Abstract: A hurdle has contiguous trigger tubes along the telescoping tubes. A trigger mechanism inside each trigger tube is used to adjust the height of the hurdle. The trigger mechanism contains a pivoting vertical rod with an inwardly directed perpendicular upper end that extends out of the hole in the trigger tube to form a button and an outwardly directed perpendicular pin at its lower end that engages one of the holes in the upright. The vertical rod has a horizontal pivot bar attached midway along its outward surface. The lower end of the vertical rod is connected to a spring compressed within the trigger tube that forces the pin inwardly and that is further compressed when the button is pushed to release the pin.

Abstract: A vaulting pole is made of five layers of fiberglass and carbon fiber. The first layer comprises a fiberglass or straight run carbon fiber material oriented such that at least half of the fibers are transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second layer comprises at least one circumference of a fiberglass or carbon fiber inner body wrap, the third layer comprises a fiberglass or carbon fiber trapezoidal sail piece, and the fourth layer comprises at least one circumference of a fiberglass or carbon fiber outer body wrap. At least one of the second, third, and fourth layers comprises carbon weave.

Abstract: A starting block is used by a runner in a track event. The starting block contains a rail and a pair of foot pedal assemblies, one assembly connected to the left side of the rail and one assembly connected to the right side of the rail. Each foot pedal assembly contains a pad having a width of about five to twelve inches upon which the runner's foot is placed. Each pad contains markings along its width to enable the runner to place his feet at precisely the desired width.

Abstract: A starting block is used by a runner in a track event. The starting block has five components, a rail, a left foot pedal assembly, a left connector, a right foot pedal assembly, and a right connector. The rail has two outwardly-positioned rows of upwardly directed teeth and two upwardly-projecting guides running parallel to and between the rows of teeth. Each connector has an engaging member for selectively engaging its respective row of teeth and a sleeve for enveloping and selectively engaging its respective guide.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded article and a molded article itself having a passage therein which has a cross-sectional dimension adjacent an end which is less than at a location which is spaced from the end are disclosed. In the method an elongate, rigid mandrel is covered over a substantial portion of its length with a flexible mandrel. The flexible mandrel, when covering the rigid mandrel, has an exterior surface which has a cross-sectional dimension which is less adjacent an end thereof than at a location which is spaced from that end. The flexible mandrel is then covered with a material which is to form the molded article with the rigid and flexible mandrels defining the mold about which the article is formed by the material. The material is then set to form the molded article about the mandrels with the mandrels defining the passage in the molded article.