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Pole vaulting device and methodRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, For Track Or Field Sport, Jumping, Vaulting, Or HurdlingPole vaulting device and method description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070087899, Pole vaulting device and method. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a pole vaulting device. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to a pole vaulting net device and method. [0002] Pole vaulting is an exciting, challenging sport. In the early days of the sport, the poles utilized were made of bamboo and the pit contained saw dust. Now, the poles are made of high tech synthetic plastics and the pits contain mats. The poles are longer and stronger, and the athletes are jumping ever higher distances. As those active in the sport will recognize, greater heights entail greater risk. [0003] One of the most common injuries are those associated with the pole vaulter landing improperly onto the mat. In other words, after the pole vaulter utilizes the pole to vault him (or her) into the air, the pole vaulter may land in such a way that causes serious injure to him (or her). For instance, the pole vaulter may land face forward in the vaulter's planting box, or the pole vaulter may completely miss the mat, or the pole vaulter may bounce off the mat and onto the ground. This list is illustrative. Since 1971, there have been at least 45 catastrophic injuries or deaths which have occurred due to pole vaulting activities. [0004] Prior art vaulting techniques include utilization of mats. However, this safety technique requires the horizontal application of mats, which may be cost prohibitive. Additionally, many track and field areas have limited space thereby limiting the usefulness of large horizontal mats. Further, some prior art techniques use specialized mats. However, these designs still require the application of horizontal mat placement to solve the problem. Further, these prior art designs are awkward and expensive. [0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that will allow for safer pole vaulting. There is also a need that will allow for a netting device for use in pole vaulting. There is also a need for a pole vaulting device that can distribute the forces caused by the falling and bouncing athlete. These needs, and many others, will be met by the following disclosure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A pole vaulting device is disclosed. The pole vaulting device comprises a mat positioned on the base frame, with the mat having a top side and an underside, and a plurality of support poles positioned about the mat, with the plurality of support poles having a first end. The pole vaulting safety device further includes a net having an outer periphery, and wherein the net outer periphery is attached to the plurality of support poles, and a plurality of straps having a distal end attached to the underside of the mat, and a proximal end attached to the net so that the net forms a bowl section. [0007] The pole vaulting device may further include a base frame having a longitudinal member and a latitudinal member. In one preferred embodiment, the longitudinal member comprises a plurality of variable length beams, and the latitudinal member comprises a plurality of variable length beams. Also, the plurality of support poles may have a second end that is selectively attachable to the base frame. In the most preferred embodiment, the first end of the plurality of support poles has a curved portion, and wherein the curved portion is oriented in the direction of the mat. The pole vaulting device may further comprise a secondary strap attaching the net to the top side of the mat. The support poles may be disposed within a stand that is operatively attached to the longitudinal member and the latitudinal member i.e. members attached to the channel bar segments. The stand has a tubular sleeve that receives the support poles, and wherein the tubular sleeve is attached to a top side of the longitudinal and latitudinal members. [0008] A device used for pole vaulting over a bar and onto a mat, with the mat having a top side and an underside, the mat surrounded by a net having an outer periphery, is also disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of support poles positioned about the mat, said plurality of support poles having a first end, and wherein the net outer periphery is attached to the plurality of support poles. The device further includes a plurality of straps having a distal end attached to the underside of the mat, and a proximal end attached to said net so that the net forms a bowl section, and a base frame having a longitudinal member and a latitudinal member, the mat being positioned on the base frame. [0009] A method of distributing the force of a pole vaulter against a net is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a device, the device includes: a mat positioned on a base frame; a plurality of support poles positioned about the mat; a net having an outer periphery, and wherein the net outer periphery is attached to a curved portion of the support poles; a plurality of straps having a distal end attached to an underside of the mat, and a proximal end attached to the net so that the net forms a bowl section. [0010] The method further includes landing the pole vaulter on the mat and applying the force against the first side of the net caused by the pole vaulter bouncing from the mat and into the first side of the bowl section, wherein the force is created by the pole vaulter's weight acting against the first side of the bowl section. The method further includes distributing the force, caused by the pole vaulter's weight, to the support poles, then distributing the force, caused by the pole vaulter's weight, to the plurality of straps, and in turn, distributing the force to the underside of the mat. [0011] In one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a secondary strap attaching the net to a top side of the mat, and the step of distributing the force of the pole vaulter's weight to the underside of the mat further includes distributing the force caused by the pole vaulter's weight to the top side of the mat via the secondary strap. [0012] An advantage of the present invention is that the device can be used to help prevent injuries from pole vaulting. Another advantage is that the device can be used to safely catch the vaulter. Another advantage is that the device can be used as a safety net. Another advantage is that the device can be used in areas of limited space. Yet another advantage is that the device is easily disassembled and moved. Another advantage is that the invention can be used with existing safety equipment i.e. prior art mats. Still yet another advantage is that the device is economical to manufacture. [0013] A feature of the present invention is the curved support poles which attach to the net. Another feature is that the net, once installed, forms a bowl section. Yet another feature is that the net is attached to the underside of mat so that the weight of the mat acts as an anchor. Another feature is the variable width and length of the base frame. Still yet another feature is the selectively attachable stands for the support poles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1A is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the base frame for the present invention. [0015] FIG. 1B is an expanded, rotated view of a channel bar beam seen in FIG. 1A. [0016] FIG. IC is a partial perspective view of one of the channel bar beams seen in FIG. 1B. [0017] FIG. 2A is a partial side view of the preferred embodiment of the stand support and support pole for the present invention. [0018] FIG. 2B is a partial side view of the support pole seen in FIG. 2A. [0019] FIG. 3 is a partial top view of a mat placed on top of the base frame seen in FIG. 1. [0020] FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the pole vaulting device of the present invention. [0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of the pole vaulting device of the present invention. Continue reading about Pole vaulting device and method... Full patent description for Pole vaulting device and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Pole vaulting device and method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Pole vaulting device and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Passive start with invalid brake on-off switch state Next Patent Application: Starting block Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Pole vaulting device and method patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.86805 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
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