US2586707A - Bowling pin spotting and respotting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 19, 1952 M. PATTERSON BOWLING PIN SPOTTING AND RESPOTTING APPARATUS Filed April 3. 1946 2 SHEETS-SHEET l am. un.. mu.

INVENTOR BMOREHEAD PATTERSON Yy AMJ MV ATTORNEY M. PATTERSON Febl BOWLING PIN SPOTTING AND RESPOTTING APPARATUS Filed April 3. 1946 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 FIG.

` .INVENTOR MOREHEAD PATTERSON ArroREY Patented Feb. 19, 1952 BOWLING PIN SPOTTING AND RESPOTTING APPARATUS Morehead Patterson, New York, N. Y., assigner to American Machine and Foundry a corporation of New Jersey Company,

Application April 3, 1946, Serial No. 659,366

8 Claims.

This invention relates to bowling pi-n spotting mechanism, and more particularly to pin spotting and respotting devices which can be used for spotting and respotting pins on the playing be of a bowling alley.

The invention includes the provision of improved pin handling devices forming a part of a pin spotting machine which are operative to properly grip and hold pins for spotting on an alley bed regardless of slight variations in the height or diameter of the heads of pins which are being handled. Some of the advantages occurring from this invention are, longer use of worn pins which can be shaved or repaired for further use; pins which may vary slightly in height because their bases have been trimmed can be lifted and respotted properly. It is evident, therefore, that this invention results in a direct saving to bowl- `ing alley operators because it permits longer use of pins.

Another feature of my improved pin handling mechanism is that it can readily adapt itself to the on or off-spot position of a pin to be lifted for respotting. Also, due to the nature and construction of the open bias weave grip forming an important part of each of the pin holding units, either an on or olf-spot pin having an uneven bottom standing in a tilted or inclined position or a vertical pin can be gripped and held for replacement on the alley bed, plumb bob action or swinging of the pin is eliminated, and the pin is always respotted in desired on or ofi-spot position.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved pin spotting mechanism having pin handling units provided with extensible pin grip- `ping and holding means operative to rmly grip and hold pins to be spotted in on-spot or respotted in on or off-spot playing positions on the playing bed of a bowling alley.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved pin handling mechanism for a bowling pin setting machine capable of handling pins which may vary somewhat in height and also in diameter, and wherein the type of extensible grip employed is always operative to provide iirm and positive gripping for` holding a pin for spotting or respotting in proper on or off-spot position on a bowling alley.

It is a further object of my invention to provide an improved pin spotting mechanism having individually and laterally movable pin gripping units, each of which is provided with a grip cornposed of a plurality of strands interwovenl about a common axis to form an open mesh structure into which a desired part of a bowling pir; can be inserted, and means for operating each of the unit-s to cause the respective grips thereof to contract about and firmly hold a bowling pin for spotting or respotting on the bed of an alley.

The invention also consists in an improved pin spotting device consisting of a plurality of pin spotter units each provided with a cable grip mechanism, and means for actuating each of the grip mechanisms regardless of whether the pins so gripped are on or off-spot or slightly inclined.

The invention also consists in the provision of improved pin gripping and spotting units in which a basket weave grip forms a part of each unit and makes possible an extremely firm gripping action due to the action of the multiple strands which encircle and grip that portion of a pin located in their range of action. In the case of respotting pins which may be standing in tilted position on an alley, any plumb bob action is eliminated and such pins are respotted in the same on or off-spot position each occupied prior to being lifted. In the case of pins being set initially, it is obvious that this mechanism contributes to positive on-spot spotting of a full set of pins.

Other objects of my invention will be set forth in the following description and drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment thereof, it being understood that the above statements of the objects of my invention are intended generally to explain the same without limiting it in any manner.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and form a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Figure 1 is a partial side sectional view of the pin handling mechanism forming the invention, and shows in detail one of the pin gripping units and operating means therefor; and

Figure 2 shows a plan view, with parts broken away of the pin spotter table, and the plurality of individually, laterally movable pin spotter units mounted thereon, and a suitable mechanism for operating the units; and

Figure 3 is a diagram of a modied form cf control unit.

The mechanism which forms the present invention may constitute a part of a bowling pin spotting machine of the general type shown in Rundell patent, No. 2,383,017, issued August 2l, 1945. It may also be used in connection with any other bowling pin spotting device which vis capable of spotting and respotting pins in on or off-'spot positions.

Referring to the drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the invention, table T which is constructed and operated in the same general manner as disclosed in the above noted Rundell patent, is mounted on shaft for movement to and from pin spotting and respotting position relative to a bowling alley (not shown). Shaft 38 which supports the table T for turning movement may be mounted in slides (not shown) supported in vertical guideways (not shown) forming a part of the machine with which this mechanism is used. The mechanism for sup porting table T and moving the same forms no part of this invention and is, therefore, in the interest of brevity neither shown nor described.

Table T preferably is generally triangular in shape, and is provided with a plurality of spaced generally triangular members such as plates or boards 32, 34, 36 and 38 made of metal, wood. or other suitable material. are provided with circular openings 40, 42 and 44,. arranged in triangular formation and corresponding to spotted positions of pins on a bowling alley.

Mounted above each of the openings in plate ij- 38 is an individually laterally movable pin gripping and holding unit designated generally 50. Since these units are identical in construction, but one will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2 there are ten such units arranged in conventional triangular pin supporting arrangement corresponding to the positions of bowling pins on a bowling alley. Each unit 5U is mounted .on plate 38 for individual lateral and vertical` movement.

As shown in Figure 1, each unit consists of a truncated cone or funnel portion 52 having a base which rests on plate 38 greater in diameter than the diameter of opening 40 in plate 38.`

In this manner the relatively lightweight unit' 58 can be shifted by the engagement of the tapered sides of funnel 52 with the head-end of the heavier standing pin to positions on plate 38 relative to an opening 48 corresponding to an on or off-spot standing pin position on the alley.

In this manner a pin can walk a considerable distance olf-spot and still be gripped, lifted and respotted properly on the alley by a unit 50.

As shown in Figure l the top of the funnel portion 52 is provided with a flange 53, the diami plate S0 in engagement with the top faces of I collars 5S.

Plate 60 is provided with an opening 68 through which extends a cylindrical grip designated generally T8, made up of a plurality of crossing strands or wires woven about a common axis to #.2..

form an open meshed structure. The strands or wires can be made of round or flat wire, such as steel, bronze, or other similar materials, or from textiles such as cotton, or other exiblevfibrous material which will have suflicient strength to stand constant pull and release.

Strands 'l2 are loosely interwoven angularly (Figure 1) in such manner that when a grip S stretched axially the strands move relatively to each other to constrict about and firmly hold Plates 34, 36 and 38 f The top faces of collars 56 bear i.'

an article, such as a bowling pin, located within their range of action.

Each grip is of a diameter such that when maintained open (as shown in Figure l), a portion of a pin, such as the handle end can readily enter into the bore of the grip so that the strands 12 encircle it. The ends of strands 'i2 adjacent funnel 52 are secured to a ring 14 by means of screws 16 which also attach ring 'I4 to the top of funnel 52. The strands 'i2 at the other or upper end of grip 'l0 are attached to a ring 'IB by screws which also secure ring 18 to actuating plate 60.

Toggle levers 83, 84 are pivotally connected to brackets 82, 86, respectively, mounted on plates 34 and 36respectively. Levers 83, 84 are also pivotally connected at 88 to a pair of parallel links 89, the other ends of which are connected to the armature 60 o solenoid 32 mounted on and secured to plate 36 of table T by screws 9i. As shown in Figure 2, there are preferably three solenoids 62, each connected to plates 3s and 38 in the manner described. Obviously more or fewer solenoids 92 and operating connections can be used as desired.

Plates 32, 34, 36 and 38 which form table T are secured together in assembled arrangement by means of rods 3| having threaded portions 33 and lock nuts 35 which hold plates 32, 36 and 38 in predetermined spaced relationship. Plate 34 is attached to levers 83 (as shown in Figure 1) and is, therefore, mounted for vertical movement relative to fixed plate 36. Springs 3l encircling rods 3| and located between washers 39 tend normally to hold plate 34 in the position shown in Figure 1 in which grip 70 is open and in pin receiving position.

In operation, as table T moves downwardly towards the playing bed of an alley and standing pins which are to be lifted and respotted for -play-ing the next ball of the frame, openings 48 in plate 38 allow the head ends of any standingv on or off-spot pins to enter the funnel portions 52 of their respective units 50.

When pins and units 58 are in on-spot rela# tionship with the longitudinal axis of each unit 50 aligned with the longitudinal axis of an onspot pin there is no relative movement between/ such pins and units, when the handle ends of such pins become located within the bores of grips 10. If, however, a pin occupies an off-spot position on the alley bed, or a unit 5D is not axially aligned relative to an on-spot standing pin, engagement by the head end of each standing pin with the tapered interior face of funnel 52 of its respective unit 553 will cause this unit to move into centered position or axial alignment with respect to such standing on or off-spot pin. In this manner the respotting units are located for gripping, lifting and respotting pins in the desired on or off-spot position with the head end of each such on or off-spot pin located (as shown in Figure l), within the bore of its respective grip 10.

When each individually and laterally movable unit 50 has been located to correspond with the on or off-spot position of a standing pin to be lifted and respotted, as above noted, solenoids 92 are energized simultaneously to open toggles 83, 84, and move plate 34 upwardly away from plate 3'6. Actuating plate 60 is engaged by and moved with plate 34 thereby compressing springs 66 and stretching grips 18, causing strands 12 thereof to constrict tightly about the head ends of any pins to be lifted.` v

With the pin heads `held lin this manner, table T is raised above the alley, a sweep (not shown) sweeps any deadwood from the alley or gutter of the alley into the pit and returns to inoperative position. The Atable is then lowered to reposi tion the pins which were lifted in on or off-spot position on the playing bed oi the alley, solenoids 92 are deenergized, whereupon toggles 83, 84 are closed as springs 3l force plate 34 towards plate 36, and springs S6 which were compressed by the upward movement of plates 60 and 34 force plate downwardly to release strands 12 of grips 'I0 from holding engagement with the head ends of pins which were lifted and respotted, the table is raised to a dwell position above the alley (not v shown), and play can be resumed.

A suitable control for energizing and deenergizing solenoids 92 is shown diagrammatically in Figure 2. The three solenoids are connected in a multiple circuit by leads I I0, I I2 to a suitable source of electric power. When pins are to be gripped and held by units 50 during the respotting operation, solenoids 92 are energized as the result of the closing of switch |00 through engagement of follower I0! with a high portion |02 on cam |04 secured to shaft |06 which is suitably driven in timed relationship with the operation of the carrier T. When follower IOI on switch arm |03 rides off the high portion |02 at the time the respotted pins are to be released and left in playing arrangement on the alley, the circuit is broken by the opening of switch |00.

The structure illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 may be employed for spotting and respotting pins. In such case, table T can be used as shown in Rundell patent, No. 2,388,709, issued November 13, 1945. In this case, units 50 perform the dual functions of spotting and respotting pins. Mechanism for controlling the operation of table T when so employed can be the same as shown in Rundell Patent No. 2,388,709, Since the mechanism for moving table T to and from an alley, and operating means therefor form no part of the present invention, further description and showing is omitted.

The operation of the units 50 is substantially the same as described above except that the grips 'I0 are actuated both for the purpose of spotting and respotting the pins. That is, solenoids 92 are operated to cause grips 'I0 to rmly hold pins delivered in spotted arrangement for placing a frame of pins on the alley prior to the throwing of the first ball of a frame. Solenoids 92 are also energized and deenergized for operating grips l0 in order to grip, lift and respot on or oit-spot pins on the bed of the alley prior to'throwing the second ball of a frame.

A suitable control mechanism for energizing and deenergizing solenoids 92 for operating units 5d for both spotting and respotting pins is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3. When pins are to be gripped, lifted and respotted, solenoids 92, which are connected by leads I I0, I I2 to an electric control circuit, are energized as the result of closing of switch |00 through engagement of follower I0 I with a high portion |02' on cam |04' secured to shaft |06 suitably driven in timed relationship with the operation of the carrier T. Pins which have been lifted and respotted by carrier T are released from gripping units 50 when switch |00 is opened when follower IOI' rides ofi the high portion |02 and onto the low 'portion of cam |04. When a new set of pins is to be spotted on the alley, a set of pins is deylivered in triangular formation by suitable mechanism (not shown) similar to that shown in the above mentioned Rundell Patent 2,388,709, whereupon a cam I I4 on shaft I I6 suitably driven in timed relationship with the operation of the machine and carrier T vcauses high portion IIS to engage a follower |20 on switch arm |22 which closes switch |24 and completes the circuit through leads 1||0, II2 to energize solenods 92 and cause the ten grips. 10 to grip and rmly hold the pins delivered thereto. The solenoids 92 remain energized until the carrier T places the new set of pins on the alley whereupon high portion H8 moves out of engagement with cam follower |20, switch |24 is opened thereby breaking the circuit, and the pins are released in spotted arrangement on the alley.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular device, selected to illustrate the invention, is but one of many possible concrete embodiments of the same, It is not, therefore, to be restricted vto the .precise details of the structure shown and described.

What I claim is:

l. In a bowling pin setter for use with a bowling alley, the combination with a tab-le adapted to be moved `to and from said alley, and a support on 'said table, of a pin guide funnel loosely mounted on said support and arranged for lateral movement thereon relative to an on or off-spot pin standing on the lbed of a bowling alley, a grip composed of ya plurality of strands interwoven diagonally about a common axis to form an elongated open mesh gripping cage wherein said strands are constructed and arranged for relative gripping movement, means mounting one end of said cage on said funnel 'in position to receive and encircle the handle end of a standing pin, an actuating device attached to the other end of said cage, means on `said table adapted to engage said device, means on said table adapted to engage said funnel, mechanism for effecting relative separating movement between said device engaging means and said funnel engaging means for stretching and 'constricting said strands into gripping engagement with the handle end of a pin encircled by said cage, and means for subsequently effecting relative movement of said device engaging means and funnel engaging means towards each other for compressing said cage and releasing said strands to free said pin from said grip.

2. A bowling pin spotting unit comprising a funnel having an upper rim portion provided with an opening greater than the maximum diameter of the handle end of a bowling pin, a resilient cylindrical grip having one end attached to said funnel adjacent said upper rim portion and in axial alignment with said opening for encircling and gripping the handle portion of a bowling pin and upon engagement with the handle end of a standing bowling pin move said grip into axial alignment with said pin, an operating member attached to the other end of said grip, resilient means coacting with said operating member and said funnel for maintaining the diameter of said grip greater than the diameter of said handle end of said pin to allow the entry thereof into said grip, and means engaging said operating member and said funnel for decreasing the diameter of said grip to cause said grip to iirmly hold said pin in said unit. q

3. A bowling pin .spotting unit mounted for movement to and from the playing bed of a bowling alley, comprising a funnel havinga top rim portion and a bottom rim portion connected by tapered pin guiding sides, a resilient elongated cylindrical grip having one end attached to said funnel adjacent said top rim portion and substantially in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis o said funnel, said funnel' and grip being mounted for free movement in response to the movement of said unit toward said bed and the engagement of said funnel with the handle end of a bowling pin to move said grip into axial alignment with said pin, said grip being composed of a plurality of strands interwoven about a common axis to form an open meshed structure, resilient means normally maintaining the diameter of said grip greater than the diameter of said portion of said pin to allow the 'entry of said handle end portion of said pin into said grip, and actuating means attached to the other end of said grip, and means for moving said top rim portion of said funnel and said actuating means away from each other for decreasing the diameter' of said grip to cause said strands to rmly grip and hold said pin in said setter.

4. A bowling pin spotter unit comprising a guide member having tapered sides and spaced openings through which an end portion of a bowling pin may project, a substantially cylindrical I elongated cable grip having one end attached to said guide member adjacent one of said openings with the longitudinal axis of said grip passing through the center of said opening, an actuating member attached to the other end of said grip, a movable operating device positioned to engage said actuating member, means normally maintaining said actuating member disengaged from said device. means normally maintaining said lgrip in open pin receiving condition, means operative whenever a pin is to be spotted or respotted in on or off-spot position on a bowling alley for causing said actuating member to engage and move said device away from said guide member to contract said grip about said end portion of a bowling pin to firmly hold said pin in said unit and means for holding saidguide member against substantial axial movement during the operation of said actuating member.

5. Pin spotting mechanism for a bowling pin spotting machine comprising a pin spotting table provided with spaced relatively vertically movable members, a plurality of pin spotting devices carried by said table, each of said devices including a substantially cylindrical elongatable cable grip, said table including a bottom member having a plurality of openings providing access of pins into said grips, an actuator carried by one end of each of said grips adapted to be engaged by one of said members, an actuator carried by the other end of each of said grips adapted to engage another of said members,V andmeans carried by said table for effecting relative separating movement between said members to engage said actuators and elongate said grip to grip and hold pins in said devicesj: y'

6. Pin spotting mechanism for a bowling pin spotting machine comprising a pin spotting table provided with spaced relatively verticaly separa- 'ole members, a plurality of pin spotting devices mounted on said table for independent lateral movement relative to said members, each of said devices including a substantially cylindrical elongatable cable grip, said table also including a bottom member supporting said devices andv having a plurality of openings providing access of 'pins to said grips, actuating means for each of said grips, a guide engageable by the handle end of a pin for shifting said grip into substantially axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of said pin, means carried by said table for effecting relative separating movement between said members to engage said members with said actuating means and elongate said grips to grip and hold pins in said devices, means for effecting relative movement between said members toward each other to disengage said members from said actuating means, and means for compressing said grips to eiect the release of pins from said devices.

7. Pin setting mechanism for a bowling pin spotting machine comprising a pin setter table adapted to move to and from a bowling alley for setting pins thereon, spaced relatively movable members carried by said table, a plurality of pin gripping units carried by said table, each of said units including a cable grip composed of a plurality of strands interwoven about a common axis mounted in pin receiving position on each of said units, grip elongating devices mounted adjacent each end of each of said grips, one of said devices of each of said units being positioned above'one of said members, the other of said devices of each of said units being located below one of said members, and means for eiecting relative separating movement betweent said members to engage said grip elongating device and eii'ect a relative movement of said devices in opposite directions to cause said strands of said Vcable grips to firmly grip and hold pins located in said grips.

8. Pin spotting mechanism for a bowling pin spotting machine comprising a pin spotter table adapted to move to and from a bowling alley, vertically spaced members carried by said table, said members including a movable member and two xed members, a plurality of individually and laterally movable pin guiding and gripping units loosely mounted on one of said xed members and above openings in said xed member, each of said units including a guiding and locating device located between said fixed members and having openings constructed and arranged to receive and encircle the handle end of a bowling pin, an elongated extensible cable grip attached to said device adjacent to and in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of said device, actuating means carried by said grip, means normally maintaining said grips open whereby the handle ends of standing pins may extend through said openings in said iirst-named xed member and engage said guiding and locating devices and shift said units on said iirst-named fixed member and locate said grips substantially in coaxial alignment with the longitudinal axes of said standing pins, and means for moving said movable member upwardly into engagement with said actuating means and away from said fixed members, one of said fixed rnembersbeing operative in response to said movement to restrict the upward movement of said devices, whereby said cable grips are stretched to grip and hold said MOREHEAD PATTERSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,584,030 Gray May 11, 1926 2,268,598 Kellems Jan. 6, 1942 2,353,189 Rundell July 11, 1944

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