Modular Strike-Responsive Combat System and Gameplay Method

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

2015/0147937 A1 May 2015 Lu A63H 33/009

2015/0147931 A1 May 2015 Wong A63H 33/00

2009/0247306 A1 October 2009 Bogner 463/47.2

2007/0191116 A1 August 2007 Gardiner 463/47.1

2001/0051542 A1 December 2001 Dowdy 463/47.2

U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,601 B2 December 2003 Marciano 482/12

U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,019 July, 2003 Whittle 2/16

U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,619 December, 2002 Dowdy 463/47.2

U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,440 June, 2002 Phillips 2/102

U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,602 March 2000 Abbott 463/47.2

U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,435 January, 2000 Tanabe 482/83

U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,881 November 1996 Lau 273/57.3

U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,033 February, 1995 Rauch 446/473

U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,057 October 1994 Pruitt 273/85

U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,303 August, 1988 Gunther 482/12

U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,966 August, 1980 Miyamoto 446/473

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to physical gaming and sport systems and more specifically to strike-activated visual and/or audible scoring equipment combined with modular wearable gear and melee implements for use in simulated combat sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing combat simulation systems suffer from limited feedback mechanisms, either requiring manual scoring, digital sensors, or bulky equipment that lacks direct physical response. Traditional LARP, HEMA, and combat reenactment tools offer realism but lack integrated scoring.

There remains a need for a modular system enabling real-time, visible or audible scoring, using mechanical, chemical, or acoustic components suitable for competitive team-based physical games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention provides a modular armor system equipped with strike-responsive targets containing marking or sound-producing components; flexible melee weapons that transmit force safely; and a structured sport environment with defined team roles, scoring rules, and limited communication modes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—Section View of Preferred Embodiment of Target

• • 0.68″ diameter paintball in oversize hole
  • Rubber or elastic cloth retainer
  • Target body

FIG. 2—Isometric View of Preferred Embodiment of Target

• • 1. 0.68″ diameter paintball
  • 3. Target body

FIG. 3—Preferred Embodiment of Sword

• • 4. Pommel
  • 4a. Nut to hold pommel
  • 4b. Lock Nut
  • 5. Sword Tip
  • 5a. Tip Nut
  • 5b. Lock Nut
  • 6. Heat Shrink
  • 7. Closed cell foam
  • 8. High pressure hose
  • 9. Steel rod threaded at both ends
  • 10. Cross guard
  • 11. Steel rod threaded at both ends
  • 12. Cross guard
  • 13. Heat shrink
  • 14. Hilt loc nut
  • 15. Rubber cap
  • 24. Sword Assembly

FIG. 4—Preferred Embodiment of Armor back view

• • 1. Paintball
  • 16. Front target
  • 18. Arming hoodie-neck protector/target holder
  • 19. Small hexagon armor
  • 20. Large hexagon armor
  • 21. Loose fitting coat
  • 22. Helmet
  • 23. Face shield

FIG. 5—Preferred Embodiment of Armor front view

• • 1. Paintball
  • 16. Front target
  • 17. Back target
  • 18. Arming hoodie-neck protector/target holder
  • 19. Small hexagon armor
  • 20. Large hexagon armor
  • 21. Loose fitting coat
  • 22. Helmet

FIG. 6—Side View

• • 1. Paintball
  • 16. Front target
  • 17. Back target
  • 18. Arming hoodie-neck protector/target holder
  • 19. Small hexagon armor
  • 20. Large hexagon armor
  • 21. Loose fitting coat
  • 22. Helmet
  • 23. Face shield
  • 24. Sword
  • 25. Armored glove

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The target system comprises a housing mountable on wearable gear. It contains a visual marking agent and optionally an acoustic component that produces an audible tone on impact.

The marking component may include paintballs, dye packets, powder pouches, or gel cartridges. These may rupture upon receiving sufficient physical impact, such as from a melee strike.

The acoustic component includes, but is not limited to, a tuned metal bar, resonant plate, or mechanical element which emits sound upon deformation or impact, similar in principle to a glockenspiel key.

The target assembly may be integrated into or removably attached to armor plates using hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, or elastic harnesses.

The armor system comprises a base garment such as a flexible undershirt or torso wrap; modular shoulder and torso plates; and a neck protection structure (coif or gorget). Armor plates are layered over the garment in overlapping fashion.

The plates are attachable via mechanical clips, magnetic couplers, elastic loops, or adhesives. Padding may be thermoplastic, die-cut rubber, foam, or impact-absorbing composite.

The melee training weapon consists of a flexible core, outer sheath, foam striking surface, and a compressible tip. The core may be fiberglass, carbon fiber, or polymer rod; the sheath may be rubber, foam, or elastomeric tube.

The tip is retained using groove-and-ring fittings, adhesives, or compression mounts. Weapons are dimensioned to simulate safe strikes while maintaining realism.

The sport is organized into team-based matches. Players are assigned equipment (weapon, armor, targets) and roles (soldier, captain, general). Matches are governed by a ruleset including legal strikes, disallowed actions, scoring, and victory conditions.

“Fog-of-war” is simulated by limiting communication from generals to soldiers during active phases. Only in designated intervals may full commands be issued, emulating the chaos of historical combat.

Scoring is achieved when a target is activated, producing visible or audible feedback. Referees verify hits by inspecting marks or listening for acoustic cues. Some variants use silent targets for training or mixed-audio formats.

Specialist roles may be introduced mid-match, adding strategic flexibility. Roles include medics, scouts, or support players with unique scoring rules, equipment, or target arrangements.

This modular framework supports expansion, varied scenarios, and rule customizations while preserving core scoring via strike-responsive targets.