Abstract: The entertainment system of the preferred embodiment comprises a first vehicle including a user interface adapted to accept a vehicle input from a first user. The first vehicle further includes an event sensor adapted to sense a first trigger event, and a processor connected to the user interface and to the event sensor and adapted to operate in the following modes: normal mode and simulation mode. In the normal mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based substantially on the vehicle input from the first user. In the simulation mode, the processor controls the first vehicle based on a modification of the vehicle input from the first user according to a first rule, which simulates a first physical event.

Abstract: A magnetically responsive bowling pin having a first upwardly open cavity in its head portion and a second elongated cavity smaller and cross-section and extending downwardly in the head portion of a bowling pin. The first cavity receives a plastic cap having a top portion and a skirt with a permanent magnet and a plastic plug disposed in press fit engagement within the skirt. The skirt in turn is in press fit engagement with the wall of the first cavity to retain the assembled magnet and plastic parts in the desired position in the cavity. The second elongated cavity serves to remove material from the body of the bowling pin and thus compensates for the added weight of the permanent magnet and the slight additional weight of the plastic cap and plastic plug. As a result, the desired weight, weight distribution and balance of the bowling pin is not disturbed.

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.

Abstract: An automatic pinsetter employing magnetically responsive bowling pins, an elevator mechanism for retrieving bowling pins from a pit area adjacent an end portion of a bowling alley and for transporting the same to a pin discharge station above a transfer mechanism. The pins are arranged in bowling array on a transfer mechanism which is thereafter moved horizontally beneath a pinsetting mechanism. The pinsetting mechanism employs magnetic means for elevating the pins, the transfer mechanism is retracted from beneath the pinsetting mechanism, and the latter thereupon deposits the pins on the bowling alley in bowling array. The pinsetting mechanism is also adapted to pick-up and replace remaining upright pins after a first ball has been thrown whether the pins reside in "on spot" or "off spot" positions.

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.