Fencing Patents (Class 463/47.1)
  • Patent number: 11141643
    Abstract: A training apparatus for fencing, the training apparatus including: (a) a movement mechanism having an extended state and a retracted state, the movement mechanism adapted to be coupled to a support structure on a first end thereof; (b) a target platform, the target operationally coupled to a second end of the movement mechanism; and (c) a computing component, the computing component electronically coupled to the movement mechanism and configured to control movement of the movement mechanism between the extended state and the retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Miroslav Petigorsky
  • Patent number: 10617929
    Abstract: A wireless system is disclosed for implementing with traditional fencing equipment and a conventional fencing scoring apparatus for eliminating reel cords in a fencing match. The wireless system utilizes a constant voltage applied to each opponent's sword, and a square wave voltage applied to the lame and other equipment of an opponent, such that voltage changes are utilized to detect contact events. The contact events are recorded in each opponent's transmitter (worn by the opponent) and converted to data for transmitting to a common receiver of the wireless system. The wireless system replaces the reel cord that traditionally connects the body cord of each fencing opponent to a scoring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: John F. Gomes
  • Patent number: 10493348
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a scoring system for martial arts with a plurality of zonal areas with a plurality of sensors for determining the location of a strike, and a plurality of proximity sensors distinguish incidental contact from a valid point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Jin Song
  • Patent number: 10272324
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may obtain motion data, obtain audio data, and detect a collision between a handheld device and an object based on the motion data and the audio data. In one example, noise may be removed from the motion data and the audio data to obtain filtered collision data, wherein the object is classified based on the filtered collision data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Steven T. Holmes, Jason Wright
  • Patent number: 9506257
    Abstract: A portable fencing track that is readily assembled and disassembled at different venues includes a series of modular panels disposed adjacent to one another and interconnected to form an elongated central fencing floor. A piste or strip of electrically conductive material is placed and positioned with respect to the elongated central floor, and a perimeter floor is arranged so as to surround the central floor and the piste or strip. A threshold, preferably adjoining each of the modular panels located adjacent to the perimeter flooring, has lateral and end sections overlying adjacent portions of the strip and the perimeter floor, and at least one of the threshold sections defines a channel to receive wiring. Support elements are mounted to each of the floor panels and the perimeter floor to resiliently support the floor panels and the perimeter floor on a base surface and minimize damage over time to the ankles or hips of fencers. A process of assembling the track is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Radical Fencing, LLC
    Inventors: Philippe Bennett, Konstantin Bardakh
  • Patent number: 9358443
    Abstract: A contact sensing device and system includes all the required sensing components, including a capacitive sensor and an elongate portion configured to generate at least one sense signal upon contacting at least one substance. All necessary sensing components are contained in a handheld device and do not require conductive contact surfaces to detect contact with a target area. The sport of fencing benefits in particular from this contact sensing device and system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: MOREHOUSE USE CREATIVE, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Morehouse, Jimmy Chion, Kyle Doerkson, Brennon Williams
  • Publication number: 20150148139
    Abstract: A fencing weapon includes an integrated indicator portion in the guard. The indicator portion can be a light or array of lights to signal valid and invalid touches. The sport of fencing benefits in particular from weapons with this indicator configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Morehouse USA Creative, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Morehouse, Jimmy Chion, Joe Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20150148140
    Abstract: A fencing weapon or piece of sporting equipment includes a diffused indictor light visible through at least one aperture. For the sport of fencing the diffused indictor light can signal valid and invalid touches. Sports equipment benefits in particular from this diffused indictor light configuration to provide instantaneous feedback to the bearer of such equipment, their teammates and competitors, and viewers of play involving such equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Morehouse USA Creative, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Morehouse, Jimmy Chion, Elger Oberwelz, Chris Glastier
  • Patent number: 8876613
    Abstract: A wireless scoring system for a competitive swordplay game is provided, which uses nonmetallic swords with electric touch sensors on blades. Each player carries a mobile touch detector apparatus which transmits wirelessly to scoreboard controller, data packets which indicate fencing touches uniquely identifiable for each player. Scoreboard is controlled by radio remote apparatus provided with buttons labeled “GO” and “STOP”, which when pressed trigger emission of lights of predefined colors by wrist collar, blades of swords and scoreboard. The rules for scoring are programmed in scoreboard controller apparatus which takes decisions to assign the scoring points throughout the swordplay bout. The player who wins a scoring point is indicated by the color of light emitted by blade of sword of the winner. The rules for scoring include a priority-based scoring method to decide the winner of scoring point when both players execute fencing touches simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gheorghe Florea
  • Patent number: 8696422
    Abstract: Devices and systems and methods that can include padded vest and head gear having sensors to be worn by opposing players, for a boxing game and training system and method wherein impacts on the sensors are automatically converted into points on a scoreboard. The sensors can be located on left and right sides of the headgear and on upper and lower portions of the front of the vest of the participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Rafael Santiago
  • Publication number: 20130281217
    Abstract: A wireless scoring system for a competitive swordplay game is provided, which uses nonmetallic swords with electric touch sensors on blades. Each player carries a mobile touch detector apparatus which transmits wirelessly to scoreboard controller, data packets which indicate fencing touches uniquely identifiable for each player. Scoreboard is controlled by radio remote apparatus provided with buttons labeled “GO” and “STOP”, which when pressed trigger emission of lights of predefined colors by wrist collar, blades of swords and scoreboard. The rules for scoring are programmed in scoreboard controller apparatus which takes decisions to assign the scoring points throughout the swordplay bout. The player who wins a scoring point is indicated by the color of light emitted by blade of sword of the winner. The rules for scoring include a priority-based scoring method to decide the winner of scoring point when both players execute fencing touches simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: GHEORGHE FLOREA
  • Patent number: 8485879
    Abstract: A fight analysis system to objectively determine the quality and quantity of strikes in a fight. In one exemplary embodiment, one fighter wears a receiving module having a plurality of passive RFID tags at different locations that are read by a striking module (e.g., a knife) when the striking module lands on, or comes in proximity to, the receiving module, to provide the location of a strike. Force sensors in the striking module enable determination of the type and force of a landed strike. A graphical user interface module displays information gathered by the fight analysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Michael T. Lin, Mitchell Heinrich, Jonathan Thomas, John Pelochino, Akbar Dhanaliwala, Brian Krieger, Felix Dashevsky, Jason McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20130130810
    Abstract: A fencing weapon point assembly (1, 6) for a fencing weapon such as an epee, foil or sabre is provided. At least one of the components of the weapon point assembly is made from a metal or metal alloy having different density to steel. Weapon point assemblies having lighter weight components provide for greater control and thus precision of the weapon during combat. Whereas weapon point assemblies having heavy components provide the blade with a greater ‘whip’ of the weapon point assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Leon Paul Equipment Company Limited
    Inventor: Leon Paul Equipment Company Limited
  • Patent number: 8348770
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the scoring of a fencing match can include a box having first and second fencing cord inputs, an optional third input for connection of the fencing piste, a standardized general-purpose computer output, a power source, and a processing module. The processing module can be in communication with the inputs, outputs, and power source. Further, the processing module can be configured to iteratively apply power to at least a portion of the first fencing cord input and at least a portion of the second fencing cord input at different times. The processing module can also be configured to check for fencing-relevant completed circuits between the fencing cord inputs. Even further, the processing module can output raw data regarding the completed circuits through the standardized general-purpose computer output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Shawn Hart
  • Publication number: 20120028721
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for adding tactile signaling to the electronic scoring equipment used in the sport of fencing. The tactile signaling introduced by this invention is intended to complement, not replace, existing electronic fencing scoring systems and the signals that are already employed to indicate touches, both optical and auditory (i.e. lights and a bell or buzzer, respectively). The system here would receive indication that a touch had been scored from an existing scoring system. Signals would be transmitted wirelessly to a unit on or near the director's person. Tactile signaling would be accomplished by a pair of offset motors attached to each of the director's hands (or wrists or arms). When the fencer to the director's right scores a touch, the right motor would vibrate. When the fencer to the director's left scores a touch, the left motor would vibrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Wayne E. Johnson, Jennifer McFerran Brock
  • Publication number: 20120010002
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the scoring of a fencing match can include a box having first and second fencing cord inputs, an optional third input for connection of the fencing piste, a standardized general-purpose computer output, a power source, and a processing module. The processing module can be in communication with the inputs, outputs, and power source. Further, the processing module can be configured to iteratively apply power to at least a portion of the first fencing cord input and at least a portion of the second fencing cord input at different times. The processing module can also be configured to check for fencing-relevant completed circuits between the fencing cord inputs. Even further, the processing module can output raw data regarding the completed circuits through the standardized general-purpose computer output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Shawn Hart
  • Patent number: 8075409
    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'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'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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Branimir Zivkovic
  • Patent number: 8021281
    Abstract: An electronic scoring system for use in a variety of martial arts (including traditional styles of martial arts, mixed martial arts, weapons based martial arts or the fighting arts generally). The scoring system allows an objective determination of the force, location and effectiveness of forces applied during competition, without the need for electric weaponry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: Nedsyp Nominees Pty Ltd, Zatara Nominees Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Justin Forsell, David Pysden
  • Publication number: 20090156316
    Abstract: A device to activate a timer integrated into, or attached to, an electronic fencing apparatus whereby the fencers themselves may activate the timer with their fencing equipment, eliminating the need for an official, thereby facilitating training. Upon activation, the device will wait an unpredictable amount of time before starting the timer, preventing competitors from anticipating when the event will begin, which facilitates a fair competition. When a third party is present and able to activate the timer, the unpredictable delay also eliminates intentional or unintentional unfairness on the part of the third party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Todd Rutledge Brown
  • Patent number: 6743151
    Abstract: An improved sensor is mounted at the tip of the blade of either foil or epee for scoring during fencing competition. The sensor transforms axial force, and optionally radial force, into changes in electrical resistance in one, or optionally two circuits. The resistance change is transformed into voltage change by a voltage divider circuit. The voltage is converted to a digital measurement by an analog-to-digital converter and compared to a reference value by a digital control element, such as a microprocessor. Push-button calibration is achieved by storing the reference value resulting from the force produced by gravity acting on a standard mass. When both radial and axial force components are sensed, the angle of the force relative to the axis of the sensor (and blade) can be computed and used to qualify the validity of the touché. A scoring box adapter performs the sensing and calibrating functions and provides signals for the inputs of scoring boxes and other equipment of prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Edward J. Riggs, Paul M. Pappas
  • Patent number: 6612968
    Abstract: Equipment for practicing sport fencing in all its forms and without wires, including a weapon and a protective mask. The weapon comprises a blade with a grip, both formed as a single piece of molded plastic with a longitudinal through hole via which a touch-detection unit housed in a seat in the tip of the blade and a touch-signalling unit housed in a receptacle in the grip are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nasycon s.a.a. di Alvaro Nicolino & C.
    Inventor: Nicolino Alvaro
  • Patent number: 6575837
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a fencing game. The apparatus contains optical electronics disposed in an internal space. The optical electronics operate to emit light, detect optical signals and provide electrical signals corresponding to detected optical signals. A transmitter is provided for transmitting the electrical signals to a first location for displaying a number of touches obtained by a user of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a blade attached to the handle having a base portion coupled to the optical electronics, a translucent tip portion, and a conduit between the base portion and the translucent tip, for conveying light between the translucent tip portion and the optical electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy J. Weske, Steven Leroy Karman
  • Patent number: 6357746
    Abstract: A gaming chip with built-in timer includes a circular cylindrical body with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a continuous sidewall. Additionally, the gaming chip with built-in timer may have a diameter and a thickness that are approximately the same as the diameter and thickness of a standard sized casino gaming chip, which may allow it to be stored in a standard size chip tray. Incorporated into the body of the gaming chip may be a timer, a start button, a stop button, and a reset button. During use, a single gaming chip with built-in timer may be used to mark a seat vacated by a gambler on a break. If more than one gambler vacates his or her seat during a break more than one gaming chip with built-in timer may be used to reserve the empty seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Craig Sadowski