Selectable boundary fencing strip

• US 9,550,103 B1
• Filed: 10/06/2014
• Issued: 01/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zivkovic Modern Fencing Equipment, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Zivkovic Modern Fencing Equipment, Inc.
• Inventors: Zivkovic, Branimir
• Primary Examiner(s): LIM, SENG HENG
• Application Number:
  US14/507,345
• Time in Patent Office: 841 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/025 with conductive floor used as part of the detection circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/025 on rollers or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/02 for fencing , e.g. means for indicating hits
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0669 Score-keepers or score display devices

Abstract

A selectable boundary fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. Light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to indicate boundary lines, playing lines, hits, yellow cards and the command to fence. The strip includes a plurality of light sources, each controllable from a master control. The conductive top surface is perforated so that the light sources project through. Light sources in the strip provide visual cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits that are visible to spectators, fencers and the referee. In a further embodiment, the illustrative fencing strip is constructed and arranged with a plurality of panels along the sides of the strip that can be marketed for advertising sponsorship revenue. This revenue can be used to pay for the strip and/or underwrite activities of the fencing organization.

Claims

1. A selectable boundary fencing strip comprising:

a plurality of segments of panels of similar size and shape, each provided with a conductive perforated top surface and supported by a plurality of support stringers;

a plurality of light sources located within each segment of panel, each being constructed and arranged to indicate each of a plurality of different scoring events, the light sources each being located beneath the conductive perforated top surface, the conductive top surface being perforated so that the light sources project through, and their light can be viewed through the perforations, the light sources being interconnected with a scoring control of the electronic scoring system; and

a plurality of pre-set illuminated boundaries that can be selected and modified.

2. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 1 wherein the light sources in the strip are arranged to provide visual illumination cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits.

3. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sides of the strip are provided with a plurality of panels for advertising sponsorship.

4. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fencing strip provides a plurality of settings for athletes of various ages and sizes.

5. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 4 wherein the light sources are constructed and arranged to project at provide pre-set boundaries for the various settings for athletes of various sizes and ages.

6. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 4 wherein a senior setting describes an active area of 14 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width for a fencer over 16 years of age and of largest stature.

7. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 4 wherein a junior setting describes an active area of 11.20 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width for a fencer between the ages of 10 and 15 year and of middle stature.

8. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 4 wherein a cadet setting describes an active area of 11.20 meters in length and 1 meter in width for a fencer between the ages of 7 and 9 years and of smallest stature.

9. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of a plurality of segments of panels can be provided with a panel that can be used to display information.

10. The selectable boundary fencing strip as set forth in claim 9 wherein the information displayed is advertising and sponsorship information.