Abstract: A removable platform for covering bowling alley lanes to provide a flat surface above the lanes suitable for a variety of other activities.

Abstract: A prefabricated flooring system used in a section of a bowling lane such as an approach section. The flooring system includes a plurality of wooden boards having a longitudinal axis. The plurality of wooden boards each having substantially flat side edges along the longitudinal axis. Interior boards of the plurality of wooden boards are bonded together by an adhesive applied on the side edges and two of the outermost boards of the plurality of boards are bonded only on one side edge by the adhesive to adjacent corresponding interior boards to form a preformed approach section of wooden boards. In one aspect, the boards have a thickness of approximately that of the bowling lane. In another aspect, the preformed approach section has a width greater than that of the bowling lane.

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 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 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 removable platform for covering bowling alley lanes to provide a flat surface above the lanes suitable for a variety of other activities.

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 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.

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: In a process and apparatus for managing signals to be broadcast at a bowling alley or the like a video signal comprising an image captured at the bowling alley is displayed at the bowling lane.

Abstract: A construction element (4) for a bowling lane is intended as a surface board of the bowling lane and it comprises at least one laminate layer (1), a board layer (2) and a supporting structure layer (3). The supporting structure layer (3) is a cellular structure of a honeycomb shape.

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: The present invention relates to the placement and installation of a bowling lane or bowling center on a ship. In particular, the invention relates to installing a bowling center on cruise ships.

Abstract: A bowling lane system for enhancing the entertainment when bowling. The bowling lane system includes a lane member having a pair of gutter portions extending a length of the lane member whereby the gutter portion are positioned on opposing sides of the lane member. The top surface of the lane member is designed for supporting a bowling ball and pins. The lane member has a deflection assembly. The ball deflection assembly is designed for deflecting the bowling ball towards the pins when the bowling ball is rolled along a top surface of the lane member.

Abstract: The topography of a bowling lane may be adjusted after installation through the use of special truss assemblies beneath the lane that are provided with a height adjustment mechanism that is remotely actuatable at a convenient location. Lane tilt, including side-to-side tilt, may be adjusted through the use of upright, threaded members that raise or lower opposite ends of beams associated with the truss assemblies. Crowns and depressions can be adjusted by way of independently adjustable devices that raise or lower isolated portions of the lane relative to the beam of the truss assembly. Adjustment for crowns and depressions can be provided with or without the ability to adjust for lane tilt. In one embodiment, chains and sprockets associated with such adjustment mechanism can be manipulated from a convenient access opening off to one side of the lane and located below the lane surface, such access opening being covered by an easily removable cap.

Abstract: A bowling center control system includes an input device configured for input of a bowler's selection of one of a plurality of entertainment styles, wherein each style has predetermined audiovisual, lighting and sound characteristics. A bowling center control system further includes a multimedia server in communication with the input device. The multimedia server is configured with multimedia content corresponding to each of the characteristics of each entertainment style. The multimedia server is further configured to associate predetermined portions of the content with the bowler in response to the bowler's selected style. The multimedia server is yet further configured to generate an output signal operative to reproduce at least certain portions of the predetermined portions of the content corresponding to the characteristics of the selected entertainment style in response to a signal indicative of an occurrence of a bowling event associated with the bowler.

Abstract: A display and method for bowling centers and the like includes at least one bowling lane having a base member with an approach area, pin deck area and lane area extending therebetween. A generally transparent synthetic sheet member is positioned over at least a portion the base member, and has a leading edge attached to the base member to retain the sheet member in an overlying relationship with the base member, leaving at least a portion of the sheet member unattached to define an insert area. At least one display card with in a generally thin profile is inserted between the sheet member and the base member at the insert area, such that the indicia are visible through and protected by the sheet, with the weight of the sheet member retaining the display card in place to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the display card to provide varied displays.

Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark bowling game includes an enclosure with ambient lighting normally illuminating the same, and at least one bowling lane. A UV sensitive dye or pigment is incorporated into at least a portion of the upper surface of the bowling lane. A UV light source is positioned generally above the bowling lane, and is selectively operable for directing UV light onto the upper surface of the bowling lane. To play the glow-in-the-dark bowling game, the ambient lighting is dimmed or turned off, and the UV light source is turned on, causing the UV sensitive dye or pigment to emit visible light.

Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark bowling game includes an enclosure with ambient lighting normally illuminating the same, and at least one bowling lane. A UV sensitive dye or pigment is incorporated into at least a portion of the upper surface of the bowling lane. A UV light source is positioned generally above the bowling lane, and is selectively operable for directing UV light onto the upper surface of the bowling lane. To play the glow-in-the-dark bowling game, the ambient lighting is dimmed or turned off, and the UV light source is turned on, causing the UV sensitive dye or pigment to emit visible light.

Abstract: In the form of a cover for the edge of an approach at a bowling center with a fascia or shoe molding composition in the form of a synthetic polymer, preferably black in color, suitable for use in a bowling center, a glow rod or a glow dowel may be set in the synthetic polymer, in order to permit bowling under a black system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substructure of a bowling lane, which comprises a framework composed of beams (1, 2, 3). The horizontally installed beams (1, 2) of the substructure have first and second fixing means (FE, SE) and beams (1, 2) are attached together by connecting the first and second fixing means (FE, SE) of the beams (1, 2).

Abstract: A bowling lane is provided that includes one or more lane sections, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of plugs. Each of the one or more lane sections includes a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of attachment sites. In some embodiments, each attachment site has a first bore having a first diameter, a second bore having a second diameter and extending a first axial length, and a third bore having a third diameter and extending a second axial length. The first bore extends between the second surface and the second bore. The second bore extends between the first bore and the third bore. The third bore extends between the second bore and the first surface. The third diameter is greater than the second diameter, and the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. Each of the plurality of fasteners has a shaft and a cap. The cap is sized to fit with the second bore.

Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark bowling game includes an enclosure with ambient lighting normally illuminating the same, and at least one bowling lane. A UV sensitive dye or pigment is incorporated into at least a portion of the upper surface of the bowling lane. A UV light source is positioned generally above the bowling lane, and is selectively operable for directing UV light onto the upper surface of the bowling lane. To play the glow-in-the-dark bowling game, the ambient lighting is dimmed or turned off, and the UV light source is turned on, causing the UV sensitive dye or pigment to emit visible light.

Abstract: The portable balloon launcher system consists of a case that is equipped with a set of legs that fold out from the back of the case. The case is then opened and folding panels located therein extended to create a substantially rectangular launch platform, oriented in a substantially horizontal plane. An integral launch bag is connected to the resultant portable and stable launch platform. The uninflated balloon is inserted into this launch bag, attached to a tank of helium, and inflated. Once the instrumentation is attached to the balloon and the balloon is ready to launch, the launch bag is opened and the balloon released.

Abstract: A bowling lane having a substantially flat top surface including a foul line end and a pin deck end, the improvement comprising a method and assembly of a polymer sheet of polycarbonate having a thickness between about 0.63 and 2.50 mm, overlaid onto the top surface between the foul line end and pin deck rear end and having a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, a strip of double-sided adhesive tape beneath the leading edge portion for securing to the foul line end, and double-sided tape beneath the trailing edge portion for securing it at the pin deck end. Any other mechanical fastening system may also be used to adhere the sheet to the lane. The polymer sheet may be 100% polycarbonate, but may also include a first layer that optionally comprises a lubricious polymeric material such as Teflon® in combination with polycarbonate. The polymer sheet undersurface is free of adhesive.

Abstract: This invention is a table type game that requires both billiard skills and bowling skills to play. Scaled down bowling lanes, gutters, pins and approach are provided. The scaled down bowling balls are regulation size billiard balls that are struck and driven by regulation size billiard cues. The approach is covered with a billiard table type felt material and is raised approximately ¼ inch above the lane to allow the billiard balls to replicate the sounds of a bowling alley during play. Standard bowling scoring is used.

Abstract: A bowling lane surface comprising a top cover layer hving a pattern of a plurality of elongated simulated boards side-by-side across the width of the lane, the simulated boards across the lane being of alternate light and dark shades, having a symmetrical V pattern of spaced range finders on selected ones of the simulated boards, positioned uniformly across the lane, on the first longitudinal portion of the lane, selected simulated boards, preferably those having the range finders thereon, being outlined by dark lines simulating joints, a plurality of dark elongated markings arranged on selected simulated boards in the second longitudinal portion of the lane.

Abstract: A novel element is added to a bowling game by incorporating an intraviolet light sensitive dye or pigment in a bowling surface (24), a gutter (25), a bowling ball (26), and/or a bowling pin (28). A bowling establishment (10) is provided with an ultraviolet light source (50), (52), which, when conventional lighting, (42), (44), (46) is dimmed and/or turned off, will cause the ultraviolet light sensitive dye or pigment to fluoresce such that the components (24), (26), (30) fluoresce and glow to provide a pleasing effect attractive to bowlers.

Abstract: A bowling lane masking unit having an elevatable panel with first and second pulley wheels at the lower corners, a pair of stabilizing cables each anchored on both ends, passing around the pulley wheels and across the panel to retain the panel vertically aligned when shifted up and down, and a shiftable latch retaining the panel in elevated position.

Abstract: Sporting apparatus and environment are disclosed for playing a sport in low ambient light. At least a portion of the playing field for playing the sport is fluorescent as well as at least one of the playing objects on the playing field. The playing field and playing objects are subjected to ultraviolet light to illuminate the fluorescent portions thereof. The playing apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted for bowling when at least one of the pins of a rack of pins is fluorescent as well as portions of the bowling lane. Additionally, the bowler apparel and portions of the bowling ball may be fluorescent. These features are combined to improve the overall appeal and participation of the sport.

Abstract: A bowling lane surface for use with a bowling ball and bowling pins. The playing surface is adapted to have bowling pins set up at one end of the bowling lane and a bowling ball thrown by a bowler at an opposite end so that the bowling ball moves on the surface toward the bowling pins. The playing surface includes at least one visual obstacle between the two ends of the playing surface. Those visual obstacles can be colored areas showing varying friction levels, moguls or depressions along the bowling lane surface. The bowling lane preferably is an oilless lane and can be made of either wood, laminated compressed paper, or plastic.

Abstract: A bowling alley masking unit comprising a pin curtain and a plurality of separate panels which are disposed laterally across at least one longitudinally extending bowling lane. The panels are disposed in a three-dimensional array with lateral and or longitudinal spacing in a overlapping arrangement. Each of the panels is supported by a forwardly extending bracket or cantilever.

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 construction and method utilizes either a synthetic substructure layer or synthetic bowling lane panels, or both, which are supported upon a compressible foam layer which dampens noise and vibration and also permits leveling from the upper surface utilizing leveling screws. The compressible foam layer comprises a double-backed adhesive foam tape which is used in lieu of fasteners for joining the construction together.

Abstract: A bowling alley approach section includes a pair of horizontally disposed rectangular panels which are wider than the width of a corresponding lane section. A first of the panels which is adjacent to and abutting the lane section were separated therefrom by a foul line covers an area where a bowler slides in delivering a bowling ball to the lane section of the alley. The first panel is asymmetrical along its longitudinal axis and symmetrical along its transverse axis and includes a graphic representation on its upper surface. A second generally rectangular synthetic panel is aligned with the first panel and abuts the first panel and is aligned along its longitudinal and transverse axis. The panels are supported in a common horizonal plane.

Abstract: A novel element is added to a bowling game by incorporating an intraviolet light sensitive dye or pigment in a bowling surface (24), a gutter (25), a bowling ball (26), and/or a bowling pin (28). A bowling establishment (10) is provided with an ultraviolet light source (50), (52), which, when conventional lighting, (42), (44), (46) is dimmed and/or turned off, will cause the ultraviolet light sensitive dye or pigment to fluoresce such that the components (24), (26), (30) fluoresce and glow to provide a pleasing effect attractive to bowlers.

Abstract: A novel element is added to a bowling game by incorporating an intraviolet light sensitive dye or pigment in a bowling surface (24), a gutter (25), a bowling ball (26), and/or a bowling pin (28). A bowling establishment (10) is provided with an ultraviolet light source (50), (52), which, when conventional lighting, (42), (44), (46) is dimmed and/or turned off, will cause the ultraviolet light sensitive dye or pigment to fluoresce such that the components (24), (26), (30) fluoresce and glow to provide a pleasing effect attractive to bowlers.

Abstract: An oiless surface for a bowling lane is formed from a high-density polyolefin and particularly a high-density polyethylene having a reduced friction surface with alternating high and low points. During bowling, a bowling ball passes over the high points without touching the low points, increasing the apparent lubricating of the surface to a point where no oil application to the surface is necessary and such surface can be referred to as "oiless". The oiless surface bowling lane is preferably provided in the form of a single continuous sheet forming such surface which may be transported to the lane site in a coiled condition and is also preferably retained tight against the lane base during actual bowling by a vacuum system which may also be used with other or non-oiless bowling surfaces.

Abstract: A bowling alley construction includes an approach section, a lane section and a foul line coupling between the approach and lane sections. The foul line has an elongated relatively flat base portion and an upwardly and transversely extending riser which extends across the width of the lane and/or approach section. A synthetic panel abuts one side of the riser and is fastened to one section of the alley through the base portion of the foul line coupling. A method for resurfacing bowling alleys with a synthetic panel and an L or T-shaped foul line coupling is also disclosed. In that method, a proximal end of the synthetic panel is then fastened to one section of the alley and to the base portion of the foul line coupling.

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 easily changeable bowling alley masking unit provides a visual barrier that covers a forward portion of a pin spotter in a first position and provides ready access to that portion of the pin spotting mechanism when in a second position. The unit includes a generally rectangular frame, a cartridge adjacent to the frame and a pair of rollers disposed within the cartridge. The unit also includes a pair of masking members with one of the masking members attached to each of the rollers. Each of the masking members includes a display of one side thereof and is adapted to be rolled upon a roller for storage within the cartridge and unrolled to cover a portion of the pin spotter.

Abstract: An oiless surface for a bowling lane is formed from a high density polyolefin and particularly a high-density polyethylene having a reduced friction surface with alternating high and low points. The high points contact a bowling ball passing over or resting upon such surface and are sufficient in area and close enough in spacing to support such bowling ball passing across such surface from any substantial up-and-down movement. The reduced height points are low enough with respect to the high points not to be contacted by the surface of the ball and extensive enough in area to provide a surface exerting less frictional retardation upon the surface of a bowling ball spinning upon the surface than a flat, smooth surface made of the same material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved bumpering system for guarding the channels (gutters) of a conventional bowling lane. The bowling lane is of the type having a longitudinal bowling lane bed, a pair of elongated channels parallel to and abutting each side of the bowling lane bed, an approach and foul line at one end of the bowling lane bed and a pin deck at the other end thereof. The bumpering device comprises deflection means permanently mounted within the channel, the deflection means having associated therewith extension and retraction means for extending the deflection means to an upright position thereby abutting the bowling lane bed for deflecting bowling balls that may be directed toward the channel and retracting the deflection means to a nested position within the channel thereby permitting bowling balls directed toward the channel to fall thereinto.

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.