Abstract: A platform weight scale comprising a capacitative load cell sensing means configured to be insensitive to off center loading of the horizontal platform regardless of load amount or location on the platform. The platform is supported by a plurality of springs selected for equal spring rates. The load cell is electrically connected into a FET (Field Effect Transistor), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or Bi-Polar semiconductor multivibrator circuit selected and designed to sense electric currents on the order of 10.sup.-13 amperes. In one preferred embodiment the load cell comprises a grounded hemispherical surface opposing a flat charged plate. In alternate embodiments the load cell comprises a differential capacitor or a parallel plate capacitor suspended in a manner that is insensitive to off center loading. An additional embodiment for the load cell comprises a spherically concave surface opposing the above grounded hemisperical surface.

Abstract: A foot insertion device to enable an athlete to very quickly don biking or running shoes while participating in a multievent sport such as swimming, biking and running triathons. The device comprises a plurality of shoe heel retaining sockets with compressible foam pad supports under the shoes. A "foot funnel" of flexible material guides the athlete's foot into a shoe. Each shoe is held open by the foot funnel and by hook and loop straps that hold the tongue in an open retracted position. The back of the shoe heel is held in position in the device by hook and loop fasteners which detach in a controlled manner. The foam pad compresses in a controlled manner also, the combination operating together to assure that the athlete's foot is completely in the shoe before the athlete moves the shoe out of the device.

Abstract: A platform weight scale comprising a capacitative load cell sensing means configured to be insensitive to off center loading of the horizontal platform regardless of load amount or location on the platform. The platform is supported by a plurality of springs selected for equal spring rates. The load cell is electrically connected into a FET (Field Effect Transistor), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or Bi-Polar semiconductor multivibrator circuit selected and designed to sense electric currents on the order of 10.sup.-13 amperes. In one preferred embodiment the load cell comprises a grounded hemispherical surface opposing a flat charged plate. In alternate embodiments the load cell comprises a differential capacitor or a parallel plate capacitor suspended in a manner that is insensitive to off center loading. An additional embodiment for the load cell comprises a spherically concave surface opposing the above grounded hemispherical surface.