BOWLING BALL LAUNCH DEVICE

Abstract

The bowling ball launch device launches a bowling bowl according to user input. The bowling ball launch device is self-contained and allows people of any age and ability to train and play the game of bowling. The bowling ball launch device includes a ball launch unit and a ball launch chamber in its internal cavity. Rails extend though the device along which the bowling ball travels through to an exit hole. A motor in the interior of the device transfers power to a drive belt which in turn rotates power wheels. The outer surfaces of the rotating power wheels come into contact with the bowling ball and impart speed. The device is operated using a power supply and electronic components under control of a programmable circuit board.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable device for launching a bowling ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The bowling ball launch device of the invention launches a bowling bowl according to user input. The portable bowling ball launch device is self-contained and allows athletes of any age and ability to train and play the game of bowling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bowling is a popular sport with people from all walks of life. Historically, the origins of bowling have been traced back as far as 5200 B.C. in Egypt. Some believe that the author Washington Irving made the earliest known reference to “bowling at pins” in the book “Rip Van Winkle,” around 1818.

Ten pin bowling at a bowling alley can be fun for people of all ages and abilities, including children and persons with disabilities. Several aids are available to assist bowlers with holding and rolling the bowling ball down an alley. One such aid is “bumpers,” which block the gutter and force the bowling ball to roll down the alley toward the pins. Some bowlers hold the bowling ball “granny style,” where the bowling ball is placed between the bowler's legs and push the bowling ball down the alley. Another aid is a “ramp,” which is set up at the bowler's end of the alley. A bowling ball is placed at the top of the ramp and the bowler can push the bowling ball down the ramp. When a ramp is used along with bumpers in the gutters, every roll is guaranteed to hit the pins.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The bowling ball launch device comprises a frame having a top cover, a bottom cover, two side covers, a front cover and a rear cover which form an internal cavity. A ball launch unit and a ball launch chamber are disposed in the internal cavity. An entry hole adjacent to the ball launch unit extends through the rear cover. An exit hole adjacent to the ball launch chamber extends through the front cover. A plurality of rails extends though the internal cavity from the ball launch unit through the ball launch chamber along which the bowling ball travels from the entry hole through to the exit hole. The device further comprises a power supply and electronic components including a programmable circuit board that controls the operation of the device to launch a bowling ball.

A motor is disposed in the ball launch chamber that causes rotation of a drive belt which imparts power to one or more power wheels, causing the one or more power wheels to rotate. The rotating one or more power wheels contact the top surface of the launched bowling ball as it travels along the rails and impart speed to the bowling ball. When the bowling ball reaches the front of the device, it exits the internal cavity through the exit hole. The bowling ball is then deposited onto a bowling alley or other surface with speed to roll down the alley or other surface.

The device includes components to ensure that there are no obstructions in the travel path of the bowling ball once it exits the device, for example, a camera that shows the path looking forward in the direction of the launched bowling ball. In one embodiment, other components can confirm the orientation of the device. In one embodiment, the device has a gyroscope to confirm the direction the bowling ball will travel. In one embodiment, a reflector sensor unit is located on the front cover of the device, and a reflective film is remotely located in a sight line in the area of the intended target of the launched bowling ball, for example at one end of the bowling alley lane where bowling pins are located.

In certain embodiments, a sound source, standard media player and speakers may be included in the device. The device may include decorations as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the following drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bowling ball launch device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bowling ball launch device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the interior cavity of the bowling ball launch device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are side views of the interior of the bowling ball launch device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are rear perspective views of the bowling ball launch device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the bowling ball launch device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7a and 7b are a front view of the bowling ball launch device and a reflector sensor unit according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8a and 8b are a rear view of the bowling ball launch device and a reflective film according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the bowling ball launch device in use according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a bowling ball launch device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the bowling ball launch device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the interior cavity of the bowling ball launch device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c are side views of the interior of the bowling ball launch device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14a and 14b are rear perspective views of the bowling ball launch device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the bowling ball launch device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 16a and 16b are a front view of the bowling ball launch device and a reflector sensor unit according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the bowling ball launch device in use according to the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The bowling ball launch device comprises a frame having a top cover, a bottom cover, two side covers, a front cover and a rear cover which form an internal cavity. A plurality of wheels is attached to and extend downward from the bottom cover and can be used to move the device. The wheels can be raised to allow a plurality of feet with brakes that are disposed adjacent the plurality of wheels to rest on the ground and support the device. A ball launch unit is disposed in the internal cavity proximal the rear cover. A ball launch chamber is disposed in the internal cavity sequentially adjacent the ball launch unit along a longitudinal axis of the device. An exit hole adjacent to the ball launch chamber extends through the front cover distal from the rear cover. A plurality of rails extends though the internal cavity from the ball launch unit through the ball launch chamber along which the bowling ball travels through the internal cavity by force of gravity to the exit hole. The device further comprises a power supply and electronic components including a programmable circuit board that controls the operation of the device to launch a bowling ball.

In one embodiment, the exterior of the rear cover of the device comprises an on/off switch, a screen, a plurality of power level controls to control the rate of rotation of a motor, a “Launch” button and a display button comprising LED lights that indicate the setting of the motor. A platform with a weight sensor is disposed on the exterior of the rear cover adjacent an entry hole and a rotating ball cover. Each of these components are in communication with and under control of the programmable circuit board.

In one embodiment, the exterior of the rear cover of the device comprises a screen having a graphic user interface (GUI) from which many of the controls and functions of the device are accessed by the user. In one embodiment, the GUIs control motor speed; provide indicators of motor speed; indicate weight of the bowling ball on the platform as measured by the weight sensor; status of the rotating ball cover (opened or closed); a compass; and a proximity sensor unit output. Certain controls such as on/off and Launch may be separately accessible and controlled either on the screen or through controls that are not located on the screen. Additional features may be provided as desired. For example, in one embodiment, a card reader may be provided to limit access to the device to card holders.

A battery or other power source and the programmable circuit board in communication with the various electronic components and controls of the device are located in the interior cavity.

The ball launch unit is located in the interior cavity adjacent the entry hole in the rear cover. The ball launch unit comprises rails onto which the bowling ball enters the interior cavity of the device from the platform upon opening of the rotating ball cover. The bowling ball passes through the ball launch unit along the rails by force of gravity and passes into the ball launch chamber.

The ball launch chamber is located in the interior cavity sequentially adjacent to the ball launch unit along a longitudinal axis of the device. A motor is disposed in the ball launch chamber that causes rotation of a drive belt. The drive belt is in direct or indirect communication with one or more power wheels that are disposed sequentially in the interior cavity in the ball launch chamber along a longitudinal axis of the device. Rotation of the drive belt imparts power directly or indirectly to the one or more power wheels, causing the one or more power wheels to rotate. The one or more power wheels are located in the ball launch chamber such that their outer surface contacts the top surface of the launched bowling ball as it travels along the rails from the ball launch unit into and through the ball launch chamber. The speed of the motor and thus the speed of rotation of the one or more power wheels is controlled by the electronic components as set by the user. In one embodiment, the speed of the motor can be set to a constant speed.

In one embodiment, the drive belt is attached to a motor and also is connected directly to a first power wheel. A separate power belt is attached to the first power wheel and also attached to each of the other power wheels. Rotation of the drive belt causes rotation of the first power wheel, causing rotation of the power belt and thus indirectly causes rotation of all of the one or more power wheels.

In one embodiment, the drive belt is attached to a motor and also is directly attached to all of the power wheels. Rotation of the drive belt directly causes rotation of all of the one or more power wheels.

Rotation of the one or more power wheels imparts speed to the bowling ball when the bowling ball contacts the exterior surface of the rotating one or more power wheels.

In one embodiment, the drive belt and power belt comprise rubber, polyurethane or neoprene. In one embodiment, the drive belt and/or power belt comprise a timing belt.

In one embodiment, the device comprises two power wheels. In one embodiment, the device comprises one to five power wheels. In one embodiment, the device comprises five power wheels. In other embodiments, the device may comprise any number of power wheels.

In one embodiment, the motor and the one or more power wheels are connected to the device by a plurality of springs, which springs dampen movement of the motor and the one or more power wheels when in contact with the bowling ball.

In one embodiment, the ball launch chamber further comprises a plurality of rubber tubes disposed in parallel with the plurality of rails which assist in maintaining contact of the bowling ball with the one or more power wheels.

In one embodiment, the rear cover at the distal end of the device comprises an exit hole through which the launched bowling ball exits the internal cavity after passing through the ball launch chamber. A proximity sensor unit may also be disposed on the exterior surface of the front cover. The proximity sensor unit may comprise a camera. The proximity sensor unit is in communication with the programmable circuit board and its output can be viewed on the screen. The proximity sensor unit is oriented to allow the user to observe the direction that the bowling ball will be launched to make sure the path is clear.

In one embodiment, the rear cover at the distal end of the device further comprises a reflector sensor unit. The reflector sensor unit is in communication with the programmable circuit board. In this embodiment, a reflective film is remotely located in a sight line of the reflector sensor unit in the area of the intended target of the launched bowling ball, for example at one end of the bowling alley lane where bowling pins are located. The programmable circuit board can be programmed to allow operation of the device only if the reflective film is detected by the reflector sensor unit.

In other embodiments, a sound source and speakers may be included in the device. The programmable circuit board may include a standard media player that plays different sounds for various operations of the device. For example, sounds may be played upon setting of the power levels; upon launching of the bowling ball from the ball launch unit; and upon launch of the bowling ball through the exit hole. The device may include surface decorations as desired. The device may include other ornamental features as desired. In one embodiment, the device may include translucent areas through which various lighting schemes may be illuminated under control of the programmable circuit board.

To operate the device, a user turns on the power to the device and places a bowling ball to be launched on the platform, which platform is in communication with a weight sensor. Power is provided to the programmable circuit board; the screen; the plurality of power level controls; the Launch button; the motor; the weight sensor; the proximity sensor unit; and the reflector sensor unit, if present. The user sets a power level for the motor by pressing the power level controls, then presses the Launch button. At this point in the launch sequence, the bowling ball is prevented from rolling into the interior cavity of the device and is maintained on the platform by the rotating ball cover. The programmable circuit board is programmed to conduct a checklist before activating the Launch button. The programmable circuit board is programmed to check the weight sensor to ensure that the weight of the bowling ball falls within a predetermined weight range and to check the proximity sensor unit output to determine if there is an object within the scanning area of the proximity sensor unit that may block the path of the bowling ball. In one embodiment, the programmable circuit board is programmed to check that the reflective film is detected by the reflector sensor unit so that the bowling ball will be launched toward the intended target. In one embodiment, the gyroscope reading where present may be checked to ensure the device is in alignment with the intended target. The programmable circuit board may be programmed to prevent operation of the Launch button until any or all of these conditions are met. A user may add or delete additional requirements to the checklist as desired.

Once the conditions of the checklist are met, the Launch button is activated which initiates the launch sequence of the bowling ball. The motor is started at the speed selected by the user using the power level controls. The rotating ball cover rotates from its first position that blocks gravitational movement of the bowling ball to a position that allows movement of the bowling ball through the entry hole and into the ball launch unit via the rails. Movement of the bowling ball into the ball launch unit may occur by gravitational force. Movement of the bowling ball into the ball launch unit may occur by movement of the rotating ball cover pushing the bowling ball through the entry hole.

The bowling ball gains speed due to gravity as it passes along the rails in the ball launch unit whereupon it enters the ball launch chamber. In the ball launch chamber the bowling ball comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the rotating one or more power wheels which are driven to rotate directly or indirectly by the rotating drive belt, which rotating drive belt is driven by the motor.

The exterior surface of the launched bowling ball comes in contact with the exterior surface of the rotating one or more power wheels which imparts speed to the bowling ball. The bowling ball moves along the rails until it exits the device through the exit hole. Upon exiting the device, the launched bowling ball is deposited onto a surface, such as a bowling alley lane, and rolls toward the target.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention 100 showing front cover 105; top cover 110; side cover 115; platform 120; exit hole 125; reflector sensor unit 130; proximity sensor unit 135; and wheel with brake 140. Also seen are rails 145.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention showing LED lights 150; on/off switch 155; “Launch” switch 160, screen 137; controller 170 for setting speed of the motor; platform 175; entry hole 180; rotating ball cover 185; wheels with brakes 140; and proximity sensor unit 190.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the internal cavity of the first embodiment of the invention showing power wheels 195; rails 145; proximity sensor unit 190; reflector sensor unit 130; drive belt 197; platform 175; rotating ball cover 185; ball launch unit 123; ball launch chamber 128; and exit hole 125.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are side views of interior cavity of the first embodiment of the invention showing ball launch chamber 128; motor 199; drive belt 197; power wheels 195; proximity sensor unit 190; reflector sensor unit 130; and bowling ball 107 in contact with first sequential power wheel 195.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are rear perspective views of the first embodiment of the invention 100 showing LED lights 150; on/off switch 155; “Launch” switch 160; controller for setting speed of the motor 170; platform 175; rotating ball cover 185 in its closed position (FIG. 5a) and an open position (FIG. 5b); wheels with brakes 140; and side cover 115.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the invention 100 showing LED lights 150; on/off switch 155; “Launch” switch 160; controller for setting speed of the motor 170; screen 137; platform 175; rotating ball cover 185; wheels with brakes 140; rails 145; and side cover 115.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of proximity sensor unit 190 of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7b is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention 100 showing side cover 115; front cover 105; top cover 110; proximity sensor unit 190; reflector sensor unit 130; wheel with brake 140; exit hole 125; and rails 145.

FIG. 8a is a front view of reflective film 153 of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8b is a rear view of the first embodiment of the invention 100 showing LED lights 150; on/off switch 155; “Launch” switch 160; screen 137; controller for setting speed of the motor 170; platform 175; entry hole 180; rotating ball cover 185; and wheels with brakes 140.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention in a condition of use by a user.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention 1000 showing front cover 1005; top cover 1010; side cover 1015; platform 1020; exit hole 1025; proximity sensor unit 1035; and wheel with brake 1040. Also seen are rails 1045 and cavity 1030 for holding a bowling ball 1007.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention showing screen 1050; card reader 1055; “Launch” switch 1060; platform 1075; entry hole 1080; rotating ball cover 1085; wheels with brakes 1040; and proximity sensor unit 1090. Also seen is cavity 1030 for holding bowling ball 1007.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the internal cavity of the second embodiment of the invention showing power wheels 1095; rails 1045; proximity sensor unit 1090; drive belt 1097; power belt 1098; motor 1099; platform 1075; rotating ball cover 1085; ball launch unit 1023; ball launch chamber 1028; and exit hole 1025. Also seen is cavity 1030 for holding a bowling ball (not shown).

FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c are side views of the interior cavity of the second embodiment of the invention showing ball launch chamber 1028; motor 1099; drive belt 1097; power belt 1098; power wheels 1095; proximity sensor unit 1090; and bowling ball 1007 in ball launch area 1023 in FIG. 13a; in contact with power wheel 1095 in FIG. 13b; and entering exit hole 1080 in FIG. 13c.

FIGS. 14a and 14b are rear perspective views of the second embodiment of the invention showing screen 1050; card reader 1055; “Launch” switch 1060; platform 1075; rotating ball cover 1085 (in closed position in FIG. 14a and in open position in FIG. 14b); wheels with brakes 1040; and side cover 1015. Also seen is cavity 1030 for holding bowling ball 1007.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the second embodiment of the invention showing screen 1050; card reader 1055; “Launch” switch 1060; platform 1075; rotating ball cover 1085; wheels with brakes 1040; rails 1045; and side cover 1015. Also seen is cavity 1030 for holding bowling ball 1007.

FIG. 16a is a perspective view of proximity sensor unit 1090 of the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16b is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention showing side cover 1015; front cover 1005; top cover 1010; proximity sensor unit 1090; wheels with brakes 1040; exit hole 1025; and rails 1045. Also seen is cavity 1030 for holding bowling ball 1007.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention in a condition of use by a user.

While the invention has been described in terms of imparting speed and spin to a bowling ball, the principles of the invention can be applied to any other ball sport including but not limited to golf balls; tennis balls, etc. and is not intended to be limited to bowling balls. The invention has been described in terms of certain embodiments. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the described embodiments but rather only by the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A bowling ball launch device comprising: a frame comprising a top cover, a bottom cover, two side covers, a front cover and a rear cover, wherein the top cover, bottom cover, two side covers, front cover and rear cover define an internal cavity;a plurality of wheels attached to and extending downward from the bottom cover;a plurality of brakes, where one of each of the plurality of brakes is substantially adjacent to one of each of the plurality of wheels;a platform disposed on the exterior of the rear cover, the platform in communication with a weight sensor;an entry hole disposed in the rear cover that allows access to the internal cavity from the platform;a rotating ball cover sized to conform to the entry hole, wherein the rotating ball cover rotates between a closed position closing access to the internal cavity from the platform and an open position allowing access to the internal cavity from the platform;a ball launch unit in the internal cavity proximal the rear cover, wherein the ball launch unit comprises at least two substantially parallel rails extending substantially from the entry hole, wherein the two substantially parallel rails are sized to support a bowling ball in a space between the rails;a ball launch chamber disposed in the internal cavity sequentially adjacent the ball launch unit along a longitudinal axis of the device, the ball launch chamber comprising a motor, a drive belt in communication with the motor and one or more power wheels in communication with the drive belt;an exit hole adjacent to the ball launch chamber, wherein the exit hole extends through the front cover of the device, wherein the front cover is distal from the rear cover;a plurality of controls;a power supply;a screen;a programmable circuit board; anda plurality of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components in communication with and under control of the programmable circuit board,wherein the power supply provides power to the rotating ball cover, the plurality of controls, the screen, the plurality of electronic components and the programmable circuit board.

2. The bowling ball launch device of claim 1, wherein the screen comprises a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

3. The bowling ball launch device of claim 2, wherein a control for speed of the motor; a power level indicating speed of the motor; a weight as read by the weight sensor; the opened or closed status of the rotating ball cover; a reading from a direction indicator; a proximity sensor unit output; or combinations thereof are displayed on the screen.

4. The bowling ball launch device of claim 3, wherein the direction indicator comprises a gyroscope.

5. The bowling ball launch device of claim 3, wherein the direction indicator comprises a compass.

6. The bowling ball launch device of claim 3, wherein an on/off switch, a Launch button or combinations thereof are disposed on the rear cover of the device.

7. The bowling ball launch device of claim 6, wherein the ball launch chamber comprises the motor; the drive belt in communication with the motor; one or more power wheels, the one or more power wheels disposed in sequential alignment along a longitudinal axis of the device; and a power belt in direct communication with each of the one or more power wheels, wherein the drive belt is in direct communication with a first of the sequence of the one or more power wheels, wherein the motor powers the drive belt to rotate, wherein rotation of the drive belt causes rotation of the first of the sequence of the one or more power wheels, wherein rotation of the first of the sequence of the one or more power wheels causes rotation of the power belt, wherein rotation of the power belt causes rotation of all of the one or more power wheels.

8. The bowling ball launch device of claim 1, wherein the controls comprise one or more of a control for speed of the motor; a power level indicating speed of the motor; an on/off button; a Launch button; or combinations thereof.

9. The bowling ball launch device of claim 8, wherein one or more of a weight as read by the weight sensor; the opened or closed status of the rotating ball cover; and the proximity sensor unit output are displayed on the screen.

10. The bowling ball launch device of claim 9, wherein the ball launch chamber comprises the motor; the drive belt in communication with the motor; and one or more power wheels, the one or more power wheels disposed in sequential alignment along a longitudinal axis of the device; wherein the drive belt is in direct communication with each of the one or more power wheels, wherein the motor powers the drive belt to rotate, wherein rotation of the drive belt causes rotation of the one or more power wheels.

11. The bowling ball launch device of claim 1, further comprising a reflective sensor unit disposed on the exterior of the front cover.

12. The bowling ball launch device of claim 1, further comprising a standard media player.

13. The bowling ball launch device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor unit comprises a camera.

14. The bowling ball launch device of claim 1, comprising one to five power wheels.

15. A method of launching a bowling ball toward a target, comprising: turning power on to the device of claim 1;placing a bowling ball to be launched on the platform;setting a power level for the motor by pressing a power level control; andpressing a Launch button,wherein the programmable circuit board checks a weight of the bowling ball on the platform according to an output of the weight sensor and checks if any objects are detected by the proximity sensor unit,wherein if the weight of the bowling ball falls within a predetermined weight range and if no objects are detected by the proximity sensor unit, the programmable circuit board activates the Launch button,whereupon the programmable circuit board controls opening of the rotating ball cover, whereupon the bowling ball enters the ball launch unit through the entry hole,whereupon the programmable circuit board turns on the motor to the power level set by pressing the power level controls,whereupon the drive belt is driven to rotate by the motor,whereupon the one or more power wheels are rotated by action of rotation of the drive belt,whereupon the bowling ball enters the ball launch chamber by action of gravity,whereupon the top surface of the bowling ball sequentially contacts the outer surfaces of the rotating one or more power wheels,whereupon the bowling ball exits the device through the exit hole and rolls toward the target.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bowling ball launch device of claim 1 further comprises a reflective sensor unit disposed on the exterior of the front cover, wherein the reflective sensor unit is in communication with and under control of the programmable circuit board, wherein the programmable circuit board checks that the reflective sensor unit detects a reflective film placed in the line of sight of the target prior to activating the Launch button.