Abstract: An improvement in a bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface which improvement comprises incorporating into the core of the laminate a plurality of alternating layers of glass cloth impregnated with a thermosetting resin and crepe paper also impregnated with a thermosetting resin, the glass cloth and crepe paper being interlaminarily bonded to one another.

Abstract: A panel suitable as a bowling lane surface comprising a melamine impregnated protective layer bonded under heat and pressure to a hardboard substrate. The melamine impregnated protective layer is comprised of one or more melamine resin impregnated decorative fibrous print sheets. The surface of the bowling lane so produced is characterized by a falling ball impact resistance of at least 60 inches, a wear rate of between about 0.02 and 0.05 and a Taber abrasion resistance at least about 400 cycles.

Abstract: An improvement in a bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface which improvement comprises incorporating into the core of the laminate a plurality of alternating layers of glass cloth and crepe paper, each core layer being impregnated with a thermosetting resin and an organic fire retardant material, contiguous and adjacent core layers being interlaminarly bonded to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to bowling lanes in which at least part of the lane approach surface and at least part of the lane surface proper is of a suitable decorative laminate panel, the foul line configuration being molded or incorporated in said laminate.

Abstract: An improvement in a bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface which improvement comprises incorporating into the core of the laminate a plurality of alternating layers of glass cloth impregnated with a thermosetting resin and crepe paper also impregnated with a thermosetting resin, the glass cloth and crepe paper being interlaminarily bonded to one another.

Abstract: A panel suitable as a bowling lane surface comprising a melamine impregnated protective layer bonded under heat and pressure to a hardboard substrate. The melamine impregnated protective layer is comprised of one or more melamine resin impregnated decorative fibrous print sheets. The surface of the bowling lane so produced is characterized by a falling ball impact resistance of at least 60 inches, a wear rate of between about 0.02 and 0.05 and a Taber abrasion resistance at least about 400 cycles.

Abstract: A bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface in which the lane approach surface and the lane surface proper has a finish which provides a 60 degree gloss below about 30 in the machine direction as measured according to NEMA Standard 8-19-1964.

Abstract: An improved process for repairing a damaged section of a bowling lane comprises removal of the upper planar surface of the bowling lane having the damaged portion therein, and subsequently resurfacing the section with a laminated structure of a specified thickness. Prior to the reinstallation of the section, the exposed substructure of the bowling lane is adjusted by reducing the height thereof, such that when the resurfaced section is replaced, it is flush with the remainder of the bowling lane. Finally, the entire bowling lane is resurfaced, preferably with a decorative laminate surface.

Abstract: A two stage panel suitable as a bowling lane comprising a decorative laminate sheet bonded in situ to a substrate selected from the group consisting of natural wood, consolidated wood fibers, plywood, flakeboard, chipboard and hardwood. The plastic laminate sheet comprises a plurality of thermosetting resin impregnated core sheets, a melamine resin impregnated decorative fibrous print sheet and an overlying melamine resin containing protective layer. The surface of the bowling lane so produced is characterized by a falling ball impact resistance of at least 60 inches, a coefficient of friction of at least about 0.16 and a Taber abrasion resistance at least about 500 cycles.

Abstract: A bowling lane has a decorative laminate surface characterized by a falling ball impact resistance of at least about 60 inches, a coefficient of friction of about 0.18 and a Taber abrasion resistance of at least about 500 cycles.

Abstract: In a bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface, an internal lubricant in the resin for the laminate surface obviates the need for oil treatment or conditioning of the surface.

Abstract: The surface smoothness of decorative laminate pressed without pans is improved by using as a pressure equalizing medium during consolidation of the laminate lay-up under heat and pressure, a thermoplastic resin layer between successive laminate lay-ups which melts or softens and flows at the consolidation temperature, the thermoplastic resin layer being protected on either side by a release medium. The use of the thermoplastic resin layer eliminates the use of the usual highly polished metal caul plates for all but the smoothest laminates and permits the use of press build-ups of many more laminate lay-ups than when using metal caul plates.