US20150148140A1 - Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator - Google Patents
Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150148140A1 US20150148140A1 US13/998,679 US201313998679A US2015148140A1 US 20150148140 A1 US20150148140 A1 US 20150148140A1 US 201313998679 A US201313998679 A US 201313998679A US 2015148140 A1 US2015148140 A1 US 2015148140A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- weapon
- fencing
- fencing weapon
- light
- indicator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/02—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for fencing, e.g. means for indicating hits
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B49/00—Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/20—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 having means, e.g. pockets, netting or adhesive type surfaces, for catching or holding a ball, e.g. for lacrosse or pelota
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/70—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 with bent or angled lower parts for hitting a ball on the ground, on an ice-covered surface, or in the air, e.g. for hockey or hurling
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/22—Field hockey
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/74—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B51/00—Stringing tennis, badminton or like rackets; Strings therefor; Maintenance of racket strings
- A63B51/02—Strings; String substitutes; Products applied on strings, e.g. for protection against humidity or wear
Definitions
- the modern sport of fencing is hundreds of years old. Historically, referees and bout directors awarded points (or touches—where one opponent's weapon blade or tip makes contact with the target area of the other opponent) by visually observing two opponents and determining whether a touch occurred and whether the fencer scoring the touch should be awarded a point based on existing rules.
- the object of saber fencing based on cavalry fencing on horseback, is to score touches by contacting a blade or tip of a fencer's weapon with an opponent's target area (above that opponent's waist including his arms and head).
- the object of foil fencing is to score touches by contacting the tip of a fencer's weapon with an opponent's target area (the opponent's torso).
- the object of epee fencing is to score touches by contacting the tip of a fencer's weapon with an opponent's target area (any part of the opponent's body).
- Each form of modern sport of fencing is very rapid. Often actions, contacts, and target areas are difficult to visually see. Modern fencing weapons are so light that skilled fencers can manipulate them with extreme speed in flurries of action. This speed renders it difficult to determine when touches are scored. Even where several officials are employed to judge a match, visual identification of scoring maneuvers is difficult. Disagreement between officials often occurs, due to the inconsistency in the quality of perspective enjoyed by the various officials. Moreover, judgment by visual observation is a subjective criterion, and the acuity of vision may vary among officials, and even in the same official.
- FIG. 1 depicts the current state of the art fencing scoring system.
- Each fencer X, Y holds a weapon 12 , 14 which includes a blade 20 connected to a wire running down each fencer's sleeve (not shown) and connected behind each fencer to a reel wire 24 , 26 affixed to a retractable reel 28 , 30 .
- Each fencer X, Y wears a jacket 21 , 22 which can be made of a conductive material, a mask 30 which can be made of conductive material, and a wire 31 connecting the mask to the jacket 21 .
- the terminal of the reel wire 24 , 26 is also connected electrically to the fencer's jacket 21 , 22 .
- Each reel 28 , 30 is connected to an electrical scoring apparatus 10 that has indicators Wx, Cx, Wy, Cy which alternately illuminate to indicate a touch. If the weapon being fenced is saber, then when fencer Y in FIG. 1 contacts fencer X with any portion of the blade 20 of weapon 14 on a conductive area of either jacket 22 or mask 33 , a circuit connects and indicator light Wy indicates fencer A scored a touch. A referee or director D will use this information and his or her visualization of the action to decide whether fender Y's touch should be awarded a point.
- Foil fencing includes a similar configuration to the saber configuration of FIG. 1 , except each fencer X, Y hold a foil and jackets 21 , 22 have a conductive target area comprising the fencer's torso.
- a valid touch signal in foil includes the breaking of a first circuit and completing a second.
- a foil has a movable contact on its tip, which is depressed whenever the tip 16 touches an object, breaking the first electrical circuit.
- Each contestant wears a vest-like garment which covers the valid target portion of his body.
- the vest has a conductive surface, and is connected in a second circuit between the electrical scoring apparatus 10 and the opponent's foil.
- the movable contact on each foil is itself conductive.
- Epee fencing includes a similar configuration to the saber configuration of FIG. 1 , except each fencer X, Y hold an epee and wear a jacket 21 , 22 that need not include a conductive area.
- a touch signal in epee constitutes simply the making of one circuit.
- the movable contact in the epee touch sensor assembly completes the circuit on depression in the course of a touch. Errant touches on the piste 35 or on the opponent's weapon body are not scored. Accordingly, if a fencer's epee tip touches the piste 35 , or his opponent's weapon, the electrical scoring apparatus 10 disables the scoring indicators, preventing the registration of a touch in response to such errant touches.
- the movable contact on the epee tip is conductive as in the case of the foil. It is connected to a portion of the electrical scoring apparatus 10 which, if grounded, prevents actuation of the valid touch indicators.
- the piste 35 is grounded, as is the body of each weapon 12 , 14 , so that errant touches on the weapon body or the piste 35 are not counted as scores.
- a problem associated with the state of the art fencing system is that electrical scoring apparatuses are often difficult to see for fencers and referees who must rapidly turn their attention from the fencing action to observe indicator lights on the apparatus. They can be confusing to spectators who have to associate one color light with each fencer and often are unsure which light represents which fencer. One way to combat this to include indicator lights in a fencer's mask.
- lights or LED arrays situated in a fencers mask illuminate based on control signals from electrical scoring apparatus 10 . Control signals can be sent wirelessly or via a wired connection. Illuminating masks are helpful in that they allow easy viewing when touches are scored by fencers, referees, and observers.
- each fencer is only able to see the mask of the other which indicates a touch scored. They are unable to see the indicator contained in their own mask or may not have a mask that contains indicators. Thus they may have to look to an external scoring apparatus 10 to determine whether they also scored a touch which requires altering a field of view away from the fencing action.
- an external device situated either on the fencers' garments or connected to a socket on the underside of a fencer's weapon guard may emit a signal indicator such as a light or sound.
- a signal indicator such as a light or sound.
- equipment having indicator feedback where presently the equipment for engaging in the play of the sport has none.
- Some examples of such equipment that include no indicator component include tennis rackets, golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, etc.
- the invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing a pattern of apertures in a piece of sporting equipment, for example a fencing weapon.
- the fencing weapon has a guard through which light emits from a diffusive substance that is illuminated by an indicator light or an array of lights.
- a light or array of lights which illuminate the diffusive substance visibly makes clear indication of which fencer made contact and can easily be observed in the course of action during a fencing match.
- the invention achieves this in a first aspect by a fencing weapon which includes a blade portion; a handle; and a guard portion having an integrated indicator device.
- the integrated indicator device further can be an indicator light and in another embodiment it can be an array of indicator lights.
- the indicator light receives a signal from an electrical scoring apparatus and in other embodiments the electrical scoring apparatus is contained within the fencing weapon itself or is located remotely from the fencing weapon.
- Indicator lights can be light emitting diodes and can be recessed below an outer surface of said guard portion to prevent that contacting it with an opponent's weapon or weapon tip will register a valid touch.
- the fencing weapon includes a power source for providing power to the integrated indicator device.
- the fencing weapon comprises a counter for outputting a count of indicator signals and a memory for storing the count.
- the integrated indicator device can include a display for displaying the count.
- the fencing weapon can also include a wireless communication device for receiving at least one indicator signal from at least one other device.
- FIG. 1 depicts a prior art fencing system
- FIG. 2 depicts a first view of a fencing weapon according to the invention
- FIG. 3 depicts a second view in the plane of line A-A from FIG. 2 of a foil or epee according to the invention
- FIG. 4 depicts an alternate configuration of the foil or epee in FIG. 3 according to the invention
- FIG. 5 depicts a second view in the plane of line A-A from FIG. 2 of a saber according to the invention
- FIG. 6 depicts a tennis racket according to the invention
- FIG. 7 depicts a golf club according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 depicts a fencing weapon from the view of the weapon blade extending out of the plane of FIG. 2 toward the observer.
- FIG. 2 depicts a weapon 12 .
- Weapon 12 includes a blade 16 , a handle (not shown), and a guard 46 .
- Blade 16 is conductive, frequently made of steel or any other metal or metal alloy known to one of skill in the art. Blade 16 can also be made from plastic or foam or any other substance, especially when configured for use as practice weapons, or as toys.
- Guard 46 is made of an opaque substance such as metal or plastic or any other substance known in the art. Guard 46 contains a pattern of individual apertures 47 . Apertures 47 allow visible light to pass through guard such that emitted light beneath the apertures 47 will be visible to one observing guard 46 from its front surface (i.e., the portion of guard 46 on the same side as blade 16 ).
- Guard 46 can be electrically grounded or otherwise undetectable when contacted by an opponent's weapon. Apertures 47 can be small enough to prevent false connections from being detected by an opponent's weapon tip or blade. Additionally, apertures 47 can be filled wholly or in part with a substance that will be sense-invisible to an opponent's weapon but still allow transmission of visible light. An example of such a substance is wire mesh. Guard 46 can contain a single aperture 47 or any number of apertures 47 . Apertures 47 can be configured in any pattern, for example, in a pattern which optimizes visibility transmitted light while maintaining the sense-invisibility of guard 46 to an opponent's weapon. Additionally apertures 47 can be configured in a pattern unique to a particular fencer to further allow for personalization and to prevent confusion between weapons. Apertures 47 can extend to the edge of guard 46 and partial apertures such as aperture 48 can also extend to the edge of guard 46 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a foil or epee 12 along plane A-A in FIG. 2 .
- Foil or epee 12 contains blade portion 20 and tip portion 16 which, when depressed on an opponent's target area causes a signal to be sent to at least one indicator light 55 .
- Guard 46 is held in place between blade 20 and handle 61 by affixing mechanism 60 .
- Affixing mechanism 60 can be, for example, a screw terminal of blade portion 20 which screws into a socket within handle 61 .
- indicator light 55 illuminates it produces light which diffusion layer 51 diffuses such that it is visible through at least aperture 47 .
- Diffusion layer 51 can also be configured to diffuse light from indicator light 55 through multiple apertures, i.e., 47 and 49 .
- Diffusion layer 51 can be composed of, for example, a translucent plastic material or any other material known in the art which allows for diffusion or other transmission of visible light.
- indicator lights 55 , 56 , and 57 are individually addressable different colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) and can be configured in an array to deliver a variety of colors of visible light when activated.
- a second array of LEDs 58 can also be individually addressed such that when activated, a first color can be produced by the array of indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 and a second color can be produced by array 58 .
- Diffusion layer 51 can also be configured or composed of materials which allow array 58 to deliver a first color of visible light to aperture 49 and indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 can deliver a second color of visible light to aperture 47 and/or 48 .
- Indicator control mechanism 62 connects to indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 and array 58 by an electrical/signaling connection 63 .
- Indicator control mechanism 62 can include a power source for providing power over electrical/signaling connection 63 .
- indicator control mechanism 62 can be powered by connector 64 connected to wire 65 which draws power and/or receives signal information from a source external to foil or epee 12 .
- indicator control mechanism 62 either generates a signal or relays a signal from connector 64 , it provides power to at least one of indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 and array 58 .
- Indicator control mechanism 62 can also provide a signal containing control information which directs at least one of indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 , and array 58 to emit light, at a particular brightness, color, frequency, and illumination time.
- indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 can be situated within an LED package (not shown), such as a semiconductor package with a control driver and color programming included.
- Cover 53 can be formed of a pad made from a material which is substantially malleable to protect the aforementioned components.
- cover 53 can be formed from a packaging material which substantially encapsulates the aforementioned components or completely envelops them, such as a hard plastic material so that indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 , array 58 , diffusion layer 51 , indicator control mechanism 62 and diffusion layer 51 form a single package.
- diffusion layer can include a reflective surface disposed oppose guard 46 which aids in reflecting light from at least one indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 and array 58 toward at least one of apertures 47 , 48 , and 49 .
- FIG. 4 depicts a configuration of foil or epee 12 as in FIG. 3 , except that raised portion 71 of diffusion layer 51 extends at least partially into aperture 49 to allow guard 46 , aperture 49 and raised portion 71 of diffusion layer 51 to have a substantially planar surface. This may further be useful to prevent ridges from apertures from causing damage to an opponent's weapon or for causing contacts to fail to ground properly on guard 46 . It may further allow better visibility of diffused light emitted beyond guard 46 .
- raised portion 71 may be composed of a different material than diffusion layer 51 .
- the material may be selected to permits the transmittance of at least some visible light from diffusion layer 51 and at least partially fill aperture 49 to, for example, better protect diffusion layer 51 from impact, allow conductance across guard 46 for grounding purposes, or to magnify or enhance diffused light from diffusion layer 51 .
- FIG. 5 depicts a saber 12 along plane A-A in FIG. 2 .
- Saber 12 contains blade portion 20 which, when contacting on an opponent's target area causes a signal to be sent to at least one indicator light 55 .
- Guard 46 includes a parabolic extension portion which protects a fencer's hand along the distance of handle 61 .
- Guard 46 in a saber configuration of FIG. 5 can include an aperture 81 at a location along the extension portion and diffusion layer 51 can extend such that light from array 58 or indicator lights 55 , 56 , 57 may be visible through aperture 81 .
- FIGS. 2-5 can be applied to other sporting equipment as well, including, for example tennis rackets, baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, etc.
- a piece of sporting equipment will have the same at least one aperture, light diffusing portion, and integrated illumination device as in the guard 46 in FIG. 3 and can contain an array composed of multiple apertures in a portion as depicted in FIG. 2 .
- Such lights can provide integrated indicator light feedback to a competitor, an opponent, a teammate, or a spectator to allow for better scoring, training, game play, visibility, and appreciation of the sport.
- FIG. 6 depicts a tennis racket 600 with a handle 601 , a racket frame 602 , and strings 603 .
- Racket frame 602 includes apertures 49 with diffusion portions 51 for diffusing illumination from an integrated indicator illumination device (not shown) which can be, for example, contained within racket frame 602 or handle 601 .
- strings 603 can be diffusion portions 51 such that integrated indicator illumination device can cause strings 603 to diffuse and light so that strings 603 provide indication of an event such as topspin, swing speed, ball contact with a particular portion of racket 600 , etc.
- the invention of FIG. 6 an also apply to squash rackets, racketball rackets, table tennis paddles, badminton rackets, etc.
- FIG. 7 depicts a golf club 700 having a handle portion 701 , a shaft 702 , and a club head 703 for striking a golf ball (i.e., effectuating portion).
- Shaft 702 can contain apertures 49 containing diffusion portions 51 such that integrated indicator illumination device (not shown) provides indication of an event such as topspin, swing speed, ball contact with a particular portion of club head 703 , etc.
- integrated indicator illumination device not shown
- the invention of FIG. 7 can also apply to hockey sticks, baseball bats and other sporting equipment used for striking a target.
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.
Description
- The modern sport of fencing is hundreds of years old. Historically, referees and bout directors awarded points (or touches—where one opponent's weapon blade or tip makes contact with the target area of the other opponent) by visually observing two opponents and determining whether a touch occurred and whether the fencer scoring the touch should be awarded a point based on existing rules. The object of saber fencing, based on cavalry fencing on horseback, is to score touches by contacting a blade or tip of a fencer's weapon with an opponent's target area (above that opponent's waist including his arms and head). The object of foil fencing is to score touches by contacting the tip of a fencer's weapon with an opponent's target area (the opponent's torso). The object of epee fencing, based on first-blood duels, is to score touches by contacting the tip of a fencer's weapon with an opponent's target area (any part of the opponent's body). Each form of modern sport of fencing is very rapid. Often actions, contacts, and target areas are difficult to visually see. Modern fencing weapons are so light that skilled fencers can manipulate them with extreme speed in flurries of action. This speed renders it difficult to determine when touches are scored. Even where several officials are employed to judge a match, visual identification of scoring maneuvers is difficult. Disagreement between officials often occurs, due to the inconsistency in the quality of perspective enjoyed by the various officials. Moreover, judgment by visual observation is a subjective criterion, and the acuity of vision may vary among officials, and even in the same official.
- In the 1970s electronic circuits were used to aid in awarding touches.
FIG. 1 depicts the current state of the art fencing scoring system. Each fencer X, Y holds aweapon blade 20 connected to a wire running down each fencer's sleeve (not shown) and connected behind each fencer to areel wire retractable reel jacket mask 30 which can be made of conductive material, and awire 31 connecting the mask to thejacket 21. The terminal of thereel wire jacket reel electrical scoring apparatus 10 that has indicators Wx, Cx, Wy, Cy which alternately illuminate to indicate a touch. If the weapon being fenced is saber, then when fencer Y inFIG. 1 contacts fencer X with any portion of theblade 20 ofweapon 14 on a conductive area of eitherjacket 22 ormask 33, a circuit connects and indicator light Wy indicates fencer A scored a touch. A referee or director D will use this information and his or her visualization of the action to decide whether fender Y's touch should be awarded a point. When fencer X inFIG. 1 contacts fencer Y with theblade 16 ofsaber 12 on fencer Y's conductive area of eitherjacket 22 ormask 33, a circuit connects and indicator light Wx illuminates. Often both lights Wy and Wx will illuminate and a director or referee will need to determine to which fencer, if any, a touch should be awarded according to the rules of saber fencing. - Foil fencing includes a similar configuration to the saber configuration of
FIG. 1 , except each fencer X, Y hold a foil andjackets tip 16 touches an object, breaking the first electrical circuit. Each contestant wears a vest-like garment which covers the valid target portion of his body. The vest has a conductive surface, and is connected in a second circuit between theelectrical scoring apparatus 10 and the opponent's foil. The movable contact on each foil is itself conductive. When the movable contact of one fencer's foil touches the opponent's conductive vest, the second electrical circuit is completed, and the first circuit is broken, producing a valid touch signal (thus illuminating respective indicator Wx or Wy). An invalid touch in foil is indicated merely by the breaking of the first circuit (thus illuminating respective indicator Cx, Cy), since in an invalid touch, the foil fails to contact the opponent's vest. - Epee fencing includes a similar configuration to the saber configuration of
FIG. 1 , except each fencer X, Y hold an epee and wear ajacket piste 35 or on the opponent's weapon body are not scored. Accordingly, if a fencer's epee tip touches thepiste 35, or his opponent's weapon, theelectrical scoring apparatus 10 disables the scoring indicators, preventing the registration of a touch in response to such errant touches. The movable contact on the epee tip is conductive as in the case of the foil. It is connected to a portion of theelectrical scoring apparatus 10 which, if grounded, prevents actuation of the valid touch indicators. Thepiste 35 is grounded, as is the body of eachweapon piste 35 are not counted as scores. - A problem associated with the state of the art fencing system is that electrical scoring apparatuses are often difficult to see for fencers and referees who must rapidly turn their attention from the fencing action to observe indicator lights on the apparatus. They can be confusing to spectators who have to associate one color light with each fencer and often are unsure which light represents which fencer. One way to combat this to include indicator lights in a fencer's mask. When a touch is scored, lights or LED arrays situated in a fencers mask illuminate based on control signals from
electrical scoring apparatus 10. Control signals can be sent wirelessly or via a wired connection. Illuminating masks are helpful in that they allow easy viewing when touches are scored by fencers, referees, and observers. However, they are often costly and may require after market electronics and batteries in order to function properly. Also, each fencer is only able to see the mask of the other which indicates a touch scored. They are unable to see the indicator contained in their own mask or may not have a mask that contains indicators. Thus they may have to look to anexternal scoring apparatus 10 to determine whether they also scored a touch which requires altering a field of view away from the fencing action. - Alternatively an external device situated either on the fencers' garments or connected to a socket on the underside of a fencer's weapon guard may emit a signal indicator such as a light or sound. These devices are often less costly, however, they are of limited use in that they can easily be misheard and do not offer a convenient vantage for fencers, referees, and observers.
- Further, many other sports could benefit from equipment having indicator feedback where presently the equipment for engaging in the play of the sport has none. Some examples of such equipment that include no indicator component include tennis rackets, golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, etc.
- The invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing a pattern of apertures in a piece of sporting equipment, for example a fencing weapon. The fencing weapon has a guard through which light emits from a diffusive substance that is illuminated by an indicator light or an array of lights. Such a light or array of lights which illuminate the diffusive substance visibly makes clear indication of which fencer made contact and can easily be observed in the course of action during a fencing match.
- The invention achieves this in a first aspect by a fencing weapon which includes a blade portion; a handle; and a guard portion having an integrated indicator device.
- In one embodiment the integrated indicator device further can be an indicator light and in another embodiment it can be an array of indicator lights.
- In one embodiment, the indicator light receives a signal from an electrical scoring apparatus and in other embodiments the electrical scoring apparatus is contained within the fencing weapon itself or is located remotely from the fencing weapon.
- Indicator lights can be light emitting diodes and can be recessed below an outer surface of said guard portion to prevent that contacting it with an opponent's weapon or weapon tip will register a valid touch.
- In one embodiment, the fencing weapon includes a power source for providing power to the integrated indicator device. In another embodiment, the fencing weapon comprises a counter for outputting a count of indicator signals and a memory for storing the count. The integrated indicator device can include a display for displaying the count. The fencing weapon can also include a wireless communication device for receiving at least one indicator signal from at least one other device.
-
FIG. 1 depicts a prior art fencing system; -
FIG. 2 depicts a first view of a fencing weapon according to the invention; -
FIG. 3 depicts a second view in the plane of line A-A fromFIG. 2 of a foil or epee according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 depicts an alternate configuration of the foil or epee inFIG. 3 according to the invention; -
FIG. 5 depicts a second view in the plane of line A-A fromFIG. 2 of a saber according to the invention; -
FIG. 6 depicts a tennis racket according to the invention; -
FIG. 7 depicts a golf club according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 depicts a fencing weapon from the view of the weapon blade extending out of the plane ofFIG. 2 toward the observer. In the present example,FIG. 2 depicts aweapon 12.Weapon 12 includes ablade 16, a handle (not shown), and aguard 46.Blade 16 is conductive, frequently made of steel or any other metal or metal alloy known to one of skill in the art.Blade 16 can also be made from plastic or foam or any other substance, especially when configured for use as practice weapons, or as toys.Guard 46 is made of an opaque substance such as metal or plastic or any other substance known in the art.Guard 46 contains a pattern ofindividual apertures 47.Apertures 47 allow visible light to pass through guard such that emitted light beneath theapertures 47 will be visible to one observingguard 46 from its front surface (i.e., the portion ofguard 46 on the same side as blade 16). -
Guard 46 can be electrically grounded or otherwise undetectable when contacted by an opponent's weapon.Apertures 47 can be small enough to prevent false connections from being detected by an opponent's weapon tip or blade. Additionally,apertures 47 can be filled wholly or in part with a substance that will be sense-invisible to an opponent's weapon but still allow transmission of visible light. An example of such a substance is wire mesh.Guard 46 can contain asingle aperture 47 or any number ofapertures 47.Apertures 47 can be configured in any pattern, for example, in a pattern which optimizes visibility transmitted light while maintaining the sense-invisibility ofguard 46 to an opponent's weapon. Additionally apertures 47 can be configured in a pattern unique to a particular fencer to further allow for personalization and to prevent confusion between weapons.Apertures 47 can extend to the edge ofguard 46 and partial apertures such asaperture 48 can also extend to the edge ofguard 46. -
FIG. 3 depicts a foil orepee 12 along plane A-A inFIG. 2 . Foil orepee 12 containsblade portion 20 andtip portion 16 which, when depressed on an opponent's target area causes a signal to be sent to at least oneindicator light 55.Guard 46 is held in place betweenblade 20 and handle 61 by affixingmechanism 60. Affixingmechanism 60 can be, for example, a screw terminal ofblade portion 20 which screws into a socket withinhandle 61. When indicator light 55 illuminates it produces light whichdiffusion layer 51 diffuses such that it is visible through at leastaperture 47.Diffusion layer 51 can also be configured to diffuse light from indicator light 55 through multiple apertures, i.e., 47 and 49.Diffusion layer 51 can be composed of, for example, a translucent plastic material or any other material known in the art which allows for diffusion or other transmission of visible light. Alternatively indicator lights 55, 56, and 57 are individually addressable different colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) and can be configured in an array to deliver a variety of colors of visible light when activated. Further, a second array ofLEDs 58 can also be individually addressed such that when activated, a first color can be produced by the array of indicator lights 55, 56, 57 and a second color can be produced byarray 58.Diffusion layer 51 can also be configured or composed of materials which allowarray 58 to deliver a first color of visible light toaperture 49 andindicator lights aperture 47 and/or 48. -
Indicator control mechanism 62 connects toindicator lights array 58 by an electrical/signaling connection 63.Indicator control mechanism 62 can include a power source for providing power over electrical/signaling connection 63. Alternativelyindicator control mechanism 62 can be powered byconnector 64 connected to wire 65 which draws power and/or receives signal information from a source external to foil orepee 12. Whenindicator control mechanism 62 either generates a signal or relays a signal fromconnector 64, it provides power to at least one of indicator lights 55, 56, 57 andarray 58.Indicator control mechanism 62 can also provide a signal containing control information which directs at least one of indicator lights 55, 56, 57, andarray 58 to emit light, at a particular brightness, color, frequency, and illumination time. Alternatively indicator lights 55, 56, 57 can be situated within an LED package (not shown), such as a semiconductor package with a control driver and color programming included. - Indicator lights 55, 56, 57,
array 58,diffusion layer 51, andindicator control mechanism 62 components are protected from damage by covered 53.Cover 53 can be formed of a pad made from a material which is substantially malleable to protect the aforementioned components. Alternatively, cover 53 can be formed from a packaging material which substantially encapsulates the aforementioned components or completely envelops them, such as a hard plastic material so that indicator lights 55, 56, 57,array 58,diffusion layer 51,indicator control mechanism 62 anddiffusion layer 51 form a single package. Further, diffusion layer can include a reflective surface disposed opposeguard 46 which aids in reflecting light from at least one indicator lights 55, 56, 57 andarray 58 toward at least one ofapertures FIG. 4 depicts a configuration of foil orepee 12 as inFIG. 3 , except that raisedportion 71 ofdiffusion layer 51 extends at least partially intoaperture 49 to allowguard 46,aperture 49 and raisedportion 71 ofdiffusion layer 51 to have a substantially planar surface. This may further be useful to prevent ridges from apertures from causing damage to an opponent's weapon or for causing contacts to fail to ground properly onguard 46. It may further allow better visibility of diffused light emitted beyondguard 46. Alternatively, raisedportion 71 may be composed of a different material thandiffusion layer 51. The material may be selected to permits the transmittance of at least some visible light fromdiffusion layer 51 and at least partially fillaperture 49 to, for example, better protectdiffusion layer 51 from impact, allow conductance acrossguard 46 for grounding purposes, or to magnify or enhance diffused light fromdiffusion layer 51. -
FIG. 5 depicts asaber 12 along plane A-A inFIG. 2 .Saber 12 containsblade portion 20 which, when contacting on an opponent's target area causes a signal to be sent to at least oneindicator light 55.Guard 46 includes a parabolic extension portion which protects a fencer's hand along the distance ofhandle 61.Guard 46 in a saber configuration ofFIG. 5 can include anaperture 81 at a location along the extension portion anddiffusion layer 51 can extend such that light fromarray 58 orindicator lights aperture 81. - The examples in
FIGS. 2-5 can be applied to other sporting equipment as well, including, for example tennis rackets, baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, etc. Such a piece of sporting equipment will have the same at least one aperture, light diffusing portion, and integrated illumination device as in theguard 46 inFIG. 3 and can contain an array composed of multiple apertures in a portion as depicted inFIG. 2 . Such lights can provide integrated indicator light feedback to a competitor, an opponent, a teammate, or a spectator to allow for better scoring, training, game play, visibility, and appreciation of the sport.FIG. 6 depicts atennis racket 600 with ahandle 601, aracket frame 602, and strings 603.Racket frame 602 includesapertures 49 withdiffusion portions 51 for diffusing illumination from an integrated indicator illumination device (not shown) which can be, for example, contained withinracket frame 602 or handle 601. Alternatively, strings 603 can bediffusion portions 51 such that integrated indicator illumination device can causestrings 603 to diffuse and light so thatstrings 603 provide indication of an event such as topspin, swing speed, ball contact with a particular portion ofracket 600, etc. The invention ofFIG. 6 an also apply to squash rackets, racketball rackets, table tennis paddles, badminton rackets, etc. -
FIG. 7 depicts agolf club 700 having ahandle portion 701, ashaft 702, and aclub head 703 for striking a golf ball (i.e., effectuating portion).Shaft 702 can containapertures 49 containingdiffusion portions 51 such that integrated indicator illumination device (not shown) provides indication of an event such as topspin, swing speed, ball contact with a particular portion ofclub head 703, etc. The invention ofFIG. 7 can also apply to hockey sticks, baseball bats and other sporting equipment used for striking a target. - While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (26)
1. A fencing weapon comprising:
a blade portion;
a handle; and
a guard portion, wherein said guard portion further comprises at least one aperture, a light diffusing portion and at least one integrated indicator illumination device.
2. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein the at least one integrated indicator illumination device further comprises at least one indicator light.
3. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein the at least one integrated indicator illumination device further comprises an array of indicator lights.
4. The fencing weapon of claim 3 , wherein said at array of indicator lights can be programmed to output at least two of colors of visible light.
5. The fencing weapon of claim 3 , wherein said array of indicator lights can illuminate a light diffusing portion such that a first color is visible through a first of said at least one aperture and a second color is visible through a second of said at least one aperture.
6. The fencing weapon of claim 2 , wherein the at least one indicator light further comprises an input for receipt of a signal from an electrical scoring apparatus to turn on or to turn off.
7. The fencing weapon of claim 6 , wherein said electrical scoring apparatus connects to said at least one indicator light by at least one wire connected to said fencing weapon.
8. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein said light diffusing portion further comprises a diffusive substance.
9. The fencing weapon of claim 8 , wherein said plastic diffusive substance further comprises a plastic with adequate hardness to prevent breaking during fencing action.
10. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein said light diffusing portion and at least one integrated indicator illumination device are substantially covered by a cover.
11. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein said light diffusion portion substantially encapsulates said at least one integrated indicator illumination device.
12. The fencing weapon of claim 10 , wherein said cover further comprises at least one reflective surface for reflecting light from said at least one integrated indicator illumination device toward said at least one aperture.
13. The fencing weapon of claim 2 , wherein said at least one indicator light further comprises at least one light emitting diode.
14. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture and said light diffusion portion further comprise a coating material which prevents that contacting said at least one aperture or said light diffusion portion with an opponent's weapon or weapon tip will register a valid touch.
15. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein the fencing weapon further comprises a power source for providing power to said integrated illumination device.
16. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said light diffusing portion extends into said at least one aperture.
17. The fencing weapon of claim 1 , wherein said at least one aperture is at least partially filled by a light transmitting substance.
18. A fencing weapon guard comprising:
a first layer comprising a guard containing at least one aperture,
a second layer disposed next to said guard comprising a light diffusing portion,
at least one integrated indicator illumination device adjacent to said light diffusion portion, and
a protective layer substantially covering said at least one integrated indicator illumination device and said second layer,
wherein said first layer, said second layer and said protective layer further comprise an opening for insertion of a fencing weapon blade.
19. The fencing weapon guard of claim 18 , wherein said fencing weapon guard further comprises a power supply for providing power to said at least one integrated indicator illumination device.
20. The fencing weapon guard of claim 18 , wherein said at least one aperture further comprises a series of apertures substantially forming a pattern.
21. The fencing weapon guard of claim 18 , wherein said at least one integrated indicator illumination device is situated substantially beneath said at least one aperture.
22. The fencing weapon guard of claim 18 , wherein said at least one integrated indicator illumination device is situated beneath at least a portion of said metal layer.
23. (canceled)
24. A piece of sporting equipment comprising:
a frame or shaft;
a handle;
wherein said frame, shaft, or handle, further comprises at least one aperture and a light diffusing portion and said piece of sporting equipment further comprises at least one integrated indicator illumination device which can provide illumination to said diffusing portion.
25. The piece of sporting equipment of claim 24 , wherein the sporting equipment is a fencing weapon, a racket, a golf club, a baseball bat, a hockey stick, or a lacrosse stick.
26. The piece of sporting equipment of claim 24 , wherein the sporting equipment is a stringed racket and said strings at least partially comprise the light diffusing portion.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/998,679 US20150148140A1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2013-11-22 | Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator |
PCT/US2014/066802 WO2015077553A1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2014-11-21 | Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/998,679 US20150148140A1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2013-11-22 | Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150148140A1 true US20150148140A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
Family
ID=53180177
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/998,679 Abandoned US20150148140A1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2013-11-22 | Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150148140A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015077553A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150154544A1 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-04 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-Enabled Packaging Materials Used to Ship an Item |
US9904902B2 (en) | 2014-05-28 | 2018-02-27 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for pseudo master node mode operations within a hierarchical wireless network |
US9973391B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2018-05-15 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of enhanced checkpoint summary based monitoring for an event candidate related to an ID node within a wireless node network |
US9992623B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2018-06-05 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for enhanced multi-radio container node elements used in a wireless node network |
US10572851B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-02-25 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating a pickup notification related to an inventory item |
US10876811B2 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2020-12-29 | Girolamo Abbatescianni | Fencing weapon with kit and method to illuminate the same |
Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2294026A (en) * | 1940-08-28 | 1942-08-25 | Tuscan Bela E De | Fencing foil |
US4678450A (en) * | 1982-12-27 | 1987-07-07 | Life Light Systems | Toy light sword |
US4834376A (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-05-30 | Nasta Industries, Inc. | Baseball bat with impact indicator |
US4924358A (en) * | 1988-09-12 | 1990-05-08 | Inventech Licensing Co. | Safety-sparkler wand w/chemiluminescent or electric-light illumination |
US5947789A (en) * | 1997-07-28 | 1999-09-07 | Thinkway Trading Corporation | Toy sword having a variable color illuminated blade |
US6030272A (en) * | 1998-11-02 | 2000-02-29 | S.R. Mickelberg Company, Inc. | Toys having gyroscope-based motion resisting action |
US6244260B1 (en) * | 2000-01-28 | 2001-06-12 | Hasbro, Inc. | Interactive projectile-discharging toy |
US6575837B1 (en) * | 2001-06-26 | 2003-06-10 | Timothy J. Weske | Fencing scoring apparatus and system |
US6669601B2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2003-12-30 | Computer Masters International | System of hit detection and signaling for fencing |
US7001272B2 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2006-02-21 | Konami Corporation | Video game device, video game method, video game program, and video game system |
US20060199670A1 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2006-09-07 | Town Gary D | Hand to eye coordination training aid |
US7152995B2 (en) * | 2003-03-25 | 2006-12-26 | Chapman/Leonard Enterprises, Inc. | Flashlight |
US20080014835A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2008-01-17 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Apparatus and methods for providing interactive entertainment |
US20080220693A1 (en) * | 2007-03-07 | 2008-09-11 | Cuisinier Jarret P | Toy sword device and game |
US7611398B2 (en) * | 2006-05-16 | 2009-11-03 | Hasbro, Inc. | Toy sword |
US7833130B1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2010-11-16 | Dwayne A Horvath | Simulated edged weapon or toy with element actuated indicating device |
US8021281B2 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2011-09-20 | Nedsyp Nominees Pty Ltd | Electronic scoring system, method and armor for use in martial arts |
US8089458B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2012-01-03 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Toy devices and methods for providing an interactive play experience |
US20120010002A1 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2012-01-12 | Jeffrey Shawn Hart | Scoring machine |
US20120190452A1 (en) * | 2002-04-05 | 2012-07-26 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Multi-platform gaming system using rfid-tagged toys |
US20130281217A1 (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2013-10-24 | Gheorghe Florea | Wireless scoring system for competitive swordplay game with nonmetallic swords |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2206697A (en) * | 1938-06-23 | 1940-07-02 | Bela E De Tuscan | Electric foil |
DE29720110U1 (en) * | 1997-11-13 | 1998-01-02 | Wittenbecher Rainer Dr Ing | Training device |
FR2784591B1 (en) * | 1998-10-20 | 2001-01-05 | Pierre Henri Luc Chauveau | DEVICE ALLOWING A MASTER OF A WEAPON AND HIS STUDENT TO SIMULTANEOUSLY VIEW EACH KEY REACHED AND REPETITIVELY TO TWO EPISTICHERS TO WORK ON THEIR ACCURACY WITHOUT OCCUPYING A TRACK |
FR2793043B1 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2003-06-06 | Synelec Sa | PROJECTION SCREEN |
US6743151B2 (en) * | 2000-08-24 | 2004-06-01 | Edward J. Riggs | Auto-calibrating force and direction sensing scoring system for fencing |
US20040220001A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-04 | Oister Michael J. | Lighted sports game |
DE102005012932A1 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2006-09-28 | Ingenieurbüro Electronic GmbH | Electronic scoring system for fencing |
CA2759781C (en) * | 2011-11-24 | 2016-08-23 | Gheorghe Florea | Wireless scoring system for competitive swordplay game with nonmetallic swords |
-
2013
- 2013-11-22 US US13/998,679 patent/US20150148140A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2014
- 2014-11-21 WO PCT/US2014/066802 patent/WO2015077553A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2294026A (en) * | 1940-08-28 | 1942-08-25 | Tuscan Bela E De | Fencing foil |
US4678450A (en) * | 1982-12-27 | 1987-07-07 | Life Light Systems | Toy light sword |
US4834376A (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-05-30 | Nasta Industries, Inc. | Baseball bat with impact indicator |
US4924358A (en) * | 1988-09-12 | 1990-05-08 | Inventech Licensing Co. | Safety-sparkler wand w/chemiluminescent or electric-light illumination |
US5947789A (en) * | 1997-07-28 | 1999-09-07 | Thinkway Trading Corporation | Toy sword having a variable color illuminated blade |
US6030272A (en) * | 1998-11-02 | 2000-02-29 | S.R. Mickelberg Company, Inc. | Toys having gyroscope-based motion resisting action |
US6244260B1 (en) * | 2000-01-28 | 2001-06-12 | Hasbro, Inc. | Interactive projectile-discharging toy |
US20080014835A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2008-01-17 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Apparatus and methods for providing interactive entertainment |
US8089458B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2012-01-03 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Toy devices and methods for providing an interactive play experience |
US20120122575A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2012-05-17 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Interactive gaming system and method using motion-sensitive input device |
US8169406B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2012-05-01 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Motion-sensitive wand controller for a game |
US20120258802A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2012-10-11 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Interactive toys and games connecting physical and virtual play environments |
US20110300941A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2011-12-08 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Motion-sensitive Input Device and Interactive Gaming System |
US20140011589A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2014-01-09 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Dual-range wireless controller |
US20110263330A1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2011-10-27 | Denise Chapman Weston | Wireless charging of electronic gaming input devices |
US8531050B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2013-09-10 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Wirelessly powered gaming device |
US7896742B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2011-03-01 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Apparatus and methods for providing interactive entertainment |
US6669601B2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2003-12-30 | Computer Masters International | System of hit detection and signaling for fencing |
US7001272B2 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2006-02-21 | Konami Corporation | Video game device, video game method, video game program, and video game system |
US6575837B1 (en) * | 2001-06-26 | 2003-06-10 | Timothy J. Weske | Fencing scoring apparatus and system |
US20120190452A1 (en) * | 2002-04-05 | 2012-07-26 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Multi-platform gaming system using rfid-tagged toys |
US7152995B2 (en) * | 2003-03-25 | 2006-12-26 | Chapman/Leonard Enterprises, Inc. | Flashlight |
US7833130B1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2010-11-16 | Dwayne A Horvath | Simulated edged weapon or toy with element actuated indicating device |
US20060199670A1 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2006-09-07 | Town Gary D | Hand to eye coordination training aid |
US7611398B2 (en) * | 2006-05-16 | 2009-11-03 | Hasbro, Inc. | Toy sword |
US20080220693A1 (en) * | 2007-03-07 | 2008-09-11 | Cuisinier Jarret P | Toy sword device and game |
US8021281B2 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2011-09-20 | Nedsyp Nominees Pty Ltd | Electronic scoring system, method and armor for use in martial arts |
US20120010002A1 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2012-01-12 | Jeffrey Shawn Hart | Scoring machine |
US20130281217A1 (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2013-10-24 | Gheorghe Florea | Wireless scoring system for competitive swordplay game with nonmetallic swords |
Cited By (60)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10762465B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-09-01 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled management of delivery of a shipped item using elements of a wireless node network |
US10748111B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-08-18 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled generation of a shipping label using elements of a wireless node network |
US9769786B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2017-09-19 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for enhanced power notification in a wireless node network |
US9775126B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2017-09-26 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled monitoring of activity of a person using a hierarchical node network |
US11847607B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2023-12-19 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Multi-entity management of a node in a wireless node network |
US9854556B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2017-12-26 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Determining node location using a master node association in a wireless node network |
US11734644B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2023-08-22 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled shipping without a shipping label using elements of a wireless node network |
US9913240B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-03-06 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for automating a logistics transaction using an autonomous vehicle and elements of a wireless node network |
US9930635B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-03-27 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Determining node location using a lower level node association in a wireless node network |
US9949228B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-04-17 | Fedex Corporation Services, Inc. | Autonomous transport navigation to a shipping location using elements of a wireless node network |
US11720852B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2023-08-08 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node association payment transactions using elements of a wireless node network |
US9974042B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-05-15 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled monitoring of a piece of equipment using a hierarchical node network |
US9974041B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-05-15 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for adjusting a broadcast setting of a node in a wireless node network |
US9978035B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-05-22 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Proximity node location using a wireless node network |
US9984349B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-05-29 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for assessing a current location of a node-enabled logistics receptacle |
US11164142B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2021-11-02 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Multi-entity management of a node in a wireless node network |
US9984348B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-05-29 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Context management of a wireless node network |
US9984350B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-05-29 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Determining node location using chaining triangulation in a wireless node network |
US10977607B2 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2021-04-13 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled packaging materials used to ship an item |
US10846649B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-11-24 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled proactive notification of a shipping customer regarding an alternative shipping solution |
US10839339B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-11-17 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled sharing of shipment condition information in a wireless node network |
US20150154544A1 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-04 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-Enabled Packaging Materials Used to Ship an Item |
US10074069B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-09-11 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Hierarchical sensor network for a grouped set of packages being shipped using elements of a wireless node network |
US10078811B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-09-18 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Determining node location based on context data in a wireless node network |
US10102494B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-10-16 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Detecting a plurality of package types within a node-enabled logistics receptacle |
US10157363B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2018-12-18 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Proximity based adaptive adjustment of node power level in a wireless node network |
US10762466B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-09-01 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled order pickup using elements of a wireless node network |
US10229382B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2019-03-12 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for proactively reporting a content status of a node-enabled logistics receptacle |
US9769785B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2017-09-19 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and networks for dynamically changing an operational mode of node operations in a wireless node network |
US9788297B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2017-10-10 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled delivery notification using elements of a wireless node network |
US10740717B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-08-11 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for deploying a plurality of pickup entities for a node-enabled logistics receptacle |
US10579954B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2020-03-03 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Node-enabled preparation related to medical treatment for a patient using a hierarchical node network |
US10521759B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2019-12-31 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for monitoring a conveyance coupling connection using elements of a wireless node network |
US10453023B2 (en) | 2014-05-28 | 2019-10-22 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and node apparatus for adaptive node communication within a wireless node network |
US9904902B2 (en) | 2014-05-28 | 2018-02-27 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for pseudo master node mode operations within a hierarchical wireless network |
US11238397B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2022-02-01 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating a corrective pickup notification for a shipped item using a mobile master node |
US10572851B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-02-25 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating a pickup notification related to an inventory item |
US10860973B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-12-08 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Enhanced delivery management methods, apparatus, and systems for a shipped item using a mobile node-enabled logistics receptacle |
US10592845B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-03-17 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for transmitting a corrective pickup notification for a shipped item accompanying an ID node moving with a courier away from a master node |
US10671962B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-06-02 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for transmitting a corrective pickup notification for a shipped item accompanying an ID node based upon intended pickup master node movement |
US10726383B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-07-28 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating a corrective pickup notification for a shipped item based upon an intended pickup master node |
US10726382B2 (en) | 2015-02-09 | 2020-07-28 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for transmitting a corrective pickup notification for a shipped item to a courier master node |
US10305744B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2019-05-28 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | System, apparatus, and methods of event monitoring for an event candidate related to an ID node within a wireless node network |
US10491479B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2019-11-26 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of time gap related monitoring for an event candidate related to an ID node within a wireless node network |
US9973391B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2018-05-15 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of enhanced checkpoint summary based monitoring for an event candidate related to an ID node within a wireless node network |
US10057133B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2018-08-21 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of enhanced monitoring for an event candidate associated with cycling power of an ID node within a wireless node network |
US9985839B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2018-05-29 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of event monitoring for an event candidate within a wireless node network based upon sighting events, sporadic events, and benchmark checkpoint events |
US10033594B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2018-07-24 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of checkpoint summary based monitoring for an event candidate related to an ID node within a wireless node network |
US10313199B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2019-06-04 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods of enhanced management of a wireless node network based upon an event candidate related to elements of the wireless node network |
US10271165B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2019-04-23 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for improved node monitoring in a wireless node network |
US9992623B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2018-06-05 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, apparatus, and systems for enhanced multi-radio container node elements used in a wireless node network |
US11096009B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2021-08-17 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for motion-based management of an enhanced logistics container |
US10952018B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2021-03-16 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods for self- adjusting a broadcast setting of a node in a wireless node network |
US10484820B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2019-11-19 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for container node-based enhanced management of a multi-level wireless node network |
US10271166B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2019-04-23 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems for improved communication management of a plurality of wireless nodes in a wireless node network |
US11843991B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2023-12-12 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for motion-based management of an enhanced logistics container |
US10057722B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2018-08-21 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for active shipment management using a container node within a wireless network enabled vehicle |
US11843990B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2023-12-12 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for motion-based management of an enhanced logistics container |
US10187748B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2019-01-22 | Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. | Methods and systems for motion-enhanced package placement tracking using a container node associated with a logistic container |
US10876811B2 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2020-12-29 | Girolamo Abbatescianni | Fencing weapon with kit and method to illuminate the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015077553A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20150148140A1 (en) | Sporting equipment including integrated diffused indicator | |
US20150148139A1 (en) | Fencing weapon including indicator integrated in guard | |
US6700051B2 (en) | Contact detection system and method | |
KR200397918Y1 (en) | Taekwondo protective equipment for electric score transmitting | |
US20140309059A1 (en) | Sports training device and a method for training athletes | |
GB2392246A (en) | Device for measuring the speed of an object from impact pressure | |
US20030054905A1 (en) | Monitoring computer system for court and field ball games | |
US20070196799A1 (en) | Motivational baseball glove | |
JP2011512952A (en) | Sporting goods that provide feedback | |
US20080102991A1 (en) | Athlete Reaction Training System | |
US20170065856A1 (en) | Luminous ball | |
KR20100082874A (en) | A protector with hit sensor and luminous system | |
US20160158623A1 (en) | Wearable device and method for indicating scoring and scoring athority | |
KR101314644B1 (en) | a method for electronic protector whick match with blow | |
KR101093669B1 (en) | A system for electronic protector whick match with blow | |
US20190255416A1 (en) | Wearable score-keeping device for swordplay games | |
JP2009511186A (en) | Cipher used for game base | |
US20040171412A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for recording hits while sparring | |
KR102220723B1 (en) | Electronic protective equipment for taekwondo and judgment system using it | |
US20230015816A1 (en) | Slow-pitch softball strike-indicating mat | |
JP7275918B2 (en) | Striking playground equipment, armor and indicators | |
KR20210042786A (en) | Entertainment play use of 3D hologram | |
KR100274610B1 (en) | A safeguard implement for sports | |
WO2009025491A1 (en) | Outfit for fight game capable of displaying simulated bleeding amount | |
KR102301981B1 (en) | Fencing Mask Having Inside Score Indicate Lights Device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |