An improved object or projectile throwing device may include a handle and base having an element configured for improved projectile retention and release. The handle may be removably attached to a coupler, where the couple may include a receptacle or socket that is attached to the handle. Various bases include different projectile retention and release elements that configured secure or retain different types of objects or projectiles, thereby enabling the projectile throwing device to be adaptable to throw a variety of objects. Two or more handles of different lengths can be selectively coupled to a base of the projectile throwing device, such as to adapt the throwing distance, or the effort required to throw an object, to the throwing strength or abilities of an animal caregiver or to facilitate throwing of objects of different weight or density.

Launch and catch apparatus, kits including the same, and methods of using the same to launch and catch balls and other projectiles. The apparatus include a frame and a tubular body operatively coupled to the frame. The frame includes a handle and defines an inlet opening sized to receive a projectile. The tubular body includes an inlet region operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile when the projectile passes through the inlet opening. The tubular body further includes an outlet region configured to receive and retain the projectile after the projectile passes through the inlet opening. The apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of an outlet opening of the outlet region. The outlet opening may have an adjustable nominal size and may be configured to resiliently expand when a projectile is launched out of the outlet opening.

Launch and catch apparatus, kits including the same, and methods of using the same to launch and catch balls and other projectiles. The apparatus include a frame and a tubular body operatively coupled to the frame. The frame includes a handle and defines an inlet opening sized to receive a projectile. The tubular body includes an inlet region operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile when the projectile passes through the inlet opening. The tubular body further includes an outlet region configured to receive and retain the projectile after the projectile passes through the inlet opening. The apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of an outlet opening of the outlet region. The outlet opening may have an adjustable nominal size and may be configured to resiliently expand when a projectile is launched out of the outlet opening.

A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).

A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).

A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).

A device (e.g., an article of athletic gear) comprising a post-molded expandable component, which is a part of the device that is configured to be expanded or has been expanded after being molded. This may allow the post-molded expandable component to have enhanced characteristics (e.g., be more shock-absorbent, lighter, etc.), to be cost-effectively manufactured (e.g., by using less material and/or making it in various sizes), and/or to be customized for a user (e.g., by custom-fitting it to the user).

An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

Articles of sports equipment, such as striking implements (e.g., sticks) and wearable articles (e.g., skates, helmets) for playing hockey or other activities, in which at least one of the characteristics (e.g., stiffness) of the articles of sports equipment is adaptable and can be altered during use of the sports equipment, such as by comprising an alterable component coupled to a controller, by comprising an alterable component that is autonomously alterable, and/or by an alterable component that can be altered in response to a command of a remote device.