Abstract: An improved method of using a convertible bowling lane including at least one movably mounted gutter (26) extending along a side (12,14) of a bowling lane bed (10) from the approach (18) toward the pin deck (16) thereof and mounting a ball deflecting rail (32) along the side (12,14) for movement between a first position wherein a ball moving toward the side (12,14) will engage the rail (32) before leaving the bed (10) and a second position wherein a ball moving toward the side (12,14) may leave the bed (10) to enter the gutter (26) and a curtain (100) installed to extend between the side (12,14) and the gutter (26) and to be exposed when the rail (32) is in the first position and covered by the gutter (26) when the rail is in the second position.

Abstract: The complexity of a convertible bowling lane can be eliminated through the provision of a bowling lane bed 10 having a side 12 along which at least one gutter section 26 extends. The gutter section includes a ball catching surface 30 and a ball deflecting surface 32 along with a torque tube 36 pivotally mounting the gutter section 26 for movement between a ball catching position "L" and a ball deflecting position "R". A manually operable tool 20 may be employed for moving the gutter section 26 between the two positions "L" and "R".

Abstract: A molded rubber pin chute for mounting on the pin deck of an automatic bowling pinsetter. The pin chute comprises an upper conical section which is canted with respect to the pin deck, a cylindrical lower body portion which extends into a pin receiving aperture in the pin deck, and a flange around the cylindrical body. A plurality of bolt holes selectively positioned in the flange permit the chute to be secured in at least six different radial positions upon the pin deck and thereby enhance its performance in guiding the bowling pins into apertures in the pin deck for receiving the same.

Abstract: A pinwheel structure for transporting bowling pins from a lane upwardly to an appropriate in-feed station of a pin setter is fabricated in a modular design including a plurality of individual sections assembled to form a circular wheel frame. The sections are secured together in end-to-end relation in an arcuate manner to form a composite circular wheel. Interfacing ends are formed at opposite ends of the sections by means of flat abutting surfaces in planes radially of the circular wheel frame. Fasteners secure the sections together in a circumferential direction to clamp the flat surfaces into tight abutment.

Abstract: A visual display system selectively operable to display, upon command, any one of a plurality of different bits of information. The exemplary embodiment is intended for use in an indoor golf game to display scenes representing perspective views of any one of a plurality of different locations on any one of a plurality of different holes on a golf course. The system also includes a ball spot projector for projecting a spot of light on the projected scene in a manner to simulate the trajectory of a golf ball in flight. The scene selection system is a digital servo system for economy and reliability and is operative to minimize film fading on frequently used scenes such as a scene depicting the view from the tee on a golf hole and is further operative to reduce fading of any particular scene due to prolonged exposure by automatically shifting to an advertising scene or the like when the scene selection has not been made after a predetermined time.

Abstract: An indoor golf game to display scenes representing perspective views of any one of a plurality of different locations on any one of a plurality of different holes on a golf course. The system also includes a ball spot projector for projecting a spot of light on the projected scene in a manner to simulate the trajectory and diminishing appearance of a golf ball in flight.