Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.

The utility model discloses an automatic ball launcher. The automatic ball launcher includes a ball launcher shell, in which an accommodating space is arranged; a ball launching channel, arranged in the accommodating space and provided with a ball launching inlet and a ball launching outlet; an acceleration mechanism, arranged in the accommodating space for pushing and accelerating the ball that enters the ball launching channel to a preset speed; and a ball launching mechanism, arranged in the accommodating space and close to the ball launching outlet for receiving the ball that is pushed by the acceleration mechanism and launching the ball from the ball launching outlet to the outside of the ball launching channel. The utility model can launch the ball more stably.

A modular and dynamic force apparatus for adjusting standard and dynamic torque-to-linear forces during physical activity in real-time, the apparatus including a force module, a user device and an apparatus tracking processing unit. The force module includes an open hub attachment point, wherein the open hub attaches the apparatus to an external source, one or more sensors measuring data for physical activity efficiency, an internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module, a variable length cable, a force generating component, and motor controls. The internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module includes an apparatus tracking measurement unit (“ATMU”) adapted to measure data, a first electronic communications channel for transmitting the measured data to an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”), and a second electronic communications channel for transmitting one or more apparatus conditions data to adjust dynamic forces. The user device receives one or more apparatus conditions data over the second electronic communications channel for real-time notification and/or adjustments to the user. The user interface includes a display that provides feedback and an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”). The ATPU includes the first electronic communications channel for receiving the measured data from the ATMU, a microprocessor, a memory storage area, a database stored in the memory storage area, and a tracking processing module located in the memory storage are. The database stores a first set of evaluation rules and a second set of evaluation rules, the first set of evaluation rules corresponding to one or more tracking parameters, and the second set of evaluation rules corresponding to the one or more apparatus conditions. The tracking processing includes program instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor to determine the one or more tracking parameters using the measured data and the first set of evaluation rules, and determine the one or more apparatus conditions data using the one or more tracking parameters and the second set of evaluation rules.

A ball, sphere or article holding system includes a first hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and having therein a plurality of apertures, the semi-hemisphere or shell including a first hinge element and, diametrically opposed, a first selectable closure element. The system also includes a second hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and also having a plurality of apertures, the second semi-hemisphere or shell including a second hinge element which is complementally proportioned, disposed and engagable relative to the first hinge element. Diametrically opposed therefrom is a second closure element which is complementally and press or snap-fittably engagable by the opposing closure element of the first semi-hemisphere or shell. Closure between the responsive closure elements may be enhanced by the use of a ring slip-fittably passing between complementally disposed apertures within and between the closure elements. The surface of an article held within the system is offset from interior surfaces of the semi-hemispheres or shells by nubs, stubs of the like. Articles held within the sphere may include bells and treats for pets.

In the process of making a hollow product, especially a deformable toy ball, two halves made from an 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.

An automatic ball launcher for pets includes a body shell, a ball launch aisle, a ball launch mechanism which is connected to the ball launch aisle and near the outlet for the ball; the ball launch mechanism comprises one or more ball launch wheels and one or more ball launch motors; the ball launch wheels are set on two sides of the ball launch aisle, a face of which is a concaved curve; the concaved curve matches the outline of the ball; regular teeth are arranged on the concaved curve; the ball launch wheels are driven by one or more ball launch motor and launch the ball from the outlet. The present invention effectively enlarged the contact surface between the wheels and the ball, which solve the problem of slippery ball being stuck inside the launcher. The playing is not interrupted by the stuck ball and is enjoyable.

The present disclosure relates to methods for improving healthfulness, e.g., improving cardiovascular health, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size/tone in animal subjects, including human subjects. In one aspect, the method comprises applying a core weight to each of the front and/or rear limbs of an animal subject at substantially the same distance from the torso so as to be substantially symmetrically placed, and such that each core weight lies within the distal ⅔ of the limbs; and wearing the core weights continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks. In certain embodiments, each of said core weights has substantially the same mass which is 0.2-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject, and each of said core weights spans less than ¼ of the total length of the limb to which it is applied.

Disclosed is a muscle specific exercise device. The device may provide passive or active resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The device may be low profile, and worn by a wearer, such as beneath conventional clothing. Exercise of selective joints or motion of the body may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.

A throwing apparatus includes a head portion configured to engage a ball, a handle portion configured for holding the throwing apparatus, and a communication portion configured to transmit a signal. A throwing system includes a throwing apparatus including a thrower portion configure to engage a ball, a communication portion enabling a user to assist in locating a ball, and a ball. A throwing method includes holding a throwing apparatus including a thrower portion configured to engage a ball and a communication portion, engaging a ball, swinging the throwing apparatus to throw the ball, choosing between the following: swinging a throwing apparatus to throw the ball to another person or swinging a throwing apparatus to throw the ball to a pet, and engaging the ball.

A training device for the human or animal body includes a balance body with a movable centre of mass and a holder with which the balance body can be carried. The holder includes a harness with connectors for connecting to a torso of the body and with a cavity in which the balance body is at least partially received and fixed. The harness particularly includes a first part with connector for attaching to a back of the user and a second part connected releasably to the first part. The first part and the second part adjoin each other so as to form a cavity which is open on both sides and in which the balance part is at least partially received in substantially fitting manner.