Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention are directed to a training box or device used by an athlete to practice pole vaulting. The interior region of the training box is open, i.e. the base of the training box does not cover the interior of the device and thus there is no front edge. This invention is used to teach and train athletes pole vaulters who prefer to slide their vaulting poles on the ground instead using the prevailing method which involves carrying a pole as they run towards the box and placing the tip of the pole inside the training box. The training box may include electronics capability for measuring performance characteristics of pole vaulters such as the average speed of a pole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an assembly for engaging an end of a vaulting pole, wherein the assembly comprises a support frame configured to be at least partially recessedly installed in the ground. A platform is connected to the support frame and comprises a top surface comprising a pole vault plant box comprising an angled planar surface with left, rear, and right side walls extending upwardly from the planar surface, wherein the pole vault plant box is configured to enable receipt of an end of a vaulting pole during a pole vault plant; at least one padding tray surrounding a perimeter of the pole vault plant box, wherein the padding tray is configured to receive a padding; and a bottom surface of the platform operatively coupled to the support frame.

Abstract: A pole vault box with a base pan having opposite front and rear edges, a pole slide, and opposing sidewalls. The pole slide descends downwardly and the sidewalls extend upwardly from the pole slide at an angle from a horizontal axis. A lip extends inwardly towards the pole slide at an angle formed by an axis passing through the lip and by the pole slide in a downward direction. An end plate at the rear edge includes a rotational ledge and a stop board, the rotational ledge is in conjunction with the pole slide and the stop board is in conjunction with the opposing sidewalls and rear edge. The stop board includes lower and upper regions, the upper region curving away from the lower region and the lower region is at an angle outwardly from the rotational ledge. In embodiments, padding can cover one or more surfaces of the box.

Abstract: A pole vault box with a base pan having opposite front and rear edges, a pole slide, and opposing sidewalls. The pole slide descends downwardly and the sidewalls extend upwardly from the pole slide at an angle from a horizontal axis. A lip extends inwardly towards the pole slide at an angle formed by an axis passing through the lip and by the pole slide in a downward direction. An end plate at the rear edge includes a rotational ledge and a stop board, the rotational ledge is in conjunction with the pole slide and the stop board is in conjunction with the opposing sidewalls and rear edge. The stop board includes lower and upper regions, the upper region curving away from the lower region and the lower region is at an angle outwardly from the rotational ledge. In embodiments, padding can cover one or more surfaces of the box.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an assembly for engaging an end of a vaulting pole, wherein the assembly comprises a base section comprised of a frame configured to be at least partially recessedly installed in the ground. A platform is connected to the base and comprises a top surface comprising a planar surface configured to enable receipt of an end of a vaulting pole during a pole vault plant and at least one padding tray adjacent to a perimeter of the planar surface, which is configured to receive padding. Optionally, a collar of additional padding may be provided comprising at least one padding, wherein the collar is configured for operative coupling to the top surface of the platform.

Abstract: A safety collar for a vault box reduces the risk of catastrophic injury if the pole vaulter lands directly onto the vault box, but does not make it more difficult for the pole vaulter to plant the pole into the vault box. The safety collar overlies the vault box and an area to the rear and the sides of the vault box. The collar has a front, a rear, a left side, a right side, and an opening extending from the front to the rear that overlies the recess of the vault box. The collar also has a left wing extending downwardly against the left wall of the vault box part way to the bottom surface and part way to the rear wall and a right wing extending downwardly against the right wall of the vault box part way to the bottom surface and part way to the rear wall.

Abstract: A vaulting pole apparatus having a predetermined angular displacement at an end of a vaulting pole, attributable to the vaulting pole being constructed with an inherent structural deviation located along and offset from its longitudinal axis. The vaulting pole may be constructed with a fixed structural deviation or with a removable structural deviation, wherein an end of the vaulting pole deviates or is offset from the vaulting pole's central longitudinal axis. Embodiments of this structural deviation may be fixed during vaulting by a vaulter athlete or may be adjustable by a vaulter athlete in real-time or near-real-time.

Abstract: A vaulting pole apparatus having a predetermined angular displacement at an end of a vaulting pole, attributable to the vaulting pole being constructed with an inherent structural deviation located along and offset from its longitudinal axis. The vaulting pole may be constructed with a fixed structural deviation or with a removable structural deviation, wherein an end of the vaulting pole deviates or is offset from the vaulting pole's central longitudinal axis. Embodiments of this structural deviation may be fixed during vaulting by a vaulter athlete or may be adjustable by a vaulter athlete in real-time or near-real-time.

Abstract: A pole vault training apparatus may include a housing, a pole receiver pivotably positioned on the housing, a lift assembly positioned in the housing and a reinforced vaulting pole. In operation, the vaulting pole may be placed in the pole receiver. The lift assembly then drives the pole receiver (with the pole) such that the pole (and a user that may be holding the pole) is raised or lowered through a predetermined arc of travel. In use, the apparatus permits a user to perform a vault maneuver starting from standing position near the apparatus.

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 pole vault training apparatus may include a housing, a pole receiver pivotably positioned on the housing, a lift assembly positioned in the housing and a reinforced vaulting pole. In operation, the vaulting pole may be placed in the pole receiver. The lift assembly then drives the pole receiver (with the pole) such that the pole (and a user that may be holding the pole) is raised or lowered through a predetermined arc of travel. In use, the apparatus permits a user to perform a vault maneuver starting from standing position near the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for preventing serious injuries to a person participating in a physical activity, such as pole-vaulting, which occurs at least partially over a hard surface. The method includes: detecting predetermined criteria indicative of a condition which requires deployment of the material into the deployed position; and moving a material from a retracted position to a deployed position upon detection of the predetermined criteria, wherein the material substantially does not impede the physical activity while in the retracted position and cushions the person from falling onto the hard surface while in the deployed position.

Abstract: A method for preventing serious injuries to a person participating in a physical activity, such as pole-vaulting, which occurs at least partially over a hard surface. The method includes: detecting predetermined criteria indicative of a condition which requires deployment of the material into the deployed position; and moving a material from a retracted position to a deployed position upon detection of the predetermined criteria, wherein the material substantially does not impede the physical activity while in the retracted position and cushions the person from falling onto the hard surface while in the deployed position.

Abstract: A pole vault planting box is cushioned to reduce and minimize the risk of injury to pole vaulters. The planting box includes a base pan which is mounted below ground level adjacent the runway, and a sloped surface extending downwardly from the base surface to a pole planting position adjacent the stop-board. Cushioning components are positioned on the base surface and sloped surface of the base pan. A top cover may be positioned over some or all of the base pan to provide a cavity which may enclose cushioning components.

Abstract: An aluminum frame carries a landing mat for the pole vault and is mounted on wheels so it can be rolled into position to cover the area adjacent and over the vaulting box after the vaulter has executed the takeoff to cushion the area around the vaulting box. The frame may be mounted on rails secured in place and moved away from the vaulting box against the resilience of a spring mechanism and then released to urge the frame and mat into its protective position over the vaulting box.

Abstract: An variable shaft, for example for a golf club. A hollow shaft has a cable or wire in the center, and means for varying the tension of the cable or wire. Increasing tension on the cable or wire places the shaft in compression and thereby reduces its bending stiffness. Preferably, the variation means are designed so that the wire tension may be quickly and easily varied by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus used to train pole vaulters to practice the swing and stretch of the vault from the pole plant and bend phase to the inversion phase which includes an upside down "U" shaped tube member with two short extensions protruding from a top surface of the upside down "U" shaped tube with steel straps extending from each extension with handles attached to the end of steel straps, the "U" shaped tube, extension and straps and grips are positioned so that the handles hang parallel, level but offset from each other about eight inches. The "U" shaped tube is swingingly attached to the horizontal bar by the use of velcro straps while a cloth mat is provided between the "U" shaped and the horizontal bar allowing the "U" shaped tube to swing freely around the horizontal bar. Safety wrist straps are attached to the hand grips assuring the athlete's safe grip during the training.