Abstract: A bowling lane with a mural image is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of bowling lane panels are provided, wherein each bowling lane panel depicts a different portion of a mural image. The plurality of bowling lane panels are assembled and secured onto a surface such that the assembly of the plurality of bowling lane panels forms the mural image. In another embodiment, a bowling center is provided with at least two bowling lanes. Each bowling lane depicts a mural image, and the mural images on the various bowling lanes form a composite multi-lane mural image.

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.

Abstract: A bowling bumper system is provided. The bowling bumper system and more particularly an actuator or actuator assembly is decoupled from the bumpers, themselves, and configured to move the bumpers into an extended or retracted position.

Abstract: Bowling game apparatus allowing children to get strikes and spares for a high score. Two guides (10) are provided longitudinally along lane (3); two first retainers (15) are arranged outside the end of lane (3) near approach (2) for retaining first ends of the guides (10); two second retainers (20) for retaining the second ends of the guides (10) are provided over lane (3) between first retainers (15) and pins (5), and allow, as driven by a second-retainer drive unit, the guide second-end retaining portions of the second retainers (20) to shift between a guide position and a retract position apart from the guide position. The guides (10) diagonally intersect the longitudinal direction of the lane (3), where they come into contact with the height-wise center of a ball rolling down the lane (3) ball when the second-end retaining portions of the second retainers (20) are in the guide position.

Abstract: A bowling bumper system is disclosed comprising a bumper rail and a positioning system configured to move the bumper rail between a first position below a bowling lane surface and a second position above the bowling lane surface. When the bumper rail is in the second position, an end portion of the bumper rail near a foul line of the bowling lane extends toward the bowling lane surface. In another embodiment, a bowling bumper system is disclosed comprising a bumper and a positioning system configured to move the bumper between a first position below a bowling lane surface and a second position above the bowling lane surface. The positioning system comprises a plurality of pivotable links, wherein a pivotable link closest to a foul line of the bowling lane is shorter than at least one of the other pivotable links.

Abstract: The combination of a bowling alley pin deck, flat gutter, flat gutter supports, and a jack. The jack is of selectively adjustable height and includes a jack head for firmly supporting the midsection of the flat gutter or a support of the flat gutter for increasing the coefficient of restitution of the flat gutter for providing livelier pin action.

Abstract: A bowling bumper system is provided. The bowling bumper system and more particularly an actuator or actuator assembly is decoupled from the bumpers, themselves, and configured to move the bumpers into an extended or retracted position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bowling game system that prevents a ball from falling into one of gutters with no players noticing. A bowling game system 1 is provided with an approach 2 where a player rolls a bowling ball b down, a lane 3 on which the ball b players bowl rolls, a plurality of bowling pins 5 arranged and placed on the end of the lane 3 opposite to the approach 2, trough-like gutters 4 provided longitudinally on the both sides of the lane 3 to receive the ball b slipping from the lane 3, a plurality of nozzles 21 provided face to face longitudinally on the outer sides of the lane 3 and a compressed air supplying source 25 providing the nozzles 21 with compressed air via supplying pipes 22. The nozzles 21 discharge compressed air toward the inside of the lane 3 to prevent the ball b from falling into one of the gutters 4, which is not revealed to players, because the compressed air is transparent and clear.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bowling game system that prevents a ball from falling into one of gutters with no players noticing. A bowling game system 1 is provided with a bowling ball b in which a plurality of permanent magnets are embedded with their faces along the surface of the ball b being same in polarity, an approach 2 where a player rolls the ball b down, a lane 3 on which the ball b players bowl rolls, a plurality of bowling pins 5 arranged and placed on the end of the lane 3 opposite to the approach 2, trough-like gutters 4 provided longitudinally on the both sides of the lane 3 to receive the ball b slipping off the lane 3, a plurality of electromagnets 21 embedded widthwise on the edges of the lane 3 and provided paralleling the lane 3, and a power source 22 for supplying the electromagnets 21 with electric power to magnetize them. The electromagnets 21 repel the permanent magnets in the ball b to prevent the ball b from falling into the gutters 4.

Abstract: A moveable gutter for a bowling lane is disclosed. The gutter includes a bumper surface that functions as a bumper when said inner edge is raised from a lower position to a fixed upper position higher than the adjacent lane surface. One or more illumination sources may be disposed along the surface of the gutter and bumper surface. A portion of said bumper surface is approximately parallel with the surface of a bowling ball on the bowling lane when the upper surface is in the upper position.

Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system including a pair of retractable bumper assemblies for use with a bowling lane to prevent bowling balls from entering either gutter when the retractable bumper assemblies are deployed, each retractable bumper assembly comprises an elongated retractable rail selectively movable between a retracted position and a deployed position disposed between one side of the bowling lane and the corresponding gutter such that when either elongated retractable rail is in the retracted position a bowling ball can enter the corresponding gutter and when either elongated retractable rail is in the deployed position a bowling ball is prevented from entering the corresponding gutter.

Abstract: A rail positioning device for use with a retractable bumper assembly that includes an elongated rail movable between a retracted position and an elevated position supported by a plurality of rail support members to prevent bowling balls from entering a bowling lane gutter adjacent the retractable bump assembly when the elongated rail is in the elevated position wherein the rail positioning device comprises a rail positioning assembly disposed in operational relationship relative to a rail positioning actuator each movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that when the rail positioning assembly is moved from the retracted to the extended position by the rail positioning actuator moving from the retracted position to the extended position the rail positioning assembly engages the elongated rail to move the elongated rail from the retracted position to the elevated position to prevent a bowling balls from entering the adjacent gutter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an obstacle on a bowling lane for keeping the bowling ball on a single bowling lane. The obstacle comprises at least one obstacle element which is arranged to be movable and is located next to the edge of a single bowling lane, in the longitudinal direction of the same, means for moving the obstacle element and means for guiding the movement of the obstacle element. The means for moving the obstacle element comprise a channel (5) underneath the obstacle element that can expanded with a gaseous or liquid substance.

Abstract: The bumper system of the subject invention prevents a bowling ball from entering the gutters, redirecting the ball into the lane. The bumper system comprises a longitudinal rail with a plurality of pivot arms affixed thereto. The bumper system is pivotally affixed it the lane bed such that when the bumper system is in a retracted position the horizontal surface of the longitudinal rails are in a substantially abutting relation to the side of the lane, and the adjacent gutters are adapted to receive any balls that are bowled towards either side of the lane, directing the balls to the end of the lane, missing the pin deck. In an extended position, the longitudinal rails prevent balls from entering the adjacent gutters, redirecting balls into the lane, such that the balls strike the pins in the pin deck.

Abstract: A pair of spaced uprights defining a ball return channel therebetween, a pair of gutters astraddle the uprights, each gutter having an outer edge portion on the adjacent uprights, a plurality of anchor plates extending over said ball return channel and interfitted with the gutter outer edge portions, the plates and gutter outer edge portions being secured to the uprights, a dress cover extending over the ball return channel and anchor plates, removably interconnected to the anchor plates, a pair of upwardly extending, laterally spaced, parallel anchor protrusions proximate the anchor plate edge portions and having oppositely oriented lateral detents, the dress cover having a width greater than the lateral spacing of the protrusions, a pair of parallel, laterally spaced fastener legs depending from the dress cover, and having lateral detents generally aligned with the protrusion detents, at least one of 1) the pair of protrusions and 2) the pairs of legs, being resiliently shiftable to enable locking interenga

Abstract: A pair of spaced uprights defining a ball return channel therebetween, a pair of gutters astraddle the uprights, each gutter having an outer edge portion on the adjacent uprights, a plurality of anchor plates extending over said ball return channel and interfitted with the gutter outer edge portions, the plates and gutter outer edge portions being secured to the uprights, a dress cover extending over the ball return channel and anchor plates, removably interconnected to the anchor plates, a pair of upwardly extending, laterally spaced, parallel anchor protrusions proximate the anchor plate edge portions and having oppositely oriented lateral detents, the dress cover having a width greater than the lateral spacing of the protrusions, a pair of parallel, laterally spaced fastener legs depending from the dress cover, and having lateral detents generally aligned with the protrusion detents, at least one of 1) the pair of protrusions and 2) the pairs of legs, being resiliently shiftable to enable locking interenga

Abstract: The lighting system of the present invention includes at least one light string having a plurality of independently controllable light modules, each emitting light in response to an activation signal uniquely associated with the light module. The lighting system preferably includes a controller coupled to the light strings for generating and transmitting activation signals to the light modules to independently control the lights of the light modules. Each of the light modules may include a multi-color lighting device for emitting light of different colors such that the controller may select colors of the light emitted from each one of the light modules.

Abstract: A bowling lane division capping assembly for attachment atop a division support, comprising an elongated lower member and an elongated upper cap member, the lower member comprising a bottom wall for attachment to the division support, a pair of side walls upstanding from said bottom wall, and the side walls having a pair of upper flanges protruding toward each other while defining a space of predetermined width therebetween allowing access to the bottom wall for insertion of fasteners, the upper cap member comprising an upper wall and a pair of spaced legs depending therefrom, the legs being spaced apart an amount about equal to the space width and having laterally outwardly offset detents spaced apart greater than the space width for engagement beneath the flanges to fasten the upper cap member to the lower member.

Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system which can be used for conventional bowling and for bumper bowling includes a bumper on each side of the alley. These bumpers are movable between an extended positioned to prevent a bowling ball from falling into a gutter and a retracted position for ordinary bowling. The system also includes a plurality of air cylinders and an electrical actuator for moving the bumpers between the two positions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a computer which is included in an automatic scorer, automatically raises and lowers the bumpers before and after an individual bowler who elects bumper bowling and at the same time elects to bowl with regular bowlers.

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 bowling alley bumper system includes a pair of elongated bumpers extending along the length of an alley for guarding the gutters of a bowling alley when the bumpers are in an extended or guarding position. Each of the bumpers also includes a string of lights within a clear plastic rail which is disposed along an upper portion of the bumper. A controller is provided for pulsing the lights along each of the bumpers to produce a "chase" or other visual effect. For example, the controller may be used to illuminate the first, fourth, seventh, etc. lights in a string, followed by the illumination of the second, fifth, eighth, etc., lights, and then the third, sixth, ninth, etc., lights to give the appearance of moving down the alley. A controller may also be used to regulate the illumination of the lights across adjacent alleys.

Abstract: A bowling ball gutter connector apparatus having supports and a splice to be mounted in an extruded, spanning manner beneath bowling ball gutter section joints such that fastening of the gutter sections leaves the upper rolling surface of the gutter unimpeded.

Abstract: A bumper bowling system is provided that eliminates the function of bowling lane gutters and uses bumpers to maintain a bowling ball within the confines of a bowling lane through to contact with the bowling pins. The bumper bowling system provides hardware, electronic circuitry, and software modifications in conjunction with scoring displays to provide a system of original manufacture or retrofit for existing automatic bowling scoring systems. Specifically, the system provides a bumper, a means for detecting when a ball strikes the bumper and at what location, a signalling display means generally running parallel to the bumper and the detection means, and the hardware necessary to position these devices along the length of each side of a standard bowling lane. In addition, the system utilizes appropriate circuitry for interfacing both the sensor means and the light display means with standard scoring control units.

Abstract: A bumper bowling system is provided that eliminates the function of bowling lane gutters and uses bumpers to maintain a bowling ball within the confines of a bowling lane through to contact with the bowling pins. The bumper bowling system provides hardware, electronic circuitry, and software modifications in conjunction with scoring displays to provide a system of original manufacture or retrofit for existing automatic bowling scoring systems. Specifically, the system provides a bumper, a means for detecting when a ball strikes the bumper and at what location, a signalling display means generally running parallel to the bumper and the detection means, and the hardware necessary to position these devices along the length of each side of a standard bowling lane. In addition, the system utilizes appropriate circuitry for interfacing both the sensor means and the light display means with standard scoring control units.

Abstract: A bowling lane is provided with a pair of bumpers to which are attached sensors or switches that are activated when a bowling ball strikes a bumper. The bumpers are attached to brackets that are mounted to the floor. Indicators are mounted on the bumper-bracket assembly for signaling when a given bumper has been hit; the score awarded in a given frame may be made to vary in dependance upon whether a given bumper has been struck.

Abstract: An improved bowling lane, which is convertible from a form suitable for conventional bowling to a form suitable for bumper (carom) bowling, includes a series of lane cross-supports, a bowling bed having an approach and foul line at one end and a pin deck at the other end thereof; an elongated concave gutter abutting each side of the bed; an elongated channel within each said gutter disposed parallel to and a distance of less than one-half the diameter of a bowling ball from the edge of said bed; rigid elongated members slidably disposed within each channel; and, means to raise and lower said rigid elongated members.In the preferred embodiment the improved bowling lane has elongated channels disposed within each gutter, abutting the lateral edges of the bowling bed. Slidably disposed in said channels are rigid elongated members having an upper surface of a matching color and contour of the gutter.

Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system which can be used for conventional bowling and for bumper bowling is disclosed. The bowling alley bumper system includes a pair of gutters having longitudinally extending portions and spring biased extending and retracting mechanisms for moving those portions (bumpers) into an extended position to prevent a bowling ball from falling into a gutter and downwardly into a retracted position which allows bowling balls to fall into and roll along one of the gutters. In one embodiment, the portion is moved upwardly or downwardly along an arc in an XZ plane with little or no lateral movement, and the spring biased mechanism retains the bumpers in their extended and retracted positions. The spring biased mechanism also causes the bumpers to "pop-up" when moved out of the recessed position.

Abstract: An improved bowling alley bumper system for selectively guarding against the throwing of gutter balls. Comprising the system is a gutter formed of transversely divided elongated sections of which at least one is pivotally displaceable by underside actuator apparatus from a first position cooperating with the remaining section to form a conventional unguarded gutter to a second position extending above the adjacent lane bed to afford a bumper bowling effect.

Abstract: Bumper bowling systems include retractable bumpers and mechanisms connected to the retractable bumpers disposed alongside a bowling alley's gutters. The mechanisms are adapted to extend the bumpers into a position which prevent bowling balls from falling into the gutter and also to retract the bumpers to permit ordinary bowling. A segmented longitudinally extending cap and a structural support member are also provided so that the cap covers the bumper mechanism.

Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system and method selectively guards against a bowling ball rolling into a gutter. A bungee cord extends along each side edge of a bowling alley lane and in a first position below the lane surface receives bowling balls rolling within a gutter and against the lane edge for protecting the edge of the lane from damage. A lifting mechanism raises the bungee cord to a position above the lane surface for receiving bowling balls rolling on the surface toward the gutter and redirecting the bowling balls towards the center of the lane and away from the gutter. The bungee cord is lifted to its second position by a plurality of elongated rods positioned to move alongside the lane below the gutter surface. A connecting rod raises and lowers the elongated rods through a lever action thereby positioning the bungee cord at its first stored position or its elevated position for guarding the gutter.

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.

Abstract: A new recessed rail deflector or bumper for a bowling alley comprises a rail or bumper that rises vertically adjacent to the edge of the bowling alley lane. The rail or bumper is concealed in a longitudinal pocket or well formed in the gutter with the top of the rail forming a small portion of the gutter surface adjacent to the edge of the lane. The new rail or bumper is totally non-obtrusive when retracted and therefore is harmonious with the gutter and lane and hidden from view. A simple four bar linkage causes the rail or bumper to rise into position to prevent balls from entering the gutter in "bumper bowling".

Abstract: An improved bowling lane, which is convertible from a form suitable for conventional bowling to a form suitable for bumper (carom) bowling, includes a series of lane cross-supports, a bowling bed having an approach and foul line at one end and a pin deck at the other end thereof; an elongated concave gutter abutting each side of the bed; an elongated channel within each said gutter disposed parallel to and a distance of less than one-half the diameter of a bowling ball from the edge of said bed; rigid elongated members slidably disposed within each channel; and, means to raise and lower said rigid elongated members.In the preferred embodiment the improved bowling lane has elongated channels disposed within each gutter, abutting the lateral edges of the bowling bed. Slidably disposed in said channels are rigid elongated members having an upper surface of a matching color and contour of the gutter.

Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system which can be used for conventional bowling and for bumper bowling is disclosed. The bowling alley bumper system includes a pair of gutters having longitudinally extending portions and extending and retracting means for moving those portions into an extended position which allows bowling balls to fall into and roll along one of the gutters. In one embodiment, the portion is moved upwardly or downwardly along an arc in an xz plane with little or no lateral movement.