Abstract: A ball (100) having a foam core (110) with a channel recess (114) formed on its surface is enclosed by a cover assembly including a rubber channel assembly (120) in the shape of a spherical curve, such as a baseball curve, and fabric panels (132) that are fixed to the channel assembly. The channel assembly is configured to be inserted into the channel recess in the core. In an embodiment, a heat-activated adhesive substrate is disposed between the cover assembly and the core. In an embodiment, a launcher engages the channel assembly to aid in throwing the ball. In an embodiment, a removable insert (220) is insertable to be retained in the channel assembly.

Abstract: An improved pet toy is elongated and has resilient hemispherical ends. The pet toy additionally has fabric cover portion that extends generally between the ends, and further has a resilient core that is enclosed by the ends and the cover portion. The resilient and hemispherical nature of the ends enables the pet toy to bounce and tumble in a seemingly unpredictable fashion when it strikes a surface, which increases interest in the pet toy by an animal.

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.