[0009] A typical pole vault facility includes a landing mat 10 , a runway 12 and a vaulting box 14 . The Standards and cross bar typically used in the event are not shown.

[0010] The vaulting box 14 is typically made from a hard-surfaced material such as steel or fiber reinforced resin, and is inserted into the ground to provide sloping ramp surfaces 16 leading to a stop board 18 against which the vaulter plants the end of the pole to begin the vault. The vaulting box and adjacent area are dangerous should the vaulter not fully travel to the landing mat 10 and land near or in the vaulting box.

[0011] The present invention includes a rolling mat platform 20 which once in place, provides protection adjacent the vaulting box. The design is fairly simple, an aluminum frame comprised of rails and cross members serves as the base, and may be bolted to a concrete slab or plywood support surface for ease of use and static strength, along with precision movement. The top piece is mounted on an aluminum rail system that glides along on machined Delron rollers with sealed bearings serving as friction reducers. The landing mat is fixed to the top of the rolling platform either by Velcro or some form of fasteners.

[0012] In use, the rolling platform with landing mat is in the position of FIGS. 3A and 3B to allow the vaulter to pass on the runway and execute his plant by directing the pole against the stop board in the vaulting box, and then the rolling mat platform may be rolled inwardly to extend over much of the vaulting box and adjacent area as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D to cover approximately 90% of the plant box once the athlete leaves the ground.

[0013] The rolling mat platform can be spring biased into its closed position so that it can be made to roll to the closed position manually or with a spring-loaded foot pedal. It is designed to travel a set distance and lock in place.

[0014] The base is comprised of welded aluminum square stock with holes bored in precise locations to accompany rollers. The base also has brackets to allow the unit to be permanently secured to the ground. The spring loaded release and foot pedal will also be affixed to the base. The top platform is simply comprised of 3 cross-members with round aluminum stock traveling in the concave of the rollers with aluminum “L” bracket welded to the perimeter for strength. It has 2 stop blocks on either end to set travel distances for open and closed.

[0015] The device is made of weatherproof aluminum with sealed bearings for maximum strength, weatherability, durability, and metal memory.

[0016] These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be understood from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment made above; however, the present invention is not limited by any details of the above but is set forth by the appended claims.