Portable Game Board, Table, Or Alley Patents (Class 473/116)
  • Patent number: 10930353
    Abstract: Provided are a non-volatile memory device and an operating method thereof. The non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array having a vertically stacked structure, a bit line for applying a programming voltage to the memory cell array, and a control logic. The memory cell array includes memory cells that each include a corresponding portion of a semiconductor layer and a corresponding portion of a resistance layer. The memory cells include a non-selected memory cell, a compensation memory cell, and a selected memory cell. The control logic is configured to apply an adjusted program voltage to the selected memory cell, based on applying a first voltage to the compensation memory cell, a second voltage to the selected memory cell, and a third voltage to the non-selected memory cell. The adjusted program voltage may be dropped compared to the programming voltage due to the compensation memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jungho Yoon, Seyun Kim, Jinhong Kim, Soichiro Mizusaki, Youngjin Cho
  • Patent number: 10112106
    Abstract: A gaming kit including a number of rolling pieces, a number of tossing pieces, and a number of target zone markers, the gaming kit to be used by two or more players for gameplay on a large gaming surface, gameplay including rolling the rolling pieces toward the target zone markers and tossing the tossing pieces toward the rolling pieces, with players' scores being dependent upon where in relation to the target zone marker the rolling pieces come to rest and where in relation to the rested rolling pieces the tossing pieces come to rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Riegel
  • Patent number: 8888096
    Abstract: A blocking mechanism for a table-type amusement game, and a table type amusement game equipped with a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism utilizes a blocking bar which goes from a closed position, which blocks a playing piece from scoring to an open position, which permits the playing piece to score. The blocking mechanism may be manually or electrically operated. When the blocking mechanism is electrically operated, it may be activated by the insertion of a coin into a coin and/or bill acceptor of the type found on table-type amusement games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mega Mania Diversions, LLC
    Inventors: Donald C. Campion, Xiwen Jiang
  • Publication number: 20140200089
    Abstract: A desktop bowling game is provided including bowling pins having metal that is attractable by magnets located at a base of each bowling pin, a ball, a main unit having a playing board having a surface with position markers for setup of the pins, and a pin reset mechanism, located below the playing board. The pin reset mechanism includes a sliding plate that slides up and down beneath the playing board between a first, up position immediately below and adjacent to the playing board to a second, down position away from the playing board. Magnets are disposed on the sliding plate adjacent to the playing board and adjacent to the position markers of the playing board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Wai Yam Fu
  • Publication number: 20130123033
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temporary flooring structure for a bowling center, wherein the temporary flooring structure including one or more flooring elements. The temporary flooring structure has a storage position and a use position. One or more flooring elements are arranged on at least one bowling lane in said bowling center in said use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SYSTEM-300 GROUP OY
    Inventor: SYSTEM-300 GROUP OY
  • Publication number: 20110312432
    Abstract: A desktop bowling game is provided including bowling pins having metal that is attractable by magnets located at a base of each bowling pin, a ball, a main unit having a playing board having a surface with position markers for setup of the pins, and a pin reset mechanism, located below the playing board. The pin reset mechanism includes a sliding plate that slides up and down beneath the playing board between a first, up position immediately below and adjacent to the playing board to a second, down position away from the playing board. Magnets are disposed on the sliding plate adjacent to the playing board and adjacent to the position markers of the playing board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Wai Yam Fu
  • Publication number: 20110009202
    Abstract: A toy educational bowling game for toddlers with a toy bowling ball, a plurality of toy bowling pins which are marked with a separate and individual number in numerical order starting with the number one and a pin set up guide whereupon there are a plurality of markings for the placement of the pins and each of the markings has a separate and individual number arranged in numerical order starting with the number one and in the similar numerical alignment as when conventional bowling pins are lined up for the beginning of play of conventional bowling whereby a toddler can learn numbers and counting by matching the numbered pins to the numbered markings in numerical order on the pin set up guide. Variations include various further features including indentations, matching colors, shapes, letters, with the locations being in front of the markings and with audio and lighting systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Frank J. Grasso
  • Publication number: 20100267459
    Abstract: A new style of a bowling game where the ball can be maneuvered as it is rolling by force of gravity across the lane and toward the targets. The lane is divided into two parts that are connected to each other in a way that allows one part to be rotated and/or lifted while the other part that contains the targets can remain stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Troy Elijah Adams
  • Patent number: 7744478
    Abstract: A bowling game kit suitable for use on a sand beach comprises a backstop and an elongated flexible rectangular sheet of material connected at one end of the backstop and having one or more target holes adjacent the backstop, which can be in register with buckets situated in depressions formed in the sand. The elongated sheet can be wrapped around the backstop, forming an elongated enclosure in which the buckets and other components can be stored and transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Chelak
  • Publication number: 20100151954
    Abstract: A bowling game kit suitable for use on a sand beach comprises a backstop and an elongated flexible rectangular sheet of material connected at one end of the backstop and having one or more target holes adjacent the backstop, which can be in register with buckets situated in depressions formed in the sand. The elongated sheet can be wrapped around the backstop, forming an elongated enclosure in which the buckets and other components can be stored and transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Chelak
  • Patent number: 7374169
    Abstract: A table parlour game particularly a turbo-bowling comprising a turbo player unit (1), bowling pins (2) and a lane plate tilting to any direction (3). The turbo player unit (1) is a whirling top, namely a conical solid of rotation, the plate (1/a) of which is shaped to have a regular hexagonal pattern and furthermore equipped with a rotating tail (1/b) and tip (1/c) and the lane plate (3) is equipped by setting device (4) comprising centrally attached globe head (4/a) and globe shell (4/b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: József Szilágyi
  • Patent number: 7140970
    Abstract: A bowling game table having a game lane surface with oppositely disposed ball return gutters, multiple ball engagement shoes are movably positioned transversely at one end thereof with a plurality of pins set up at the other end thereof. An independent playing cue selectively registerable through and aligned with said ball engagement shoes. Selective ball positioning on the game lane within said ball engagement shoes before launch towards the pins by engagement with said cue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Edwin V. Fossa
  • Patent number: 7090587
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a billiard bowling game. The apparatus includes a bowling pin distributing section and a bowling ball returning section. The bowling pin distributing section is constructed such that, while bowling pin distributing means is driven by driving means, respective bowling pins transferred from bowling pin collecting means are sequentially set in bowling pin setting holes defined in a bowling pin setting plate. The bowling ball returning section is constructed such that the bowling ball rolling on a sloped plate which is fastened to a fixed plate of a base section is raised between a curved inner edge of a bowling ball-guiding curved plate and a bowling ball-driving wheel fitted around a driving shaft and between inner surfaces of a pair of side plates, so as to be placed at an entrance to bowling ball returning rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Jeong Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 6634954
    Abstract: A miniature bowling game is provided, comprising a base structure having an elongated bowling alley with diverging sidewalls, a gutter along each sidewall, a ball, a ball shooting apparatus pivotally associated with a semi-circular region at the front of the bowling alley, a rear facing wall, and pins that may be positioned at the end of the bowling alley along the rear facing wall. In one embodiment, a pin catching apparatus is situated between the bowling alley and the rear facing wall. The miniature bowling game has particular utility in connection with improving reflexes and coordination during entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Ibrahima Diaw
  • Patent number: 6319144
    Abstract: This invention is a table type game that requires both billiard skills and bowling skills to play. Scaled down bowling lanes, gutters, pins and approach are provided. The scaled down bowling balls are regulation size billiard balls that are struck and driven by regulation size billiard cues. The approach is covered with a billiard table type felt material and is raised approximately ¼ inch above the lane to allow the billiard balls to replicate the sounds of a bowling alley during play. Standard bowling scoring is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Vernon Hasty
  • Patent number: 6283872
    Abstract: An animated toy bowling game includes a plurality of pins, a base having a plurality of pin sockets therein, and a toy bowling ball. The pins have fanciful character faces that give the pins the appearance of live characters. Each of the pins is receivable in a respective pin socket for locating the pins in a specified pin arrangement. Each of the pin sockets includes a pin sensor for determining whether a pin is received therein and an actuator element engageable with the respective pin received therein to move, or wobble, the respective pin when the actuator element is moved into and out of engagement with the pin. The game further includes a drive device to effect movement of the actuator elements, and an audio unit operative for producing audible sounds. The sensors, drive device, and audio unit are coupled to a control unit operative for selectively controlling the drive device and the audio unit responsive to detection of the states of the pin sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lichodziejewski, Seum Lim Gan, Craig Dennis Sellers, John Wildman, Scott S. Clark, Karl R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6213886
    Abstract: A novel small-scale replica bowling game is disclosed. The game is a realistic simulation of the game of either 5 pin or 10 pin bowling on an approximate 1:6 scale. The game comprises a player operated pin reset mechanism which is operable from the player end of the game as well as a gravity operated ball return mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Bernie Johnston
  • Patent number: 6082736
    Abstract: A table tennis assembly which includes (i) a net, (ii) a lower playing surface positioned on a first side of the net, and (iii) an upper playing surface positioned on a second side of the net. The upper playing surface is oriented in relation to the net and the lower playing surface such that a ping pong ball rolling on the upper playing surface toward the lower playing surface will be directed (i) over the net and (ii) onto the lower playing surface after the ping pong ball rolls off of the upper playing surface. The table tennis assembly also includes a return surface which extends upwardly from a first rear edge of the upper playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fundex Games, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Barlow
  • Patent number: 6039655
    Abstract: A bowling game plate having a base plate with a lane and gutter channels on both sides of the lane. A throwing platform is provided on one end of the base plate, the position and the direction of which is variable relative to the lane. The throwing platform has a ballthrowing figure. A portion for standing pins, which is pivotable, is connected to the other end of the base plate and behind it is located a portion for collecting the pins. Poles are provided on both sides of the portion for standing pins. A pin arranging device which can be vertically moved has pin guide holes and is inserted onto the poles. Enlarged portions which have a length larger than the thickness of the pin are formed on both sides of the portion for arranging pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Staff Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Todokoro
  • Patent number: 5702308
    Abstract: A miniature bowling alley game comprising a lane surface adjusted to such a height where at one end an individual could comfortably roll a miniature bowling ball towards the other end which contains a plurality of lamps backlighting a translucent panel which represents bowling pins. The game features a microcontroller and sensors which detect the speed and angle of the bowling ball as it enters the area of the pins; actual sound of the pins falling; an information panel; and more than 50 spares that can be set up for practice bowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Delbert S. Alexander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5655768
    Abstract: A bowling toy having a unique ball launching and pin setting means. The miniature bowling ball is placed in a tubular launcher where both gravity and a motorized spinning rubber wheel act to propel the ball down a miniature bowling alley. The rubber wheel can be adjusted in terms of its angular relationship with the ball and in terms of its speed causing the ball to travel slowly or quickly in a straight line or in an arcing trajectory depending on the setting. A pin setting assembly is comprised of a pair of plates one of which is slidable. The non moving plate contains a series of short tubes integral to the bottom and holes at the center of each tube. The pins are set by inserting them into the tubes. The slidable plate is located above the non moving plate and contains a plurality of magnets which correspond to the center of each tubular holder. Ferrous metal elements are molded into the top of each pin allowing the pins to remain suspended above the alley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Roger P. Moret, Kenneth A. Tarlow, Cristino V. Alegria
  • Patent number: 5575718
    Abstract: A manually operated bowling apparatus is provided for use with a bowling lane and a bowling ball and includes a support assembly which includes leg members which straddle an end portion of the bowling lane assembly. The apparatus also includes an overhead support member supported by the leg members. A tether guide plate is supported by the support assembly at a position between the overhead support member and the bowling lane. The tether guide plate includes ten pin-tether guide apertures arrayed in a triangular pin-set arrangement. A pin guide assembly includes a pin-guide plate suspended by a plurality of flexible support cables from a first winch assembly supported by the overhead support member. The pin-guide plate includes ten pin-guide apertures arrayed in a triangular pin-set arrangement. The pin-tether guide apertures and the pin-guide apertures are in registration with each other. A set of ten bowling pin assemblies are connected to a second winch assembly supported by the overhead support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Nathaniel Simmons
  • Patent number: 5562549
    Abstract: An automatic bowling alley has a bowling lane with two ends. The bowling alley further includes a pin setup frame provided at one end of the bowling lane for handling a plurality of bowling pins. The pin setup frame includes a pin magazine for retaining a number of the pins therebelow. A pin support plate is located below the pin magazine. A device is provided for vertically moving the pin support plate in and out of an initial position and toward and away from the pin magazine to receive the pins from the pin magazine. A device is provided for tilting the pin support plate during the vertical movement into an intermediate tilting position to clear any pins therefrom. A sorting device is located beneath the pin support plate for separating and arranging the pins received therein into an aligned position. A pin conveyor is provided for transporting, in a predetermined position, the pins from the sorting device to the pin magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: NSM Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ullrich Schulze, Wilhelm Menke, Horst Niederlein, Boerge Heidersberger, Joachim Herrmann, Bernd Muendel, Hans-Joachim Pickardt
  • Patent number: 5401217
    Abstract: A children's bowling game having two bases (2), with a channel (13) for the bowling balls (6). Between the bases there is located a board (1) acting as a lane for the bowling pins (5). The bases each include a scoreboard (3). When the game is dismantled, said bases form a container for the remaining parts of the game, which may be carried by a handle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jose M. Rodriguez-Ferre
  • Patent number: 5374220
    Abstract: An ultimate bowling simulator is provided which consists of a miniature bowling alley, with a pit unit located behind the alley. A structure is for elevating the alley in an upwardly tilted rearward gravity feed position with respect to the pit unit. Ten small pins are set up in a triangular rack formation directly in front of the pit unit. A plurality of small bowling balls are provided, so that each can be rolled down the alley to knock down the pins. A ball return extends from one side of the it unit. A component within the pit unit is for separating the pins from the bowling balls, so that the bowling balls can go into the ball return, while the pins will stay in the pit unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Kevin D. Burtchett
  • Patent number: 5358448
    Abstract: A bumper bowling game includes an elongated bowling lane and a pair of gutters alongside of the lane. The game also includes a foul line and pin deck at opposite ends of the lane and a plurality of pins on the pin deck. A pair of bumpers temporarily block the gutters to prevent a bowling ball from falling into the gutters. The gutters also redirect a bowling ball which strikes them toward the pins. The game also includes a bowling ball which includes a plurality of finger holes and an eccentric weight for causing the ball to follow an erratic path. The weight may be a fixed weight, free moving within a hollow core, or pendulum-like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens