A TUG-OF WAR APPARATUS
A Tug-of-war apparatus for competition and training including at least one frame section supporting a horizontal movable surface including a continuous running belt mounted between rollers on the frame section; at least one stationary upright support means attached to the front of the frame section; at least one pulling rope extending substantially horizontally from the stationary support means; weighing means for determining the weight of the users on the movable surface; and means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved. One of the rollers includes a drive shaft.
This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/IB2014/000425 filed Mar. 26, 2014, which claims the benefit of Great Britain Patent Application No. 1305532.2, filed Mar. 26, 2013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe game of Tug-of-war is an ancient sporting activity that pits the strength and endurance of one opponent against another. The opponents can be individuals, teams, or any combination thereof.
The rules of the game are relatively simple. Two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope in opposing directions. A marker of some sort, such as a flag or coloured tape, is placed on the rope approximately halfway between the two teams. The object is for one team to pull the rope so that the marker moves over some designated point some distance away from the starting point. Typically the contestants are only allowed to move the rope by moving their feet. Once the marker has been moved beyond the designated point, the contest is over.
Tug-of-war is growing in popularity. The International Olympic Committee has recently granted recognition to the Tug-of-war International Federation (TWIF) making the organization eligible to join the Association of Recognized International Competition. There are sanctioned teams and tournaments throughout the world and annual world championship events. In recent years indoor Tug-of-war had become very popular and is pulled at national and international levels.
There is however a need to provide improvements in the way the sport is practised and played both at leisure and competition level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to the invention there is provided an apparatus for tug of war competitions and training comprising;
- at least one frame section supporting a horizontal movable surface comprising a continuous running belt mounted between rollers on the frame section;
- at least one stationary upright support means attached to the front of the frame section;
- at least one pulling rope extending substantially horizontally from the stationary support means;
- weighing means for determining the weight of the users on the movable surface; and means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved.
In one embodiment of the invention one of the rollers comprises a drive shaft.
In one embodiment of the invention a digital tachometer is connected to the drive shaft to determine the distance the movable surface has moved.
In one embodiment of the invention the frame section comprises a solid under-belt support directly beneath the movable surface to support the users on the movable surface. Preferably the weighing means are attached to the under-belt support. Most preferably the apparatus is capable of supporting up to 8 users at any one time.
In one embodiment of the invention the stationary upright support means comprises adjustment means for adjusting the height of the pulling rope.
In one embodiment of the invention the movable surface moves in a forward direction as the user on the movable surface moves backwards holding onto the pulling rope.
In another embodiment of the invention the stationary upright support means comprises a recording and communication device and display means, the recording device comprising means for inputting and storing data, a fingerprint scanner, means for recording and confirming the identity of the users wherein the recorded information is displayed on the display means.
In one embodiment of the invention the weighing means communicates the weight of the users to the recording and communication device.
In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a competition mode and a training mode. Preferably in competition mode the drive shaft on a roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on a roller supporting a second movable surface, wherein one Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the second movable surface. Most preferably the drive shafts are connected by means of a hydraulic system and/or a crown and pinion device. Preferably when one of the movable surfaces moves in a forward direction the other movable surface moves in a backward direction.
In one embodiment of the invention the frame section and the movable surface comprise markings to indicate the starting position and determine the distance the running belt has moved.
In another embodiment of the invention for training mode a resistance is applied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the roller supporting the movable surface.
In one embodiment of the invention the recording means records the performance of the users in training and compares the performance with the effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.
In one embodiment of the invention the continuous running belt comprises a non-slip resistance surface.
In one embodiment of the invention the frame section comprises several detachable sections which may be dismantled for transport and storage. Preferably the frame section is up to approximately 32 foot (9.75 m) in length for a Tug-of-war competition.
In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises an upper support means to support a user on the movable surface wherein the upper support means extends from the stationary support means above the movable surface, the upper support means comprising means for the user to hold onto or a harness to support the user.
According to the invention there is also provided an apparatus comprising a detachable pulling rope for use as a running machine for up to 8 users at one time.
In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a communication means between apparatus' in different locations wherein the pulling force of the users on one apparatus results in a counter pulling force being applied by the users on a second apparatus so that a tug-of-war competition or training practice may be carried out between athletes located remotely from each other. Preferably the communication means is connected to the drive shaft on the apparatus.
According to the invention there is also provided a method for holding a Tug-of-war competition comprising an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting a second movable surface, one Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the other movable surface and as the contestants pull on the pulling rope the movable surface of the winning team moves in a forward direction causing the movable surface of the losing team to move in a backward direction.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Tug-of-war and rowing have been said to be the two fittest sports in the world. It is a fabulous team sport. Tug-of-war requires a high level of fitness and is not necessarily dependent on weight. Participants, contestants or pullers as they are commonly known, in the sport of tug of war, need to be both mentally and physically fit. It is a sport which adds to a person's well-being and sets them up for future life in business or otherwise. Tug of war training requires a high level of fitness. It is a contact sport in that the athlete is in contact with the puling rope yet there is no body contact with the other competitors. As a result tug-of-war is a sport that when played correctly rarely results in injuries.
Tug-of-war is a unisex sport pulled by both boys and girls from the ages of 12 years to the age of 70 years old. In China Tug-of-war for the kids is part of their curriculum in schools. China has over 5000 Tug-of-war teams. Interestingly there is very little obesity in China.
The present invention provides an apparatus for both training for Tug-of-war and for holding Tug-of-war competitions. In particular it provides an apparatus which improves and enhances the sport of Tug-of-war. It provides an apparatus on which Tug-of-war competitions can be held which will improve and enhance the regulation and adjudication of Tug-of-war.
Currently there are a number of problems that prevent the sport from wider participation. One is that a relatively large space is required for carrying out tug-of-war training and/or competition. In competitions, opposing teams usually consist of up to eight members and the rope used is 150 feet (36.5 meters) long. Another problem is the weather dependency of the sport. Although it can be played in wet conditions, it is difficult, and in extreme cold or snowy conditions, play may not be possible at all. The ground needs to be level and proper for pulling.
The apparatus of the present invention allows the sport of Tug-of-war to be more accessible to everyone as the size of the area required for Tug-of-war to be pulled using the apparatus of the present invention is significantly reduced. Currently in order to hold an indoor Tug-of-war competition you need to have a large room or hall. The space needs to be at least 130 foot (40 meters) long and 40 foot (12 meters) wide. Using the apparatus of the present invention the amount of space needed for a Tug-of-war competition is reduced to less than one quarter the current requirement. Using the apparatus a Tug-of-war competition involving two teams of 8 contestants or pullers may be played in an area of approximately 40 foot (12 meters) by 20 foot (6 meters).
The apparatus of the present invention effectively eliminates the need for a large area in which to practice or compete in Tug-of-war. Using the apparatus of the present invention a full competition may be played in an area significantly smaller than the area currently required. In addition the apparatus of the present invention allows a competition to be held between opposing teams who are in different locations to one another. This means that the sport of Tug-of-war can be more accessible and opened up to a lot more people. The game of Tug-of-war may be pulled in any size establishment from sports halls in colleges, community centres and schools. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for both adults and children
In a time when obesity is a topical subject the exercise apparatus of the present invention provides a number of exercise possibilities. It provides an alternative sporting activity to sports such as football, hurling, rugby etc. Tug-of-war athletes require a high level of fitness. The apparatus provides people who are not as interested in sports such as contact sports with the opportunity to try a different sport.
As shown in
The movable surface 2 comprises a continuous running belt 7. The continuous running belt 7 rotates around two rollers, one roller 8 at the front of the frame section 4 and the other roller 9 to the rear of the frame section 4. One of the rollers is connected to a drive shaft via a drive chain. The drive shaft is preferably connected to the roller 9 at the rear of the movable surface 2. This ensures that the running belt is kept sufficiently tightened when the users/pullers are pushing the belt forward as they hold onto the pulling rope 3. The drive shaft is mounted between two shaft bearings and can be driven either clockwise or counter clockwise by a two way hydraulic pump and motor 11. The drive shaft has a hydraulic lock to prevent it from rotating in either direction. A roller tension device 12 ensures the running belt 7 is kept correctly tightened. The roller tension device 12 is preferably located on the roller 8 to the front of the apparatus 1. The continuous running belt 7 is very similar to the rubber mats conventionally used in pulling Tug-of-war. The running belt must be robust enough to sustain pulling of Tug-of-war yet also be suitable for fitting and rotating smoothly around the rollers 8, 9. The belt is preferably a sliding belt. It is preferably manufactured from pure rubber with a high resistance non-slip surface. The rubber mat may be of any suitable thickness. A minimum thickness of 3.5 mm up to a thickness of approximately 10 mm is preferably used. The width of the belt and the frame section 4 of the apparatus 1 is dependent on the required use of the apparatus. When used by adults the belt is preferably approximately 900 mm wide. However the size, length and width of the belt may be varied. Any suitable means may be used for rotating the continuous running belt around the rollers.
A digital tachometer on the drive shaft displays the number of rotations of the drive shaft or the RPM. This is used to calculate and display the distance the running belt 7 has travelled, which is a very important factor in Tug-of-war competitions. A pressure sensor with a display unit is mounted on the hydraulic piping. The hydraulic pump is used to resist the rotation of the drive shaft. This resistance may be easily adjusted. The oil is sucked out of a reservoir by the pump and returned to the reservoir, after the work is done, through a filter. The hydraulic motor and pump 11 operate the rollers 8, 9 when the apparatus is used for training and there is no opposing team to pull against. A control valve may be set to the desired pulling weight for training purposes. When the apparatus 1 is used for competitions and two machines are connected to one another it is the contestants and their pulling power which rotates the running belt 7 either clockwise or anti-clockwise around the rollers 8, 9.
Directly beneath the continuous running belt 7 is a solid under belt support or plate 13 which supports the continuous running belt 7 and the user(s)/contestants standing on the continuous running belt 7. The under belt plate 13 is preferably made of sheet aluminum or any other suitable material capable of supporting a weight of up to approximately 1200 kg. The running belt 7 is a sliding belt which sits and moves easily across the under belt support plate 13.
A weight sensor or plurality of weight sensors 14 are located beneath the running belt 7 attached to the under-belt plate 13. The weight sensors may be a load cell/load button or any other suitable weighing means located under the running belt. The load sensors register the load or weight applied on the running belt 7. The weight sensors 14 determine the weight of the user (s) or contestants and automatically communicate the weight to a recording means which displays the weight of the individual user or team on the display monitor 6.
The pulling rope 3 is detachably attached to the stationary support means 5 by any suitable means. The pulling rope 3 extends substantially horizontally from the stationary support means 5. The support means 5 comprises adjustment means so that the height of the pulling rope 3 may be easily adjusted to accommodate adults or children. The pulling rope is the same rope as is conventionally used for the game of Tug-of-war. A smaller pulling rope may be used when the apparatus is used by children.
In a Tug-of-war competition two frame sections 4 supporting two movable surfaces 2 are connected together as shown in
In competition mode the drive shaft is free to rotate in either direction. It is the teams alone that force the running belt 7 around the rollers 8, 9, as they pull against each other.
The drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting each movable surface 2 is connected using a hydraulic motor and pump with a flexible hydraulic pipe connection. The hydraulic pipe connection 16 between the two frame sections allows flexibility on the positioning of the apparatus. Depending on the venue the two teams standing on the two movable surfaces may be placed in the best position both for the viewing public and for the referee adjudicating the match. So long as the drive shaft on the two movable surfaces are connected via the flexible hydraulic pipe 16 connection there is flexibility in where the two frame sections 4 supporting the movable surfaces 2 may be placed. Using the apparatus of the invention a Tug-of-war competition is no longer limited to two teams pulling at either end of a long pulling rope.
The running belt 7 is run in a forward position with the pullers pushing the belt as they do on a stationary tug of war mat causing the back 9 and front roller 8 to move forward in a clockwise direction. The contestants or pullers pull on the pulling rope 3 pushing the running belt 7 forward with their feet. When the running belt 7 on one movable surface is being pushed forward by the pullers the running belt 7 on the other moving surface is moving backwards. The team pushing the running belt 7 forward in a clockwise direction around the rollers is the winning team. The belt 7 is going in an anticlockwise direction on the losing team's apparatus.
The drive shaft between two apparatus 1 may alternatively comprise a crown and pinion mechanism. The crown and pinion would be located in the centre between the drive shaft on the rollers on each apparatus.
The digital tachometer on the drive shaft displays the number of rotations of the shaft or the RPM calculating and displaying the distance the running belt 7 has travelled. The digital tachometer communicates the distance to the display means 6 so that it is easy for the viewing public, contestants and the referee to monitor the progress of a pull and see when a winning pull has been made. As the pull progresses the display means 6 displays the distance the belt has moved, either positively for the team that is winning or negatively for the team that is losing. The display means allows the teams, referee and viewing public to know at all times who is winning or losing. A pull is approximately 4 meters long and whichever team reaches the 4 meter mark first will sound a bell on the apparatus to alert that the pull is completed.
In addition to the distance of the running belt or movable surface being measured by the tachometer, the top of each running belt 7 and the side of the frame section 4 are marked with a starting point marking. When the marks on each frame section 4 is aligned with the staring mark on the running belt 7 the referee can signal for a pull to begin. Once a pull is completed the starting point markings on the top of each belt 7 and the side of the frame section 4 are realigned automatically ready for the next pull.
The apparatus of the present invention facilitates a much more transparent competing environment which will promote fair play.
Upon mounting the running belt 7 on the apparatus the weight of the team is automatically calculated and recorded by the load cell/button. This information is then communicated to the display means 6 for all to see the recorded team weight. If the team exceed the required weight they will be disqualified. Conventionally team members are all weighed individually which can take a lot of time. One pull in a Tug-of-war competition may involve up to 16 contestants who all need to be individually weighed before pulls. Using the apparatus of the present invention the task of “weighing in” is completed quickly and simply thus significantly cutting down on the preparation time before a Tug-of-war competition can begin.
A computer and specifically developed software is used to input data such as the team name and score as well as to act as an interface between the various sensors on the apparatus 1 and the main display screen 6.
A fingerprint scanning device may also be used to record and determine the identity of the contestants in a competition. The identity of pullers can sometimes be confused and unauthorised pullers may take the place of other pullers during a competition. It is very hard for a referee to keep a monitor on all the elements when dealing with up to 16 contestants in a single match. Using the apparatus of the invention each member of a team inserts their finger in the fingerprint analyser before mounting the running belt. This removes any chance of cheating by teams unfairly swapping one person for another. Any unauthorised changes in the pullers on the teams is immediately detected and prevented.
The display means 6 can display all the relevant information required in a competition such as
-
- the team name with team colours,
- the teams' accumulated score over the season to date,
- the team weight
- the weight being pulled/pushed if in training mode
- An alert for the pull to begin
- A live display indicating the teams progress during each pull
- The speed the belt is moving at
- An alert that the pull is over
For training purposes the apparatus 1 of the invention is used in training mode. In conventional training systems for tug of war resistance training, weights are attached to a rope and looped around a series of pulleys. Using the apparatus of the present invention there is no need for weights. In training mode a resistance is applied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft. The resistance is provided by the hydraulic pump and motor 11. The pressure applied by the pump corresponds to a weight being pulled. Therefore the weight being pulled can be altered simply be adjusting the pressure. In this way a single user or up to 8 users may stand on the running belt 7 and the resistance set to a required counter weight. The users pull on the pulling rope 3 moving the running belt forward and the digital tachometer on the drive shaft displays the number of rotations of the shaft or the RPM. This is used to calculate and display the distance the belt 7 has travelled.
During training the display means 6 can display all the relevant information required in training such as the counter weight being applied.
For training purposes only one movable surface 2 is required. Therefore in places where space is limited two frame sections are not required necessarily until competition time.
In addition the apparatus of the present invention may have communication means for linking two separate apparatus in different locations. Any suitable communication means connected to the drive shaft of each apparatus will allow remote communication between two machines. The pulling force of the users on one apparatus results in a counter pulling force being applied by the users on a second apparatus so that a tug-of-war competition or training practice may be carried out between athletes located remotely from each other. Such a system would mean that teams do not necessarily have to travel to compete against each other.
The apparatus 1 of the present invention may be used both indoors and outdoors. It is a mobile machine. The apparatus allows the game of Tug-of-war to be less weather dependent when held outdoors as the apparatus may be simply assembled when required in an outdoor area.
The frame section and under belt plate may be manufactured in sections so that it may be disassembled and reassembled as required for transportation and/or storage. The apparatus may be very easily dismantled and brought through small doors and into small areas before being re-assembled. Castor assemblies may be removably attached to the base of the frame section 4 to allow the apparatus to be easily moved into position.
The frame section and under belt plate are manufactured in sections and assembled on site. For competition Tug-of-war and to cater for up to 8 contestants standing on the movable surface the frame section is approximately 32 foot (10 meters) in length, made up from four 8 foot (2.5 meters) sections. The apparatus may alternatively be used as a smaller version if required. For example two 8 foot sections may be simply assembled together. In this instance running belts of varying length to suit the size of the frame section are supplied.
Using the apparatus of the present invention will revolutionise the game of Tug-of-war. There is a huge onus on the referee during the game that all competitors are participating within the rules. Referees will no longer have the nightmare of judging a tug of war competition as both teams can be pulling alongside each other rather than opposite each other. For the viewing public the apparatus of the invention will make it easier to see the action. Referees will have no problem in weighing in teams before the competition and having to stamp team members individually as they are weighed and identified.
The apparatus of the invention integrates and combines in one machine all the requirements for holding a Tug-of-war competition. It saves valuable time and means that a large competition can be run more efficiently over a shorter period. Most importantly the apparatus of the invention allows a Tug-of-war competition to be pulled in a smaller venue than is currently possible.
The apparatus of the present invention has several other potential applications.
The apparatus is not limited to Tug-of-war training or competitions. By applying resistance in the opposite direction the pushing motion can be opposed. By inserting fixed pads above the belt, athletes can push against the pads with the resistance set to a specific weight, again by adjusting the pressure in the hydraulic system. This type of training would be extremely useful for sports such as rugby and American football.
The apparatus may have an upper support means 20 which runs along the length of the running belt as shown in more detail in
The apparatus may be used as a running machine for up to 8 people at any one given time. In this instance the pulling rope may be removed and the users simply hold on to holding bars 21 on the upper support means 20 as shown in particular in
Any suitable material may be used in the manufacture of the machine. The main requirement is that the material is strong, durable and capable of withstanding the weight of contestants.
All moving parts of the machine of the present invention have a durable coating to protect the operating parts/mechanics from weathering and vandalism.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein before described which may be varied in detail.
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A Tug-of-war apparatus for competition and training comprising;
- at least one frame section supporting a horizontal movable surface comprising a continuous running belt mounted between rollers on the frame section;
- at least one stationary upright support means attached to the front of the frame section;
- at least one pulling rope extending substantially horizontally from the stationary support means;
- weighing means for determining the weight of the users on the movable surface; and
- means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved;
- wherein the frame section comprises a solid under-belt support directly beneath the movable surface to support the users on the movable surface and the apparatus is capable of supporting up to 8 users at any one time.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein one of the rollers comprises a drive shaft.
28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 27, comprising a digital tachometer connected to the drive shaft to determine the distance the movable surface has moved.
29. An apparatus as claimed claim 26, wherein the weighing means are attached to the under-belt support.
30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the stationary upright support means comprises adjustment means for adjusting the height of the pulling rope.
31. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the movable surface moves in a forward direction as the user on the movable surface moves backwards holding onto the pulling rope.
32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the stationary upright support means comprises a recording and communication device and display means, the recording device comprising means for inputting and storing data, a fingerprint scanner, means for recording and confirming the identity of the users wherein the recorded information is displayed on the display means.
33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the weighing means communicates the weight of the users to the recording and communication device.
34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the apparatus comprises a competition mode and a training mode.
35. An apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein in competition mode the drive shaft on a roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on a roller supporting a second movable surface, wherein one Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the second movable surface.
36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the drive shafts are connected by means of a hydraulic system and/or a crown and pinion mechanism.
37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein when one of the movable surfaces moves in a forward direction the other movable surface moves in a backward direction.
38. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the frame section and the movable surface comprise markings to indicate the starting position and determine the distance the running belt has moved.
39. An apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein for training mode a resistance is applied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the roller supporting the movable surface and wherein the recording means records the performance of the users in training and compares the performance with the effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.
40. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the continuous running belt comprises a non-slip resistance surface.
41. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the frame section comprises several detachable sections which may be dismantled for transport and storage.
42. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, comprising an upper support means to support a user on the movable surface wherein the upper support means extends from the stationary support means above the movable surface, the upper support means comprising means for the user to hold onto or a harness to support the user.
43. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, comprising a communication means between apparatus' in different locations wherein the pulling force of the users on one apparatus results in a counter pulling force being applied by the users on a second apparatus so that a tug-of-war competition or training practice may be carried out between athletes located remotely from each other.
44. An apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the communication means is connected to the drive shaft on the apparatus.
45. A method for holding a Tug-of-war competition comprising an apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting a second movable surface, one Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the other movable surface and as the contestants pull on the pulling rope the movable surface of the winning team moves in a forward direction causing the movable surface of the losing team to move in a backward direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 26, 2014
Publication Date: Mar 17, 2016
Applicant: ROCK FORGING (Co. Cavan)
Inventor: Andrew CLARKE (Co. Cavan)
Application Number: 14/780,323
