US3829089A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tethered pins pinsetter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-11-09
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Granted: 1974-08-13
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Expires: 1993-11-09
Abstract
Abstract A Pinsetter for bowling alleys in which the pins are connected to the pinsetting mechanism by overhead lines, the lines having idle loops to permit the pins substantial range of movement upon being struck. A ball return mechanism coacts with the pinsetter to provide automatic actuation of the pinsetting mechanism under the correct predetermined conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 L Butterfield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:20
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63D; A63D5/00; A63D5/08; A63D5/02; A63D5/023; A63D2005/083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
Pinsetting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising: a. Ten bowling pins secured by lines to ten drop bars; b. Ten solenoid-latches for releasably securing said drop bars in a raised position in which said lines are longer than the paths between said drop bars and said pins; c. Ten biased idle rollers positioned in the path between said drop bars and said pins for creating idle loops maintaining tension on said lines; d. At least ten switches actuated by upsetting of respective pins and connected to respective ones of said solenoid latches for releasing said drop bars; e. An electrically driven rotating crank arm coacting with an eccentric semicircular channel on a lifting frame for raising said drop bars and resetting upset pins; and, f. Automatic ball return means for returning balls thrown at said ten bowling pins.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
Pinsetting apparatus for a bowling alley comprising: a. Ten bowling pins secured by lines to ten drop bars; b. Ten solenoid-latches for releasably securing said drop bars in a raised position in which said lines are longer than the paths between said drop bars and said pins; c. Ten biased idle rollers positioned in the path between said drop bars and said pins for creating idle loops maintaining tension on said lines; d. At least ten switches actuated by upsetting of respective pins and connected to respective ones of said solenoid latches for releasing said drop bars; e. An electrically driven rotating crank arm coacting with an eccentric semicircular channel on a lifting frame for raising said drop bars and resetting upset pins; and, f. Automatic ball return means for returning balls thrown at said ten bowling pins.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
Pinsetting apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising ten cylindrical sleeves positioned above respective ones of said pins and a ball stopgate all connected by lines to said lifting frame such that when said lifting frame raises said drop bars it simultaneously lowers said sleeves and said ball stopgate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
Pinsetting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lines each pass vertically upward from a respective pin to a respective first pulley, then substantially horizontally over said first pulley to a respective second pulley and thence downwardly to a respective drop bar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Pinsetting apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said biased idle rollers are connected each to a respective first pulley to form idle loops between first and second pulleys.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
Pinsetting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said electrically driven crank arm is driven by an electric motor and further comprises switching means for stopping said motor at the end of a 360* rotation of said arm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Pinsetting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ten switches each comprise means to switch in response to a predetermined movement of a respective one of said lines reducing a respective idle loop.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
106 words
A fully automatic pinsetter for bowling alleys comprising: a. A set of bowling pins secured by lines passing over overhead pulleys to the ends of weighted drop bars; b. Means to release said drop bars upon respective ones of said pins being upset. c. First means operated by dropping of all said bars to actuate a pin reset cycle; d. Automatic ball return means; e. Second switch means operated by ball return to actuate a pin reset cycle on return of the last ball bowled in a frame; and f. Means to block the effect of return of a strike ball on said second switch means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
106 words
A fully automatic pinsetter for bowling alleys comprising: a. A set of bowling pins secured by lines passing over overhead pulleys to the ends of weighted drop bars; b. Means to release said drop bars upon respective ones of said pins being upset. c. First means operated by dropping of all said bars to actuate a pin reset cycle; d. Automatic ball return means; e. Second switch means operated by ball return to actuate a pin reset cycle on return of the last ball bowled in a frame; and f. Means to block the effect of return of a strike ball on said second switch means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A fully automatic pinsetter according to claim 7 further comprising means actuated by return of a strike balL to deactivate said means to block.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
A fully automatic pinsetter according to claim 7 wherein said ball return means comprises a return chute and said second switch means is operated responsive to balls passing over a first segment of said chute and said means to block is cancelled by a ball passing over a second segment of said chute.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fully automatic pinsetter according to claim 9 wherein said means to block is a mechanical obstruction preventing response of said second switch means to balls passing over said first segment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-12 | 1978-02-11 | 1978-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-12 | 1982-02-11 | 1982-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-12 | 1986-02-11 | 1986-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |