Abstract: Disclosed is a force measuring article of athletic equipment and method of monitoring caloric output during a physical exercise. Force transducers are positioned within the palm region of a lifting glove or sole portion of an athletic shoe for measuring force versus time data and storing the data for later retrieval and analysis. The force output for a given exercise is analyzed such that the user is able to monitor and gauge energy output during an activity without the use of a heart rate monitor or larger, external equipment. The data can be used to determine caloric output, from which the user can directly measure the energy required for a specific exercise and the necessary calories required to complete the exercise. The method involves gather this information and using it as means to further understand caloric output, and thus meter caloric intake and maintain a proper daily caloric balance.

Abstract: A method for collecting funds through a competitive event involving multiple participants. The method comprising selecting an objective and a time limit for the competitive event and providing a plurality of predefined choices, each choice represented by an avatar, for fulfilling the selected objective. Allowing participants to place mock bets on one or more avatars based on preferred choices, before the end of the time limit and displaying relative advancement of each avatar towards fulfilling the objective based on total funds accrued by each avatar in form of mock bets. After the time limit, the avatar, which had accrued maximum funds in the form of mock bets, is selected as a winning choice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deployable garment venting device that offsets the beltline of a wearer's trousers from the body of the wearer to allow an air gap such that heat and moisture is released and airflow is achieved across the trouser beltline. The device comprises a flexible frame member bordering an internal mesh web. The preferred embodiment comprises a pair of straps that deform the frame into a deployed state, bowing out the frame and creating a non-planar structure to offset a trouser beltline. The straps comprise clips for attachment to the wearer's beltline, whereby the frame can be released from the strap tension and thus stowed against the user's body in a planar state. Embodiments include of the frame straps include hooks that releasable maintain the frame's distorted shape, tensionable straps, and a frame that folds onto itself when disconnected from the user for condensed storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deployable garment venting device that offsets the beltline of a wearer's trousers from the body of the wearer to allow an air gap such that heat and moisture is released and airflow is achieved across the trouser beltline. The device comprises a flexible frame member bordering an internal mesh web. The preferred embodiment comprises a pair of straps that deform the frame into a deployed state, bowing out the frame and creating a non-planar structure to offset a trouser beltline. The straps comprise clips for attachment to the wearer's beltline, whereby the frame can be released from the strap tension and thus stowed against the user's body in a planar state. Embodiments include of the frame straps include hooks that releasable maintain the frame's distorted shape, tensionable straps, and a frame that folds onto itself when disconnected from the user for condensed storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a force measuring article of athletic equipment and method of monitoring caloric output during a physical exercise. Force transducers are positioned within the palm region of a lifting glove or sole portion of an athletic shoe for measuring force versus time data and storing the data for later retrieval and analysis. The force output for a given exercise is analyzed such that the user is able to monitor and gauge energy output during an activity without the use of a heart rate monitor or larger, external equipment. The data can be used to determine caloric output, from which the user can directly measure the energy required for a specific exercise and the necessary calories required to complete the exercise. The method involves gather this information and using it as means to further understand caloric output, and thus meter caloric intake and maintain a proper daily caloric balance.