Abstract: A launch includes a frame including a platform defining a slot designed to slideably receive a rudder of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle. The launch includes two drive wheels rotatably supported by the frame and defining a space between each other. The space is open to the slot and designed to receive the rudder. The launch includes at least one variable speed drive wheel motor supported by the frame and operatively engaged with the drive wheels.

Abstract: In the process of making a hollow product, especially a deformable toy ball, two halves made from on elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, rubber, a blend of rubbers, or a thermoplastic elastomer are formed by injection molding with mating edges that engage with each other when the halves are assembled to form the product. The edge of one of the two halves is advantageously formed with a recess centered in the edge, in which a flange formed on the edge of the other of the two halves engages to provide a form-fitting connection between the two halves. The opposing edges are then bonded with each other by fusion or melting or by an adhesive applied to at least one of the edges prior to assembling the halves together. A deformable ball produced by the process is also described.

Abstract: A golf ball has a main body 12 and a paint layer 10 positioned outside the main body 12. The main body 12 has a plurality of minute projections 18 on a surface thereof. The paint layer 10 has a thickness Tp of not less than 5 ?m and not greater than 30 ?m. Each minute projection 18 is embedded in the paint layer 10. An average value Hav of heights H of the minute projections 18 is not less than 0.5 ?m and not greater than 80% of the thickness Tp. A ratio Pp of a sum of areas of all the minute projections 18 to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball is not less than 7%. An average value Dav of diameters D of the minute projections 18 is not less than 5 ?m and not greater than 50 ?m.

Abstract: A golf ball has a plurality of dimples 12 and a land 14 on a surface thereof. The golf ball further has a large number of minute projections 18 formed on surfaces of the dimples 12 and the land 14. An average pitch Pav of these minute projections 18 is less than 100 ?m. An average height Hav of these minute projections 18 is not less than 0.5 ?m and not greater than 50 ?m. The golf ball satisfies the following mathematical formula. Lav<3*Tav In the mathematical formula, Lav represents an average value of distances L between the minute projections 18 and other minute projections 18 adjacent to the minute projections 18, and Tav represents an average value of widths T of these minute projections 18.

Abstract: A football sensing system may include an American-style football extending along a longitudinal axis and having a maximum transverse dimension defining a transverse axis and at least one accelerometer. The football has a bladder and a cover about the bladder. The accelerometer is carried by the football between the bladder and the cover to sense acceleration along at least a first axis. The accelerometer is sized to sense a predetermined maximum value of acceleration in the first axis. The accelerometer is positioned within the football in a first position with the first axis of the accelerometer angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the football. The accelerometer in the first position is capable of measuring acceleration values in a direction in line with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the football that are greater than the predetermined maximum value of acceleration in the first axis.

Abstract: A projectile for launch in a body of water is described herein. The head of the projectile may be soft, the projectile may have a total specific gravity greater than about 0.95, the center of gravity may be located nearer the front end of the projectile as compared to the rear end and/or the length of the projectile relative to the maximum diameter may be greater than about 7:1. Methods of launching the same are also described herein.

Abstract: A exercise ball device can include a ball and one or more panels supported by the ball. The ball can be substantially rigid and the at least one panel can be soft or resiliently deformable. The exercise ball can include a belt for guiding and positioning the one or more panels on the ball.

Abstract: A launchable or throwable flying device that comprises a tapering tube or hollow truncated cone shape with a front aperture that is larger in diameter than the rear aperture. Various aerodynamic and design features are designed to optimize the device's performance in flight, such as (but not limited to) a tail section that induces the device to tack into the wind when thrown.

Abstract: A golf ball that enhances flight performance is provided. A golf ball according to the present invention includes a spherical core, at least one cover member that covers the core, and a coating layer that covers the cover member configuring the outermost layer. A plurality of dimples are formed in the cover member configuring the outermost layer. The thickness of the coating layer is 5.0 ?m or more. Roughness is formed on the surface of the coating layer after coating the cover member configuring the outermost layer. The maximum height Rz and the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the surface of the coating layer satisfy the relationship Rz?Ra×6.0.

Abstract: Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.

Abstract: A throwable ball having a large internal passage aligned with its central axis. An insert defines the bounds of the internal passage. This insert is surrounded by compressible foam that gives the ball an easy gripping surface. Interlock features are preferably provided between the insert and the compressible foam so that they do not slip relative to each other.

Abstract: Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.

Abstract: Friction-fit, removable plugs for holes in hollow, perforated game balls, such as Wiffle Balls and practice golf balls. Plugging the holes allows users to adjust the flight and composition of the balls in various ways, including matching the distance of balls to the available space and to the players' abilities. An adjustable golf ball is one embodiment. Plugging the holes also provides a means to attach various accessories, which creates modularity, facilitates experimentation and ball development, and permits an app-like avenue of marketing and development of balls.

Abstract: A throwing or catching toy includes a generally elongated spheroidal body defined as having a longitudinal axis, where a length of the body along the longitudinal axis between a front end to a back end of the body is longer than an equatorial diameter. A support is attached to the body and extends beyond the back end of the body and does not extend beyond the front end of the body. A lift-generating wing is non-movably attached to the support. A push surface is disposed near the back end of the body, where the push surface is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A horizontal stabilizer is attached to the support and disposed behind the lift-generating wing. An impact transfer surface is attached directly to the support, where the impact transfer surface is disposed within the body and fixed between the front end of the body and the support.

Abstract: A practice ball includes a ball having a hole bored partially therein. A flaccid material has a portion thereof disposed in the hole. A retainer is disposed in the hole along with the portion of the flaccid material to restrain the portion of the flaccid material in the hole of the ball.

Abstract: A pitching movement training device includes a ball, a plurality of pegs selectively secured at predetermined locations about the surface of the ball, and at least one band secured between adjacent pegs. The ball has a seam and at least one of the pegs being positioned adjacent the seam. The ball allows one to teach athletes proper hand positioning upon a ball while throwing specific pitches. The method includes providing the plurality of pegs and the ball, securing the pegs to the ball at predetermined locations about the outer surface of the ball, positioning a user's fingers relative to the pegs; and instructing the user to throw a pitch with a specific hand motion.

Abstract: A game ball as provided having a central passage capable of holding a beverage container and an elongated raised symbol gripping portion. The central passage is circular in shape and uniform in diameter and shares a longitudinal axis with the game ball. In one aspect of the invention, the game ball may be used as an insulated beverage container receptacle and is comprised of central fins that define the base for which the container may rest. The raised symbol gripping portion allows a user to impart rotational movement, or spiral action, when a ball is thrown.

Abstract: Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.

Abstract: Hollow balls with a hard shell, for example the game ball used in the pickle ball game, are used in various racquet games. One example of such hollow balls is the game ball used in the pickle ball game. These hollow balls break after a period of use or when excessive force is applied to the hollow ball. A game ball is described herein with a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures. Each of the first plurality of apertures is dimensionally different from each of the second plurality of apertures and inter-configured to reduce damage to the game ball during use thereof.

Abstract: A launchable or throwable flying device that comprises a tapering tube or hollow truncated cone shape with a front aperture that is larger in diameter than the rear aperture. Various aerodynamic and design features are designed to optimize the device's performance in flight, such as (but not limited to) a tail section that induces the device to tack into the wind when thrown.

Abstract: A throwing object that includes a multi-sided member that includes a top and a peripheral sidewall integral with the top. The top and peripheral sidewall together form a cap-shaped member that is hollow with the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is formed as a concave surface shaped for receiving the finger or fingers of the user with the inner surface including a reinforcing rib that is integral with the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention is a training baseball. The training baseball includes elongated fins that cause the training baseball to have a curved flight when thrown in a straight-throw motion. The present invention also includes a method for using the training baseball.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled football with an internally ducted fan and electric motor. An exemplary embodiment has an oblate spheroidal body. The body has a front section, a center section, a back section, and a longitudinal axis. The ducted fan is located within the body substantially within the center section and substantially along the longitudinal axis. The electric motor is located within the body and mechanically coupled to the ducted fan. At least one electrical power source is located within the body and electrically coupled to the electric motor. At least one air-inlet is located within the front section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least one air-outlet is located within the back section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. A means for automatic activation and deactivation of the electrical motor is located within the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-use product. Products in accordance with the present invention may be used in entertainment and physical conditioning. Devices in accordance with the present invention may also be collected and traded.

Abstract: A sportsball, such as a football, is preferentially constructed to enhance spiral rotation when thrown or kicked, allowing enhanced stability and distance.

Abstract: Hollow balls with a hard shell, for example the game ball used in the pickle ball game, are used in various racquet games. One example of such hollow balls is the game ball used in the pickle ball game. These hollow balls break after a period of use or when excessive force is applied to the hollow ball. A game ball is described herein with a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures. Each of the first plurality of apertures is dimensionally different from each of the second plurality of apertures and inter-configured to reduce damage to the game ball during use thereof.

Abstract: A ball, such as a soccer ball, comprises a sphere having a surface, a plurality of smooth portions on the surface of the sphere, and a plurality of flexible fin-like projections protruding from the surface. The fin-like projections may have a height of about 7-10 mm in the may be made from flexible and crushable rubbery material with a Shore A durometer reading of about 50-60. One effect is that the ball tends to fly a shorter distance and to stop rolling more quickly than the same ball without the fin-like projections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled football with an internally ducted fan and electric motor. An exemplary embodiment has an oblate spheroidal body. The body has a front section, a center section, a back section, and a longitudinal axis. The ducted fan is located within the body substantially within the center section and substantially along the longitudinal axis. The electric motor is located within the body and mechanically coupled to the ducted fan. At least one electrical power source is located within the body and electrically coupled to the electric motor. At least one air-inlet is located within the front section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least one air-outlet is located within the back section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. A means for automatic activation and deactivation of the electrical motor is located within the body.

Abstract: A ball includes a body having an outer surface. A chamber is disposed within the body and has a concave curvature in at least two orthogonal directions. An aperture defines a fluid connection between the chamber and the outer surface of the ball. Air flow across the aperture produces a whistling sound.

Abstract: A simulated gun launches a retrievable projectile in the form of a cylinder containing a compressible spring. The spring is compressed by inserting the barrel of the gun into the bore of the cylinder. A tab on the end of the cylinder rides in a helical groove on the surface of the barrel to cause the projectile to rotate about the axis of the barrel as the projectile is launched.

Abstract: A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. Devices built in accordance with the invention are particularly suited for use with strikeable objects which are various kinds of balls. A separation distance between the strikeable object and the sail is adjustable. A separation distance between the strikeable object and a surface upon which a player stands may also be adjustable. In some embodiments, the strikeable object may be replaced with a strikeable object having a different size or weight. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may alternatively be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges.

Abstract: A training device including a spherical body made of any combination of foam, rubber, cork, twine, leather or any known material used in the construction of a baseball or game play ball affixed to a flight control apparatus by a coupling means. Said ball consisting of a second element including a skirt or flight apparatus resembling a shuttlecock designed for movement, distance and speed control. Said ball consisting of a third element including an inset coupling means. The device being used to fine tune and exercise the muscular-skeletal mechanics related to field sports. The device may be used as a practice and drill specific device or as a child's toy much like a badminton shuttlecock to be thrown, caught or hit.

Abstract: A toy throwing object including a plurality of fins of sufficient flexibility to permit the device to travel in two distinct modes of operation. In a first mode, the device travels ballistically without significant rotation. In a second mode, the device rotates in a helicopter-like fashion.

Abstract: A ball includes a ball body having a spherical surface, and at least one projection extending from the surface of the ball body. The projection extends in such a manner that the projection forcibly separates a laminar boundary layer generated on the surface of the ball body, and transitions the laminar boundary layer to a turbulent boundary layer.

Abstract: The inventions are intended for the design, production and use of flying discs used in popular sports such as Ultimate and Disc Golf, incorporating a new set of mechanisms within the discs that provides a whole new range of capabilities, in particular, the ability to implement dynamic changes to the disc's flight characteristics throughout the course of its flight. These new mechanisms, and the resulting set of new effects they provide, are intended to be introduced into new flying disc designs, and also incorporated into existing designs to complement and enhance their performance.

Abstract: An instructional ball having a football-shaped body shaped as an ellipsoid having a longitudinal axis and a generally circular transverse cross section and a core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aerodynamic beverage bottles that incorporate fins or protrusions that are molded in to a bottle sidewall, having concavities or valleys between those fins or protrusions that are reinforced to be stiff and otherwise resisting deformation from, for example, pressures generated within the bottle. The sidewall in the region of the fins, protrusions, valleys or concavities may be thinner than other parts of the bottle; fins may be located on one end of a bottle which is thinner than the other end. Such a bottle may have a cylindrical section to which a label may be attached. Such a bottle may be blow-molded. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: A sportsball, such as a football, is preferentially constructed to enhance spiral rotation when thrown or kicked, allowing enhanced stability and distance.

Abstract: A game ball comprising a generally spherical shell having a plurality of adjustable apertures to assist the user in varying the flight path of the game ball. The game ball also may have, in combination with adjustable apertures, surface modification causing drag to assist the user in varying the flight path of the game ball.

Abstract: A game ball with a generally spherical inner ball and a cover substantially covering the inner ball. The inner ball has first and second halves divided by an imaginary equatorial plane. There are circumferentially spaced openings in the first half of the inner ball and openings in the cover aligned with the openings in the inner ball. The game ball curves away from the openings when thrown and thus may be used for learning how to throw and hit breaking pitches.

Abstract: There are disclosed non-standard sport projectiles having a material with a high flexural modulus, and an axle at the axis of rotation. The axle extends through at least one linear through hole. Non-standard sport projectiles are disclosed with cushioned ends. A tee device is disclosed for driving the non-standard sport projectiles. Inflatable targets are disclosed for golf games with non-standard sport projectiles.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a creative solution that helps teach younger adults/children about baseball and permits them to better participate in hitting fundamentals. The apparatus includes a spheroid having a diameter in a range of about two to five inches and constructed using foam\blow-molded material; and a tail, coupled to the spheroid, constructed using foam\blow-molded material, the tail providing both enhancement of aerodynamic flight properties of the spheroid and inhibition of end-over-end rotation of the spheroid after being thrown, hit, or launched.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled football with an internally ducted fan and electric motor. An exemplary embodiment has an oblate spheroidal body. The body has a front section, a center section, a back section, and a longitudinal axis. The ducted fan is located within the body substantially within the center section and substantially along the longitudinal axis. The electric motor is located within the body and mechanically coupled to the ducted fan. At least one electrical power source is located within the body and electrically coupled to the electric motor. At least one air-inlet is located within the front section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least one air-outlet is located within the back section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. A means for automatic activation and deactivation of the electrical motor is located within the body.

Abstract: Non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with this invention, include at least one linear through hole. As this non-standard sport projectile passes through the air, after being hit by, for example, a golf club, the non-standard sport projectile spins. When the above-mentioned through hole is generally aligned with the projectile's direction of flight, air passes through the through hole, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the non-standard sport projectile are enhanced. When the through hole is not aligned with the projectiles direction of flight the aerodynamic characteristics are reduced. As a result, the non-standard sport projectile experiences rapidly repeating intervals of relatively high aerodynamic flight and relatively low aerodynamic flight as the non-standard sport projectile spins around the center cross section of the through hole.

Abstract: An improved toy football having a plurality of fins dimensioned to stabilize the toy football while in flight, to provide for a controlled throw, and to reduce drag so that the toy football may be thrown farther than prior art toy footballs. An improved toy football for use at night or in areas where there is little light. A method for increasing throwing distance of a toy football.

Abstract: An apparatus that is adapted for enhanced curving when thrown specifically designed to aid in throwing to produce a curve effect and a method for throwing that enhances a curved trajectory. The object includes a solid generally spherical structure having a diameter with a range of about two inches to about six inches, the structure including an outer surface defining a generally equatorial-circumferentially-extending groove dividing the structure into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, the outer surface including a plurality of slots in the first hemisphere extending from the groove to a pole of the first hemisphere.

Abstract: A ball for use in sport or recreation to be delivered through air comprises a smooth portion having a relatively smooth surface on one side of the ball, and a rough portion having a relatively rough surface on an opposite side of the ball. The smooth portion may comprise greater than 50% of the surface of ball. For example, the smooth portion may comprise between 55% and 75% of the surface of the ball. The ball also may comprise a seam located entirely on the smooth portion. The seam may include a plurality of rows of imitation stitches on the surface of the smooth portion. When delivered through the air, the ball may deviate from an expected trajectory towards the side of the ball having the smooth surface.

Abstract: A ball is provided for use in training that collapses when hit or kicked and then resiliently reforms itself to its original shape, dissipating kinetic energy and allowing use of the ball in a restricted geographical area. In one aspect, the ball of the invention includes incisions extending substantially through a shell, which deform upon striking, such that the ball and collapses venting air and dissipating kinetic energy. In another aspect, the ball of the present invention includes incisions extending only partially through the outer shell, contributing to the deforming properties of the ball when struck.

Abstract: A thrown object having a body shaped at least partially like an American football includes a light stick carried thereon for illuminating the object as it is thrown through the air. The light stick can be carried in an interior bore passing at least partially through the body of the object. The body may be made at least partially from a material capable of transmitting light to allow the light produced by the light stick to be visible through the body. Alternatively, one or more light sticks can be attached to the body of the object in exterior grooves. The light sticks produce light using a chemical reaction after the light sticks are first snapped and shaken.

Abstract: A throwing toy having a rotational counter includes a football-shaped body and a tail assembly connected to the football-shaped body. The tail assembly includes a cylindrical body rotationally fixed to the football-shaped body, a rotational counter mounted within the cylindrical body, with the rotational counter having a first part rotationally fixed to the cylindrical body and a second part rotational with respect to the first part, the rotational counter arranged to provide visual indicia indicative of the number of rotations of the first part relative to the second part, and an elongate rod having a central axis. A first end of the elongate rod is operatively fixed to the second part of the rotational counter, and at least one tail fin is mounted to a second end of the elongate rod, the tail fin causing the elongate rod and the second part of the rotational counter to rotate relative to the first part of the rotational counter when the throwing toy is thrown through the air.