US3764136A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Game apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US3764136A
US3764136A US00255998A US3764136DA US3764136A US 3764136 A US3764136 A US 3764136A US 00255998 A US00255998 A US 00255998A US 3764136D A US3764136D A US 3764136DA US 3764136 A US3764136 A US 3764136A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
ball
alley
pins
propulsion
aperture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00255998A
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English (en)
Inventor
J Breslow
E Jaworski
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Glass Marvin and Associates
Original Assignee
Glass Marvin and Associates
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Glass Marvin and Associates filed Critical Glass Marvin and Associates
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Publication of US3764136A publication Critical patent/US3764136A/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
    • A63D3/00—Table bowling games; Miniature bowling-alleys; Bowling games
    • A63D3/02—Arrangement of devices for propelling or projecting the balls, e.g. spring, string, sling drive, roll-off devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
    • A63D3/00—Table bowling games; Miniature bowling-alleys; Bowling games

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT An amusement apparatus simulating a bowling type game having an elongated alley and a plurality of pins positionable at one end of the alley and adapted to be overturned by a ball projected over the alley.
  • a ball propulsion device is provided at the opposite end of the alley and comprises an elastic band extending transversely across the alley and through a spherical propulsion member generally on a transverse diameter of the spherical member.
  • the propulsion member is generally of the same diameter as the bowling ball.
  • Spotting means is provided for the pins on the alley and includes complementary attracting permanent magnets embedded in the base of each pin and in the alley to insure that the pins are properly spotted when placed at preselected spotting positions.
  • This invention is directed to providing a new and improved bowling type game of the character described.
  • the principal object, therefore, of the present invention is to provide a new and improved amusement device, particularly a bowling type game apparatus.
  • One feature of the invention is the provision of a new and improved ball propulsion device which includes an elastic band wrapped around post members removably mounted on opposite sides of the bowling alley, with the elastic band extending transversely across the end of the alley opposite the end where the pins are spotted.
  • a spherical propulsion or striking member is loosely mounted on the band for striking a ball and projecting the ball over the alley toward the pins.
  • the band extends through the spherical propulsion member generally on a diameter thereof transversely of the alley whereby the spherical propulsion member may be spun about its transverse diameter, by a player of the game, while striking a ball to thereby vary the propulsion characteristics of the ball as it is projected down the alley.
  • the angular projection of the ball may be varied by adjusting the longitudinal position of the spherical propulsion member along the elastic band.
  • the bowling alley is inclined downwardly from the end where the pins are spotted to the ball propulsion device whereby the ball, after it strikes the pins, returns automatically down the inclined alley to a return position defined by upstanding'chute-type wall means where the ball again may be struck by the spherical propulsion member.
  • Another feature of the invention is the provision of new and improved spotting means for the pins on the bowling alley. More particularly, complementary attracting permanent magnets are seated in recesses on the underside of the pins and in the alley whereby the magnetic attraction between the magnetic members insure' that the pins are properly, spotted when placed at predetermined spotting positions.
  • the mass of the bowling ball versus the magnetic force of attractionbetween the magnetic members must be such that the bowling ball can readily overcome the magnetic forces involved to overturn the pins.
  • FIG. I is a perspective view of a bowling type game apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view, partially broken away and on an enlarged scale, of the game apparatus of FIG. 1, with the pins and bowling ball removed therefrom;
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 2, with one bowling pin shown in phantom;
  • FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the front end of the game apparatus, with portions thereof broken awayto facilitate the illustration;.
  • FIG. .5 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating the removable post members about-which the clastic band of the ball propulsion device is anchored.
  • FIG. 6 is a vertical section through one of the pin members and through a section of the bowling alley to illustrate the magnetic spotting means of the present invention.
  • the bowling type game or amusement apparatus of the present invention includes a base structure, generally designated 10, having generally flat wall means defining an elongated bowling alley 12 which is bounded on its sides by upstanding side wall means 14.
  • a plurality of bowling pins 16 are provided for positioning at one end of the alley l2 and adapted to be overturned by a ball 18 which is projected over the alley by a ball propulsion device, generally designated 20, at the end of the alley opposite the pins 16.
  • the base structure 10 is formed with a bin 22 at the rear thereof and into which overturned pins may be received.
  • a back board 24 is provided behind the bin 22 and protrudes upwardly above the bowling alley 12 to aid in preventing the pins 16 and bowling ball 18 from being propelled out of the base structure as the ball strikes the pins.
  • the alley 12 is inclined downwardly from the end thereof where the pins 16 are spotted to to the front end thereof where the ball propulsion means 20 is disposed.
  • the ball 18 tends to return back to its position at the front of the alley after it strikes the pin 16.
  • Upstanding side wall portions 26 are provided at the frontof the alley and converge forwardly toward an aperture 28 which defines a return position for the ball 18 wherefrom it again may be projected over the alley 12 toward the pins 16.
  • the aperture 28 is of a lesser width than the diameter of the ball 18 to provide a return position for the ball, and the upstanding side wall portions 26 define a chute to guide the ball toward the aperture 28.
  • An upper plate memher 30 is secured to the base structure and extends over the alley 12 in front of the aperture 28 to prevent the ball 18 from jumping out of its return position in front of the aperture 28 either on its return thereto or when it is struck, as hereinafter described, to project it over the alley 12 toward the pins 16.
  • the ball propulsion device or means 20 of the present invention includes an elastic band 32 which extends transversely across the bowling alley, with a spherical propulsion member 34 loosely received on the elastic band 32, the elastic band extending through the spehrical propulsion member 34 on a diameter thereof extending generally transversely of the alley 12.
  • the elastic band 32 actually comprises a continuous loop having ends thereof wrapped around upstanding post members 36 which are removably mounted on the base structure 10 by placing the same through an aperture 38 (as best seen in FIG. and seating post members behind a slot 40 which is narrower than the diameter of the post members.
  • Upstanding wall portions 42 of the base structure diverge forwardly from the aperture 28 outwardly toward the points of connection of the elastic band to the base structure, as defined by the posts 36 and slots 40.
  • the elastic band 32 is described herein (and in the claims) as extending generally transversely across the bowling alley 12, it can be seen that in the particular embodiment shown the band actually is outside of the physical alley surface, i.e., outside of the aperture 28 which defines the return position for the ball 18. No limitations are meant thereby.
  • the spherical propulsion member 34 With the spherical propulsion member 34 being freely mounted on the elastic band 32 on a transverse diameter thereof, the spherical member 34 may be spun about its transverse axis, by a player of the game, while striking the ball 18 to vary the propulsion characteristics of the ball as it is projected down the alley. In other words, with the member 34 being entirely spherical in nature, its spinning will be transmitted to the ball 18 and various English characteristics may be transmitted to the ball 18, somewhat similar to spins applied to a billiard ball. Of course, the spherical member 34 must be of sufficient mass, in conjunction with the force of the elastic band 32, to impart sufficient momentum to the ball 18. Preferably, the spherical member 34 is of the same diameter as the ball 18. In addition, the propulsion characteristics of the ball 18 further may be varied by moving the spherical propulsion member 34 longitudinally along the band 32 to effectively vary the angle of projection of the ball over the alley 12.
  • Another feature of the invention is the provision of new and improved means for accurately spotting the pins 16 on the alley 12.
  • Such means includes magnetic means in the alley at predetermined spotting positions, and complementary attracting magnetic means in the base of the pins 16 whereby the magnetic attraction therebetween insures that the pins are properly spotted when placed at the predetermined spotting positions.
  • the normal predetermined spotting positions of bowling pins are marked by appropriate indicia means 44 on the alley 12 in front of the bin 22.
  • Beneath each of the spotting indicia 44 is a disc shaped permanent magnet 46 secured within an annular cylindrical boss 48 beneath the relatively thin wall means on the base structure 10 which defines the alley 12.
  • Each of the pins l6' has a complementary attracting permanent magnet 50 embedded in the base thereof, generally flush with the bottom of the pin.
  • the magnets 46 and 50 will attract each other and insure that the pins are properly spotted in relatively spaced relation at the predetermined spotting positions.
  • the magnetic forces of attraction between the magnets 46 and 50, versus the mass of the bowling ball 18, must be such that the ball can readily overturn the pins when struck thereby.
  • a bowling type game apparatus including a base structure having an elongated bowling alley, a plurality of pins positionable at one end of the alley, a ball which is to be rollingly propelled along the alley to overturn the pins, and a ball propulsion device at the end of the alley opposite the pins for propelling the ball toward the pins, the improvement in said ball propulsion device comprising:
  • propulsion station extending transversely across the alley at the end thereof opposite the pins and from which the ball is propelled toward the pins, said propulsion station including two spaced apart upright barriers protruding inwardly from opposite sides of the alley, with an aperture formed by the space between said barriers, the aperture having a width less than the diameter of the ball whereby the ball is positionable at the aperture preparatory to propulsion, each barrier having an upstanding diverging guide wall extending from the aperture forwardly in a direction away from the pins;
  • a spherical propulsion impact member mounted on said band, the band extending through the spherical impact member generally on a diameter thereof whereby the spherical propulsion member may be spun about an axis defined by 'said diameter by a player of the game, in striking a ball, to thereby vary the propulsion characteristics of the ball ash is projected down the alley, said impact member being slidable longitudinally along said band and being capable of being pulled forwardly away from the aperture in any one of an infinite number of directions, whereby said impact member when released is guided toward the aperture by said guide walls and impacts a ball positioned at the aperture imparting propulsion to the ball toward the pins.
  • the apparatus of claim 1 including a generally horizontal guide plate mounted over the aperture between the two barriers for preventing the impact member from being propelled upwardly off of the alley.

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  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Holding Or Fastening Of Disk On Rotational Shaft (AREA)
US00255998A 1972-05-23 1972-05-23 Game apparatus Expired - Lifetime US3764136A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25599872A 1972-05-23 1972-05-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3764136A true US3764136A (en) 1973-10-09

Family

ID=22970712

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00255998A Expired - Lifetime US3764136A (en) 1972-05-23 1972-05-23 Game apparatus

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3764136A (cs)
JP (1) JPS4942442A (cs)
AU (1) AU472657B2 (cs)
CA (1) CA963493A (cs)
DE (1) DE2326038A1 (cs)
FR (1) FR2185427B1 (cs)
GB (1) GB1383183A (cs)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD415210S (en) * 1998-05-15 1999-10-12 Manuel Ferreira Tavares Ball and pin game
US6319144B1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2001-11-20 Vernon Hasty Billiard bowling game
US10328323B2 (en) * 2016-10-04 2019-06-25 Game Innovation, LLC Projectile and target game

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS55906U (cs) * 1978-05-26 1980-01-07

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US607159A (en) * 1898-07-12 Annie busse
US616557A (en) * 1898-12-27 Game-board
AT2265B (cs) * 1899-07-22 1900-09-25 Wilhelm Ruecker
US801031A (en) * 1905-01-09 1905-10-03 Andrew E Merckling Table bowling-alley.
US2048915A (en) * 1934-02-16 1936-07-28 Bayer John Projector for surface projectiles
US3355173A (en) * 1964-05-21 1967-11-28 Eugene I Selker Baseball gameboard

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2194146A (en) * 1939-02-06 1940-03-19 Arthur W Merkle Bowling alley
FR899873A (fr) * 1943-11-18 1945-06-13 Jeu de boules de salon
US3704889A (en) * 1971-08-12 1972-12-05 Coleco Ind Inc Bowling and pool game apparatus

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US607159A (en) * 1898-07-12 Annie busse
US616557A (en) * 1898-12-27 Game-board
AT2265B (cs) * 1899-07-22 1900-09-25 Wilhelm Ruecker
US801031A (en) * 1905-01-09 1905-10-03 Andrew E Merckling Table bowling-alley.
US2048915A (en) * 1934-02-16 1936-07-28 Bayer John Projector for surface projectiles
US3355173A (en) * 1964-05-21 1967-11-28 Eugene I Selker Baseball gameboard

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD415210S (en) * 1998-05-15 1999-10-12 Manuel Ferreira Tavares Ball and pin game
US6319144B1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2001-11-20 Vernon Hasty Billiard bowling game
US10328323B2 (en) * 2016-10-04 2019-06-25 Game Innovation, LLC Projectile and target game

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2326038A1 (de) 1973-12-06
FR2185427A1 (cs) 1974-01-04
AU472657B2 (en) 1976-06-03
FR2185427B1 (cs) 1977-04-29
JPS4942442A (cs) 1974-04-22
GB1383183A (en) 1975-02-05
CA963493A (en) 1975-02-25
AU5588973A (en) 1974-11-21

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