An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

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.

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.

A form for constructing a foundation for anchoring a pole vault standard to a support structure adjacent to a landing pad includes a first frame and a first plurality of connectors defining a first connecting pattern for coupling to a corresponding connecting pattern of a base of the first pole vault standard. The form is installable in the support structure and operable for use in fixedly connecting the first base of the pole vault standard to the form. A pair of forms may be employed for constructing a pair of foundations for anchoring a pair of pole vault standards to a support structure adjacent to a landing pad.

A pole vault pit construction that is formed of multiple resilient foam blocks that are secured in a unitary manner and wherein thee construction is comprised of a front cutout section defining a recess for receiving a pole engager, said front cutout section having an open front end and an inner end, and a contiguous rear landing section. The plurality of foam blocks of the front cutout section include at least one pair of opposed position blocks each having a tapered surface commencing from the upper surface downwardly to the lower surface and in a direction toward the opposed position block so that a cross-section of the recess is essentially trapezoidal. The rear landing section includes at least a center foam block having an uninterrupted tapered surface commencing from the upper surface downwardly to the lower surface and in a direction toward the open front end of the recess.

A pole vault pit construction that is formed of multiple resilient foam blocks that are secured in a unitary manner and wherein thee construction is comprised of a front cutout section defining a recess for receiving a pole engager, said front cutout section having an open front end and an inner end, and a contiguous rear landing section. The plurality of foam blocks of the front cutout section include at least one pair of opposed position blocks each having a tapered surface commencing from the upper surface downwardly to the lower surface and in a direction toward the opposed position block so that a cross-section of the recess is essentially trapezoidal. The rear landing section includes at least a center foam block having an uninterrupted tapered surface commencing from the upper surface downwardly to the lower surface and in a direction toward the open front end of the recess.

A form for constructing a foundation for anchoring a pole vault standard to a support structure adjacent to a landing pad includes a first frame and a first plurality of connectors defining a first connecting pattern for coupling to a corresponding connecting pattern of a base of the first pole vault standard. The form is installable in the support structure and operable for use in fixedly connecting the first base of the pole vault standard to the form. A pair of forms may be employed for constructing a pair of foundations for anchoring a pair of pole vault standards to a support structure adjacent to a landing pad.

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.

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.

A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.