Abstract:
An apparatus and method to record hits to a contestant engaged in sparring with another contestant is disclosed. This includes a first item of clothing having at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip, wherein the at least one first electrically conductive strip is adjacent to the at least one second electrically conductive strip, a voltage receiving mechanism, having a first lead and a second lead, wherein the first lead is electrically connected to the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the second lead is electrically connected to the at least one second electrically conductive strip, a second item of clothing, having at least one electrically conductive portion, which can electrically connect the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing when placed in contact.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/319,983 filed Feb. 28, 2003. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    The martial arts such as karate, kung-fu, kick boxing, boxing and tae-kwon-do are very popular sports that enjoy contested sparring competitions in an exhibition that are scored by one or more judges. Points are awarded for striking first and/or based upon the number of blows delivered to designated legal targets on a contestant&#39;s body. One significant drawback to the judging of these events includes the fact that judges are only human and can physically view the competition only from limited vantage points. Also, the hits inflicted on a contestant can occur in rapid succession. This flurry or succession of hits can occur so rapidly that judges have an extremely difficult time doing their job. Also, judges must physically stay out of the way of the moving combatants but still count and determine all of the delivered hits.  
           [0003]    The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0004]    These are merely a few illustrative aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the martial arts in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings.  
           [0005]    In one aspect of this present invention, an apparatus to record hits to a contestant engaged in sparring with another contestant is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first item of clothing having at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip, wherein at least one first electrically conductive strip is adjacent to at least one second electrically conductive strip, a voltage receiving mechanism, having a first lead and a second lead, wherein the first lead is electrically connected to the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the second lead is electrically connected to the at least one second electrically conductive strip, a second item of clothing, having at least one electrically conductive portion, which can electrically connect at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing when the at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing and an indicating device that is electrically connected to at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip and provides an indication when the at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing electrically connects at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing.  
           [0006]    In another aspect of this present invention, an apparatus to record hits to a contestant engaged in sparring with another contestant is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first item of clothing having at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip, wherein at least one first electrically conductive strip is adjacent to at least one second electrically conductive strip, a voltage receiving mechanism, having a first lead and a second lead, wherein the first lead is electrically connected to the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the second lead is electrically connected to the at least one second electrically conductive strip, a second item of clothing, having at least one electrically conductive portion, which can electrically connect at least one the first electrically conductive strip and at least one the second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing, a first indicating device that is electrically connected to at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip and provides an indication when the electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing electrically connects at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing and a first transmitter that is electrically connected to at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip and transmits an indication when the electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing electrically connects at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing.  
           [0007]    In yet another aspect of this present invention, a method to record hits to a contestant engaged in sparring with another contestant is disclosed. The method includes contacting a first item of clothing with a second item of clothing, wherein the first item of clothing includes at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip, wherein at least one the first electrically conductive strip is adjacent to at least one second electrically conductive strip and there is a voltage receiving mechanism, having a first lead and a second lead, wherein the first lead is electrically connected to the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the second lead is electrically connected to the at least one second electrically conductive strip and the second item of clothing includes at least one electrically conductive portion that can electrically connect at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing when at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing and providing an indication with an indicating device that is electrically connected to at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip when at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing electrically connects at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing.  
           [0008]    In still another aspect of this present invention, a method to record hits to a contestant engaged in sparring with another contestant is disclosed. The method includes contacting a first item of clothing with a second item of clothing, wherein the first item of clothing includes at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip, wherein at least one the first electrically conductive strip is adjacent to at least one second electrically conductive strip and there is a voltage receiving mechanism, having a first lead and a second lead, wherein the first lead is electrically connected to the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the second lead is electrically connected to the at least one second electrically conductive strip and the second item of clothing includes at least one electrically conductive portion that can electrically connect at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing when the at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing, providing an indication with an indicating device that is electrically connected to the at least one first electrically conductive strip and the at least one second electrically conductive strip when the at least one electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing electrically connects at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing and transmitting an electronic indication with a first transmitter that is electrically connected to at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip when the electrically conductive portion of the second item of clothing electrically connects at least one first electrically conductive strip and at least one second electrically conductive strip of the first item of clothing, which occurs when the second item of clothing is in contact with the first item of clothing.  
           [0009]    These are merely some of the innumerable illustrative aspects of this present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the martial arts in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the apparatus for recording hits while sparing associated with the present invention with an illustrative contestant.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus for recording hits while sparing associated with the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, with an illustrative contestant.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of illustrative targets including a torso target, a head target and a face target that is electrically connected to the electrical indicator circuit for providing an indication when any one of the above targets are in contact with an opposing contestant&#39;s weapon.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of illustrative targets including a torso target, a head target and a face target, as shown in FIG. 3, that is electrically connected to an alternative embodiment of an the electrical indicator circuit for providing an indication when any one of the above targets are in contact with an opposing contestant&#39;s weapon that includes a transmitter for sending signals to a remote location when any one of the above targets are in contact with an opposing contestant&#39;s weapon and a receiver for receiving signals indicating when the opposing contestant has had one of his or her targets in contact with the contestant&#39;s weapon.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an isolated schematic diagram of the conductors utilized in a back portion of a headgear that functions as a target.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is an isolated schematic diagram of the conductors utilized in a right side portion of headgear that functions as a target.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is an isolated schematic diagram of the conductors utilized in a left side portion of headgear that functions as a target.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is an isolated schematic diagram of the conductors utilized on a top portion of headgear that functions as a target.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the vest illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the vest is separated into electrically independent regions that each region function as a separate target with illustrative examples that include a torso, an abdomen, a groin, a right lateral trunk and a left lateral trunk.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a isolated top view of an electrically independent back portion of a glove used as a weapon by a contestant, where the back portion of the glove is electrically independent from other portions of the glove so that a determination can be made when this back portion of the fist of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is a isolated front view of a front portion of a glove used as a weapon by a contestant, where the front portion of the glove is electrically independent from other portions of the glove so that a determination can be made when this front portion of the fist of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is a isolated top view of a portion of a glove used as a weapon by a contestant, where the side portion of the glove is electrically independent from other portions of the glove so that a determination can be made when the radial side of the hand (otherwise known as the thumb side of the hand) of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is a isolated bottom view of a portion of a glove used as a weapon by a contestant, where the side portion of the glove is electrically independent from other portions of the glove so that a determination can be made when the ulnar side of the hand (otherwise known as the little finger side of the hand) of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is a isolated top view of a portion of a boot used as a weapon by a contestant, where the top portion of the boot is electrically independent from other portions of the boot so that a determination can be made when the instep of the foot (otherwise known as the top of the foot) of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 is a isolated top view of a portion of a boot used as a weapon by a contestant, where the back of the heel for the boot is electrically independent from other portions of the boot so that a determination can be made when the back of the heel of the foot (otherwise known as the posterior heel) of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 16 is a isolated bottom view of a portion of a boot used as a weapon by a contestant, where the ball of the foot for the boot is electrically independent from other portions of the boot so that a determination can be made when the ball of the foot of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 17 is a isolated bottom view of a portion of a boot used as a weapon by a contestant, where the bottom of the heel for contestant wearing the boot is electrically independent from other portions of the boot so that a determination can be made when the bottom of the heel for the foot (otherwise known as the plantar heel) of a contestant strikes a target.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 18 is a top view of an illustrative electronic display with processor and input devices, preferably utilized by a referee, judge, or other official, and associated with the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 19 is an isolated view of visual aspects of a complete electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with a left back fist in the face which is then followed by a right reverse punch (otherwise known as a punch with the front of the right fist) by the second contestant to the torso of the first contestant as illustrated by target icons of the first contestant, icon weapons of the second contestant and digital outputs for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 20 is an isolated view of visual aspects of a complete electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with the top of the left foot in the right side of the head and simultaneously the first contestant strikes the second contestant with the top of the left foot to the groin, which is then followed by the first contestant striking the second contestant, one-half a second (0.5 seconds) later with a left reverse punch (otherwise known as the front of the left fist) to the left portion of the head as illustrated by target icons of the first contestant and the second contestant, icon weapons of the first contestant and the second contestant and digital outputs for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 21 is an isolated view of visual aspects of a first type of abbreviated electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with a left back fist in the face that is then followed by a right reverse punch by the second contestant to the torso of the first contestant as illustrated by target icons of the first contestant, icon weapons of the second contestant and digital outputs for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 22 is an isolated view of visual aspects of a second type of abbreviated electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with a left back fist in the face that is then followed by a kick by the second contestant to the first contestant with a right foot to the torso as illustrated by target icons of the first contestant, alphabetic representations of weapons of the second contestant and digital outputs for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 23 is an isolated view of aspects of the second type of abbreviated electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with a left back fist in the face which is then followed in 0.2 seconds by a strike by the first contestant to the second contestant with a right reverse punch to the torso as illustrated by target icons of the first contestant and second contestant, alphabetic representations of weapons of the first contestant and second contestant and digital outputs for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 24 is an isolated view of aspects of the second type of abbreviated electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with a left back fist in the face while simultaneously the first contestant strikes the second contestant with a right reverse punch to the torso as illustrated by target icons of the first contestant and second contestant, alphabetic representations of weapons of the first contestant and second contestant and the digital output for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 25 is an isolated view of aspects of a second type of abbreviated electronic display shown in FIG. 18, wherein the second contestant strikes the first contestant with a left back fist in the face that simultaneously occurs with a strike by the first contestant to the second contestant with a right reverse punch to the torso, which is then followed by the second contestant striking the back of the head of the first contestant 0.3 seconds later with his or her right hand illustrated by target icons of the first contestant and second contestant, alphabetic representations of weapons of the first contestant and second contestant and the digital output for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 26 is an isolated view of aspects of a third type of abbreviated electronic display, as shown in FIG. 18, where the second contestant strikes the first contestant in the face which is followed 0.2 seconds later with the second contestant striking the first contestant in the torso, which is illustrated by target icons for the first contestant and the digital output for the elapsed times involved.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 27 is an electrical schematic of a first transmitter for sending signals, e.g., radio signals, that correspond to targets and/or regions on targets that have been hit and optionally can include signals, e.g., radio signals, that correspond to identification of weapons and/or regions on weapons that complete the circuit on a target or a portion or region on a target.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 28 is an electrical schematic of a first receiver for receiving radio signals from the transmitter shown in FIG. 27, which is connected to a processor, that preferably but not necessarily performs signal processing and timing functions, where the processor can receive input from input devices, e.g., pushbuttons or touch screen, and provide an output to first electronic display and optionally can transmit this information to a second transmitter.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 29 is an electrical schematic of a second receiver for receiving radio signals from the second transmitter shown in FIG. 28, which is connected to an electronic display, e.g., scoreboard.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 30 is an isolated schematic diagram of the electrically conductive strips utilized in an optimal embodiment that includes intersecting electrically conductive strips forming a lattice-type structure where electrically conductive strips of the same polarity are electrically connected together and intersecting electrically connectors of different polarity are electrically insulated from each other. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]    In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the martial arts that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.  
         [0042]    Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate a sparing suit that is generally indicated by numeral  10 . The sparing suit  10  can be used for any type of hand-to-hand contact between contestants including, but not limited to, the martial arts such as karate, kung-fu, kick boxing, boxing, muy tai and tae-kwon-do. As shown in FIG. 1, the sparing suit  10  is shown being worn by a representative contestant  12 . The sparing suit  10  includes headgear  14 , a vest  16  that extends to the groin area, facemask  36 , a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  and a right boot  34 . The electrical control box  38  can be located anywhere on the sparing suit  10  and in an illustrative, but nonlimiting example, can be located near the headgear  14 .  
         [0043]    The headgear  14  preferably includes a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting, example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is a first electrically conductive strip  41 , a second electrically conductive strip  43 , a third electrically conductive strip  45  and a fourth electrically conductive strip  47 . The electrically conductive strips  41 ,  43 ,  45  and  47  should be adjacent to each other and located in close enough proximity to each other so that when either a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  comes in contact with the headgear  14 , an electrical circuit is completed between two adjacent electrically conductive strips  41 ,  43 ,  45  and  47  to indicate a hit. Preferably, but not necessarily, the electrically conductive strips  41 ,  43 ,  45  and  47  are made of metallic foil or similar conductive material that flexes upon impact. The first electrically conductive strip  41  and the third electrically conductive strip  45  are preferably connected via a first electrical conductor  63 , e.g., wire, to a first terminal  124 . The second electrically conductive strip  43  and the fourth electrically conductive strip  47  are preferably connected via a second electrical conductor  65 , e.g., wire, to a second terminal  126 .  
         [0044]    The facemask  36  can also include a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is a fifth electrically conductive strip  49 , a sixth electrically conductive strip  51 , a seventh electrically conductive strip  53 , an eighth electrically conductive strip  55 , a ninth electrically conductive strip  57 , a tenth electrically conductive strip  59 , an eleventh electrically conductive strip  61  and a twelfth electrically conductive strip  62 . The electrically conductive strips  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57 ,  59 ,  61  and  62  should be adjacent to each other and located in close enough proximity to each other so that when either a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  comes in contact with the facemask  36 , an electrical circuit is completed between two adjacent electrically conductive strips  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57 ,  59 ,  61  and  62  to indicate a hit. Preferably, but not necessarily, the electrically conductive strips  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57 ,  59 ,  61  and  62  are made of metallic foil or similar conductive material that flexes upon impact. The fifth electrically conductive strip  49 , the seventh electrically conductive strip  53 , the ninth electrically conductive strip  57  and the eleventh electrically conductive strip  61  are preferably connected via a third electrical conductor  67 , e.g., wire, to the first terminal  124 . The sixth electrically conductive strip  51 , the eighth electrically conductive strip  55 , the tenth electrically conductive strip  59  and the twelfth electrically conductive strip  62  are preferably connected via a fourth electrical conductor  69 , e.g., wire, to a second terminal  126 .  
         [0045]    The vest  16  can also include a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there are a series of rows of electrically conductive strips that are in pairs extending in a vertical axis with portions extending horizontally from left-to-right and then from right-to-left sequentially and alternatively along the vertical axis of the vest  16 . These can be described as forming pairs of interlocking railroad tracks. One problem with this embodiment is that when a break occurs along the vertical axis of one of the rows of conducting strips, there will be no electrical conductivity either above or below that point in the vest  16  depending on where the electrical power is connected. The optimal embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, is a lattice-type structure that is generally indicated by numeral  700 . Electrically conductive strips that are connected to a positive polarity are indicated by numerals  702 ,  704 ,  706  and  708  while electrically conductive strips connected to a negative polarity are indicated by numerals  710 ,  712 ,  714  and  716 . There are electrical connections made between electrically conductive strips of the same polarity at the point of intersection. Some illustrative examples where electrically conductive strips of the same polarity intersect are indicated by numeral  720 . With this lattice-type structure  700 , there are points where the electrically conductive strips of different polarity overlap that are indicated by numeral  722 . Preferably, the electrically conductive strips of different polarity are transverse to each other and optimally the electrically conductive strips of different polarity are perpendicular to each other.  
         [0046]    Points  722  must include insulation or insulating material to keep the electrically conductive strips of differing polarities from creating an electrical short. This insulating material can be made from any of a wide variety of dielectric materials. The advantage to this embodiment is that when there is a break in an electrically conductive strip, the electricity can bypass or conduct around the break through another route and the rest of the sparing suit  10  can still function.  
         [0047]    A first pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  74  and includes a first vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  75  that projects from left to right that alternates with a second vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  77  that projects from right to left.  
         [0048]    A second pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  78  and includes a third vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  79  that projects from left to right that alternates with a fourth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  81  that projects from right to left.  
         [0049]    A third pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  82  and includes a fifth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  83  that projects from left to right that alternates with a sixth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  85  that projects from right to left.  
         [0050]    A fourth pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  86  and includes a seventh vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  87  that projects from left to right that alternates with an eighth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  89  that projects from right to left.  
         [0051]    A fifth pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  90  and includes a ninth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  91  that projects from left to right that alternates with a tenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  93  that projects from right to left.  
         [0052]    A sixth pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  94  and includes an eleventh vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  95  that projects from left to right that alternates with a twelfth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  97  that projects from right to left.  
         [0053]    A seventh pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  98  and includes a thirteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  99  that projects from left to right that alternates with a fourteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  101  that projects from right to left.  
         [0054]    An eighth pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  102  and includes a fifteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  103  that projects from left to right that alternates with a sixteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  105  that projects from right to left.  
         [0055]    A ninth pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  106  and includes a seventeenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  107  that projects from left to right that alternates with an eighteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  109  that projects from right to left.  
         [0056]    Finally, a tenth pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips is generally indicated by numeral  110  and includes a nineteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  111  that projects from left to right that alternates with a twentieth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  113  that projects from right to left.  
         [0057]    Within each pair of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips  74 ,  78 ,  82 ,  86 ,  90 ,  94 ,  98 ,  102 ,  106  and  110 , the alternating vertical rows of projecting electrically conductive strips:  75  and  77 ;  79  and  81 ;  83  and  85 ;  87  and  89 ;  91  and  93 ;  95  and  97 ;  99  and  101 ;  103  and  105 ;  107  and  109 ;  111  and  113 , respectively, need to be adjacent and in close enough proximity to each other so that when a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  strikes the vest  16 , this completes the electrical circuit between two adjacent projecting electrically conductive strips:  75  and  77 ;  79  and  81 ;  83  and  85 ;  87  and  89 ;  91  and  93 ;  95  and  97 ;  99  and  101 ;  103  and  105 ;  107  and  109 ; and  111  and  113 .  
         [0058]    Preferably, but not necessarily, the electrically conductive strips  75 ,  77 ,  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85 ,  87 ,  89 ,  91 ,  93 ,  95 ,  97 ,  99 ,  101 ,  103 ,  105 ,  107 ,  109 ,  111  and  113  are made of metallic foil or similar conductive material that flexes upon impact. The first vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  75 , the fourth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  81 , the fifth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  83 , the eighth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  89 , the ninth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  91 , the twelfth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  97 , the thirteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  99 , the sixteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  105 , the seventeenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  107  and a twentieth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  113  are preferably connected via a fifth electrical conductor  71 , e.g., wire, to the first terminal  124 . The second vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  77 , the third vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  79 , the sixth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  85 , the seventh vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  87 , the tenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  93 , the eleventh vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  95 , the fourteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  101 , the fifteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  103 , the eighteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  109 , and the nineteenth vertical row of projecting electrically conductive strips  111  are preferably connected via a sixth electrical conductor  73 , e.g., wire, to the second terminal  126 .  
         [0059]    The vest  16  also includes connecting straps to secure the vest  16  to the contestant  12 , which includes a first shoulder strap  115 , a second shoulder strap  117 , a first side strap  119  and a second side strap  121 . These straps  115 ,  117 ,  119  and  121  can be made a variety of material and attachment mechanisms and preferably includes the use of VELCRO®. VELCRO® is a federally registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V., which is a limited liability company located in the Netherlands, having a place of business at Castorweg 22-24, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.  
         [0060]    As previously indicated, the first electrical conductor  63 , the third electrical conductor  67  and the fifth electrical conductor  71 , e.g., wires, are connected to a first terminal  124  and the second electrical conductor  65 , e.g., wire, the fourth electrical conductor  69  and the fifth electrical conductor  73 , e.g., wires, are connected to a second terminal  126 .  
         [0061]    The first terminal  124  and the second terminal  126  are both located within the electrical control box  38 . There is an electrical connection between the first terminal  124  and the second terminal  126  when either the left glove  28 , the right glove  30 , the left boot  32  or the right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit between two adjacent electrically conductive strips  41 ,  43 ,  45  and  47  in the head gear  14  or when either the left glove  28 , the right glove  30 , the left boot  32  or the right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit between two adjacent electrically conductive strips  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57 ,  59 ,  61  and  62  in the facemask  36  or when either the left glove  28 , the right glove  30 , the left boot  32  or the right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit in the pairs  74 ,  78 ,  82 ,  86 ,  90 ,  94 ,  98 ,  102 ,  106  and  110  of alternatively projecting electrically conductive strips  75  and  77 ,  79  and  81 ,  83  and  85 ,  87  and  89 ,  91  and  93 ,  95  and  97 ,  99  and  101 ,  103  and  105 ,  107  and  109 ,  111  and  113 , respectively.  
         [0062]    The second terminal  126  is electrically connected to the negative terminal  7  of the power supply  6 , e.g., battery, via a seventh electrical conductor  130 , e.g., wire. There is an electrical indicator  136  that provides either an audio or light indication when the electrical circuit is completed between the first terminal  124  and the second terminal  126 . The electrical indicator  136  can be any type of electrically activated sound or light alarm and is preferably a buzzer. The electrical indicator  136  is electrically connected to the positive terminal  8  of the power supply  6 , e.g., battery, via an eighth electrical conductor  132 , e.g., wire. The first terminal  124  is electrically connected to the electrical indicator  136  via a ninth electrical conductor  134 , e.g., wire.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 4 is a first alternative embodiment  129  that is identical to that shown in FIG. 3, with the exception that there is a first transmitter  140  that is in parallel with the electrical indicator  136  that transmits a signal when the contestant  12  is hit.  
         [0064]    A second alternative embodiment, includes the concept of electrically separating all relative target areas on the contestant  12 , so that it can be determined exactly which portions of the human body have been hit. In addition to providing an indication when the previously described facemask  36  is hit, the headgear  14  is electrically separated into independent regions of contact.  
         [0065]    The first portion of the headgear  14  is the back of the head of the contestant  12 , which is generally indicated by numeral  210 . The back of the head  210  can also include a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 5, there is a first electrically conductive strip  212 , a second electrically conductive strip  214 , a third electrically conductive strip  216 , a fourth electrically conductive strip  218 , a fifth electrically conductive strip  220  and a sixth electrically conductive strip  222 . The electrically conductive strips  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  and  222  should be adjacent to each other and located close enough to each other that when in contact with either a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit between a first electrical conductor  224 , e.g., wire, and a second electrical conductor  226 , e.g., wire. The first electrical conductor  224 , e.g., wire, is connected to the first electrically conductive strip  212 , the third electrically conductive strip  216  and the fifth electrically conductive strip  220 . The second electrical conductor  226 , e.g., wire, is connected to the second electrically conductive strip  214 , the fourth electrically conductive strip  218  and the sixth electrically conductive strip  222 .  
         [0066]    The second portion of the headgear  14  is the right side of the head of the contestant  12 , which is generally indicated by numeral  227 . The right side of the head  227  can also include a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 6, there is a seventh electrically conductive strip  228 , an eighth electrically conductive strip  230 , a ninth electrically conductive strip  232 , a tenth electrically conductive strip  234 , an eleventh electrically conductive strip  236  and a twelfth electrically conductive strip  238 . The electrically conductive strips  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236  and  238  should be adjacent to each other and located close enough to each other that when in contact with either a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit between a third electrical conductor  240 , e.g., wire, and a fourth electrical conductor  242 , e.g., wire. The third electrical conductor  240 , e.g., wire, is connected to the seventh electrically conductive strip  228 , the ninth electrically conductive strip  232  and the eleventh electrically conductive strip  236 . The fourth electrical conductor  242 , e.g., wire, is connected to the eighth electrically conductive strip  230 , the tenth electrically conductive strip  234  and the twelfth electrically conductive strip  238 .  
         [0067]    The third portion of the headgear  14  is the left side of the head of the contestant  12 , which is generally indicated by numeral  243 . The left side of the head  243  can also include a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 7, there is a thirteenth electrically conductive strip  244 , a fourteenth electrically conductive strip  246 , a fifteenth electrically conductive strip  248 , a sixteenth electrically conductive strip  250 , a seventeenth electrically conductive strip  252  and an eighteenth electrically conductive strip  254 . The electrically conductive strips  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 ,  252  and  254  should be adjacent to each other and located close enough to each other that when in contact with either a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit between a fifth electrical conductor  256 , e.g., wire, and a sixth electrical conductor  258 , e.g., wire. The fifth electrical conductor  256 , e.g., wire, is connected to the thirteenth electrically conductive strip  244 , the fifteenth electrically conductive strip  248  and the seventeenth electrically conductive strip  252 . The sixth electrical conductor  258  e.g., wire, is connected to the fourteenth electrically conductive strip  246 , the sixteenth electrically conductive strip  250  and the eighteenth electrically conductive strip  254 .  
         [0068]    The fourth portion of the headgear  14  is the top of the head of the contestant  12 , which is generally indicated by numeral  260 . The top of the head  260  can also include a series of electrically conductive strips that can vary tremendously in number, configuration, size and shape. In the illustrative, but nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 8, there is a nineteenth electrically conductive strip  262 , a twentieth electrically conductive strip  264 , a twenty-first electrically conductive strip  266 , a twenty-second electrically conductive strip  268 , a twenty-third electrically conductive strip  270  and a twenty-fourth electrically conductive strip  272 . The electrically conductive strips  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  268 ,  270  and  272  should be adjacent to each other and located close enough to each other that when in contact with either a left glove  28 , a right glove  30 , a left boot  32  or a right boot  34  completes the electrical circuit between a seventh electrical conductor  274 , e.g., wire, and an eighth electrical conductor  276 . The seventh electrical conductor  274 , e.g., wire, is connected to the nineteenth electrically conductive strip  262 , the twenty-first electrically conductive strip  266  and the twenty-third electrically conductive strip  270 . The eighth electrical conductor  276 , e.g., wire, is connected to the twentieth electrically conductive strip  264 , the twenty-second electrically conductive strip  268  and the twenty-fourth electrically conductive strip  272 . This is just an illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of the numerous ways of creating conducting regions that can be electrically isolated on the headgear  14  for determining when and where contact or a “hit” occurs.  
         [0069]    As also shown in FIG. 9, this second alternative embodiment also electrically separates a vest  316  into independent regions of contact. Vest  316 , shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is identical to vest  316  in FIG. 9, with the exception of the electrical independence of the various regions of contact. These regions of contact or portions on the contestant  12  can vary tremendously with illustrative, but nonlimiting examples including the torso  302 , the groin  304 , the abdomen  306 , the right lateral trunk  308  and the left lateral trunk  310 . A first pair of electrical conductors, e.g., wires, connected to the torso  302  is designated by numerals  320  and  321 , respectively. A second pair of electrical conductors, e.g., wires, connected to the groin  304  is designated by numerals  324  and  325 , respectively. A third pair of electrical conductors, e.g., wires, connected to the abdomen  306  is designated by numerals  328  and  329 , respectively. A fourth pair of electrical conductors, e.g., wires, connected to the right lateral trunk  308  is designated by numerals  331  and  332 , respectively. Finally, a fifth pair of electrical conductors, e.g., wires, connected to the left lateral trunk  310  is designated by numerals  335  and  336 , respectively. This is just an illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of the numerous ways of creating conducting regions that can be electrically isolated on the vest  316  for determining when and where contact or a “hit” occurs.  
         [0070]    Moreover, the left glove  28  and right glove  30 , as shown in FIG. 1, can be wired independently so that there are separate conductive portions for parts of the hand. As an example illustrating the right glove  30 , this can include the back of the hand when made into a fist  402 , as shown on FIG. 10, the front portion of the hand when made into a fist  404 , as shown on FIG. 11, the radial side of the hand  406 , which is otherwise known as the thumb side of the hand as shown in FIG. 12, and the ulnar side of the hand  408 , which is otherwise known as the little finger side of the hand as shown in FIG. 13. These are just illustrative, but nonlimiting, examples of some of the numerous ways of creating conductive regions that can be electrically isolated on the gloves  28  and  30  for determining when and how contact or a “hit” occurs.  
         [0071]    In addition, the left boot  32  and right boot  34 , as shown in FIG. 1, can be wired so that there are separate conductive portions for parts of the feet. As an example illustrating the right boot  34 , this can include the instep or top of the foot  410 , as shown on FIG. 14, the back portion of the heel  412 , which is otherwise known as the posterior heel as shown on FIG. 15, the ball of the foot  414 , as shown in FIG. 16, and the bottom of the heel  416 , which is otherwise known as the bottom of the heel as shown in FIG. 17. These are just illustrative, but nonlimiting, examples of some of the numerous ways of creating conductive regions that can be electrically separated or isolated on the boots  32  and  34  for determining when and how contact or a “hit” occurs.  
         [0072]    An important concept is to try to prevent a contestant from hitting his or her own target with his or her own weapon. One illustrative, but nonlimiting mechanism for doing this could include changing the amount of resistivity of the targets  14 ,  16 , and  36  weapons  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  34  for each contestant so that a differential resistivity could be measured and observed so that the striking of a contestant&#39;s own targets with the contestant&#39;s weapons would not register. An alternative mechanism would include determining the time of the target being hit and the time of the weapon delivering the hit. If the hits are simultaneous and from the same person, then no score would register.  
         [0073]    There are numerous types of electronic displays that can be utilized with the present invention. A first illustrative, but nonlimiting example, includes a hand-held scoring device that is generally indicate by numeral  420  in FIG. 18, which is preferably, but not necessarily utilized by a referee or judge. There is an electronic display, that is generally indicated by numeral  422  that is preferably a liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, however, any type of electronic output will suffice including a plasma display and a cathode ray tube display among numerous other possibilities.  
         [0074]    A label for the time remaining in the competition is indicated by numeral  424  and the digital output for the score is indicated by numeral  426 . For the first contestant, there is a first target label  428  with a first icon of the specific target  430 . There is also a first weapon label  446  with a first weapon icon of the specific weapon utilized  448 . In addition, there is a first time label  436  with a first digital output displaying the time  438 . There is a first digital output that reflects the score  440  for the first contestant.  
         [0075]    For the second contestant, there is a second target label  442  with a second icon of the specific target  444 . There is also a second weapon label  432  with a second weapon icon of the specific weapon utilized  434 . In addition, there is a second time label  450  with a digital output displaying the time  452 . There is a second digital output that reflects the score  454  for the second contestant. In addition or in the alternative, the contestants can be shown as different colors, e.g., red for the first contestant including associated weapons, targets and score and blue for the second contestant including associated weapons, targets and score.  
         [0076]    There are a numerous operational input devices that can be utilized with the hand-held scoring device  420 , which are preferably pushbutton switches due to cost, however touch screen input could also be utilized. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples, generally indicated by numeral  455 . The first is an on/off input device, e.g., push button, which is indicated by numeral  456 . The second switch is a points awarded input device  462 , e.g., push button, for the referee or judge to be able to award points to a particular contestant. The third input device, e.g., pushbutton, is indicated by numeral  468  that is utilized to stop and start the timer. The fourth input device is preferably, but not necessarily, a rotary switch  458  that allows the user to select any a variety of types of display appearing in the electronic display  422 . In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, that includes a first display  474 , which could be a complete display; a second display  475 , which could a first type of abbreviated display; a third display  476  which could a second type of abbreviated display; and a fourth display  477 , which could be a target-only type of display. A fifth input device  464 , e.g., pushbutton, allows the user, e.g., judge, to be able to give a warning to one of the contestants. A sixth input device  470 , e.g., pushbutton, allows the user, e.g., referee or judge, to be able to correct an error. A seventh input device  460 , e.g., pushbutton, allows the user, e.g., referee or judge, to be able to reset the entire hand-held scoring device  420 . Finally, an eighth input device  472 , e.g., pushbutton, allows the user, e.g., judge, to be able to page through memory to look at previous scores for a prior portion of the contest or other previous contests.  
         [0077]    Referring now to FIG. 19, the illustrative, but nonlimiting example of the complete display is generally indicated by numeral  474 . The previously referenced first target label  428  for the first contestant, second weapon label  432  for the second contestant and the second time label  436  for the second contestant is again shown. In an illustrative, but nonlimiting example, a one (1) two (2) combination of a left back fist followed by a right reverse punch committed by the second contestant (0.2 seconds later) on the first contestant is displayed on the on the electronic display  422  for the hand-held scoring device  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480  and then displays the torso of the first contestant  482 . The second weapon icon  434  first displays the back portion of the fist  484  and an alphabetic display that it is the left fist  485  for the second contestant. The second weapon icon  434  then displays the front portion of the fist  486  and an alphabetic display that identifies it is the right fist  487  of the second contestant. The second time output  438  first displays the elapsed time in seconds  488  when the face of the first contestant  480  is being struck by the back portion of the left  485  fist  484  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds, and then displays the elapsed time in seconds  490  when the torso of the first contestant  482  is being struck by the front portion of the right  487  fist  486  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.2 seconds.  
         [0078]    Referring now to FIG. 20, the illustrative, but nonlimiting, second example of the complete display is again generally indicated by numeral  474 . The previously referenced first target label  428 , first weapon label  432  and first time label  436  for the first contestant and the second target label  442 , second weapon label  446  and second time label  450  for the second contestant is again shown. In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, there is a wheel kick by the second contestant with his or her left foot to the right side portion of the head of the first contestant that simultaneously occurs with a snap kick by the first contestant with his or her left foot to the groin of the second contestant. This is followed by a left fist of the first contestant hitting the second contestant in left side of the head (one-half a second later), which is all displayed on the electronic display  422  for the hand-held scoring device  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the right side portion of the head  502  of the first contestant. The second weapon icon  434  displays the bottom portion of the left foot for the second contestant  504  and provides an alphabetic output indication  506  that it is the left foot. The second time output  438  first displays the elapsed time in seconds  508 , e.g., 0.0 seconds, when the right side portion of the head of the first contestant is being struck by the bottom portion of the left foot by the second contestant.  
         [0079]    The second target icon  444  first displays a groin  510  and is then followed by the left side portion of the head  512 , illustrating the targeted portions of the second contestant that that has been struck by the first contestant and the sequence. The first weapon icon  448  first displays a bottom portion of a left foot  514  with an alphabetic output indication that it is the left foot  518  and is then followed by the front portion of the left fist  516  with an alphabetic output indication that it is the left fist  520  for the first contestant. The first time output  452  first displays the elapsed time in seconds  522  when the groin  510  of the second contestant is being struck by the bottom portion of the left  518  foot  514  of the first contestant. The first time output  452  then displays the elapsed time in seconds  524 , e.g., 0.0 seconds, when the left side of the head of the second contestant  512  is being struck by the front portion of the left  520  fist  516  of the first contestant, e.g., 0.5 seconds.  
         [0080]    Referring now to FIG. 21, the illustrative, but nonlimiting example of the first abbreviated display is generally indicated by numeral  475 . The previously referenced first target label  428  for the first contestant and the second weapon label  446  and second time label  450  for the second contestant is again shown. In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, there is a one (1) two (2) combination with the second contestant striking the front portion of the face of the first contestant with the left hand followed by the second contestant striking the torso of the first contestant with the right hand (0.2 seconds later), which is displayed on the electronic display  422  for the hand-held scoring device  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480  and then displays the torso of the first contestant  482 . The second weapon icon  448  first displays the left hand  526  of the second contestant with an alphabetic display that identifies it is the left hand  485  of the second contestant. The second weapon icon  448  then displays the right hand  528  of the second contestant with an alphabetic display that identifies it is the right hand  487  of the second contestant. The second time output  452  first displays the elapsed time in seconds  488  when the face of the first contestant is being struck by the left  485  hand  526  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds, and then displays the elapsed time in seconds  490  when the torso of the first contestant is being struck by the right  487  hand  528  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.2 seconds.  
         [0081]    Referring now to FIG. 22, the illustrative, but nonlimiting first example of the second abbreviated display is generally indicated by numeral  476 . The previously referenced first target label  428  for the first contestant and the second weapon label  446  and second time label  450  for the second contestant is again shown. In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, there is a one (1) two (2) combination with the second contestant striking the front portion of the face of the first contestant with the left hand followed by the second contestant striking the torso of the first contestant with the right foot (0.2 seconds later), which is displayed on the electronic display  422  for the hand-held output device  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480  and then displays the torso of the first contestant  482 . The second weapon icon  448  first displays an alphabetic output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and an alphabetic output display that identifies the hand  534  as the left hand  530 . The second weapon icon  448  then displays an alphabetic output display that identifies the weapon as the foot  536  of the second contestant and an alphabetic output display that identifies the particular foot  536  as the right foot  532 . The second time output  452  first displays the elapsed time in seconds  488  when the face of the first contestant is being struck by the left  530  hand  534  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds, and then displays the elapsed time in seconds  490  when the torso of the first contestant is being struck by the right  532  foot  536  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.2 seconds.  
         [0082]    Referring now to FIG. 23, which is an illustrative, but nonlimiting, second example of the second abbreviated display that is generally indicated by numeral  476 . The previously referenced first target label  428 , first weapon label  432 , first time label  436  for the first contestant and the second target label  442 , second weapon label  446  and second time label  450  for the second contestant is again shown. In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, the second contestant strikes the first contestant in the front of the face with his or her left hand followed by the first contestant striking the second contestant in the torso with his or her right hand (0.2 seconds later), which is displayed on the electronic display  422  for the hand-held display  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480 . The second weapon icon  448  first displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and in particular, it is the left hand  530 . The second time output  452  first displays the time in seconds  488  when the face of the first contestant  480  is being struck by the left  530  hand  534  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds.  
         [0083]    Then, 0.2 seconds later, the first contestant strikes the second contestant in the torso with his or her right hand, the second target icon  444  displays a torso  552  of the second contestant. The first weapon icon  434  then displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the first contestant and in particular, identifies the hand  534  as the right hand  532 . The first time output  438  then displays the time in seconds  542  when the torso of the second contestant is being struck by the right  532  hand  532  of the first contestant, e.g., 0.2 seconds.  
         [0084]    Referring now to FIG. 24, which is an illustrative, but nonlimiting, third example of the second abbreviated display, which is generally indicated by numeral  476 . The previously referenced first target label  428 , first weapon label  432  and first time label  436  for the first contestant and the second target label  442 , second weapon label  446  and second time label  450  for the second contestant is again shown. In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, the second contestant strikes the first contestant with his or her left hand in the front portion of the face, which occurs simultaneously with the first contestant striking the torso of the second contestant with his or her right hand, which is displayed on the hand-held display  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480 . The second weapon icon  448  first displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and in particular, it is the left hand  530 . The second time output  452  first displays the time in seconds  488 , e.g., 0.0 seconds, when the face of the first contestant is being struck by the left  530  hand  534  of the second contestant. The second target icon  444  then displays an output display that identifies the target as the torso  552  of the second contestant. The first weapon icon  434  displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and in particular, it is the right hand  532 . The first time output  438  displays the time in seconds  542  when the torso of the second contestant is being struck by the right  532  hand  534  of the first contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds.  
         [0085]    Referring now to FIG. 25, which is an illustrative, but nonlimiting, fourth example of the second abbreviated display, which is generally indicated by numeral  476 . The previously referenced first target label  428 , first weapon label  432  and first time label  434  for the first contestant and the second target label  442 , second weapon label  446  and second time label  450  for the second contestant is again shown. In this illustrative, but nonlimiting example, the second contestant strikes the first contestant with his or her left hand in the front portion of the face that occurs simultaneously with the first contestant striking the torso of the second contestant with his or her right hand and then the second contestant strikes the back portion of the head of the first contestant (0.3 seconds later), which is displayed on the hand-held display  420 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480 . The second weapon icon  448  first displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and in particular, it is the left hand  530 . The second time output  452  first displays the time in seconds  488  when the face of the first contestant is being struck by the left  530  hand  534  of the second contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds. The second target icon  444  then displays an output display that identifies the target as the torso  552  of the second contestant. The first weapon icon  434  displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and in particular, it is the right hand  532 . The first time output  438  displays the time in seconds  541  when the torso of the second contestant is being struck by the right  532  hand  534  of the first contestant, e.g., 0.0 seconds. Then, 0.3 seconds later, this is followed by the first target icon  430  displaying the back portion of the head  560  of the first contestant. The second weapon icon  448  then displays an output display that identifies the weapon as the hand  534  of the second contestant and in particular, it is the right hand  532 . The second time output  452  then displays the time in seconds  542  when the back portion of the head of the first contestant is being struck by the right  532  hand  534  of the second contestant, which can be compared to the previous strike to the face of the first contestant to ascertain the time between strikes on the first contestant, e.g., 0.3 seconds.  
         [0086]    Referring now to FIG. 26, the illustrative, but nonlimiting example of an abbreviated display is generally indicated by numeral  477  that is a target-only display. In an illustrative, but nonlimiting example, a one (1) two (2) combination of a left back fist followed by a right reverse punch committed by the second contestant on the first contestant is displayed on the hand-held display  420 . There is a target label  428  and a time label  450 . The first target icon  430  first displays the face of the first contestant  480  and then displays the torso of the first contestant  482 . The time output  452  first displays the time in seconds when the face of the first contestant is being struck by the second contestant  488 , e.g., 0.0 seconds and then displays the time in seconds when the torso of the first contestant is being struck by the second contestant  490 , e.g., 0.2 seconds.  
         [0087]    Referring now to FIG. 27, there are first electrical conductors  602 , e.g., wires, fiber optic cables, conductive material and so forth, coming from the various targets for each contestant. In addition, a signal can be generated each time one of the regions on a weapon has electrical current passing through it. As previously shown, the number of targets and/or weapons can vary tremendously as well as the regions located on the number of regions on each weapon and/or target. These electrical conductors  602 , e.g., wires, are connected to a first transmitter  140  that generates a signal, e.g., radio, that is sent via a first antenna  606  each time a target or a region on a target is stuck. It is also possible to generate radio signals that are sent via the first antenna  606  each time current is passing through a weapon or a region on a weapon.  
         [0088]    Referring now to FIG. 28, the transmitted signal, e.g., radio, can be picked-up by a first receiver  608 , .e.g., radio signal, via a second antenna  607 . The converted signal is then provided to a processor  610 , which preferably includes signal processing and timing functions, which is component of the hand-held scoring device  420  used by the referee or official. The referee can alter the score for each contestant with the award of points, the addition or subtraction of points, stopping the timer and so forth as previously described and then shown on the previously described electronic display  422 . This output can also be sent to a second transmitter  612  that generates signals, e.g., radio, that replicates the information or a portion of the information that is shown output of the electronic display  422 . The second transmitter  610  is connected to a third antenna  614 . There is a power supply attached to each one of these electrical components that is not shown.  
         [0089]    Referring now to FIG. 29, the signals, e.g., radio, from the second transmitter  612  are picked-up by a second receiver  617  via a fourth antenna  616 . There are second electrical conductors  618 , e.g., wires, fiber optic cables, conductive material and so forth, connecting the second receiver  617  with a second electronic display  620 , e.g., scoreboard. The second electronic display  620  can be of virtually any type ranging from a public scoreboard to a handheld display for the referee. The second electronic display  620  is preferably an incandescent light array, however a liquid crystal diode display (SGVA), cathode ray tube, plasma screen, light-emitting diode and other types of electronic displays will suffice.  
         [0090]    Any of a wide variety of antennas, transmitters, receivers and electrical scoreboard displays will suffice for this present application. An example of a scoreboard display utilizing a transmitter and receiver includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,711, which issued on Mar. 18, 1997 and is assigned to Tally Display Corporation, is incorporated herein by reference. Another example includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,109, which issued on Feb. 29, 2000 to Lobsenz, which is also incorporated herein by reference. An example of a receiver and transmitter used to transmit and receive sports information is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,483, which issued to Pyles on Oct. 29, 2002, and is also incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0091]    Although a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus for recording hits while sparing has been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit for the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.