Temperature-based sensing device for detecting presence of body part

A sensing device for detecting a presence of a body part relative to an item, the sensing device comprising:

• a first temperature sensor incorporated into the item and operable to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to a first temperature of a receiving portion of the item;
• a second temperature sensor operable to generate a second electrical signal corresponding to a second temperature of an ambient environment surrounding the item;
• and
• a controller adapted to determine the presence of the body part based upon both of a rate of change of the first electrical signal relative to the second electrical signal and a degree of difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

A sensing device for detecting a presence of a body part relative to an item, the sensing device being selected from the group comprising:

• garments, orthopedic devices, and exercise apparatuses, the sensing device comprising:
• a first temperature sensor incorporated into the item and operable to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to a first temperature of a receiving portion of the item;
• a second temperature sensor operable to generate a second electrical signal corresponding to a second temperature of an ambient environment surrounding the item;
• a connective circuitry extending between and electrically connecting the first temperature sensor and the controller, wherein the connective circuitry and the first temperature sensor are each comprised of one or more substantially flexible materials;
• and
• a controller adapted to determine the presence of the body part based upon all three of the rate of change of the first electrical signal relative to the second electrical signal, the degree of difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, and the first electrical signal corresponding to the first temperature being within a predetermined temperature range.