JP2019188145A - Bowling ball return assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a customizable housing for return of bowling balls in a bowling lane.SOLUTION: The housing may include a housing body, and a throat defined in a housing body that is sized, dimensioned, or configured to allow passage of one or more bowling balls to a retrieval area. The housing may further include one or more customizable modular or interchangeable portions of a selected size, dimension, shape, or configuration that are configured to be selectively coupled to the housing body. The one or more customizable modular or interchangeable portions include a surface or face with one or more selected colors, images, depictions, graphics, themes, finishes, textures, or combinations thereof provided thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 660,483, filed Apr. 20, 2018.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 660,483, filed Apr. 20, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as presented herein. .

  The present disclosure relates to bowling, and more particularly to a mechanism, system or assembly for returning a bowling ball to a bowler.

  The bowling ball return part is usually the most prominent part of the interior design of the bowling center. However, the existing bowling ball return section has been provided only in a limited number of configurations, colors, designs, and the like. Manufacturers typically standardize manufacturing design and color options for the ball return section to minimize manufacturing variability, assembly and inventory costs, and the like. In addition, typical bowling ball return housings and / or other components are often formed by injection molding techniques, and the manufacturer's trademark color is typically injected during the molding process. Or painted on a housing or component formed prior to assembly. As a result, if a customer wants a unique or custom color for his bowling ball return section or wants to change or customize the design of the bowling ball return section, the manufacturer will typically The return housing or other components must be painted and / or any additional costs associated with such customization must be passed on to the customer. In such a process, typically, especially after the bowling ball return portion is installed, a particular image, texture, finish, etc. cannot be customizablely woven into the bowling ball return housing or other components. Thus, it can be seen that there is a need for a customizable bowling ball return assembly that addresses the aforementioned and other related and unrelated issues or problems in the art.

  In summary, the present disclosure provides a customizable bowling ball return assembly. The customizable bowling ball return assembly may include a housing or housing portion disposed adjacent to a withdrawal area that houses the bowling ball for removal by a bowler in one or more lanes. The housing may include a passage or delivery section sized or configured to allow passage of the one or more bowling balls to the removal area and defined within the housing. .

  The bowling ball return assembly may further be one or more customizable, modular or replaceable in a selected size, size, shape or configuration configured to be selectively joined to the housing. May include a portion. The one or more customizable, modular or interchangeable parts are one or more selected colors, images, depictions, graphics, themes, finishes, textures or combinations thereof applied to a surface or face The surface or surface having

  In some embodiments, the bowling ball return assembly may include an automatic return mechanism operable to remove the bowling ball toward the removal area. The housing may at least partially surround or surround the return mechanism. The return mechanism moves the returned bowling ball along the passage of the housing or along the at least one set of guide rails for delivery of the ball to the one or more supports and / or rails. It may include a plurality of belts, rotating wheels or other drive mechanisms that move and / or guide toward and through the throat and through the passage or throat.

  In another structure or variation, the bowling ball return assembly may include a surface return assembly, and the housing passes through the housing from a track or guide area where a bowling ball is provided along the bowling lane. It may include a passage having a track or path defined by the housing that allows passage to the removal area.

  The removal area may include an elongate body configured to receive and support a plurality of bowling balls. And some embodiments may have one or more supports and / or rails that at least partially support the returned bowling ball for removal by the bowler. Alternatively, the elongate body of the removal area may have a track surface or guide surface that receives or supports the bowling ball.

  The one or more customizable, modular, and / or interchangeable sections or portions can have various sizes, dimensions, shapes, configurations, etc., selected for the housing of the bowling ball return assembly Configurable and selectively connectable. The customizable section or portion may also include one or more colors, images, depictions, graphics, themes, finishes, textures, etc., or combinations thereof.

  In some embodiments, each of the sections or portions is, for example, one or more selected colors, graphics that may be selected by the customer to correspond to a theme or otherwise adapt to the customer's bowling center interior. Textures, textures, finishing, etc.

  The customizable section or portion may further be formed from a high pressure laminate material. In one example, the customizable section or portion is housed on the substrate layer, for example, a substrate layer formed from a plywood, fiberboard material, or other composite material formed into the shape of the customizable section. It may comprise a design layer or a decorative layer comprising laminated sheet material, plastic material or paper material to be attached or attached. The design layer may include, for example, one or more colors, graphics, photographs, images, textures, finishes, etc. that may be selected by a customer or user to customize the bowling ball return assembly.

  The bowling ball return assembly further includes a fastener, an adhesive, a snap-fit connection configured to removably connect the customizable section or portion together and / or to at least a portion of the housing. One or more connection mechanisms may be included. The section or portion of the bowling ball return assembly is thus made interchangeable, allowing further customization as needed or desired.

  In some embodiments, one or more adhesives, such as double-sided adhesive tape or other suitable adhesive, can be customized to connect the customizable sections or portions together and / or to the housing. Applicable to the housing of the bowling ball return assembly.

  In addition or in an alternative construction, the bowling ball return assembly further includes one or more connecting members or connecting portions that removably connect the customizable sections or portions together and / or to at least a portion of the housing. obtain. In one example, the connecting member has the elongate body having one or more grooves or slots defined in the elongate body that houses at least a portion, eg, an end, of the customizable section or portion. The customizable portion can then be secured to the elongate body with, for example, a slidable frictional engagement.

  In further additional or alternative constructions, one or more fasteners may be used to secure at least a portion of the customizable section or portion to the connecting member and / or the housing.

  The customizable bowling ball return assembly may further include one or more light sources, LEDs, etc. disposed along the same. For example, the one or more light sources may be disposed along the connecting member to illuminate a portion of the bowling ball return assembly or an area adjacent thereto. The light source, however, can be positioned along any suitable portion of the bowling ball return assembly without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  The housing and / or one or more of the plurality of customizable and replaceable sections or portions may also have one or more translucent portions or translucent areas. These translucent portions or translucent areas can be used to provide additional visual effects. For example, one or more light sources can further illuminate such translucent portions or translucent areas.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description, It serves to explain the principle of the embodiment described in. The structural details of the present disclosure should not be presented in more detail than would be necessary for a basic understanding of the example embodiments described herein and the various ways in which the example embodiments may be practiced. To. In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly describe the embodiments of the present disclosure.
1 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary bowling ball return mechanism according to an example of the present disclosure. 1A shows a perspective view of a housing of a bowling ball return assembly according to FIGS. 1A-1C. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a housing of a bowling ball return assembly according to FIGS. 1A-1C. FIG. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to an additional principle of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a bowling ball return assembly according to an additional principle of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a customizable section or portion and housing according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an assembly having a connection member in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a connection member according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a connection member according to the principles of the present disclosure. The sectional view and perspective view of the connecting member concerning another example of this indication are shown. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary end cap for a connection member in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary end cap for a connection member in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a connection mechanism for attachment of a customizable section or portion according to an example of the present disclosure.

  1A-10 generally illustrate various example embodiments of a customizable bowling ball return assembly 10, 200 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The customizable bowling ball return assembly 10, 200 has been described in various forms having various colors, themes or other decorative aspects, and various configurations having customizable portions 12, 212 thereof. Are described in various or different shapes, configurations, sizes, etc., but such decorative depictions and sizes, configurations, designs, etc. are shown for illustrative purposes only, It should be understood that the customizable bowling ball return assembly should not be viewed as limiting. Rather, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various portions 12, 212 of the customizable bowling ball return assembly 10, 200 can have a variety of customized designs without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Formed to form and detachably connected together to meet user or customer specifications or preferences for bowling ball return assemblies.

  As will be further appreciated, the following description is provided as a viable teaching of embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications can be made to the described embodiments while still providing beneficial or desirable results. It will also be apparent that some desirable benefits of the described embodiments can be obtained by selecting some of the mechanisms of the present embodiment without using other mechanisms. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications to the described embodiments are possible and may be more desirable in certain circumstances. Accordingly, the following description is provided as an example of the principles of an embodiment of a customizable bowling ball return assembly and is not limited to that embodiment.

  1A through 1E show perspective views of a customizable bowling ball return assembly 10 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, a customizable bowling ball return assembly 10 typically includes a housing or housing portion 14 having a throat portion or delivery portion 16 and a series of defined extraction areas 18 within a withdrawal area 18. A bowling ball removal area 18 that includes at least one rail 20 and / or other suitable support 48 for supporting the bowling ball 22. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the bowling ball return assembly 10 may include a return mechanism 24 for returning the bowling ball to the removal area 18. Bowling ball return assembly 10 may also include at least one control interface 26 operable to provide control of operation of one or more bowling lanes of bowling center 50 as shown in FIG. 1C.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary ball return mechanism 24 according to an example of the present disclosure. The return mechanism 24 may include any suitable device operable to return the bowling ball 22 to the removal area 18 for removal by the bowler without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as generally shown in FIG. 2, the return mechanism 24 can be recessed in the bowling center floor 28 and the base plate 30 supports the bottom 32 of the return mechanism 24 below the bowling center floor 28. The lane plate 34 typically supports the central portion 36 of the return mechanism 24 on or above the floor 28 of the bowling center. The bowling ball 22 typically enters from the bottom 32 of the return mechanism 24, and the return mechanism 24 is directed toward the throat portion or delivery portion 16 of the housing 14 where the bowling ball 22 can be received and collected along the extraction area 18 and The bowling ball 22 is lifted through the throat part or the delivery part 16. In one embodiment, the return mechanism 24 may also include a second set of guide rails 40 facing away from the first set of guide rails 38 that guide the bowling ball 22 along the upward path 42 through the return mechanism 24. The return mechanism 24 may further include a rotating wheel 44 or other drive mechanism that can engage and move the bowling ball 22 along a path 42 defined by the guide rails 38/40. The wheel 44 is driven by a drive motor 46, although other suitable drive mechanisms or actuators can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  However, it will be understood that other types of return mechanisms and / or bowling ball lifts can be used to move the bowling ball 22 to the removal area 18 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This may include moving or returning the bowling ball to the removal area by an elevator lift, kinetic energy machine, vacuum lift tube, etc. or any other suitable device, mechanism or the like. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the operation of the return mechanism drive motor or other components may be continuous or discontinuous. That is, once the bowling ball has been released through the return mechanism, the return mechanism motor or other component can be used so that the bowling ball is returned to the return mechanism so that the drive motor or other component of the return mechanism can be stopped. It only works if you are in the bottom of and moving through it. An exemplary return mechanism is shown and described in US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 684,736, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as presented herein. The bowling ball return assembly of the present disclosure may further include a surface ball return assembly 200 as described in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5B (described below).

  As also shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the bowling ball 22 exits the return mechanism 24 through the throat 16 of the housing 14. The throat 16 is typically made larger than a standard bowling ball. However, the size of the throat 16 can vary, including those sufficiently larger than the size of a standard bowling ball that can be variously defined by the league's private bowling organization. For example, according to the American Pro Bowler Association, the standard size of a bowling ball is specified to be less than 27 inches around and weigh 10 pounds to 16 pounds. However, it will be appreciated that other organizations, leagues, etc. may set other bowling ball standard sizes. The throat 16 may further have a size or size corresponding to a duck pin, fire pin, candle pin, etc. or other suitable bowling ball without otherwise departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  1A-1E further illustrate that the removal area 18 can typically receive and hold a series of bowling balls 22 after the series of bowling balls 22 have been returned by the return mechanism 24 for removal by the bowler. A rail 20 and at least one center support 48 that at least partially define a possible track or rack area 50 are included. Rail 20 may define a substantially arcuate, U-shaped or other shaped member having ends 20A and 20B connected to housing 14 and / or customizable section or portion 12. Although rail 20 is typically shown in a U shape, rail 20 may include any suitable shape and / or configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  At least a portion of the rail 20 may further be connected to a center support 48 in the take-out area where bowling balls are accommodated. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, at least one post, cylinder or other suitable support 52 is provided on the bowling center to at least partially support the center support 48 and the rail 20 connected thereto. It can be provided above the floor 28. The pillars 52 may be connected to the lower surface 48A of the center support 48 and the bowling center floor 28 by, for example, one or more fasteners or other suitable fastening or attachment mechanisms.

  3A and 3B show an exemplary housing 14 for a customizable bowling ball return assembly 10. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the housing 14 may have a body 60 that may engage the plate 34 and / or the bowling center floor 28. The housing body 60 generally includes at least a front portion 62, a rear portion 64, side portions 66 and 68, a top portion 70 and / or a bottom portion that surrounds components within the return mechanism 24 to prevent damage or access by the bowler. 72. The configuration of the housing body 60 restricts access to the interior of the housing body, for example, a physical extension to a bowler that reaches the moving mechanism of the return mechanism intentionally or unintentionally. It is also possible to structure so that is minimized. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may include front and rear portions or plates between which there may be at least one of the customizable portions or sections 12.

  4A and 4B illustrate a customizable bowling ball return assembly 200 according to alternative or additional principles of the present disclosure. The bowling ball return assembly 200 is structured or configured as a surface ball return assembly. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the bowling ball return assembly 200 typically includes a housing 214 having a body 260 that rests on or otherwise contacts the bowling center floor 28. The housing 214 further has a passage or opening 202 defined by the housing 214 that allows the bowling ball 22 to pass to the removal area 218.

  As shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the bowling ball return assembly 200 carries the bowling ball 22 through or along the housing 214 (eg, through the passage or opening 202) to the removal area 218. Or a track or path 204 to guide. The track or path 204 has a first portion or first region 206 having a shape or structure or configuration that is inclined or sloped to guide the bowling ball upwardly toward and through the housing 212. Guide the bowling ball 22 through the housing 214 and then to the removal area 218 (eg, through the passage 202), typically a second portion or second area having a linear shape or structure or configuration 208 may be included. The track or path 204 is typically complementary to the outer surface of the bowling ball 22 and further configured to engage or contact the bowling ball 22 as it moves along the track or path 204. One or more guide surfaces 204A may have a curved shape or an arcuate shape.

  The track or path 204 may further include a guide, rail or other protrusion or extension 204B provided along it. The guide 204B is configured to contact or engage with the bowling ball 22 when the bowling ball 22 moves along the track 204. For example, when the bowling ball 22 moves along the track 204, the bowling ball 22 22 substantially reduces, prevents, or inhibits derailment or derailment, such as jumping out. The track 204 can be in communication with a similarly configured track 250 that extends or runs along a bowling lane. The track 250 may have a changing slope or slope that moves the ball along it, eg, by gravity or gravitational acceleration, toward the bowling ball return assembly 200.

  In one example, a bowling ball 22 that rolls down a lane (eg, in a gutter to hit a pin, etc.) is mounted on the track 250 by one or more lift mechanisms (eg, including a lift, a rotating wheel, etc.). obtain. As a result, the ball then travels on track 250 and moves onto track 204 toward bowling ball return assembly 200 and is directed through housing 214 onto pick-up area 218. The bowling ball return assembly 200, the track 204, the track 250, etc. are typically sized for the return of bowling balls of any size, type, such as ten pin balls, duck pin balls, five pin balls, candle pin balls, etc. It can be made or configured with dimensions.

  4A further shows that the housing 214 can have an upper portion 252 that covers or extends over at least a portion of the track 204 (eg, at least one of the second portion or the second region 208). Part). The upper portion 252 may at least partially define an opening or delivery portion 254 that allows the bowling ball 22 to pass over the removal area 218. However, as shown in FIG. 4A, the upper portion 252 can be omitted, and the housing 214 can have an opening or aperture 256, or otherwise open above or along its upper end. Good. As a result, the second portion 208 of the track 204 and the bowling ball 22 moving along it are typically visible to the bowler or customer in the lane.

  As additionally shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the removal area 218 has an elongate body, rail, support, etc. 258 having a track 262 defined along it, eg, removed by a bowler in a lane. Support or hold the bowling ball 22 until The track 262 communicates with the track 204 to receive the bowling ball 22 from the track 204. The elongate body 258 may be configured to engage or stop a bowling ball along the track 262 for retention in the removal area 218 and may have a stop 264 at the end 250A of the elongate body 258. The removal area 218 may further include posts, supports, etc. 266 that support the elongated body 258 on the floor 28.

1A through 1E, 3A and 3B, and 4A and 4B, the housing 14, 214 can optionally be connected to various parts of the housing body 60, 260 and / or the housing body. It is shown that one or more customizable interchangeable sections or portions 12, 212 that may form and define various portions of 60, 260 may be included (eg, between the rear and front of the housing body 60). The customizable and replaceable section or portion 12, 212 typically includes at least one surface or surface 80, 280 having one or more colors, designs, graphics, textures, etc. that may be selected by a user, for example. Table 1 shows exemplary colors or designs for at least one surface or surface 80,280. The customizable and replaceable sections or portions 12, 212 can also be easily attached to and removed from the housing bodies 60, 260 to adapt the housing bodies 60, 260 to, for example, one or more themes, designs, etc. of a bowling center. Allows you to customize.

  3A, 3B, 4A and 4B further illustrate that one or more customizable and replaceable sections or portions 12, 212 color, fit or complement the outer surfaces 60A, 260A of the housing body 60, 260. And may be sized or shaped or otherwise configured to at least partially cover or be part of the outer surface 60A, 260A. For example, as generally shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the customizable and replaceable section or portion 12 includes at least one upper end section or upper end 82 that is complementary to the top portion 70 and a housing body 60. May include at least one of the side portions 66/68. 3A and 3B further illustrate that such an upper end section or upper end 82 is perpendicular to the upper portion 84 and, typically, an upper portion 84 that at least partially covers the outer surface 70A of the top 70 of the housing body 60. It has a pair of opposing side portions 86/88 that cross or otherwise cover at least partially the outer surfaces 66A and 68A of the side portions 66/68 of the housing body 60, which may typically be U-shaped or wholly In particular, it may have a bowl-like shape. The customizable and replaceable section or portion 12 further typically has a rectangular or other shape, for example, near or substantially adjacent to the lower end 66B / 68B of the side 66/68, One or more sections or portions 90 may be included that are configured to cover at least some of the outer surfaces 66A / 66B of the sides 66/68.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 1E, the one or more customizable portions 12 are compatible or complementary to the outer surface 60A of the housing body 60 and at least partially cover the outer surface 60A of the housing body 60. It may include only one single section or portion 13 made in size or shape or otherwise configured. In one embodiment, the single section or portion 13 extends relative to the upper or upper section 85 extending along the outer surface 70A of the top 70 of the housing body 60 and substantially covering the outer surface 70A, and typically to the upper portion 85. Having a pair of opposing side portions 87/89 extending vertically from the upper portion 85 or otherwise transversely and substantially covering the outer surfaces 66A and 68A of the side portions 66/68 of the housing body 60, typically U It can be letter-shaped or have a generally bowl-like shape. In an additional or alternative construction, a single section or portion 13 includes an additional customizable portion 12 attached to it (eg, attached to its outer surface) to provide further customization opportunities Is possible.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the customizable and replaceable module section or portion 212 is a pair of sections located on or along opposite sides of the housing body 60. Or part 212 may be included. For example, in exemplary embodiments, sections or portions 212 may be transverse to each other, eg, can be tilted, angled, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Portions 212 are typically shown to be parallel to one another. The section or portion 212 may typically have a flat shape or structure, and may further include various shapes such as a rectangle, triangle, arcuate shape, or arcuate portion, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the section or portion 212 includes a first upper portion 212A that extends along the second portion 208 of the track 204, and extends from the first upper portion 212A to the bottom 260B of the housing body 260, eg, the floor 28 May include a second lower portion 212B that extends to a position that substantially abuts or is substantially adjacent. In additional or alternative constructions, the customizable and replaceable module section or portion 212 includes an additional customizable portion 12 attached to it (eg, attached to its outer surface) for further customization. It is possible to give an opportunity.

  However, any suitable shape having any suitable configuration or arrangement, for example, any suitable shape, such as a circle, ellipse, square, triangle, polygon, etc., or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure It is possible to provide or use any number of customizable and replaceable module sections or portions 12,212.

  The customizable and replaceable sections or portions 12, 212 may typically be formed from a laminate material such as a high pressure laminate. In one embodiment, the customizable and replaceable sections 12, 212 are made of plywood, fiberboard, or other composite or layered material or paneling material on which a decorative layer or design layer 152 is placed or housed. Can include at least one substrate layer or substrate layer 150 (FIGS. 3B, 4A and 4B, FIG. 5). The design layer or decorative layer 152 is a plastic material layer, paper material layer or other similar that has one or more colors, images, textures, finishes, etc. that can be selected by the customer to give the housing body a customizable appearance or aesthetics. A laminate sheet material, such as a simple material layer (or series of laminates) may be included. The decorative layer 152 may also include photoluminescent ink, reactive ink, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, depending on the structure, the decorative layer 152 may include ink, dye, and the like that are configured to give the appearance of one or more three-dimensional images. The substrate layer 150 can be formed or selectively shaped, for example, by bending, cutting, cutting, etc., and can typically conform to at least one selected portion of the housing body 60. The decorative layer 152 is then applied or laminated to the substrate layer to provide a customer selected exterior texture, exterior finish, etc. to the substrate layer and, similarly, to the portion of the housing to which the decorative layer 152 is connected. Can be given. However, the decorative layer 152 can be applied to the substrate layer 150 prior to forming its shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a customizable section or portion 12, 212 connected to a housing body 60, 260 according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the decorative layer 152 (eg, including a laminate sheet material) is external to the substrate layer 150 (eg, including plywood, fiberboard, or other composite or layered material or paneling material). Located along and throughout the surface 152A. The decorative layer 152 includes colors, images, finishes, textures, etc. that are selected or customized and applied to the outer surface 152A thereof. Depending on the structure, the decorative layer 152 and the substrate layer 150 can be further connected together by a reliable attachment of adhesive, glue, or the like.

  As further shown in FIG. 5, the substrate layer 150 is also attached to the housing body 60, 260 (e.g., polymeric material such as plastic, elastomer, etc.) by one or more adhesive layers 154 such as adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, etc. Alternatively, it may be connected or attached to the outer surface 60A, 260A (including other suitable materials such as metals or other composite materials or synthetic materials). Additionally or alternatively, there is no adhesive layer 154 and the surface 150B contacts or otherwise abuts the surfaces 60A, 260A of the housing body 60, 260 so that the customizable portion or section 12, 212 is , Bolts, screws, etc. and / or other suitable locking mechanisms, such as latches or pin connections, etc., such as the connection assembly 300 shown in FIG. Fasteners such as bolts, screws, and / or other suitable locking mechanisms such as latches or pin connections, such as from a housing of a section or portion that can be customized during use of the return mechanism, such as by vibration, shock, etc. From the housing 60, 260 while also providing a sufficiently robust and safe connection or attachment between the substrate layer 150 and the housing body 60, 260 that sufficiently prevents, reduces or suppresses any displacement, dropout, separation, displacement, etc. A relatively quick or easy removal of the substrate layer 150 may be facilitated, and multiple attachments and removals may be possible without substantial damage to the substrate layer and / or the housing.

  Further, although only one customizable portion or section 12, 212 is shown in FIG. 5, they are superimposed on each other to provide additional customization options without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Multiple (eg, two or more) customizable portions or sections 12, 212, such as the above customizable portions or sections 12, 212, may be provided.

  The customizable and replaceable parts or sections 12, 212 may be used with any suitable mechanism or means, such as adhesives, snap-fits and / or mechanical connections, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The housing body 60 can be detachably connected or otherwise fixed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the customizable and replaceable portion or section 12 may include one or more complementary grooves, indentations defined in or along the housing body 60. Or at least partially within the recess 92/94 and one or more such customizable and replaceable portions (ie, portion 82 as shown in FIG. It is slidably fitted or snapped into a groove 92 defined along the top and / or sides 66/68. Other customizable and replaceable parts (e.g., part 90) may also be slidably fitted or snapped into grooves 94 defined along sides 66/68, so that Portions 82 and 90 can be mounted and removed sufficiently easily and relatively quickly with respect to the housing body 60. The customizable sections or portions 12 may further be connected to each other and / or to the housing body 60 using one or more fastening mechanisms, connecting members, fasteners, adhesives, etc. without departing from the scope of this disclosure. .

  As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the return assembly 10 may include a connecting or decorative member 98 for connecting the sections or portions 12 together and / or to the housing body 60. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A and 7B, the connecting member 98 is sized and / or to accommodate at least one end 106/108 of the customizable and replaceable portion or section 12. And may include an elongate body 100 having slots or grooves 102/104 defined along it. The body 100 may be formed from a metallic material such as stainless steel, aluminum or other suitable material such as plastic, rubber, wood. In another example, the connection member 98 can be disposed around the sides of the housing body 60 and the ends of the sections 82 and 90 can be connected. The ends 106/108 of the sections 82 and 90 can be slidably fitted and frictionally engaged in the grooves 102/104 to connect the sections 82/90 together. Additionally or alternatively, the connection member 98 can further include one or more fasteners 110, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc., for attaching the section 12 thereto, as shown in FIG. 7B.

  FIG. 8 further illustrates that the connecting or decorative member 98 can be configured to be glued or bonded to at least one of the customizable sections 12. For example, the connecting member 98 may have an adhesive surface 112 that at least partially houses the adhesive 114 and secures the connecting member 98 to a portion of the customizable or replaceable section 12. In some embodiments, the adhesive 114 can include a double-sided adhesive tape that can be attached to or affixed to the adhesive surface 114. For example, the double-sided adhesive tape may comprise double-sided adhesive acrylic tape, vinyl tape, etc. or other suitable double-sided tape or adhesive tape or similar material. And they sufficiently prevent, reduce or suppress the displacement, dropout, separation, deviation, etc. from the housing of the section or part that can be customized during use of the return mechanism, for example, due to vibration, impact, etc. in the bowling lane, Multiple attachments and removals of member 98 without substantial damage to member 98 and / or customizable section 12 while also providing a sufficiently robust and secure connection or attachment between substrate layer 150 and housing bodies 60, 260. Enable.

  The customizable bowling ball return mechanism 10 may also include a series of light sources 120 such as LEDs, light bulbs, etc. disposed along it (FIGS. 7A and 7B). Such a light source 120 may be disposed along the connection member 98 or a portion of the customizable section 12 or housing body 60 substantially adjacent to the connection member 98. The connecting member 98 can have a flange 122 or other protrusion that can at least partially cover the light source 120 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), which further includes the housing body 60, a customizable section. 12 and / or at least a portion of the area adjacent to the assembly 10 can be illuminated. For example, the light source 120 can be arranged to at least partially reflect light from the flange 122 such that a portion 124 of the floor 28 substantially adjacent to the housing 14 is illuminated. The light source can be positioned along any portion of the assembly 10, for example, the rail, the interior of the support throat, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The customizable section 12 or housing body 60 may further have one or more translucent sections 126 that can be selectively illuminated by various translucent sections 126 of the light source to provide various other visual effects. .

  FIGS. 6, 9A and 9B show that the assembly 10 typically at least partially covers the end 132 of the connection member 98 to prevent injury to the bowler, which can typically touch or hit the connection member 98, for example. It shows having one or more end caps 130. The end cap 130 may have an opening 134 that houses the end 132 of the connection member 98 (FIG. 9B). The end cap 130 may also have a groove or slot 136 that houses at least a portion of the customizable section 12.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a connection assembly 300 for attaching a customizable section or portion 12 to a housing or housing portion 14 according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the connection assembly 300 includes one or more brackets 302 connected to the customizable portion or section 12 and one or more brackets 304 connected to portions of the housing portion 14 and / or the rail 20. A plurality of brackets 302, 304 may be included. The brackets 302, 304 further include one or more screwable or non-screwable holes, apertures, etc. 306 that receive threaded fasteners 308, such as bolts, screws, etc., to facilitate mounting of the brackets 302, 304. This allows the customizable section or portion 12 to be connected to the housing or plate 14. In some embodiments, the brackets 304/306 may include a series of regularly spaced holes or apertures to facilitate adjustment of the connection assembly 300.

  Embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide a method or process for customer or user design or customization of a bowling ball return assembly. For example, in some variations, prior to purchasing a return assembly, the customer may access a website, mobile application, etc. to access colors, images, finishes for each of a plurality of customizable and replaceable sections 12, 212, Textures and the like can be designed and customized, for example, design data or design information is received from a customer and used to develop a custom design.

  Thereafter, the selected color, finish, image, texture, etc. are applied to the decorative layer 152 (eg, printing, painting, etc.). The decorative layer 152 can then be attached to or on the substrate layer 150 of the customizable and replaceable sections 12, 212. Substrate layer 150 may be formed, shaped, etc. to at least partially cover or accommodate selected portions or portions of housing 60, 260 prior to attachment of decorative layer 152 thereto. The entire customizable and replaceable section 12, 212, including the substrate layer 150 and the decorative layer 152, corresponds to the housing 60, 260 of the bowling ball return assembly or at least in part at least part of the housing 60, 260. Can be formed, shaped, etc. to cover.

  Further, the customizable and replaceable sections 12, 212 may employ a customized design thereon and may be attached, connected, etc. to the housing 14, 214 of the return assembly. In some embodiments, fasteners, brackets, and / or other suitable connection mechanisms may be used to connect the sections 12, 212 to the bodies 60, 260 of the housing 14, 214, but are outside the scope of this disclosure. Instead, other reliable connection members such as adhesives, latch mechanisms, etc. can be used.

  In addition, for example, if a customer later wants to change or modify the design to adapt to a bowling center update, the customer can access a website, mobile application, etc. and replace the existing sections 12, 212 with a new one. Customizable and interchangeable sections can be designed to change the housing design and appearance. In addition, customers may purchase kits with variously designed sections 12, 212 that can be easily exchanged to accommodate specific themes, seasons, holidays, etc., for example.

  The above description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various modifications and changes may be made to the structure and system described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure disclosed herein, and included in the above description or accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all matters presented in are intended to be interpreted as examples and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes various modifications, combinations, additions, modifications, and the like that exceed the above-described embodiments or are within the scope of the present disclosure. Shall be deemed to be. Accordingly, the various features and characteristics described herein may be selected and replaced by and applied to other described and not yet described embodiments, and the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many more variations, modifications, and additions can be made to this without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

A customizable bowling ball return assembly for a bowling lane,
An extraction area configured to accommodate one or more bowling balls for extraction by a bowler in the bowling lane;
A housing disposed adjacent to the removal area;
With
The housing is
A housing body having a top and sides,
A passage or delivery section defined in the housing body that is sized, dimensioned or configured to allow passage of the one or more bowling balls to the removal area;
A face portion having one or more selected colors, images, depictions, graphics, themes, finishes, textures, or combinations thereof selectively connectable to the housing body and selected thereon One or more customizable, modular or interchangeable parts of a specified size, size, shape or configuration;
Customizable bowling ball return assembly including. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 1,
The customizable bowling ball return assembly, wherein the one or more customizable, modular or replaceable parts comprise a high pressure laminate material. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 1,
The one or more customizable, modular or interchangeable parts include a substrate layer formed in the selected size, size, shape or configuration, and the one or more selected colors, images, depictions. A customizable bowling ball return assembly including a design layer that includes graphics, themes, finishes, textures, or combinations thereof and is at least partially contained on the substrate layer. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 3,
The substrate layer includes at least one of a plywood, a fiberboard, a composite material, a layered material, or a combination thereof, and the design layer further includes a laminate sheet material, a paper material, and the like attached on the substrate layer. A customizable bowling ball return assembly comprising at least one of plastic materials or combinations thereof. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 1,
The one or more customizable, modular or replaceable portions extending along the top of the housing body and configured to substantially cover the top; and the housing A customizable bowling ball including a pair of opposing side portions extending along the side portion of the body and extending in a direction perpendicular to the upper portion from the upper portion to substantially cover the side portion Return assembly. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 5,
The one or more customizable, modular or replaceable portions may further include the one or more customizable, modular or replaceable portions or sections together and / or at least a portion of the housing body. A customizable bowling ball return assembly that includes a connection member configured to removably connect to the ball. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 1,
The one or more customizable, modular or replaceable portions are engageable along the sides of the housing body and at least partially cover the sides of the housing body and face opposite sides Including customizable bowling ball return assembly. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 1,
A customizable bowling ball return assembly, wherein the withdrawal area has an elongated body configured to receive and support a plurality of returned bowling balls for removal by the bowler in the bowling lane. The customizable bowling ball return assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
An automatic return mechanism at least partially surrounded by the housing body;
The automatic return mechanism is configured to move or guide the returned bowling ball toward or through the delivery portion of the housing to deliver the bowling ball onto the removal area. A customizable bowling ball return assembly comprising one or more belts, rotating wheels, drive mechanisms or combinations thereof. A customizable bowling ball return assembly according to claim 1,
The bowling ball return assembly includes a customizable bowling ball return assembly including a surface ball return assembly having one or more tracks having a guide surface for guiding the returned ball to the removal area. A customizable housing for a bowling ball return in a bowling lane,
A housing body;
A passage or delivery section defined in or through the housing body that is sized or configured to allow passage of one or more bowling balls to a removal area;
A surface configured to be selectively connected to the housing body and having one or more selected colors, images, depictions, graphics, themes, finishes, textures, or combinations thereof applied thereon, or One or more customizable, modular or interchangeable parts of selected size, size, shape or configuration, including faces;
Customizable housing with. A customizable housing according to claim 11, comprising:
The customizable housing wherein the one or more customizable, modular or replaceable parts comprise a high pressure laminate material. A customizable housing according to claim 12, comprising:
The one or more customizable, modular or replaceable parts include at least one of plywood, fiberboard, composite material, layered material, or combinations thereof, the selected size, dimension, A substrate layer formed into a shape or configuration and at least one of a laminate sheet material, a paper material, a plastic material or combinations thereof, wherein the one or more selected colors, images, depictions, graphics, themes A customizable housing that includes a design layer that is finished along its surface and is at least partially housed on the substrate layer. A customizable housing according to claim 11, comprising:
The one or more customizable, modular or replaceable portions include an upper portion that extends along the top of the housing body and is configured to substantially cover the top of the housing body. A customizable housing comprising at least one interchangeable upper end and a pair of opposing side portions extending downward from the upper portion and substantially covering the sides of the housing body. A customizable housing according to claim 11, comprising:
The customizable housing includes an elongate body configured to receive and support a plurality of returned bowling balls for removal by a bowler in the bowling lane. A customizable housing according to claim 11, further comprising:
Comprising one or more connection mechanisms configured to removably connect the one or more customizable, modular or interchangeable portions or sections together and / or to at least a portion of the housing body; Customizable housing. A customizable housing according to claim 11, comprising:
The one or more bowling balls include a customizable housing comprising a ten pin ball, a duck pin ball, a five pin ball or a candle pin ball.