Patent Publication Number: US-11642582-B2

Title: Boxing gaming device

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM(S) AND RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/954,831, filed Dec. 30, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/743,329, filed Jul. 21, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a boxing game system; and more particularly relates to wearable vests that interact with sensors controlled by wireless technology for the purpose of tracking, and score keeping, and providing feedback during multiple game modes based on different patterns. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Boxing is a popular, competitive sport with its origins dating back to ancient times. In modern times, a boxing match consists of two people, known as boxers, wearing protective gloves and throwing punches at each other for a predetermined amount of time. Professional boxing matches are overseen by a referee over a series of one-three-minute intervals known as rounds. The result of the match is decided when an opponent is deemed incapable to continue by a referee, is disqualified for breaking a rule, or resigns on their own. The ultimate goal is to inflict the most amount of punches on your opponent. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     It is one of the main objectives of the present invention to provide a boxing inspired gaming device that provides feedback and motivation to the users. 
     It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a gaming device which keeps score and tracks rounds. 
     It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a gaming device which allows a player to engage in different modes. 
     It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a device in which the chest gear unit is portable to carry, inexpensive to manufacture, and convenient to use. 
     Further objectives of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is provided for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objectives in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts, as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of a boxing game system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic front view of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   , showing a pair of wearable vests and breast plates wirelessly pairing with one another. 
         FIG.  3    is a rear view of a wearable vest and a breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a partial side cross-sectional view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   , taken along line  4  of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    is a right-side schematic view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a left-side view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a top view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a front schematic view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a rear view of the wearable vest and the breast plate of the boxing game system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic front view of another boxing game system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12    is an illustration of electronic elements of a shield accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In some instances, well-known structures, processes, and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
     It shall be noted that unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively while adhering to the concepts of the present invention. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
     The boxing game system is configured for facilitating a game evoking elements of a boxing match. The boxing game system generally includes two wearable vests and two sets of boxing gloves. The game is played by two players at a time with the general objective being for a player to hit their opponent&#39;s vest as many times as possible within the designated time period. The vests wirelessly pair to one another to coordinate game play. In one embodiment, one of several games can be selected to be played by two or more players at a time with the general objective being for a player to hit their opponent&#39;s vest as many times as possible within the designated time period. The device allows players to engage in a plurality of different modes. Score tracking can be announced by audio and does not require any additional devices for viewing the score. The vests are configured to interact with each other. When a player hits an opponent&#39;s vest, audio may be played in response to the hit on one or both of the player and the opponent&#39;s vests. The interaction and communication between the vests creates a realistic gaming experience that enhances training regimens and entertainment. While examples are provided for the system to be used to train and simulate boxing matches, this is not intended to be limiting. The boxing game system can be used for a variety of different combat simulations, such as various forms of martial arts. Two or more players can wear the vests while training for any type of combat that can involve contacting an opponent at specific locations. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 10   , a boxing game system  10  is shown in accordance with an example of the invention. The system  10  comprises a pair of wearable vests, namely first and second wearable vests  14  and  16 . The system  10  can also comprise two sets of boxing gloves, namely first and second pairs of boxing gloves  20  and  22 . 
     In one aspect, the vests  14  and  16  can be identical. Thus, a single vest  14  will be described with the understanding that such description applies to the other vest  16 . The vest  14  can comprise a breast plate  26  and a set of straps  30  ( FIGS.  9  and  10   ) to attach the breast plat to a person&#39;s torso. The breast plate  26  can be sized to cover the person&#39;s torso. The breast plate  26  can be rigid and can have a rigid housing  34  or shell. The rigid housing  34  or shell can comprise a back wall  38 , a front wall  42  spaced-apart from the back wall  38 , and a perimeter wall  46  extending between the front and back walls  42  and  38  transverse to a front of the breast plate  26 . A hollow interior  50  can be defined in the housing  34 . In one aspect, the housing  34  can be formed of plastic and can be formed by injection molding. In another aspect, the straps  30  can be nylon webbing. The housing  34 , and the front and back walls  42  and  38 , can have slots therethrough to receive the straps  30 . In another aspect, the back wall  38  can carry a padding, such as a foam layer. 
     The breast plate  26 , and the vest  14 , can also comprise a plurality of lightable target pads  58 . The lightable target pads  58  can include a sensor  62  to sense strikes against the pad by the boxing glove, and a light  66  to indicate which target pad to strike, as discussed in greater detail below. In one aspect, the lightable target pads  58  can be at least light translucent so that they may be illuminated by the light  66 . In another aspect, the lightable target pads  58  can comprise: a first lightable target pad  58   a  in an upper middle region on a front of the breast plate  26 ; a second lightable target pad  58   b  in a left center region on the front of the breast plate  26 ; a third lightable target pad  58   c  in a right center region opposite the second lightable target pad on the front of the breast plate  26 ; and a fourth lightable target pad  58   d  on a bottom middle region opposite the first lightable target pad on the front of the breast plate  26 . Thus, the breast plate  26  can be covered by the target pads  58  and with target pads  58  across the breast plate  26 . In one aspect, the target pads  58  can be sized relative to a knuckle portion of the boxing gloves  20  and  22 . In another aspect, the target pads  58  can form buttons to provide input to the controller and select games. 
     In one aspect, the target pads  58  can be displaceable with respect to the breast plate  26 , and the front wall  42 , and can be depressed inwards toward the front of the breast plate  26 . The sensor  62  can be activated when the target pad  58  is depressed by one or more of a hand, a foot, or a boxing glove. The target pad  58  can be biased outwardly away from the front of the breast plate  26 . In another aspect, the target pads  58  can be deformable. 
     In one aspect, an aperture  70  ( FIG.  4   ) can be formed in the breast plate  26  and substantially covered by the target pad  58 . The aperture  70  can be substantially circumscribed by a perimeter wall  74  transverse to the breast plate  26 . The perimeter wall  74  can have an interior end. The transvers perimeter wall  74  can provide strength to the breast plate  26  around the target pats  58  to resist damage from strikes. A retainer  78  can be secured to the breast plate  26  and the front wall  42  behind the aperture  70  and the target pad  58 . In one aspect, the retainer  78  can substantially cover the aperture  70 . The retainer  78  can have a perimeter wall  82  parallel to and spaced-apart from the perimeter wall  74  of the aperture  70  and defining a perimeter gap  86  therebetween. The perimeter gap  86  can be annular and can circumscribe the target pad  58 . 
     The retainer  78  can carry the sensor  62  so that the sensor is positioned behind the target pad  58 . In one aspect, the sensor  62  can be at least one switch contactable by the target pad  58 . In addition, the retainer  78  can carry at least one spring or bias member  90  to bias the lightable target pad  58  away from the sensor  62  and the switch. Furthermore, the retainer  78  can carry the light  66  so that the light is positioned behind the target pad  58 . In one aspect, the target pads  58  can be at least light translucent to be illuminated by the light  66 . In one aspect, the light can be an LED to resist damage from impacts on the target pad  58 . 
     The target pad  58  can have a perimeter wall  94  movable in the perimeter gap  86  between the retainer  78  and the aperture  70 . Thus, the perimeter gap  86  can form a track for displacement of the target pad  58  and the perimeter wall  94  thereof. In addition, the target pad  58  can have a flange  98  circumscribing the perimeter wall  94  and sized larger than the aperture  70  so that the flange  98  abuts to the interior end of the perimeter wall  74  of the aperture  70  to retain the target pad  58  in the breast plate  26 . In one aspect, the sensor  62  or switch, the light  66  and the bias member  90  can be carried by a circuit board  102  that is carried by the retainer  78 . In another aspect, the retainer  78 , the sensor or switch  62 , the bias member  90 , and the light  66  can be separate and discrete from other target pads  58  to isolate impact forces to one target pad from the other target pads. 
     In another aspect, a sleeve  106  can be carried by the retainer  78 , and thus the breast plate  26 , behind the target pad  58 . The sensor  62  or switch can be positioned at a bottom of the sleeve  106 . Similarly, the bias member  90  can be positioned in the sleeve  106 . A post  110  can be carried by the target pad  58  and movably received in the sleeve  106 . The post  110  can contact the sensor  62  or switch when the target pad  58  is struck, while being biased away from the sensor  62  or switch by the bias member  90 . In one aspect, the bias member  90  an be an elastomeric member with a perimeter flange secured to the circuit board or the retainer  78 , and a bulbous head projecting into the sleeve  106  and over the sensor  62  or switch. 
     In another aspect, the breast plate  26  can have a plurality of raised panels  114  protruding therefrom and associated with the target pads  58 . The raised panels  114  can circumscribe the respective target pad  58 . The apertures  70  can be formed in the raised panels  114 . The raised panels  114  can located the target pads  58  outward from the breast plate  58  and position the target pads  58  for easier contact. In another aspect, the target pads  58  can be oriented transverse to one another and to face outwardly with respect to a middle of the breast plate  26 . Thus, the target pads  58  can be oriented for easier contact. 
     In another aspect, the target pads can be deformable target pads to allow the target pad to be deformed inwards towards a front of the breast plate. The sensor can be activated when the deformable target is deformed by one or more of a hand, a foot, or a boxing glove. 
     Each vest  14  and each breast plate  26  also comprise a wireless transceiver  128  coupled to a controller  132  to wirelessly communicate with one another. In one aspect, the vests  14  and  16 , and the controllers  132  thereof, can communicate via the wireless transceivers  128  utilizing wireless standards, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or another desired standard. In another aspect, the controllers  132  can pair with a smart phone. The controller  132  and the wireless transceiver  128  can be disposed in the housing  34 . The sensor  62  or switch and the light  66  can also be coupled to the controller  132 . A power supply  136 , such as a battery supply, can be located in the housing  34  and coupled to the controller  132 . The power supply  136  can power the transceiver  128 , the controller  132 , and the light  66  for each lightable target pad  58 . An audio speaker  130  can be located in the housing  34  and coupled to the controller  132 . A power switch  140  can be mounted on the perimeter wall  46  of the housing  34  and coupled to the power supply  136  to turn power on and off to the breast plate  26  and the vest  14 . A volume button  144  can also be mounted on the perimeter wall  46  of the housing  34  and coupled to the controller  132 . 
     As described above, the vest  14  can be a first vest  14  with a first wireless transceiver  128 ; a first controller  132  coupled to the first wireless transceiver  128 ; a first breast plate  26  having a first plurality of lightable target pads  58 , a first plurality of sensors  62  or switches coupled to the first controller  132 ; a first plurality of lights  66  coupled to the first controller  132 ; a first audio speaker  130  coupled to the first controller  132 ; and a first set of straps  30  coupled to the first wearable vest  14 . Similarly, the vest  16  can be a first vest  16  with a second wireless transceiver  128 ; a second controller  132  coupled to the second wireless transceiver  128 ; a second breast plate  26  having a second plurality of lightable target pads  58 , a second plurality of sensors  62  or switches coupled to the second controller  132 ; a second plurality of lights  66  coupled to the second controller  132 ; a second audio speaker  130  coupled to the second controller  132 ; and a second set of straps  30  coupled to the second wearable vest  14 . The first controller  132  of the first wearable vest  14  is configured to communicate with the second controller  132  of the second wearable vest  16  via the first wireless transceiver  128  and the second wireless transceiver  128 , respectively. 
     In use, one of the first controller or the second controller  128  can activate a predetermined game when a sensor  62  or switch of the selected lightable target pad  58  is activated. The predetermined game can be a first game activated by the first controller  128  at the first wearable vest  14 . The first controller  132  can activate a light  66  in each of the first lightable target pads  58  in the first wearable vest  16 . The first controller  132  can also activate a timer at the first wearable vest  16 . The first controller  132  can also divide the first game into a plurality of rounds using the timer. The first controller  132  can also detect when each of the sensors  62  or switches coupled to the lightable target pads  58  in the first wearable vest  14  are deactivated and turn off a corresponding light  66  in the lightable target pad  58  for a selected period of time using the timer. The first controller  132  can also play an identified sound on a speaker  132  of the first wearable vest  14  based on which of the first lightable target pads  58  are depressed, and a number of the first lightable target pads  58  that have been depressed on the first wearable vest  14  within a selected time period. The first controller  132  can also send a selected indication to the first wireless transceiver  128  for communication to the second controller  132  via the second wireless transceiver  128 , to enable the second controller  132  to perform a selected function at the second wearable vest  16  based on the selected indication. The selected indication is determined based on which of the first lightable target pads  58  is depressed, and a number of the first lightable target pads  58  that have been depressed on the first wearable vest  14  within the selected time period. The selected function can comprise playing an identified sound in a speaker  130  of the second wearable vest, wherein the sound is identified based on the selected indication. 
     In one example, pairing can be established after both vests are powered on and the same game mode is selected on both vests. If a different mode is selected in one of the vests, then vests will not pair. When the vests are not paired, then the controller in each vest can be configured to provide an audio statement through the audio speaker  130 . For example, the audio speaker  130  can play preprogrammed audio such as “waiting to pair” at both vests. The user can either power on/off the vests or push the volume/score button. This can cause the controller to provide another pre-programmed audio statement, such as “tap a light to select a game” or “select a game”. This will allow the user(s) to select a game that matches the other vest. Once the same game has been selected, the vests will pair and communicate throughout the game. The preprogrammed audio statements are provided as examples. They are not intended to be limiting. The actual preprogrammed audio can be selected to meet the needs of the users, including but not limited to providing the audio in different languages or providing different audio in response to actions performed on the vests. 
     In one aspect, the first and second wearable vests  14  and  16  can have at least three modes of operation, comprising: a boxing mode, a target mode and a training mode. The target mode can also be referred to as an advanced mode. In the boxing mode, all of the first and second plurality of lightable target pads  58  are lit but turn off when hit and then relight after a predetermined time period. In the target mode, each first and second plurality of lightable target pads  58  are lit individually and sequentially, or randomly, until hit, or until a predetermined time period, or both. In the training mode, all of the first and second plurality of lightable target pads  58  are lit but turn off when hit and then relight immediately. 
     The system  10  can be provided as a kit with a pair of vests  14  and  16 , two sets of boxing gloves  20  and  22 , and instructions, all packaged in a container. A method for using the boxing game system  10  can comprise: instructing to don the first and second wearable vests  14  and  16 ; instructing to turn on each of the first and second wearable vests  14  and  16 ; and instructing to pair the first and second wearable vests  14  and  16  by instructing to select a game by instructing to press one of the first plurality of lightable target pads  58  on the first breast plate  26  and a same lightable target pad  58  on the second breast plate  26 . 
     In order to start a game, both players turn on their vests  14  and  16  within a set amount of time by flipping the power switch  140  on the side of the vest. At such time, the player will be prompted to select a gaming mode by the vest  14  or  16  playing one of the pre-programed sounds, such as, “tap a light to select a game.” Players have different games to choose from, including a boxing game, a target or advanced game and a training game. Players can select the game they wish to play by pressing the corresponding target pad  58   a ,  58   b  or  58   c , which may be lit by the light  66 . The upper middle target pad  58   a , the left center target pad  58   b , and the right center target pad  58   c  can each correspond to a different game. 
     After turning on the device, the player will push one of the target pads  58   a ,  58   b  or  58   c  to select a game. In one embodiment of the invention, if a player hits the upper middle target pad  58   a , the controller  132  of the vest  14  says through the audio speaker  130  “boxing mode, be the first to knock out all your opponent&#39;s lights”, and the controller  132  of the vest  14  connects via the transceiver  128  to the controller  132  of their opponent&#39;s vest  16 . At such point the vests  14  and  16  are paired, and the players are ready to start playing the boxing game. In this mode, there are a certain number of rounds, such as five. A different song is played by the controller  132  through the audio speaker  130  during each of the rounds. In one embodiment of the game, the first four rounds are set for a designate amount of time, such as one and a half minutes. The final round does not have a set amount of time but rather continues until one of the players wins by striking all of the target pads  58 . 
     In another embodiment, the vests  14  and  16  can be configured to pair prior to each vest selecting the same mode. For example, a first vest  14  can be configured to pair with a second vest  16  when the second vest is activated (i.e. turned on) within a selected distance of the first vest. The selected distance is determined based on the distance that the transceiver  128  can communicate effectively with the transceiver in another activated vest. Since the vests are configured to be used within a close proximity for activities such as boxing and martial arts, the selected distance can be relatively short, such as within 50 feet or less. Alternatively, the use of wireless standards such as Bluetooth or WiFi can allow the vests to pair over a longer range based on the operating range of the wireless standard. 
     In one embodiment, each vest can be configured to communicate over multiple carrier frequencies, such as 2, 3, 4, or more carrier frequencies. Each vest can include a switch that enables a user to select a carrier frequency. When two or more vests operating on the same carrier frequency are turned on, the vests can be configured to pair. This enables multiple groups of vests to be used within the same proximity, such as in a boxing gym, a home, or another desired geographic location. 
     While examples have been provided for two vests  14 ,  16  to be used, this is not intended to be limiting. Three, four, or more vests may be configured to pair and operate simultaneously. Each group of vests can be switched to operate at the same operating frequency. Multiple groups of vests can be configured to operate within a proximate distance, such as within the selected distance of 50 feet, by setting the different groups to operate at different carrier frequencies. 
     At the start of the boxing mode game, all four of the target pads  58  are lit and illuminated. When a target pad  58  is hit, the light  66  associated with the target pad  58  is turned off. The goal of the boxing mode game is to hit all four target pads  58  on your opponent&#39;s vest  14  or  16  so that all four lights  66  associated with the target pads  58  are turned off. If a player hits a target pad  58  on their opponent&#39;s vest  16  but fails to hit another target pad  58  after a certain amount of time has passed, the light  66  of the target pad  58  that the player hit gets turned back on. The amount of time a player has to hit another target pad  58  depends on the round and the amount of time players have to hit another target pad increases as the players advance rounds. 
     When a player hits their opponent&#39;s vest  16  so that one of the lights  66  of the target pads  58  is turned off, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays preprogramed audio through the audio speaker  130 , such as “good hit” and the controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the audio speaker  130 , such as “ow.” When a player hits their opponent&#39;s vest  16  so that two of the lights  66  of the target pads  58  are turned off, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays preprogramed audio through the audio speaker  130 , such as “great job” and the controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the audio speaker  130 , such as “ouch.” When a player hits their opponent&#39;s vest  16  so that three of the lights  66  of the target pads  58  are turned off, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays the preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “finish it” and the controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the speaker  130 , such as “one more life.” When a player hits their opponent&#39;s vest  16  so that the lights  66  of all four target pads  58  are turned off, the controller  130  of their vest  14  plays preprogramed audio through the speaker, such as “crowd cheers” and the controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the speaker, such as “game over” and at such time the game is over. If there is no winner in a given round, the players will move on to another round until a winner is declared. In boxing mode, whoever knocks out all their opponent&#39;s target pads  58  first wins the entire game. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a player could hit another target pad  58 , such as the left center target pad  58   b  to activate another game mode, such as a training mode. At this time the controller  132  of the vest  14  would play preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “training mode, get ready for a match, the higher score wins” and connects via the transceivers  128  to the controller  132  of their opponent&#39;s vest  16 . At such point the two vests  14  and  16  are paired, and the players are ready to start playing the training or target game. In this mode, there is only one round that lasts for a certain amount of time, such as three-minutes. During this time, the lights  66  of all four target pads  58  are lit up and players try to hit their opponents vest as many times as possible. If one of the target pads  58  gets hit, the controller  132  will play a sound through the speaker  130  and the light  66  will turn off for two seconds and then turn back on. 
     When a player hits their opponent&#39;s vest  16  so that the light  66  of one of the target pads  58  is turned off, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays the preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “good hit” and the controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the speaker  130 , such as “ow.” When a player hits their opponent&#39;s vest  16  so that the lights  66  of two of the target pads  58  are turned off, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays the preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “great job” and the controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the speaker  130 , such as “ouch.” At the end of the three-minute round, the controller  132  of each vest  14  and  16  will play the score of that player through the speaker  130 . A player&#39;s score is the number of times they hit their opponent&#39;s vest. Whichever player hits their opponent&#39;s vest the most wins the game. After announcing the score, the controller of the vest  14  of the winning player will play audio through the speaker  130  to designate that they have won, such as “winner.” The controller  132  of the other player&#39;s vest  16  will play audio through the speaker  130  to designate that they have lost the game, such as “loser.” Additionally, during this training mode, players can press the volume button  144  at any time to get the score for the current game. 
     In another example, the volume button  144  can be configured to be depressed by a user for a selected period of time. The volume button can be configured to operate in each of the vest&#39;s modes. The controller can be configured to perform an action after the selected period of time. For instance, when the volume button  144  is depressed for a time, such as 3 seconds, the speaker  130  can play a preprogrammed audio of “low volume”. If the volume button  144  is depressed again for 3 seconds, the preprogrammed audio of “high volume” can be played on the speaker  130 . Accordingly, in this example, the controller can be configured to alternate between a “low audio” setting and a “high audio” setting for the boxing system when the volume button is depressed for a selected period of time. The level of the volume for each setting can be predetermined. 
     In another example, the volume button  144  can be configured to send a signal from the controller to the speaker  130  to play a preprogrammed audio of the score of the game being currently played. The score can be played when the volume button  144  is depressed for less than the selected period of time. For example, when the volume button  144  is depressed for less than 3 seconds, then the speaker  130  can play the score of the current game. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a player could hit one of the target pads  58 , which could be the right center target pad  58   c , to activate another game mode, such an advanced or target mode. At such time the controller  132  of the vest  14  would play preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “advanced mode, hit the lights as they appear” and the controller  132  would connect via the transceivers  128  to the controller  132  other vest  16 . At such point the vests  14  and  16  are paired, and the players are ready to start playing the advanced or target game. The vests may be paired by selecting the same game mode on each vest. Alternatively, the vests may be paired by turning on the vests with the same carrier frequency selected. 
     In the advanced game mode, there is only one round that continues until one of the players wins. A player wins by scoring a certain amount of points, such as ten points. During this mode, only one light  66  of one target pad  58  on a players&#39; vest  14  or  16  is lit up at a given time. The lights  66  will turn on one-by-one at random for three seconds. The player&#39;s objective for this mode is to hit the illuminated target pad  58  on their opponent&#39;s vest  16 . Players only get points for hitting the illuminated target pad  58 . Players do not receive any points for hitting non-illuminated target pads  58 . If a player hits the illuminated target pad  58 , they get a point and a sound effect is played. When a player hits an illuminated target pad  58  on their opponent&#39;s vest  16  for the first time, the controller  132  their vest  14  plays preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “good hit” and controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the speaker  130 , such as “ow.” When a player hits an illuminated target pad  58  on their opponent&#39;s vest  16  for a second time, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays the preprogramed audio through the speaker  130 , such as “great job” and the controller  132  of opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit will play a sound through the speaker  130 , such as “ouch.” When a player hits an illuminated target pad  58  on their opponent&#39;s vest  16  for a tenth time, the controller  132  of their vest  14  plays audio through the speaker  130  to indicate they have won the game, such as “crowd cheers.” The controller  132  of the opponent&#39;s vest  16  that got hit ten times will play a sound through the speaker  130  to indicate they lost the game, such as “game over.” 
     In another aspect, the system can further comprise shield accessories to the vests  14 ,  16 . The shield accessories can include arm shields  160  and/or leg shields  164 , as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , that are similar in many respects to the vests  14  and  16  and the breast plates  26  described above. The arm shields  160  and/or leg shields  164  can provide additional contact points enabling them to be used with the vests  14 ,  16  for practicing multiple types of sports, such as boxing and martial arts. 
     The arm shields  160  and/or leg shields  164 , referred to as shield accessories, can be worn on the upper arms and/or thighs, respective. The arm shields  160  and/or leg shields  164  can provide target pads  58  as described above and can have controllers  188  and transceivers  186  to pair with and communicate with the controllers  132  and transceivers  128  of their respective vest  14  and breast plate  26 . Each shield accessory can include one or more of the electronic elements  182  displayed in the example of  FIG.  12   . The shield accessory electronics  182  can be comprised of the same or different electronic elements as those used in the vest  14  (i.e. controller  132 , light  66 , sensor  62 , power supply  136 , and wireless transceiver  128 ). The shield accessory electronics  182  may be combined on a single circuit board, multiple circuit boards, and/or may be fastened within the arm shield  160  and/or leg shield  164  structures as discrete components. The shield accessory electronics  182  can be powered by a power supply, such as a battery  184  that is integrated within the shield accessory. The battery can be located within a removable cover of the shield accessory to enable a user to replace the battery. 
     In one embodiment, the arm shields  160  and leg shields  164  can include shield lights  192  coupled to shield sensors  190  or shield controllers  188  in the arm shield and leg shield structures. The shield lights  192  can be turned on and off by the shield controller  188  when the target pads  58  on the arm shields  160  or leg shields  164  are contacted or depressed by a user or an opponent, as detected by the shield sensors  190 , and as previously disclosed. The controller  132  of the vest  14 ,  16  or the shield controller  188  can be configured to send a signal to play preprogramed audio through the speaker  130  of a user&#39;s vest  14 , or the user&#39;s opponent&#39;s vest  16  when the target pads on the arm shields  160  and leg shields  164  are depressed or contacted, as detected by the shield sensor  190  in the shield  160 . The audio that is played can be predetermined based on a selected style of game play and the desired message. 
     In one embodiment, the target pads in each shield accessory can be coupled to the shield sensor  190 . When the target pad is depressed, it can be detected at the shield sensor  190 . The shield sensor  188  can send a signal to the shield controller  188  in the shield accessory  160 ,  164 . The shield controller  188  can then send a signal via the shield transceiver  186  to either the first controller  132  in the first wearable vest  14  or the second controller  132  in the second wearable vest  16 . The respective wearable vest can then play a predetermined audio file at the speaker  130  indicating that the target pad of the shield accessory was depressed. In one example, the audio can be associated with a specific shield accessory, or a shield accessory that is worn at a specific location, such as a right arm, left arm, right leg, or left leg shield. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 
     Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), hard drives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry can include hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computer instructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does not include signal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device can include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One or more programs that can implement or utilize the various techniques described herein can use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations. 
     As used herein, the term processor can include general purpose processors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other types of specialized processors, as well as base band processors used in transceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications. 
     It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. 
     In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can be used to implement the functional units described in this specification. For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be used to perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or a second processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can be used to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardware circuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits. 
     Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code can, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but can comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. 
     Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or many instructions, and can even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and can exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable to perform desired functions. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an example” or “exemplary” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example” or the word “exemplary” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defacto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.