LAUNCH AND CATCH APPARATUS, KITS, AND METHODS

Abstract

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to recreational apparatus for launching and catching balls and other projectiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Games of catch are popular pastimes for two or more participants. Some such games involve only a ball, flying disc or other projectile that is thrown and caught by the participants using only the participants' hands to catch and throw the projectiles. Other such games involve participants wearing a glove or mitt to catch a thrown projectile with one of the participant's hands, and using the participant's other hand to remove the projectile from the glove or mitt and then throw it to another participant. Regardless of the nature of the game of catch, such games can be challenging when the participants have notably different dexterities and/or strengths. Also, some participants prefer to not need to use both hands to participate in a game of catch. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus for launching and catching balls and other projectiles, such as may be used in games of catch.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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 that is sized to receive a projectile. The tubular body includes an inlet region that is operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile when the projectile passes through the inlet opening into the internal volume. The tubular body further includes an outlet region distal the inlet opening. The outlet region is configured to receive and retain the projectile at least substantially within the tubular body after the projectile passes through the inlet opening into the internal volume. The outlet region defines an outlet opening, and the apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening. The outlet opening is smaller than the inlet opening and may be configured to resiliently expand within a range of expanded sizes that are greater than a nominal size of the outlet opening when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening. The nominal size of the outlet opening may be selectively adjustable.

The kits include at least one of the launch and catch apparatus and a projectile sized to be launched and caught with the apparatus. The projectile may be a ball and may have a maximum transverse perimeter that is larger than the perimeter of the outlet opening when the outlet opening is in its nominal size.

The methods include grasping the handle of the apparatus with a user's hand, orienting the apparatus to receive a launched projectile into the internal volume through the inlet opening, receiving the launched projectile into the internal volume via the inlet opening, swinging the apparatus in a launching motion, and launching the projectile out of the tubular body from the outlet opening. The swinging may be in a launch direction, and the launching may launch the projectile in the launch direction and may be responsive to centrifugal forces generated by the launching motion. The methods may include selectively adjusting a nominal size of the outlet opening responsive to one or more of a size of the projectile, a weight of the projectile, a strength of the user using the apparatus, and a desired distance for launching the projectile with the apparatus. The methods may include using only one of a user's limbs to perform the grasping, the orienting, the receiving, the swinging, and the launching, and the methods further may include maintaining the grasping with the one of the user's limbs while performing the orienting, the receiving, the swinging, and the launching with the same one of the user's limbs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view illustrating examples of launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating examples of launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a user catching a projectile with a launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a user launching a projectile with a launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating the outlet region of the tubular body of a launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure, with the outlet opening of the outlet region in its nominal size.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating the outlet region of the tubular body of FIG. 5 with a projectile received and retained in the internal volume of the tubular body by the outlet opening.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary end view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating the outlet region of the tubular body of FIG. 5 with the outlet opening expanded to an expanded size as the projectile is launched from the internal volume out of the outlet opening.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary end view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating the outlet region of the tubular body of FIG. 5 after the projectile is launched out of the outlet opening, with the outlet opening returned to its nominal size.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary end view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating examples of outlet regions of launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating examples of adjustable outlet regions of launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side elevation view of examples of projectiles according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of an example of a launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the launch and catch apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating examples of methods of using a launch and catch apparatus according to the present disclosure to catch and launch a projectile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIGS. 1-18 provide examples of launch and catch apparatus, projectiles for use therewith, kits containing the same, and methods of using the same according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-18, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-18. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-18, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-18 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-18 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In general, elements that are likely to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines may not be essential to all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate examples of launch and catch apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure, projectiles 200 that are sized and/or selected to be launched and caught with the launch and catch apparatus, and kits 300 that include at least one apparatus 10 and at least one projectile 200. As discussed in more detail herein, launch and catch apparatus 10 is configured to catch a projectile 200 by receiving the projectile through an inlet opening 22 of the apparatus and into an internal volume 64 of the apparatus, where the projectile is at least substantially retained within the apparatus, such as in an outlet region 66 thereof or against an outlet opening 68 thereof. Launch and catch apparatus 10 further is configured to launch the projectile from the internal volume of the apparatus through, or out of, the outlet opening 68 of the apparatus, such as responsive to a user swinging the apparatus in a launching motion. Thus, launch and catch apparatus 10 is configured to receive projectile 200 through a first (inlet) opening, at least substantially retain the projectile within the apparatus, and subsequently launch the projectile out of a second (outlet) opening that is different than, and as discussed in more detail herein smaller than, the first opening.

Examples of this unconventional launch and catch configuration that are enabled by apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 3, apparatus 10 is held in a user's hand and oriented to receive projectile 200 into internal volume 64 of the apparatus via inlet opening 22 of the apparatus. The projectile is received into the internal volume and retained therein, such as at or proximate outlet opening 68 of the apparatus. When the user wants to launch projectile 200 from the apparatus, the user swings the apparatus in a throwing motion, as shown in FIG. 4. This motion causes the projectile and the outlet region of the apparatus to swing forward and away from a handle of the apparatus via centrifugal forces imparted by the throwing motion. These forces also cause the projectile to be launched from the apparatus out of the outlet opening, as discussed in more detail herein.

When the user launches the projectile using a typical throwing motion (such as an overhand, underhand, or sidearm throwing motion), the projectile can be thrown longer distances than if the projectile was manually grasped in the user's hand and thrown with the same throwing motion. This is due to such factors as the length of the apparatus and the centrifugal forces imparted to the projectile when it is launched from the outlet opening of the apparatus. For example, a projectile launched with apparatus 10 may travel at least 50%, at least 75%, and/or at least 100% farther than if the projectile is grasped in the user's hand and thrown with the same throwing motion (force, velocity, trajectory, etc.).

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, launch and catch apparatus 10 includes a frame 20 that defines an inlet opening 22 that is sized to receive projectile 200. By this, it is meant that inlet opening 22 is sized such that projectile 200 may pass through the inlet opening, such as when apparatus 10 is used to catch a thrown or otherwise launched projectile 200. For example, inlet opening 22 is larger than the maximum dimension 202 of projectile 200, thereby enabling the projectile to pass through the inlet opening when apparatus 10 is used to catch the projectile. For example, inlet opening 22 may be described as having a larger cross-sectional area, a larger size, and/or larger transverse dimensions than projectile 200. Inlet opening 22 additionally or alternatively may be described as having a minimum dimension 24 that is larger than a corresponding maximum dimension (i.e., diameter) of projectile 200. Inlet opening 22 may extend in a selected, a defined, and/or a fixed orientation relative to frame 20 such that movement of the frame does not change the orientation of the inlet opening relative to the frame, or a component of the frame, such as a handle 40.

Launch and catch apparatus 10 also includes a tubular body 60 that defines internal volume 64 and is operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile into the internal volume after the projectile passes through inlet opening 22. More specifically, tubular body 60 includes an inlet region 62 that is operatively coupled to frame 20 to receive the projectile into internal volume 64 when the projectile passes through inlet opening 22. By “operatively coupled,” it is meant that the inlet region is suitably secured, attached, and/or otherwise connected to the frame to position and/or enable the inlet region to receive projectile 200 after the projectile passes through inlet opening 22. Inlet region 62 is proximate inlet opening 22 of frame 20 and may at least partially or completely define and/or be coextensive with perimeter 26 of inlet opening 22. In some embodiments, tubular body 60 may be selectively everted relative to frame 20 without impairing or preventing operative use of the apparatus to perform methods 400.

Tubular body 60 further includes an outlet region 66 that is distal inlet opening 22 and is configured to receive and retain the projectile at least substantially within internal volume 64 after the projectile passes through the inlet opening and into the internal volume. As used herein, references to retaining the projectile at least substantially within internal volume 64 mean that the projectile is retained within the internal volume, such as within outlet region 68, but a portion of the projectile may project out of the outlet opening while the projectile is retained in the internal volume. As examples, the entirety of the projectile may be within the internal volume or a majority of the projectile may be retained within the internal volume. Outlet region 66 includes outlet opening 68 and forms a minority percentage of the nominal length of the tubular body. As examples, outlet region 66 may form at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at most 25%, at most 20%, at most 15%, and/or at most 10% of the nominal length of the tubular body. Expressed in slightly different terms, outlet region 66 may form, or bound, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at most 25%, at most 20%, at most 15%, and/or at most 10% of internal volume 64. The outlet region may be formed from a material that is at least one of more resilient, less resilient, and the same as a material or combinations of material used to form a portion of the tubular body distal the outlet region.

After projectile 200 is retained at least substantially within the internal volume, the projectile may be selectively launched out of the internal volume via outlet opening 68 of outlet region 66, such as responsive to centrifugal and/or other forces imparted when the apparatus is swung in a throwing motion by a user. As the preceding discussion demonstrates, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that inlet opening 22, outlet opening 68, and/or internal volume 64 may be described as portions of the apparatus and/or as portions of components of the apparatus, such as frame 20, tubular body 60 and/or outlet region 66. Although not required to all apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure, and as discussed in more detail herein, outlet opening 68 may be configured to resiliently expand to enable projectile 200 to be launched out of outlet region 66 of tubular body 60, such as responsive to the forces applied thereto when the apparatus is swung in a throwing motion by a user to launch the projectile. Outlet opening 68 thus may be described as having a nominal size and a range of expanded sizes that are larger than the nominal size.

Launch and catch apparatus 10 additionally or alternatively may be referred to herein as a throw and catch apparatus 10, launch and catch toy 10, launch and catch racket 10, launch and catch frame assembly 10, frame assembly 10, and/or apparatus 10. Frame 20 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as racket frame 20 and/or racket 20. Tubular body 60 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as frustoconical body 60, frustoconical portion 60, frustoconical net 60, tapered net 60, tubular net 60, tubular portion 60, and/or projectile-catching body 60. Projectile 200 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as tossing projectile 200, toy projectile 200, ball 200, toy ball 200, sports projectile 200, and/or sports ball 200.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, frame 20 includes a head region 30 that bounds, or defines, at least a substantial portion of inlet opening 22. Head region 30 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as head portion 30, frame head 30, and/or head 30. Head region 30 may have an internal perimeter 32 that defines at least a substantial portion of, or at least substantially defines, a perimeter 26 of the inlet opening. In some apparatus 10, inlet region 62 of tubular body 60 may define, or at least partially or at least substantially define, perimeter 26 of the inlet opening, such as when inlet region 62 is secured to internal perimeter 32 of head region 30.

Frame 20 further includes a handle 40 that is configured to be grasped by a user using apparatus 10. Handle 40 may extend away from inlet opening 22, and as indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 2, handle 40 may define a portion, such as a minority portion, of inlet opening 22. Expressed in slightly different terms, head portion 30 and handle 40 collectively may bound, surround, and/or define inlet opening 22. Handle 40 may include a grip region 42 that is configured to be grasped, or gripped, within a user's hand when apparatus 10 is used to catch and launch projectile 200. For example, grip region 42 may include at least one of a textured surface, a friction-enhancing surface, a tactile surface, a taped surface, a padded surface, a cushioned surface, and/or a compliant surface that is positioned to be grasped by, or within, the user's hand. When present, grip region 42 may have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than, larger than, or the same as the cross-sectional area of other portions of handle 40 or the subsequently discussed shaft 44.

Handle 40 may be secured to head region 30 so that the orientation of the handle relative to the head region does not change as the apparatus is used to catch and launch projectile 200. For example, handle 40 may not be pivotal or rotatable relative to head region 30. Handle 40 additionally or alternatively may be described as extending in a fixed, or selected, orientation relative to head region 30 and/or inlet opening 22. As such, inlet opening 22 may define a plane that extends through head region 30 and handle 40.

Handle 40 may extend directly from head region 30, as indicated in dash-dot lines in FIG. 1. In some apparatus, frame 20 includes a shaft 44 that interconnects head region 30 and handle 40, as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. When frame 20 includes handle 40 and shaft 44, the handle and the shaft collectively may be referred to as a handle assembly 46.

Shaft 44, when present, may have a fixed, or permanent, length. It also is within the scope of the present disclosure that shaft 44 may have an adjustable length. In other words, shaft 44 may be configured to be selectively (and repeatedly) secured in a selected length within a range of shaft lengths. Expressed in the context of handle assembly 46, handle assembly 46 may have a fixed, or permanent, length, or an adjustable length in which the handle assembly is selectively (and repeatedly) secured in a selected length within a range of handle assembly lengths. This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, where a fixed or selected shaft length is indicated at 48, a range of shaft lengths is schematically indicated at 50, a fixed or selected handle assembly length is indicated at 52, and a range of handle assembly lengths is schematically illustrated at 54.

Examples of suitable shaft lengths 48 include at least 2.5 centimeters (cm), at least 5 cm, at least 7.5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 20 cm, at most 60 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 30 cm, at most 25 cm, and/or at most 20 cm, with examples of ranges 50 of shaft lengths bounded by selected ones of these illustrative shaft lengths. Examples of suitable handle assembly lengths 52 include at least 6 inches (in), at least 8 in, at least 10 in, at least 12 in, at least 14 in, at least 16 in, at least 18 in, at most 48 in, at most 40 in, at most 30 in, at most 24 in, at most 18 in, and/or at most 12 in, with examples of ranges 54 of handle assembly lengths bounded by selected ones of these illustrative handle assembly lengths. As discussed in more detail herein, a longer handle length may enable apparatus to launch a projectile a greater distance than an otherwise identical apparatus with a shorter handle when the same projectile, launching motion, and launching force are used.

When shaft 44 has an adjustable length, shaft 44 may be referred to as an adjustable shaft 44 and may include a plurality of interconnected shaft segments 56. Shaft 50, handle assembly 46, frame 20, and/or apparatus 10 also may include a shaft adjustment mechanism 58 that is configured to selectively secure the plurality of interconnected shaft segments in at a selected shaft length within the range of shaft lengths. As examples, the plurality of interconnected shaft segments may be configured to be telescopingly, slidingly, and/or translationally moved relative to each other, and the shaft adjustment mechanism 58 may include one or more of a tubular body lock, a friction lock, a cam lock, and a pin-and-socket mechanism.

Frame 20 may be formed from any suitable materials and via any suitable manufacturing method. For example, frame 20 may be formed from one or more of plastic, metal, nylon, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and/or combinations thereof. Frame 20 and/or at least head region 30 thereof may have at least one of a bent tube, molded, injection molded, one-piece injection-molded, over-molded, and a two-piece injection-molded construction. Frame 20 may be a rigid frame, and head region 30, handle 40, and/or shaft 44 thereof additionally or alternatively may be described as rigid components of the frame. At least when the frame does not include an adjustable shaft, frame 20 may have a unitary, monolithic, and/or one-piece construction.

Tubular body 60 may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials and may be formed from a single expanse of material or a plurality of expanses of the same or different materials. Examples of suitable materials from which at least a portion of tubular body 60 may be formed include one or more of mesh, fabric, netting, Spandex™, and/or an elastomer. At least a substantial portion of the outlet region of the tubular body, a majority portion of the tubular body, and/or at least a substantial portion of the tubular body is formed from a flexible material, a resilient material, a material having a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to promote projectile 200 sliding through the tubular body to be retained in the outlet region, and/or a material having a sufficiently low wind resistance to permit a user to swing the apparatus in a launching motion with sufficient speed to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening, as described herein.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, tubular body 60 has a length 70 that is measured between the outlet opening and the inlet opening, such as between outlet opening 68 and the portion of inlet region 62 farthest from outlet opening 68. Length 70 also may be referred to as the nominal length 70 of the tubular body. This length may be longer than a maximum diameter or side-to-side dimension of inlet opening 22. Examples of suitable lengths 70 of tubular body 60 include at least 25 centimeters (cm), at least 30 cm, at least 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 45 cm, at least 50 cm, at most 60 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 40 cm, and/or at most 35 cm.

Tubular body 60 may have a tapered shape that defines a tapered internal volume 64 that decreases in cross-sectional area from inlet region 62 to outlet region 66. This decrease in cross-sectional area may be implemented in any desired manner, such as continuously, in a stepped or incremental manner, in only certain regions of the tubular body, etc. In such a configuration in which the tubular body has a tapered shape, internal volume 64 additionally or alternatively may be described as being larger proximate the inlet opening than proximate the outlet opening. Accordingly, inlet opening 22 is larger than outlet opening 68, such as by having a larger cross-sectional area and/or perimeter than outlet opening 68.

It follows that inlet opening 22 is larger than outlet opening 68. As examples, inlet opening 22 may have an area of at least 100 centimeters squared (cm²), at least 150 cm², at least 200 cm², at least 250 cm², at least 300 cm², at least 400 cm², at least 500 cm², at least 600 cm², at least 700 cm², at most 1,500 cm², at most 1,200 cm², at most 1,000 cm², at most 750 cm², and/or at most 500 cm². As additional examples, outlet opening 68 may have an area, such as a nominal area, of at least 4 centimeters squared (cm²), at least 5 cm², at least 6 cm², at least 10 cm², at least 12 cm², at least 15 cm², at most 25 cm², at most 20 cm², at most 15 cm², and/or at most 12 cm². As further examples, inlet opening 22 additionally or alternatively may be at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100%, at least 200%, at least 300%, at least 400%, at most 1000%, at most 750%, at most 500%, and/or at most 300% larger than outlet opening 68. Inlet opening 22 and outlet opening 68 may have any suitable shape and may have the same or different shapes. Examples of suitable shapes include circular, elliptical, ovate, polygonal, squircular shapes and/or combinations thereof. Outlet opening 68 may have a shape and/or nominal size that corresponds to a cross-sectional dimension or area of projectile 200.

Tubular body 60 additionally or alternatively may have a minimum nominal cross-sectional area within outlet region 66, such as at outlet opening 68. The outlet region and outlet opening thus also may be described as having a nominal size and/or nominal cross-sectional area when they are not compressed or expanded by forces being applied thereto. The outlet region and outlet opening also may be described as having at least one, or a range of, expanded sizes or cross-sectional areas when external forces are imparted to resiliently expand the outlet region and/or outlet opening from the nominal size and/or cross-sectional area. The expanded sizes or cross-sectional areas thus are larger than the corresponding nominal sizes or cross-sectional areas.

As used herein, “nominal” when referring to a size, perimeter, length, cross-sectional area, or other dimension of apparatus 10 and/or projectile 200 refers to the size of the dimension when the corresponding portion of the apparatus or projectile is not compressed or expanded by forces being applied thereto, such as by projectile 200 being received and retained within the tubular body and/or when apparatus 10 is moved in a throwing motion to launch the projectile from the outlet opening of the apparatus. Because tubular body 10 may be formed from a material that is not reinforced to retain outlet region 66 in a defined orientation relative to inlet region 62, the nominal cross-sectional area of tubular body 60 may refer to the cross-sectional area when the apparatus 10 is held with frame 20 horizontal and tubular body 60 extending downward toward a ground surface. Thus, while FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically depict tubular body 60 extending stiffly from frame 20 to better illustrate the components of tubular body 60, it follows that tubular body 60 typically will droop or drape relative to a vertically oriented frame 20, such as illustrated schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 2, and especially when a projectile is retained in the outlet region of the tubular body and thus adds weight to the outlet region of the tubular body.

Inlet opening 22 may have a fixed, or definite, size, such as when frame 20 and/or head 30 is formed from a rigid material. Outlet opening 68, on the other hand, may be resilient and thus may be resiliently deformed between a nominal size and a range of expanded sizes that are larger than the nominal size, such as at least during launching of projectile 200 out of outlet opening 68. When a projectile 200 is not received and retained in internal volume 64, outlet opening 68 may be in, or have, the nominal size, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5-6. As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, when projectile 200 is received and retained in the internal volume by outlet region 66 and/or outlet opening 68, outlet opening 68 may be in, or have, the nominal size (shown in solid lines) or an expanded size (shown in dash-dot lines in FIG. 8), such as depending upon the weight of the projectile and the resiliency of the outlet opening and/or outlet region. When apparatus 10 is used to launch projectile 200 out of the internal volume through outlet opening 68, the outlet opening may be in, or have, an expanded size, such as a size that corresponds to the maximum transverse perimeter of projectile 200, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 9-10. After projectile 200 is launched through outlet opening 68, the outlet opening may resiliently return to the nominal size, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 11-12.

Outlet region 66 and outlet opening 68 thereof may have any suitable construction to enable the functionality described and/or illustrated herein. As discussed and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 5-12, at least a portion, and optionally at least a majority portion, at least a substantial portion, or all, of outlet region 66 and/or outlet opening 68 may be resilient and configured to selectively expand between at least a nominal size and a plurality of expanded sizes that are larger than the nominal size. This resiliency may be provided by forming the outlet region and/or outlet opening at least in part from a resilient and/or elastomeric material or element. As an example, a resilient and/or elastomeric material may form at least a portion of the outlet region and/or the outlet opening. This resiliency additionally or alternatively may be provided by including a resilient or elastomeric structure in the outlet region or outlet opening, such as by including at least one elastomeric segment or band in the outlet region and/or by forming or bounding the outlet opening at least in part by at least one elastomeric segment or band. When a elastomeric segment or band is included in the outlet region and/or forms or bounds at least a portion of the outlet opening, the elastomeric segment or band may be secured within the outlet region in any suitable manner, such as by adhering the elastomeric segment or band, by enclosing the elastomeric segment or band within a collar or cuff of the outlet region, and/or by mechanically coupling the elastomeric segment or band to the internal or external surface of the outlet region.

Examples of constructions for outlet region 66 and outlet opening 68 thereof are shown in FIG. 13. As shown, a resilient material is indicated at 80 and may form all or a portion of outlet region 66 and/or outlet opening 68. Examples of suitable resilient materials 80 include one or more of polyester, nylon, rubber, urethane, polyurethane (i.e., elastane or Spandex™), elastomer, combinations thereof, and/or fabrics or textiles formed at least in part therefrom.

As also somewhat schematically illustrated on the left side of FIG. 13, an elastomeric segment is indicated at 82 and schematically represents that outlet region 66 and/or outlet opening 68 may include one or more elastomeric segments, that the elastomeric segment may form an elastomeric band 84 (i.e., closed loop) that encircles or forms the outlet opening, and/or that the elastomeric segment may at least partially or completely bound (extend around) the outlet opening. In the illustrated examples, elastomeric segment 82 is illustrated forming, or defining, at least a portion of (and optionally at least substantially or completely forming or defining) outlet opening 68. As schematically depicted, elastomeric segment 82 may be secured to an internal surface 86 of resilient material 80, an external surface 88 of resilient material 80, and/or may be enclosed within a collar, or cuff, 90, such as which may be formed by two or more layers of resilient material 80. The illustrated examples also schematically represent that elastomeric segment 82 additionally or alternatively may be within outlet region 66 but spaced away from outlet opening 68. Examples of suitable materials for elastomeric segment 82, when present, include one or more of urethane, silicone, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber.

FIG. 13 also illustrates at 92 that outlet region 66 may include at least one roller that is configured to axially rotate relative to the remainder of outlet opening 68 as the projectile is launched out of the outlet opening. When roller 92 is present, a plurality of rollers 92 typically will be utilized, optionally including a plurality of spaced-apart sets of two or more rollers 92. Rollers, when present, may reduce or otherwise affect spin that otherwise would be imparted to the projectile as the projectile is launched out of the outlet opening.

As schematically illustrated on the right side of FIG. 13, outlet region 66 may include an adjustment mechanism 100 that is configured to permit selective adjustment of the nominal size of outlet opening 68. By this, it is meant that a user may utilize adjustment mechanism 100 to select the nominal size of outlet opening 68 from a range of outlet sizes that are enabled, or permitted, by the adjustment mechanism. Adjusting the nominal size of outlet opening 68 enables apparatus 10 to be configured for use with a projectile 200 having a particular size or shape, to increase or decrease the amount of force that a user needs to impart to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening, to increase the retentive strength of the outlet region to retain a caught projectile in the outlet region, and/or to increase or decrease the distance that the apparatus will launch a projectile relative to a projectile launched from the apparatus with a differently sized outlet region.

When present, adjustment mechanism 100 may be configured to permit selective and repeated adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet opening of outlet region 66, such as by increasing or decreasing the nominal size of the outlet opening. In other words, the adjustment mechanism 100 may permit repeated adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet region without damage or destruction of the outlet region and/or the adjustment mechanism. Adjustment mechanism 100 additionally or alternatively may be configured to permit adjustment of the nominal size of outlet opening 68 without requiring removal of elements from, or adding elements to, the outlet region, the outlet opening, or the adjustment mechanism. Illustrative examples of suitable adjustment mechanisms 100 and/or components thereof include at least one of an adjustable band, an adjustable slider, a dial, a cord lock, a knot, a tie, a clasp, a lock, a lock mechanism, a clamp, a pin-and-socket mechanism, a hook-and-loop mechanism, a releasable fastener, a fastener with a plurality of receivers or a plurality of sockets, a buckle, and a clip.

When apparatus 10 includes an adjustment mechanism 100 or otherwise includes an outlet region 66 that permits selective adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet region and/or outlet opening 68, apparatus 10 further may include a plurality of adjustment indicia, as schematically illustrated at 102 in FIG. 13. Adjustment indicia 102 are configured to indicate, or demark, a plurality of nominal sizes of the outlet opening. For example, the plurality of nominal sizes may correspond to different sizes or types of projectiles, different relative distances that a projectile will be launched by the apparatus, different retentive strengths by which the outlet region retains a projectile in the outlet region, different relative amounts of forces that a user should apply to launch a projectile out of the outlet region, etc. As examples of typical sizes of projectiles that outlet opening 68 may be adjusted to correspond to, or to be slightly (i.e., at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at most 20%, at most 15%, and/or at most 10%) smaller than, a golf ball typically has a diameter of 42.7 millimeters (mm), a racquet ball typically has a diameter of 57 mm, a lacrosse ball typically has a diameter of 63.5 mm, a tennis ball typically has a diameter in the range of 65.7-68.8 mm, a baseball typically has a diameter of 73-76 mm, a whiffle ball typically has a diameter of 73-80 mm, and a softball typically has a diameter of 88.9 mm.

Adjustment indicia 102 may have different relative sizes, colors, shapes, images, and/or numbers. As additional examples, adjustment indicia 102 may be representative of, and/or depict, one or more of different sizes of projectiles, different weights of projectiles, projectiles constructed from different materials, different projectile flight distances, different launch forces, and different user strengths. When present adjustment indicia 102 may be located on at least one of outlet opening 68, outlet region 66, elastomeric segment 82, elastomeric band 84, and/or adjustment mechanism 100.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates examples of adjustment mechanisms 100. At 100′, the adjustment mechanism selectively engages portions of elastomeric segment(s) 82 and/or elastomeric band 84 to define a nominal size for outlet opening 68. As illustrated, such a construction may result in one or more free ends 104 of the elastomeric segment(s) 82 and/or elastomeric band 84 extending from the adjustment mechanism and not defining or bounding outlet opening 68. Examples of suitable structures for adjustment mechanism 100′ include a clamp, a cord lock, a buckle, a clasp, and a knot. At 100″, the adjustment mechanism selectively engages portions of resilient material 80, such as folded, adjacent, and/or overlapping regions thereof, to define a nominal size for outlet opening 68. Examples of suitable structures for adjustment mechanism 100″ include a clamp, a clasp, and/or one or more releasable fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and/or buttons and eyelets. As indicated in dashed-dot lines, adjustment mechanism 100′ additionally or alternatively may be configured to secure elastomeric segment(s) 82, elastomeric band 84, and/or a strap 106 together and/or relative to resilient material 80 to define a selected nominal size for outlet opening 68. At 100′″, the adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of releasable fastener components 108 that are selectively interconnected to define the nominal size of outlet opening 68. Examples of suitable releasable fastener components include buttons and eyelets, snaps, and clasps. Adjustment mechanism 100′″ also schematically illustrates that the nominal size of outlet opening 68 may be adjusted by constricting the outlet region to reduce the nominal size of outlet opening 68 and/or by folding or rolling the outlet region upon itself to change the nominal size of the resulting outlet opening 68.

An additional example of an adjustment mechanism 100 that permits repeated adjustment of the nominal size of outlet opening 68 to be increased is forming outlet region 66 from a shearable material, such as a shearable resilient material 80 that forms a current outlet opening and surrounding regions of the outlet region. By cutting and removing portions of a current outlet region, the nominal size of the outlet opening may be increased. In such an embodiment, adjustment indicia 102 may be used to indicate or demarcate where to cut the outlet region to produce outlet openings sized for a particular size or type of projectile.

The examples of outlet regions 66, outlet openings 68, and adjustment mechanisms 100 shown and/or described in connection with FIGS. 13-14 may be utilized with any of the apparatus 10 and kits 300 described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein.

A kit 300 according to the present disclosure includes at least one launch and catch apparatus 10 and at least one projectile 200 selected or sized to be launched and caught with the apparatus 10 in the kit. Some kits 300 thus may include two or more apparatus 10 and/or two or more projectiles 200 sized to be launched and caught with the apparatus 10 in the kit. When a kit includes two or more apparatus 10, the apparatus may be identical or may have different sizes, shapes, components, features, and the like, including any of the sizes, shapes, components, and/or features disclosed, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. When a kit 300 includes two or more projectiles 200, the projectiles may have the same or different sizes, weights, shapes, components, and/or features, including any of the sizes, weights, shapes, components, and/or features disclosed, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates examples of projectiles 200 that may be used with any of the apparatus 10, kits 300, and/or methods 400 according to the present disclosure. As shown in solid lines in FIG. 15, projectile 200 includes a projectile body 204 that has an exterior surface 206 and an interior 208. Projectile 200, including projectile body 204, exterior surface 206, and/or interior 208 thereof, may be formed from any suitable combination of rigid, semi-rigid, and/or resilient materials, including rubber, polymer, silicone, urethane, polyurethane, plastic, foam, cork, wood, and combinations thereof. Exterior surface 206 of projectile 200 may be formed from a different material than at least a portion of interior 208. All or a portion of interior 208 optionally may be hollow or filled with a gas, liquid, or other fluid. Exterior surface 206 may be more durable, more cut-resistant, denser, and/or less resilient than interior 208 of projectile 200.

Projectile 200, and/or projectile body 204 thereof, may have any suitable shape and/or size for use with a corresponding apparatus 10. Examples of suitable shapes include spheres, spheroids, ovoids, and shapes of traditional sports balls, such as footballs, soccer balls, baseballs, softballs, golf balls, handballs, pickle balls, and whiffle balls. Projectiles 200 with such shapes additionally or alternatively may be referred to as balls 200, sports balls, 200, toy balls 200, and/or tossing balls 200.

Projectile 200 also has a maximum dimension 202, which may be measured transverse to the direction of flight of the projectile when caught and/or launched by apparatus 10. Such a maximum dimension may be, or may be referred to herein as, a maximum transverse dimension, such as a diameter or perimeter of the projectile. For use with an apparatus 10, the area and/or perimeter of the nominal size of the outlet opening of the apparatus should be smaller than the maximum transverse dimension, such as the maximum transverse cross-sectional area and/or maximum transverse perimeter of projectile 200. For example, the cross-sectional area and/or perimeter of the outlet opening may be at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at most 50%, at most 40%, at most 30%, and/or at most 25% smaller than the maximum transverse cross-sectional area and/or maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile. Correspondingly, the range of expanded sizes of the outlet opening should include one or more expanded sizes with cross-sectional areas and/or perimeters that are equal to or greater than the maximum transverse cross-sectional area and/or maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile.

As indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 15, projectile 200 optionally may include a tail 210 that projects from projectile body 204. Tail 210 may be formed from the same or different materials than projectile body 204. Tail 210 may have a smaller, the same, or a larger maximum transverse dimension than projectile body 204, and tail 210 may be longer or shorter than projectile body 204 in a longitudinal or axial direction. For example, tail 210 may be at least 100%, at least 150%, and/or at least 200% longer than a maximum transverse diameter or length of the projectile body. Some tails 210 may be formed from fabric and may be configured to flow, billow, or flap as the projectile flies through the air prior to being caught by apparatus 10 or after being launched from apparatus 10. Some tails 210 include a rigid, semi-rigid, and/or resilient shaft 212 that projects from projectile body 204, as well as one or more fins 214 that project from shaft 212. Fins 214 may be shaped to stabilize or destabilize the trajectory and/or spin of projectile 200 when the projectile flies through the air prior to being caught by apparatus 10 and/or after being launched from apparatus 10. Projectile body 204 additionally or alternatively may have a projecting tip, or nose, 216, as also indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate a less schematic example of a launch and catch apparatus 10, according to the present disclosure. When paired with at least one projectile 200, apparatus 10 of FIGS. 16-17 may form a kit 300 according to the present disclosure and/or may be used to perform the subsequently discussed methods 400 according to the present disclosure. For the purpose of brevity, each of the component parts and/or features of apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 16-17 will not be described again. Instead, reference numerals from the previously illustrated schematic embodiments will be utilized but not re-discussed. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that any of the variants, components, materials, properties, and/or options elsewhere discussed, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein with respect to apparatus 10 may be utilized with the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 16-17, and vice versa.

In the example of apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 16-17 collectively, apparatus 10 has a head 30 having a minimum dimension (i.e., end-to-end distance spanning inlet opening 22) that extends transverse to handle 40, such as may be typical with the heads of many sports rackets, such as tennis rackets, squash rackets, and racket ball rackets. In FIGS. 16-17, tubular body 60 is substantially formed from a mesh material, while outlet region 66 is formed from a resilient material 80 that defines a collar containing an elastomeric segment 82 that forms an elastomeric band 84 that bounds and defines the nominal size of outlet opening 68. In this illustrated example, outlet region 66 further includes an example of an adjustment mechanism 100, such as an adjustment mechanism 100′ that selectively engages a portion of elastomeric band 84 to define the nominal size of outlet opening 68. As illustrated, adjustment mechanism 100, 100′ takes the form of a selectively releasable cord lock.

Examples of methods 400 of using at least one launch and catch apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure to launch and catch projectile 200 are shown in FIG. 18. Methods 400 may be utilized with any of the apparatus 10 and kits 300 described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. As shown, methods 400 include grasping the handle of the apparatus with a user's hand at 410, orienting the apparatus to receive a launched projectile into the internal volume of the tubular body through the inlet opening at 420, receiving the launched projectile into the internal volume through the inlet opening and retaining the projectile at least partially within the tubular body at 430, swinging the apparatus in a launching motion having a direction at 440, and launching the projectile out of the tubular body from the outlet opening in the direction via the launching motion at 450.

The grasping at 410 includes a user grasping the handle of the apparatus, such as a grip region thereof, with a hand of one of the user's limbs (arms). The orienting at 420 may include orienting the apparatus so that the inlet opening faces a direction at which a projectile will be traveling, or flying, prior to being caught by the apparatus. The orienting at 420 may occur prior to launch of the projectile from a different apparatus by a different user, prior to throwing of the projectile by a different individual, and/or during flight of the projectile in the air. The receiving at 430 includes the projectile flying through the inlet opening of the apparatus into the internal volume of the tubular body of the apparatus. The receiving at 430 also includes the projectile being at least partially retained within the tubular body, such as within an outlet region thereof. By this it is meant that a portion (less than all) of the projectile may project out of the outlet opening, but the remainder of the projectile is retained in the tubular body, such as the outlet region thereof, to prevent the entire projectile from passing through the outlet opening during the receiving at 430. Examples of the grasping at 410, the orienting at 420, and the receiving at 430 are illustrated in FIG. 3.

The swinging at 440 includes the user swinging the apparatus in a launching motion, such as along a launch direction. Such a launching motion may include an overhand launching motion, a sideways, or side arm, launching motion, or an underhand launching motion. The launching at 450 includes launching the projectile out of the outlet region of the apparatus through the outlet opening. The launching at 450 includes launching the projectile out of the outlet opening responsive to centrifugal force generated by the swinging at 440. The launching at 450 may launch the projectile in the launch direction defined, or followed, during the swinging at 440. The launching at 450 also may result in the outlet opening expanding to or within its range of expanded sizes to sufficiently enlarge the size of the outlet opening relative to its nominal size to permit the projectile to be launched out of the outlet region via the outlet opening. As previously illustrated in FIG. 3, during the launching at 450, such as when or after the projectile is launched out of the outlet opening during the launching at 450, the outlet opening may extend closer to the inlet opening than during the receiving, may extend forward of the inlet opening in the direction of the launching motion, may contact at least one of the frame of the apparatus and/or the inlet region of the tubular body of the apparatus, and/or may be positioned opposite the handle of the apparatus relative to the inlet opening.

Examples of the swinging at 440 and the launching at 450 are shown in FIG. 4. The swinging at 440 and the launching at 450 may be performed while the user continues to grasp the handle of the apparatus, and may be formed without requiring use of the user's other hand or limb that is not grasping the handle of the apparatus. Thus, the swinging at 440 and the launching at 450 may be performed after the receiving at 430 without requiring the user to grasp or otherwise touch the projectile that has been received and retained in the internal volume of the apparatus's tubular body and/or without requiring the user to release the handle of the apparatus that was grasped by the user's limb during the grasping at 410. Additionally or alternatively, all of the grasping at 410, the orienting at 420, the receiving at 430, the swinging at 440, and the launching at 450 may be performed using only one of the user's limbs. These steps further may be performed sequentially in a fluid motion without requiring removal of the projectile from the inlet opening or touching of the projectile via the inlet opening.

As shown in dashed lines in FIG. 18, methods 400 also may include adjusting the nominal size of the outlet opening at 460, such as prior to at least the receiving at 430. As discussed, adjusting (i.e., increasing or decreasing) the nominal size of the outlet opening may configure the apparatus to be used with different sizes and/or weights of projectiles and/or to adjust the force at which the projectile is launched out of the outlet opening of the apparatus. Thus, the adjusting at 460, when utilized, may include selectively adjusting the size of the outlet opening responsive to one or more of a size of the projectile, a weight of the projectile, a strength of the user using the apparatus, and a desired distance for launching the projectile with the apparatus.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, may include not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, an object that is at least substantially formed from a material includes objects for which at least 75% of the objects are formed from the material, and it also includes objects that are completely formed from the material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes first lengths that are within 75% of the second length and also includes first lengths that are as long as the second length.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of launch and catch apparatus, projectiles for use therewith, kits containing the same, and methods of using the same according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that an individual step of a method recited herein, including in the following enumerated paragraphs, may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a “step for” performing the recited action. Unless specifically set forth in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the order of the method steps may vary from the illustrated order in the flow diagram, including with two or more of the blocks (or steps) occurring in a different order and/or concurrently.

A1. A launch and catch apparatus, comprising:

a frame having a handle and defining an inlet opening sized to receive a projectile; and

a tubular body defining an internal volume; wherein the tubular body includes an inlet region operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile when the projectile passes through the inlet opening into the internal volume; wherein the tubular body further includes an outlet region distal the inlet opening and configured to receive and retain the projectile at least substantially within the tubular body after the projectile passes through the inlet opening into the internal volume; wherein the outlet region defines an outlet opening that is smaller than the inlet opening.

A2. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A1, wherein the inlet opening extends in a defined orientation relative to the frame.

A3. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the outlet opening has a nominal size.

A4. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A3, wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand between the nominal size and a range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size.

A5. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A3 or A4, wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand between the nominal size and a/the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size responsive to at least one of receipt and retention of the projectile within the outlet region and swinging of the apparatus by a user after the projectile is received and retained within the outlet region.

A6. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening; and wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand within a/the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening.

A7. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of the internal volume and out of the outlet opening; and wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand between the nominal size and a/the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile.

A8. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A6 or A7, wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand from the nominal size to within the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening.

A9. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A6-A8, wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently return to the nominal size after the projectile is launched out of the outlet opening.

A10. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A6-A9, wherein the projectile has a maximum transverse perimeter with a shape, and wherein the outlet opening is resilient and configured to conform to the shape of the maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile.

A11. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A6-A10, wherein the outlet region further is configured to selectively release the projectile out of the tubular body through the outlet opening to launch the projectile from the apparatus responsive to centrifugal forces exerted when the apparatus is moved in a launching motion.

A12. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A6-A11, wherein the outlet opening further is configured to selectively expand within the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size to release the projectile out of the tubular body through the outlet opening to launch the projectile from the apparatus responsive to centrifugal forces exerted when the apparatus is moved in a launching motion.

A13. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the outlet region includes at least one of a collar and a cuff that includes at least two layers of material.

A14. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the outlet region forms at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at most 25%, at most 20%, at most 15%, and/or at most 10% of the length of the tubular body.

A15. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the outlet region is formed from a material that is at least one of more resilient, less resilient, and the same as a material used to form a portion of the tubular body distal the outlet region.

A16. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein the outlet region includes an elastomeric segment that extends around at least a portion of the outlet opening.

A17. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A16, wherein the elastomeric segment defines at least a portion of the outlet opening.

A18. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A16-A17, wherein the elastomeric segment is formed from one or more of urethane, silicone, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber.

A19. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A16-A18, wherein the elastomeric segment is an elastic band that bounds at least a substantial portion of the outlet opening.

A20. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A16-A19, wherein the outlet region includes a collar within which the elastomeric segment extends.

A21. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A16-A20, wherein the outlet region includes a plurality of elastic segments that each define at least a portion of the outlet opening.

A22. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the outlet region includes an adjustment mechanism configured to permit selective adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet opening.

A23. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A22, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to permit selective and repeated increasing and decreasing of the nominal size of the outlet opening.

A24. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A22-A23, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes at least one of an adjustable band, an adjustable slider, a dial, a cord lock, a knot, a tie, a clasp, a lock, a lock mechanism, a clamp, a pin-and-socket mechanism, a hook-and-loop mechanism, a releasable fastener, a fastener with a plurality of receivers or a plurality of sockets, a buckle, and a clip.

A25. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A22-A24, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to permit adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet region without removing elements from or adding elements to the outlet opening, the outlet region, and/or the adjustment mechanism.

A26. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A25, wherein the outlet region is formed from a shearable material configured to be selectively cut to increase the nominal size of the outlet region.

A27. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A22-A26, wherein the outlet region includes a plurality of adjustment indicia configured to demarcate a plurality of nominal sizes of the outlet opening.

A28. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A27, wherein the plurality of adjustment indicia include a plurality of indicia having different sizes, colors, shapes, images, and/or numbers.

A29. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A27-A28, wherein the plurality of adjustment indicia is representative of one or more of different sizes of projectiles, different weights of projectiles, projectiles constructed from different materials, different projectile flight distances, different launch forces, and different user strengths.

A30. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A27-A29, wherein the plurality of adjustment indicia are located on at least one of the outlet opening, the outlet region, a/the adjustable band, and/or a/the adjustment mechanism.

A31. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein the outlet region includes a plurality of rollers that at least partially define the outlet opening and which are configured to reduce spin of the projectile as the projectile is launched from the outlet opening.

A32. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein when the outlet opening is in the nominal size, the outlet opening has an area of at least 4 centimeters squared (cm²), at least 5 cm², at least 6 cm², at least 10 cm², at least 12 cm², at least 15 cm², at most 25 cm², at most 20 cm², at most 15 cm², and/or at most 12 cm².

A33. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A32, wherein the inlet opening has an area of at least 20 centimeters squared (cm²), at least 100 centimeters squared (cm²), at least 150 cm², at least 200 cm², at least 250 cm², at least 300 cm², at least 400 cm², at least 500 cm², at least 600 cm², at least 700 cm², at most 1,500 cm², at most 1,200 cm², at most 1,000 cm², at most 750 cm², and/or at most 500 cm².

A34. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A33, wherein the inlet opening is at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100%, at least 200%, at least 300%, at least 400%, at most 1000%, at most 750%, at most 500%, and/or at most 300% larger than the outlet opening.

A35. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A34, wherein the inlet opening has a circular, elliptical, ovate, polygonal, or squircular shape.

A36. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A35, wherein when the outlet opening is in the nominal size, the outlet opening has a circular, elliptical, ovate, polygonal, or squircular shape.

A37. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A36, wherein the frame includes a head region that bounds at least a substantial portion of the inlet opening.

A38. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A37, wherein the head region has an internal perimeter that defines a perimeter of the inlet opening.

A39. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A37-A38, wherein the handle and the head region are secured in a fixed orientation relative to each other.

A40. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A37-A39, wherein the handle and the head region form a unitary structure.

A41. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A37-A40, wherein the handle is non-rotatably secured to the head region.

A42. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A37-A41, wherein the inlet opening defines a plane that extends through the head region and the handle.

A43. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A42, wherein the fame is a racket frame.

A44. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A43, wherein the frame further includes a handle assembly that includes the handle and a shaft extending between the handle and the inlet opening.

A45. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A44, wherein the shaft interconnects the handle and a/the head region.

A46. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A44-A45, wherein the shaft is a rigid shaft having a length.

A47. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A44-A45, wherein the shaft has an adjustable length.

A48. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A47, wherein the shaft includes at least two interconnected shaft segments that are configured to be selectively secured at a selected length within a range of lengths.

A49. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A48, wherein the at least two interconnected shaft segments are at least one of telescopically connected, translationally connected, and slidingly connected.

A50. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A47-A49, wherein the handle assembly includes a shaft adjustment mechanism configured to selectively secure the shaft at the selected length within a range of shaft lengths.

A51. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A50, wherein the shaft adjustment mechanism includes one or more of a tubular body lock, a friction lock, a cam lock, and a pin-and-socket mechanism.

A52. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A51, wherein the handle extends away from the inlet opening.

A53. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A52, wherein the handle includes a grip region.

A54. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A53, wherein the grip region includes at least one of a textured surface, a friction-enhancing surface, a taped surface, and a compliant surface.

A55. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A53-A54, wherein the grip region has a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of a/the shaft of the frame.

A56. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A55, wherein the frame has at least one of a bent tube, molded, injection molded, one-piece injection-molded, over-molded, and a two-piece injection-molded construction.

A57. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A56, wherein the internal volume is a tapered internal volume that is larger proximate the inlet opening than proximate the outlet opening.

A58. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A57, wherein the internal volume has a minimum nominal cross-sectional area within the outlet region.

A59. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A58, wherein the internal volume has a minimum nominal cross-sectional area at the outlet opening when the outlet opening is in the nominal size.

A60. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A59, wherein the tubular body is an elongate tubular body having a nominal length measured between the inlet region and the outlet region.

A61. The launch and catch apparatus of paragraph A60, wherein the nominal length of the tubular body is longer than a maximum dimension of the inlet opening.

A62. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A60-A61, wherein the length of the tubular body is at least 25 centimeters (cm), at least 30 cm, at least 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 45 cm, at least 50 cm, at most 60 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 40 cm, and/or at most 35 cm.

A63. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A62, wherein at least a substantial portion of the outlet region of the tubular body, and optionally a majority portion of the tubular body, and further optionally at least a substantial portion of the tubular body is formed from a flexible material.

A64. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A63, wherein at least a substantial portion of the outlet region of the tubular body, and optionally a majority portion of the tubular body, and further optionally at least a substantial portion of the tubular body is formed from a resilient material.

A65. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A64, wherein at least a substantial portion of the outlet region of the tubular body, and optionally a majority portion of the tubular body, and further optionally at least a substantial portion of the tubular body is formed from at least one of mesh, fabric, netting, polyester, nylon, rubber, urethane, polyurethane (i.e., elastane or Spandex™), and an elastomer.

A66. The launch and catch apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A65, wherein the tubular body is configured to be selectively inverted relative to the frame without impairing the tubular body's ability to receive and retain the projectile.

B1. A launch and catch apparatus kit, comprising:

at least one launch and catch apparatus according to any of paragraphs A1-A66; and

a projectile sized to be launched and caught with the at least one launch and catch apparatus.

B2. The kit of paragraph B1, wherein the projectile has an maximum transverse perimeter, wherein the outlet opening has an inner perimeter, and wherein the inner perimeter of the outlet opening is smaller than the maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile when the outlet opening is in the nominal size.

B3. The kit of paragraph B2, wherein the inner perimeter of the outlet opening is at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at most 50%, at most 40%, at most 30%, and/or at most 25% smaller than the maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile.

B4. The kit of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein the projectile has a maximum cross-sectional area, wherein the outlet opening has an internal area, and wherein the internal area of the outlet opening is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the projectile when the outlet opening is in the nominal size.

B5. The kit of paragraph B4, wherein the range of expanded sizes of the outlet opening include expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size with areas that are greater than the maximum cross-sectional area of the projectile.

B6. The kit of any of paragraphs B1-B5, wherein the projectile is a ball.

B7. The kit of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the projectile is at least one of a sports ball, a toy ball, and/or a tossing ball.

B8. The kit of any of paragraphs B1-B7, wherein the projectile is a tennis ball, a racquet ball, a handball, a rubber ball, a golf ball, a pickle ball, a baseball, a foam ball, a whiffle ball, or a softball.

B9. The kit of any of paragraphs B1-B8, wherein the projectile has a projectile body.

B10. The kit of paragraph B9, wherein the projectile body is spherical.

B11. The kit of any of paragraphs B9-B10, wherein the projectile body is hollow.

B12. The kit of any of paragraphs B9-B11, wherein the projectile body is resilient.

B13. The kit of any of paragraphs B9-B12, wherein the projectile body is at least partially, and optionally at least substantially, formed of foam.

B14. The kit of any of paragraphs B9-B13, wherein the projectile includes a tail that extends from the projectile body.

B15. The kit of paragraph B14, wherein the tail is at least partially formed from fabric or a woven material.

B16. The kit of any of paragraphs B14-B15, wherein the tail is at least twice as long as a maximum dimension of the projectile body.

B17. The kit of any of paragraphs B14-B16, wherein the tail has a smaller diameter than the projectile body.

B18. The kit of any of paragraphs B14-B17, wherein the tail includes a plurality of fins.

B19. The kit of paragraph B18, wherein the tail includes an at least substantially rigid shaft from which the plurality of fins extends.

C1. A method of using the launch and catching apparatus of any of paragraphs Al-A66 or the launch and catch apparatus kit of any of paragraphs B1-B19, the method comprising:

grasping the handle of the apparatus with a user's hand;

orienting the apparatus to receive a launched projectile into the internal volume through the inlet opening;

receiving the launched projectile into the internal volume via the inlet opening; wherein the projectile is retained at least partially within the tubular body by the outlet opening;

swinging the apparatus in a launching motion having a direction; and

launching the projectile out of the tubular body from the outlet opening in the direction of the launching motion.

C2. The method of paragraph C1, wherein the launching motion is at least one of an overhand launching motion, a side arm launching motion, and an underhand launching motion.

C3. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C2, wherein the launching includes launching the projectile responsive to centrifugal force generated by the launching motion.

C4. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C3, wherein the launching results in the outlet opening extending forward of the inlet opening in the direction of the launching motion after the projectile is launched from the outlet opening.

C5. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C4, wherein the launching includes contacting at least one of the frame and the inlet region of the tubular body with a portion of the tubular body distal the inlet region.

C6. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C5, wherein when the projectile is launched from the outlet opening, the outlet opening is positioned opposite the handle relative to the inlet opening.

C7. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C6, wherein the method includes selectively adjusting the size of the outlet opening responsive to one or more of a size of the projectile, a weight of the projectile, a strength of the user using the apparatus, and a desired distance for launching the projectile with the apparatus.

C8. The method of paragraph C7, wherein the selectively adjusting occurs prior to the receiving.

C9. The method of any of paragraphs C1-C8, wherein the method includes using only one of a user's limbs to perform the grasping, the orienting, the receiving, the swinging, and the launching.

C10. The method of paragraph C9, wherein the method includes maintaining the grasping with the one of the user's limbs while performing the orienting, the receiving, the swinging, and the launching with the same one of the user's limbs.

Claims

1. A launch and catch apparatus, comprising: a frame having a handle and defining an inlet opening sized to receive a projectile; wherein the inlet opening extends in a defined orientation relative to the frame; anda tubular body defining an internal volume; wherein the tubular body includes an inlet region operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile when the projectile passes through the inlet opening into the internal volume; wherein the tubular body further includes an outlet region distal the inlet opening and configured to receive and retain the projectile at least substantially within the tubular body after the projectile passes through the inlet opening into the internal volume; wherein the outlet region defines an outlet opening that is smaller than the inlet opening; wherein the outlet opening has a nominal size; wherein the apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening; and wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand within a range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening.

2. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand between the nominal size and the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size responsive to at least one of receipt and retention of the projectile within the outlet region and swinging of the apparatus by a user after the projectile is received and retained within the outlet region.

3. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 2, wherein the outlet opening is configured to resiliently expand from the nominal size to within the range of expanded sizes that are greater than the nominal size when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening.

4. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the projectile has a maximum transverse perimeter with a shape, and wherein the outlet opening is resilient and configured to conform to the shape of the maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile.

5. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet region includes an elastomeric segment that extends around at least a portion of the outlet opening.

6. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet region includes an adjustment mechanism configured to permit selective adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet opening.

7. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to permit adjustment of the nominal size of the outlet region without removing elements from or adding elements to the outlet opening, the outlet region, or the adjustment mechanism.

8. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet region includes a plurality of adjustment indicia configured to demarcate a plurality of nominal sizes of the outlet opening.

9. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of adjustment indicia is representative of one or more of different sizes of projectiles, different weights of projectiles, projectiles constructed from different materials, different projectile flight distances, different launch forces, and different user strengths.

10. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet region includes a plurality of rollers that at least partially define the outlet opening and which are configured to reduce spin of the projectile as the projectile is launched from the outlet opening.

11. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a head region that bounds at least a substantial portion of the inlet opening; and further wherein the handle and the head region are secured in a fixed orientation relative to each other.

12. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a handle assembly that includes the handle and a shaft extending between the handle and the inlet opening.

13. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 12, wherein the shaft has an adjustable length, and further wherein the handle assembly includes a shaft adjustment mechanism configured to selectively secure the shaft at a selected shaft length within a range of shaft lengths.

14. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal volume is a tapered internal volume that is larger proximate the inlet opening than proximate the outlet opening.

15. The launch and catch apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a substantial portion of the outlet region of the tubular body is formed from a resilient material.

16. A launch and catch apparatus kit, comprising: at least one launch and catch apparatus according to claim 1; anda projectile sized to be launched and caught with the at least one launch and catch apparatus.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the projectile has a maximum transverse perimeter, wherein the outlet opening has an inner perimeter, and wherein the inner perimeter of the outlet opening is smaller than the maximum transverse perimeter of the projectile when the outlet opening is in the nominal size.

18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the projectile is at least one of a sports ball, a toy ball, a tossing ball, and a children's ball.

19. The kit of claim 16, wherein the projectile has a projectile body, and further wherein the projectile includes a tail that extends from the projectile body.

20. A method of using the launch and catching apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising: grasping the handle of the apparatus with a user's hand;orienting the apparatus to receive a launched projectile into the internal volume through the inlet opening;receiving the launched projectile into the internal volume via the inlet opening; wherein the projectile is retained at least partially within the tubular body by the outlet opening;swinging the apparatus in a launching motion having a direction; andlaunching the projectile out of the tubular body from the outlet opening in the direction of the launching motion.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the launching includes launching the projectile responsive to centrifugal force generated by the launching motion.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the launching results in the outlet opening extending forward of the inlet opening in the direction of the launching motion after the projectile is launched from the outlet opening.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the launching includes contacting at least one of the frame and the inlet region of the tubular body with a portion of the tubular body distal the inlet region.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the method includes selectively adjusting the size of the outlet opening responsive to one or more of a size of the projectile, a weight of the projectile, a strength of a user using the apparatus, and a desired distance for launching the projectile with the apparatus.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the method includes using only one of a user's limbs to perform the grasping, the orienting, the receiving, the swinging, and the launching, and further wherein the method includes maintaining the grasping with the one of the user's limbs while performing the orienting, the receiving, the swinging, and the launching with the same one of the user's limbs.