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: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transferring a decorative image to a bowling ball by sublimation from a transfer sheet. The method includes applying at least one transfer sheet containing sublimation inks representing a decoration, such as an image or graphic, to the outer surface of the bowling ball and transferring the decoration from the transfer sheet to the bowling ball by applying sufficient heat and pressure to sublimate the inks. A heat press apparatus is one exemplary apparatus that is contemplated for providing the heat and pressure. The heat and pressure may be maintained after sublimation to allow the inks to penetrate beneath the outer surface of the bowling ball. This allows decorating the bowling ball with a durable image or graphic that does not does not affect the performance of the bowling ball. The decoration may cover the entire bowling ball, or any portion thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the playing of a bowling game by two or more persons not situated at the same physical location. In particular, to a system and method for two or more bowlers to engage in a bowling game at remote sites including a teleconferencing system that allows players located remotely from each other to see, hear, talk, interact and exchange data with each other, an automated bowling scoring system at each bowling site which scores the bowling game at each site at which the game is being played, and interface software transmitting, connecting and combining the bowling sites automated bowling scoring systems through the teleconferencing system.

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: Information-compressed image data is generated or inputted in an office unit 3. Control data and image data is transferred to specified consoles 1a-1m according to reproduction timing or reproduction procedure for the image data. Each console expands the information-compressed image data and displays an image of the data on overhead CRTs 4a, 5a, . . . 4m, 5m.

Abstract: A bowling game enhances the traditional scoring of a strike or a spare when the bowler is able to time the rolling of the ball by a preselected location on the lane with a preselected location of an image being scanned transversely across the lane. The game uses a laser beam for illuminating a series of images in the form of spots of light, and in a sequencing fashion, moves the spots of light across the lane for viewing by the bowler during the rolling of the bowling ball towards standing pins. A sensor is positioned at a preselected location along side the lane for determining when the ball reaches the predetermined location. A processor provides an enhanced scoring to the otherwise traditional scoring when the ball reaches the preselected location at the same time a particular preselected spot of light reaches a particular location on the lane.

Abstract: A bowling game method comprising the steps of: setting up ten pins in a conventional manner for a first player prior to initiating play; the player rolling a single first ball and knowing down a first number of pins; setting up the pins again in a conventional manner for the player before continuing; the player then rolling a single second ball and knowing down a second number of pins and then terminating play of the player if the number of pins knocked down by the second ball corresponds to the number of pins knocked down by the previous ball; setting up the ten pins again and again in a conventional manner for the player before continuing; and the player rolling a single third ball and then subsequent balls up to ten so long as the number of pins knocked down by any one ball does not correspond to the number of pins knocked down by any other prior ball by the player and continuing the recording the number of pins knocked down by each ball.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes first and second pinsetters each associated with a respective corresponding one of first and second bowling lanes. A communication device communicates data to bowlers and a lane pair control system is configured to control the pinsetters, to receive pin data from said pinsetters during current bowling, to generate current scoring data based on the received pin data, and to supply signals corresponding to the generated current scoring data to the communication device, whereby the current scoring data is communicated to the bowlers. The lane pair control system is further configured to access stored game data corresponding to previous bowling and to supply signals corresponding to the accessed stored game data to the communication device, whereby the accessed stored game data is communicated to the bowlers.

Abstract: A bowling automatic scoring system so far did not have means for displaying an absent bowler, did not have means for calculating absent bowler's score, did not have means for comparing absent bowler's score, nor did not have means for judgment and display of absent bowler's win and loss, for a bowling automatic scoring system so far was to calculate score based on results of bowling identifying the pins fallen by a ball on each lane. Therefore it was impossible to bowl general match play or “frame by frame” match game alone when a bowler could not find other bowlers, for a bowling automatic scoring system so far did not have means for providing an opposition for a single bowler.

Abstract: An animated toy bowling game includes a plurality of pins, a base having a plurality of pin sockets therein, and a toy bowling ball. The pins have fanciful character faces that give the pins the appearance of live characters. Each of the pins is receivable in a respective pin socket for locating the pins in a specified pin arrangement. Each of the pin sockets includes a pin sensor for determining whether a pin is received therein and an actuator element engageable with the respective pin received therein to move, or wobble, the respective pin when the actuator element is moved into and out of engagement with the pin. The game further includes a drive device to effect movement of the actuator elements, and an audio unit operative for producing audible sounds. The sensors, drive device, and audio unit are coupled to a control unit operative for selectively controlling the drive device and the audio unit responsive to detection of the states of the pin sensors.

Abstract: A method for adapting a relatively small number of bowling balls for use in testing by a relatively large number of bowlers having different hand sizes. The method includes the steps of predrilling a pair of finger holes of a standard size in each of a relatively small number of bowling balls, which finger holes are shaped to receive removable finger inserts of varying sizes. The next step is the predrilling of a thumb hole in each of a relatively small number of bowling balls with the thumb hole in each bowling ball being located at a different, predetermined distance from a pair of finger holes so that each of the thumb holes of the bowling balls are at a different distance from a pair of finger holes. The following step is the installation of a removable insert in each of the thumb holes. Finally, the removable thumb insert is sized to accommodate the thumb of a particular bowler.

Abstract: The display unit includes a plurality of display devices provided in a unit of one lane or a plurality of lanes and each incorporating a wall surface corresponding to the unit and covering the pin setter above the lane as their respective display surfaces, and a display controller for controlling the display according to specified states such as a pin state after a bowl, a score counting state of the bowling game, or a state of a game other than the bowling game which is run based on the pin state or the counted score.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates an improved ball ramp assembly that enables even the most severely handicapped bowler to guide and accelerate a bowling ball toward the intended bowling pins. The bowling ramp assembly includes a ramp having a ball guide defining a ball path along the ramp, a base coupled to a proximal end of the ramp for supporting the ramp, a ball release coupled to the ramp for selectively controlling travel of the ball along the ramp, and a positioning assembly coupled to the ramp for adjusting the orientation of the ramp. The ball release includes a ball stopping member that moves between a ball blocking position and a ball releasing position. The positioning assembly includes at least one motor coupled to the ramp and a wheel located at the distal end of the ramp. The ball release and positioning assembly are both controlled by switches which may be located remotely from the ramp.

Abstract: A method of playing a bowling game wherein players are allowed at least one ball in each of twelve frames. If the player has a predetermined minimum pin count with the first ball in a frame, they are awarded another ball to complete the spare. If the player has fewer than the predetermined minimum pin count with the first ball in a frame, the pin count is scored and the player goes to the next frame. This method of scoring eliminates the unfair advantage of scoring consecutive strikes with a multiplier effect.

Abstract: A pinspotter controller system, and a method therefore, is disclosed which provides improved functional characteristics over old pinspotter control systems. The heart of the pinspotter control system is an all solid state pinspotter controller chassis which can be coupled to a pinspotter for controlling the operation of the pinspotter. The all solid state pinspotter controller provides circuitry for executing a short strike cycle; for cutting power to a back end motor to conserve energy; and for coupling to a remote control console. The solid state pinspotter controller retains status and position data for the pinspotter during power interruptions. The combination also replaces the current AMF 8270 chassis, contains a buffering mechanism to prevent false operation, and contains a new communication module. The new combination disclosed here has improved backend control through the use of a microprocessor, reduced wiring, positive management and control, and improved braking when operating at 230 Volts AC.

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: An image display system displays images on a plurality of masked monitors, overhead monitors, or both. Images from a plurality of image sources are selected by a controller for display on the monitors. The controller can split up the image so that one image can be displayed on a plurality of monitors, or can be spread over a plurality of monitors. A plurality of sub-computers provide another source of data to the overhead monitors. The sub-computers receive data from a game information source and a host computer which they can output for display on the over-head monitors.

Abstract: A bowling game enhances the traditional scoring of a strike or a spare when the bowler is able to time the rolling of the ball by a preselected location on the lane with a preselected location of an image being scanned transversely across the lane. The game uses a laser beam for illuminating a series of images in the form of spots of light, and in a sequencing fashion, moves the spots of light across the lane for viewing by the bowler during the rolling of the bowling ball towards standing pins. A sensor is positioned at a preselected location along side the lane for determining when the ball reaches the predetermined location. A processor provides an enhanced scoring to the otherwise traditional scoring when the ball reaches the preselected location at the same time a particular preselected spot of light reaches a particular location on the lane.

Abstract: A bowler's accessory comprising a chalk element disposed within a chalk holder with cap ends is provided. The chalk holder includes a cylindrical tube having a wall, a top opening and a bottom opening. Cap elements are designed to slidingly interfit into the top opening and the bottom opening. The chalk element further has a top side and a bottom side. The chalk element is positioned near the middle of the tube, with the top side and the bottom side of the chalk element being about equal distance to the top opening of the tube and the bottom opening of the tube. The chalk element may be press fitted, adhered to, or in some other fashion affixed to this location within the cylindrical tube. The distance from both the top side of the cylindrical tube and the bottom side of the cylindrical tube is sufficient to permit the cap elements to slidingly interfit in both the top opening and the bottom opening of the cylindrical tube.

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 new bowling game has as its objective, to knock down sets of predetermined pin fall objectives. Each pin fall objective may comprise first and second pin fall counts. Score grids may be used to keep track of game objectives and results. Computer control and coordination may be used to achieve higher efficiencies and degrees of automation. The family of bowling games provided by this invention are games of skill that are fun and exciting to play, provide frequent winners, allow less experienced bowlers to win even when they play against more experienced bowlers, and provide strategic decisions and interest. The games are compatible with bowling lane equipment operating based on standard bowling 2-ball frames.

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 skill based game presented in a bingo format in which a bowler, based on his or her bowling skill level and number of strike frames bowled during a three game session, has an opportunity to successfully complete pre-identified bingo patterns for awards. All entrants pay a fee prior to their league bowling and receive one or more computer generated bingo cards, each containing a matrix of numbers that correspond to individual bowling frame numbers for their three game sessions. In addition, and as a means of equalizing opportunity (handicapping bowlers), free computer generated strike frames may be given on each entrant's bingo card based on the bowlers skill level. An algorithm has been developed which determines the number of free strikes awarded to equalize all skill levels. The number of free strikes given is determined by identified average bracket levels and the system precludes issuance of a winning pattern with free spaces.

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: A visual aid for describing sporting events (10) having a transparent event sheet (12) which has an event sheet indicia printed thereon. An opaque sheet (14) positioned under the event sheet (12). The visual aid for describing sporting events (10) further has a board (16) which has dark colored board wax (16A) covering a board support (16B). The dark colored board wax (16A) is positioned under the opaque sheet (14). The visual aid for describing sporting events (10) further has a binding (18) positioned longitudinally along one edge of the visual aid for describing sporting events (10). The binding (18) securely attaches the event sheet (12) and the opaque sheet (14) and the board (16) together. When a user applies pressure with a writing instrument on the event sheet (12). The pressure causes the dark colored board wax (16A) to adhere to the opaque sheet (14) exhibiting the writing through the transparent event sheet (12).

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 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 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 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: A bowling alley ball return and storage rack includes an infeed track and a pair of parallel generally horizontal storage racks disposed on opposite sides of the infeed track. An S-shaped member acts as a stop for directing a first bowling ball to a first of the storage racks and for positioning the ball therein so that a subsequently returned ball will be deflected by the first ball into the opposite storage rack. The ball return and storage rack includes an infeed track which is generally parallel to and forms a part of the storage racks. This infeed track has a slight downward slope of about 1.degree. from horizontal to bring the bowling balls toward the opposite end thereof. The storage racks also include inner and outer rails, i.e., metallic tubular members which are covered with a nylon 6 coating.

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 method of playing a multi-frame game on a bowling alley in which the player or players are allowed to select from a menu of "bonus" and/or penalty frames for a player selected or randomly selected locations between the first and last frame of the game. "Bonus" frames are scored according to an ancillary scoring system that may or may not be related to a pin total for a particular frame.

Abstract: A game method of play combining the skill elements of bowling with the chance elements of bingo and lottery. The game method of play includes the steps of randomly arranging and displaying a set of numbers in an order in which the numbers are to be picked for the purposes of separately identifying a lottery-type arrangement or a bingo-type arrangement. The game play further involves a number of bowlers participating in a sequence of bowling flames such that the scores in the bowling flames are compared with the randomly arranged numbers previously displayed. As the randomly arranged numbers are sequentially stepped through in the comparison process, orderly patterns of matched scores and numbers are detected and identified as winning arrangements when acquired. Various sets of specific numbers, such as in a lottery game, or various orderly patterns such as those typically found in bingo, may be utilized to identify the winner of a particular game.

Abstract: An improved bowler's tape tool includes a curved tool portion with an enlarged handle portion. A knife edge is formed at one end of the curved tool portion. The knife edge is smaller than the curved tool in both radial thickness and circumferential extent. The knife edge can be placed behind the tape in a bowler's thumb hole for removal of the tape. The curved tool is utilized to apply new tape within the thumb hole. The handle facilitates easy gripping and movement of the tool to either apply or remove the tape. In other aspects of this invention, the handle portion extends radially outwardly for a greater distance then the curved tool portion. This ensures that the user is able to properly control the curved tool portion and apply the required forces for application or removal of the tape. Further, the curved tool portion is preferably formed with a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the thumb hole such that the tool can be easily moved within the thumb hole.

Abstract: A catch pan assembly for placement under the lower framework of a bowling machine and shaped to cover the floor area on which dirt and other debris would otherwise fall onto.

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 automated character-based bowling scoring display system provides voltage level encoding of separate red, green, and blue digital signals into a single analog signal for transmission at a standard transmission frequency or a reduced transmission frequency over a single coaxial cable stretching approximately 200 feet to a remote monitor residing in an overhead console. The system provides monitor display of various sizes and fonts of alphanumeric and graphical characters stored in hardware. The reduced transmission frequency results in a wider character when displayed. The system can store up to four additional pages of character information which can be successively and rapidly displayed on a monitor thereby mimicking the animation capability inherent in a more expensive and sophisticated bit-mapped graphics system.

Abstract: A tool assembly for finishing a spherical surface of a bowling ball includes a tool having a pliable solid right cylindrical body with concave-shaped depressions formed in opposite faces of the body and a pair of abrasive disks disposed in the depressions. The body is shorter in axial length than in diameter, with the opposite faces thereof being spaced apart by the axial length, and generally parallel to each other. The depressions are centered on the opposite faces and oriented back-to-back. One concave depression has a larger chordal length than the other but both concave depressions have spherical radii similar to that of a bowling ball. The abrasive disks are releasably attached, with hook and loop material, in the concave depressions so as to lie substantially flush against the surfaces of the depressions.

Abstract: A game method utilizing a particular number of bowling pins that are set up in a formation which may be conventional to bowling. A bowling ball is directed at the bowling pins in order to topple the same. The topple bowling pins are transferred into a number which is indicated on a game board having a number of spaces, each with an assigned number. The spaces on the game board are arranged in a definite pattern. Successive placements of indicia on the game board are collated according to an arrangement forming a selected part of the game board pattern.

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: A children's bowling game having two bases (2), with a channel (13) for the bowling balls (6). Between the bases there is located a board (1) acting as a lane for the bowling pins (5). The bases each include a scoreboard (3). When the game is dismantled, said bases form a container for the remaining parts of the game, which may be carried by a handle (14).

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.