Abstract: An improved pet toy is generally ring-like and is rollable along a surface, such as the ground. The pet toy includes a resilient foam core that is surrounded by an elastomeric outboard portion and a fabric inboard portion that are affixed to one another and to the core. The outboard portion has a roughened surface that provides traction with the ground and enables the pet toy to roll in various fashions. The fabric inboard portion includes a stiffening structure in the form of a rib that resists deformation of the pet toy in a radial direction toward and away from a center of the toy.

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 generally ring-like and is rollable along a surface, such as the ground. The pet toy includes a resilient foam core that is surrounded by an elastomeric outboard portion and a fabric inboard portion that are affixed to one another and to the core. The outboard portion has a roughened surface that provides traction with the ground and enables the pet toy to roll in various fashions. The fabric inboard portion includes a stiffening structure in the form of a rib that resists deformation of the pet toy in a radial direction toward and away from a center of the toy.

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 (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: A pet toy suitable for indoor use includes an indoor launcher having a rigid handle, a flexible arm, and a C-shaped head attached to a distal end of the arm. The head is narrow at the central portion, and wider at the upper and lower lips. The ball is configured to be releasably retained in the head, and may be, for example, spherical or a center spherical segment. The ball comprises a foam core which may be hollow and vented, and a napped fabric covering. Optionally, the ball may include one or more straps. The ball characteristics provide high drag and rolling resistance to limit the path of the ball, and define a soft and compliant article suitable for indoor use. The optional straps provide greatly improved visibility. Limited travel and good visibility makes the balls particularly suitable for older or impaired pets.

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 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.