US2621961A - Pin setting apparatus for bowling machines - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 16, 1952 J. v. H. WHIPPLE ETAL 2,621,961

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Filed July 8, 1947 8 Sheetg-Sheet l J. v. H. WHIPPLE EI'AL 2,621,961

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Filed July 8, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z r 0 J 4 M y m 1 1 d 7 1 1 w 7 1M J 0 0 6 I j 3 7 8 I J 1 I J J 5 5 a M 1 EN; f a J o |i| I 0, I I, H o 01 J a 3 I w J 3 J i m J n 6 W 7 E J fl .J 1 j 1 j 1 y Ml r ZJJflmm h fi y n r 26 i Ia "Ad wfiw WWW 4% 1?: y m M a a Z y 1. a 4 ma 4 y M M Z 3 J Deg-.16, 1952 4 J. v. H. 'WHIPPLE' an 7 2,621,961

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Filed July 8. 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 16, 1952 J. V. H. WHIPPLE "EIAL 2,621,961

7 I FIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR sowuuc MACHINES Filed July 8, 194'? .8 Sheets-Sheet 4 dear e P. flenla Eda/{721R enil.

16, 1952 J. v. H. WHIPPLE EI'AL PIN SETTING AP ARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Filed July 8, 194'! 8 Sheets-$heet 5 J. v. H. WHIPPIIFE :T'AL

PIN sz'muc APPARATUS FOR BOWLING-MACHINES Filed July 8, 1947 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Dec. 16, 1952 v, wHlBPLE r 2,621,961 PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Filed July 8, 1947 '8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Dec. 16,. 1952 J. v. H. WHIPPLE- EIAL 2,621,961

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Filed July 8, 1947 'a Sheets-Sheet s Patented Dec. 16, 1952 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE PIN SETTING APPARATUS FOR BOWLING MACHINES Application July 8, 1947, Serial No. 759,488

8 Claims.

This invention relates to an automatic pin setter, and more particularly to a novel pin setting, search and pickup mechanism. This application is a continuation of our application Serial No. 748,158, filed May 15, 1947 now abandoned.

A general object of this invention is to provide improved pin setting, search and pickup mechanism in a pin setting machine.

An object of this invention is to provide in such a machine, improved means for setting pins through a pickup and search structure.

Another object is to provide an improved pin setting mechanism comprising a pair of parallel pickup bars operated by means of a novel selflocking arrangement.

Another object is to provide a pin setting and pickup mechanism which will accommodate worn pins or other pins having dimensions which deviate from a standard.

Another object is to provide a pickup mechanism wherein pins are clamped to the alley bed before they are picked up and re-set and when they are re-set the clamping pressure is not released until the pickup mechanism is completely clear of th pin.

Another object is to provide automatic pin setting mechanism in which the pins are not dropped but are set upon the alley bed before being released.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and from the drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary perspective view of a bowling pin setting machine embodying a preferred form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a single cell of the pin setter, parts of the apparatus being broken away to show underlying parts;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of one of the grid structures utilized to support a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the structure shown in Fig. 3 showing the structure of the portion of one of the pin setting units which is supported thereby;

Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of another of the grid structures utilized to support a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the structure of Fig. 5 showing the structure of the portion of one of the pin setting units which is supp rted thereby;

Fig. 7 is a partial plan view of another of the supporting grid structures for the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the grid structure Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is an elevation of a latch and its associated mechanisms utilized to latch certain of the grid structures of Fig. 2 together;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged end view, partly in section, of a portion of the pin setting apparatus shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is a side view of the setting mechanism of Fig. 10 just after it contacts a pin standing on the alley bed;

Fig. 12 is a side view of the setting mechanism at an intermediate point in the operation of grasping a standin pin;

Fig. 13 is a side view of said apparatus at the completion of its operation of grasping a standlng pin;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the pin setting and pickup apparatus at the start of an operation to set a new pin on the alley bed;

Fig. 15 is a side view of said apparatus just as a pin strikes the alley bed, and

Fig. 16 is a side view of said apparatus just after it has released the pin on the alley bed.

While we have illustrated in the drawings and shall herein describe in detail a preferred form of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular arrangement shown, it being contemplated that various changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

As illustrated in the drawings, and with particular reference to Fig. 1, the preferred form of the invention is installed at the rear end of a bowling alley 20' equipped with the customary gutters 2| and 22 and pit 23. Pins 24 are arranged to be placed on the alley in the standard triangular formation of ten.

Generally, the machine comprises a tiltable tray 25 normally forming the bottom or floor of the pit 23 and inclinable to urge the pins and ball in the pit towards the rear against a pit cushion 26; a pin and ball elevating mechanism 2'! having a plurality of pin and ball carrying flights 28 movable upwardly from the pit to a discharge position for the pins at 29; a ball transfer means 33 arranged to remove a ball 3| from the conveyor and transfer it to ball return tracks 32; a pin chute 33 for receiving pins discharged by the conveyor flights when tilted at 29; a rotary drum-like pin sorter 34 into which the pins pass from the chute 33 and are carried upwardly for discharge into a distributor 35 comprising a plurality of chutes 36; a magazine 31 adapted to receive and hold a set of pins prior to their movement into a pinsetter 38 having ten vertically positioned and triangularly arranged pin tubes 39; a pin pickup mechanism 48 for elevating standing pins from the alley during a sweeping operation to remove dead wood therefrom, a sweep device 4| for sweeping the alley and gutters clear, a guard device 42 for stopping a ball thrown during certain operations. of the machine, power operating mechanism including a power unit 43 and control mechanism housed partly in a unit 44. Shown also in Fig. l is a means for changing the pins in the machine by withdrawing the set that is in use and feeding into the machine an alternate set. This means includes pin containers or boxes 45 and 46., positioned generally under the parts 43 and 44 and a pin diversion chute structure 41 for diverting pins from the distributor into one or the other of the boxes 45 and 48.

Preferably, the parts 30 to 4'! inclusive are all supported on a carriage 48 which is movable from the normal rear position shown in Fig. 1 wherein the pin chutes 39 are over the respective pin spots on the alley 20, to a forward position approximately three feet ahead of the position shown in order to permit manual setting of pins on the alley by a pin boy. A walk 49, extending across the alley and any other alleys on which 1 If desired, this masking unit may be equipped with signal lights arranged in a triangular for mation similar to that of the pins on the alley and suitably connected to be illuminated when pins are standing.

The various machine parts will be described approximately in the sequence in which pins and the ball from the alley fall after a ball has been rolled down the alley by a player. Thus, upon such a rolling of the ball, the ball and usually some of the pins enter the pit 23 and rest upon the tray 25 in its lower or horizontal position. At such time the pin and ball elevator 21 is stopped in a position in which two of the flights 28 are below and behind the pit cushion 26 and the other two of the flights are above the top of the pit cushion so that it is impossible for the pins or ball to strike the elevator flights. The tray 25, as illustrated in Fig. l is in the form of a metal framework having a plurality of slots in the rear edge thereof to accommodate the passage of forks or tines 6| on the conveyor flights. Preferably, the tray is covered with a layer 62 of a cushioning and sound deadening material such as rubber or felt. The tray is pivoted adjacent its rear edge on a cross shaft so that it may be moved from a lower horizontal position (which is assumed during actual bowling by a player) to the inclined or upper position illustrated, into which it is moved after a ball has been rolled. To swing the tray between its two positions, arms 64 extend rearwardly from the opposite side edges thereof and are slotted at 65 to admit a crank pin 66 carried on a cross shaft 61 which also supports the sprocket for operating the conveyor 21. In this manner, the move- 4 ments of the tray are synchronized with certain movements of the pin and ball conveyor.

The pin and ball elevator 21 comprises a pair of roller chains 68, one at each side of the pit 23 and each constrained to follow a special curved path by guide channels 69. Each guide channel has a rear portion through which the chain normally moves downwardly, a bottom portion through which the chain normally moves forwardly, and a forward portion through which the chain normally moves upwardly. The roller chains carry four tine assemblies or rakes which extend between the chains and consist of rods 28 and tines 6|. The elevator flights or rakes are normally driven up through the slots 60 in the tray 25 to pick up pins and balls from below. Generally, a ball is picked up on the first flight of the conveyor passing upwardly from the tray and if not on the first flight, then almost invariably on the second. As soon as the first flight passes through the pins on the tray, the majority of the pins align themselves cross-alley and those which are not carried upwardly on the first flight are picked up on the second flight. The widely spaced tines effectively produce a stringing out or debunching of the pins, as only a limited number can get on one set of tines at one time. This avoids jamming of pins in the pin chute 33 when they are discharged .from the elevator.

The chains 68 are driven from an upper cross shaft 78 which carries a sprocket H at each end thereof. The shaft 10 is rotatably supported on the frame 13 for the elevator and is connected to a drive shaft. Preferably, the drive shaft is driven by a reversible hydraulic or electric motor or other power means (not shown), the operation of which may be controlled automatically to give the pin and ball conveyor the desired movements.

The pit construction and the ball and pin elevatcr hereinbefore briefly described are disclosed more fully and claimed in our copending application Ser. No. 748,159 filed May 15, 1947.

The present invention is directed to a pin setting, search and pickup mechanism particularly adapted for use in a bowling pin setting machine of the type shown in Fig. l, and which is disclosed more fully in our said copending application, or may be used in the pinsetter of the copending application or" Jack Van Horn Whipple and Albert L. Odmark filed March 24, 1947, as Serial No. 736,682. Somewhat similar apparatus is also shown and described in the copending application of George A. Montooth filed March 24, 1947, as Serial No. 736,643. The apparatus of the present invention is shown in such a machine in Fig. l, and is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2 to 10 inclusive. Figs. 11 to 16 show one unit of the mechanism in various operating positions during the operation of picking up a standing pin from the alley bed and setting a new pin on the alley bed.

The apparatus of this invention consists of a plurality of cellular structures mounted on a series of triangular grids or structural frames. These grids, five in number, are designated at 186, I81, 62, 33 and I04 in Fig. 2, and form parallel frames spaced vertically one above the other, and are capable of vertical motion relative to each other. The grids are all interconnected by a stop device which ma comprise three vertical rods (not shown) extending through said grids and disposed near each of the corners thereof together with a series of stop collars and spacer members assembled in conventional manner. By means of this stop device each adjacent pair of grids has a defined minimum and maximum separation. Since the grids are substantially rigid structures only three stops are necessary, one between each pair of grids, to define positively the spacial relationship of the grids.

Figs. 3 and 4 show the structure of grid I00, said grid comprising a generally triangular peripheral frame having side members I a back member I00b and front member I000 and interconnecting members I 00d, said interconnecting members extending between the side members transversely of the alley bed and between rows of pins thereon. These interconnecting members I00d act to transmit the weight of each pin setting unit cell as for example the cell shown in Fig. 2, out to the points of support on the side members I00a. Attached to the grid I00 are stop members I00e adapted to cooperate with the stop collars above mentioned in order to limit movement of the grid structure.

Within each of the ten openings provided on the grid structure, grid I00 carries a pressure plate assembly IIO, said assembly being carried below the grid structure I 00 by means of pins I I I and springs IIZ so that said pressure plate is movable relative to the grid structure as will hereafter appear. A plurality of micro-switches I I3 are carried by pressure plate supporting bars II I which define the ten openings for the individual cells, these switches being adapted to be actuated by a movement of the pressure plate relative to grid I00, this movement being accomplished by clamping a standing pin to the alley bed against the resistance of the springs I I2. A strike detector grid comprising bars I00 and I009 is also carried by the grid I00 to indicate through mechanism (not shown) the complete absence of pins after the rolling of ball so that a new set of pins may be set before a second ball is rolled.

Figs. 5 and 6 show in detail the construction of the second grid IOI. This grid comprises a generally triangular structure having side members ifiia, a back member mm, a front member Nile and interconnecting members IOId extending transversely of the alley between the side members IIiIa. Stop members IOIe are provided to limit the relative movement of the grid ml with respect to the other grids as above described, and connecting members II5 are provided between the cross members IOId to define the openlugs for each of the individual cells.

Associated with each individual pickup unit or cell the grid Iill carries a search and pin pickup linkage structure indicated generally in Fig. 6 at I I6, this structure being supported upon the grid by means of a supporting member I II.

In Figs. '7 and 8 the construction of the grid I02 is shown in detail. This grid is the only grid in the entire structure which is positively driven or moved (vertically), relative movement of the other grids being obtained by movement of this grid I02 while a pin 24 is clamped to the alley bed. The grid I02 is shown as comprising a generally triangular frame having side members I02a, a back member I021), a front member I020 and transverse cross members I02d extending between such side members between the rows of pins. Stop members I02e are provided to cooperate with the stop device above described, and this grid is adapted to be positively driven both up and down by hydraulic or other means which are not shown here but which may be similar to the hydraulic drive arrangement shown in said 6. copending application of Jack Van Horn Whipple and Albert L. Odmark. Grid I 02 is provided with a plurality of racks I20 supported on the side members 102a and front member I020 respectively by means of hanger brackets I2I connected to rack supports I22. The grid I 02 carries search bar actuating members shown in Fig. 2 at I23, means for clamping the grids I02 and I" (not shown), and means for receiving grid I03 (not shown). I

Similarly grid I03 comprises a triangular structure carrying the pin setter mechanism to be hereafter described and also has means to locate grid I03 on grid I02, this means not being illustrated in detail.

Grid I04 which is shown only fragmentarily in Fig. 2 carries the distributor system 38 (Fig. 1) and the storage cells and release doors shown atthe top of Fig, 2. This last mentioned grid IM- also has means for looking to grid I03 and stop apparatus of the same character as that shown in connection with grids I00, I Ill and I02.

The operation of the apparatus disclosed herein; can best be explained by combined reference to Fig. 2 and Figs. 11-16. For the purpose of this description it will be assumed that the first ball of a frame in a game of bowling has been rolled leaving at least one pin standing on the alley. During the bowling of this ball the grids are in. an elevated position, the pressure plates I I0 presenting a fiat protective surface above the alley bed to prevent flying pins from striking the machine mechanisms. After the ball has been rolled, grid I02 (the only positively driven grid) is driven downwards. Grid IOI is suspended from grid I02 at a distance approximately 3 /2 inches, and grid I00 is suspended below grid IOI at a distance of approximately 5 inches. The pressure plates IIO extend below the top surface of grid I00 by about 3% inches, this arrangement providing that if a full sized bowling pin (about 15 inches high) is standing on the alley bed the pressure plate I I0 will just contact the pin with grid I00 about 18% inches above the alley bed.

After this contact is made grid "2 is driven down about one inch farther, and since there is no change in the relative spacing between grids I00, IOI and I02, grids I00 and NI also travel one inch lower so that grid I00 is now about 17% inches above the alley bed, and at this point the stops I00e strike collars (not shown) amxed to the machine frame, thereby preventing any further downward motion of the grid I00. Pressure plate I I0, which preferably has its bottom surface covered with a resilient cushion Illa of rubber or some other material, has been stopped by the head of the bowling pin 24 and has compressed pressure plate springs I I2 to apply a controlled pressure to the pin, holding said pin to the alley as shown in Fig. 11 (the pin 24 .being broken off and shown only fragmentarily in Fig. 11 and subsequent figures). Standard sized bowling pins will cause a relative motion between the pressure plate I I0 and the grid I00 of approximately one inch, and worn or shorter pins will cause less relative motion between said plate I I 0 and said grid I00. In one machine which we have constructed we have provided a structure capable of exerting necessary pressure in the event the bowling pin is as much as inc-h shorter than standard.

As shown in Fig. 11 the pressure plate IIO need not remain parallel to the grid I00, but is free to assume any position under the pressure of the four springs I I2 at the corners thereof and the head of the bowling pin 24, such bowling pin being illustrated in Figs. 10, 11', 12 and 13 as being moved a considerable distance away from its normal pin spot on the alley bed. In the event that the pin is on its normal spot, as is usually the case, the head of the pin will of course contact the pressure plate at the center thereof.

When the pin pickup apparatus has reached the position of Fig. 11 switches H3 which are carried on the support castings H4 (Figs. 2 and 3) are actuated by rods I which extend upwardly from the guide pins I H within the springs H2 and from diagonally opposite corners of the pressure plate I I3. By using a switch and actuating arrangement located above diagonal corners of the pressure plate at least one of the two diagonally placed switches will be actuated no matter how the pin is displaced. Switches IE3 may be connected to a pin indicator circuit (not shown) to designate by lamps or other means which bowling pins were left standing after the first ball has been rolled.

At the other two diagonally opposite corners of the pressure plate iii} rods similar to the rod IE5 extend upward and actuate one of the strike detector grids I001 or I 00g shown in Fig. 3, thereby serving to indicate that a strike has been made by the first ball if no rod is pushed up.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 12, in Fig. 12 the grid I02 has moved down an additional distance of approximately 31% inches. Grid IElI moved down and stopped a distance of approximately 1-1-2- inchs above grid I00. During this part of the cycle the search and pickup mechanism which is mounted on grid IOI is moved from its withdrawn position and lowered past the pressure plate I I0 so that it is in the same horizontal plane as the head or neck of the clamped pm.

The pickup and resetting mechanism comprises a straight line linkage arrangement with a parallelogram-toggle locking linkage, there being two oppositely disposed sets of linkage associated with each individual unit or cell, although only one of said sets will be described here. placed support members I are pivotally connected at their upper ends by means of rollers I30a in vertical slots I3I in an upwardly extending portion I Ila of the support casting I ll which is secured to the grid IOI, and the lower ends of each opposite member of each pair of members I30 are interconnected by a pin grasping bar I32, so that there is a pair of pin grasping bars extending horizontally and parallel to each other along opposite edges of the space within which the pin 24 is standing. Members I33 are connected intermediate their ends at I-30b to linking levers I33, these levers being fulcrumed at a point I33a. on a downwardly extending bracket II'Ib which is integral with the support Ill. The lower end of each of the levers I33 is pivotally connected to one of another pair of links I 34 at I34a, and the links I34 are pivotally joined together at their upper ends and joined to a single link I35 at 135a, the other end of the link I35 being pivotally connected to an actuating rod I33. The actuating rod I36 is connected at its upper end to the actuating member I23 carried by grid I02, and said rod extends vertically through a guide opening in the member I ll. As shown in Fig. 2, the support casting II'I may carry portions of the linkage for two adjoining pin pickup units.

Refering again to Fig. 12 it will be seen that as the apparatus moves from the position of Fig.

Diagonally A 1,1, the parallel bars I32 have moved straight down below the level of the head of the pin. such bars maintaining their distance apart until they are at a pin grasping level. As the pin grasping bars I32 are lowered, preferably a dead area detector grid (not shown) may be suspended from grid IOI and may be lowered ahead of all portions of the search bars I32. If a standing pin has moved from its normal spot a suilicient distance so that it would be struck by the pickup mechanism as it descends, the dead area detector grid will strike said standing pin first. As grid IOI continues to move down, relative motion between said grid IOI and said detector grid may be caused to operate a switch which may be connected in a circuit arranged to stop the operation of the machine before damage occurs. For this purpose the grid structure IN is permitted an additional motion of approximately one inch, and as said grid moves through this space the machine may be stopped by the action of the dead area detector grid.

Referring now to Fig. 13 grid I02 has descended approximately 1% inches from the position of Fig. 12. Since grids I00 and IOI have been stopped prior to this time, this last mentioned movement of grid I02 comprises a relative movement between grids IOI and I02. Such relative movement is transmitted through the cross bar I23 to move the actuating rod I30 downward, forcing the fulcrum of links I34 downward so that said links assume the position of Fig. 13. Levers I33 are caused to pivot about the point I33a, and support members I30 carrying the bars I32 move toward each other at their lower ends so that each of the members I30 and each of the levers I33 are parallel to each other. Inasmuch as this linkage constitutes a differential arrangement, one or the other of said bars I32 will move in a horizontal line parallel to the alley surface until said pickup bar contacts the neck or head of the clamped bowling pin 24. This bar will then stop, but the opposite bar will continue to move until it contacts the pin, and the final part of the stroke of the actuating rod I36 will act to straighten the links I34 so that the clamping action is locked with the bars I32 in operative position and the pin is gripped solidly by the parallel bars I32 and the pressure plate I I0. We prefer to provide the bars I32 with a resilient surface covering, as for example rubber.

As the grid I02 descends to the position of Fig. 13 it is latched to the grid I00. A latch device which may be used for this purpose is illustrated in Fig. 9, this device comprising a latch actuating member I40 pivotally affixed to the core I4Ia of a solenoid I4I, said core being constantly urged out of the solenoid by a spring I4Ib. The latch actuating member I40 extends through a guide bracket I42 which is afiixed to a latch member I43 having a latching end I43a adapted to cooperate with a catch I44. The solenoid MI and latching members I40 and I43 may be carried by the grid I02, while the catch member I44 may be carried by the lower grid I00, and descent of the grid I02 to the position of F1g. 13 causes operation of a switch (not shown) closing a circuit through the solenoid to pull the cord I4Ia into the solenoid and move the latch into release position away from the catch I44.

After the bowling pin 24 has been clamped to the alley bed and grasped by the parallel bars I32, grid I02 is raised with grids I00 and IOI latched to it until grid I00 is approximately 29% inches above the alley bed. A slight over-travel is permitted between grids IOI and I02 when said grids are in the position of Fig. 13 so that the locking latches shown in Fig. 9 have a selflocking action and will not release grid I even if the solenoid MI is energized unless the bowling pin again touches the alley floor and the weight of grid I00 is taken away from the pickup unit and supported by the pressure plate I00 against the head of the bowling pin or by limit stops mounted on the frame of the machine. This arrangement avoids the necessity of accurately timing the energization of the solenoid I4I and insures that the pins will not be dropped to the alley bed, but will rest upon the alley bed before the clamping mechanism is released.

At the height of the upward travel of the pin pickup mechanism and the bowling pin, said bowling pin is approximately 12 inches above the alley bed, and the alley may be swept clear of fallen pins.

Grid I02 is now lowered to the position of Fig. 13, and during this lowering movement the solenoid I4I (Fig. is energized, but release of grid I00 takes place only when the grid I02 has lowered sufiiciently to set the base of the pin 24 on the alley bed. After the latch I43 is released the grid I02 is raised about 1% inches or until it just starts to pick up grid IOI. During this movement the linkage device moves away from the head of the pin 24 to the position of Fig. 12, releasing the bowling pin 24, the pickup bars I32 moving horizontally away from the head of the bowling pin while the pressure on the head of the pin from the pressure plate III! is retained. The bars I32 come to rest in their eX- treme open position of Fig. 12 and grid I02 is again raised. This time said grid I02 carries with it the grid structure IOI so that the linkage mechanism and bars I32 are lifted vertically into the spaces provided for them and the dead area detector grid (not shown) follows grid IOI upwardly so that said detector grid fills in the areas adjacent the pressure plates.

Grid I02 is raised an additional distance of approximately one inch, raising grid I00 to approximately 18% inches above the alley bed and lifting the pressure plate IIO away from the bowling pin 24. The lower surface of the pickup assembly now presents a fiat surface in a horizontal plane above the alley bed with the respective pressure plates IIO and detector grids lying in the same horizontal plane so that a fiat protective surface is presented to protect the mechanisms from flying pins when the next ball is rolled, and the bowling pins are now re-set on the alley in exactly the same position they occupied after the first ball was rolled.

The entire assembly may now be raised to a position well above the alley bed while the second bowling ball is rolled. After the rolling of the second ball if it is desired to provide an indication of the pins still standing, grids I00, IEII and I02 are lowered until grid I00 just reaches its lower limit stop where said grid is approximately 17 inches above the alley bed. This permits any standing pins to actuate pin indicator circuits through switches similar to switch II3 so that the indicator board shown in Fig. 1 at 50 will indicate the final count of pins standing.

Grids I00, IOI and I02 are now driven up to their upper limit of travel to receive a new set of pins while the sweep 4| clears the alley of all remaining pins. Grids I00, IOI and I02 are aaipei raised until grid I 00 is approximately 35 inches above the alley surface. During the last several inches of this stroke, the new set of bowling pins 24 which are carried by the setter grid I03, together with the rollers I50 (Figs. 2 and 14) are forced down through the pressure plate IIO. In order to accommodate this operation the pressure plate I I0 has a central cut out portion within which are mounted a pair of trap doors H012 and H00 as shown in Fig. 2. These trap doors are carried by spring loaded hinges IIIld so that they may open downwardly when pressure is applied from above, but are prevented from opening upwardly by stops I5I carried on the pressure plate I I0. We prefer to make the trap doors I I01) and Hills of different sizes so that the dividing line between them is approximately inch 01f center. Since pins which are left standing on the alley bed are most often standing on their normal pin spots, this construction places the division line in the rubber cushion 00. which covers the bottom of the pressure plate trap doors away from the point of maximum wear. The detailed construction of the pressure plate assembly including the trap doors is shown in said copending application of Jack Van Horn Whipple and Albert L. Odmark and therefore will not be repeated here.

As the pins are delivered from the distributing mechanism 33 of Fig. 1 to the pin setting grid I03, grid I03 is latched to grid I04 by a pair of solenoid actuated latches similar to those shown in Fig. 9, the latches being carried by the upper grid I04 and the catches I44 being carried by the grid I03. When grid I02 has reached the upper limit or" its travel approximately 1 inches below grid I03, a signal switch (not shown) may be actuated, closing a circuit to energize the solenoids I II (Fig. 9) to release grid I03 from grid I04. Grid I04 is a storage grid with toggletype doors I52 (Fig. 2) operable to retain extra pins. The arrangement is such that each door I52 in grid I00 will remain open until a bowling pin has dropped through the door into the. corresponding pin setting cell of grid I04 and a switch (not shown) on each door is actuated as a pin drops through, said switch energizing a circuit to shut the door. When all doors on grid I04 are closed, a full set of ten pins is carried by the setter grid I03, and when this condition exists, but not until such condition exists, the location of grid I02 adjacent grid I03 will actuate latching solenoids I II and release grid I03 from grid I04. Grid I03 is now carried by grid I02, being held thereon by gravity and the guiding action of the pin setting apparatus within each opening in grid I02. In the apparatus illustrated grid I02 must over-travel a slight distance, as approximately inch, to release the solenoid operated latches (Fig. 9), thus providing a self-locking arrangement wherein it is insured that grid I03 is resting on grid I02 before grid I03 is released from grid I04, so that said grid I03 can never drop in the space between grids I02 and I04.

The pin setting structure is now ready to be lowered, and in this position a standard size bowling pin 24 within the apparatus is approximately 27% inches above the alley, while an un der-sized pin having a base diameter as much as inch below standard would be 27 inches above the alley bed, and such under-sized pin would not project below the lower edge of the trap doors II 01) and H00.

Grid I02 is now driven downward to the posi- 11 tion shown in Fig. 15. As this grid assembly moves downward from grid I04, the bowling pin '24 is held within the pin setter cell I55 by a pair of clam shell devices I56 which contact the pin at four points spaced 90 degrees from each other around the periphery of the pin so that the pin is properly centered within the cell I55.

The clam shell devices I56 are held open or closed by a toggle joint consisting of links I51 and I58 and ayoke I53. A spring I60 (Fig. 2) is so designed that it always urges the end of yoke I59 downward in a guide slot 161 carried by an extension I62 of the clam shell structure. When grid I03 was latched against grid I04 this downward motion was prevented by downward pressure on an actuating rod I63 which is pivotally affixed to the yoke I59 at I63a. This rod I63 is a telescoping rod having an internal pressure spring (not shown) contained within an enlarged telescoping portion I-63b. Consequently the clam shells were held in closed position at the time the bowling pin 24 was dropped into position therein from the distributing apparatus 31. As soon as the bowling pin entered the clam shell, its weight forced it like a wedge into the clam shell. Toggle link I51 and yoke I59 are located slightly above the vertical center of the structure so that when the grid I03 dropped away from grid I04, the pressure of the actuating rod I63 no longer acted to overpower the springs I60. However the only way the springs I60 can open the clam shell is by pulling the link I51 and the yoke I59 through the center position, and the spring is unable to do this as the bowling pin within the structure is wedged against the clam shells and will not permit them to close the approximate inch necessary to permit this action. Consequently each bowling pin is held firmly in its clam shell cradle during the downward travel of the structure.

The stop system earlier described is mechanically interconnected with grid I63 in such away that when grid I03 is released from grid I04 as the apparatus travels from the position of Fig. 14 to the position of Fig. 15, grid I is permitted to go down to a lower level which may be approximately 7 inches above the alley bed before striking a limit stop, and with grid I00 in this position the lowest portion of the open pressure plate doors -I I0b and M00 is approximately I inch above the alley as shown in Fig. '15. While grid I00 remains in this position, grids IOI, I02 and I03 continue to be lowered, and when the space between grids IOI and I00 is reduced to approximately 4 inches a normal- I sized bowling pin will just touch the alley bed as shown in Fig. 15. In this position the bowling pin is still clamped within the clam shell devices I56.

Referring now to Fig. 16, grids IOI, I02 and I03 move downward an additional distance of approximately one inch. During this motion the pin setting mechanism and the dead area detector (not shown) will partially project below grid I00, but will not reach the closing position shown in Fig. 13, so they will not cause interference with the pin setting operation.

During this last described movement of approximately one inch, each bowling pin (including under-sized pins) will be set on the alley bed 20 and the clam shell devices I56 will continue to be closed and located straight down the sides of the pin until the toggle link I51, urged by the spring I60, moves downwardly past center position. When this happens the clam shells will fly open symmetrically (due to the guiding action of the slot I6!) and the pin within the apparatus will be set free on the alley. It will be noted that the bowling pin is set upon the alley while it is still clamped within the clam shells I56, so that at the time the pin is released there is no drop whatsoever to reach the alley, the base of the pin being guided at all times until it is set upon the alley bed and released.

The grid structure may now be raised, grids IOI, I02 and I03 moving up until grid I00 is picked up by grid IOI. Since the clam shell devices I56 are kept open by means of the springs I60 and since the clam shell devices hold open the trap doors IIEJb and H00 the entire unit may be lifted without touching the standing pins 24. As grid I63 approaches grid I04, as for example within approximately 6 inches, the actuating rod I33 strikes grid I64, and as the rest of the structure continues to move upwardly this rod applies pressure to the yoke I59, thereby closing the clam shells I56, and a closer approachof grid I03 to grid I64 is allowed by means of the telescoping action of the actuating rods I63, the portion I631) of said rods moving down over the inner portion I63.

Referring to Fig. 2, as the structure approaches its upward limit of movement, the upper end I65a of rocker arm I65 contacts a pivot rod I66 of the toggle-lock door I52 on grid I04, and as the grids continue the last portion-of their upward movement, the rocker arm I65 opens the door I52 by pressing upward against the force of a spring (not shown) which normally tends to push the pivot rod I56 down and lock each door shut. As each door I52 is opened, any pin in storage above will drop through, and if no pin is held in storage, the door will be held open until a pin is delivered from the distributor apparatus. As soon as a pin passes into the setter cell I55 of grid I03, the largest portion of the pin strikes a roller I10 carried by the lower end of rocker arm I65, and actuates this rocker arm to pivot about its point of mounting I61 on thegrid I03 so that the pivot pin I66 is released and the door I52 is permitted to close. This action prevents a second pin from coming through into the setter cell and also operates a switch (not shown) to indicate that that particular cell is loaded and ready for another re-set operation.

Upon reaching the uppermost position, the solenoid latches (Fig. 9) which are de-energized' automatically latch grid I63 to grid I04.

We claim:

1. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a pressure plate for clamping a pin in upright position, a pair of spaced parallel bars movable toward each other to grasp the neck of a clamped pin, a first vertically movable grid structure having a slot therein, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal'plane comprising a pair of members pivotally and slidably mounted onsaid-first structure in said slot, a second vertically movable grid structure, and means for operating said bars comprising an actuating member carried by said second structure, a pair of links pivotally connected intermediate their ends to said first structure and pivotally connected at one end to said respective supporting members intermediate the ends thereof, and a second pair of links interconnecting said first pair of links and said actuating member.

2. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a lower grid structure having a slotted upwardly extending portion and a downwardly extending portion, an upper grid structure, said structures being vertically movable to gether and with respect to each other, a pair of supporting members pivotally and slidably connected at one end to said lower structure in said slot and extending diagonally downwardly therefrom, a pair of pin grasping bars carried by said supporting members at the lower ends thereof, a first pair of links each connected at one end to one of said supporting members intermediate the ends thereof, and each pivotally connected inter mediate their ends to the downwardly extending portion of said lower grid structure, an actuating rod carried bysaid upper structure, a second pair of links interconnecting said actuating rod and the other end of said first pair of links, said actuating rod operating said links upon relative movement between said grid structures to cause said bars to move from a withdrawn position to an operative pin grasping position.

3. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a vertically movable frame, a pair of spaced parallel bars of substantial length, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal plane toward each other to grasp the neck of an upright pin comprising a pair of elongated supporting members each carrying one of said bars at one end thereof, said frame having means providing a substantially vertically slidable pivotal support for the other end of each of said members, and means for moving said bars including an actuating member movable relative to said pivotal support means, a plurality of links connecting the actuating member to each support member for providing a differential action in the movement of said bars, and at least two of said links being pivotally mounted on said frame.

4. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a vertically movable frame, a pair of spaced parallel bars of substantial length, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal plane toward each other to grasp the neck of an upright pin comprising a pair of elongated supporting members each carrying one of said bars at one end thereof, said frame having means providing a substantially vertically slidable pivotal support for the other end of each of said members, and means for moving said bars including an actuating member movable relative to said pivotal support means, a first pair of links pivotally mounted on said frame and each pivotally connected at one end to an intermediate portion of a different one of the supporting members and a second pair of links each pivotally connected to the other end of a different one of said first pair of links and to the actuating member to provide a differential action in the movement of said bars.

5. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a vertically movable frame, a pair of spaced parallel bars of substantial length, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal plane-toward each other to grasp the neck of an upright pin comprising a pair of elongated supporting members each carrying one of said bars at one end thereof, said frame having means providing a substantially vertically slidable pivotal support for the other end of each' of said members, and means for moving said bar including an actuating member movable relative to said pivotal support means, a first pair of links each pivotally connected at one end to an intermediate portion of a difierent one of the supporting members and a second pair of links each pivotally connected to the other end of a different one of said first pair of links and to the actuating member, and means on the frame providing a pivotal support for each of the first pair of links intermediate the ends thereof to provide a differential action in the movement of said bars.

6. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a vertically movable frame, a pair of spaced parallel bars of substantial length, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal plane toward each other to grasp the neck of an upright pin comprising a pair of elongated supporting members each carrying one of said bars at one end thereof, said frame having means providing a pivotal support for the other end of each of said members, and means for moving said bar including an actuating member movable relative to said pivotal support means, a first pair of links each pivotally connected at one end to an intermediate portion of a difierent one of the supporting members and a second pair of links each pivotally connected to the other end of a different one ,of said first pair of links and to the actuating member, means on the frame providing a pivotal support for each of the first pair of links intermediate the ends thereof, and means for locking said bars in position grasping the neck of an upright pin.

'7. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a pair of spaced parallel bars of substantial length, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal plane toward each other to grasp the neck of an upright pin comprising a pair of elongated supporting members each carrying one of said bars at one end thereof, a first movable member provided with a pair of vertical slots, means slidably positioned in each of said slots and pivotally supporting the other end of each of said supporting members, a second member movable relative to the first movable member, a first pair of links each pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the first movable member and each pivotally connected at one end thereof to an intermediate portion of a different one of said supporting members, and means providing a toggle link connection between the other end of each of said links and said second movable member to provide a differential action in the movement of said bars with relative movement between the first and second movable members" 8. Bowling pin setting apparatus comprising, in combination, a pair of spaced parallel bars of substantial length, means for supporting said bars for movement in a substantially horizontal plane toward each other to grasp the neck of an upright pin comprising a pair of elongated supporting members each carrying one of said bars at one end thereof, a first movable member provided with a pair of vertical slots, means slidably positioned in each of said slots and pivotally supporting the other end of each of said supporting members, a second member movable relative to the first movable member, a first pair of links each pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the first movable member and each pivotally connected at one end thereof to an intermediate portion of a different one of said supporting members, a second pair of links each pivotally connected at one end thereof to the other end of a diiferent one of said first pair of links and pivotally connected at their other end to said second movable member to provide a differential action in the movement of said bars with relative move- 15 1 6 ment between the first and second movable UNITED STATES PATENTS members.

Number Name Date JACK VAN HORN WHIPPLE- 1,203,216 McFarland Oct. 31, 1916 GEORGE BENTLEY- 2,283,613 Schmidt May 19, 1942 EDWARD BENTLEY- 2,300,302 Pan-a, et a1. Nov. 3, 1942 2,307,339 Kaufman Jan. 12, 1943 REFERENCES CITED 2,333,703 Bates Nov, 13, 1945 The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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