GB2512583A

GB2512583A - A tug-of-war apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2512583A
Application number: GB1305532.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Clarke
Original assignee: ROCK FORGING
Current assignee: ROCK FORGING
Priority date: 2013-03-26
Filing date: 2013-03-26
Publication date: 2014-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-26
Also published as: GB2512583B; US20160074697A1; EP2978510A1; EP2978510B1; GB201305532D0; WO2014155181A1

Abstract

An apparatus for tug of war training or competitions comprises a frame 4 supporting a treadmill surface 7, a pulling rope 3 attached to an upright support at a front end of the frame, means 14 for weighing users on the treadmill, and means (not shown) for determining a distance travelled by the treadmill. In use, one or more users pull on the rope and walk backwards on the treadmill, causing commensurate forwards movement of the treadmill. The weighing means 14 is preferably arranged on a support belt 13 under the treadmill surface. A front roller 8 of the treadmill may comprise a driveshaft 10 which powers the treadmill and/or measures the distance travelled by the surface. The drive shaft 10 of one apparatus may be connected to the driveshaft of a second apparatus such that users on each apparatus can compete against one another. The apparatus may include recording and displaying means 6 for inputting, storing and displaying data. The apparatus may further include a fingerprint scanner (not shown) to assist in identifying users. In one embodiment the pulling rope may be replaced by an upper support which is gripped by users (see figure 8).

Description

"A Tug-of-war Apparatus"

Introduction

The 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 rUes of the game are relatively simple. Two teams puB 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 Cornnñttee has recently granted recognition to the Tug-of-war International Federation (TV/IF) 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.

Statements of Invention

According 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; 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 user/users on the movable surface; and means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved.

In one embodiment of the invention the horizontal movable surface comprises a continuous running belt. Most preferably the frame section comprises rollers and the horizontal movable surface is mounted between the roflers.

In one embodiment of the invention the roller at the front of the frame section comprises a drive shaft.

In another embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a digital tachometer 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 under belt support supports a weight of up to approximately 1000 kilos.

In one embodiment of the invention the weighing means are attached to the under-belt support.

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 pulls on the pulling rope.

In another embodiment of the invention the stationary upright support means comprises a recording and communication device and display means. Preferably the recording device comprises means for inputting and storing data. Most preferably the recording device comprises a fingerprint scanner. The recording device records and confirms the identity of the users.

In one embodiment of the invention the weighing means communicates the weight of the users to the recording and communication device.

In another embodiment of the invention the recorded information is displayed on the display means. Preferably the progress of a Tug-of-war competition is displayed as the pull progresses.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a competition mode and a training mode. In competition mode the drive shaft on the front roller supporting one movable sm-face is connected to the drive shaft on the front roller of a second movable surface, wherein one Tug-of-war team stands on one movaHe surface and the opposing team stands on the other movable surface.

In one embodiment of the invention the drive shafts are connected by means of a hydraulic system.

In another embodiment of the invention the drive shafts are connected by means of a crown and pinion device.

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 bell has moved.

In training mode a resistance is applied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the roller supporting the movable surface. Preferably the recording means records the performance of the user 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. Preferably the running belt is manufactured from pure rubber.

In another embodiment of the invention the frame section comprises several detachable sections which may be dismantled for transport and storage. Preferably the frame section supporting the horizontal movable surface is up to 32 foot in length for a tug of war competition.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus is used as a running machine.

In another embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises an upper support means to support a user on the movable surface. Preferably the upper support means extends from the stationary support means above the movable surface. Most preferably the upper support means comprises means for holding onto or a harness to support the user.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus is used in fitness training for children.

According to the invention there is also provided a method for holding a Tug-of-war competition comprising an apparatus of the invention wherein the drive shaft on the front roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on the front roller of 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 puffing 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.

Brief Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a side view of the apparatus according to the invention showing one frame section and movable surface; Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a side view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of the apparatus according to Fig. 6; and Fig. 8 is a side view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

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 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. 1nterestingy there is very Uttle obesity in China.

The present invention provides a sports apparatus for both training for Tug-of-war and for hcilding 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 play. In competitions, the teams each usually consist of eight members and the rope used is 150 feet long.

Another problem is the weather dependency of the spoil. 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 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 long and 40 foot 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 by 20 foot.

The apparatus effectively eliminates the need for a large area in which to compete in Tug-of-war. Using the apparatus of the present invention a full competition may be played in an area significantly smaller that the area currently required. This means that the spoil 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 spoils such as football, hurling, rugby etc. The apparatus provides people who are not as interested in such sports with the opportunity to try a different spoil.

As shown in Fig. 1 the apparatus 1 of the invention comprises a horizontal movable surface 2, a pulling rope 3 and means for determining the movement of the movable surface 2. The apparatus I comprises a frame section 4 which surrounds the movable surface 2. A stationary upright support means 5 attached at the front of the frame section 4 supports the pulling rope 3, a disphy means 6 and any other recording and communication means. The recording and communication means allow data to be received, inputted, recorded and communicated to the display means as required.

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 at the back of the frame section 4. The front roller 8 is connected to a drive shaft 10 via a drive chain. The drive shaft 10 is mounted between two shaft bearings and can be driven either clockwise or counter clockwise by a two way hydraulic pump and motor ii. The drive shaft 10 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 continuous running belt 7 is very similar to the rubber mats conventionally used in pulling Tug-of-war. The belt is preferably manufactured from pure rubber with a high resistance non-slip surface.

The rubber mat may be up to 10mm in depth. The running belt must be robust enough to sustain pulling of Tug-of-war and also be able to suitable for fitting and rotating smoothly around the rollers 8, 9. Any suitable means may be used for rotating the continuous running belt around the rollers.

A digital tachometer on the drive shaft 10 displays the number of rotations of the drive shaft or the RPM. This is used to calculate and disphy 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 can be 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 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 is used for competitions 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 aluminium or any other suitable material capable of supporting a weight of up to approximately 1000kg.

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 contestamts 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 pullthg 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.

In a Tug-of-war competition two frame sections 4 supporting two movaNe surfaces 2 are connected together as shown in Fig. 1. The angle andlor distance between the two movable surfaces 2 may be varied to suit the location and to provide the best viewing for the public. Opposing teams stand on either movable surface 2. Each team may have up to S members standing on the movable surface 2.

In competition mode the drive shaft 10 is free to rotate in either direction. It is the teams alone that force the running belt 7 around the rollers 8, 9. puffing against each other.

S

The drive shaft on the front roller S supporting each movable surface 2 is connected using a hydraulic motor and pump with a flexible hydraulic pipe connection. The hydraulic pipe connection 15 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 connection there is flexibifity in where the two frame sections supporting the movable surfaces 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 puflers 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 an anticlockwise direction. The contestants or pullers pull on the pulling rope 3 pushing the running bell 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 forward in an anticlockwise direction around the rollers is the winning team Alternatively the connection means 15 between two frame sections may comprise a crown and pinion mechanism. The crown and pinion is located in the centre bctween the two front rollers of each apparatus.

The digital tachometer on the drive shaft lO displays the number of rotations of the shaft or the RPM calculating and displaying the distance the running belt 7 has ti.avelled.

The digital tachometer communicates the distance to the display means 6 so that it is easy for the viewing pubfic, 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 metre 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 markthg. 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 i6 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 begim 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 puflers 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 beh is moving at * An alert that the pull is over For training purposes the apparatus I 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 10. The resistance is provided by the hydraulic pump and motor II. The pressure applied by the pump corresponds to a weight being pulled. Therefore the weight being pulled can be ahered 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 disphy means 6 can display all the relevant information required hi 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 requited until competition time.

The apparatus i 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

II

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 in length, made up from four 8 foot 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 individuafly as they are weighed and identified.

The apparatus of the invention integrates and combines in one machine all the requirements for hoMing 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 footbafl.

The apparatus may have an upper support means 20 which runs along the length of the running belt as shown in more detail in Figs. 6 to 8. The upper support means 20 is supported above the running belt 7 and extends from the stationary support means.

The upper support means 20 may comprise a plurality of holding bars or harnesses 21 for hcilding/attaching to. For safety and training of younger chfldren and/or people who require additional support they may be harnessed and supported by the upper support means 20 on the running belt 7 to train the person the correct position of pulling and/or for support while simply running on the running belt 7.

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 Fig. 8 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

Claims I. An apparatus for Tug-of-war competition and training comprising; at kast one frame section supporting a horizontal movable surface; 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 user/users on the movable surface; and means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the horizontal movable surface comprises a continuous running belt.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim I or 2 wherein the frame section comprises rollers and the horizontal movable surface is mounted between the rollers.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the roller at the front of the frame section comprises a drive shaft.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 comprising a digital tachometer connected to the drive shaft to determine the distance the movable surface has moved.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding daim wherein the frame section comprises a solid under-belt support directly beneath the movable surface to support the users on the movable surface.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the weighing means are attached to the under-belt support.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein the under belt support supports a weight of up to approximately 1000 kilos.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stationary upright support means comprises adjustment means for adjusting the height of the pulling rope.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the movable surface moves in a forward direction as the user on the movable surface pulls on the pulling rope.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stationary upright support means comprises a recording and communication device and display means.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the recording device comprises means for inputting and storing data.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claims 11 and 12 wherein the recording device comprises a fingerprint scanner.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the recording device records and confirms the identity of the users.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the weighing means communicates the weight of the users to the recording and communication device.
16. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15 wherein the recorded information is displayed on the display means.
17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises a competition mode and a training mode.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein in competition mode the drive shaft on the front roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on the front roller of a second movaNe surface, wherein one Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the second movable surface.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the drive shafts are connected by means ofahydraulic system.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the drive shafts are connected by means of a crown and pinion device.
21. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20 wherein when one of the movable surfaces moves in a forward direction the other movable surface moves in a backward direction.
22. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame section and the movable surface comprise markings to indicate the starting position and determine the distance the running belt has moved.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein for training mode a resistance is applied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the roller supporting the movable surface.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein the recording means records the performance of the user in training and compares the performance with the effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.
25. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 24 wherein the continuous running belt comprises a non-slip resistance surface.
26. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame section comprises several detachable sections which may be dismantled for transport and storage.
27. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame section is up to 32 foot in length for a Tug-of-war competition.
28. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim for use as a running machine.
29. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising an upper support means to support a user on the movable surface.
30. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein the upper support means extends from the stationary support means above the movable surface.
31. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 29 or 30 wherein the upper support means comprises means for holding onto or a harness to support the user.
32. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim for use in fitness training for children.
33. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.I
34. A method for holding a Tug-of-war competition comprising an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drive shaft on the front roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on the front roller of 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 puffing 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.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows.Claims 1. 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 wherein the roller at the front of the frame section comprises a drive shaft: 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 deterirnmng the weight of the users on the movable surface; and o means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved.(1) 20 wherein the frame section comprises a solid under-belt support directly beneath the movable surface to support the users on the movable surface, the under-hell support supporting a weight of up to approximately 1000 kilos.2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a digital tachometer connected to the drive shaft to determine the distance the movable surface has moved.3. An apparatus as claimed in claim I or 2 wherein the weighing means are attached to the under-belt support.4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stationary upright support means comprises adjustment means for adjusting the height of the pulling rope.5. An apparatus as daimed in any preceding claim wherein the movable surlace moves in a forward direction as the user on the movable surface move backwards holding onto the pulling rope.6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stationary upright support means compnses a recording and communication device and display means.7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the recording device comprises mcans for inputting and storing data.8. An apparatus as claimed in daims 6 and 7 wherein the recording device comprises a fingerprint scanner.9. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the recording device records and confirms the identity of the users.10. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the weighing means communicates the weight of the users to the recording and communication device.11. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10 wherein the recorded information is displayed on the display means.12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises a competition mode and a training mode.13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein in competition mode the drive shaft on the front roller supporting one movable surface is connected to die drive shaft on thc front roller of a second movable surface, wherein onc Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the second movable surface.14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the drive shafts are connected by means of a hydraulic system.15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the drive shafts are connected by means of a crown and pinion device.16. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15 wherein when one of the movable surfaces moves in a forward direction the other movable surface moves in a backward direction.17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim whercin thc framc scction and the movable surface comprise markings to indicate the starting position and determine thc distance thc running belt has moved.18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein for training mode a resistance is applied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the roller supporting the movable surface.19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the recording means records the performance of the user in training and compares the performance with the effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the continuous running belt comprises a non-slip resistance surface.21. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame section comprises several detachable sections which may be dismantled for transport and storage.22. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame section is up to 32 foot (9.75m) in length for a Tug-of-war competition.23. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising an upper support means to support a user on the movable surface.24. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein the upper support means extends from the stationary support means above the movable surface.25. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 23 or 24 wherein the upper support means comprises means for the user to hold onto or a harness to support the user.26. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim for use in fitness training for children.27. An apparatus substantially as hereinhefore described with reference to the drawings.28. A method for holding a Tug-of-war competition comprising an apparatus as daimed in any preceding claim wherein the drive shaft on the front roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the drive shalt on the front roller of 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.