Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body; and a flexure resistance spine that is elongated and is stiffer and less flexible in one direction than in a different direction. The spine is fixed against rotation at two spaced apart locations along the body.

Abstract: A self righting bottle or combination bottle and holder that prevents leakages otherwise resulting in drips, spills, and stains on floors, floor coverings and carpets, particularly permanent stains on various floor coverings. Preferably, it keeps the nipple clean by avoiding such leakages for prolonged periods, thereby preventing nipple contamination by other substances proximate to the nipple end of the bottle. The self righting bottle includes a container with at least one sidewall, a weighted bottom having an outwardly facing convex surface, the bottom having a center of mass situated so that, in cooperation with the convex surface, the bottle self rights itself into an upright position from a prone position after being tipped on a level surface into the prone position. The self righting bottle may be configured or molded as a clown, cartoon or face character.