U.S. patent application number 10/193005 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-15 for scoring device for fighting sports.
Invention is credited to Lovison, Douglas.
Application Number | 20040009851 10/193005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30114449 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040009851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lovison, Douglas |
January 15, 2004 |
Scoring device for fighting sports
Abstract
A scoring device that can be worn by a participant during a
fighting competition to indicate hits to a target area on the
participant includes a base shirt and a chest pad. The chest pad is
bonded to the base shirt and is made of an elastomeric material to
absorb impact energy and thereby protect the participant's chest
from opponent blows. A solid, elastomeric target is removably
attached to the chest pad using a hook and loop fastening system. A
sensor is embedded in the elastomeric target to produce an
electrical signal when the target is hit. An indicator responsive
to the electrical signal, such as a light or horn, is provided to
notify the participants each time the target is hit. A counter can
be connected to the sensor to register the number of times the
target is hit.
Inventors: |
Lovison, Douglas; (Cardiff,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NEIL K. NYDEGGER
NYDEGGER & ASSOCIATES
348 Olive Street
San Diego
CA
92103
US
|
Family ID: |
30114449 |
Appl. No.: |
10/193005 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/84 ;
482/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/004 20130101;
A63B 71/12 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 69/32 20130101;
A63B 71/0605 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B 2071/1208
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/84 ;
482/83 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/34; A63B
069/32 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A scoring device for indicating hits to a predetermined target
area on a participant in a fighting competition, said scoring
device comprising: a base shirt; a chest pad made of an elastomeric
material, said chest pad attached to said base shirt; a target made
of an elastomeric material for attachment to said chest pad; a
sensor for sensing hits to said target; and an indicating means
responsive to said sensor for indicating hits to said target.
2. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a hook
and loop fastening system to removably attach said target to said
chest pad.
3. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said base shirt
comprises a front upper portion and a back portion and wherein said
chest pad is formed with a front portion for attachment to said
front upper portion of said base shirt and a rear portion for
attachment to said back portion of said base shirt and wherein said
target is attached to said front portion of said chest pad and said
scoring device further comprises a rear target attached to said
rear portion of said chest pad.
4. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said sensor is
embedded in said target.
5. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said sensor
comprises two conductors embedded in said target for contacting
each other in response to a hit.
6. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicating
means comprises a light.
7. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicating
means comprises an LED readout.
8. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicating
means produces an audible signal to indicate hits to said
target.
9. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
counting means responsive to said sensor to count the number of
hits to said target.
10. A scoring device as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicating
means comprises a radio-frequency transmitter to transmit a signal
in response to said sensor, a receiver to receive said signal, and
an indicator to provide an indication in response to said receiver
receiving said signal.
11. A scoring device for indicating hits to a predetermined target
area on a participant in a fighting competition, said scoring
device comprising: a target made of an elastomeric material for
attachment to the participant to cover the predetermined target
area; a pad of elastomeric material for attachment to the
participant to at least partially surround said target with said
pad of elastomeric material; a sensor for sensing hits to said
target; and an indicating means responsive to said sensor for
indicating hits to said target.
12. A scoring device as recited in claim 11 further comprising a
hook and loop fastening system to removably attach said target to
said pad.
13. A scoring device as recited in claim 11 further comprising a
base shirt attached to said pad.
14. A scoring device as recited in claim 11 wherein said sensor is
embedded in said target.
15. A scoring device as recited in claim 11 wherein said indicating
means produces a visually observable indication.
16. A scoring device as recited in claim 11 wherein said indicating
means produces an audible indication.
17. A method for scoring hits to a predetermined target area on a
participant in a fighting competition, said method comprising the
steps of: attaching an elastomeric target and a sensor to a shirt,
said sensor for changing states in response to a target hit;
positioning said shirt on said participant to locate said target
over said predetermined target area; and activating an indicator in
response to a change of state of said sensor to indicate a hit to
said target.
18. A method as recited in claim 17 further comprising the step of
attaching a pad of elastomeric material to said shirt to at least
partially surround said target with said pad of elastomeric
material to protect the participant from injuries due to opponent
mishits.
19. A method as recited in claim 18 wherein a hook and loop
fastening system is used to removably attach said target to said
pad.
20. A method as recited in claim 17 further comprising the step of
embedding said sensor in said target.
21. A method as recited in claim 17 further comprising the step of
electronically counting the number of hits over a predetermined
period.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains generally to sports
equipment. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a
scoring device that can be worn by participants during a fighting
competition. The present invention is particularly, but not
exclusively, useful as a scoring device for a martial arts
competition that is capable of indicating or recording hits to a
target area on a participant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Referees are often used to score fighting sports including
martial arts competitions. In many of these competitions, the
referee awards points to participants for "clean hits" to target
areas on the body such as the head, neck or chest. In some
competitions, a referee must decide whether a hit to a padded area
on an opponent would be fatal if it had occurred in the absence of
padding. Generally, one point is given for each clean or "fatal"
hit, and the referee must keep track of the number of points
awarded to each participant. Unfortunately, there are several
drawbacks associated with the use of referees to score fighting
competitions. For one, the use of a human referee to score each
"clean hit" is subjective. Stated another way, different referees
may score the same hit differently. Another problem associated with
the use of referees is that the referee may miss many of the hits
due to the fast nature of the various fighting sports.
Additionally, the referee may fail to register a hit due to the
fact that the referee is not always positioned at an adequate
vantage point to see each and every hit.
[0003] In addition to the inherent inaccuracy of referees, it is
also generally expensive to use a referee. Although high-level
competitions can often justify the expense of a referee, there are
many other situations in which participants may wish to have a
sparring or practice session scored without the expense and
logistic effort that is required to find and use a qualified
referee. Of course, the participants themselves could be used to
score the contest, but the disadvantages associated with this type
of scoring are obvious and many.
[0004] To mitigate some or all of the drawbacks associated with the
use of referees, scoring devices can be used. In this regard,
several factors must be considered when contemplating the use of a
scoring target to measure hits in a fighting competition. Of utmost
importance, of course, is the safety of the participants. Specific
injuries that must be prevented include: injuries to the
participant hitting the scoring target and injuries to the
participant wearing the scoring target, to include injuries that
may occur when a participant "misses" with a hit and strikes an
area adjacent to the scoring target.
[0005] In addition to satisfying the various safety considerations,
the scoring device must not interfere with the competition. With
this in mind, a lightweight scoring device is generally desired.
Furthermore, a desirable scoring device is a device that is capable
of being positioned on the participant in a manner wherein the
participant's range of motion is not restricted. Also, a desirable
scoring device would have a target that is secured to the
participant at a predetermined target area, such as the center of
the participant's chest. Moreover, it is desirable to prevent
movement of the scoring target from the predetermined target area
to allow the opponent to predict the location of the target.
[0006] In light of the above, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a scoring device for a fighting competition
that overcomes the subjective, non-uniform nature of referee
scoring. Another object of the present invention is to provide a
scoring device for a fighting competition that can be used without
causing injuring to either participant. It is yet another object of
the present invention to provide a scoring device for a fighting
competition that is capable of indicating or recording hits to a
target area on a participant. Still another object of the present
invention is to provide a scoring device for a fighting competition
that does not hinder or interfere with the movements of the
participants. Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a scoring device that distinguishes between relatively
light hits and those hits that would most likely be fatal if an
unpadded opponent was subjected to the hit. It is still another
object of the present invention to provide a scoring device for a
fighting competition that is easy to use, relatively simple to
manufacture and comparatively cost effective.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0007] The present invention is directed to a scoring device that
can be worn by a participant during a fighting competition to
indicate or record hits to a target area on the participant. In
accordance with the present invention, the scoring device includes
a base shirt, a chest pad and a target. In functional overview,
each participant wears a scoring device in place of a standard
shirt during a competition, with the object of the competition
being to hit the opposing participant's target. When the target is
hit, an indicator that can include but is not limited to, a light
or bell is temporarily activated. If desired, the hit can be
recorded on a counter.
[0008] In greater structural detail, the scoring device preferably
includes a sleeveless base shirt made of a relatively lightweight
fabric. The shirt is preferably sleeveless to prevent the shirt
from interfering with the participant's range of motion. Like a
standard, sleeveless pullover shirt, the shirt for the present
invention includes an opening for each arm and an opening for the
participant's head and neck. As intended for the present invention,
the shirt also includes a front portion having an upper front
portion for covering the participant's chest, and may contain a
lower portion for covering the participant's stomach. In a
particular embodiment of the present invention, the upper front
portion of the shirt also covers the front of the participant's
shoulders. Additionally, the shirt includes a back portion for
covering the participant's back including the rear portion of the
participant's shoulders. The shirt can be further characterized as
having an inner surface that faces the participant's skin when the
shirt is worn and an opposed outer surface.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, the chest pad is
attached to the outer surface of the shirt to cover the upper front
portion of the shirt. Preferably, the chest pad is made of an
elastomeric material to absorb impact energy and thereby protect
the participant's chest from opponent blows. Suitable elastomeric
material for the chest pad can include, but is not limited to,
natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane foam and other materials
known in the pertinent art that have shock attenuating properties
similar to, or better than, natural rubber.
[0010] In greater structural detail, the chest pad is formed with
an inner surface for contact with the shirt and an outer surface.
In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the inner
surface of the chest pad is molded onto the shirt to thereby bond
the chest pad to the shirt. Alternatively, a suitable adhesive can
be used to bond the chest pad to the shirt. If desired, a texture
can be formed in the outer surface of the chest plate to further
promote the absorption of impact energy. Importantly, the chest pad
is formed with an attachment area, free of surface texture, to
allow the target to be attached to the chest pad. Preferably, the
attachment area is located at the center of the chest pad. More
specifically, with the chest pad attached to the base shirt, the
attachment area is located approximately midway between the shirt
openings that are provided for the participant's arms and directly
below the hole that is provided for the participant's head and
neck.
[0011] For the present invention, the target is attached to the
chest pad at the attachment area. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a hook and loop fastening system is used to
removably attach the target to the chest pad. Use of the hook and
loop fastening system accommodates a competition in which a point
is awarded for successfully removing and capturing an opponent's
target. In greater structural detail, the target is preferably
shaped as a solid elliptical dome having an elliptical base and is
made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane foam.
Typically, the elliptical base of the target will have a major axis
and a minor axis that are approximately 4.5 and 3.0 inches
respectively.
[0012] In accordance with the present invention, a sensor is
embedded in the elastomeric target to produce an electrical signal
when the target is hit. In a particular embodiment of the present
invention, the sensor includes two electrical contacts that are
embedded in the elastomeric material and spaced apart at a
predetermined distance. The contacts are each electrically
connected to an electrical circuit that includes a battery and a
radio-frequency transmitter. When the target is hit, the
elastomeric material compresses and causes the contacts to touch
each other and close the electrical circuit. This closing of the
electrical circuit activates the transmitter causing the
transmitter to broadcast a radio-frequency signal.
[0013] The scoring device can also include a remote
receiver/indicator assembly that can include a receiver for
receiving the radio frequency signal, an indicator, a power supply
such as a battery and an electrical circuit. The remote
receiver/indicator assembly can be positioned away from the
participants, for example at ringside, and is configured to provide
an indication in response to the receipt of a radio-frequency
signal from the transmitter. Typical indicators for use in the
present invention can include, but are not limited to, indicator
light(s), audible indicators such as a bell or buzzer, LED readouts
or any other type of indicator known in the pertinent art. If
desired, a counter can be incorporated in the electrical circuit to
register each indication and thereby count the number of target
hits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scoring
device in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sleeveless shirt suitable
for use in the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a chest pad suitable for use
in the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a chest pad and target as seen
along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a target suitable for use in
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side, plan view of a target showing typical
dimensions for a target that are suitable for use in the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top, plan view of a target showing typical
dimensions for a target that are suitable for use in the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic of a sensor/indicator
assembly suitable for use in a particular embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic of a sensor/transmitter
assembly suitable for use in an alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of a receiver/indicator
assembly suitable for use in the alternative embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an extended chest pad
having a rear portion that includes a triangularly shaped
target.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a scoring device that can be
worn by a participant during a fighting competition to indicate or
record hits to a target area on the participant is shown and
generally designated 10. As shown, the scoring device 10 can
include a base shirt 12, chest pad 14 and a target 16. In use, one
or more participants each don a scoring device 10 and thereafter
participate in a competition wherein at least one other participant
attempts to hit the target 16, detach the target 16 from the chest
pad 14, or both. As detailed further below, the scoring device 10
includes a mechanism to detect a hit to the target 16 and provide
an indication to the participants of the detected hit.
[0027] As best seen with reference to FIG. 2, the base shirt 12 can
be sleeveless and is preferably made of a relatively lightweight
fabric. The use of a sleeveless base shirt 12 prevents the base
shirt 12 from interfering with the participant's range of motion,
specifically arm movement. As shown in FIG. 2, the base shirt 12
can be styled similar to a standard, sleeveless pullover shirt, if
desired. Continuing with FIG. 2, it can be seen that the base shirt
12 for the present invention includes an opening 18, 20 for each
arm and an opening 22 for the participant's head and neck. It can
be further seen that the base shirt 12 includes a front portion 24
having an upper front portion 26 for covering the participant's
chest, and may contain a lower front portion 28 for covering the
participant's stomach. It is to be appreciated that when a
participant wears the base shirt 12 depicted in FIG. 2, the upper
front portion 26 of the base shirt 12 also covers the front of the
participant's shoulders. Also shown, the base shirt 12 includes a
back portion 30 for covering the participant's back including the
rear portion of the participant's shoulders. The base shirt 12 can
be further characterized as having an inner surface 32 that faces
the participant's skin when the base shirt 12 is worn, and an
opposed outer surface 34.
[0028] With cross-reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that
the chest pad 14 is attached to the outer surface 34 of the base
shirt 12 to cover the upper front portion 26 of the base shirt 12.
Preferably, the chest pad 14 is made of an elastomeric material to
absorb impact energy and thereby protect the participant's chest
from opponent blows. Suitable elastomeric materials for the chest
pad 14 include but are not limited to natural or synthetic rubber,
open and closed cell foams to include polyurethane foam, and other
materials known in the pertinent art that have shock attenuating
properties similar to, or better than, natural rubber.
[0029] As best seen with cross-reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the
chest pad 14 is formed with an inner surface 36 for contact with
the base shirt 12 (shown in FIG. 1) and an outer surface 38. In a
particular embodiment of the present invention, the chest pad 14 is
molded onto the base shirt 12 to thereby bond the inner surface 36
of the chest pad 14 to the base shirt 12. Alternatively, a suitable
adhesive (not shown) can be used to bond the chest pad 14 to the
base shirt 12. As best seen in FIG. 4, the outer surface 38 of the
chest pad 14 can be formed with an optional texture that can
include a plurality of raised surfaces 40 to further promote that
absorption of impact energy. As best seen in FIG. 3, the chest pad
14 is formed with an attachment area 42, which can be oval shaped
and free of surface texture, to provide a location for the target
16 (shown in FIG. 1) to be attached to the chest pad 14. In a
particular embodiment of the present invention, the attachment area
42 is located at the center of the chest pad 14. More specifically,
by comparing FIGS. 1 and 3 it can be seen that with the chest pad
14 attached to the base shirt 12, the attachment area 42 is located
approximately midway between the shirt openings 18, 20 that are
provided for the participant's arms and directly below the opening
22 that is provided for the participant's head and neck. This
location for the target 16 is chosen so that an attack will
simulate the crushing or tearing of an opponent's throat.
[0030] Comparing FIGS. 1 and 3, it can be seen that the target 16
is attached to the chest pad 14 at the attachment area 42. A better
appreciation for a typical target 16 for use in the present
invention can be obtained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. As
shown, the target 16 can include a solid elliptical dome portion 44
that extends from an elliptical base 46. Preferably, the dome
portion 44 is made of an elastomeric material to absorb impact
energy and thereby protect the participant's chest from opponent
blows. Suitable elastomeric materials for the target 16 include but
are not limited to natural or synthetic rubber, open and closed
cell foams to include polyurethane foam, and other materials known
in the pertinent art that have shock attenuating properties similar
to, or better than, natural rubber. The elliptical base 46 can also
be made from an elastomeric material or the elliptical base 46 can
be made of a harder material such as plastic. When the elliptical
base 46 is made from an elastomeric material, it is to be
appreciated that the entire target 16 can be of one-piece
construction.
[0031] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the dimensions of a
typical target 16 for use in the present invention can be seen.
Specifically, as shown, the elliptical base 46 of the target 16 has
a major axis 48 and a minor axis 50. As further shown, the target
16 can be characterized as having a thickness 52. In a particular
embodiment of the present invention, a target 16 having a major
axis 48 of approximately 4.5 inches and a minor axis 50 of
approximately 3.0 inches and a thickness 52 of approximately 1.25
inches is used. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the shapes and sizes outlined above are merely exemplary and
that other shapes and sizes for the target 16 can be used without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0032] As best seen in FIG. 4, a hook and loop fastening system 54
is preferably used to removably attach the target 16 to the chest
pad 14. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a
plurality of small hooks 56 (see FIG. 6) are fastened to the target
16 and a plurality of small loops 58 are fastened to the chest pad
14 at the attachment area 42 (see FIG. 3). Use of the hook and loop
fastening system 54 accommodates a competition in which a point is
awarded for successfully removing and capturing an opponent's
target 16.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that in one
embodiment of the present invention, a sensor/indicator assembly 60
is embedded in the elastomeric portion of the target 16 to produce
an indication when the target 16 is hit. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary
sensor/indicator assembly 60 that can include a sensor 62, an
indicator 64, a power supply 66 such as a battery and an electrical
circuit 68. In a particular embodiment of the present invention,
the sensor 62 can include two electrical contacts 70, 72 that are
spaced apart at a predetermined distance. When the target 16 is
hit, the elastomeric target 16 compresses and causes the contacts
70, 72 to touch each other and close the electrical circuit 68.
This closing of the electrical circuit 68 activates the indicator
64. Typical indicators for use in the present invention can
include, but are not limited to, indicator light(s), audible
indicators such as a bell or buzzer, LED readouts or any other type
of indicator known in the pertinent art.
[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, a
sensor/transmitter assembly 60' is embedded in the elastomeric
portion of the target 16 to produce a radio-frequency signal when
the target 16 is hit. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary sensor/transmitter
assembly 60' that can include a sensor 62', a power supply 66' such
as a battery, a radio-frequency transmitter 74 and an electrical
circuit 68'. Like the embodiment described above, the sensor 62'
can include two electrical contacts 70', 72' that are spaced apart
at a predetermined distance. When the target 16 is hit, the
elastomeric target 16 compresses and causes the contacts 70', 72'
to touch each other and close the electrical circuit 68'. This
closing of the electrical circuit 68' activates the radio-frequency
transmitter 74 causing the transmitter 74 to broadcast a
radio-frequency signal.
[0035] For this embodiment, a receiver/indicator assembly 76, such
as the exemplary receiver/indicator assembly 76 shown in FIG. 10 is
preferably provided to receive the radio-frequency signal and
generate an indication in response thereto. As shown, the
receiver/indicator assembly 76 can include a receiver 78 for
receiving the radio-frequency signal, an indicator 80, a power
supply 82 such as a battery and an electrical circuit 84. An
optional counter 86 can be incorporated in the receiver/indicator
assembly 76 to register each indication and thereby count the
number of hits to the target 16. The receiver/indicator assembly 76
can be positioned on the participant or can be remotely positioned
from the participants, for example at ringside.
[0036] It is contemplated by the present invention that two or more
participants may be simultaneously using a scoring device in which
case it will generally be necessary for the receiver/indicator
assembly 76 to respond only to a single associated
sensor/transmitter assembly 60'. As such, each sensor/transmitter
assembly 60' is preferably configured to broadcast a signal that is
distinguishable from signals broadcast by other sensor/transmitter
assemblies 60'. For this purpose, the signals can be distinguished
by frequency, a distinct code can be modulated on each signal, or
any other technique known in the pertinent art to distinguish
signals between transmitters and receivers can be used.
[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in
FIG. 11, the chest pad 14' is extended to include a rear portion 88
that is attached to the upper back portion 30 of the shirt 12
(shirt 12 shown in FIG. 2). As further shown, a triangularly shaped
rear target 16' is attached to the extended chest pad 14' at a
location such that when the extended chest pad 14' is attached to
the shirt 12, the rear target 16' is positioned directly below the
participant's neck. For the present invention, the rear target 16'
is preferably permanently affixed to the extended chest pad 14'
(i.e. without a hook and loop fastening system). Like the
elliptical target 16 shown in FIG. 4, a sensor/indicator assembly
60 (see FIG. 8) or a sensor/transmitter assembly 60' is embedded in
the rear target 16'.
[0038] While the particular Scoring Device for Fighting Sports as
herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining
the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it
is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown
other than as described in the appended claims.
* * * * *