Abstract: A bowling teaching device and method having a frame having legs sized to fit in the gutters on each side of a bowling alley lane. The frame has a cross member spanning over the lane from the legs, the cross member being spaced from the lane surface by a specified distance. At least one strip is removably mounted on the cross member, the strip hanging down toward the lane surface for a distance sufficient to permit a bowling ball to contact the strip. The device is placed at a location in the bowling alley lane so the at least one strip provides a target for the bowler to aim at during practice bowling.

Abstract: An example of a practice device includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a middle portion extending along a longitudinal axis between the top and bottom portions, a neck portion extending between the top and middle portions, and a plurality of weights. The top portion includes a first cross section and at least two through-holes extending between front and rear surfaces. The bottom portion and middle portions include second and third cross sections, respectively. The neck includes a fourth cross section smaller than the third cross section. The weights have center holes smaller than the third cross section but larger than the first and fourth cross sections are configured for placement around the neck portion. Example methods of practicing and warming up may use various practice devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a distributed bowling center system includes two or more computing devices associated with respective bowling center peripherals. The bowling center peripherals are any electronic or mechanical device in a bowling center capable of detecting a bowling event or receiving input. Example bowling center peripherals include a pinsetter, a monitor, a bumper, a keypad, or a touchscreen. The bowling center peripherals are configured to perform at least one bowler center function. The computing devices are configured to execute at least one process related to a bowler center function of the associated peripheral. Each computing device is located physically closer to the peripheral than the other computer device. The computing devices are in communication via a network. The computing devices are configured to access a process map defining the communication, which is responsive to the at least one bowler center function.

Abstract: A method for bowling a ball typically in ten pin bowling using apparatus (10) in which a ball (15) is supported to movable support means typically a roller (23) which is rotatably driven by a motor (26) whilst the ball is restrained in a substantially fixed position with the apparatus (10) including a stop (29) which may be actuated to release the rotating ball (15) to allow said ball to travel in a desired direction of travel along an elongated guide member or barrel (11).

Abstract: A system and method for graphically and statistically analyzing and predicting the motion of a bowling ball. In one embodiment, the system includes an automatic precision ball thrower, a computer aided tracking system (“C.A.T.S.”), and a computing device. Certain static properties of the bowling ball are recorded as independent variables. The automatic precision ball thrower is used to throw the bowling ball down the lane a number of times and the C.A.T.S. records various dynamic characteristics of its path. This data is received by the computing device which uses it to calculate a plurality of dependent variables associated with the path of the bowling ball. The computing device relates the independent variables to the dependent variables using multivariable regression analysis, yielding a set of equations which can be used to predict the dependent variables (or dynamic characteristics) of a second bowling ball given a set of independent variables (or static characteristics of the second bowling ball).

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: Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the pressure distribution on the foot of a bowler. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler's performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. The distribution of pressure exerted on the foot are measured and recorded at regular time intervals. The bowler's performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressure distributions. Methods are also taught for using recorded foot pressure distribution data to fit a bowler with proper footwear.

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: The present invention relates to a bowling game system in which a play is possible without changing into bowling shoes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing a motion of a bowler. The system includes a plurality of cameras positioned around a capture volume. The capture volume includes a reference location. A plurality of markers is configured to be attached to the bowler and reflect light from the cameras. The cameras are configured to detect a first set of positions of the markers attached to the bowler. The markers are located within the capture volume. The cameras are also configured to transmit a first plurality of signals representative of the markers at the first set of positions. The cameras are configured to detect a second set of positions of the markers attached to the bowler. The markers are located within the capture volume. The cameras are also configured to transmit a second plurality of signals representative of the markers at the second set of positions.

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 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: A bowling center bowling ball system has a mechanism to size a bowler's hand. The mechanism provides the bowler with a hand size, selected from a small number of hand sizes, that corresponds to the best bowling ball fit for the bowler. A plurality of bowling balls each having a desired weight and hole set is provided. The hole sets corresponds to the small number of hand sizes. The plurality of individual balls are coded such that once the bowler has his hand size and ball weight, the bowler can select his specific bowling ball using the coded system on the bowling balls to provide the bowler with a desired weight bowling ball and finger hole set that corresponds to the bowler's hand size.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically and statistically analyzing and predicting the motion of a bowling ball. In one embodiment, the system includes an automatic precision ball thrower, a computer aided tracking system (“C.A.T.S.”), and a computing device. Certain static properties of the bowling ball are recorded as independent variables. The automatic precision ball thrower is used to throw the bowling ball down the lane a number of times and the C.A.T.S. records various dynamic characteristics of its path. This data is received by the computing device which uses it to calculate a plurality of dependent variables associated with the path of the bowling ball. The computing device relates the independent variables to the dependent variables using multivariable regression analysis, yielding a set of equations which can be used to predict the dependent variables (or dynamic characteristics) of a second bowling ball given a set of independent variables (or static characteristics of the second bowling ball).

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: 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 bowling practice device for regularizing and perfecting bowling technique. An aerodynamically designed hollow body includes an outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall. The opposed ends of the outer wall taper to meet the cylindrical inner wall. The outer wall preferably comprises a plurality of foam panels, one of which includes at least two finger holes suitable for personalization to the hand of the bowler.

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 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 method and apparatus for recording and researching bowling shot information. A bowler records information relative to the making of the bowling shot on a portable computing device. The bowling shot information includes bowling lane conditions on which the shot was made, equipment used by the bowler in making the shot, the bowler alignment in making the shot and the trajectory of the bowling ball down the lane towards the pin set. The bowling shot information is stored in the computing device memory and later retrieved by the bowler, enabling the bowler to immediately adjust his or her alignment and bowling shot-making strategy when later encountering similar lane conditions.

Abstract: Equipment for use in training penalty taking. The equipment for use with a goal comprising goal posts and a cross bar defining a goal area. The goal area is partially occluded by a transparent or translucent barrier the areas harder to reach by a goalkeeper remaining unoccluded.

Abstract: An apparatus including a bowling lane, pins positioned on one end of the bowling lane, a bowling ball adapted to be launched down the bowling lane toward the bowling balls, and a spin detector for determining a spin rate of the bowling ball as the bowling ball travels down the bowling lane. An angle detector detects the angle of the spin axis of the bowling ball. The apparatus also measures and displays information relating to ball velocity, ball position, coefficient of friction, launch angle, and entry angle.

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 new Bowler's Training Device for helping a bowler roll higher scores. The inventive device includes a housing disposed above the surface of the lane, a first adjustable light emitting device in the housing emitting a light beam onto the lane providing a ball lay down indicating point, and a second adjustable light emitting device in the housing emitting a light beam onto the lane providing an indicating line indicating the bowling ball travel path.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: A bowling scoring system having a graphic user interface includes an input selection device for receiving user input selections. The bowling scoring system is responsive to a pin-fall sensor to compute bowlers' scores which are displayed to provide information to the bowler. The system includes a controller program having various program states for performing a particular one of a plurality of functions. A plurality of input selection keys juxtaposed with the display device to provide input to the controller. Softkey indicia areas on the display device are associated with one of its input selection keys. The controller is responsive to the state of the program for displaying a particular label in at least one of the indicia areas and for performing a function associated with the displayed label in response to actuation of the one of the input selection keys associated with the labeled indidia area.

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: The complexity of a convertible bowling lane can be eliminated through the provision of a bowling lane bed 10 having a side 12 along which at least one gutter section 26 extends. The gutter section includes a ball catching surface 30 and a ball deflecting surface 32 along with a torque tube 36 pivotally mounting the gutter section 26 for movement between a ball catching position "L" and a ball deflecting position "R". A manually operable tool 20 may be employed for moving the gutter section 26 between the two positions "L" and "R".

Abstract: A 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: A practice device for bowling and other sports or activities that utilize an underhand throwing motion is disclosed, the device including a base, an arcuate track mounted on the base, and a carrier which engages the track. The user moves the carrier along the track, thereby practicing the idealized underhand swing motion.

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: An aiming apparatus for a bowling alley comprising an elongated member, means for supporting the elongated member in a substantially horizontal position above and across the bowling alley, the elongated member being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bowling alley, and a plurality of independently hanging target panels rotatably attached to the elongated member in a manner such that the target panels are uniformly spaced across the full width of the bowling alley, each of said target panels indicating a corresponding travel path of a bowling ball, said elongated member being positioned above the bowling alley in a manner such that the bowling ball contacts and deflects the bottom portion of an individual one of the targets so as to mark the path of the bowling ball.

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 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: The child's bowling aid device resembles a portable bowling ball holding rack with attached bowling ball launching ramp and is adapted to permit a child to easily hold the bowling ball on the rack and then ease it forward off the rack through the launching ramp, after aiming the ramp, in order to roll it onto a bowling lane and knock down bowling pins. The device includes first and second spaced parallel vertical side plates, each with a flat bottom, elevated rear end, a dish-shaped bowling ball-retaining top portion and a front top portion which slopes down and forwardly to serve as a launching ramp. Spaced rear and front transverse vertical crossplates interconnect the side plates. The rear transverse plate is taller than the front transverse plate. Preferably, all plates are flat and releasably connectable and form a kit capable of being transported in disassembled condition in a bag or the like and then being assembled at a bowling alley for use.

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.