Abstract: A scoring system for a bowling center having a plurality of lanes includes scoring consoles equal in number to the number of lanes in the bowling center. Each scoring console includes a housing and an input system in the housing for receiving user input data related to the associated lane. The console includes a display device having a surface for displaying video images and a housing for the display device. The housing supports the display device and includes a flange surrounding an open area defining a quadrilateral opening in the housing for viewing the display surface. The display device attaches to the mounting portion. In this manner, the mounting assembly draws the flange toward the display surface to conform the flange to the three-dimensional surface configuration of the display surface.

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: A scoring system for a bowling center having a plurality of lanes includes scoring consoles equal in number to the number of lanes in the bowling center. Each scoring console includes a housing and an input system in the housing for receiving user input data related to the associated lane. The console includes a display device having a surface for displaying video images and a housing for the display device. The housing supports the display device and includes a flange surrounding an open area defining a quadrilateral opening in the housing for viewing the display surface. The display device attaches to the mounting portion. In this manner, the mounting assembly draws the flange toward the display surface to conform the flange to the three-dimensional surface configuration of the display surface.

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 masking unit for bowling lanes equipped with automatic pinsetters, comprising a vertically moving masking panel and a series of stepped panels in front of the moving panel and extending from the top thereof to the ceiling of the bowling establishment. Stanchions at each end of a panel hold wheeled carriages which engage tracks on the back of the moving panel so that the panel may be vertically raised and lowered. Chain driven control means assures that one end of the panel does not get ahead of the other when the panel is being moved, and spring biasing means aid in raising the panel.

Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.

Abstract: A bowling lane construction adapted for placement on a foundation including an elongated bowling lane and a plurality of supports for the lane, each adapted to be disposed on a foundation for functional engagement with the lower surface of the lane. The supports are generally parallel, spaced along the length of the lane and generally transverse to the direction of elongation thereof. Each such support is formed of a truss having spaced upper and lower chords and at least two vertical braces extending between the chords and at least two elongated tie braces extending diagonally between the chords.

Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.