Selectable boundary fencing strip

A selectable boundary fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. Light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to indicate boundary lines, playing lines, hits, yellow cards and the command to fence. The strip includes a plurality of light sources, each controllable from a master control. The conductive top surface is perforated so that the light sources project through. Light sources in the strip provide visual cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits that are visible to spectators, fencers and the referee. In a further embodiment, the illustrative fencing strip is constructed and arranged with a plurality of panels along the sides of the strip that can be marketed for advertising sponsorship revenue. This revenue can be used to pay for the strip and/or underwrite activities of the fencing organization.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to equipment used in the sport of fencing, and more particularly to electrically conductive fencing strips used to record scores in competition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fencing is an ancient and highly regarded athletic activity. It is a competitive and strenuous sport for two contestants (“fencers”) at a time. As shown, by way of example inFIG. 1in the prior art, a fencing competition involves two contestants (fencers)110,120wearing appropriate protective clothing112,114and face masks114,124, respectively. Each contestant110,120uses a blade116,126, that is appropriate to the particular type of fencing (foil, epée, etc.).

In competition, the fencers are judged by a referee131who monitors the fencer's activities as each competitor attempts to score touches on key areas of the other one's body with his or her blade. In competition, and in various types of fencing, the fencers employ blades having electrical contacts on their tips that respond to a touch (for example, epee and foil). Other blades, such as saber, can employ a conductive blade surface. The fencer can also employ special garments112,122that include an electrically conductive material (for use in saber, for example). The material is electrically connected to a body cord (not shown). This body cord is also connected to the fencer's weapon.

The body cord extends inside the fencer's sleeve to a connection point inside the guard of the weapon. The body cord extends down the fencer's back to a connection with wires118,128, which extend from each respective fencer as shown. Touchs by each fencer110,120on various parts of the opponent's body transmit signals through respective wires118,128. The wires118,128are each connected to a respective spring-wound reel (not shown) located at each opposing end of the strip, beyond the boundary lines of competition. These reels take up and pay out each wire118,128while maintaining tautness as the fencers move up and down an elongated platform knows as a fencing strip130, and are connected to the main electronic scoring device/console (described below).

When constructed from aluminum (or another metallic) sheet, the fencing strip130includes an exposed top surface132that is electrically conductive. It is often constructed from aluminum sheet that can include perforations or other structures thereon. The fencing strip is constructed in segments that are joined at joint lines134for easy storage and subsequent assembly during a match. Appropriate mechanical fasteners and connectors can be used to join the segments together. Sometimes, the segments are elevated on a set of lengthwise stringers136.

The touch signals from each fencer are transmitted through the reel wires118,128via a connecting cable system150to a central scoring console160. The scoring console160can include a time clock162and a pair of score pylons164and166. The pylons164,166correspond to each fencer's scoring activities. In one embodiment, each pylon includes a discrete colored light170(for example, a red light on one pylon and a green light on the other pylon) to make it easier for the referee131and audience to identify which contestant scored a touch. An alphanumeric score window172can also be displayed on each pylon164,166, indicating each fencer's current score.

The top plate surface132is conductive because the strip generally represents an area in which no score is given in response to a touch. Thus, the entire surface of the strip is conductive and provides a ground plane connected to the reels. When a blade conductively contacts the strip surface during competition, the control system in the console160recognizes the touch as one with the strip and registers no score. Thus, it is important to be able to differentiate touches that simply contact the strip. The conductive surface in combination with an interconnection to scoring console enables such differentiation.

Because the rules of fencing are fairly sophisticated, the referee cannot simply rely upon the scoring console160to determine the outcome of a match. Rather, he or she must also pay constant attention to the fencer's movements to ensure that all touches have been properly scored and that the fencer has stayed with the bounds of the strip at all times.

A fully constructed fencing strip can extend at least 17 meters. This length causes the referee to move constantly with the back and forth activity over reasonably long distances to closely track the movement of the (often quickly moving) fencers. As the fencers move to either respective end of the strip130, the referee is now faced with a fairly long-distance view of the console160. As such, the referee must continually divide his or her attention between the fencers in front of him or her, and the more-distant, and off-angle, scoring console160. In short, the referee must constantly turn his or her head back-and-forth, and simultaneously readjust his or her focus to keep up with the match. Only through this constant head-turning can the referee keep an eye on the score, while at the same time continually returning his or her attention to the fencers.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system that enables a referee (and audience) to keep his or her eyes generally on both the fencers and the score at the same time, regardless of where the fencers are positioned along the fencing strip. It is also desirable to provide improvements to a fencing strip that better utilize the available space and possibly smooth the transition between the raised stringers (that can be needed in the strip's design) and the floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. A selectable boundary fencing strip is comprised of a plurality of segments of panels of similar size and shape, each provided with a conductive perforated top surface and supported by a plurality of support stringers; a plurality of light sources located within each segment of panel, each being constructed and arranged to indicate each of a plurality of different scoring events, the light sources each being located beneath the conductive perforated top surface, the conductive top surface being perforated so that the light sources project through, and their light can be viewed through the perforations, the light sources being interconnected with a scoring control of the electronic scoring system; and a plurality of pre-set illuminated boundaries that can be selected and modified. The light sources in the strip are arranged to provide visual illumination cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits. The sides of the strip are provided with a plurality of panels for advertising sponsorship. The fencing strip provides a plurality of settings for athletes of various ages and sizes. The light sources are constructed and arranged to project at provide pre-set boundaries for the various settings for athletes of various sizes and ages. A senior setting describes an active area of 14 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width for a fencer over 16 years of age and of largest stature. A junior setting describes an active area of 11.20 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width for a fencer between the ages of 10 and 15 year and of middle stature. A cadet setting describes an active area of 11.20 meters in length and 1 meter in width for a fencer between the ages of 7 and 9 years and of smallest stature. A plurality of segments of panels can be provided with a panel that can be used to display information. The information displayed is advertising and sponsorship information. A universal dolly for containing and transporting a disassembled selectable boundary fencing strip comprising of an upright box that is provided with lockable casters and a removable scoreboard. A method for paying for a selectable boundary fencing strip is comprised of acquiring the strip by one of payment in full, rental agreement or deferred payment; and selling placement of advertising sponsorship panels to underwrite the payment. A method for providing funding to a fencing organization comprising of acquiring a selectable boundary fencing strip with open information panels; and selling placement of advertising sponsorship panels to underwrite the organization activities. A method for conducting fencing activity comprising of transporting a disassembled fencing strip within a dolly; removing segments of the disassembled fencing strip from the dolly; connecting the segments of the fencing strip to create a fencing strip of a desired length; and connecting the lighting within each segment to a removable score panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative fencing strip according to an embodiment is shown inFIG. 2. The interior portion of the strip202(the flat portion that is stood upon) includes fourteen segments210,212,214216,218,220,222,224,226,228,230,232,234and236. These segments are panels of approximately similar size and shape. Each panel has a length LS of approximately 122 centimeters and a width WS of approximately 151 centimeters. Note that these segment dimensions are exemplary and the size of individual strip segments in all dimensions can vary significantly. Likewise, the number of segments used to construct the fencing strip200is highly variable—thus, partially dictating the length of individual strip segments in the assembly. In this example, the total length of the inner portion of the strip (defined generally by the supporting subsurface covered by the conductive top surface)202is approximately 17 meters. However, depending upon the guidelines of the particular competition (e.g. world championship, Olympic, national championship, etc.) the overall length and width of the interior strip202is highly variable. Thus, typical length of the strip interior202varies from approximately 14 to 18 meters and width varies form approximately 1.5 to 2 meters.

In the illustrative embodiment, the top surface comprises a sheet of perforated aluminum alloy having a thickness of approximately 3 millimeters. These perforations are shown in further detail in the magnified window240ofFIG. 2. The depicted perforations242are between approximately 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters in diameter. However, other perforation dimensions are expressly contemplated. The adjacent perforations242are separated by a minimum spacing distance of approximately 2 millimeters to 4 millimeters. The underlying subsurface (described further below) comprises a 1.6 centimeter thick particle or fiberboard sheet material, such as a commercially available melamine laminate. Appropriate en garde lines, 2-meter lines, and other regulation markings can be painted or applied along the top surface of the strip on appropriate segments thereof. Segments are designed to assemble together using any acceptable securing mechanism including screwed-down clamps that run between each of the two subsurface pieces at their joint (see below).

As further described inFIG. 3, the adjoining strip segments (examples herein being224,226,228and230are shown in further detail joined together with appropriate clamps310attached between the joints on panels along the subsurface312. The conductive, perforated top surface314is shown sandwiched together with the subsurface312. The top surface and subsurface can be joined together using screws, adhesives or any acceptable fastening system. In general, the combination of melamine subsurface312and metal top surface314creates a laminate composite with relatively good durability and high strength. The sandwiched top surface and subsurface of each of the segments is supported on a set of stringers, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The stringers510,520,530and540are spaced in a widthwise direction at approximately even intervals to evenly distribute the load on the top surface/subsurface. In this embodiment, there are four stringers, each 2-4 centimeters tall and approximately 4 centimeters in width. Thus, the overall height of each segment (and the resulting assembled strip) from the floor to top surface is approximately 5.5 centimeters. The stringers can be continuous, along all or part of the strip's length, or preferably, can be broken up and permanently adhered to the individual segment's subsurfaces. The stringers are positioned so as to allow wells or buckets550to be disposed within selected segments. With particular reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the buckets550are mounted beneath rectangular slots552cut through the melamine subsurface312. This allows the interior of each of the buckets550to be exposed directly to the underside of the conductive metal sheet surface314. As such, the perforations242allow for a predetermined degree of optical communication between the outside environment and the interior of each bucket550. Each of the buckets550contains one or more lighting elements560. These lighting elements can be any acceptable light source including a high-output LED panel (as depicted inFIG. 5), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent or gas-discharge bulbs, or a combination of such light sources. The perforations242allow the light sources to be clearly viewed through the top surface314when they are illuminated.

Note that the use of stringers in then illustrative embodiment is at least in part to facilitate the mounting of light assemblies beneath the subsurface as described herein. Where light assemblies are constructed with particularly low-profile light elements (such as certain types of LED panels), then the height of the stringers can be minimized, or they can be omitted entirely. However, as described below, the use of raised stringers facilitates the inclusion of downwardly angled, information-containing placards, which can be beneficial for sponsorship and advertising purposes in certain embodiments to be described below.

Referring toFIG. 3, a pair of light sources350and352are disposed in a lengthwise-side-by-side relationship along. The light sources can both be mounted on a single segment as shown, or can be divided between two adjoining segments (for example panels214and216). In this embodiment, the two separate light sources are each a different color. One color can be green and one color can be red (or any other color combination can be used). Referring toFIG. 2, in this embodiment the color green is represented by the letter G for each light and the color red represents the letter R for each light. As shown inFIG. 3, one set of light sources350has been lit, thereby allowing their light to be viewed through the perforations on the surface314. Because the light buckets are relatively small in dimensions (for example, having a width WL of approximately 5-15 centimeters and a length LL of approximately 10-30 centimeters, the slot in the underlying subsurface melamine does not unduly compromise the structural integrity of the strip. In addition, the slots cut through the subsurface for these light buckets are located on or near the widthwise edges of the strip202, thereby reducing the degree of contact with the fencers feet (since the fencers will tend to remain relatively centered on the strip). By providing slots in the subsurface while maintaining an unbroken, perforated top surface, no compromise of electrical contact occurs even though the lights are clearly visible therethrough.

It should be clear to one of ordinary skill that the lights are designed to report the prevailing score with each light in a pair (350,352, for example) representing a particular fencer. In this embodiment, and as shown inFIG. 2, four spaced-apart locations along the strip are chosen for the placement of light pairs. On each far end of the strip, a respective light pair250and252is provided. In addition, two light pairs (lights350,352described above and lights260,262) are also provided closer to the center. The actual center of the strip continues to be served by the console itself.

It should also be clear that the number and placement of light pairs is highly variable. In this example similar lights are provided on each widthwise edge to afford a good view from either side of the strip. In alternate embodiments, lights can be centered on the strip or placed on only one side thereof. Likewise, a larger or greater number of lights can be mounted on the strip. For example, in one alternate embodiment, every segment can include a light assembly for standardization of components. Some segments can be activated, depending upon the user's preferences. The light elements themselves are highly variable, as well. In an alternate embodiment, the light assemblies can take up less area on the strip by combining two colors in one light source. This can be achieved using a multi-color LED panel that can be controlled to project each of a plurality of different light colors. In addition, as shown in the magnified view ofFIG. 4, the light elements can be covered by a clear dome. This dome can include two different colored filters so a single color (white) light can be projected in the appropriate color. In this manner two white sources can be used and they appear either green (or blue) or red (or yellow) due to the effects of the translucent filter mounted over the light.

Control of the embedded scoring lights is relatively straightforward. As shown inFIG. 6, the score console610includes a control block620that provides either a red or green scoring light630or640respectively based upon he relative input from each fencer650. The red scoring light630is connected in parallel with each red light250,260and350embedded in the fencing strip202. Likewise, the green scoring light640is connected in parallel with each green light252,262and352embedded in the strip202. Appropriate amplifiers, voltage-reduction circuits and other needed switching circuitry, and/or voltage/current handling functions can be implemented in the control block620as appropriate. The control block620, and/or any of these circuits can be housed in the console610, provided within the buckets for each light source or some combination of these placements. The control block620can be instructed by wired and/or wireless input, either directly or remotely.

Having described the novel embedded scoring light arrangement for the illustrative fencing strip200, reference is now made again generally toFIGS. 2-5, where a novel arrangement of information-containing placard280,282is now be described in further detail. The placards280are located along the lengthwise edges of the central strip202while two end placards282are located on opposing ends of the strip202. In this embodiment, the placards comprise ramps that can include appropriate trademark, advertising, promotional or public interest information (symbolized generally by the term “LOGO” and/or “NAME”. The placards can be preprinted with such information or can receive appropriate removable cards, using conventional framing techniques or self-adhesive decals. It should be noted that the inventive placard arrangement described herein clearly provides a new and useful form of advertising and sponsorship revenue for fencing events and athletic programs. The placards280,282also naturally render the appearance of the strip200more aesthetic covering the outer stringers510,514(FIG. 3) and rendering the overall appearance of the strip more streamlined, and grounded to the floor.

As shown more particularly inFIGS. 4 and 5, each placard282,280defines a durable top surface410,580(respectively), constructed from a durable fibrous material, polymer or other sheet-like material. Each placard's top surface410,580extends outwardly and downwardly from the strip at an approximate angle of 5-20 degrees with respect to the ground. The placard surface410,580contains sufficient area to provide highly visible information. As shown the length of each placard matches that of the segment. In the case of lengthwise placards280, that length is approximately 122 centimeters. The end placards282are more than 150 centimeters—owing to the width of the internal strip portion202. The widthwise dimension of placards (i.e. how far they extend away from the strip edge) is highly variable. In one embodiment, this widthwise extension is between approximately 20 and 40 centimeters, but the actual dimension is highly variable. As particularly detailed in the cross section ofFIG. 5, the inward-directed ends of each placard (placards280being shown) pass under an overhanging of subsurface312and conductive top surface314that extends past the adjacent outer stringer510and540. This arrangement provides a clean appearance at the transition between the strip interior202(the flat portion that is stood upon), and the outwardly extending placards. A similar overhang is shown at the lengthwise ends of the strip inFIG. 4with the end placards282passing thereunder. A variety of other techniques for securing or engaging the edges of the strip are also contemplated. In an alternate embodiment, the placards can be constructed so that they mate somewhat flushly against the top surface314of the strip interior202. To maintain the chosen upward angle relative to the floor surface, each placard282,280includes a small post member420and590(respectively), which allows it to maintain the upward angle. The post member420,590is located along the width of each placard at a location that insures it will remain firmly engaged against the overhanging lip of the subsurface312and top surface314. Hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or other removable fastening mechanisms (not shown) can also be used conventionally between the inward-directed ends of the placards and the strip interior202to further secure each placard to the lip if desired. In this embodiment, the placards are sized to match the length of each strip segment. In alternate embodiments, longer placards can be used with fewer breaks therebetween.

In another embodiment, a fencing strip700is shown inFIG. 7. In the illustrative embodiment, the top surface702comprises a sheet of perforated aluminum alloy having a thickness of approximately 3 millimeters. There is a supporting subsurface704. The underlying subsurface (described further below) comprises a 1.6 centimeter thick particle or fiberboard sheet material, such as commercially available melamine laminate. In general, the combination of melamine subsurface704and metal top surface702creates a laminate composite with relatively good durability and high strength. The subsurface contains one or more lighting elements. These lighting elements can be any acceptable light source including a high-output LED panel, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent or gas-discharge bulbs, or a combination of such light sources. Perforations of between 1 and 2 millimeters in the top surface allow the light sources to be clearly viewed through the top surface702when they are lit.

In this example, the total length OL of the inner portion of the strip (defined generally by the supporting subsurface covered by the conductive top surface702) is approximately 17 meters. However, depending upon the guidelines of the particular competition (e.g. world championship, Olympic, national championship, etc.) the overall length IL and width IW of the interior strip is highly variable, as will be set forth more fully below. Thus, typical length of the strip interior varies from approximately 14 to 18 meters and width varies form approximately 1.5 to 2 meters.

Appropriate en garde lines, 2-meter lines, and other regulation markings can be painted or applied along the top surface of the strip on appropriate segments thereof. Segments are designed to assemble together using any acceptable securing mechanism including screwed-down clamps that run between each of the two subsurface pieces at their joint. This provides for mobility and that provides transportation of the strip to various locations and venues for temporary and/or permanent emplacement.

Lighting elements710,712and714are located in the subsurface704. Each of these lighting elements has a plurality of colored lighting elements arrayed in a strip across the width of the strip. The lighting elements can be controlled from a control panel (not shown) that is actuated by a scorer. In an embodiment, lighting elements710,712and714are of different colors. In the illustrative embodiment, lighting elements710are the “Fence” lights and are green. These lights remain on while the fencers take their respective en garde positions, located near positions720and722. When the command to fence is given, the green lighting elements710are switched off and fencing can commence. This extinguishment of lights is a visual cue that reduces the potential for a mistaken start and does not rely on fencers wearing protective headgear hearing an audible command to start. It has been observed that this is a frequent source of mistakes and re-starts. Spectators can also see the illuminated lights in the strip and their extinguishment serves as a visual cue to those people as well. The selectable boundary fencing strip is constructed and arranged to provide a plurality of light sources, each being constructed and arranged to indicate each of a plurality of different scoring events, the light sources each being located beneath the conductive top surface, the conductive top surface being perforated so that the light sources project through, and their light can be viewed through the perforations, the light sources being interconnected with a scoring control of the electronic scoring system.

Lighting elements712provide visual cues for a yellow card award for a rules foul on the part of a fencer. A yellow light can be provided as a cautionary light, based on the long-standing use of yellow as a cautionary lighting cue for travel. This cue can be seen by the participants and spectators as well and does not require the viewers to shift their attention from the fencers to the scoreboard.

Lighting elements714provide visual cues for a hit. In an embodiment, the lighting provides a red light. This cue can be seen by the participants and spectators as well and does not require the viewers to shift their attention to the scoreboard. It is expressly contemplated that the order of visual cues for lighting elements710,712and714can be varied, and that the lighting colors used can be varied.

In another embodiment, the fencing strip can be disassembled into smaller portions, each approximately 2 meters long and with a total weight of approximately 500 pounds.FIG. 8shows a universal dolly800, a transportation carrier for a disassembled strip that can also provide a scoring display and display surfaces. The dolly can also provide storage for the disassembled strip. The dolly800has a weight of approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in an embodiment. The illustrative dolly is an upright rectilinear box. The vertical supports802and horizontal support members804are constructed of wood (for example, pine). The surface elements806are composed of a plywood product. In an embodiment, the plywood has a thickness of approximately one half inch. In other embodiments, the dolly can be constructed of metal products (for example, sheet steel), a combination of woods and metals, or other materials that impart rigidity, enclosure and support. In further embodiments, the width of the plywood can be thinner or thicker. Lateral bottom supports808are constructed to support the dolly and provide a base for a plurality of casters810. In an embodiment, the dolly is provided with four casters810, each of which can be locked and unlocked. A come along pull rope is attached to a caster to facilitate a person in pulling and maneuvering the dolly. In other embodiments, the dolly is constructed and arranged with a towing pintel mount for connection to a tractor, forklift or other vehicle for towing operations.

The dolly has an opening820in each of the sides822,824. The openings820can be covered by a removable cover panel (not shown). The ends826,828of the dolly are provided with hinged doors830,832that extend along the entire end and provide access to the interior of the dolly. The dolly can be provided with one or more handles834attached for ease in movement. The dolly is constructed and arranged to support contents of at least 500 pounds.

In an embodiment, a score board is removably mounted on the top portion of the dolly. The board is electronic and is provided with attachment points for electric cables to connect with external power sources and to the control panel (not shown). A disassembled strip836is located within the interior of the dolly in a loaded configuration.

FIG. 9shows the dolly800with the strip removed and in an unloaded configuration. The scoreboard840is visible on the top. Side door826is open and the casters810are locked to prevent movement. Locking hasps902on the door provide for locking of the door when the dolly is loaded or not in use. A plurality of event-related sheets and/or notices904are shown as being displayed within the opening. It is further contemplated that surfaces806can be used for event-related materials and/or logos910or corporate sponsorships.

FIG. 10shows a dolly800in an unloaded configuration. An end door826is open, showing the interior1000and a hinge1002. The dimensions of the illustrative dolly are proportioned to accommodate a disassembled strip. In an embodiment, the dolly height DH is approximately 6 feet (1.90 meters). The dolly length DL is 7 feet (2.10 meters) and the dolly width DW is 2 feet (0.70 meters). It should be obvious to one of ordinary skill that the universal dolly provides mobility for the disassembled strips, a storage container for the fencing strip and a readily available scoreboard and bulletin board for club and competitive events.

It has been observed that funding in the fencing community is problematic. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a mechanism for enhancing fundraising. The price of the fencing strip can be paid in a lump sum, by rental or as a deferred payment. In the lump sum model, a fencing organization raises money and purchases the strip outright. InFIG. 11, the fencing strip700can be provided with a plurality of side panels1102for advertising sponsorship. Interested parties can purchase or rent an advertising panel. In the illustrative embodiment, the fencing strip is constructed and arranged to have eight panels1102on each side. In other embodiments, this can be greater, and/or panels1102can be merged together. The panels can be of different sizes and the price of advertising can be based on panel sizes. Center panels1104can be provided with a greater value than panels further along the sides. Once a fencing organization has purchased the strip, it can rent the panels and keep the proceeds of sponsorship/advertising marketing to sustain organization activities. As stated above, the exterior surfaces of the universal dolly can also provide advertising space.

The fencing strip can be rented to an organization with an agreed-upon payment schedule that provides for set or variable payments over time. The organization can then market advertising on the open panels and keep funds in excess of the rent. Once the fencing strip is paid off, the organization can continue selling advertising and keep all of the proceeds. In another model, the fencing strip can be provided free without a pre-agreed rental contract and payment is deferred. The advertising/sponsorship is marketed by the organization with all of the revenues being forwarded to the manufacturer, until the fencing strip is paid off. After that, the organization keeps all of the proceeds. These models of providing the fencing strip enables various organizations to acquire and use the fencing strip while raising revenues that will eventually support the organization.

For example, tennis uses a half court, bowling includes optional bumper rails, golf shortens the drive by moving the tees and baseball's various sized fields and distances from pitcher's mounds to home plates. Fencing continues to use a standard fencing area that is 17 meters long by 1.5 meters wide, a space that tends to be too large for novice children aged 7-9 years. Younger athletes are observed to be moving too much side to side, with the results that their initial training is on a fencing strip that is both too long and too wide. A more realistic approach is to divide the athletes by age and size, and proportion the fencing strip area accordingly.

In an embodiment, three levels of fencers based on age and size are cadets (aged 7-9 and the smallest in stature), juniors (aged 10-15 and the middle-sized) and seniors (aged 16 or more years and the largest). The size of a standard fencing strip is 17 meters in length and 2 meters in width. The active area is approximately 14 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. This provides for a run off distance of approximately 1.5 meters at both ends and a 0.25 meter wide strip on either side (for sponsorship and other purposes, as set forth above). It is proposed that seniors can use 100 percent of the active area. Active areas for juniors are reduced in length by 20 percent, leaving an active area of approximately 11.20 meters in length. The junior width is unchanged. An active area for cadets is reduced in length by 20 percent and in width by 20 percent. The cadet active area is approximately 11.20 meters in length and approximately 1 meter wide. In other embodiments, the reductions of size can be greater or lesser for length and width.

FIG. 12depicts the illustrative strip700that is a senior-level strip with an active area length AL of 14 meters and an active area width AW of 1.5 meters. The settings are selectable and will change the distances and positions of the illuminated lines. The strip is provided with opposing en garde lines1202, warning lines1204, end lines1206and ends of the strip1208. The distance OOD between the en garde lines1202is 4 meters. The distance WOD between the warning lines1204and the en garde lines1202is 3 meters. The distance WD between the end lines1206and the warning lines1204is 2 meters. The run off distance RBD between the end of the strip1208and the end line1206is 1.5 meters. These limits are delineated by lighting in the subsurface. In an embodiment, the side lines1210are illuminated in blue, the en garde lines1202in green, the warning lines1204in yellow and the end lines1206in red.

FIG. 13depicts the illustrative strip700as configured for use by juniors. As stated above, this is arranged so that the overall active length AL is reduced by 20 percent to 11.20 meters and the active width AW is unchanged, at 1.5 meters. The respective lines are illuminated and pre-set so that the scorer enters the desired size into a master controller (not shown) and the lights illuminate the appropriate junior sized active area. All lengths have been proportionally reduced from the senior configuration, as noted inFIG. 12. The strip is provided with opposing junior en garde lines1302, junior warning lines1304, junior end lines1306and ends of the strip1208. The distance JOOD between the en garde lines1302is 3.2 meters. The distance JOD between the junior warning lines1304and the en garde lines1302is 2.4 meters. The distance JD between the junior end lines1306and the warning lines1304is 1.6 meters. These limits are delineated by lighting in the subsurface.

FIG. 14depicts the illustrative fencing strip700configured for cadet athletes. The cadet setting is an active are that is reduced by 20 percent in length to 11.20 meters from the seniors and 20 percent in width CW to approximately 1 meter from the seniors. The relative distances between lines1302,1304and1306does not change from the juniors, as depicted inFIG. 14. The sidelines1410have been moved closer to each other so that their separation is approximately 1 meter. This movement of the sidelines is actuated by the scorer selecting the cadet setting, whereupon the illuminated sidelines move inward relative to each other.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope if this invention. Each of the various embodiments described above can be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, the size, shape and elevation the fencing strip of this invention is highly variable. In alternate embodiments, the strip can not need to be conductive, and light assemblies can be embedded therein using transparent windows that sit flush with the surrounding strip top surface. Likewise, in any of the embodiments herein, additional light colors or effects (e.g. flashing lights) can be used in conjunction with the embedded light assemblies described herein. In one example, lights can be made to flash for certain types of fouls, or additional lights in additional colors can be used to indicate fouls, certain types of touches or timeout. Using multi-color light arrays, these various colors can be accommodated without increasing the size of the light assembly's footprint within the strip. In alternate embodiments, the settings can be varied and the various line locations for age and size settings can be varied. Additional settings and active area dimensions can be provided for other groups of athletes, for example, wheel chair bound fencers. In another embodiment, the lighted selected boundaries can be variable set by the scorer. It is further contemplated that the universal dolly can be provided with a scoreboard mountable on the side of the dolly. The material of the dolly can vary. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.