Abstract: A football having a generally prolate spheroidal shape and opposing first and second ends. The football includes a bladder, a cover and a lacing coupled to the cover. The cover is disposed over the bladder and defines, at least in part, a first set of channels extending generally longitudinally from at or near the first end of the football to at or near the second end of the football. The cover has an outer surface defining a plurality of grooves configured to facilitate grasping and throwing of the football. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. The width and depth of the grooves is sufficiently sized to receive a portion of one or more fingertips of a user. At least one of the grooves is positioned near the first or second end of the football.

Abstract: A protective shoulder pad assembly for use in contact sports. The shoulder pad assembly includes a flexible vest, a pair of rigid shoulder pads attached to the vest, and a pair of straps extending from a back side of the vest. The straps can each be refastenably attached to a front side of the vest. In particular, the straps can be crossed over one another in an “X” configuration on the front side of the vest, thereby directly securing each strap to both a front right portion and a front left portion of the vest.

Abstract: An exercise system provides incentives for individuals by providing either a collective exercise goal or a sponsored exercise reward.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first foot link and a second foot link. The first foot link has a first portion and a second portion linearly guided along a first axis. The first portion of the first foot link is pivotable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The second portion is pivotable of the first foot link is pivotable about an oscillating third axis perpendicular to the first axis. The second foot link has a first portion and a second portion linearly guided along a fourth axis parallel to the first axis. The second portion of the second foot link is pivotable about a fifth axis perpendicular to the fourth axis. The first portion of the second foot link is pivotable about an oscillating sixth axis perpendicular to the fourth axis.