Bowling game apparatus

Abstract

A bowling game apparatus that combines some of the features of Bowling, Miniature Golf and Pinball concepts into an integrated game of skill and chance that can be played indoors. The game apparatus is played on lanes such that each lane is distinctly different such as Miniature Golf holes wherein ten lanes are played sequentially, as Miniature Golf, such that each lane comprises a frame and the ten played lanes comprises a single game or string. The game apparatus is scored the same as Candlepin and Duckpin bowling. Each unique lane is not like a bowling alley but can be free formed in different shapes, lengths and proximity to one another as found in Miniature Golf. The game apparatus can be installed in a center where more than one 10 lane set can be located. In addition, the each ten lanes of the apparatus can be set up in the same or differing themes such as pirates, jungle, western, etc. The bowling game apparatus can be accomplished without the need for expensive wooden or synthetic lanes that must be critically leveled and assiduously maintained. Further, there is no need for special shoes for the players to prevent damage to the playing surfaces. Other features found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines make the game more fun, faster and exciting. The game can be challenging for adults but permits children to compete on a equal footing with adults; and gives the players the feeling that they playing a bowling type of game while standing inside a Pinball machine.

Description

[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 280,824 filed Nov. 9, 2009 pursuant to 35 USC §119(e).FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to indoor recreational sporting games, in particular, relating to throwing a ball down a fixed path to knock down ten standing pins, with each knocked down pin contributing to an overall score.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Knocking pins down with a ball rolled along a prepared surface is one of the oldest games in the history of the world. Artifacts have been uncovered which indicate that this game dates back 3200 B.C. which makes bowling over five thousand years old. Today, this recreational activity can be found in over 90 countries and practiced by more than one hundred million people.[0004]While there are presently three major variations of bowling being practiced today, Ten Pin bowling is the most popular since being introduced on television in the 1950's. Modern indoor bowling consists of a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026]It is another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that uses rubber banded pins to increase the action.

[0027]It is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that uses balls that are sized and weighted much like Candlepin and Duckpin balls so that the balls can be easily handled by a child.

[0029]Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus such that each lane has at least a portion thereof that is declining in elevation in order to use the force of gravity to increase the speed of the ball to ensure that the ball reaches the pins.

[0034]Another aspect of the invention is to provide a bowling game apparatus that can be handicapped by the players to enable children to compete effectively with adults wherein the handicapping is accomplished by controlling the active obstacles.

[0035]Finally, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a bowling game apparatus that can be provided without the need for expensive wooden or synthetic lanes that must be critically leveled and assiduously maintained, or that require the need for special shoes for the players to prevent damage to the playing surfaces, and other features found in Miniature Golf and Pinball machines that make the game more fun, faster and exciting; can be challenging for adults but permits children to compete on a equal footing with adults; and gives the players the feeling that they playing a bowling type of game while standing inside a pinball machine.

Problems solved by technology

In light of these requirements, this game is unsuitable for children due to the size and weight of the ball.

The cost of construction for such a center can easily exceed one million dollars.

As Miniature Golf became more popular, the courses have become more elaborate and challenging with many holes now encompassing water hazards, caves, multiple paths to reach the hole and so on.

Further, it does not qualify as a family game as children lack the dexterity to control the ball as well as the strength to throw with sufficient force to knock the pins over.

In Ten Pin bowling, the balls are too large for small children to handle as well as being too heavy.

The balls can be made lighter but then small children still lack the strength and dexterity.

However, this game, as it is played outside, is only enjoyable when the weather is fair and warm.

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