Strength and balance apparatus

Abstract

A system and method for a physical contest includes a plurality of platforms and a rope. Each platform has an upper surface configured to support one or more participants at a raised height above a ground surface, and sidewalls that define a hollow interior. Participants stand on respective platforms and hold a rope, each attempting to cause opposing participants to step off or lose balance on their platforms. The platforms may have different upper surface areas, profiles (level, sloped, or arched), and surface treatments (texturing, non-slip or low-friction coatings) to adjust competitive balance between participants of different sizes, ages, or physical abilities. Platforms may support single participants or teams. Multi-contestant formats are supported by single-rope and segmented-rope configurations. Platforms may be releasably coupled together to form a shell enclosure for rope storage. The system is suitable for use indoors or in small spaces.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application No. 63 / 771,616 filed in the United States Patent Office on Mar. 13, 2025, entitled “Strength and Balance Apparatus,” and the entire content of this application is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below in its entirety and for all applicable purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to sporting equipment, and more particularly to apparatus, systems and methods used for strength and balance contests between two or more participants or teams of participants.BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, adversarial contests are meaningful only when contestants or teams of contestants are closely matched. Sports and games that test or involve physical activity can provide exercise and physical development for participants. The health and well-being benefits, in addition to the entertainment derived from sporting activities, are often limited for casual participants.

[0004] Tug-of-war is a well-known physical contest in which opposing participants or teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, each attempting to pull the other team across a centerline. Traditional tug-of-war, however, presents several limitations. It typically requires a large open space and is not well-suited for indoors or home use. The contest heavily favors the heavier or stronger team, making it difficult to arrange evenly matched contests between participants of different sizes, ages, or physical abilities. Additionally, the traditional format does not readily allow for individual multi-contestant or last-standing competition formats.

[0005] What is needed is an apparatus and system for a strength and balance contest that can be conducted indoors or in relatively small spaces, that allows participants of different physical characteristics to compete on adjusted terms, that supports a variety of individual and team configurations, and that provides an engaging competitive format for casual recreational use.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a platform that may be implemented in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates different configurations of platforms that may be provided or available to support different modes of use.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates additional configurations of platforms that may be provided or available to support different modes of use.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates examples of configurations of platforms that may be used for team contests in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure

[0010] FIG. 5 shows cross-sectional views of a variety of platforms that may be implemented in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows examples of texturing that may be provided on the upper surface of a platform configured in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for conducting a physical contest in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0014] Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to apparatus and a method for a physical contest. The physical contest relates in some respects to a tug-of-war competition. Apparatus disclosed herein incorporates platforms that each participant stands upon, adding a balance and stability challenge to the contest. The presently disclosed contest can be performed indoors and / or in relatively small spaces. The presently disclosed contest involves at least two teams, each team including one or more participants. Participants need not be matched in physical strength, size or age when the apparatus is configured to allow the difficulty or competitive balance to be adjusted through platform selection.

[0015] In one example, each participant stands on a platform that may be provided by an upper surface of a block or box. The number of participants in a contest may be determined by the number, structure and size of the available platforms. In some instances, each participant is assigned a dedicated platform in a contest between 2 and 10 participants. Two or more teams may participate concurrently. In a first, basic mode of use, each of two participants stands on an assigned platform and takes an end of a rope. When the contest commences, the participants pull on the rope simultaneously or concurrently, each participant attempting to pull the other participant off their platform, cause the other participant to release the rope, or unbalance the other participant sufficiently that the other participant is forced to step off the platform.

[0016] In a second, basic mode of use, a three-way contest involves three participants standing on respective platforms. When the contest commences, the participants pull on the rope, each participant attempting to pull the other participants off their platforms, cause the other participants to release the rope, or unbalance the other participants sufficiently that the other participants are forced to step off their platforms. The last standing participant wins.

[0017] The configuration, structure and surface of the platforms may be adjusted to the advantage of certain participants over other participants. For example, a child participant may be provided with a larger platform with a slip-resistant surface when competing with an adult participant who is provided a smaller platform with a potentially slippery surface.

[0018] In a multi-contestant mode, three or more participants each stand on assigned platforms arranged around a shared rope or a rope with multiple segments. The last participant remaining on their platform wins.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a platform 100 that may be implemented in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. The illustrated platform 100 may be formed as a block or box that has an upper surface 102 and four orthogonal sidewalls, of which one sidewall 104 is shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the platform 100 is substantially square in a planar view, with a hollow section 112 formed by four orthogonal sidewalls 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d, as shown in the cross-sectional view 110. The hollow interior reduces the weight of the platform 100 while maintaining structural rigidity sufficient to support one or more participants. The sidewalls 114a-114d may be configured such that the upper surface 102 is located at a desired minimum, average, or maximum height above the ground in use. In one example, the upper surface 102 is located at a nominal height of approximately three inches above the ground. In other examples, the height may be greater or less than three inches.

[0021] The platform 100 may be designed to remain stable and stationary during active use. The base footprint, wall thickness, and overall mass of the platform 100 are selected to provide a low center of gravity sufficient to resist tipping, rocking, or displacement when a participant applies lateral tension via the rope or shifts their body weight. In some implementations, the underside of the platform 100 or the lower edges of the sidewalls 114a-114d are provided with a friction-enhancing material—such as rubber feet, rubber edging strips, or a rubberized non-slip coating—to resist sliding on smooth indoor floor surfaces such as hardwood, laminate, tile, or gym flooring. The joints between the sidewalls 114a-114d and the upper surface 102 are reinforced to withstand both the static load of one or more participants standing on the upper surface 102 and the dynamic lateral and vertical forces transmitted through the participants' feet during the contest. The platform 100 maintains its structural integrity without deformation, collapse, or tipping under the foreseeable loads of normal contest use.

[0022] A slot 106 or other aperture may be provided in at least one of the sidewalls 114a-114d. In the illustrated example, a slot 106 is provided in two opposite sides (including sidewall 104). The slot 106 may be formed using some combination of drilling, cutting, carving, routing, router, reaming, etching and / or sanding to form a hole of a desired shape and size. In some implementations, the illustrated elongate shaped slot 106 may be replaced by a circular hole, a rectangular or square hole or an aperture having another shape. In some implementations, the slot 106 may not penetrate the side 104 and may take the form of a notch. In some implementations, the slot 106 may be replaced by a raised or hinged handle.

[0023] The platform 100 may include a latching or locking mechanism configured such that two platforms 100 may be coupled to together to form a shell. The hollow sections 112 of the two platforms 100 may include fasteners or other hardware or be otherwise configured to hold and maintain the rope 126 for storage and transportation purposes.

[0024] In addition, the platforms 100 can be configured to be stackable for compact storage when not in use. Because each platform 100 shares a uniform external height and a flat upper surface 102, multiple platforms may be stacked vertically one atop another, with the upper surface 102 of a lower platform 100 supporting the base of the next platform above it. In some implementations, the sidewalls 114a-114d are dimensioned so that the outer perimeter of a platform 100 registers within or against the outer perimeter of an identically sized platform placed on top, providing a positive nesting or registration fit that prevents lateral shifting of the stack. The stacked configuration minimizes storage footprint and allows a complete set of platforms 100 to be stored in a space no larger than the footprint of a single platform. In implementations where platforms 100 of different sizes are provided, smaller platforms may nest inside larger ones or stack independently.

[0025] The platform 100 may be manufactured using one or more of: wood, laminate, polymer, metal, carbon fiber, composite material, ceramic, or foam. In some implementations, the platform 100 or portions thereof may be molded or three-dimensionally (3D) printed using a resin (e.g., a polyurethane resin), a ceramic, or a polymer. In some examples, the platform 100 may be manufactured from a combination of sheet metal and polymer parts, which may be multilayered. Welds, seams, and joints may be sealed using adhesives and / or caulking materials.

[0026] In one example, the platform 100 is constructed primarily from wood or wood-based materials, which provide a favorable combination of structural strength, workability, weight, and aesthetic appeal. Suitable wood species include hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, and beech, which offer high compressive strength and resistance to surface wear, as well as engineered wood products such as plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board (OSB). In some examples, the sidewalls 114a-114d and upper surface 102 are manufactured using hardwood and plywood constructions that resist splitting and delamination under the repeated loading conditions of contest use. The thickness of the wood panels used for the sidewalls and upper surface may be selected to achieve a desired combination of strength, weight, and wall height. In one implementation, the sidewalls are formed from panels of nominal one-inch or ¾-inch hardwood or plywood.

[0027] Wooden platforms 100 may be finished or treated to enhance durability, appearance, and surface properties. In some implementations, the exterior surfaces of the platform 100, including the sidewalls and optionally the upper surface 102, are sanded smooth and coated with one or more finishing layers. Suitable finishes include polyurethane varnish, lacquer, shellac, oil-based stain, water-based stain, paint, and wax. A clear polyurethane or lacquer finish provides a protective hardened surface that resists moisture, scuffs, and abrasion while preserving the natural wood grain appearance. Stained finishes allow the wood grain to show through while adding color or tone. Painted finishes provide opaque coloration and may be used to apply branding, logos, team colors, or decorative designs to the sidewalls. The upper surface 102 may receive a finish selected to provide a desired level of traction: a smooth lacquered or varnished finish may be used for a low-friction challenge surface, while a matte or textured finish, or the application of a non-slip topcoat, may be used for a high-grip surface. All finishes are preferably non-toxic, durable, and suitable for indoor use.

[0028] The upper surface 102 of the platform 100 may be dimensioned and configured based on a specific mode of use, a characteristic of one or more participants, or to increase or decrease the degree of difficulty for a participant standing thereon. For general use, the upper surface 102 may be configured as a twelve-inch by twelve-inch (12″×12″) square. The upper surface may be larger (e.g., 18″×18″) to provide an advantage to a designated participant, or smaller (e.g., 9″×9″) to provide a disadvantage. Platforms of other dimensions, including non-square shapes such as elongated rectangles, may also be used.

[0029] The platform 100 is also shown from below in a cross-sectional view 110. In the illustrated example, the platform 100 is substantially square in shape, with a hollow section 112 formed by the four orthogonal sidewalls 114a-114d. The orthogonal sidewalls 114a-114d may be configured such that the upper surface 102 is located at a desired minimum, average or maximum height above the ground in use.

[0030] FIG. 1 also shows an example 120 usage of the platform 100. In this example, two participants 132, 134 stand on the upper surface of respective platforms 122, 124 and each participant 132, 134 attempt to cause the other participant 134, 132 to step off or fall off their respective platform 124, 122 by applying a force to a rope 126 held by the participants 132, 134. In the illustrated example, one participant 134 may be adjudicated to have one foot 136 off platform 124.

[0031] The upper surface 102 of the illustrated platform 100 is level in use and located at a nominal height of three inches above the ground height. In some examples, a level upper surface 102 may be located at a nominal height that is greater or less than three inches above the ground.

[0032] The upper surface 102 may be dimensioned based on a specific mode of use, a characteristic of one or more participants, or to increase or decrease a degree of difficulty. In one example, the upper surface 102 may be configured for general use as a twelve-inch by twelve-inch (12″×12″) square. In another example, the upper surface 102 may be configured with one or more sides that are longer or shorter than 12 inches.

[0033] In addition to or in lieu of surface texturing, the upper surface 102 may be coated with a material that provides a desired level of friction. A non-slip coating may be applied to increase safety and grip. Alternatively, a low-friction coating may be applied to increase the degree of difficulty by reducing the participant's ability to maintain a stable footing. Suitable coating materials include non-woven or woven web materials, vinyl, nitrile, latex, or other polymers.

[0034] The rope 126 connects participants standing on opposing platforms and is the primary means by which participants apply force to one another during the contest. The rope 126 may be manufactured from cotton, nylon, polyester or other material or combination of materials. In some examples, the rope 126 has a length that of between ten feet and 30 feet and a diameter of between one and three inches. In one example, the rope 126 has a diameter of 2.5 inches and a length of up to 36 feet. Ropes of other lengths and various circumferences may be used. The rope 126 may be marked at its midpoint using a sleeve 128, a flag, a logo or another visual marker to allow participants and observers to identify the center of the rope. In some examples, the rope 126 may be taped or otherwise marked to define the grip positions for participants.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates different configurations of platforms that may be provided or available to support different modes of use. A first combination of platforms 200 includes substantially square platforms 202, 204, 206 with different dimensions. In a first example of use, the general platform 204 (e.g., 12″×12″ square) may be used by a first participant 232 while a larger platform 202 (e.g., 18″×18″ square) may be used by a second participant 234. In this example, the second participant 234 may be provided an advantage over the first participant 232 by offering more standing area. In a second example of use, the general platform 204 (e.g., a 12″×12″ square) may be used by the first participant 232 while a smaller platform 206 (e.g., a 9″×9″ square) may be used by the second participant 234. In this example, the first participant 232 may be provided an advantage over the second participant 234.

[0036] A second combination of platforms 210 may support multiparticipant contests. Multiparticipant use may apply when at least one team includes multiple participants. Examples include contests in which two participants compete against two participants, two participants compete against one participant or, in the general case, when M participants compete against N participants, where M and N are non-zero integers and at least one of M and N is greater than 1. The second combination of platforms 210 includes a first platform 212 configured to hold or support a single participant, a second platform 214 configured to hold or support two participants and a third platform 216 configured to hold or support three participants. In these example, it is expected that participants are aligned one behind the other along the rope 126. In other example, participants may be provided with split ends of a specialized rope 236.

[0037] The second combination of platforms 210 in FIG. 2 supports multiparticipant contests. A first platform 212 is configured to hold or support a single participant. A second platform 214 is configured to hold or support two participants standing side-by-side or one behind the other. A third platform 216 is configured to hold or support three participants. The system may support M versus N configurations where M and N are non-zero integers and at least one of M and N is greater than one. In some implementations, participants on a multi-participant platform may be provided with split rope ends 236 to allow each participant to independently apply force. The upper surface area of a multi-participant platform is sized to provide sufficient standing room for each team member to maintain an independent stable stance without impeding adjacent teammates. In one implementation, a two-participant platform 214 has an upper surface measuring approximately 12 inches in the depth direction (along the rope axis) by 24 inches in the width direction (perpendicular to the rope axis), providing each participant with approximately a 12-inch-by-12-inch personal standing zone. A three-participant platform 216 may extend the width dimension to approximately 36 inches, allocating a 12-inch-wide zone per participant. In some implementations, the width may be increased to 15 or 18 inches per participant position to allow greater freedom of movement and improved balance for each team member. The depth dimension of the multi-participant platform may also be increased relative to a single-participant platform to provide a larger fore-aft standing zone, reducing the likelihood that a participant will be pulled off the rear edge of the platform. The overall dimensions and proportions of multi-participant platforms may be varied to suit the age, size, and skill level of the intended participants, or to provide a desired degree of competitive challenge.

[0038] A third combination of platforms 220 includes platforms of different shapes. The different shapes may provide different degrees of difficulty. For example, limiting or expanding the length of a platform in the direction of the rope 126 may affect the ability of a participant 232, 234 to maintain balance. The third combination of platforms 220 includes a platform 222 that corresponds to the platform 204 (e.g., 12″×12″ square), an elongated platform 224 and a shortened platform 226.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates additional configurations of platforms that may be provided or available to support different modes of use. A first configuration 300 includes combination of three or more platforms 302, 304, 306 and a single rope 308. This first configuration 300 supports an M versus N mode as described supra, or a multi-contestant mode of use whereby the last participant standing on a platform 302, 304, 306 prevails. A second configuration 320 includes combination of three or more platforms 322, 324, 326 and a rope with multiple segments 328a, 328b. This second configuration 320 supports an M versus N mode as described supra, or a multi-contestant mode of use whereby the last participant standing on a platform 322, 324, 326 prevails. In this configuration, the participant standing on the middle platform 324 may be disadvantaged with respect to the participants standing on the outer platforms 322, 326.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates examples of configurations of platforms 400, 420 that may be used for team contests in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. In the first example of a configuration of platforms 400, a pair of elongated platforms 402 may be sized and arranged to accommodate two teams 412, 414 of two players each. In some instances, one of the teams 412 or 414 may compete against an individual contestant. In the second example of a configuration of platforms 420, a pair of elongated platforms 422 may be sized and arranged to accommodate two teams 432, 434 of three players each. The second example of a configuration of platforms 420, supports multiple permutations of team membership. In one example, each team 432, 434 may include two contestants each. In another example, two individuals may compete. In another example, one team 432 or 434 may include three contestants while the other team 434 or 432 includes two contestants. In another example, one team 432 or 434 may include three contestants and may compete against an individual. In another example, one team 432 or 434 may include two contestants and may compete against an individual.

[0041] When a team 412, 414 in the second example of a configuration of platforms 420 includes less than three contestants, more space is available for the individual or team members. The availability of additional space for members of a reduced-complement team may provide an advantage that counteracts the disadvantage of numbers in some instances.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, platforms may be provided with different upper surface profiles. A first platform 500 has a substantially level upper surface 502, which provides a neutral standing surface. A second platform 520 has a sloped upper surface 522, which may cause the participant to shift their weight and require additional balance to remain standing. A third platform 540 has an arched upper surface 542, which similarly challenges the balance of the participant. The slope or arch of the upper surface may be selected to provide a desired degree of difficulty.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows cross-sectional views of a variety of platforms 500, 520, 540 that may be implemented in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. A first platform 500 may correspond in some respects to the platform 100 shown in FIG. 1 and has a substantially level upper surface 502. A second platform 520 has a sloped upper surface 522. A third platform 540 has an arched upper surface 542.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, the upper surface of a platform may be provided with surface texturing to control the level of friction available to a participant's feet. In a first example, the upper surface 600 includes linear indentations, linear ridges, or a combination thereof, which may enhance grip in the direction perpendicular to the ridges. In a second example, the upper surface 620 includes circular indentations, circular ridges, or a combination thereof, arranged as a pattern of small pin-point features. The size and shape of the indentations and / or ridges may be selected to obtain a desired level of resistance to slipping. In some implementations, the texture may be formed during manufacture of the platform. In other implementations, adhesive tape (e.g., grip tape) may be applied, or a removable textured upper surface may be affixed to the platform.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows examples of texturing that may be provided on the upper surface 600, 620 of the platform 100 shown in FIG. 1, or any of the platforms illustrated herein. In the first example, the top surface 600 includes linear indentations, linear ridges or a combination of linear indentations and linear ridges. In the second example, the top surface 600 includes circular indentations, circular ridges or a combination of circular indentations and circular ridges. The circular indentations and / or circular ridges are illustrated as pin-point or small features. The size and shape of these indentations and / or ridges may be selected to obtain a desired resistance to slipping. In some implementations, indentations and / or ridges may be formed during manufacture. In some implementations, indentations and / or ridges may be added by applying adhesive tape (e.g., grip tape), or by affixing a removable upper surface to the platform.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 illustrating an example of a method for conducting a physical contest in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. At block 702, a plurality of platforms is provided. Each platform has an upper surface configured to support at least one participant at a raised height above a ground surface. At block 704, a rope is provided. The rope may be configured to connect participants standing on at least two platforms. At block 706, participants are assigned to respective platforms. At least one platform characteristic can be selected based on a physical attribute of a participant to adjust a competitive balance between participants. At block 708, a contest is commenced. The contest may be commenced when each participant applies tension to the rope in an attempt to cause at least one other participant to step off or fall from their respective platform.

[0047] In one example, selecting at least one platform characteristic includes selecting a platform having an upper surface area that is larger or smaller than an upper surface area of another platform assigned to an opposing participant. In one example, selecting at least one platform characteristic includes selecting a platform having a sloped or arched upper surface to increase the difficulty of maintaining balance for a participant assigned to that platform. In one example, two of the plurality of platforms may be coupled together after the contest to form a shell enclosure and storing the rope within the shell enclosure.

[0048] In certain examples, a contest may be conducted by assigning participants platforms based on their physical characteristics or a desired handicapping arrangement. Each participant takes a position standing on their assigned platform and grasps the rope at or near an assigned end or segment. When the contest commences, participants pull on the rope. A participant is eliminated from the contest when the participant: (i) steps off their platform with either foot; (ii) falls from their platform; or (iii) releases the rope. In a two-participant contest, the first participant to cause the elimination of the opposing participant wins. In a last-standing multi-contestant format, the last participant remaining on their platform wins.

[0049] In some examples, a system for use in a physical contest includes a plurality of platforms and a rope. Each platform has an upper surface an upper surface configured to support at least one participant standing thereon during a physical contest, and a plurality of sidewalls configured to support the upper surface at a height above a ground surface. The rope may be configured to be held simultaneously by participants standing on at least two of the plurality of platforms.

[0050] In one example, the upper surface of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms has a greater area than the upper surface of at least one other platform of the plurality of platforms.

[0051] In certain examples, at least one sidewall of at least one platform comprises a slot or aperture configured to function as a handle for carrying the platform. The slot or aperture may be further configured to receive the rope therethrough for storage of the rope within the platform.

[0052] In certain examples, at least one platform comprises a hollow interior defined by the plurality of sidewalls, and wherein the platform is configured to be coupled with a second platform such that the hollow interiors of both platforms face each other to form a shell enclosure configured to store the rope. A latching or locking mechanism may be provided. In one example, the latching or locking mechanism is configured to releasably secure the two platforms together in the shell enclosure configuration.

[0053] In one example, the upper surface of at least one platform is substantially planar and level. The upper surface of at least one platform may be sloped or arched. The upper surface of at least one platform may comprise surface texturing or a friction-modifying coating. In one example, the upper surface of at least one platform has a planar dimension of approximately 12 inches by 12 inches, and the upper surface is located at a height of approximately 3 inches above the ground surface.

[0054] In certain embodiments, at least one platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to support two or more participants simultaneously, and at least one other platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to support a single participant.

[0055] In some examples, the rope has a length of between 10 feet and 36 feet and a diameter of between 1 inch and 3 inches. The rope may be marked at a midpoint with a visual indicator. The rope may comprise two or more segments joined at a central connection point. Each segment may extend from the central connection point to a respective platform, such that a participant standing on one platform applies tension to two or more other participants simultaneously.

[0056] A platform for use in a physical contest may have an upper surface configured to support at least one participant standing thereon, a plurality of sidewalls connected to the upper surface and configured to support the upper surface at a height above a ground surface. The plurality of sidewalls may define a hollow interior of the platform. A slot or aperture may be formed in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls. The slot or aperture may be configured to function as a handle for carrying the platform or a passage for routing a rope.

[0057] In one example, the platform is configured to be releasably coupled with a second platform such that the hollow interior of the platform and a hollow interior of the second platform together define a storage enclosure for a rope.

[0058] In some examples, the upper surface has a level profile, a sloped profile or an arched profile. The upper surface may have surface texturing or a friction-modifying coating.

[0059] Some implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0060] 1. A system for use in a physical contest comprising: a plurality of platforms, each platform comprising: an upper surface configured to support at least one participant standing thereon during a physical contest; and a plurality of sidewalls configured to support the upper surface at a height above a ground surface; and a rope configured to be held simultaneously by participants standing on at least two of the plurality of platforms.

[0061] 2. The system as described in clause 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms has a greater area than the upper surface of at least one other platform of the plurality of platforms.

[0062] 3. The system as described in clause 1 or clause 2, wherein at least one sidewall of at least one platform comprises a slot or aperture configured to function as a handle for carrying the platform.

[0063] 4. The system as described in any of clauses 1-3, wherein the slot or aperture is further configured to receive the rope therethrough for storage of the rope within the platform.

[0064] 5. The system as described in any of clauses 1-4, wherein at least one platform comprises a hollow interior defined by the plurality of sidewalls, and wherein the platform is configured to be coupled with a second platform such that the hollow interiors of both platforms face each other to form a shell enclosure configured to store the rope.

[0065] 6. The system as described in clause 5, further comprising a latching or locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the two platforms together in the shell enclosure configuration.

[0066] 7. The system as described in any of clauses 1-6, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform is substantially planar and level.

[0067] 8. The system as described in any of clauses 1-7, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform is sloped or arched.

[0068] 9. The system as described in any of clauses 1-8, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform comprises surface texturing or a friction-modifying coating.

[0069] 10. The system as described in any of clauses 1-9, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform has a planar dimension of approximately 12 inches by 12 inches, and the upper surface is located at a height of approximately 3 inches above the ground surface.

[0070] 11. The system as described in any of clauses 1-10, wherein at least one platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to support two or more participants simultaneously, and at least one other platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to support a single participant.

[0071] 12. The system as described in any of clauses 1-11, wherein the rope has a length of between 10 feet and 36 feet and a diameter of between 1 inch and 3 inches, and wherein the rope is marked at a midpoint with a visual indicator.

[0072] 13. The system as described in any of clauses 1-12, wherein the rope comprises two or more segments joined at a central connection point, wherein each segment extends from the central connection point to a respective platform, such that a participant standing on one platform applies tension to two or more other participants simultaneously.

[0073] 14. A platform for use in a physical contest comprising: an upper surface configured to support at least one participant standing thereon; a plurality of sidewalls connected to the upper surface and configured to support the upper surface at a height above a ground surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining a hollow interior of the platform; and a slot or aperture formed in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls, the slot or aperture configured to function as a handle for carrying the platform or a passage for routing a rope.

[0074] 15. The platform as described in clause 14, wherein the platform is configured to be releasably coupled with a second platform such that the hollow interior of the platform and a hollow interior of the second platform together define a storage enclosure for a rope.

[0075] 16. The platform as described in clause 14 or clause 15, wherein the upper surface has a level profile, a sloped profile or an arched profile.

[0076] 17. The platform as described in any of clauses 14-16, wherein the upper surface comprises surface texturing or a friction-modifying coating.

[0077] 18. A method for conducting a physical contest, comprising: providing a plurality of platforms, each platform comprising an upper surface configured to support at least one participant at a raised height above a ground surface; providing a rope configured to connect participants standing on at least two platforms; assigning participants to respective platforms, wherein at least one platform characteristic is selected based on a physical attribute of a participant to adjust a competitive balance between participants; and commencing a contest in which each participant applies tension to the rope in an attempt to cause at least one other participant to step off or fall from their respective platform.

[0078] 19. The method as described in clause 18, wherein selecting at least one platform characteristic comprises selecting a platform having an upper surface area that is larger or smaller than an upper surface area of another platform assigned to an opposing participant.

[0079] 20. The method as described in clause 18 or clause 19, wherein selecting at least one platform characteristic comprises selecting a platform having a sloped or arched upper surface to increase difficulty of maintaining balance for a participant assigned to that platform.

[0080] 21. The method as described in any of clauses 18-20, further comprising, after the contest, coupling two of the plurality of platforms together to form a shell enclosure and storing the rope within the shell enclosure.

[0081] Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.

Claims

1. A system for use in a physical contest comprising:a plurality of platforms, each platform comprising:an upper surface configured to support at least one participant standing thereon during a physical contest; anda plurality of sidewalls configured to support the upper surface at a height above a ground surface; anda rope configured to be held simultaneously by participants standing on at least two of the plurality of platforms.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms has a greater area than the upper surface of at least one other platform of the plurality of platforms.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one sidewall of at least one platform comprises a slot or aperture configured to function as a handle for carrying the platform.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the slot or aperture is further configured to receive the rope therethrough for storage of the rope within the platform.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one platform comprises a hollow interior defined by the plurality of sidewalls, and wherein the platform is configured to be coupled with a second platform such that the hollow interiors of both platforms face each other to form a shell enclosure configured to store the rope.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a latching or locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the two platforms together in the shell enclosure configuration.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform is substantially planar and level.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform is sloped or arched.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform comprises surface texturing or a friction-modifying coating.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of at least one platform has a planar dimension of approximately 12 inches by 12 inches, and the upper surface is located at a height of approximately 3 inches above the ground surface.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to support two or more participants simultaneously, and at least one other platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to support a single participant.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the rope comprises two or more segments joined at a central connection point, wherein each segment extends from the central connection point to a respective platform, such that a participant standing on one platform applies tension to two or more other participants simultaneously.

13. A platform for use in a physical contest comprising:an upper surface configured to support at least one participant standing thereon;a plurality of sidewalls connected to the upper surface and configured to support the upper surface at a height above a ground surface, the plurality of sidewalls defining a hollow interior of the platform; anda slot or aperture formed in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls, the slot or aperture configured to function as a handle for carrying the platform or a passage for routing a rope.

14. The platform of claim 13, wherein the platform is configured to be releasably coupled with a second platform such that the hollow interior of the platform and a hollow interior of the second platform together define a storage enclosure for a rope.

15. The platform of claim 13, wherein the upper surface has a level profile, a sloped profile or an arched profile.

16. The platform of claim 13, wherein the upper surface comprises surface texturing or a friction-modifying coating.

17. A method for conducting a physical contest, comprising:providing a plurality of platforms, each platform comprising an upper surface configured to support at least one participant at a raised height above a ground surface;providing a rope configured to connect participants standing on at least two platforms;assigning participants to respective platforms, wherein at least one platform characteristic is selected based on a physical attribute of a participant to adjust a competitive balance between participants; andcommencing a contest in which each participant applies tension to the rope in an attempt to cause at least one other participant to step off or fall from their respective platform.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein selecting at least one platform characteristic comprises selecting a platform having an upper surface area that is larger or smaller than an upper surface area of another platform assigned to an opposing participant.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein selecting at least one platform characteristic comprises selecting a platform having a sloped or arched upper surface to increase difficulty of maintaining balance for a participant assigned to that platform.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, after the contest, coupling two of the plurality of platforms together to form a shell enclosure and storing the rope within the shell enclosure.

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