Bowling game apparatus

Abstract

A bowling game apparatus that combines some of the features of Bowling, Miniature Golf and Pinball concepts into an integrated game of skill and chance that can be played indoors. The game apparatus is played on lanes such that each lane is distinctly different such as Miniature Golf holes wherein ten lanes are played sequentially, as Miniature Golf, such that each lane comprises a frame and the ten played lanes comprises a single game or string. The game apparatus is scored the same as Candlepin and Duckpin bowling. Each unique lane is not like a bowling alley but can be free formed in different shapes, lengths and proximity to one another as found in Miniature Golf. The game apparatus can be installed in a center where more than one 10 lane set can be located. In addition, the each ten lanes of the apparatus can be set up in the same or differing themes such as pirates, jungle, western, etc. The bowling game apparatus can be accomplished without the need for expensive wooden or synthetic lanes that must be critically leveled and assiduously maintained. Further, there is no need for special shoes for the players to prevent damage to the playing surfaces. Other features found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines make the game more fun, faster and exciting. The game can be challenging for adults but permits children to compete on a equal footing with adults; and gives the players the feeling that they playing a bowling type of game while standing inside a Pinball machine.

Description

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/280,824 filed Nov. 9, 2009 pursuant to 35 USC §119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to indoor recreational sporting games, in particular, relating to throwing a ball down a fixed path to knock down ten standing pins, with each knocked down pin contributing to an overall score.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Knocking pins down with a ball rolled along a prepared surface is one of the oldest games in the history of the world. Artifacts have been uncovered which indicate that this game dates back 3200 B.C. which makes bowling over five thousand years old. Today, this recreational activity can be found in over 90 countries and practiced by more than one hundred million people.

While there are presently three major variations of bowling being practiced today, Ten Pin bowling is the most popular since being introduced on television in the 1950's. Modern indoor bowling consists of a player throwing a spherical ball on a level, narrow, rectangular surface, called an alley or lane, towards ten pins arranged in a triangular pattern, attempting to knock over as many pins as possible. As most bowling centers provide Ten Pin type of bowling, specifications for this type of bowling are referenced. Each pin must be 15 inches high and 4.7 inches wide at its widest point. The weight is specified as 3 lbs. 6 ounces.

The bowling ball is 22.5 inches in circumference and cannot weigh more than 16 lbs. In light of these requirements, this game is unsuitable for children due to the size and weight of the ball.

A bowling alley is about 41 inches wide and 60 feet long not including ball returns or gutters on each side of the alley. Placement of an approach area and room for pin setting equipment and access to it must also be provided. Therefore, a building that is at least 100 feet wide is required. Each alley or lane is aligned adjacent to one another in a line. Typically, bowling centers have 30 or more lanes. Lanes must be extremely level to within 40 one-thousandths of an inch.

Modern lanes are now equipped with digital scoring, decorative lighting, as well as often including other forms of recreation such as pin ball machines. The lanes are now constructed of synthetic materials that look like an original wood floored lane. The cost of construction for such a center can easily exceed one million dollars.

Pins that are knocked down are automatically reset. The automatic pinsetter machine was introduced by the Brunswick Corporation in 1952. Scoring is kept on digital display boards.

Knocking all ten pins over with a single ball thrown is called a “strike”. Knocking all ten over with two balls is called a “spare”. A game of bowling (often called a “string”) is divided into ten frames, with each frame constituting of an attempt to knock all ten pins down. The maximum score that can be attained is 300. That score is based on obtaining ten strikes in a row, with each strike obtaining a bonus score of the number of pins knocked down with the next two successive balls thrown. A spare provides a bonus score of the number of pins knocked down with the next ball thrown. A perfect score is achievable by professional bowlers or particularly skilled amateurs.

In an attempt to make the game easier for children and less skilled adults, the gutters at the edge of each lane that trap a poorly aimed ball have been replaced by automatically inserted bumpers for those bowlers wishing a helping hand. They also can be automatically removed for those not needing assistance.

A variation of the game is called Candlepin bowling. The scoring is the same. However, the equipment is substantially different. Developed in Worcester, Mass. in 1880, the balls are much smaller, being 4½ inches in diameter and weighing not more than 2 lbs. 7 ounces. Pins are 15¾ inches high, approximately 3 inches wide at the center and weighing only 2½ lbs. Another variation from Ten Pin bowling is when the player is allowed three balls per frame and the pins that are knocked over (deadwood) are not removed but left in place until the frame has been completed. The highest officially sanctioned score ever achieved was 265.

Another variation of bowling is Duckpin bowling. The rules of scoring are the same but three balls per frame are permitted as in Candlepin. The balls are similar to candlepin balls weighing only 2-4 lbs. The balls are small enough and light enough so that children can handle them easily. The pins resemble Ten Pin style but are shorter and lighter. The highest score officially sanctioned was 279.

A variant of Duckpin bowling was developed to introduce higher scores by fitting the pins with rubber bands. The rubber bands are made of hard rubber and encircle the pins, which increases the action when the pins are struck. Perfect games have been achieved in rubber band Duckpin bowling, including the largest Duckpin prize ever won on television, CAD$50,000 in 1994.

Another popular ancient sport using a ball is the game of Golf. The precursor to Golf originated in Roman times with the modern version coming into existence about the 12^th century in Scotland. A golf course requires a major expense to build so in the early 1920's, a miniature version of the game was created that utilizes only a putter and putting greens. Thus, the original course having many acres of land and extensive manicured lawns has been reduced to a relatively small area featuring obstacles such as alleys, bridges, tunnels and so on. The Miniature Golf courses frequently have themes such as pirates, fairyland, jungle land, etc. As Miniature Golf became more popular, the courses have become more elaborate and challenging with many holes now encompassing water hazards, caves, multiple paths to reach the hole and so on.

Still another recreational ball game that has a long history is Pinball. Pinball machines appeared in great numbers during the 1930's. D. Gottlieb & Company was one of the early pioneers with the invention of flippers; the game was changed from one of being totally a game of chance to one requiring a level of skill. With the advent of computers, the games have incorporated this technology so that the new versions are entirely microprocessor-controlled having amazing graphics and light shows.

All of these ball games require a certain level of skill to participate effectively. Bowling, as it is presently practiced, is solely a skill game. Further, it does not qualify as a family game as children lack the dexterity to control the ball as well as the strength to throw with sufficient force to knock the pins over. In Ten Pin bowling, the balls are too large for small children to handle as well as being too heavy. The balls can be made lighter but then small children still lack the strength and dexterity.

Miniature Golf is a better family game as the element of luck has been introduced along with the skill. Also, putters can be made small enough so that small children can easily handle them. However, this game, as it is played outside, is only enjoyable when the weather is fair and warm. Further, while the area of land required is far less than a conventional golf course, it is still substantially greater than that needed for a bowling center.

Pinball also offers a substantial element of chance as well as quick action. With flashing lights, buzzers, flippers, pop up targets, and popular themes, the current versions of Pinball have experienced a revival of interest and resurgence of popularity since skill has been introduced into the pinball machine designs, which were formally strictly a matter of luck.

Each of the above referenced extremely popular sport/games offers distinct attributes. Bowling requires solely skill to play well. Miniature Golf combines a greater degree of luck as well as skill. Pinball can be viewed as a game of chance or skill depending on the person's skill level of activating the flippers. However, there is not found in the prior art a game of skill/chance that utilizes the advantages of each of the three into a combination game that is an ideal family recreational game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that combines some of the features of Bowling, Miniature Golf and Pinball concepts into an integrated game of skill and chance that can be played indoors.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that is played on lanes such that each lane is distinctly different such as miniature golf holes wherein ten lanes are played sequentially, as miniature golf, such that each lane comprises a frame and the ten played lanes comprises a single game or string.

It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that is scored the same as Candlepin and Duckpin bowling.

It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus where each unique lane is not like a bowling alley but can be free formed in different shapes, lengths and proximity to one another as found in miniature golf.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that can be installed in a center where more than one 10 lane set can be located.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that uses ten pins for each alley and wherein the size and shape of the pins can be similar to candle pins or duckpins.

It is another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that uses rubber banded pins to increase the action.

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that uses balls that are sized and weighted much like Candlepin and Duckpin balls so that the balls can be easily handled by a child.

It is still another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus such that each lane has at least one obstacle wherein that obstacle can either be passive or active.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus such that each lane has at least a portion thereof that is declining in elevation in order to use the force of gravity to increase the speed of the ball to ensure that the ball reaches the pins.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that uses side gutters as in traditional bowling lanes or gutter traps as in golf that prevent the ball from reaching the pins.

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus such that the arrangement of the ten lanes are positioned so that the pin area of each lane can be adjacent to an automatic pin setting machine and an automatic ball return device.

Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus such that the passive obstacles can be selected from one or more of the group consisting of bumpers, multiple paths to the pins, chutes or ramps or loops, fixed impediments, steep elevation drops or rises, angular redirections, uneven surfaces, and banked curves.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus such that the active obstacles can be selected from one or more of the group consisting of hidden impediments that pop-up randomly affecting the path of a ball thrown; active bumpers, ramps or other structures that affect the speed or direction of the ball; special contact points in the alley that provide bonus score; gutter openings that can open randomly or by player control, and moving obstacles that must be timed to prevent the ball from being diverted.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that can be handicapped by the players to enable children to compete effectively with adults wherein the handicapping is accomplished by controlling the active obstacles.

Finally, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that can be provided without the need for expensive wooden or synthetic lanes that must be critically leveled and assiduously maintained, or that require the need for special shoes for the players to prevent damage to the playing surfaces, and other features found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines that make the game more fun, faster and exciting; can be challenging for adults but permits children to compete on a equal footing with adults; and gives the players the feeling that they playing a bowling type of game while standing inside a pinball machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top and side view of a passive obstacle on a bowling lane in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top and side view of an alternative passive obstacle showing an “s” curve and banks.

FIG. 3 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle showing a split lane adaptation.

FIG. 4 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle having a corkscrew arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle having a loop and ramp.

FIG. 6 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle with a tunnel.

FIG. 7 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle with a steep decline.

FIG. 8 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle with multiple tunnels.

FIG. 9 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle with staggered impediments to the path of the ball.

FIG. 10 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle of a water trap.

FIG. 11 is a top and side view of another alternative passive obstacle with two fixed structures, one making it more difficult and the other making it less difficult for the ball to hit the pins.

FIG. 12 is a top and side view of an active obstacle that has moving impediments that are introduced randomly.

FIG. 13 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle that has a spinner that can be set to improve or lessen the score for that frame.

FIG. 14 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle that has at least one gutter hole that is controlled by the player.

FIG. 15 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle that features random bonus pin(s).

FIG. 16 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle that features contact bumpers and spots.

FIG. 17 is a top and side view of an alternative active obstacle that has fold-down moving targets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a bowling game that has been redesigned to incorporate features found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines to improve the fun of the sport as well as to enable handicapping the players at the time of playing the game without the need of relying on past performance such that children can compete with adults. The invention combines traditional bowing with the aspects of Miniature Golf and Pinball machines to produce a game that is much more exciting as well as having a significant element of chance to enhance a player's enjoyment, especially for those who have less skill.

Each game comprises uniquely designed lanes/alleys 10 with each lane 10 having one or more active or passive obstacle that can improve or worsen the likelihood of knocking over the pins with a thrown ball. A facility having this type of bowling will have 10 such lanes, or multiples of 10, wherein each set of 10 lanes is necessary to play a single game or string. Each set of 10 will have a distinct theme such as jungle, pirates, fantasy, etc. Multiple sets in the same facility could also have multiple themes if desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, the balls 18 are preferably the size of Candlepin or Duckpin balls, that is, 5 inches in diameter having a weight that is sufficiently light such that children can handle them easily. Pin 14 in the accompanying drawings are shown as Candlepin style of pins; however, pin 14 could also be sized and shaped in accordance with regulation Duckpin. These pins could also be rubber banded to increase the action to achieve higher scores.

As in traditional bowling, 10 frames of bowling comprise a single game or string. However, with the invention, each frame is played on a different alley with the player moving from one alley to the next after throwing up to three balls, if needed, to knock all ten (10) pins 14 down. A player can achieve strikes, spares, and tens or single digits with the score achieved in each frame totaled to reach a final score. Automatic pinsetters, automatic ball returns and video scoring systems will be used just as in traditional bowling.

Each lane 10 is made entirely of synthetic materials eliminating the need for leveled wood or synthetic lanes or special shoes. The lanes are not flat but use a gradient to increase the speed of the ball. The speed of the ball for children can be augmented by the use of flippers or activated ramps or bumpers to handicap the game such that each player may have a more equal chance to win. Each lane 10 may or may not have traditional gutters. If they have gutters, lanes 10 may be equipped with controllable bumpers so that the bumpers can be inserted or removed as desired.

As in Miniature Golf players move from one lane to the next, with each lane accounting for one frame of the total score. Since the lanes are not uniform in width, length or proximity to one another, various layout patterns are possible depending on the dimensions of the building that the invention is installed therein.

While numerous hazards, obstacles, bonuses and assists can be provided; all such features can be classified as either active or passive. As shown in the accompanying drawings, representative embodiments of both are discussed. Note that the following should not be considered as exhaustive as the type and variety of hazards, both active and passive, is almost limitless.

Referring to FIG. 1, a typical lane 10 is shown. Note that surface 22 decreases in elevation from throw line 20 to pins 15, thus ensuring that gravity makes it certain ball 18 will reach pins 15 even when a child is playing. As in traditional bowling, an approach area 12 is provided so that the player can have room to take a couple of steps before launching ball 18. Also note that the width of lane 10 can be irregular as shown. While gutters are not shown, they could be added, if desired. In this configuration, one or more smooth mounds 24 are provided. Each mound 24 are banked and inclined so that ball 18 may carom off and be deflected from the path initially thrown. Also, banks 16 can enable the player to try to avoid mounds 24 by substantially changing the path of ball 18.

FIG. 2 shows a different passive obstacle. In this design, “S” curve 26 is provided. Curve 26 is banked so that the thrown ball 18 must be angled to play the “lay of the land” as in golf.

FIG. 3 shows a split alley configuration. As shown, object 18 can be placed such that ball 18 can be thrown on either side to hit pins 15. The player may also go over the top of object 18 with ball 18 being slightly airborne. Since the surface of lane 10 lacks the precision of a traditional bowling alley, the path of ball 18 is less certain therefore the element of chance increases.

FIG. 4 shows the use of corkscrew 30 such that the exit is directed toward pin 14 of pins 15. The player can also elect to avoid corkscrew 30 by directing ball 18 to either side as in the FIG. 3 configuration.

FIG. 5 shows the use of loop 32 and ramp 34 in combination. Even if ball 18 does not have sufficient velocity to traverse loop 32, it will still reach pins 15 due to the decline of alley 10.

FIG. 6 shows the use of tunnel 36 located essentially centered in lane 10. While traversing tunnel 36 is preferable to hit pin 14 which provides the greatest chance to knock pins 15 over with a single throw, subsequent throws may be more effective, for example, to obtain a spare, by throwing ball 18 to the left or right of tunnel 36, depending on which pins 15 are being targeted.

FIG. 7 shows the use of long steep decline 38. In this lane 10, gravity is doing a large part of the work.

FIG. 8 shows the use of multiple tunnels 40. As can be seen, tunnel 40 that yields the best chance of a strike is not necessarily the tunnel in the center. Again, the element of chance is introduced into the game.

FIG. 9 shows the use of fixed obstacles 42 that are positioned at various locations on lane 10.

FIG. 10 shows the use of water trap 44 that provides a hazard to ball 18 reaching pins 15. Trap 44 could be filled with material other than water such as colored sand that will merely slow the ball on its path to reach pins 15. Trap 44 could also have a hidden chute so that ball 18 misses pins 15 altogether.

FIG. 11 shows the uses of obstacle 46, which is meant to be avoided, and structure 48, which is meant to be hit in combination with one another on the same lane 10. Structure 48 could be designed so that it helps to focus ball 18 into the strike zone of pins 15 so that knocking over a greater number of pins is assured.

The first active device in use with invention 10 is shown in FIG. 12. In this example of the number of obstacles 50 that can randomly pop up are shown. With this type of hazard, the use of handicapping can clearly come into play. If the player is a child, this obstacle 50 could be turned off entirely or slowed or made in a predictable sequence. Conversely, if the player was a skilled adult, obstacles 50 could be made more frequent or more of them, etc. to make hitting pins 15 much more difficult. Other active devices such as foot or hand operated “flippers” that cause an arm to deflect the direction of ball 18 (not shown) or even a coiled spring and plunger (as in pinball machines) (not shown) to launch ball 18 more quickly than would be possible by a small child can be added.

In FIG. 13, the use of spinner 52 provides another method of adjusting the score without the player having to knock down pins. The spinner, which is digitally controlled in a similar manner as found in a pinball machine, could be set to either add or subtract pins. The player on the second or third throw might try to hit the spinner, gambling that the spinner could yield a better score than by knocking down the remaining pins. This type of device can also provide handicapping by the player selecting the number of possible points to be added or subtracted.

FIG. 14 shows the use of gutter holes 54. While it was previously mentioned that gutters that are typically used in traditional bowling alleys could be used with the invention, gutter holes 54 provide an additional challenge and/or opportunity for handicapping. If gutter holes 54 are passive, then skill would be the primary factor in avoiding these hazards. However, if gutter holes 54 are active, in other words, if they can be opened and closed, then this provides another opportunity for randomness to be introduced as well as another opportunity for handicapping the outcome when children are playing against adults. As shown, gutter holes 54 would lead to the ball return mechanism (not shown) so that ball 18 will be returned to a player for the next throw.

FIG. 15 shows the opportunity for having special pins 56 that provide bonus points to be introduced in the game. One or more of these can be introduced during the game. While these can be used to provide a greater score if knocked down, again this can be used to provide handicapping, controllable by the players. The use of a special pin 56 can also be introduced by the establishment owner to provide a prize for a player that gets a strike if that pin 56 is in the head pin spot as is done in traditional bowling centers.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show examples of pinball machine devices that can be used with lane 10 to increase scores and entertainment. As in pinball machines or slot machines, when a particular set of circumstances occurs, it is accompanied by flashing lights, sirens, bells, or other noises to let everyone in the surrounding area know that something of consequence has just happened. Bumpers 58, when contacted, can add points to a score, impart a force to ball 18, cause lights to flash or noise to occur, or combination of all of these. Note that contact bumpers 60 are comparable to the bumpers in a pinball machine which when struck cause a light to flash as well as score. Hitting two in sequence might be set to cause a special bonus situation to happen such as awarding a free game if a strike is thrown when a particular light is lit. The aforementioned active devices increase game excitement and enjoyment and, as mentioned above, give the players the sensation that they are inside a pinball machine.

Swinging targets 62 also offer the opportunity to adjust the score either upwards or downwards or to permit a greater degree of handicapping. It is also possible to include pinball type “flippers” which can be activated by the player such as a ramp that will pop up to provide greater velocity to ball 18.

Each lane is individually designed and will have one or more of these types of structures included in lane 10. The overall configuration of the lanes, the length, the width, type of hazards, bonus elements, etc. is dependent upon the theme that is selected and the type and size of the building used to house the invention. It is anticipated that this invention can be adapted to multilevel buildings just as easily as single floor structures.

As noted above, the uniquely designed lanes 10 provide variable scoring that increases the opportunity for younger players or the less skilled to achieve a high game score than the rest in their playing party by being “lucky”. The pins 15 can be knocked over in a variety ways and, due to the inherent level of randomness built into the design, each game played will be unique, making play more exciting and uncertain. A five year old can stand a much better chance of beating a parent as not.

While certain representative embodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification therein may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A bowling game apparatus comprising:

ten individually distinct bowling lanes or alleys wherein each lane has ten pins wherein a player sequentially attempts to knock down the pins with three thrown balls such that each completed lane by the player constitutes a frame, and when all ten lanes have been completed, constitutes a game or string wherein the game is scored in accordance with the number of pins knocked down as in traditional bowling; and wherein each individually distinct lane is free formed into differing shapes, lengths, widths and proximity to one another.

2. The bowling game of claim 1 wherein each pin is sized and shaped similar to the pins in candlepin bowling.

3. The bowling game of claim 1 wherein each pin is sized and shaped similar to the pins in duckpin bowling.

4. The bowling game of claim 1 wherein each ball that is used to knock the pins is sized and weighted such that the ball can be handled and thrown by a child.

5. The bowling game of claim 4 further comprising a circumferential rubber band that is attached to the circumference of each pin in order to increase the action when the ball strikes the pins.

6. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein each individually distinct bowling lane has at least one obstacle that is placed between the player and the pins.

7. The bowling game apparatus of claim 6 wherein said at least one obstacle is a passive obstacle.

8. The bowling game apparatus of claim 6 wherein said at least one obstacle is an active obstacle.

9. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said ten individually distinct bowling lanes declines in elevation from a point where the player stands when throwing the ball toward the pins such that the force of gravity is used to increase the speed of the ball when the ball hits the pins.

10. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one lane of said apparatus further comprises side gutters that are used in traditional bowling.

11. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one lane of said apparatus further comprises gutter traps as in golf that will prevent the ball from reaching the pins.

12. The bowling game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the arrangement of the lanes is such that each lane is positioned adjacent to an automatic pin setting machine and an automatic ball return machine.

13. The bowling game apparatus of claim 7 wherein the passive obstacle is selected from the group consisting of bumpers, multiple paths to the pins, chutes, ramps, loops, fixed impediments, steep elevation drops, elevation rises angular redirections, uneven surfaces and banked curves.

14. The bowling game apparatus of claim 8 wherein at least one active obstacle is selected from the group consisting of hidden impediments that pop-up randomly affecting the path of the thrown ball, active bumpers, moving ramps affecting speed and direction of the ball, special contact points in the lane to provide bonus score, randomly opening gutter locations, moving obstacles which may be player controlled to redirect the path of the ball and moving obstacles that the player must time the ball thrown in order to be avoided.

15. The bowling game apparatus of claim 14 wherein the active obstacles can be controlled to provide a handicap such that children can effectively compete with adults.