Abstract:
A fencing strip includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. The light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip to project at least two different types of light through the perforations, indicating which fencer has scored. The light assemblies are located at spaced-apart positions along the overall length of the strip which includes an electrically conductive top surface that completes a circuit when a fencer&#39;s conductive blade contacts the strip surface (a non-scoring touch). The conductive top surface is perforated to maintain a continuous contact surface that can differentiate a non-scoring touch from a fencer&#39;s blade, via an interconnection between the top surface and scoring console. The perforations allow for transmission of light therethrough. A plurality of ramped placards extend outwardly from the overhang of the elevated subsurface and the adjacent floor in a downwardly angled direction.

Description:
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 art form. It is a highly competitive and strenuous sport for two contestants (fencers). As shown, by way of example in  FIG. 1 , a fencing competition involves two contestants (fencers)  110 ,  120  wearing appropriate protective clothing  112 ,  114  and face masks  114 ,  124 , respectively. Each contestant  110 ,  120  uses a blade  116 ,  126 , that is appropriate to the particular type of fencing (foil, epée, etc.). 
     In competition, fencers are judged by a referee  131  who monitors the fencer&#39;s activities as each competitor attempts to score touches on key areas of the other one&#39;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, may employ a conductive blade surface. The fencer may also employ special garments  112 ,  122  that 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&#39;s weapon. 
     The body cord extends inside the fencer&#39;s sleeve to a connection point inside the guard of the weapon. The body cord extends down the fencer&#39;s back to a connection with wires  118 ,  128 , which extend from each respective fencer as shown. Touches by each fencer  110 ,  120  on various parts of the opponent&#39;s body transmit signals through respective wires  118 ,  128 . The wires  118 ,  128  are 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 wire  118 ,  128  while maintaining tautness as the fencers move up and down an elongated platform knows as a fencing strip  130 , and are connected to the main electronic scoring device/console (described below). 
     When constructed from aluminum (or another metallic) sheet, the fencing strip  130  includes an exposed top surface  132  that is electrically conductive. It is often constructed from aluminum sheet that may or may not include perforations or other structures thereon. The fencing strip is constructed in segments that are joined at joint lines  134  for 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 stringers  136 . 
     The touch signals from each fencer are transmitted through the reel wires  118 ,  128  via a connecting cable system  150  to a central scoring console  160 . The scoring console  160  may include a time clock  162  and a pair of score pylons  164  and  166 . The pylons  164 ,  166  correspond to each fencer&#39;s scoring activities. In one embodiment, each pylon includes a discrete colored light  170  (for example, a red light on one pylon and a green light on the other pylon) to make it easier for the referee  131  and audience to identify which contestant scored a touch. An alphanumeric score window  172  may also be displayed on each pylon  164 ,  166 , indicating each fencer&#39;s current score. 
     The top plate surface  132  is 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 console  160  recognizes 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 console  160  to determine the outcome of a match. Rather, he or she must also pay constant attention to the fencer&#39;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. 
     Since a fully constructed fencing strip may extend at least 17 meters, the referee must move constantly with the back and forth over a reasonably long distance to closely track the movement of the (often quickly moving) fencers. As the fencers move to either respective end of the strip  130 , the referee is now faced with a fairly long-distance view of the console  160 . 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 console  160 . 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 may be needed in the strip&#39;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. The light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to project at least two different types of light through the perforations, thereby indicating which fencer has made a score. The light assemblies are located at spaced-apart positions along the overall length of the strip so that a referee need not constantly shift his or her gaze excessively away from the fencers&#39;activity while attempting to read the current score on the console. In an illustrative embodiment, the strip includes an electrically conductive top surface that completes a circuit when a fencer&#39;s conductive blade contacts the strip surface (a non-scoring touch). The conductive top surface is perforated so as to maintain a continuous contact surface that can differentiate a non-scoring touch from a fencer&#39;s blade, via an interconnection between the top surface and the scoring console. The perforations allow for transmission of light therethrough without disrupting continuous contact. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, each of the light assemblies is provided in a respective enclosure or bucket that is mounted below the subsurface and the conductive perforated top surface. The subsurface (often comprising a fibrous material, such as melamine or fiberboard) can be mounted on stringers so as to be suspended above the floor, thereby providing clearance for the light assembly buckets. The buckets are mounted in slots formed through the subsurface. The dimensions of the slots are sized and arranged so that they do not excessively weaken the conductive top surface. Thus, they can be stood-upon without risk of damage. The light assemblies are located at key positions along the length of the strip, and are positioned at each of opposing widthwise edges for easy viewing on either side of the strip. The widthwise edges of the subsurface and conductive top surface tends to overhang the adjacent stringers slightly. This enables the placement of a plurality of ramped placards/panels that extend outwardly from the overhang of the elevated subsurface and the adjacent floor in a downwardly angled direction. Each of the placards/panels can include advertisements, logos or other information. The central fencing strip and the surrounding placards/panels are provided as segments that maybe locked together using a variety of different, conventional locking mechanisms. In one example, locks are provided between each subsurface panel on the outer edges of each adjacent subsurface edge. The conductive top surface can be electrically tied together between segments using a variety of conventional connecting devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1 , already described, is a partial perspective view of a fencing strip according to the prior art, which enables electronic scoring of competition through an electronic scoring console, and showing a pair of fencers engaged in a match with a referee observing; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a full-length, assembled fencing strip having integrated, embedded scoring light assemblies mounted on various segments along the length of the strip, and optional logo/information-containing panels/placards according to an illustrative embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a more-detailed partial perspective view of the fencing strip of  FIG. 2  showing placards and embedded scoring light assemblies according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the fencing strip of  FIG. 2  with placards removed to expose an outside support stringer; 
         FIG. 5  is a widthwise cross section of the fencing strip of  FIG. 2  taken through the scoring light assemblies; and 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram showing the interconnection of the control and scoring console with the embedded scoring light assemblies located along the length of the illustrative fencing strip in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A fencing strip according to an embodiment invention is shown in  FIG. 2 . The interior portion of the strip  202  (the flat portion that is stood upon) includes fourteen segments  210 ,  212 ,  214   216 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234  and  236 . 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 strip  200  is 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)  202  is 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 strip  202  is highly variable. Thus, typical length of the strip interior  202  varies 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 window  240  of  FIG. 2 . The depicted perforations  242  are between approximately 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters in diameter. However, other perforation dimensions are expressly contemplated. The adjacent perforations  242  are 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 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 in  FIG. 3 , the adjoining strip segments (examples herein being  224 ,  226 ,  228  and  230  are shown in further detail joined together with appropriate clamps  310  attached between the joints on panels along the subsurface  312 . The conductive, perforated top surface  314  is shown sandwiched together with the subsurface  312 . The top surface and subsurface can be joined together using screws, adhesives or any acceptable fastening system, In general, the combination of melamine subsurface  312  and metal top surface  314  creates 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 in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The stringers  510 ,  520 ,  530  and  540  are 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&#39;s length, or preferably, can be broken up and permanently adhered to the individual segment&#39;s subsurfaces. The stringers are positioned so as to allow wells or buckets  550  to be disposed within selected segments. With particular reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the buckets  550  are mounted beneath rectangular slots  552  cut through the melamine subsurface  312 . This allows the interior of each of the buckets  550  to be exposed directly to the underside of the conductive metal sheet surface  314 . As such, the perforations  242  allow for a predetermined degree of optical communication between the outside environment and the interior of each bucket  550 . Each of the buckets  550  contains one or more lighting elements  560 . These lighting elements can be any acceptable light source including a high-output LED panel (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ), incandescent bulbs, florescent or gas-discharge bulbs, or a combination of such light sources. The perforations  242  allow the light sources to be clearly viewed through the top surface  314  when they are lit. 
     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, angles, information-containing placards, which may be beneficial for sponsorship and advertising purposes in certain embodiments to be described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a pair of light sources  350  and  352  are 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 panels  214  and  216 ). In this embodiment, the two separate light sources are each a different color. One color may be green and one color may be red (or any other color combination can be used). Referring to  FIG. 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 in  FIG. 3 , one set of light sources  350  have been lit, thereby allowing their light to be viewed through the perforations on the surface  314 . 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 strip  202 , 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, 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 in  FIG. 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 pair  250  and  252  is provided. In addition, two light pairs (lights  350 ,  352  described above and lights  260 ,  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 may include a light assembly for standardization of components. Some may or may not be activated, depending upon the user&#39;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 of  FIG. 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 in  FIG. 6 , the score console  610  includes a control block  620  that provides either a red or green scoring light  630  or  640  respectively based upon he relative input from each fencer  650 . The red scoring light  630  is connected in parallel with each red light  250 ,  260  and  350  embedded in the fencing strip  202 . Likewise, the green scoring light  640  is connected in parallel with each green light  252 ,  262  and  352  embedded in the strip  202 . Appropriate amplifiers, voltage-reduction circuits and other needed switching circuitry, and/or voltage/current handling functions can be implemented in the control block  620  as appropriate. The control block, and/or any of these circuits can be housed in the console  610 , provided within the buckets for each light source or some combination of these placements. 
     Having described the novel embedded scoring light arrangement for the illustrative fencing strip  200 , reference is now made again generally to  FIGS. 2-5 , where a novel arrangement of information-containing placard  280 ,  282  is now be described in further detail. The placards  280  are located along the lengthwise edges of the central strip  202  while two end placards  282  are located on opposing ends of the strip  202 . 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 placards  280 ,  282  also naturally render the appearance of the strip  200  more aesthetic covering the outer stringers  510 ,  514  ( FIG. 3 ) and rendering the overall appearance of the strip more streamlined, and grounded to the floor. 
     As shown more particularly in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each placard  282 ,  280  defines a durable top surface  410 ,  580  (respectively), constructed from a durable fibrous material, polymer or other sheet-like material. Each placard&#39;s top surface  410 ,  580  extends outwardly and downwardly from the strip at an approximate angle of 5-20 degrees with respect to the ground. The placard surface  410 ,  580  contains sufficient area to provide highly visible information. As shown the length of each placard matches that of the segment. In the case of lengthwise placards  280 , that length is approximately 122 centimeters. The end placards  282  are more than 150 centimeters—owing to the width of the internal strip portion  202 . 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 of  FIG. 5 , the inward-directed ends of each placard (placards  280  being shown) pass under an overhanging of subsurface  312  and conductive top surface  314  that extends past the adjacent outer stringer  510  and  540 . This arrangement provides a clean appearance at the transition between the strip interior  202  (the flat portion that is stood upon), and the outwardly extending placards. A similar overhang is shown at the lengthwise ends of the strip in  FIG. 4  with the end placards  282  passing 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 surface  314  of the strip interior  202 . To maintain the chosen upward angle relative to the floor surface, each placard  282 ,  280  includes a small post member  420  and  590  (respectively), which allows it to maintain the upward angle. The post member  420 ,  590  is located along the width of each placard at a location that insures it will remain firmly engaged against the overhanging lip of the subsurface  312  and top surface  314 . 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 interior  202  to 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. 
     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 may 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 may 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&#39;s footprint within the strip. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.