threshold for adjusting the at least one operating parameter. In some embodiments, the exercise device includes a treadmill.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for operating an exercise device. An auto stop system receives an input at an input device. The input moves an input arm of the input device. The auto stop system measures a magnitude of the input using a sensor. When the magnitude exceeds a safety threshold, the auto stop system adjusts at least one operating parameter of the exercise device.

A method for operating a treadmill by a user is described. The method may include receiving, from the user, an input to adjust an incline of an exercise deck of the treadmill and adjusting the incline of the exercise deck in response to the input, where adjustment of the incline of the exercise deck is independent from uprights associated with the treadmill.

A treadmill is described. The treadmill may include a first upright including a first top end and a first bottom end, a second upright including a second top end and a second bottom end, a base connected to the first bottom end of the first upright and the second bottom end of the second upright, an exercise deck located between and separable from the first upright and the second upright, the exercise deck including a tread belt configured to rotate around the exercise deck, and a console coupled with the first top end of the first upright and the second top end of the second upright, the console configured as a handhold for a user of the treadmill.

An exercise device is described. The exercise device may include a console and processing circuitry configured to operate the exercise device, a retractable stop cable coupled with the console and attached to a housing for the retractable stop cable, where the retractable stop cable is configured to extend from the housing and retract toward the housing, a safety device magnetically and removably attached to a magnetic coupling at an end of the retractable stop cable, the safety device coupled with the console via the retractable stop cable such that in an attached position, the exercise device is capable of being operated by a user, and the processing circuitry configured to perform a safety operation at the exercise device in response to the safety device detaching from the retractable stop cable.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an exercise system including an exercise device and a third-party device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an exercise system including an exercise device having a console supporting one or more displays, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of an exercise deck associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of uprights associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate examples of upright slots associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate examples of an input device associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a rotation mechanism for an input device associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate example designs of a console associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate examples of safety systems associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a ring associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate examples of a ring system associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an auto stop system associated with an exercise device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates example components that may be included within a computer system, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for operating an exercise device. An exercise device may include one or more input devices. The input device may change one or more operating parameters of the exercise device. For example, the input device may change a belt speed of a tread belt on a treadmill, an incline percentage, a resistance level, any other operating parameter, and combinations thereof. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device may include an input arm connected to a console of the treadmill. Moving the input arm may adjust the operating parameter. The user may move the input arm by pushing or pulling on a handle connected to the input arm.

During operation of an exercise device, the user may experience moments of unsteadiness, trip, lose balance, or otherwise lose control of him or herself. This may result in injury to the user. In some situations, the user may be holding on to an input device on the exercise device when he or she trips or otherwise loses balance. This may result in a sudden change to input applied by the input device. A limit sensor on the exercise device may detect when the user trips or loses balance based on the magnitude and/or pattern of the input from the input device. For example, the limit sensor may detect that the input is applied with increased acceleration on the input device, thereby indicating that the user has attempted to arrest a fall with the input device. In some examples, the limit sensor may detect a large force applied to the input device, thereby indicating that the user has impacted the input device. In some examples, the limit sensor may detect the user's fall or change in balance in any manner.

When the limit sensor detects that the user has tripped or otherwise lost his or her balance, the exercise device may adjust one or more of the operating parameters. For example, the exercise device may adjust one or more of the operating parameters to a neutral operating level. The neutral operating level may be a safe operating level. For example, the neutral operating level may be a stopped tread belt, a low tread belt speed, a low flywheel resistance, a high flywheel resistance that resists rotation of a drivetrain, an interlock on a flywheel or drivetrain to prevent rotation of the drive train, a low incline, zero incline, any other neutral operating level, and combinations thereof. Adjusting the operating parameters to the neutral operating level may help to reduce or prevent injury to the user when he or she trips or otherwise loses balance.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise device may include any type of exercise device. For example, the exercise device may include a treadmill, an elliptical device, a stationary bicycle, a rower, a cable extension device, any other exercise device, and combinations thereof. The exercise device may include one or more movable members. For example, a treadmill may include a motor connected to one or both of a front pulley and a rear pulley. A tread belt may be extended between the front pulley and the rear pulley, and rotation of the front pulley and/or the rear pulley may rotate the tread belt. The treadmill may include a tread deck, and an incline mechanism may change an incline of the tread deck. One or more exercise devices may include a flywheel and a movable device to rotate the flywheel, with the flywheel providing resistance to rotation. For example, an elliptical device may include pedals connected to the flywheel such that, when depressed, the pedals may cause the flywheel to rotate, while the flywheel provides resistance to depression of the pedals. In some examples, a stationary bicycle may include pedals and a drivetrain connected to the flywheel and rotation of the pedals may rotate the flywheel. In some examples, a rower and/or a cable extension device may include a cable connected to the flywheel, and extension of the cable may cause the flywheel to rotate.

In some examples, the exercise device may be an example of a treadmill. Some such treadmills may include an exercise deck (e.g., a tread deck) connected to one or more uprights configured to mechanically support input mechanisms, accessory devices, or the like. In some cases, the connection between the exercise deck and the uprights may be static or otherwise be configured such that the exercise deck and the uprights form a cohesive unit. However, such a connection may result in impact force, vibrations, or both experienced at the exercise deck to transfer to the uprights and any input mechanisms, accessory devices, or displays coupled with the uprights. Such a force transfer may cause significant vibration at the uprights, which may limit accessibility of input devices or reduce an efficacy of a display that shows exercise information, which may degrade user experiences.

Techniques described herein provide for a treadmill having an exercise deck that is separable from one or more uprights. For example, a pair of uprights may connect with a base (e.g., at a bottom end of each upright), where an exercise deck may be configured to couple with the base during use of the treadmill. In some examples, the temporary connection may result in a reduced transfer of force and vibration between the exercise deck and the uprights (and a console coupled with a top end of the uprights), which may improve user experience when using the treadmill. Additionally, or alternatively, an exercise deck that is separable from one or more uprights may enable the exercise deck to be used in additional ways, such as underneath a desk or in front of a television, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, adjustments to the exercise deck (e.g., an incline angle adjustment) may not affect the uprights or console, thereby preventing an ability of a user to engage with displays and input devices from being impacted when adjusting parameters of the exercise deck. In other words, by enabling adjustment of the exercise deck without causing a corresponding adjustment to the uprights or console, one or more users may more easily (continue to) engage with displays and input devices when an adjustment is made to the exercise deck.

The exercise device may include one or more exercise device settings that adjust an operating parameter of the exercise device. The exercise device settings may include any setting of the exercise device. For example, the exercise device settings may include a tread belt speed, a flywheel resistance, an incline, a decline, a blower fan setting, any other exercise device setting, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the exercise device may include one or more operating parameters. The operating parameters may include one or more of the exercise device settings.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third-party device may be a device configured to be in communication with the exercised device that is separate from the exercise device. The third-party device may include any type of third-party device. For example, the third-party device may include a user device, or a device owned and/or operated by a user. In some examples, the third-party device may include a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a laptop computer, any other mobile device, and combinations. In some examples, the third-party device may include a wearable device, such as a watch, a smartwatch, a ring, a heartrate monitor, a necklace, jewelry, an article of clothing, any other wearable device, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the third-party device may include any other device, including an internet of things (IoT) device, a near-field-communication (NFC) key, a sensor, a heartrate monitor, any other third-party device, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 1 is a representation of an exercise system 100 including an exercise device 102 and a third-party device 104, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. While the exercise device 102 illustrated includes a treadmill, it should be understood that the exercise device 102 may include any exercise device 102, including the exercise devices 102 discussed herein. As may be seen, the exercise device 102 shown does not include a display. The exercise device 102 may include one or more movable elements, such as a tread belt 106, a front pulley at a front end 108 and a rear pulley at a rear end 110, with the tread belt 106 wrapped around the front pulley and the rear pulley. A belt motor may rotate one or both of the front pulley or the rear pulley, thereby causing the tread belt 106 to rotate in an endless loop. The tread belt 106 may be supported by a tread deck 112. Two uprights 114 may extend upwards at or near the front end 108, and a pair of handles 116 may extend between the two uprights 114. While the exercise device 102 is shown as including the uprights 114 extending up from the tread deck 112, it should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure may be applied to an exercise device 102 including the tread deck 112 and no console, display, uprights 114, handles 116, or other elements extending upward from the tread deck 112.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 102 may include a console 118. The console 118 may be any type of console. For example, the console 118 shown includes a bar shaped in an oval, or a rectangle having curved short sides and a hollow middle. In some examples, the console 118 may include any type of console. In some embodiments, the console 118 may be supported by the uprights 114. For example, the console 118 may extend between the uprights 114. In some embodiments, the console 118 may be supported in any other manner, such as from the tread deck 112 and/or supported from the floor. In some embodiments, the handles 116 may be incorporated into the console 118, be a part of the console 118, connected to the console 118, or otherwise part of the console 118.

During operation of the exercise device 102, the third-party device 104 may connect to the exercise device 102. For example, the exercise device 102 may send or receive a connection request from the third-party device 104, and the third-party device 104 may connect to the exercise device 102. As discussed herein, the third-party device 104 may connect in any manner, including with a wireless connection. The exercise device 102 may determine whether the third-party device 104 is an authorized third-party device 104. If the third-party device 104 is authorized, then the third-party device 104 may be connected to the exercise device 102.

When the third-party device 104 is connected to the exercise device 102, the third-party device 104 may transmit operating instructions to the exercise device 102. The operating instructions may include a change to one or more of the operating parameters of the exercise device 102. For example, the third-party device 104 may transmit instructions to adjust a belt speed of the tread belt 106, an incline of the tread deck 112 (e.g., by activating a lift motor or an incline motor connected to the tread deck 112), a fan speed of one or more fans incorporated into the two uprights 114, any other operating parameter, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the user may manually adjust one or more operating parameter of the exercise device 102 with an input device 120. The input device 120 may be secured to the console 118 and/or the handles 116. In some embodiments, the input device 120 may include an input arm 122. The input arm 122 may be configured to move when a force is applied to it. For example, a user may apply a force to the input arm 122, which may cause the input arm 122 to rotate about the console 118 and/or the handles 116. The input device 120 may include a handle 124 connected to the input arm 122. The handle 124 may improve the ease by which the user may engage with the input device 120. In some embodiments, the handle 124 may include a display that may display information related to various operating parameters of the exercise device 102. In some embodiments, the input device 120 may include a pair of handles 124 and a pair of corresponding input arms 122. For example, a first handle 124-a and a second handle 124-b may be independently movable from one another, such that a user may independently engage the input arms 122.

In some embodiments, the handle 124 may include one or more buttons, dials, or secondary inputs. The secondary inputs on the handle 124 may further adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device 102. For example, the secondary inputs may adjust one or more auxiliary systems, such as the volume of a speaker, a music selection (e.g., pause, forward, reverse), phone operation, operation of a fan (e.g., on/off, fan speed), mister, any other auxiliary system, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the secondary inputs may include verification inputs. For example, the secondary inputs may include a button to verify the change in the operating parameter. In some examples, the secondary inputs may change which operating parameter is changed. Additionally, or alternatively, the secondary inputs may be associated with different handles 124. For example, a first secondary input may include a tread belt validation input that, when triggered, causes a change in the input device 120 to change the tread belt speed. In some cases, the first secondary input may be associated with a first handle 124-a (e.g., a user may adjust the tread belt speed by engaging a handle 124-a on a left side of the input device 120). A second secondary input may include an incline validation input that, when triggered, causes a change in the input device 120 to change the incline of the tread deck 112. In some cases, the second secondary input may be associated with a second handle 124-b (e.g., a user may adjust the incline of the tread deck 112 by engaging a handle 124-b on a right side of the input device 120).

In some embodiments, the input device 120 may include an input stop. The input stop may stop movement of the input device 120. For example, the input stop may stop rotation of the input device 120. In some examples, the input stop may stop lateral translation of the input device 120. In some examples, the input device 120 may include multiple input stops in the different directions that the input device 120 may be moved. For example, the input device 120 may include a first input stop for movement of the input device 120 away from the user (e.g., toward the front end 108) and a second input stop for movement of the input device 120 toward the user (e.g., toward the tread belt 106).

The movement of the input arm 122 may correspond to a desired change in the operating parameter of the exercise device. For example, the extent and/or duration of a change in position of the input arm 122 may result in a corresponding change to the operating parameter. As a specific, non-limiting example, pushing on the input arm 122 and/or the handle 124 may cause an increase in the tread belt speed of the tread belt 106 and pulling on the input arm 122 and/or the handle 124 may cause a decrease in the tread belt speed of the tread belt 106. In some embodiments, moving the input device 120 closer to an input stop may cause a greater change in tread belt speed and/or incline. In some embodiments, holding the input device 120 in a triggered position (e.g., pushed away or pulled toward the user) for a period of time may cause a greater change and/or a sustained change in tread belt speed and/or incline. In some embodiments, the extent of the change in tread belt speed and/or incline may be based on a combination of extent of triggering of the input device 120 and a duration of the trigger of the input device 120.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 102 may include a single input device 120. For example, as discussed herein, the input device 120 may include one or more validation inputs that may be used to change which operating parameter and/or auxiliary system is changed. In some embodiments, the exercise device 102 may include multiple input devices 120 and/or multiple handles 124 associated with each input device 120. For example, the exercise device 102 may include a first input device 120 and/or a first handle 124-a (e.g., a belt input device) for the belt speed of the tread belt 106 and a second input device 120 and/or a second handle 124-b (e.g., a lift input device) for the incline of the tread deck 112. In some examples, the exercise device 102 may include any number of input devices 120 and/or handles 124 to change any number of operating parameters.

In some embodiments, the input device 120 may include a resistance system that may resist movement of the input device 120. The resistance system may include any type of resistance system, such as a spring, a friction fit, a motor, or other resistance. The resistance system may be used to provide the user a tangible sense of movement when moving the input device 120. In some embodiments, the input device 120 may include a return mechanism. The return mechanism may include a spring or compliant material that may return the input device 120 to a neutral position. The user may overpower the return mechanism to adjust the input device 120.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise system 100 may include a limit sensor. The limit sensor may detect excessive input to the input device 120. An excessive input may be indicative of the user tripping or otherwise losing balance. For example, an excessive input may be an input that is outside of a safety threshold. The safety threshold may be a threshold based on pre-determined operating thresholds for operation of the input device 120. For example, the safety threshold may be a threshold acceleration based on pre-determined acceleration thresholds for the acceleration of the input device 120 when triggered by the user. Exceeding the acceleration threshold may be an indication that the user has suddenly tripped or otherwise fallen while holding the input device 120. In some examples, the safety threshold may be based on an applied force threshold to the input device 120. The applied force threshold may be based on an impact force applied to the input device 120 when the input device 120 hits the input stop. In some examples, the applied force may be based on the force applied to the input device 120 that is resisted by the resistance and/or return mechanism. Exceeding the applied force threshold may be indicative of a user tripping or otherwise falling while holding the input device 120. In some examples, the safety threshold may be based on a duration that the input device 120 is triggered. For example, the safety threshold may be based on how long the input device 120 is triggered and/or how long the input device 120 is extended to the input stop. Exceeding a duration-based safety threshold may be indicative of a user slowly falling or tripping while holding the input device 120 and retaining his or hold on the input device 120.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the exercise system 100 detects a user input that exceeds the safety threshold, the exercise system 100 may return the exercise system 100 to a neutral operation. A neutral operation may be a safe operating status for the exercise system 100. The safe operating status may be based on one or more of the operating parameters of the exercise system 100. For example, the safe operating status may be based on a tread belt speed of the tread belt 106, an incline of the tread deck 112, a flywheel resistance of a flywheel, a locking status of a locking mechanism for a movable member of a drive train, any other operating parameter, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the neutral operation may include a neutral resistance to rotation of a treadmill. For example, the neutral resistance to rotation may include removing resistance to rotation. This may help to reduce or prevent injury to a user by falling off of an elevated surface of a drive train because the drive train cannot rotate with a high resistance. In some examples, the neutral resistance to rotation may include increasing the resistance to rotation, such as by applying a brake or increasing the resistance with the resistance mechanism. This may prevent or reduce unexpected movement of the drivetrain. In some examples, the neutral resistance to rotation of the flywheel may include stopping rotation of the flywheel to prevent or reduce movement of the drivetrain when the user is unsteady. This may help to reduce or prevent injury to the user during operation.

In some embodiments, the neutral operation may include locking the movement of one or more movable elements of the exercise device 102. For example, the neutral operation may include locking the tread belt 106, locking the lift mechanism for the tread deck 112, locking a flywheel, locking a portion of a drive train on a stationary bicycle and/or an elliptical device, locking a cable for a cable extension device, locking a sliding seat on a rower, locking any other portion of an exercise device 102, and combinations thereof. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, locking at least a portion of the movable elements of the exercise device 102 may prevent or reduce movement of the movable elements when a user trips or otherwise experiences a moment of unsteadiness. This may help to reduce or prevent injury to the user.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may adjust the sensitivity of the limit sensor. For example, the user may adjust the input at which the limit sensor detects an excessive input. Different users may operate the exercise system 100 in different manners. For example, a first user may apply a harder force to the input device 120 than a second user. This may result in inadvertent triggering of the exercise system 100 to return to the neutral operation. The user may adjust the sensitivity of the automatic stop system to accommodate his or her particular operating manner. For example, the user may increase the sensitivity to accommodate users having a relatively light touch, lighter weight users, users having a lower strength, and so forth. This may help, in some embodiments, to reduce or prevent an inadvertent failure to trigger the automatic stop system. In some examples, the user may decrease the sensitivity to accommodate users having a relatively heavy touch, heavier users, users having a high strength, and so forth. This may help to reduce or prevent inadvertent triggering of the automatic stop system. In some embodiments, the user may toggle on or toggle off the automatic stop system. This may facilitate improved customization of the exercise system 100 and the automatic stop system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an exercise system 200. The exercise system 200 may implement, or be implemented by, one or more aspects of the exercise system 100. For example, the exercise system 200 may include an exercise device 202 having a console 218, which may be examples of corresponding aspects described with reference to FIG. 1. In some cases, the console 218 may support one or more displays 226 (e.g., a display 226-a, and display 226-b). Additionally, or alternatively, the exercise system 200 may be associated with one or more displays 226 separate from the exercise system 200, such as a display 226-c. The console 218 may further support an input device 220 having an input arm 222 and a handle 224 connected to the input arm 222. The console 218 may be supported by one or more uprights 214. The exercise device 202 may include a base 212, which may be an example of a base beneath a tread deck 112 described with reference to FIG. 1.

The user may implement an exercise program on the exercise device 202. During implementation of the exercise program, the one or more displays 226 may present audio and/or visual information related to a workout, including audio and/or visual instructions, motivational messages, media content, any other information, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exercise program may include programmed instructions that may cause a change to one or more of the operating parameters of the exercise device 202.

In one example, the exercise system 200 may include the display 226-a (e.g., a single display 226). The display 226-a may be coupled with the console 218 (e.g., permanently affixed, temporarily affixed, magnetically coupled, secured via a clip, or any combination thereof, among other examples) and may present a user with the information related to an exercise program (e.g., a workout). For example, the display 226-a may present the user with a simulated environment associated with the workout, such as an outdoor environment (e.g., to improve user immersion while using the exercise system 200 as described herein). Additionally, or alternatively, the display 226-a may provide the user with exercise information, for example, user information, such as health parameters for the user, exercise history information for the user, or the like, workout parameters, such as a type of workout being performed, a progress of the workout, a phase of the workout, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the exercise information may be overlaid with the simulated environment on the display 226-a to enable the user to reference the exercise information while mitigating impact on the immersive benefits of the simulated environment.

In another example, the exercise system 200 may include the display 226-b (e.g., a single display 226). The display 226-b may be relatively smaller in comparison to the display 226-a, which may enable a user to see in front of or around the exercise device 202 while using the exercise system 200. In some such examples, the exercise system 200 may be associated with a display 226-c, which may be separate from (e.g., detachable from or independent of) the exercise device 202. For example, the display 226-c may be an example of a display located proximate to the exercise device 202 (e.g., affixed to a wall or other suitable surface within a same room or space as the exercise device 202), a display projected in front of, near, or around the exercise device 202, or the like. In some implementations, the exercise device 202 may connect with the display 226-c via a dongle 230 configured to wirelessly communicate data between the exercise device 202 and the display 226-c. Additionally, or alternatively, the exercise device 202 may utilize another connection mechanism to communicate with the display 226-c, for example, a wired connection, a wireless pairing scheme (e.g., a Bluetooth connection), or both, among other examples. In some examples, the user may be able to control the display 226-c via one or more control inputs on the exercise device 202, a dedicated remote associated with the display 226-c, a ring associated with the exercise device 202, a personal device of the user, or any combination thereof, among other examples.

In some examples, the exercise program implemented by the exercise system 200 may utilize one or more of the display 226-b and the display 226-c to present the user with information related to the workout. For example, the display 226-c may present a simulated environment associated with the exercise program (e.g., an outdoor environment to improve user immersion due to a relatively large size of the display 226-c) and the display 226-b may present the user with exercise information, exercise controls (e.g., touchscreen controls), user information, health statistics, or the like, such that the user may reference the exercise information without impacting the immersive benefits of the display 226-c. In some examples, the exercise program may be implemented using only the display 226-c (e.g., utilized similarly to an implementation using only the display 226-a) and the console 218 may be coupled with no displays 226.

In some examples, the exercise system 200 may support lighting effects associated with an exercise program implemented at the exercise device 202. Lights may be located on or throughout the exercise device 202 (e.g., distributed throughout the base 212, the uprights 214, the console 218, the displays 226, or any combination thereof) and may be configured to illuminate according to one or more workout parameters, one or more user behaviors, or any combination thereof. In one example, light strips 240 may be positioned lengthwise on the base 212 extending from one end of the exercise device 202 to another (or at least partially extending along a length of the base 212). The light strips 240 may be incorporated or integrated into the base 212 or located on a bottom side of the base 212 configured to direct light outward from the sides or downward from the bottom of the exercise device 202. In some implementations, when the exercise device 202 is not in use, the lights may be in an idle state (e.g., not illuminated, providing a relatively small illumination level, displaying a static color). In some cases, the exercise device 202 may adjust a lighting scheme based on a presence of a user. For example, the exercise device 202 may detect a user approaching or interacting with the exercise device 202, and may adjust an illumination factor of at least a portion of the lights on the exercise device 202 (e.g., glow, blink, increase in intensity, display colors in accordance with a pattern). In some cases, the exercise device 202 may detect the presence of the user based on measurements by one or more sensors, such as a proximity sensor 228 (e.g., a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor located in the console 218), based on detecting a wireless signal (e.g., an RFID signal from a device at the user), according to a facial recognition of the user, based on an input by the user, or any combination thereof, among other examples.

In some examples, the one or more displays 226 may activate (e.g., turn on, exit an idle mode) based on detecting the presence of the user. For example, the one or more displays 226 may begin displaying information to the user when the user approaches the exercise device 202. In some cases, the one or more displays 226 may present the user with a welcome message, options related to initiating an exercise program or workout, user statistics (e.g., based on identifying a specific user of the exercise system 200), suggested exercise programs (which may be personalized suggestions based on user exercise history, user health goals, or the like).

In some examples, the lights of the exercise device 202 may illuminate according to various lighting schemes based on the user performing an exercise program at the exercise device 202. For example, the various lighting schemes may be associated with different phases of an exercise program. As an example, when the user approaches or begins to use the exercise device 202, the lights may illuminate according to a pre-workout lighting scheme. If the user initiates an exercise program including a warm-up phase, the lights may illuminate according to a warm-up lighting scheme. As the user transitions from the warm-up phase to a workout phase (e.g., a working phase), the lights may illuminate according to a workout lighting scheme. If the user pauses the exercise program (e.g., at any phase of the exercise program), the lights may illuminate according to a paused lighting scheme. In some cases, the user may complete a primary portion of the exercise program (e.g., finishing the working phase) and may transition to a cool-down phase, where the lights may illuminate according to a cool-down lighting scheme. In some cases, when the user completes the exercise program (e.g., finishes the working phase, finishes the cool-down phase), the lights may illuminate according to a celebration lighting scheme, which may indicate the completion of the exercise program and provide motivation to the user. In some cases, different lighting schemes, effects, or colors may be representative of different metrics. For instance, one or more lights may be of a first color when a user is running at a first pace below a threshold pace but may change or fade to another color as the use increases pace from the first pace to a second pace above a threshold. Other lighting schemes may correspond to performance or biometrics of a user such as heart rate, calories burned, etc. and may indicate information to the user based on target metrics (e.g., one color may indicate that a user is a threshold distance from reaching a target distance threshold and as the user continues to run, the color may change or fade to another color to indicate that the user is closer to reaching the target distance).

In some cases, the exercise device 202 may adjust the lighting scheme according to one or more user parameters. For example, the exercise device 202 may acquire measurements from the user, such as a heart rate measurement (e.g., via a chest strap worn by the user, a smart watch worn by the user and in communication with the exercise system 200, or the like), and may adjust the lighting scheme according to the measurements. In some cases, the exercise device 202 may adjust the lighting scheme according to one or more inputs by the user. For example, the user may adjust one or more operating parameters of the exercise device 202 (e.g., via the input device 220), and the lights of the exercise device 202 may illuminate (e.g., blink, flash, adjust color) to indicate the user input has been received.

As discussed herein, the user may adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device 202 with the input device 220. For example, the user may push or pull the input device 220 to adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device 202. In some embodiments, the user may operate the exercise device 202 in a manual mode, and adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device 202 solely through the input device 220. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the operating parameters of an exercise program. For example, an exercise program may include operating parameters that are too easy or too difficult for the user for a particular workout. The user may adjust the operating parameters while the exercise system 200 is implementing the exercise program using the input device 220.

As discussed herein, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise system 200 may include an automatic stop system. The automatic stop system may automatically stop or return operation of the exercise system 200 to a neutral operation. The automatic stop system may be based on an input applied to the input device 220. For example, the input device 220 may include an input sensor that may detect a magnitude of an input applied to the input device 220. The input sensor may detect whether the magnitude of the applied input exceeds a safety threshold. If the magnitude of the applied input exceeds the safety threshold, then the automatic stop system may return the exercise system 200 to a neutral operation.

In some embodiments, the exercise system 200 may present an audio and/or visual warning or notification of the triggering of the auto stop. For example, the exercise system 200 may present on the display 226 a visual notice that the auto stop has been triggered. In some examples, the exercise system 200 may present through speakers on the exercise system 200 an auditory notice that the auto stop has been triggered. This may help the user to identify the triggering of the auto stop.

In some embodiments, the user may stop the transition of the exercise system 200 to the neutral state. For example, the user may identify that the auto stop has been triggered. The user may prepare an input to prevent the auto stop from triggering, to stop triggering of the auto stop, to slow triggering of the auto stop, or to otherwise adjust the operation of the auto stop. For example, the user may press a specialized button on the input device 220, on the console 218, on the display 226, on the console 218, or other location on the exercise device 202. In some examples, the user may apply an input to the input device 220. In some embodiments, the user may apply any input to the exercise device 202 to stop the auto stop from completing. This may help, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, inadvertent actuation of the auto stop system.

In some examples, the exercise device 202 may include a stop button 210 configured to stop or return operation of the exercise system 200 to the neutral operation. For example, the user pressing the stop button 210 during operation of the exercise device 202 may return the exercise system 200 to the neutral operation (e.g., locking the motors at the base 212). As such, the exercise system 200 may be stopped or returned to the neutral operation via a manual input by the user. In some examples, the stop button 210 may be located on top of a right upright 214 (or alternatively on top of a left upright 214, or located on each upright 214).

In some examples, the exercise system 200 may support tracking one or more metrics associated with a user performing a workout or otherwise interacting with the exercise device 202. In some cases, the base 212 may include one or more sensors configured to track a voltage dip (or current draw) at one or more motors included in the base 212. For example, the one or more motors may drive a rotation of a tread belt of the base 212, and a voltage dip of the motors may be related to a force (e.g., a weight of the user, an impact of footfalls by the user) applied at the surface of the tread belt. In some examples, the exercise system 200 may support cadence tracking of the user according to the current measurements at the motors. For example, the voltage dip may change as a function of the force at the surface of the tread belt, such that measurements of the voltage at the motor(s) may correlate the footfalls of the user. Accordingly, the exercise system 200 may identify metrics associated with the user performing an exercise program at the exercise device 202 (e.g., processing circuitry of the exercise device 202 may map the measurements of voltage dip of the motors to footfalls of the user). For example, based on detected footfall patterns, the exercise system 200 may identify stride length, ground contact time, flight time (e.g., a duration that neither of the user's feet is in contact with the exercise device 202), user asymmetry (e.g., discrepancies between metrics for each foot of the user), or any combination thereof, among other metrics. In some examples, such metrics may be used as data inputs to an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) model. For example, the metrics may be used to inform an AI coach, which may provide real-time exercise performance coaching to the user according to the metrics (e.g., to support correcting form or performance issues).

Additionally, or alternatively, measurements of the voltage at the motors may support the exercise system 200 identifying when a user is no longer on the exercise device 202. For example, if the user jumps off the exercise device 202, the exercise system 200 may identify that the user's weight is no longer detected on the exercise device 202 according to the measurements of the voltage at the motors. In some cases, if the exercise system 200 identifies changes in the user's cadence (e.g., irregularity in footfalls) or a stopping of footfalls (e.g., the user jumps off the exercise device 202 or otherwise is no longer present on the base 212), the exercise system 200 may implement a safety procedure. For example, the safety procedure may include the one or more displays 226 displaying a warning message (e.g., indicating that the user is no longer detected on the exercise device 202) and initiating a countdown timer. The countdown timer may include a time (e.g., a quantity of seconds) between detecting the user has jumped off the exercise device 202 and the exercise system implementing a safety action, such as stopping rotation of the tread belt at the base 212 (e.g., stopping rotation of the motors and returning the exercise device 202 to an idle state). In some examples, the exercise device 202 may include a camera 235. In some cases, the camera 235 may be connected with or located at the one or more displays 226 (e.g., underneath the display 226-a). Alternatively, the camera 235 may be attached to or couple with the console 218, and may be movable relative to the console 218 such that the user may place the camera 235 at a desired position. In some cases, if the exercise system 200 identifies that the user has jumped off the exercise device 202, the exercise system 200 may refrain from stopping the exercise device 202 after a duration (e.g., refrain from displaying a countdown) if the camera 235 confirms that the user is no longer detected on the exercise device 202.

The camera 235 may be an example of an ultra-wide angle camera and may support the exercise system 200 identifying one or more metrics associated with the user using the exercise device 202. For example, the camera 235 may capture movement of the user during an exercise program at the exercise device 202 to identify vertical oscillation of the user (e.g., a distance the user travels in a direction normal to the base 212 during an exercise program), a vertical ratio of the user (e.g., a ratio between vertical oscillation and stride length), user regularity (e.g., a consistency of the user's body movements), deviations in the user's center of gravity, or any combination thereof. Such metrics may relate to efficiency of the user performing the exercise program (e.g., running efficiency). In some cases, the metrics obtained by the camera 235 and the metrics obtained by measuring the current of the motors in the base 212 may be used in combination to inform an AI coaching program. For example, the AI coach may use the metrics (e.g., from the camera 235 and the motor measurements) to provide the user with an exercise summary (e.g., at completion of the exercise program), to recommend subsequent exercise programs, to recommend training regimes directed to improving performance issues detected during the exercise program (e.g., if the AI coach identifies common irregularities), or any combination thereof.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a tread deck 301, which may implement, or be implemented by, one or more aspects of the exercise systems 100 and 200. For example, the tread deck 301 may be an example of a tread deck 112 described with reference to FIG. 1. In some examples, the tread deck 301 may include a tread belt 305 configured to rotate (e.g., endlessly, in an infinite loop) around a back end pully 310 and a front end pully 315 of the tread deck 301. The tread deck 301 may include a pair of deck rails 320 on either side of the tread belt 305. The deck rails 320 may each include a rear cap 325 and a front cap 330 that attach to the ends of each deck rail 320. Additionally, the tread deck 301 may include a deck roller cover 335, which may extend over the tread belt 305 and connect to each deck rail 320. In some examples, the deck rails 320 may include an injected bio composite material (e.g., a relatively eco-friendly material), which may improve sustainability associated with manufacturing and implementation of an exercise system including the tread deck 301.

In some examples, the rear cap 325 and the front cap 330 may extend over the ends of the tread belt 305, such that the rear cap 325 and the front cap 330 obscure the ends of the tread belt 305 from the user. In some examples, the rear cap 325, the front cap 330, and the deck rails 320 may be made of or layered with a similar material as the tread belt 305. Additionally, the rear cap 325, the front cap 330, and the deck rails 320 may be configured to align with a surface of the tread belt 305, such that the separation between the tread belt and the rear cap 325, the front cap 330, and the deck rails 320 is obfuscated from the user. That is, the tread deck 301 may appear to the user as a continuous platform (e.g., simulating a road or continuous path) while enabling the user to perform a workout on the tread belt 305, thereby improving user immersion while performing a workout using the tread deck 301.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a tread deck system 302, which shows tread deck configurations 340-a, 340-b, and 340-c. The tread deck configurations 340 may be examples of different grades of the tread deck described with reference to FIG. 3A. In some cases, the tread deck may include one or more components associated with changing a grade of incline at the tread deck. For example, the tread deck may include a front leg 345 configured to raise the front of the tread deck and a back leg 350 configured to raise the back of the tread deck. The front leg 345 and the back leg 350 may be controlled according to a user input, and may move according to one or more lift motors in the tread deck.

The tread deck configuration 340-a shows an example of the tread deck in a neutral or horizontal position. For example, in the tread deck configuration 340-a, the front leg 345 and the back leg 350 may be fully retracted such that the tread deck is not in an inclined or declined position. The tread deck configuration 340-b shows an example of the tread deck in an inclines position. For example, the front leg 345 may be extended such that the front of the tread deck raises a distance 355. In some examples, the distance 355 may correspond to a maximum increase in grade of the tread deck. The tread deck configuration 340-c shows an example of the tread deck in a declined position. For example, the back leg 350 may be extended such that the back of the tread deck raises a distance 360. In some cases, the distance 360 may correspond to a maximum decrease in grade of the tread deck.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an upright system 400, which may be implemented as part of an exercise system described herein. The upright system 400 may include two uprights 405 (e.g., a first upright 405 and a second upright 405) and a base 410. Each upright 405 may be formed in a triangular configuration, including a front arm 415, a back arm 420, and a handle 425. The front arm 415 and the back arm 420 may join at a bottom end of each arm and the handle 425 may connect the top ends of the front arm 415 and the back arm 420. In some other examples, the upright system 400 may include a single upright including one or more arms. For example, the single upright may attach (e.g., temporarily or permanently affixed) to a front end of the base 410 and may extend upwards. The single upright may include a front arm 415 and a back arm 420, or may include a single arm. The single upright may support a console as described herein, may provide handholds for a user while using the exercise system, and may include one or more accessory devices such as fans or speakers within the one or more arms.

In some cases, the upright system 400 may connect to a tread deck as part of an exercise system, such as in the exercise systems illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, or alternatively, the upright system 400 may be separable from the tread deck, such that the exercise system may be used with the upright system 400 removed (e.g., with only the tread deck present). For example, the upright system 400 and the tread deck may be temporarily connected, such that the upright system 400 and the tread deck can be selectively decoupled. As an example, the base 410 may include grooves 430 (e.g., divots formed on a surface of the base 410) configured to secure the tread deck to the base 410 and prevent the tread deck from shifting during use of the exercise system. For instance, the tread deck may include rails extruding from a bottom of the tread deck, where the rails may be configured to insert into the grooves 430 of the base 410 to prevent shifting of the tread deck relative to the upright system 400. As another example, the exercise system may include a platform (not shown) configured to couple to the surface of the base 410 and prevent shifting of the tread deck, such as a platform of a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction (e.g., cork or rubber) providing friction with the tread deck. The platform may include one or more feet that insert into the tread deck to secure the tread deck's position relative to the upright system 400 while isolating the tread deck from the upright system 400. Additionally, such techniques may reduce or prevent noise or vibrations from passing from the tread deck to the upright system 400 while using the exercise system, for example due to the upright system 400 not shaking while the exercise system is in use.

As described herein, an exercise system including an upright system 400 and a tread deck that can be selectively coupled may improve user experience while using the exercise system. For example, such a configuration may reduce vibrations at the upright system 400 while the tread deck is in use. The user may walk or run on the tread deck, which may induce kinetic energy at the tread deck (e.g., vibrations). Due to the tread deck being separate from the upright system 400, such kinetic energy may not transfer to (or be mitigated at) the upright system 400. Further, if the upright system 400 supports or is coupled with a console (e.g., described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B), kinetic energy or vibrations at the console may be eliminated or reduced. For example, if the console holds a display system for the user to interact with while using the exercise system, vibrations may transfer to the display system and interfere with the user interacting with the display system. Thus, mitigating kinetic energy transfer between the tread deck and the upright system 400 may improve user experience while using the exercise system.

Additionally, such exercise system configurations may improve transport of the exercise system. For example, when the exercise system is shipped to a customer, a size of the packaging containing the exercise system may be reduced, the packaging may be less cumbersome to transport, or both (e.g., due to the upright system 400 and the tread deck being separable).

FIG. 5A illustrates an upright slot system 501. In some cases, the upright slot system 501 may be implemented in an upright of an exercise system, such as within an upright 405 described with reference to FIG. 4. For example, the upright slot system 501 may be included in a back end of a front arm 415 of an upright 405 as described with reference to FIG. 4. In some cases, the upright slot system 501 may be configured to face towards a user of the exercise system. A blowout 505 shows a close up of the slots of the upright slot system 501. The upright slot system 501 may include one or more spacers 510 (e.g., louvers), which may be examples of lengths of a material that run along the length of a front arm 415 of an upright 405. In some cases, the spacers 510 may be separated to form slots in between spacers 510. A sheet 515 may be behind the spacers 510 and the slots, and may be an example of a mesh sheet or perforated sheet. In some cases, the sheet 515 may not be present.

FIG. 5B illustrates an upright arm 502. The upright arm 502 may be an example of a front arm 415 of an upright 405, as described with reference to FIG. 4, including an upright slot system 501, as described with reference to FIG. 5A. In the example illustrated by the upright arm 502, the upright arm 502 may include one or more fans 520 configured to blow air from the upright arm. For example, the one or more fans 520 may cause air to flow through the sheet 515 and the slots formed between the spacers 510. The upright arm 502 may include a single fan 520, or may include multiple fans 520. The fans 520 may be placed at any location along the upright arm 502, include the bottom of the upright arm 502, the top of the upright arm 502, or at any position between. For example, the upright arm 502 may include three fans 520 (e.g., distributed at the top of the upright arm 502, the middle of the upright arm 502, and the bottom of the upright arm 502) that are each configured to independently rotate or otherwise change a direction of blowing. In such examples, each upright arm 502 may provide a user with airflow from top-to-bottom, such that the user benefits from cooling effects over their entire body. Additionally, or alternatively, the upright arm 502 may include one or more scent pods located within or proximate to the fans 520, and the fans 520 may support blowing scents towards the user. For example, the scent pods may include a pine scent, such that the user may smell a forest environment while using the exercise system (e.g., improving user immersion when the user executes an exercise program where a forest environment is displayed at the exercise system, as described herein). The upright arms 502 may include multiple scent pods available for selection by the user, or may include a cartridge insert that the user may use to insert a desired scent for a selected exercise program, among other examples.

Additionally, the upright arm 502 may include one or more speakers (not shown). For example, the speakers may output audio or sound associated with using the exercise system, such as alerts in response to changing operational parameters, music played by a user while using the exercise system, or voice and audio associated with a workout program presented on a display the console, or the like.

FIG. 6A is a representation of a console 601 having an input device 605 for an exercise device in a neutral position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The input device 605 may be connected to a frame 610 of the console 601. In the embodiment shown, the input device 605 is configured to rotate about a portion of the frame 610 when a force is applied to an input device 605, a handle 615, and an input arm 620. Moving the input device 605 with respect to the frame 610 may cause a change in the operating parameters of the exercise device, as described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 6B.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an auto stop system may include an input sensor 625 or other mechanism to sense an excessive input applied to the input device 605. The input sensor 625 may be located at any location on the console 601. For example, the input sensor 625 may be located in the input device 605. The input sensor 625 may be located in any location on the input device 605. For example, in the embodiment shown, the input sensor 625 is located in the handle 615 of the input device 605. In some examples, the input sensor 625 may be located in the input arm 620 of the input device 605. In some examples, the input sensor 625 may be located at a connection point 630 between the input arm 620 and the frame 610.

In some embodiments, the input sensor 625 may be located in the frame 610. For example, the input sensor 625 may be located at a rotation stop 635. The rotation stop 635 may prevent further movement of the input device 605 with respect to the frame 610. In some embodiments, the rotation stop 635 may be located on the frame 610 and the input device 605 may impact the rotation stop 635 when the input device 605 has reached its maximum extension. In some embodiments, the rotation stop 635 may be located on the input device 605 and the rotation stop 635 may impact the frame 610 when the input device 605 has reached its maximum extension. The input sensor 625 may measure the magnitude of the input from the input device 605 based on the contact of the input device 605 with the frame 610.

In some embodiments, the input sensor 625 may be located in any other location to detect a magnitude of the input to the input device 605. For example, the input sensor 625 may be located in the exercise deck, the uprights of the treadmill, the display, any other location on the exercise device, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the input sensor 625 may include multiple input sensors. Multiple input sensors 625 may be located in any combination of locations discussed herein.

The input sensor 625 may be any type of input sensor 625. For example, the input sensor 625 may include an accelerometer. An accelerometer may measure the acceleration of the input device 605 when an input is applied. Measuring the acceleration of the input device 605 may facilitate identification of an excessive input based on how fast the user pushes or pulls on the input device 605. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may measure the rotational acceleration of the input device 605. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may measure the lateral acceleration of the input device 605.

In some examples, the input sensor 625 may include a force sensor. For example, a force sensor may measure an impact force of the input device 605 with the frame 610, which may be a representation of how hard the user has impacted the input device 605 and the frame 610 with the input device 605.

As discussed herein, the input sensor 625 may include a timer. The timer may measure the duration of a magnitude of an input. For example, the timer may time the duration that the user holds the input device 605 at the full extension. If the timer determines that the user has held the input device 605 at the full extension for greater than a threshold period, the auto stop system may determine that the user has tripped, fallen, or otherwise lost balance, and trigger an auto stop.

FIG. 6B illustrates operation of the input device 605, in a representation of a console 602 having the input device 605, to cause a change in operating parameters of an exercise device. For example, moving the input device 605 in the direction 640 (e.g., moving or rotating the handle 615 away from the user, rotating the handle 615 clockwise in the view shown) may cause an increase in the belt speed of a treadmill, an increase in an incline of an exercise deck, an increase in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device. In some examples, moving the input device 605 in the direction 640 may cause a decrease of a belt speed, a decrease in incline of an exercise deck, a decrease in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device.

In some examples, moving the input device 605 in the direction 645 (e.g., moving or rotating the handle 615 toward from the user, rotating the handle 615 counterclockwise in the view shown) may cause a decrease in the belt speed of a treadmill, a decrease in an incline of an exercise deck, a decrease in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device. In some examples, moving the input device 605 in the direction 645 may cause an increase in a belt speed, an increase in an incline of an exercise deck, an increase in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device.

In some cases, a magnitude or type of the change in the operating parameters of the exercise device may be based on the magnitude, duration, or both of the input to the input device 605. In the orientation shown in FIG. 6A, the input device 605 may be in a neutral position (e.g., a ‘home’ position, a 0° reference point), and the magnitude of the movement of the input device 605 may be measured relative to the neutral position. For example, the input sensor 625 may be operable to identify whether the input device 605 has passed one or more activation angles relative to the neutral position.

Additionally, the input device 605 may be operable to determine, after identifying an activation angle has been passed, a duration associated with the input to determine the magnitude or type of the change in the operating parameters of the exercise device.

As an example, the user may input an incremental parameter increase by moving the input device 605 in the direction 640 (e.g., pushed forward from the user), passing a first activation angle 650-a (e.g., 5° from the neutral position), and releasing the input device 605 by returning the input device 605 to the neutral position within a threshold duration. Such an input may cause the exercise device to increase an operating parameter (e.g., a speed of a tread belt, and incline of a treadmill, a flywheel resistance) according to an increment, such as a 0.1 integer increase to a tread belt speed or treadmill incline (e.g., translating to a specific speed or incline increase) in the example of a treadmill. As another example, the user may input a continuous parameter increase by moving the input device 605 in the direction 640 (e.g., pushed forward from the user), passing a second activation angle 655-a (e.g., 28° from the neutral position, which may be an angle relatively near a threshold (e.g., a maximum) rotation angle of the input device 605, such as) 30°, and maintaining the input for a duration. Such an input may cause the exercise device to increase the operating parameter continuously according to one or more increments and frequencies. For example, while the continuous increase input is held (e.g., the input device 605 is held past the second activation angle 655-a), the operating parameter may increase by a first increment at a first frequency for a first duration (e.g., increase by 0.1 every 0.2 seconds for 2 seconds) and, after the first duration, the operating parameter may increase by a second increment at a second frequency (e.g., increase by 1 every 0.5 seconds) until the input device 605 is returned to the neutral position. As described herein, the input device 605 may support ranges of input angles relative to the neutral position. For example, the input device 605 may support rotation from −30° to 30° from the neutral position, −90° to 90° from the neutral position, or any other suitable rotation ranges. In some cases, the first activation angles 650 and the second activation angles 655 may be defined relative to the threshold (e.g., the maximum) rotation of the input device 605.

Such techniques may be similarly applied to decrease the operating parameter using the input device 605. For example, the user may input an incremental or continuous operating parameter decrease by moving the input device 605 in the direction 645 (e.g., pulled towards the user). The input sensor 625 may determine whether the input device 605 has passed the one or more activation angles relative to the neutral position to determine the decrease to the operating parameter. For example, an incremental decrease may be indicated by moving the input device 605 in the direction 645 past the first activation angle 650-b (e.g., 5° from the neutral position) and releasing, while a continuous decrease may be indicated by moving the input device 605 past the second activation angle 655-b (e.g., 28° from the neutral position, which may be at or relatively near a threshold (e.g., a maximum) angle of the input device 605, such as) 30° and holding. It should be noted that moving the input device 605 in either of the directions 640 and 645 may result in either of an increase or a decrease to the operating parameters. For example, pushing the input device 605 away from the user may result in a decrease in the operating parameter while pulling the input device 605 to the user may result in an increase in the operating parameter. Additionally, different levers of the input device 605 may adjust different operating parameters, such as one lever associated with adjusting tread speed and one lever associated with adjusting incline.

In some cases, if the input device 605 is released during a continuous increase or decrease input, the operating parameter may be set to a nearest value (e.g., an integer or decimal value). Additionally, if the operating parameter corresponds to an incline of a treadmill, inputting a continuous decrease to the incline may result in the exercise device lowering the incline until reaching a horizontal position (e.g., the tread belt is flat). The incline may then remain in the horizontal position (e.g., even if the input device 605 is still held in the continuous decrease position) until the input device 605 is returned to the neutral position. In some cases, if the user inputs another continuous or incremental decrease of the incline, the incline may be further lowered past the horizontal position (e.g., simulating a downhill environment).

Additionally, or alternatively, the type of the change in the operating parameters may be based on a previous state of the exercise device when a user moves the input device 605. For example, to start the exercise device, the user may move the input device 605 in the direction 640 and past the second activation angle 655-a (e.g., push the input device 605 away from the user 28° from the neutral position). The input sensor 625 may identify that the exercise device is in an idle state (e.g., stopped, powered off) and, in response to the input device 605 passing the second activation angle 655-a for a duration (e.g., 2 seconds), may start the exercise device (e.g., in the example of a treadmill, the tread belt may being moving at a threshold (e.g., a minimum) speed). In such cases, the user may be expected (e.g., required) to return the input device 605 to the neutral position before inputting a subsequent parameter increase command after starting the exercise device. Similarly, to stop the exercise device, the user may move the input device 605 in the direction 645 and past the second activation angle 655-b (e.g., pull the input device 605 towards the user 28° from the neutral position). The input sensor 625 may identify the input as a continuous parameter decrease, and may be configured to set the parameter to 0 once the continuous decrease reaches 0 (e.g., changes in increment or frequency of the continuous parameter decrease input may be overridden by a stop command if the parameter reaches 0).

In some examples, the magnitude of the change in the operating parameters resulting from movement of the input device 605 may be personalized for a user. For example, a rate of the change in the operating parameters (e.g., a rate curve of speed acceleration) may be configured by the user, automatically adjusted according to a profile of the user (e.g., using exercise history data associated with the user), based on an exercise program selected by the user, or any combination thereof.

The treadmill, or one or more electronic components of the treadmill, may execute code to start the tread belt. In an example, the treadmill may start or activate in response to a user action or input. For instance, the tread belt may begin moving at an initial or starting speed after the input device 605 is moved past a threshold angle (e.g., a specific angle) for a duration.

The treadmill, or one or more electronic components of the treadmill, may execute code to increase the speed of the tread belt. The code may support the treadmill increasing speed according to an incremental input or a continuous input. For example, pushing the input device 605 in the direction 640 and past the first activation angle 650-a may result in an incremental increase, where the tread belt speed is increased according to a first increment or delta (e.g., one increment per incremental increase input). Additionally, pushing the input device 605 in the direction 640 past the second activation angle 655-a may result in a continuous increase, where the tread belt speed is increased according to one or more increments at one or more frequencies.

The treadmill, or one or more electronic components of the treadmill, may execute code to increase the speed of the tread belt. The code may support the treadmill increasing incline according to an incremental input or a continuous input. For example, pushing the input device 605 in the direction 640 and past the first activation angle 650-a may result in an incremental increase, where the tread belt incline is increased according to a first increment or delta (e.g., one increment per incremental increase input). Additionally, pushing the input device 605 in the direction 640 past the second activation angle 655-a may result in a continuous increase, where the tread belt incline is increased according to one or more increments at one or more frequencies.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an input system 700 that incorporates one or more aspects of an input device for an exercise device as described herein. The input system 700 may implement, or be implemented by, one or more aspects of the input devices described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. For example, the input system 700 includes an input device 705. which may be an example of the input device 605 described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The input system 700 further includes components within a frame 710, which may be an example of the frame 610 described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The frame 710 may include one or more bearings, such as a needle roller bearing 715-a and a needle roller bearing 715-b, that support rotation of the input device 705 relative to the frame 710. The needle roller bearings 715-a and 715-b (e.g., cup type bearings) may have dimensions that support movement of the input device 705. The frame 710 may be designed to include or support a hard stop for the input device 705. For example, the frame 710 may include a lever angle hard stop 720, which may be the limit or stoppage point for rotation of the input device 705 relative to the frame 710. That is, the lever angle hard stop 720 may define a threshold (e.g., a maximum) rotation of the input device 705 (e.g., limiting an angular distance available for inputs at the input device 705) relative to the frame 710.

The frame 710 may include one or more second bearings, such as a needle roller bearing 725-a and a needle roller bearing 725-b (e.g., cup type bearings). The frame 710 may include springs 730-a and 730-b, which may be configured to cause the input device 705 to return to a neutral position (e.g., a default position relative to the frame 710, a 0 degree reference point).

The frame 710 may include a magnet 735, which may support identifying an input angle of the input device 705. The frame 710 may include a rotary dampener 740 that supports rotation and operation of the input device 705. The frame 710 may include a position sensor 745 that supports operation of the input device 705.

The position sensor 745 may support the computer system 1300 (e.g., an input system) determining an input angle of the input device 705. For example, the MPS MagAlpha sensors may utilize an array of hall elements that support mapping changing magnetic field values of the magnet 735 to a linear relationship with angle (e.g., outputting angular rotation of the input device 705). The position sensor 745 may be positioned relative to the magnet 735 according to various configurations, such as an end of shaft configuration where a rotating axis of the magnet 735 is centered with the position sensor 745, a side of shaft configuration where the position sensor 745 is lateral to the rotating axis of the magnet 735, or a side of shaft orthogonal configuration where the position sensor 745 is lateral to the rotating axis of the magnet 735 and faces the magnet 735.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate examples of a console 805. The console 805 may include an input device 810, which may be an example of an input device described herein. The console 805 may be included as part of an exercise device as described herein. For example, console 805 may support one or more displays or components for a user to interact with while operating an exercise device. In some cases, the console 805 may include a safety system 835, as described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 10.

In the example illustrated by FIG. 8A, a design 801 of the console 805 may include a dish 815 and a bottle holder 820. The dish 815 and the bottle holder 820 may be secured to the console 805 in a permanent position, or may be connected to the console 805 via magnetism and may be adjusted by the user to be placed in a desired location. The dish 815 may include or otherwise support one or more components for charging personal electronic devices of the user. For example, the dish 815 may include a charger 825-a for a user's mobile device, a charger 830 for a ring connected to the exercise device, or both. It should be noted that the charger 830 may be located anywhere on the console 805, and is not limited to being located within the dish 815 as illustrated by FIG. 8A. For example, the charger 830 may be independently movable from the dish 815 and may couple (e.g., magnetically, via a clip or clamp, or any other suitable connection mechanism) to the console 805 at a desired location. Further, the dish 815 may serve to house additional non-electronic belongings of the user, such as keys, wallets, or the like. The bottle holder 820 may store a user's water bottle, and may have a top ring to secure the bottle and a bottom surface to support the bottle. Additionally, the console 805 may include a power system 840. The power system 840 may provide electric power to the accessory devices coupled with the console 805 or electrical items of the user (e.g., including outlet ports for plugging in external chargers or power adapters). In some cases, the power system 840 may be located under the console 805, and may affixed in a permanent position or may be placed along the console 805 according to user preference. In some examples, the console 805 may include a proximity sensor 845. The proximity sensor 845 may be an example of a LiDAR sensor, and may be configured to detect the presence of the user when the user approaches or engages with the exercise device (e.g., which may trigger activation of one or more components of the exercise device, such as one or more displays, as described herein). In some cases, an upright associated with the console 805 may include a stop button 850 configured to stop operation of the exercise device in response to a manual input by the user (e.g., pressing the stop button 850).

In the example illustrated by FIG. 8B, a design 802 of the console 805 may include a dish 815, a bottle holder 820, and a charger 825-b. The dish 815, the bottle holder 820, and the charger 825-b may be secured to the console 805 in a permanent position, or may be connected to the console 805 via magnetism and may be adjusted by the user to be placed in a desired location. The dish 815 may serve to house non-electronic belongings of the user, such as keys, wallets, or the like, and may include the charger 830 for a ring connected to the exercise device. The bottle holder 820 may store a user's water bottle, and may have a top ring to secure the bottle and a bottom surface to support the bottle. The charger 825-b may be configured to charge the user's mobile device, and may support the mobile device via magnetism (e.g., a MagSafe charger). Additionally, the console 805 may include a power system 840. The power system 840 may provide electric power to the accessory devices coupled with the console 805 or electrical items of the user (e.g., including outlet ports for plugging in external chargers or power adapters). In some cases, the power system 840 may be located under the console 805, and may affixed in a permanent position or may be placed along the console 805 according to user preference. In some examples, the console 805 may include a proximity sensor 845. The proximity sensor 845 may be an example of a LiDAR sensor, and may be configured to detect the presence of the user when the user approaches or engages with the exercise device (e.g., which may trigger activation of one or more components of the exercise device, such as one or more displays, as described herein). In some cases, an upright associated with the console 805 may include a stop button 850 configured to stop operation of the exercise device in response to a manual input by the user (e.g., pressing the stop button 850).

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate safety systems 901 and 902, which may be part of an exercise device as described herein.

The safety system 901 may be implemented at a console of the exercise device, which may be an example of a console described herein. The safety system 901 includes a safety clip 905 and a cord 910. As described herein, the safety clip 905 and the cord 910 may be referred to as a stop cable. The safety clip 905 may be configured to attach to an object external to the exercise device (e.g., a user's clothing) and may couple with the cord 910 via magnetism. The cord 910 may be connected to the console of the exercise device and may be retractable (e.g., a retractable stop cable). The exercise device may be configured to detect when a break 915 occurs and the safety clip 905 and the cord 910 are separated. For example, if a user trips during operation of the treadmill, the cord 910 may be extended to a threshold (e.g., a maximum) length, and the force of the user's fall may result in the magnetic connection between the safety clip 905 and the cord 910 being broken. If the exercise device detects that the magnetic connection is broken, the exercise device may implement a safety action, such as stopping a tread belt of the exercise device, which may reduce a risk of injury for the user.

The safety systems 902-a and 902-b provide alternatives to the safety system 901. For example, the safety system 902-a may include the safety clip 905 and the cord 910 (e.g., a stop cable), where the safety clip 905 and the cord 910 may be permanently attached. In the example of the safety system 902-a, the cord 910 may connect to the safety clip 905 on one end and a safety puck 920 on a second end. The safety puck 920 may connect to the console of the exercise device, for example via magnetism, and may trigger a safety action when the safety puck 920 is disconnected from the console (e.g., due to force applied at the safety clip, such as a user tripping). The safety system 902-b may include the safety clip 905 and the cord 910 attached to a safety plate 925. The safety plate 925 may connect to the console, such as via magnetism or a snap connection to a housing location on the console. In the example of the safety system 902-b, a safety action may be triggered when the safety plate 925 disconnects from the console.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a ring 1000. In the example illustrated by FIG. 10, the ring 1000 may be in a ‘C’ shape, such that the ring may be placed on a user's finger at a desired location. Further, the ring 1000 may include a mesh material on the inside of the ring 1000, which may support the ring 1000 staying on the user's finger during use. The ring 1000 may be connected to an exercise device as described herein. For example, the ring 1000 may wirelessly communicate one or more signals with the exercise device. In some examples, the ring 1000 may include an input button 1005, which may be a button on the ring 1000. The input button 1005 may allow for input in multiple directions. For example, depressing the input button 1005 on a first end may correspond to a first input direction and depressing the input button 1005 on a second end may correspond to a second input direction. In some cases, the first input direction may correspond to an increase in an operational parameter of the exercise device and the second input direction may correspond to a decrease in an operational parameter of the exercise device. For example, the ring may wirelessly transmit an indication of the input to the exercise device, and may cause the exercise device to increase or decrease an operational parameter according to the input. The operational parameter may be a speed or incline of the exercise device, among other examples as described herein, such as a volume output of speakers embedded in the exercise device. The input at the ring 1000 may be handled by the exercise device similarly to an input at the input device of the exercise device as described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The ring 1000 may include an indicator 1010, which may be a light that indicates a status of the ring 1000. For example, the indicator 1010 may indicate a power status of the ring 1000, where the indicator 1010 being illuminated indicates the ring 1000 is powered on. Additionally, or alternatively, the indicator 1010 may indicate a connection status of the ring 1000, such as whether the ring 1000 is in the process of connecting to the exercise device or has successfully connected to the exercise device.

In some cases, the ring 1000 may communicate with a mobile device of the user to configure operation of the ring 1000. For example, a mobile application may provide an interface between the mobile device and the ring 1000 and may support the user selecting desired operations of the ring 1000 and the input button 1005. For example, via the mobile application, the user may dynamically configure the input button 1005 to adjust different operating parameters, such as adjusting tread deck speed at a first time, adjusting tread deck incline at a second time, and adjusting speaker output volume at a third time, based on which operating parameter the user wishes to adjust at a given time.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a ring 1101. In the example illustrated by FIG. 11A, the ring 1101 may be in an ‘O’ shape, such that the ring may be slid on to a user's finger from the tip of the finger to a desired depth. The ring 1101 may be connected to an exercise device as described herein. For example, the ring 1101 may wirelessly communicate one or more signals with the exercise device. In some examples, the ring 1101 may include an input button 1105, which may be a button on the ring 1101. The input button 1105 may allow for input in multiple directions. For example, pushing the input button 1005 on a first end may correspond to a first input direction and pushing the input button 1005 on a second end may correspond to a second input direction. In some cases, the first input direction may correspond to an increase in an operational parameter of the exercise device and the second input direction may correspond to a decrease in an operational parameter of the exercise device. For example, the ring 1101 may wirelessly transmit an indication of the input to the exercise device, and may cause the exercise device to increase or decrease an operational parameter according to the input. The operational parameter may be a speed or incline of the exercise device, among other examples as described herein. The input at the ring 1101 may be handled by the exercise device similarly to an input at the input device of the exercise device as described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The ring 1101 may include an indicator 1110, which may be a light that indicates a status of the ring 1101. For example, the indicator 1110 may indicate a power status of the ring 1101, where the indicator 1110 being illuminated indicates the ring 1101 is powered on. Additionally, or alternatively, the indicator 1110 may indicate a connection status of the ring 1101, such as whether the ring 1101 is in the process of connecting to the exercise device or has successfully connected to the exercise device.

FIG. 11B illustrates a ring system 1102. The ring system 1102 may implement the ring 1101 described with reference to FIG. 11A. For example, the ring system 1102 shows an example of a charger 1115 configured to charge the ring 1101 when the ring 1101 contacts nodes 1120. The configuration 1125 shows an example of the ring 1101 and the charger 1115 prior to charging the ring 1101 and the configuration 1130 shows an example of the ring 1101 and the charger 1115 while charging the ring 1101. For example, a user may place the ring 1101 over the charger 1115 (e.g., the configuration 1125) and may push the nodes 1120 of the charger 1115 against the ring 1101 (e.g., the configuration 1130), which may result in the ring 1101 beginning to charge. Additionally, the ring 1101 may contact electrical contacts 1122, which may provide an electrical connection between the ring 1101 and the charger 1115 to support charging the ring 1101. In some cases, the indicator 1110 (e.g., on the ring 1101) may illuminate to indicate that the ring 1101 is charging. Additionally, or alternatively, an indicator 1135 on a face of the charger 1115 may illuminate to indicate that the ring 1101 is charging.

FIG. 12 is a representation of an auto stop system 1200, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the components of the auto stop system 1200 can include software, hardware, or both. For example, the components can include one or more instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executable by processors of one or more computing devices, such as a client device or server device. When executed by the one or more processors, the computer-executable instructions of the auto stop system 1200 can cause the computing device(s) to perform the methods described herein. Alternatively, the components can include hardware, such as a special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Alternatively, the components of the auto stop system 1200 can include a combination of computer-executable instructions and hardware.

Furthermore, the components of the auto stop system 1200 may, for example, be implemented as one or more operating systems, as one or more stand-alone applications, as one or more modules of an application, as one or more plug-ins, as one or more library functions or functions that may be called by other applications, and/or as a cloud-computing model. Thus, the components may be implemented as a stand-alone application, such as a desktop or mobile application. Furthermore, the components may be implemented as one or more web-based applications hosted on a remote server. The components may also be implemented in a suite of mobile device applications or “apps.”

An exercise device may receive input from an input device 1205. As discussed herein, the input device 1205 may be any type of input device 1205, such as the input device 120 discussed with respect to FIG. 1. An input sensor 1210 may detect a magnitude of the input by the input device 1205. As discussed herein, the input sensor 1210 may include any type of sensor, such as an accelerometer 1215, a force sensor 1220, any other sensor, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the input sensor 1210 may include a timer 1225 that may time a duration of the input applied to the input device 1205.

An excessive input engine 1230 may receive the measured input from the input sensor 1210 and analyze the patterns of the measured input to determine whether the input is excessive. For example, the excessive input engine 1230 may compare a magnitude of the measured input to a pre-determined safety threshold or safety threshold range. If the magnitude of the measured input exceeds the safety threshold or is outside of the safety threshold range, then a neutral operation manager 1235 may return the exercised device to a neutral operation, as discussed herein. In this manner, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the neutral operation manager 1235 may reduce or prevent injury to a user based on a trip or other balance loss incident.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and as discussed herein, the user may provide an input to the excessive input engine 1230 and/or the neutral operation manager 1235 to adjust a sensitivity of the safety threshold or safety threshold range. This may facilitate a reduced likelihood of inadvertent triggering or non-triggering of the auto stop system. In some embodiments, the user may toggle on or off the auto stop system 1200. In some embodiments, the neutral operation manager 1235 may maintain a user profile, and the neutral operation manager 1235 may maintain in the user profile the user's preferences regarding the sensitivity of the safety threshold and/or the toggling on or off of the auto stop system 1200. This may facilitate a reduced likelihood of inadvertent triggering or non-triggering of the auto stop system.

FIG. 13 illustrates example components that may be included within a computer system 1300. One or more computer systems 1300 may be used to implement the various devices, components, and systems described herein.

The computer system 1300 includes a processor 1305. The processor 1305 may be a general-purpose single or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an Advanced RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine (ARM)), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor 1305 may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Although just a single processor 1305 is shown in the computer system 1300 of FIG. 13, in an alternative configuration, a combination of processors (e.g., an ARM and DSP) could be used.

The computer system 1300 also includes memory 1310 in electronic communication with the processor 1305. The memory 1310 may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. For example, the memory 1310 may be embodied as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) memory, registers, and so forth, including combinations thereof.

Instructions 1315 and data 1320 may be stored in the memory 1310. The instructions 1315 may be executable by the processor 1305 to implement some or all of the functionality disclosed herein. Executing the instructions 1315 may involve the use of the data 1320 that is stored in the memory 1310. Any of the various examples of modules and components described herein may be implemented, partially or wholly, as instructions 1315 stored in memory 1310 and executed by the processor 1305. Any of the various examples of data described herein may be among the data 1320 that is stored in memory 1310 and used during execution of the instructions 1315 by the processor 1305.

A computer system 1300 may also include one or more communication interfaces 1325 for communicating with other electronic devices. The communication interface(s) 1325 may be based on wired communication technology, wireless communication technology, or both. Some examples of communication interfaces 1325 include a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an Ethernet adapter, a wireless adapter that operates in accordance with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless communication protocol, a Bluetooth® wireless communication adapter, and an infrared (IR) communication port.

A computer system 1300 may also include one or more input devices 1330 and one or more output devices 1335. Some examples of input devices 1330 include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, remote control device, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, and lightpen. Some examples of output devices 1335 include a speaker and a printer. One specific type of output device that is, in some examples, included in a computer system 1300 is a display device 1340. Display devices 1340 used with embodiments disclosed herein may utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), gas plasma, electroluminescence, or the like. A display controller 1345 may also be provided, for converting data 1320 stored in the memory 1310 into text, graphics, and/or moving images (as appropriate) shown on the display device 1340.

The various components of the computer system 1300 may be coupled together by one or more buses, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. For the sake of clarity, the various buses are illustrated in FIG. 13 as a bus system 1350.

This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for operating an exercise device. An exercise device may include one or more input devices. The input device may change one or more operating parameters of the exercise device. For example, the input device may change a belt speed of a tread belt on a treadmill, an incline percentage, a resistance level, any other operating parameter, and combinations thereof. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device may include an input arm connected to a console of the treadmill. Moving the input arm may adjust the operating parameter. The user may move the input arm by pushing or pulling on a handle connected to the input arm.

During operation of an exercise device, the user may experience moments of unsteadiness, trip, lose balance, or otherwise lose control of him or herself. This may result in injury to the user. In some situations, the user may be holding on to an input device on the exercise device when he or she trips or otherwise loses balance. This may result in a sudden change to input applied by the input device. A limit sensor on the exercise device may detect when the user trips or loses balance based on the magnitude and/or pattern of the input from the input device. For example, the limit sensor may detect that the input is applied with increased acceleration on the input device, thereby indicating that the user has attempted to arrest a fall with the input device. In some examples, the limit sensor may detect a large force applied to the input device, thereby indicating that the user has impacted the input device. In some examples, the limit sensor may detect the user's fall or change in balance in any manner.

When the limit sensor detects that the user has tripped or otherwise lost his or her balance, the exercise device may adjust one or more of the operating parameters. For example, the exercise device may adjust one or more of the operating parameters to a neutral operating level. The neutral operating level may be a safe operating level. For example, the neutral operating level may be a stopped tread belt, a low tread belt speed, a low flywheel resistance, a high flywheel resistance that resists rotation of a drivetrain, an interlock on a flywheel or drivetrain to prevent rotation of the drive train, a low incline, zero incline, any other neutral operating level, and combinations thereof. Adjusting the operating parameters to the neutral operating level may help to reduce or prevent injury to the user when he or she trips or otherwise loses balance.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise device may include any type of exercise device. For example, the exercise device may include a treadmill, an elliptical device, a stationary bicycle, a rower, a cable extension device, any other exercise device, and combinations thereof. The exercise device may include one or more movable members. For example, a treadmill may include a motor connected to one or both of a front pulley and a rear pulley. A tread belt may be extended between the front pulley and the rear pulley, and rotation of the front pulley and/or the rear pulley may rotate the tread belt. The treadmill may include a tread deck, and an incline mechanism may change an incline of the tread deck. One or more exercise devices may include a flywheel and a movable device to rotate the flywheel, with the flywheel providing resistance to rotation. For example, an elliptical device may include pedals connected to the flywheel such that, when depressed, the pedals may cause the flywheel to rotate, while the flywheel provides resistance to depression of the pedals. In some examples, a stationary bicycle may include pedals and a drivetrain connected to the flywheel and rotation of the pedals may rotate the flywheel. In some examples, a rower and/or a cable extension device may include a cable connected to the flywheel, and extension of the cable may cause the flywheel to rotate.

The exercise device may include one or more exercise device settings that adjust an operating parameter of the exercise device. The exercise device settings may include any setting of the exercise device. For example, the exercise device settings may include a tread belt speed, a flywheel resistance, an incline, a decline, a blower fan setting, any other exercise device setting, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the exercise device may include one or more operating parameters. The operating parameters may include one or more of the exercise device settings.

An exercise system includes an exercise device and a third-party device, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. While the exercise device(s) discussed herein include a treadmill, it should be understood that the exercise device may include any exercise device, including the exercise devices discussed herein. In some embodiments, the exercise device shown does not include a display. The exercise device may include one or more movable elements, such as a tread belt, a front pulley at a front end and a rear pulley at a rear end, with the tread belt wrapped around the front pulley and the rear pulley. A belt motor may rotate one or both of the front pulley or the rear pulley, thereby causing the tread belt to rotate in an endless loop. The tread belt may be supported by a tread deck. Two uprights may extend upwards at or near the front end, and a pair of handles may extend between the two uprights. Alternatively, a single upright may extend from a bottom front end of a base below the tread deck and upwards at or near the front end of the tread deck, and may or may not include the pair of handles extending from a top of the single upright. While the exercise device is shown as including the uprights extending up from the tread deck, it should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure may be applied to an exercise device including the tread deck and no console, display, uprights, handles, or other elements extending upward from the tread deck.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third-party device may be a device configured to be in communication with the exercise device that is separate from the exercise device. The third-party device may include any type of third-party device. For example, the third-party device may include a user device, or a device owned and/or operated by a user. In some examples, the third-party device may include a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a laptop computer, any other mobile device, and combinations. In some examples, the third-party device may include a wearable device, such as a watch, a smartwatch, a ring, a heartrate monitor, a necklace, jewelry, an article of clothing, any other wearable device, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the third-party device may include any other device, including an IoT device, an NFC key, a sensor, a heartrate monitor, any other third-party device, and combinations thereof.

During operation of the exercise device, the third-party device may connect to the exercise device. For example, the exercise device may send or receive a connection request from the third-party device, and the third-party device may connect to the exercise device. As discussed herein, the third-party device may connect in any manner, including with a wireless connection. The exercise device may determine whether the third-party device is an authorized third-party device. If the third-party device is authorized, then the third-party device may be connected to the exercise device.

When the third-party device is connected to the exercise device, the third-party device may transmit operating instructions to the exercise device. The operating instructions may include a change to one or more of the operating parameters of the exercise device. For example, the third-party device may transmit instructions to adjust a belt speed of the tread belt, an incline of the tread deck (e.g., by activating a lift motor or an incline motor connected to the tread deck), a fan speed of one or more fans incorporated into the two uprights, any other operating parameter, and combinations thereof.

In some cases, the uprights and the tread deck may be separable, such that the uprights and the tread deck may be used together at the exercise device during a first usage and the tread deck without the uprights (e.g., only the tread deck) may be used at the exercise device during a second usage. The uprights and the tread deck may be configured to temporarily connect (e.g., via inserts, clamps, magnetism, or the like) or otherwise remain coupled, such as by a friction fit (e.g., the tread deck may be placed over a rubber pad between the uprights to prevent shifting), while the exercise device is in use.

As an example, a base of the exercise device may include grooves (e.g., divots formed on a top surface of the base) configured to secure the tread deck to the base and prevent the tread deck from shifting during use of the exercise device. For instance, the tread deck may include rails extruding from a bottom of the tread deck, where the rails may be configured to insert into the grooves or divots to prevent shifting of the tread deck relative to the upright system. As another example, the exercise device may include a platform configured to couple to the surface of the base and prevent shifting of the tread deck, such as a platform of a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction (e.g., cork rubber) providing friction with the tread deck. The platform may include one or more feet that insert into the tread deck to secure the tread deck's position relative to the uprights while isolating the tread deck from the uprights. Additionally, such techniques may reduce noise incurred while using the exercise device, for example due to the uprights not shaking while the exercise device is in use.

As described herein, an exercise system including an upright system and a tread deck that can be selectively coupled may improve user experience while using the exercise system. For example, such a configuration may reduce vibrations at the upright system while the tread deck is in use. The user may walk or run on the tread deck, which may induce kinetic energy at the tread deck (e.g., vibrations). Due to the tread deck being separate from the upright system, such kinetic energy may not transfer to (or be mitigated at) the upright system. Further, if the upright system supports or is coupled with a console, kinetic energy or vibrations at the console may be eliminated or reduced. For example, if the console holds a display system for the user to interact with while using the exercise system, vibrations may transfer to the display system and interfere with the user interacting with the display system. Such reductions in kinetic energy transfer or vibrations at the console may be quantifiable in terms of percentage, such as a percent reduction in the range of 20% to 50%, 50% to 80%, 80% to 100%, or any other suitable percent reduction relative to an exercise system where the upright system is not separable (e.g., permanently affixed) to the tread deck. Thus, mitigating kinetic energy transfer between the tread deck and the upright system may improve user experience while using the exercise system.

Additionally, such exercise system configurations may improve transport of the exercise system. For example, when the exercise system is shipped to a costumer, a size of the packaging containing the exercise system may be reduced, the packaging may be less cumbersome to transport, or both (e.g., due to the upright system and the tread deck being separable).

While embodiments of the present disclosure have illustrated and discussed an exercise system without a display or a console, it should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure may be applied to any exercise system. For example, an exercise system may include an exercise device having a console supporting one or more displays. The console may further support an input device having an input arm and a handle connected to the input arm. The console may be supported by one or more uprights.

The user may implement an exercise program on the exercise device. During implementation of the exercise program, the display may present audio and/or visual information related to a workout, including audio and/or visual instructions, motivational messages, media content, any other information, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exercise program may include programmed instructions that may cause a change to one or more of the operating parameters of the exercise device.

In some cases, the tread deck may include one or more components associated with changing a grade of incline at the tread deck. For example, the tread deck may include or be coupled with a lift motor configured to change the incline of the tread deck. In some cases, the lift motor may support increasing the incline of the tread deck incrementally up to a maximum grade. The increment may be a relatively small grade increase, for example 0.5% grade increment, 1% grade increment, 1.5% grade increment, or any other suitable increment value, and the maximum grade may be configured at a relatively steep incline, for example a 10% grade, a 12% grade, a 25% grade, or any other suitable grade. Additionally, or alternatively, the lift motor (or a second lift motor) may support decreasing the incline of the tread deck past a neutral position (e.g., a 0% grade, a horizontal position) such that the front of the tread deck is below the back of the tread deck. The decrease may be incrementable down to a maximum negative grade, such as a-3% grade, a-6% grade, a-9% grade, or any other suitable negative grade. Such techniques may enable a user to simulate downhill walking or running without turning from the front of the exercise device.

In some cases, the uprights may include one or more components associated with using the exercise device. For example, the uprights may be formed in a triangular shape, where an inside portion of an edge of each upright may face towards the user of the exercise device. In some examples, the inside portion may include one or more slots and a mesh material behind the one or more slots. The mesh material may allow for air to flow between the slots and towards the user. For example, each upright may include one or more fans within a front edge of each upright configured to blow air towards the user. The user may operate the one or more fans via the console of the exercise device. For example, via the console, the user may turn the one or more fans on and off, may configure an intensity of air flow exiting the uprights, may toggle subsets of fans in each upright, may configure a direction of the air flow, or any combination thereof, among other examples.

In some embodiments, the user may manually adjust one or more operating parameter of the exercise device with an input device. The input device may be secured to the console and/or the handles. In some embodiments, the input device may include an input arm. The input arm may be configured to move when a force is applied to it. For example, a user may apply a force to the input arm, which may cause the input arm to rotate about the console and/or the handles. The input device may include a handle connected to the input arm. The handle may improve the ease by which the user may engage with the input device. In some embodiments, the handle may include a display that may display information related to various operating parameters of the exercise device.

In some embodiments, the handle may include one or more buttons, dials, or secondary inputs. The secondary inputs on the handle may further adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device. For example, the secondary inputs may adjust one or more auxiliary systems, such as the volume of a speaker, a music selection (e.g., pause, forward, reverse), phone operation, operation of a fan (e.g., on/off, fan speed), mister, any other auxiliary system, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the secondary inputs may include verification inputs. For example, the secondary inputs may include a button to verify the change in the operating parameter. In some examples, the secondary inputs may change which operating parameter is changed. For example, a first secondary input may include a tread belt validation input that, when triggered, causes a change in the input device to change the tread belt speed. A second secondary input may include an incline validation input that, when triggered, causes a change in the input device to change the incline of the tread deck.

In some embodiments, the input device may include an input stop. The input stop may stop movement of the input device. For example, the input stop may stop rotation of the input device. In some examples, the input stop may stop lateral translation of the input device. In some examples, the input device may include multiple input stops in the different directions that the input device may be moved. For example, the input device may include a first input stop for movement of the input device away from the user (e.g., toward the front end) and a second input stop for movement of the input device toward the user (e.g., toward the tread belt).

The movement of the input arm may correspond to a desired change in the operating parameter of the exercise device. For example, the extent and/or duration of a change in position of the input arm may result in a corresponding change to the operating parameter. As a specific, non-limiting example, pushing on the input arm and/or the handle may cause an increase in the tread belt speed of the tread belt and pulling on the input arm and/or the handle may cause a decrease in the tread belt speed of the tread belt. In some embodiments, moving the input device closer to an input stop may cause a greater change in tread belt speed and/or incline. In some embodiments, holding the input device in a triggered position (e.g., pushed away or pulled toward the user) for a period of time may cause a greater change and/or a sustained change in tread belt speed and/or incline. In some embodiments, the extent of the change in tread belt speed and/or incline may be based on a combination of extent of triggering of the input device and a duration of the trigger of the input device.

In some embodiments, the exercise device may include a single input device. For example, as discussed herein, the input device may include one or more validation inputs that may be used to change which operating parameter and/or auxiliary system is changed. In some embodiments, the exercise device may include multiple input devices. For example, the exercise device may include a first input device (e.g., a belt input device) for the belt speed of the tread belt 106 and a second input device (e.g., a lift input device) for the incline of the tread deck. In some examples, the exercise device may include any number of input devices to change any number of operating parameters.

In some embodiments, the input device may include a resistance system that may resist movement of the input device. The resistance system may include any type of resistance system, such as a spring, a friction fit, a motor, or other resistance. The resistance system may be used to provide the user a tangible sense of movement when moving the input device. In some embodiments, the input device may include a return mechanism. The return mechanism may include a spring or compliant material that may return the input device to a neutral position. The user may overpower the return mechanism to adjust the input device.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise system may include a limit sensor. The limit sensor may detect excessive input to the input device. An excessive input may be indicative of the user tripping or otherwise losing balance. For example, an excessive input may be an input that is outside of a safety threshold. The safety threshold may be a threshold based on pre-determined operating thresholds for operation of the input device. For example, the safety threshold may be a threshold acceleration based on pre-determined acceleration thresholds for the acceleration of the input device when triggered by the user. Exceeding the acceleration threshold may be an indication that the user has suddenly tripped or otherwise fallen while holding the input device. In some examples, the safety threshold may be based on an applied force threshold to the input device. The applied force threshold may be based on an impact force applied to the input device when the input device hits the input stop. In some examples, the applied force may be based on the force applied to the input device that is resisted by the resistance and/or return mechanism. Exceeding the applied force threshold may be indicative of a user tripping or otherwise falling while holding the input device. In some examples, the safety threshold may be based on a duration that the input device is triggered. For example, the safety threshold may be based on how long the input device is triggered and/or how long the input device is extended to the input stop. Exceeding a duration-based safety threshold may be indicative of a user slowly falling or tripping while holding the input device and retaining his or hold on the input device.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the exercise system detects a user input that exceeds the safety threshold, the exercise system may return the exercise system to a neutral operation. A neutral operation may be a safe operating status for the exercise system. The safe operating status may be based on one or more of the operating parameters of the exercise system. For example, the safe operating status may be based on a tread belt speed of the tread belt, an incline of the tread deck, a flywheel resistance of a flywheel, a locking status of a locking mechanism for a movable member of a drive train, any other operating parameter, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the safe operating status may be when the tread belt is not rotating, or has a speed of 0 km/h. In some embodiments, the safe operating status may be when the tread belt 106 is rotating at a walking speed. In some embodiments, a safe operating speed may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 0.1 km/h, 0.5 km/h, 1.0 km/h, 1.5 km/h, 2.0 km/h, 2.5 km/h, 3.0 km/h, 3.5 km/h, 4.0 km/h, 4.5 km/h, 5.0 km/h, 5.5 km/h, 6.0 km/h, or any value therebetween. For example, the safe operating speed may be greater than 0.1 km/h. In another example, the safe operating speed may be less than 6.0 km/h. In yet other examples, the safe operating speed may be any value in a range between 0.1 km/h and 6.0 km/h. In some embodiments, (it may be expected that) the safe operating speed is between 1 km/h and 3 km/h to maintain operation of the exercise device safely.

In some embodiments, adjusting the belt speed to the neutral operation may occur with a belt speed deceleration. In some embodiments, the belt speed deceleration may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 0.1 km/h/s, 0.5 km/h/s, 1.0 km/h/s, 1.5 km/h/s, 2.0 km/h/s, 2.5 km/h/s, 3.0 km/h/s, 3.5 km/h/s, 4.0 km/h/s, 4.5 km/h/s, 5.0 km/h/s, or any value therebetween. For example, the belt speed deceleration may be greater than 0.1 km/h/s. In another example, the belt speed deceleration may be less than 5.0 km/h/s. In yet other examples, the belt speed deceleration may be any value in a range between 0.1 km/h/s and 5.0 km/h/s. In some embodiments, (it may be expected that) the belt speed deceleration is between 0.1 km/h/s and 2.0 km/h/s to safely stop operating of the tread belt. In some examples, the belt speed deceleration may be within an industry standard deceleration, set by government regulators and/or industry standards commissions.

In some embodiments, the neutral operation may include a neutral incline of the tread deck. The neutral incline of the tread deck may be an incline which may minimize the fall risk and/or the injury to the user from a fall. In some embodiments, the neutral incline may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of −2.0%, −1.5%, −1.0%, −0.5%, 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% or any value therebetween. For example, the neutral incline may be greater than −2.0%. In another example, the neutral incline may be less than 2.0%. In yet other examples, the neutral incline may be any value in a range between −2.0% and 2.0%. In some embodiments, (it may be expected that) the neutral incline is between −0.5% and 0.5% to reduce or prevent injury to a user based on a fall, trip, or otherwise losing balance.

In some embodiments, adjusting the incline to the neutral operation may occur with an incline deceleration. In some embodiments, the incline deceleration may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 0.1%/s, 0.5%/s, 1.0%/s, 1.5%/s, 2.0%/s, 2.5%/s, 3.0%/s, 3.5%/s, 4.0%/s, 4.5%/s, 5.0%/s, or any value therebetween. For example, the belt speed deceleration may be greater than 0.1°/s. In another example, the incline deceleration may be less than 5.0%/s. In yet other examples, the incline deceleration may be any value in a range between 0.1%/s and 5.0%/s. In some embodiments, (it may be expected that) the incline deceleration is between 0.1%/s and 2.0%/s to safely reduce the incline of the exercise device. In some examples, the incline deceleration may be within an industry standard deceleration, set by government regulators and/or industry standards commissions.

In some embodiments, the neutral operation may include a neutral resistance to rotation of a treadmill. For example, the neutral resistance to rotation may include removing resistance to rotation. This may help to reduce or prevent injury to a user by falling off of an elevated surface of a drive train because the drive train cannot rotate with a high resistance. In some examples, the neutral resistance to rotation may include increasing the resistance to rotation, such as by applying a brake or increasing the resistance with the resistance mechanism. This may prevent or reduce unexpected movement of the drivetrain. In some examples, the neutral resistance to rotation of the flywheel may include stopping rotation of the flywheel to prevent or reduce movement of the drivetrain when the user is unsteady. This may help to reduce or prevent injury to the user during operation.

In some embodiments, the neutral operation may include locking the movement of one or more movable elements of the exercise device. For example, the neutral operation may include locking the tread belt, locking the lift mechanism for the tread deck, locking a flywheel, locking a portion of a drive train on a stationary bicycle and/or an elliptical device, locking a cable for a cable extension device, locking a sliding seat on a rower, locking any other portion of an exercise device, and combinations thereof. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, locking at least a portion of the movable elements of the exercise device may prevent or reduce movement of the movable elements when a user trips or otherwise experiences a moment of unsteadiness. This may help to reduce or prevent injury to the user.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may adjust the sensitivity of the limit sensor. For example, the user may adjust the input at which the limit sensor detects an excessive input. Different users may operate the exercise system in different manners. For example, a first user may apply a harder force to the input device than a second user. This may result in inadvertent triggering of the exercise system to return to the neutral operation. The user may adjust the sensitivity of the automatic stop system to accommodate his or her particular operating manner. For example, the user may increase the sensitivity to accommodate users having a relatively light touch, lighter weight users, users having a lower strength, and so forth. This may help, in some embodiments, to reduce or prevent an inadvertent failure to trigger the automatic stop system. In some examples, the user may decrease the sensitivity to accommodate users having a relatively heavy touch, heavier users, users having a high strength, and so forth. This may help to reduce or prevent inadvertent triggering of the automatic stop system. In some embodiments, the user may toggle on or toggle off the automatic stop system. This may facilitate improved customization of the exercise system and the automatic stop system.

The exercise device may include a frame at the console that facilitates rotation of the input device. The frame may include one or more bearings, such as needle roller bearings, that support rotation of the input device relative to the frame. The needle roller bearings (e.g., cup type bearings) may have dimensions that support movement of the input device. In one example, the dimensions of each needle roller bearing may be 20 mm×26 mm×12 mm. The frame may be designed to include or support a hard stop for the input device. For example, the frame may include a lever angle hard stop, which may be the limit or stoppage point for rotation of the input device relative to the frame. That is, the lever angle hard stop may define a maximum rotation of the input device (e.g., limiting an angular distance available for inputs at the input device) relative to the frame.

The frame may include one or more second bearings, such as needle roller bearings (e.g., cup type bearings). In one example, the needle roller bearings may each have dimensions of 4 mm×8 mm×8 mm. The frame may include springs, which may be configured to cause the input device to return to a neutral position (e.g., a default position relative to the frame, a 0 degree reference point, a return mechanism). In some examples, in accordance with dimensions of the frame and to support operation of the input device, the springs may have an outer diameter of 7.62 mm, a wire diameter of 1.02 mm, be made of stainless steel, have a free length of 34.93, a solid height of 14.81 mm, a load at solid height of 53.73N, and a rate of 2.627 N/mm.

The frame may include a magnet, which may support identifying an input angle of the input device. In some examples, the magnet may be an N42 magnet, may be diametrically magnetized, may have Ø20 outer diameter, and Ø10 inner diameter, and a thickness of 5 mm. The frame may include a rotary dampener that supports rotation and operation of the input device. In one example, the rotary dampener may be a 15Ncm bi-directional rotary dampener. The frame may include a position sensor that supports operation of the input device. In one example, the position sensor may be an example of a MPS MagAlpha position sensor (e.g., model TBMA782-Q-LT-00A).

The position sensor may support the input system determining an input angle of the input device. For example, the MPS MagAlpha sensors may utilize an array of hall elements that support mapping changing magnetic field values of the magnet to a linear relationship with angle (e.g., outputting angular rotation of the input device). The position sensor may be positioned relative to the magnet according to various configurations, such as an end of shaft configuration where a rotating axis of the magnet is centered with the position sensor, a side of shaft configuration where the position sensor is lateral to the rotating axis of the magnet, or a side of shaft orthogonal configuration where the position sensor is lateral to the rotating axis of the magnet and faces the magnet.

In some embodiments, the exercise device may include a console. The console may be any type of console. For example, the console shown includes a bar shaped in an oval, or a rectangle having curved short sides and a hollow middle. In some examples, the console may include any type of console. In some embodiments, the console may be supported by the uprights. For example, the console may extend between the uprights. In some embodiments, the console may be supported in any other manner, such as from the tread deck and/or supported from the floor. In some embodiments, the handles may be incorporated into the console, be a part of the console, connected to the console, or otherwise part of the console.

In some examples, the console may support or otherwise secure one or more devices, components, or features that a user may interact with while using the exercise device. As an example, the console may support a dish that can be connected to the console. The dish may be secured in a permanent position (e.g., affixed to a specific portion of the console) or may connect to the console via magnetism such that the user may adjust the position of the dish to a desired location on the console. The dish may be used to house belongings of the user (e.g., keys, wallet, or the like) that may otherwise inhibit dynamic motion while using the exercise device. Further, the dish may include one or more chargers to charge electronic devices of the user. For example, the dish may include a charger for a user's mobile device, a charger for a ring associated with the exercise device, or both. In some other examples, the charger for the user's mobile device may be separate from the dish, and may connect to the console at a different position (e.g., in a fixed position or magnetically). When the charger is implemented separately from the dish, the charger may hold the mobile device via magnetism, or may include a shelf at the bottom of the charger to prevent the mobile device from falling. Additionally, or alternatively, the console may support a bottle holder that secures the user's water bottle. The bottle holder may include a ring at the top of the bottle holder and a base at the bottom of the bottle holder for securing the water bottle. The ring and the base may be a similar size (e.g., for holding bottles having uniform diameter along the length) or may be different sizes (e.g., the ring may be larger than the base for holding bottles having a larger diameter at the top than the bottom, or vice versa). The bottle holder may have a fixed length, or may have a configurable length that extends to the length of the bottle inserted in the bottle holder.

In some examples, the console may include a safety system. The safety system may include a safety clip coupled with the console via a cord, where the safety clip may couple with the cord via a magnetic connection. In some cases, the safety clip may be configured to attach to the user (e.g., clip to the user's clothing) and the exercise device may be configured implement a safety action, such as stopping operation of the exercise device (e.g., halt a tread belt, among other examples) if the safety clip is disconnected from the cord. For example, if the user trips or falls, the force of the fall may disconnect the safety clip from the cord and may cause the exercise device to stop, which may reduce a likelihood of injury to the user. The force expected or required to disconnect the safety clip from the cord may be a fixed value, or may be configurable at the exercise device. The safety clip may be included in any color, shape (e.g., a circular clip, a square clip, a triangle clip, or the like), and size. Additionally, the safety clip may be secured to the user via a spring closing the clip (e.g., releasing the clip over clothing may secure the clip), a magnetic connection between jaws of the clip, a clamp connection between jaws of the clip (e.g., pressing the clip into position may secure the clip), or another suitable connection mechanism. Additionally, or alternatively, the safety system may be implemented as a safety puck that couples to the console (e.g., between handles of the input device) via a magnetic connection, a friction fit, or any suitable connection mechanism that allows for temporary coupling. The safety puck may couple with a user via a clip and cord, and a safety action may be triggered based on the puck being disconnected from the device. As another example, the safety system may be implemented as a safety plate that connects to the console via a snap connection (e.g., locking into place at a receiving plate on the console) or a magnetic connection, where a safety action may be triggered based on the plate being disconnected from the device.

As discussed herein, the user may adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device with the input device. For example, the user may push or pull the input device to adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device. In some embodiments, the user may operate the exercise device in a manual mode, and adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device solely through the input device. In some embodiments, the user may adjust the operating parameters of an exercise program. For example, an exercise program may include operating parameters that are too easy or too difficult for the user for a particular workout. The user may adjust the operating parameters while the exercise system is implementing the exercise program using the input device.

As discussed herein, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise system may include an automatic stop system. The automatic stop system may automatically stop or return operation of the exercise system to a neutral operation. The automatic stop system may be based on an input applied to the input device. For example, the input device may include an input sensor that may detect a magnitude of an input applied to the input device. The input sensor may detect whether the magnitude of the applied input exceeds a safety threshold. If the magnitude of the applied input exceeds the safety threshold, then the automatic stop system may return the exercise system to a neutral operation.

In some embodiments, the exercise system may present an audio and/or visual warning or notification of the triggering of the auto stop. For example, the exercise system may present on the display a visual notice that the auto stop has been triggered. In some examples, the exercise system may present through speakers on the exercise system an auditory notice that the auto stop has been triggered. This may help the user to identify the triggering of the auto stop.

In some embodiments, the user may stop the transition of the exercise system to the neutral state. For example, the user may identify that the auto stop has been triggered. The user may prepare an input to prevent the auto stop from triggering, to stop triggering of the auto stop, to slow triggering of the auto stop, or to otherwise adjust the operation of the auto stop. For example, the user may press a specialized button on the input device, on the console, on the display, on the console, or other location on the exercise device. In some examples, the user may apply an input to the input device. In some embodiments, the user may apply any input to the exercise device to stop the auto stop from completing. This may help, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, inadvertent actuation of the auto stop system.

In some embodiments, a console has an input device for an exercise device in a neutral position, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The input device may be connected to a frame of the console. In some embodiments, the input device is configured to rotate about a portion of the frame when a force is applied to an input device, a handle, an input arm. Moving the input device with respect to the frame may cause a change in the operating parameters of the exercise device. For example, moving the input device to a forward orientation (e.g., moving or rotating the handle away from the user) may cause an increase in the belt speed of a treadmill, an increase in an incline of an exercise deck, an increase in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device. In some examples, moving the input device to rear orientation may cause a decrease of a belt speed, a decrease in incline of an exercise deck, a decrease in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device.

In some examples, moving the input device to the forward orientation (e.g., moving or rotating the handle toward from the user) may cause a decrease in the belt speed of a treadmill, a decrease in an incline of an exercise deck, a decrease in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device. In some examples, moving the input device to the rearward orientation may cause an increase in a belt speed, an increase in an incline of an exercise deck, an increase in a resistance of a flywheel, or other change in the operating parameters of the exercise device.

In some examples, moving the input device to the forward orientation or the backward orientation may cause an incremental or continuous change in the operating parameters of the exercise device. For example, moving the input device in either orientation and past a first activation angle (e.g., 5° from a neutral position) may result in an incremental change to the operating parameters (e.g., a single incremental increase or decrease applied to the operating parameters). Further, moving the input device in either orientation and past a second activation angle (e.g., 28° from the neutral position, which may be at or relatively near a maximum rotation of the input device) may result in a continuous change to the operating parameters, where the operating parameters change by one or more increments at one or more frequencies. For example, if the input device is moved past the second activation angle, the operating parameters may change by a first increment at a first frequency for a first duration, and may change by a second increment at a second frequency for a second duration following the first duration.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an auto stop system may include an input sensor or other mechanism to sense an excessive input applied to the input device. The input sensor may be located at any location on the console. For example, the input sensor may be located in the input device. The input sensor may be located in any location on the input device. For example, in the embodiment shown, the input sensor is located in the handle of the input device. In some examples, the input sensor may be located in the input arm of the input device. In some examples, the input sensor may be located at a connection point between the input arm and the frame.

In some embodiments, the input sensor may be located in the frame. For example, the input sensor may be located at a rotation stop. The rotation stop may prevent further movement of the input device with respect to the frame. In some embodiments, the rotation stop may be located on the frame and the input device may impact the rotation stop when the input device has reached its maximum extension. In some embodiments, the rotation stop may be located on the input device and the rotation stop may impact the frame when the input device has reached its maximum extension. The input sensor may measure the magnitude of the input from the input device based on the contact of the input device with the frame.

In some embodiments, the input sensor may be located in any other location to detect a magnitude of the input to the input device. For example, the input sensor may be located in the exercise deck, the uprights of the treadmill, the display, any other location on the exercise device, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the input sensor may include multiple input sensors. Multiple input sensors may be located in any combination of locations discussed herein.

The input sensor may be any type of input sensor. For example, the input sensor may include an accelerometer. An accelerometer may measure the acceleration of the input device when an input is applied. Measuring the acceleration of the input device may facilitate identification of an excessive input based on how fast the user pushes or pulls on the input device. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may measure the rotational acceleration of the input device. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may measure the lateral acceleration of the input device.

In some examples, the input sensor may include a force sensor. For example, a force sensor may measure an impact force of the input device with the frame, which may be a representation of how hard the user has impacted the input device and the frame with the input device.

As discussed herein, the input sensor may include a timer. The timer may measure the duration of a magnitude of an input. For example, the timer may time the duration that the user holds the input device at the full extension. If the timer determines that the user has held the input device at the full extension for greater than a threshold period, the auto stop system may determine that the user has tripped, fallen, or otherwise lost balance, and trigger an auto stop.

Each of the components of an auto stop system can include software, hardware, or both. For example, the components can include one or more instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executable by processors of one or more computing devices, such as a client device or server device. When executed by the one or more processors, the computer-executable instructions of the auto stop system can cause the computing device(s) to perform the methods described herein. Alternatively, the components can include hardware, such as a special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Alternatively, the components of the auto stop system can include a combination of computer-executable instructions and hardware.

Furthermore, the components of the auto stop system may, for example, be implemented as one or more operating systems, as one or more stand-alone applications, as one or more modules of an application, as one or more plug-ins, as one or more library functions or functions that may be called by other applications, and/or as a cloud-computing model. Thus, the components may be implemented as a stand-alone application, such as a desktop or mobile application. Furthermore, the components may be implemented as one or more web-based applications hosted on a remote server. The components may also be implemented in a suite of mobile device applications or “apps.”

An exercise device may receive input from an input device. As discussed herein, the input device may be any type of input device, including those discussed herein. An input sensor may detect a magnitude of the input by the input device. As discussed herein, the input sensor may include any type of sensor, such as an accelerometer, a force sensor, any other sensor, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the input sensor may include a timer that may time a duration of the input applied to the input device.

An excessive input engine may receive the measured input from the input sensor and analyze the patterns of the measured input to determine whether the input is excessive. For example, the excessive input engine may compare a magnitude of the measured input to a pre-determined safety threshold or safety threshold range. If the magnitude of the measured input exceeds the safety threshold or is outside of the safety threshold range, then a neutral operation manager may return the exercised device to a neutral operation, as discussed herein. In this manner, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the neutral operation manager may reduce or prevent injury to a user based on a trip or other balance loss incident.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and as discussed herein, the user may provide an input to the excessive input engine and/or the neutral operation manager to adjust a sensitivity of the safety threshold or safety threshold range. This may facilitate a reduced likelihood of inadvertent triggering or non-triggering of the auto stop system. In some embodiments, the user may toggle on or off the auto stop system. In some embodiments, the neutral operation manager may maintain a user profile, and the neutral operation manager may maintain in the user profile the user's preferences regarding the sensitivity of the safety threshold and/or the toggling on or off of the auto stop system. This may facilitate a reduced likelihood of inadvertent triggering or non-triggering of the auto stop system.

In some embodiments, a method for operating an exercise device describes acts according to one embodiment, alternative embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify any of the acts described herein. The acts can be performed as part of a method. Alternatively, a computer-readable medium can comprise instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a computing device to perform the acts discussed herein. In some embodiments, a system can perform the acts discussed herein.

The auto stop system may measure an input from an input device. The auto stop system may determine whether the input is below a safety threshold. If the input is below a safety threshold, then the auto stop system may continue to measure and/or monitor the input from the input device. If the input is not below a safety threshold, then the auto stop system may adjust an operating parameter of the exercise device. For example, the auto stop system may return the operation of the exercise device to a neutral operating state. In this manner, and in accordance with at least one embodiment, the auto stop system may monitor the input from the input device and adjust operating of the exercise device if the input exceeds a safety threshold.

In some embodiments, an auto stop system may receive an input for an exercise device at an input device. The input may move an input arm of the input device. The auto stop system may measure a magnitude of the input using a sensor. When the magnitude exceeds a threshold safety input, the auto stop system may adjust at least one operating parameter of the exercise device.

The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

Aspect 1: An input device to adjust at least one operating parameter of an exercise device, the input device comprising: an input arm; and a limit sensor in the input arm, the limit sensor detecting a magnitude of an input that is above a safety threshold for adjusting the at least one operating parameter.

Aspect 2: The input device of aspect 1, further comprising a handle connected to the input arm.

Aspect 3: The input device of aspect 2, wherein the limit sensor is located in the handle.

Aspect 4: The input device of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein the limit sensor includes an accelerometer.

Aspect 5: The input device of aspect 4, wherein the safety threshold includes an acceleration threshold of the input arm.

Aspect 6: The input device of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the limit sensor includes a force sensor.

Aspect 7: The input device of aspect 6, wherein the safety threshold includes a force threshold.

Aspect 8: The input device of aspect 7, further comprising an input stop limiting a movement of the input arm, and wherein the force sensor detects the safety input based on an impact of the input arm with the input stop.

Aspect 9: The input device of any of aspects 1-8, wherein the exercise device includes a treadmill.

Aspect 10: The input device of aspect 9, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a belt speed of a tread belt.

Aspect 11: The input device of any of aspects 9 or 10, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes an incline of a deck of the treadmill.

Aspect 12: The input device of any of aspects 1-11, wherein the exercise device includes a stationary bicycle having a flywheel rotated by a drivetrain.

Aspect 13: The input device of aspect 12, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a flywheel resistance.

Aspect 14: The input device of any of aspects 12 or 13, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes an incline of the stationary bicycle.

Aspect 15: The input device of any of aspects 1-14, wherein the exercise device includes an elliptical device having a flywheel rotated by a drivetrain.

Aspect 16: The input device of aspect 15, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a flywheel resistance.

Aspect 17: The input device of any of aspects 15-16, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes an incline of the elliptical device.

Aspect 18: The input device of any of aspects 1-17, wherein the exercise device includes a rower having a flywheel rotated by a drivetrain.

Aspect 19: The input device of aspect 18, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes a flywheel resistance.

Aspect 20: The input device of any of aspects 1-19, further comprising a return mechanism to return the input arm to neutral position.

Aspect 21: An input device having any or each permutation of features recited in aspects 1 to 20.

Aspect 22: A method for operating an exercise device, the method comprising: receiving an input at an input device, the input moving an input arm of the input device; measuring a magnitude of the input using a sensor; and when the magnitude exceeds a safety threshold, adjusting at least one operating parameter of the exercise device.

Aspect 23: The method of aspect 22, wherein the sensor is located at the input arm.

Aspect 24: The method of any of aspects 22-23, wherein measuring the magnitude includes measuring the magnitude with an accelerometer in the input arm and wherein the threshold safety input includes an acceleration threshold.

Aspect 25: The method of any of aspects 22-24, wherein measuring the magnitude includes measuring the magnitude with a force sensor when the input arm impacts an input stop, and wherein the threshold safety input includes a force threshold.

Aspect 26: The method of any of aspects 22-25, further comprising operating the exercise device.

Aspect 27: The method of aspect 26, wherein the exercise device includes a treadmill including a tread belt, and wherein operating the treadmill includes rotating a tread belt.

Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes reducing a belt speed of the tread belt.

Aspect 29: The method of aspect 28, wherein reducing the belt speed of the tread belt includes stopping the tread belt.

Aspect 30: The method of any of aspects 26-29, wherein the exercise device includes an elliptical device including a flywheel, and wherein operating the elliptical device includes rotating the flywheel with a drivetrain.

Aspect 31: The method of aspect 30, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes increasing a resistance of rotation of the flywheel.

Aspect 32: The method of any of aspects 30-31, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes reducing a resistance of rotation of the flywheel.

Aspect 33: The method of any of aspects 26-32, wherein the exercise device includes a stationary bicycle including a flywheel, and wherein operating the stationary bicycle includes rotating the flywheel with a drivetrain.

Aspect 34: The method of aspect 33, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes increasing a resistance of rotation of the flywheel.

Aspect 35: The method of any of aspects 33 or 34, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes reducing a resistance of rotation of the flywheel.

Aspect 36: The method of aspect 26, wherein the exercise device includes a rower including a flywheel, and wherein operating the rower includes rotating the flywheel with a drivetrain.

Aspect 37: The method of aspect 36, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes increasing a resistance of rotation of the flywheel.

Aspect 38: The method of any of aspects 36 or 37, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter includes reducing a resistance of rotation of the flywheel.

Aspect 39: The method of any of aspects 22-38, further comprising adjusting the safety threshold.

Aspect 40: The method of aspect 39, wherein adjusting the safety threshold includes adjusting the safety threshold based on a user input.

Aspect 41: The method of any of aspects 39 or 40, further comprising receiving a user input to adjust the safety threshold, and wherein adjusting the safety threshold is based on the user input.

Aspect 42: A computing system including a processor and memory, the memory including instructions that cause the processor to implement the method of any of aspects 22-41.

Aspect 43: A computer readable media configured to implement any of the methods of any of aspects 22-41.

Aspect 44: A treadmill, comprising: a frame; an exercise deck secured to the frame and having a front end and a rear end; a front pulley located at the front end; a rear pulley located at the rear end; a tread belt wrapped between the front pulley and the rear pulley; a belt motor connected to at least one of the front pulley or the rear pulley such that the belt motor rotates at least one of the front pulley or the rear pulley to rotate the tread belt; a lift motor connected to the exercise deck to change an incline of the exercise deck; an input device secured to the frame, the input device in communication with at least one of the belt motor or the lift motor; and a limit sensor in communication with at least one of the belt motor or the lift motor, the limit sensor configured to detect an input at the input device.

Aspect 45: The treadmill of aspect 44, wherein the input device is a belt input device in communication with the belt motor, and further comprising a lift input device in communication with the lift motor.

Aspect 46: The treadmill of aspect 45, wherein the limit sensor is a first limit sensor in communication with the belt input device and further comprising a second limit sensor in communication with the lift input device.

Aspect 47: A kit including: the exercise device of any of aspects 1-46; and instructions to implement the methods of any of aspects 1-46.

Aspect 48: The kit of aspect 47, the kit consisting of the exercise device and the instructions.

Aspect 49: The input device and/or methods of any of aspects 1-48, wherein adjusting the at least one operating parameter reduces a likelihood of injury based on a fall or other loss of balance.

Aspect 50: Any device, apparatus, system, kit, component, or subcomponent as illustrated or described, or method of manufacture or use thereof.

Aspect 51: Any system, assembly, component, subcomponent, process, element, or portion thereof, as described or illustrated.

Aspect 52: A treadmill, including: a first upright including a first top end and a first bottom end; a second upright including a second top end and a second bottom end; a base connected to the first bottom end of the first upright and the second bottom end of the second upright; an exercise deck located between and separable from the first upright and the second upright, the exercise deck including a tread belt configured to rotate around the exercise deck; and a console coupled with the first top end of the first upright and the second top end of the second upright, the console configured as a handhold for a user of the treadmill.

Aspect 53: The treadmill of aspect 52, where the exercise deck includes one or more rails on a bottom surface of the exercise deck, the one or more rails configured to couple with the base via one or more grooves formed on a top surface of the base, the exercise deck is separable from the first upright and the second upright based on the one or more rails being inserted into the one or more grooves.

Aspect 54: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-53, further including: a platform coupled with a top surface of the base, where a first coefficient of friction associated with a top surface of the platform is greater than a second coefficient of friction associated with the top surface of the base, where the exercise deck is located above the platform, and where the exercise deck is separable from the first upright and the second upright based on the exercise deck being located above the platform.

Aspect 55: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-54, where the console is configured to secure one or more accessory devices associated with operating the treadmill.

Aspect 56: The treadmill of aspect 55, where the one or more accessory devices include a charger for a mobile device, a charger for a ring associated with the treadmill, a dish, a bottle holder, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 57: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-56, where the exercise deck is located above and separable from the base such that forces experienced by the exercise deck are reduced at the base, the first upright, the second upright, the console or any combination thereof.

Aspect 58: The treadmill of aspect 57, where the forces experienced by the exercise deck and reduced at the base, the first upright, the second upright, the console or any combination thereof include a percent reduction of kinetic energy transfer between the exercise deck and the base, the first upright, the second upright, the console or any combination thereof, and the percent reduction is in a range of 50% to 80%.

Aspect 59: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-58, further including: a lift motor configured to adjust an incline of the exercise deck, where the adjustment of the incline of the exercise deck does not adjust an incline of the first upright and the second upright based on the exercise deck being separable from the first upright and the second upright.

Aspect 60: The treadmill of aspect 59, where the lift motor is configured to increase the incline of the exercise deck up to a first threshold value and is configured to decrease the incline of the exercise deck down to a second threshold value.

Aspect 61: The treadmill of aspect 60, where the first threshold value corresponds to a maximum positive grade of the exercise deck and the second threshold value corresponds to a maximum negative grade of the exercise deck.

Aspect 62: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-61, where adjustments to an incline or decline of the exercise deck are performed independently from the uprights.

Aspect 63: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-62, where the first upright includes one or more first speakers configured to output first audio from a first side of the exercise deck, and the second upright includes one or more second speakers configured to output second audio from a second side of the exercise deck.

Aspect 64: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-63, where the first upright includes one or more first fans configured to blow air from a first side of the exercise deck, and the second upright includes one or more second fans configured to blow air from a second side of the exercise deck.

Aspect 65: The treadmill of aspect 64, where the one or more first fans include a single first fan located at the first bottom end of the first upright, and the one or more second fans include a single second fan located at the second bottom end of the second upright.

Aspect 66: The treadmill of any of aspects 64-65, where: the one or more first fans include a set of multiple first fans distributed along a first arm of the first upright, the first arm extending from the first bottom end to the first top end; and the one or more second fans include a set of multiple second fans distributed along a second arm of the second upright, the second arm extending from the second bottom end to the second top end.

Aspect 67: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-66, where the console includes: an input device including an input arm and an input sensor, where the input sensor is configured to output, in response to a rotation of the input arm, a value corresponding to a magnitude of the rotation of the input arm.

Aspect 68: The treadmill of aspect 67, further including: processing circuitry coupled with the input device and the exercise deck, the processing circuitry configured to: adjust one or more operating parameters of the exercise deck based on a comparison between the value corresponding to the magnitude of the rotation of the input arm and one or more activation angles associated with the input arm.

Aspect 69: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-68, further including: processing circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate one or more signals with a ring associated with the treadmill.

Aspect 70: The treadmill of aspect 69, where, to wirelessly communicate the one or more signals, the processing circuitry is further configured to: receive, from the ring, the one or more signals indicating one or more adjustments to operating parameters of the exercise deck.

Aspect 71: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-70, where the exercise deck further includes: one or more motors configured to rotate the tread belt around the exercise deck; and one or more sensors coupled with the one or more motors and configured to obtain measurements of voltage dip associated with the one or more motors.

Aspect 72: The treadmill of aspect 71, further including: processing circuitry configured to: map the measurements of current draw associated with the one or more motors to footfalls of a user of the treadmill; and determine one or more performance metrics of the user performing an exercise program at the treadmill.

Aspect 73: The treadmill of any of aspects 71-72, further including: processing circuitry configured to: determine whether a user of the treadmill is present on the exercise deck based on the measurements of current draw associated with the one or more motors; and perform a safety operation based on determining that the user is not present on the exercise deck.

Aspect 74: The treadmill of aspect 73, where, to perform the safety operation, the processing circuitry is configured to: display, on one or more displays associated with the treadmill, a countdown timer associated with the safety operation, the countdown timer associated with a time between determining that the user is not present on the exercise deck and performance of the safety operation; and locking, as part of the safety operation, the one or more motors based on expiration of the countdown timer.

Aspect 75: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-74, further including: a camera configured to capture movements of a user performing an exercise program at the treadmill; and processing circuitry configured to determine one or more performance metrics of the user based on the captured movements of the user.

Aspect 76: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-75, further including: a display coupled with the console and configured to display exercise information to a user of the treadmill.

Aspect 77: The treadmill of aspect 76, further including: a second display in electronic communication with the treadmill and located separate from the treadmill, the second display configured to display the exercise information, second exercise information, or both.

Aspect 78: The treadmill of any of aspects 52-77, further including: a proximity sensor configured to detect whether a user is within a distance of the treadmill.

Aspect 79: The treadmill of aspect 78, further including: processing circuitry configured to activate one or more components of the treadmill based on the proximity sensor detecting the user within the distance of the treadmill.

Aspect 80: A method for operating a treadmill by a user, including: receiving, from the user, an input to adjust an incline of an exercise deck of the treadmill; and adjusting the incline of the exercise deck in response to the input, where adjustment of the incline of the exercise deck is independent from uprights associated with the treadmill.

Aspect 81: The method of aspect 80, further including: determining whether to increase the incline of the exercise deck or decrease the incline of the exercise deck based on a direction associated with the input.

Aspect 82: The method of aspect 81, where determining whether to increase the incline of the exercise deck or decrease the incline of the exercise deck includes: determining to increase the incline of the exercise deck in response to a first direction of the input; or determining to decrease the incline of the exercise deck in response to a second direction of the input.

Aspect 83: The method of any of aspects 80-82, where an increment and frequency of the adjustment of the incline of the exercise deck is based on a magnitude and duration associated with the input.

Aspect 84: The method of any of aspects 80-83, where receiving the input to adjust the incline of the exercise deck includes: identifying a rotation of an input arm located at a console of the treadmill, where the rotation of the input arm corresponds to the input.

Aspect 85: The method of aspect 84, where identifying the rotation of the input arm includes: determining that a magnitude of a value corresponding to the rotation of the input arm satisfies at least a first activation angle, where adjusting the incline of the exercise deck is based on the value satisfying at least the first activation angle.

Aspect 86: The method of aspect 85, where the value corresponding to the rotation of the input arm is in a range of −30 degrees to 30 degrees relative to a neutral position of the input arm.

Aspect 87: The method of aspect 85, where the value corresponding to the rotation of the input arm is in a range of −90 degrees to 90 degrees relative to a neutral position of the input arm.

Aspect 88: The method of any of aspects 85-87, where adjusting the incline of the exercise deck includes: adjusting the incline of the exercise deck by a first increment based on the magnitude of the value satisfying the first activation angle; and adjusting the incline of the exercise deck by a second increment and according to a first frequency based on the magnitude of the value satisfying a second activation angle greater than the first activation angle.

Aspect 89: The method of aspect 88, where adjusting the incline of the exercise deck by the second increment and according to the first frequency includes: adjusting the incline of the exercise deck by the second increment and according to the first frequency for a first duration that the magnitude of the value satisfies the second activation angle; and adjusting the incline of the exercise deck by a third increment and according to a second frequency for a second duration that the magnitude of the value satisfies the second activation angle, the second duration occurring after the first duration.

Aspect 90: The method of any of aspects 88-89, where the first activation angle has a magnitude of 5 degrees relative to a neutral position of the input arm; and the second activation angle has a magnitude of 28 degrees relative to the neutral position of the input arm.

Aspect 91: The method of any of aspects 85-90, where adjusting the incline of the exercise deck includes: increasing the incline of the exercise deck based on the value corresponding to the rotation of the input arm being positive; or decreasing the incline of the exercise deck based on the value corresponding to the rotation of the input arm being negative.

Aspect 92: The method of aspect 91, where adjusting the incline of the exercise deck further includes: refraining from increasing the incline of the exercise deck based on a magnitude of the incline corresponding to a maximum positive incline of the exercise deck; or refraining from decreasing the incline of the exercise deck based on the magnitude of the incline corresponding to a maximum negative incline of the exercise deck.

Aspect 93: The method of any of aspects 80-92, further including: receiving, from the user, a second input to adjust a speed of a tread belt associated with the exercise deck.

Aspect 94: The method of aspect 93, where the input to adjust the incline of the exercise deck is received from a first input arm of the treadmill and the second input to adjust the speed of the tread belt associated with the exercise deck is received from a second input arm of the treadmill that is different from the first input arm.

Aspect 95: An exercise device, including: a console and processing circuitry configured to operate the exercise device; a retractable stop cable coupled with the console and attached to a housing for the retractable stop cable, where the retractable stop cable is configured to extend from the housing and retract toward the housing; a safety device magnetically and removably attached to a magnetic coupling at an end of the retractable stop cable, the safety device coupled with the console via the retractable stop cable such that in an attached position, the exercise device is capable of being operated by a user; and the processing circuitry configured to perform a safety operation at the exercise device in response to the safety device detaching from the retractable stop cable.

Aspect 96: The exercise device of aspect 95, where, to perform the safety operation, the processing circuitry is configured to: stop operation of the exercise device.

Aspect 97: The exercise device of any of aspects 95-96, where the housing for the retractable stop cable includes a housing magnetically secured between input arms of the console.

Aspect 98: The exercise device of any of aspects 95-97, where the housing for the retractable stop cable includes a plate configured to secure the retractable stop cable.

Aspect 99: The exercise device of any of aspects 95-98, where the safety device includes a clip configured to attach to a user of the exercise device.

Aspect 100: The exercise device of aspect 99, where the retractable stop cable is in an extended state while attached to the user.

Aspect 101: The exercise device of any of aspects 95-100, where the retractable stop cable is configured to extend to a threshold distance, and the safety device is configured to decouple from the retractable stop cable at the threshold distance.

In some embodiments, a computer system includes a processor. The processor may be a general-purpose single or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an Advanced RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine (ARM)), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Although just a single processor is discussed herein, in an alternative configuration, a combination of processors (e.g., an ARM and DSP) could be used.

The computer system also includes memory in electronic communication with the processor. The memory may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. For example, the memory may be embodied as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) memory, registers, and so forth, including combinations thereof.

Instructions and data may be stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to implement some or all of the functionality disclosed herein. Executing the instructions may involve the use of the data that is stored in the memory. Any of the various examples of modules and components described herein may be implemented, partially or wholly, as instructions stored in memory and executed by the processor. Any of the various examples of data described herein may be among the data that is stored in memory and used during execution of the instructions by the processor.

A computer system may also include one or more communication interfaces for communicating with other electronic devices. The communication interface(s) may be based on wired communication technology, wireless communication technology, or both. Some examples of communication interfaces include a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an Ethernet adapter, a wireless adapter that operates in accordance with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless communication protocol, a Bluetooth® wireless communication adapter, and an infrared (IR) communication port.

A computer system may also include one or more input devices and one or more output devices. Some examples of input devices include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, remote control device, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, and lightpen. Some examples of output devices include a speaker and a printer. One specific type of output device that is, in some examples, included in a computer system is a display device. Display devices used with embodiments disclosed herein may utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), gas plasma, electroluminescence, or the like. A display controller may also be provided, for converting data stored in the memory into text, graphics, and/or moving images (as appropriate) shown on the display device.

The various components of the computer system may be coupled together by one or more buses, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. For the sake of clarity, the various buses described as a bus system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may thus utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computing system including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures, including applications, tables, data, libraries, or other modules used to execute particular functions or direct selection or execution of other modules. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions (or software instructions) are physical storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media, namely physical storage media or transmission media. Combinations of physical storage media and transmission media should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Both physical storage media and transmission media may be used temporarily store or carry, software instructions in the form of computer readable program code that allows performance of embodiments of the present disclosure. Physical storage media may further be used to persistently or permanently store such software instructions. Examples of physical storage media include physical memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), optical disk storage (e.g., CD, DVD, HDDVD, Blu-ray, etc.), storage devices (e.g., magnetic disk storage, tape storage, diskette, etc.), flash or other solid-state storage or memory, or any other non-transmission medium which can be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, whether such program code is stored as or in software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof.

A “network” or “communications network” may generally be defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules, engines, and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a communication network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computing device, the computing device properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can include a communication network and/or data links, carrier waves, wireless signals, and the like, which can be used to carry desired program or template code means or instructions in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically or manually from transmission media to physical storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in memory (e.g., RAM) within a network interface module (NIC), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less volatile physical storage media at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that physical storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.

As used herein, the phrase “associated with” is intended to be interpreted in the inclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly indicated. For example, the phrase “associated with” is not to be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions, factors, criteria, elements, components or actions, among other examples. Specifically, unless a phrase refers to “associated with only ‘a,’” or the equivalent in context, whatever it is that is “associated with ‘a,’” may be associated with “a” alone or associated with a combination of “a” and one or more other conditions, factors, criteria, elements, components or actions, among other examples. The phrase “associated with” may be interpreted to mean or be interchanged with “in association with,” “in accordance with,” “based on,” “based at least in part on,” “as a function of,” “in response to,” “responsive to,” “using,” “coupled with,” in communication with,” “configured with,” “included with,” or “in cooperation with,” as appropriate in the relevant context unless otherwise explicitly indicated. Additionally, the use of such phrases does not indicate that what follows the phrase is the focal point or primary factor associated with the limitation preceding the phrase.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.