Bowling aid for phisically impaired

Abstract

A bowling device is disclosed for propelling a bowling ball. The bowling device comprises a base defining an upper side and a lower side. A rotating device rotatably engaging the base for permitting the base to traverse over a surface. A shaft extends between an upper end and a lower end. A coupler secures the lower end of the shaft to the base. The upper end of the shaft includes a handle for the bowler to engage the bowling device. A support plate is secured to the base and the support plate has a longitudinal concave curvature and a lateral concave curvature for conforming to the bowling ball and retaining the bowling ball during movement of the base. The bowling ball is propelled from the support plate upon deceleration of the base in a forward direction to thrust the bowling ball toward the bowing pins.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bowling device to enable a physically impaired individual to propel a bowling ball down a bowling alley without physically grasping the bowling ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game and sport of bowling has origins dating back over 5,000 years and now there are over 100 million people in over ninety (90) countries that participate in bowling. Bowling is among the most popular forms of recreation in the world . . . The Bowling Aid extends the ability of the physically impaired to enjoy bowling. Including children

Conventional modifications comprise installing deflection means in the gutters along both sides of the lane that prevent the bowling balls from dropping into the gutters. These deflection methods allow the bowling ball to avoid the gutters and reach the pins in every release of the ball. Other means for assisting physically impaired individuals to bowl are elevated ramp that use gravity to accelerate the ball as it descends down the ramp to the bowling pins. Although both of these methods address certain challenges of the physically impaired, there is still a need for a more sophisticated form of assistance that allows bowlers to simulate the traditional methods of bowling and enjoy bowling competitively with friends, family and associates. These individuals include those simply lacking the strength to release the ball with sufficient energy to transit the entire lane, such as children, someone injured, or those persons suffering from an ailment like arthritis. The prior art reflects many attempts to address these issues, however, no one, has completely satisfied the requirements for simulating a method of bowling that reflects the game and sport of bowling.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,619 discloses a dolly having a pedestal means above and a roller means beneath for effecting a linear direction of motion to the dolly. The shaft means is mounted through the pedestal means and rollers coupled to one end of the shaft means for contacting a bowling ball to be rolled. A handle means is coupled to the other end of the shaft means for imparting a motion to the rollers through the shaft. However, it does not provide a means for spinning the bowling ball upon its release and lacks balancing.

PCT Application WO2005082476 discloses a personal mobility vehicle to enable the physically challenged to participate in a bowling game by means of a ramp extending between an upper end and a lower end and a coupling securing said ramp to the personal mobility vehicle. The bowling ball is launched by traveling from said upper end to the lower end of said ramp by quickly decelerating the speed of the mobility vehicle thereby, propelling the bowling ball. However, this device is too complex to be manufactured and serviced for commercialization due to various constraints, including, cost, size, weight, integrity, and the space required for storage.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D364905 discloses an ornamental design for a bowling aid device. However, it does not provide an adjustable mechanism for the height of the operator, a mechanism for spinning the bowling ball and the support plate of the design lacks a suitable shape for effectively holding the bowling ball during acceleration to the point of release.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,598 discloses a devise for a bowler in a wheelchair Said devise is placed alongside of the wheelchair as a standing frame and has a declining ramp wherein the bowler manually positions the frame to achieve directional control of a bowling ball at launch. A ball is placed on the launching ramp and released by the bowler. However, this device is complex with manufacturing constraints that are barriers to commercialization including cost, size, storage, integrity, and durability,

U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,201 discloses a stick for playing a game with a spherical ball wherein a stick is used for propelling and controlling the ball over a flat playing surface. The stick includes a body having a downwardly facing cup-shaped -spherical depression and a shaft allowing a running or skating player to propel and control the ball. However, this device lacks an adjustable mechanism for the height of the operator and does not provide a means for spinning the bowling.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,365,197 discloses an elongated bowling ball handle of sufficient length to allow the bowler to operate in an erect position. The bowling ball handle having one element within an open recess therein to receive three fingers of the bowler's hand, the fourth finger extending along the element to guide the same. However, said devise does not spin the bowling ball, nor have an adjustable mechanism for the height of the bowler.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,033,567 discloses a bowling ball rolling device which may be used by handicapped persons who have suffered a loss of a thumb or fingers. Said device enables the bowler to compensate for these handicaps. A semi spherical, cup-shaped receptacle which receives the balanced bowling ball, which receptacle has a means associated therewith for receiving the hand of the user, the receptacle and ball carried thereby are being controlled by the user of the device. However, it does not spin the bowling ball upon its release and the weight of the ball rest totally on the user's wrist creating discomfort to the player.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved apparatus for assisting mildly physically challenged bowlers to release the ball, such as the elderly and children. In general, several aspects the invention features are an improved apparatus for applying a spin to the bowling ball upon its release to ensure a hooked path as the ball transits the bowling lane, providing an improved apparatus that is adjustable for the height of the bowler, and an improved apparatus that is simple for the operator to use.

In still another aspect, the invention improves on the prior art by the elimination of other features which produce a bowling aid that is simple to use, cost effective to manufacture, weights less, has the ability to simulate standard bowling practices, and stores easily. The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent improvements over the prior art relative to the present invention. These features should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent individual and measurable properties of the present invention that simplify and improve upon the prior art. Many other beneficial elements can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the claims, summary and the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a surface for striking the bowling pins. An individual grasps the bowling device for displacing the bowling ball. The bowling ball has a finger hole. The bowling device comprises a base defining an upper side and a lower side. A rotating device defining a generally longitudinal line of symmetry rotatably engages the base for permitting the base to traverse over the surface. A shaft extends between an upper end and a lower end. A coupler secures the lower end of the shaft to the base. The upper end of the shaft includes a handle for engaging the individual. A support plate defines a top end, a bottom end, an upper surface, a lower surface, a generally longitudinal axis of symmetry and a generally lateral axis of symmetry. The lower surface of the support plate is secured to the upper side of the base. The generally longitudinal axis of symmetry and the generally lateral axis of symmetry have a perpendicular orientation.

The support plate has a longitudinal concave curvature relative to the generally longitudinal axis of symmetry for conforming to the bowling ball and retaining the bowling ball during movement of the base. The support plate has a lateral concave curvature relative to the lateral axis of symmetry for conforming to the bowling ball and retaining the bowling ball during movement of the base. The bowling ball separates from the support plate upon deceleration of the base in a forward direction to propel the bowling ball. In a more specific embodiment of the invention, a finger shaft extends from the upper surface of the support plate. The finger shaft engages within the finger hole of the bowling ball for retaining the bowling ball during acceleration of the base in a forward direction and releasing the bowling ball during deceleration of the base in a forward direction to propel the bowling ball thereby. In one embodiment of the invention, the rotating device includes a truck defining a base plate secured to the lower side of the base and a hanger supporting a first wheel and a second wheel. A bushing couples the base plate and the hanger allowing the hanger to pivot relative to the base plate for steering the truck.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface comprising a base defining an upper side and a lower side. A rotating means rotatably engaging said base for permitting said base traversing over the surface. The rotating device defining a generally longitudinal line of symmetry rotatably engages the base for permitting the base to traverse over the surface.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface including a shaft assembly including a plurality of shafts wherein at least one shaft is secured to the top surface of the base. The shaft assembly comprising a main shaft, a lower shaft, an upper shaft and the main shaft including an exterior surface and interior bore extending between an upper end and a lower end, wherein said lower end of said main shaft further comprises at least one retractable pin and said lower shaft including an interior bore and an exterior surface extending between an upper end and a lower end, wherein said lower end comprising a plurality of holes located along the circumference for securely engaging said retractable pin of said lower end of said main shaft.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface including a flexible support plate secured to the upper side of the base in a pivoting configuration comprising a top end, a bottom end, an upper surface, a lower surface and said support plate is vertically adjustable to said rotating means for propelling said ball from a desired height. The support plate is vertically adjusted to the rotating means by using manual adjustment, hydraulic adjustment, a tensioner adjustment and/or a motorized adjustment. The pivoting configuration further comprising of a means for locking said support plate with respect to said upper side of said base at an ergonomic position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a shaft assembly for propelling a bowling ball along the bowling lane surface comprising an upper shaft defining an interior bore and an exterior surface extending between an upper end and a lower end and said upper end of said upper shaft is connected to a handle and a lower shaft defining an interior bore and an exterior surface extending between an upper end and a lower end and said lower end of said lower shaft is connected to a base, wherein said upper shaft and said lower shaft are coupled by means of engaging the exterior surface of said lower shaft into the interior bore of said upper shaft. A mechanical controlling means for controlling movement of said lower shaft and said upper shaft for varying a distance between said base and said handle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along the bowling lane surface comprising a support plate secured to a base and means for gripping and retaining the bowling ball. Multiple grippers are placed along the side edge of the support plate for retaining the bowling ball during acceleration. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface including a means for punching and spinning said bowling ball along a bowling surface. A means for punching and spinning said bowling ball along said bowling surface further comprising of a spring based mechanism.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject matter of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference is herein made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a side view of a first embodiment of a bowling device in the starting position for propelling a bowling ball on to the surface of the bowling lane for striking a bowling pin.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a side view of a FIG. 1 illustrating the bowling device in a concluding position, for propelling the ball for striking the bowling pins.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a top view of the bowling device as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a side view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a front view of FIG. 3 illustrating an upper shaft rotating relative to a lower shaft for positioning a handle in multiple angular positions.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a rear view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the upper shaft and the lower shaft pivoting left relative to a truck for steering the bowling device to the left.

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the upper shaft and the lower shaft pivoting right relative to a truck for steering the bowling device to the right.

FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting side view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the upper shaft and the lower shaft defining a first height and a support plate in contact with the surface.

FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a sectional view along line 10-10 in FIG. 9 illustrating a clamp being shown from a locked position to an unlocked position.

FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting a side view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the upper shaft and the lower shaft defining a second height and the support plate in contact with the surface.

FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting a sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 11 illustrating the clamp being shown from the unlocked position to the locked position.

FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting an enlarged portion of FIG. 9 illustrating a pin vector force applied to a retractable pin.

FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 13 illustrating a lift vector force applied to the upper shaft for separating the shaft from a base.

FIG. 15 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating a second embodiment of a bowling device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram depicting a side view of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a diagram depicting a front view of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a diagram depicting an enlarged portion of FIG. 16 illustrating a finger shaft and support plate engaging the bowling ball with the support plate being elevated above the surface for transporting the bowling ball.

FIG. 19 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 15 illustrating the support plate having a left non-aligning orientation relative to said truck and a forward vector force being applied to the shaft for accelerating the bowling ball in a forward direction.

FIG. 20 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating the forward vector decelerating in a forward direction and simultaneously rotating the base for propelling the bowling ball thereby and inducing both a longitudinal rotational spin and a left lateral rotational spin on the bowling ball.

FIG. 21 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 19 illustrating the support plate having a right non-aligning orientation relative to the truck and a forward vector force being applied to the shaft for accelerating the bowling ball in a forward direction.

FIG. 22 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating the forward vector decelerating in a forward direction and simultaneously rotating the base for propelling the bowling ball thereby and inducing both a longitudinal rotational spin and a right lateral rotational spin on the bowling ball.

FIG. 23 is a diagram depicting a view similar to FIG. 15 illustrating the finger shaft located in an alternative location.

FIG. 24 is a diagram depicting a side view of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a diagram depicting an enlarged portion of FIG. 24 illustrating the finger shaft and support plate engaging the bowling ball and the support plate is elevated above the surface for transporting the bowling ball.

FIG. 26 is a diagram depicting a pivoting action of the support plate with respect to base plate.

FIG. 27 is a diagram depicting a lower shaft rotating relative to a main shaft for positioning a handle in multiple angular positions.

FIG. 28 is a diagram depicting a ball punching mechanism when the spring is in normal position.

FIG. 29 is a diagram depicting a ball punching mechanism when the spring is in compressed position.

FIG. 30 is a diagram depicting a ball punching mechanism when the spring is in expanded position, and

FIG. 31 is a diagram depicting an automatic length adjustment mechanism inserted in the interior bore of upper shaft and lower shaft and the upper shaft is located at first shaft length position.

FIG. 32 is a diagram depicting an automatic length adjustment mechanism inserted in the interior bore of upper shaft and lower shaft and the upper shaft is located at second shaft length position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-12 are diagrams depicting a various views of a first embodiment of a bowling device 10 for propelling a bowling ball 12 along an alley 14 for striking one or more bowling pins 16. The bowling ball 12 includes a spherical shape 18 and has a smooth exterior surface 20. Typically, a bowling ball 12 will include a set of three holes 22 drilled into the bowling ball 12 from the smooth exterior surface 20. The set of three holes 22 may include a ring finger hole 24, a middle finger hole 26, and a thumb hole 28. Typically, an individual 30 will grasp the bowling ball 10 with a hand 32 by inserting a ring finger 34, a middle finger 36 and a thumb 38 into the ring finger hole 24, middle finger hole 26 and thumb hole 28, respectively. The individual 30 then utilizes an arm 40 to produce a forward motion for propelling the bowling ball 10 down the bowling alley 14 and striking the one or more bowling pins 16. The bowling device 10 eliminates the need for the individual 32 to physically grasp the bowling ball 10 while producing a forward motion for propelling the bowling ball 10 down the bowling alley 14 and striking the one or more bowling pins 16.

The bowling device 10 comprises a base 50 defining an upper side 52 and a lower side 54. Preferably the base 50 includes a metallic plate 58, polymeric plate or other rigid plate material. A rotating device 60 defines a generally longitudinal line of symmetry 61 shown as line “A” and is secured to the lower side 54 of the base 50 for permitting the base 50 to more easily traverse over the bowling alley 14. The rotating device is shown to include a truck 62. The truck 62 defines a base plate 64 secured to the lower side 54 of the base 50 and a hanger 66. An axle 68 traverses the hangar 66 for defining a first wheel axle shaft 70 and a second wheel axle shaft 72. A first set of wheel bearings 74 engaged about a first wheel 76 for permitting the first wheel 76 to rotatably engage the first wheel axle shaft 70. A second set of wheel bearings 78 engage about a second wheel 80 for permitting the second wheel 80 to rotatably engage the second wheel axle shaft 72. The second wheel axle 72 and wheel assembly of the truck 62 is optionally provided with a braking means for both the front wheel axle 70 and rear wheel axle 72 assemblies as is well known in the art. Additionally, the handle-controlled truck can be controlled by a steering mechanism, for providing smooth maneuvering. The steering mechanism may be comprised with a casing fixed at front end of the truck and a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly respectively mounted at front and rear ends of the truck, wherein, the front wheel assembly 76 including two wheels, which are able to steer and control the direction of the truck.

The base plate 64 and the hanger 66 are coupled by a bushing coupling 82 and a ball joint coupling 84. The bushing coupling 82 includes a kingpin 86 that traversing a grommet 88 for permitting a spring mechanism 90. The spring mechanism 90 permits the hanger 66 to pivot relative to the base plate 64 for steering the base 50. The kingpin 86 may be utilized for compressing the bushing coupling 82 to stiffen the bushing coupling 82 and provide a more resistance pivoting between the hanger 66 and the base plate 64. Alternatively, the kingpin 86 may be utilized for expanding the bushing coupling 82 for reducing the stiffness of the bushing coupling 82 and providing less resistance pivoting between the hanger 66 and the base plate 64.

A support plate 100 engages the base 50 for supporting the bowling ball 12 above the bowling alley 14 such that the bowling ball may be wheeled in multiple directions over the bowling alley 14. The support plate 100 defines a top end 102, a bottom end 104, an upper surface 106, a lower surface 108, a generally longitudinal axis of symmetry 110 and a generally lateral axis of symmetry 112. The generally longitudinal axis of symmetry 110 is shown as line “B” and the generally lateral axis of symmetry 112 is shown as line “C”. Preferably the support plate 100 includes a metallic plate 58, polymeric plate or other rigid plate material. The lower surface 108 of the support plate 100 is secured to the upper side 52 of the base 50. The generally longitudinal axis of symmetry 110 and the generally lateral axis of symmetry 112 have a perpendicular orientation 114. The support plate 100 includes a generally spherical shaped cup 116 for conforming to the spherical shape 18 of the bowling ball 12 and retaining the bowling ball 12 during movement of the base 50. More specifically, the support plate 100 has a longitudinal concave curvature 120 relative to the generally longitudinal axis of symmetry 110 for conforming to the spherical shape 18 of the bowling ball 12 and retaining the bowling ball 12 during movement of the base 50. Furthermore, the support plate 100 has a lateral concave curvature 122 relative to the generally lateral axis of symmetry 112 for conforming to the bowling ball 12 and retaining the bowling ball 12 during movement of the base 50.

The bowling ball 12 separates from the support plate 100 upon deceleration of the base 50 in a forward direction to propel the bowling ball 12 thereby. The top end 102 of the support plate 100 defines convex edge 124 for conforming to the bowling ball 12 and retaining the bowling ball during forward movement of the base 50. Furthermore, the bottom end 104 of the support plate 100 may define concave edge 126 for conforming to the bowling ball 12 and retaining the bowling ball 12 during rearward movement of the base 50. The concave edge 126 may be positioned between a first arm 130 and a second arm 132. The generally spherical shaped cup 116 including the convex edge 124, concave edge 126, first arm 130 and second arm 132 assists to stabilize the bowling ball 12 within the support plate 100 and prevent the bowling ball 12 from disengaging from the support plate 100 when the support plate 100 is elevated above the bowling alley 14. The individual 30 is capable of displacing the base 50 along the bowling alley 14 by grasping a shaft 140.

The shaft 140 extends between an upper end 142 and a lower end 144. The upper end 142 of the shaft 140 includes a handle 154 for engaging the individual 30. The shaft 140 includes an upper shaft 146 and a lower shaft 148 both defining an interior bore 150 and an exterior surface 152. The upper shaft 146 is slidably engaged within the interior bore 150 of the lower shaft 148 for varying a distance between the base 50 and the handle 154 from a first shaft length 156 to a second shaft length 158. A clamp 160 having a clamp arm 162 for compressing and expanding the clamp 160 engages around the exterior surface 152 of the lower shaft 148 for compressing the lower shaft 148 against the upper shaft 146 and terminating the sliding engagement between the upper shaft 146 and the lower shaft 148. As best seen in FIG. 5, during the clamp arm 162 in the expanded position, the upper shaft 146 may be rotatably engaged within the interior bore 150 of the lower shaft 148 for varying an angle between the base 50 and the handle 154 from a first handle angle 164 and a second handle angle 166. Similarly, the clamp arm 162 compresses the lower shaft 148 against the upper shaft 146 and terminates the rotating engagement between the upper shaft 146 and the lower shaft 148.

A coupler 170 secures the lower end 144 of the shaft 140 to the base 50. The coupler 170 including a tube portion 172 and a fusing portion 174. The tube portion 172 defines an interior bore 176 and an exterior surface 178. The tube portion 172 is slidably engaged within the interior bore 150 of the lower shaft 148 of the shaft 140. Preferably the coupler 170 includes a tubular shaft consisting of metallic, polymeric or other rigid material. A retractable pin 180 traverses the exterior surface 178 of the tube portion 172 and the exterior surface 152 of the shaft 140 for terminating displacement between the shaft 140 and the base 50. The fusing portion 174 comprises an affixing means such as a metallic welding for fusing the metallic base 50 with both the support plate 100 and the coupler 170. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper end 142 of the shaft 140 including an accurate portion 190 for positioning the handle 154 in a generally horizontal position 192 upon the support plate 100 being elevated above the bowling alley 14. The accurate portion 190 improves the comfort of the individual by positioning the hand 32 of the individual 30 in a horizontal position when the support plate 100 is elevated above the bowling alley 14. Furthermore, the accurate portion 190 improves the comfort of the individual by positioning the hand 32 of the individual 30 in a general incline position 194 upon releasing the bowling ball from the support plate.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the generally longitudinal line of symmetry 61 of the rotating device 60 and the generally longitudinal axis of symmetry 110 of the support plate 100 define an aligning orientation 200 for centering the support plate 100 over the rotating device 60. The aligning orientation 200 positions the center mass 13 of the bowling ball 12 shown as line “D” equally between the first wheel 76 and the second wheel 80.

Referring to FIGS. 13-22 are diagrams depicting a second embodiment of the bowling device 10 for propelling a bowling ball 12 along an alley 14 for striking one or more bowling pins 16. In FIGS. 15-25 the generally longitudinal line of symmetry 61 of the rotating device 60 and the generally longitudinal axis of symmetry 110 of the support plate 100 which defines a non-aligning orientation 202 for offsetting the support plate 100 relative to the rotating device 60. The non-aligning orientation 202 positions the center of mass 13, line “D” of the bowling ball 12 off-center between the first wheel 76 and the second wheel 80. The non-aligning orientation 202 facilitates rotating or pivoting 204 the support plate 100 during the bowling ball 12 separating from the support plate 100 for creating both a longitudinal rotational spin 214 and a lateral rotational spin 216 on the bowling ball 12. Both a longitudinal rotational spin 214 and a lateral rotational spin 216 on the bowling ball 12 result in a curved trajectory of the bowling ball 12.

Referring to FIGS. 18-20 are diagrams depicting the support plate 100 including a left non-aligning orientation 208 for facilitating a left rotational force 209 upon the support plate 100 and a left lateral rotational spin 220 upon the bowling ball 12. FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the support plate 100 including a right non-aligning orientation 211 to facilitate a right rotational force 213 upon the support plate 100 and a right lateral rotational spin 222 upon the bowling ball 12. The support plate 100 may further include a finger shaft 210 extending from the upper surface 106 of the support plate 100. The finger shaft 210 engaging within one of the set of three holes 22. Preferably, the finger shaft 210 has a circular cross-section 212 for matching a circular cross-section 23 of one of the set of three holes. 22. The circular cross-section 212 of the finger shaft 210 is slightly less than the circular cross-section 23 of one of the set of three holes 22. The finger shaft 210 retains the bowling ball 12 during acceleration of the base 50 in a forward direction and releasing the bowling ball 12 during deceleration of the base 50 in a forward direction to propel the bowling ball 12 thereby. Furthermore, the finger shaft 210 prevents the bowling ball 12 from rotating during rotating or pivoting 204 the support plate 100. Upon the deceleration of the base 50, the one of the set of three holes 22 separates from the finger shaft 210 thereby transferring the rotational force 204 of the support plate 100 to the rotational spin 206 upon the bowling ball 12.

Referring to FIGS. 15-25 are diagrams depicting the handle 154 which may include a fork portion 230 having a first fork element 232 and a second fork element 234. A cross-bar 236 extends between the first fork element 232 and the second fork element 234 for receiving the hand 32 of the individual 30. The cross-bar 236 has a generally perpendicular orientation 238 relative to the shaft 140 for facilitating rotating or pivoting 204 the base during the bowling ball 12 separating from the support plate 100 for creating rotational spin 206 upon the bowling ball 12. FIGS. 15-22 include positioning of the finger shaft 210 adjacent to the top end 102 for defining an upper finger shaft 240. The upper finger shaft 240 is most effective wherein the forward acceleration force 134 and/or rotating or pivoting force 204 upon the support plate 100 is minimal.

Referring to FIGS. 23-25 are diagrams depicting positioning of the finger shaft 210 generally equidistant between the top end 102 and the bottom end 104 for defining a middle finger shaft 242. The middle finger shaft 242 is more effective wherein the forward acceleration force 134 and/or rotating or pivoting force 204 upon the support plate 100 is maximum. Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 26 is a diagram depicting a pivoting action of the support plate with respect to base plate. The support plate 100 is secured to the main shaft 256 by using a securing member 250. A pivotable member 244 is attached to the base plate 50 and the main shaft 256 is secured to the pivotable member 244. The lower shaft 148 and the upper shaft 146 are adjustably connected together by means of a clamp 160. The clamp 160 is including a clamp arm 162 for compressing and expanding the clamp 160 engages around the exterior surface 152 of the lower shaft 148 for compressing the lower shaft 148 against the upper shaft 146 and terminating the sliding engagement between the upper shaft 146 and the lower shaft 148. The support plate 100 angle is adjusted by rotating a pivotable member 244 using a handle 154. A locking means 252 locks the rotation of pivotable member 244 by releasing a lever 246. The lever 246 is coupled to the handle 154. The locking means 252 disengages with the pivotable member 244 by pressing the lever 246. The locking means 252 is connected through a pin 254 to the lever 246 by means of a thin single flexible sturdy strand of metal or other material 248. The disengaging action of locking means 252 is achieved due to the transmission of force from lever 246 to pin 254.

Referring to FIG. 27 is a diagram depicting a lower shaft rotating relative to a main shaft for positioning a handle in multiple angular positions. The lower shaft 148 may be rotatably engaged within the interior bore 150 of the main shaft 256 for varying an angle between the base 50 and the handle 154 from a first handle angle 164 and a second handle angle 166. Similarly, the clamp arm 162 compresses the lower shaft 148 against the upper shaft 146 and terminates the rotating engagement between the upper shaft 146 and the lower shaft 148. A retractable pin 180 traverses the exterior surface 178 of the main shaft 256 and the exterior surface 152 of the lower shaft 148 for terminating displacement between the lower shaft 148 and the base 50. The retractable pin 180 is inserted into at least one hole 258 located at lower end of the lower shaft 148.

Referring to FIG. 28-30 is a diagram depicting a ball punching mechanism when the spring is in normal position, spring is in compressed position and the spring is in expanded position. The support plate 100 may further include a finger shaft 210 extending from the upper surface 106 of the support plate 100. The finger shaft 210 engaging within one of the set of three holes 22. A spring 260 is inserted in interior bore of the finger shaft 210. The support plate 100 includes a generally spherical shaped cup 116 for conforming to the spherical shape 18 of the bowling ball 12 and retaining the bowling ball 12 during movement of the base 50. The spring 260 inserted in the interior bore of the finger shaft 210 is connected to the lever 246 through a thin single flexible and sturdy strand of metal or other material 248. The lever 246 is coupled to the handle 154. An individual 30 presses the lever 246 while propelling the bowling ball 12 along the bowling alley which causes compression of the spring 260 located in the interior bore of the finger shaft 210. After compression of the spring 260 shown in FIG. 29 an individual immediately releases the lever 246 causing sudden expansion of the spring 260 located in the interior bore of the finger shaft 210. The sudden expansion of the spring 260 shown in FIG. 30 hits the bowling ball 12 forcefully.

Referring to FIG. 31 is a diagram depicting an automatic length adjustment mechanism inserted in the interior bore of the upper shaft and lower shaft. The upper shaft 146 is slidably engaged within the interior bore 150 of the lower shaft 148 for varying a distance between the base 50 and the handle 154 from a first shaft length 156 to a second shaft length 158. The interior bore 150 of the lower shaft 148 including an externally threaded shaft 262 which is fixed to a support plate 272. The interior bore 150 of the upper shaft 146 including an internally threaded shaft 264. The internally threaded shaft 264 further including a top end 274 and a bottom end 276. The top end 274 of internally threaded shaft 264 is coupled to a motor shaft 266 of motor 268. The bottom end 276 of internally threaded shaft 264 is engaged with the externally threaded shaft 262. The motor 268 is connected to a switch 270. The slidable motion of upper shaft 146 is due to a rotatable engagement and disengagement of externally threaded shaft 262 with the internally threaded shaft 264. The rotatable engagement of the internally threaded shaft 264 with the externally threaded shaft 262 varying a distance between the base 50 and the handle 154 from a first shaft length 156 to a second shaft length 158.

Referring to FIG. 32 is a diagram depicting a slidable engagement of the upper shaft 146 within the interior bore 150 of the lower shaft for varying a shaft length from a first shaft length 156 to a second shaft length 158. The rotary motion of the motor shaft 266 is transferred to top end 274 of internally threaded shaft 264 thereby causing the slidable engagement of internally threaded shaft 264 with the externally threaded shaft 262.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and compositions of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley with sufficient velocity to knock down the bowling pins at the end of the bowling alley comprising: a base defining an upper side and a lower side; a rotating device defining a generally longitudinal line of symmetry and rotatably engaging the base for permitting said base to travel over the surface; a shaft extending between an upper end and a lower end; a coupler securing said lower end of said shaft to said base; said upper end of said shaft including a handle to guide and launch the bowling ball, thus allowing a person to bowl without having to hold the bowing ball. a support plate defining a top end, a bottom end, an upper surface, a lower surface; said lower surface of said support plate securing to said upper side of said base; said upper surface is concave curvature and said lower surface is convex curvature for securing, retaining, and launching said bowling ball.

2. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for separating and launching the ball from said support plate creating a linear trajectory of the bowling ball.

3. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein launching said bowling ball with a means for spinning the bowling ball in a lateral rotational spin in conjunction with said longitudinal rotational spin and creating a non-linear trajectory for the bowling ball.

4. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support plate retains the bowling ball during a rotation and forward movement of said base.

5. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, and further including a finger shaft that engages within the finger hole of the bowling ball for retaining the bowling ball during acceleration of said base in a forward direction and releasing the bowling ball from said support plate in a forward direction to propel the bowling ball thereby.

6. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rotating device includes a truck defining a base plate secured to said lower side of said base and a hanger supporting a first wheel and a second wheel; and a bushing coupling said base plate and said hanger allowing said hanger to pivot relative to said base plate for steering said base.

7. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said shaft includes a means for varying the length of the shaft and a handle.

8. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said shaft includes an upper shaft and a lower shaft both defining an interior bore and an exterior surface; said upper shaft being rotatably engaging within said interior bore of said lower shaft for varying an angle between said base and said handle; and a clamp engaging around said exterior surface of said lower shaft for compressing said lower shaft against said upper shaft and terminating the rotating engagement between said upper shaft and said lower shaft.

9. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said upper end of said shaft secured with a handle in a horizontal position to guide and launch the bowling ball, thus allowing a person to bowl without having to hold the bowing ball.

10. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said handle includes a fork portion defining a first fork element and a second fork element; a cross-bar extending between said first fork element and said second fork element for engaging the handle; and said cross-bar defining a generally perpendicular orientation relative to said shaft for facilitating the pivoting of said base during the bowling ball separating from said support plate for creating rotational spin of the bowling ball.

11. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as set forth in claim 1, wherein said shaft includes two hollow tubes, one within the other for adjusting the length of the shaft and a means for affixing said length in the desired position.

12. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley as defined in claim 1, wherein a person can grasp the handle of the bowling device and push said bowling devise toward the bowling pins and launch the bowling ball, the bowling ball having a finger hole, the bowling device, comprising: a base defining an upper and lower side; a means for rotating the bowing ball device defining a generally longitudinal line of symmetry and rotatably engaging said base for permitting said base traversing over the surface; a shaft extending between an upper end and a lower end; a means for securing said lower end of said shaft to said base;said upper end of said shaft including a handle for the bowler to grasp,a support plate defining a top end, a bottom end, an upper surface, a lower surface; said lower surface of said support plate securing to said upper side of said base;said support plate having a longitudinal concave curvature relative to said generally longitudinal axis of symmetry for conforming to the bowling ball and retaining the bowling ball during movement of said base;said support plate for retaining the bowling ball during movement of said base; a finger shaft extending from said upper surface of said support plate; and said finger shaft engaging within the finger hole of the bowling ball for retaining the bowling ball during acceleration of said support plate in a forward direction and releasing the bowling ball from said support plate upon deceleration of said support plate in a forward direction to propel the bowling ball thereby.

13. A bowling device for launching a bowling ball along a bowling alley toward the bowling pins, a handle for the bowler to grasp the bowling device and launch the bowling ball, the bowling ball having a finger hole, the bowling device, comprising: a base defining an upper side and a lower side; a rolling device defining a generally longitudinal line of symmetry for permitting said base to traverse the bowling alley surface;a shaft extending between an upper end and a lower end;a means for securing said lower end of said shaft to said base;said upper end of said shaft including a handle for the bowler to engage and propel the devise, a support plate defining a top end, a bottom end, an upper surface, a lower surface; said lower surface of said support plate securing to said upper side of said base; said support plate for retaining the bowling ball, a means for spinning the bowling ball within the support base during movement of said base;said support plate having a lateral concave curvature relative to said lateral axis of symmetry for conforming to the bowling ball and retaining the bowling ball during movement of said base; said rotating device includes a truck defining a base plate secured to said lower side of said base and a hanger supporting a first wheel and a second wheel;a bushing coupling said base plate and said hanger allowing said hanger to pivot relative to said base plate for steering said base; and a means for separating the bowling ball from said support plate upon launch of the bowling ball.

14. A bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface comprising: a base defining an upper side and a lower side; a rotating means rotatably affixed to said base for permitting said base to traverse over the bowling surface;an adjustable shaft assembly including a plurality of shafts wherein at least one shaft is secured to a top surface of said base; a support plate flexibly secured to said upper side of said base comprising a top end, a bottom end, an upper surface, a lower surface; said support plate is vertically adjustable to said rotating means for propelling said ball from a desired height.

15. Bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface of claim 14 wherein, said support plate has a means to vertically adjust said rotating means including a manual adjustment; a tensioner adjustment assembly, hydraulic adjustment; and motorized adjustment

16. A bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface of claim 14, wherein, said support plate is flexibly secured to said upper side of said base in a pivoting configuration.

17. A bowling device according to claim 16, wherein, said pivoting configuration further comprising of a means for locking said support plate with respect to the upper side of said base at an ergonomic position.

18. A bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface of claim 14 wherein, said shaft assembly comprises a main shaft, a lower shaft, and upper shaft; Said main shaft including an exterior surface and interior bore extending between an upper end and a lower end, wherein said lower end of said main shaft further comprises at least one ball detent lock; said lower shaft including an interior bore and an exterior surface extending between an upper end and a lower end, wherein said lower end comprises a plurality of holes located along the circumference for securely engaging said ball detent lock of said lower end of said main shaft.

19. A shaft assembly for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface comprising an upper shaft defining an interior bore and an exterior surface extending between an upper end and a lower end and said upper end of said upper shaft is connected to a handle; and a lower shaft defining an interior bore and an exterior surface extending between an upper end and a lower end and said lower end of said lower shaft is connected to a base, wherein said upper shaft and said lower shaft are coupled by means of two tubes that slide, one within the other, engaging exterior surface of said lower shaft into interior bore of said upper shaft; a motorized controlling means for controlling slidable movement of said lower shaft and said upper shaft for varying a distance between said base and said handle.

20. A bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface comprising: a support plate secured to base; a means for gripping and retaining said bowling ball; and a means for punching and spinning said bowling ball along a bowling surface.

21. A Bowling device for propelling a bowling ball along a bowling surface of claim 20, wherein a means for thrusting and spinning the bowling ball along said bowling surface further comprising of a spring based mechanism.