Patent Application
20240050836
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for covering articles, and more particularly, to decorative covers for used bowling pins.
In as much as the process of creating bowling pins does involve certain expense factors such as material and machining aspects, professional bowling pin manufacturers make every effort to produce pins that are as durable as possible. Additionally, bowling pin manufacturers have to work within the standard guidelines set by the USBC (United States Bowling Congress). Due to uniformity and other such considerations, these guidelines obviously affect a regulation bowling pin's durability.
Of course, like any component or member subject to constant stress, strain and force, bowling pins will wear out with regular use and can even break under extreme circumstances. The standard bowling pin used in a bowling alley lasts about one year as in going beyond one year, the bowling alley ownership begins to risk the degrading condition of a bowling pin affecting the quality and accuracy of bowling matches and can even have a hand in altering the outcomes of matches.
The quality and accuracy of bowling pins might not be relevant to the casual bowler, who only plays for enjoyment. However, they are of great importance to the more serious bowler, professional or not. This is why the USBC set regulations for bowling pins across the industry. Unfortunately, such rules decrease their lifespan.
Bowling pins are usually very durable in sense as bowling pins are normally crafted from a hardwood called maple and this are very durable. Hardwood is used to make furniture and is known for its durability. In one manner of manufacturing, bowling pins are constructed by gluing blocks of rock maple wood into the approximate shape, and then turning on a lathe. After the lathe shapes the pin, it is coated with a plastic material, painted, and covered with a glossy finish. Because of the scarcity of suitable wood, bowling pins can be made from approved synthetics. Currently there are synthetic pins sanctioned for play in five-pin, duckpin, and candlepin. There is one synthetic ten pin model approved by the USBC. When hit by the ball, synthetic pins usually sound different from wooden pins.
Manufacturers normally add a protective coating to the outer surface of the bowling pin to provide added robustness to bowling pin, as well as to and protect the outer surface of the pin from pitting and denting. One example of a coating material is nylon, which is the most common coating used as nylon is light weight and will ensure that the pin stays within the required weight parameters as the maximum weight allowed is between 3 pounds, 6 ounces and 3 pounds, 10 ounces (1.53 kilograms and 1.64 kilograms) for a ten-pin, which qualifies as the most common type of bowling pin.
Due to the nature of the game, bowling pins sustain dents, scratches, and cracks from the constant collisions with bowling balls and other pins. There are a variety of different games that use bowling pins. All of them involve some impact to the pin, but because the object used to target the pins varies in each game, so does the amount of damage caused to the pin. The pins may also vary in size and shape, depending on the game. Due to the requirement for consistently precise pin action, bowling pins are often just disposed of or donated to gun ranges.
Addressing the different categories of bowling, ten-pin bowling is the most common form of the game played within the United States. Under the regulations, the pins are 4.75 (121 mm) inches in width and 15 inches (380 mm) in height. As previously mentioned, these pins weigh between 3 lbs 6 oz and 3 lbs 10 oz (1.53 kg and 1.64 kg). The ten-pin bowling balls vary in weight to even the playing field between bowlers of all sizes. The maximum weight for a ten-pin ball, which is normally constructed from some type of heavy-duty resin or plastic, is 16 pounds (7.26 kg). Thus, the ball used in ten-pin bowling applications is normally approximately about 4.5 times the weight of one pin.
Investigation five-pin Bowling, five-pin bowling uses five pins instead of ten and I commonly played in Canada. The pins are approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of a ten-pin's size and feature a rubber band wrapped around the widest part of the pin to increase the chances that one pin will bounce off another. Five-pin balls are usually made of rubber and can fit in the palm of an adult-sized hand. Both the rubber around the pins and the smaller size of the rubber bowling balls contribute to a longer lifespan for a five-pin versus a ten-pin.
Another popular bowling category is duckpin bowling, which like five-pin bowling, duckpin bowling uses smaller pins and balls. This game is regulated in the United States due to its popularity. The pins measure 9.4 in (23.3 cm) in height. Similar to five-pin balls, duckpin balls are made of rubber or similar material and measure no larger than 5 in for its diameter and 3 lbs 12 oz (1.7 kg) in weight. There is another version of duckpin bowling called rubber-band duckpins. This version of the game features rubber around the pins, like those in five-pin bowling. The pins used in rubber-band duckpin bowling should last longer than those used in regular duckpin bowling.
Candlepin Bowling is also a type of bowling, most popular in New England and parts of Canada. In candlepin bowling, the pins are designed to be thinner, and the balls are smaller, making it more challenging to knock the pins down. Even so, candlepin bowling is the least physically challenging, so bowling enthusiasts of all ages can be played by bowling enthusiasts.
Candlepins are dissimilar to the other types of bowling pins as candlepins are the tallest of all pins at 15-¾ inches (40 cm), but only 2- 15/16 inches wide and 2 lb 8 oz (1.1 kg) in weight, each pin nearly matching the maximum weight of a candlepin ball. By design, candlepins are nearly cylindrical in shape with a slight taper toward either end, making them vaguely resemble candles (hence the name). Moreover, candlepins possess one major dissimilarity when compared to the other genres of bowling pins as candlepins are vertically symmetrical, candlepins may be set on either end.
Due to the width and construction of candlepins, when struck by a bowling ball, candlepins tend to produce a billiard ball-like sound. Under the regulations, candlepins are 2 lbs 8 oz (1.1 kg) maximum in weight. The balls are just 4.5 in (11.43 cm) in diameter and weigh about the same as a single candlepin.
Basically, the useful life of a bowling pin is only last about one year as due to USBC regulations which dictate that bowling pins be a specific weight, and thus, to assist in the regulation of pin weight, manufacturers drill holes through the center of the pins that can be filled in or left empty as needed. Therefore, most pins are not 100% solid maple in their core and when the layer of synthetic resins which are utilized to coat the surface gets dented and cracked, this shortens life and dictates that bowling pins that have passed the useful life are unable to be reworked and thus must be discarded.
This is particularly true due to the precise nature of a sport like bowling wherein all pins used should be identical and should exhibit indistinguishable mechanical and elasticity properties. Otherwise, contestants, and especially professionals who earn their living at the game could never count on honing a skill set as gaging collision reactions would be nearly impossible and inconsistent. Moreover, attempts to repair damaged pins are often unsuccessful as need to cutaway portions due to weight considerations leaves little room for lathe work as the tolerances become very tight.
On the upside, the requirement for consistently precise pin action affords a readily available supply of unusable bowling pins which can be utilized as commemorative purposes and disseminated as products for bowling alleys, bowling supply stores and the like. Thus, the instant system converts the sadly short life span of bowling pins into a source of revenue for any bowling center or sports shop by providing a quick and easy manner to repurpose the older bowling pins and even add artwork such as commemorate activities like a birthday, or congratulations for a milestone. Moreover, emblems such as business logos can also be displayed on the other surface of the bowling pin cover.
The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the mechanisms in the art, either alone or in any combination thereof. As such, the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein.
While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The terminology used and specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.
Provided in one aspect is a novel a covering system comprising a malleable and conforming cylindrically disposed member defining at least one aperture in one portion for receiving and covering a structure of varying contours and circumferences.
In a broad sense, the system is intended to repurpose older and beleaguered bowling pins that have been taken out of use or rotation by providing a covering system to hide blemishes and imperfections on the withdrawn existing pin.
In one embodiment, a covering system comprising a malleable and conforming cylindrically disposed member defining a single aperture for receiving and covering a structure of varying contours and circumferences.
In an additional embodiment of the system, a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and covering unwanted pits, fissures and dings in the outer surface of the bowling pin.
Some embodiments of the instant system are directed at taking a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and creating a work of aesthetic significance, particularly for those who regularly attend specific bowling venues.
Certain aspects are directed at taking a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and creating a work of aesthetic significance with a removably affixed covering system.
Additional aspects are directed at taking a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and creating a work of aesthetic significance with a permanently affixed covering system.
Further embodiments are directed at taking a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and creating a work of aesthetic significance, particularly for those who established bowling records, or even personal bests, with the specific bowling pins involved.
Certain aspects are directed at taking a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and creating a work of aesthetic significance which commemorates particular achievements, or dates of activities such as birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations and the like.
Additional embodiments are directed at taking a bowling pin which is beyond functional life within actual bowling scenarios and creating a work of aesthetic significance which commemorates particular achievements with a specific imprinted message or logo.
In one embodiment the system constitutes a removably affixed covering system which affords the user the ability to reuse the covering system. In an additional embodiment the system constitutes a permanently affixed covering.
In no manner to limit the invention, in numerous embodiments, the sleeve-like covering system is intended to cover all genres of bowling pins, including but not limited to candlepins, tenpins, and duckpins.
In further embodiments, the system is intended to cover pins for decorative and promotional purposes and in one aspect of high import, provided herein is sleeve-like covering system intended to be produced in large quantities with specific colors and is intended to be screen-printed for customization of artwork/logos for retail level and promotional purposes alike.
For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the system and apparatus for converting an expended bowling pin does not represent the only forms in which the instant system may be construed and/or utilized. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments and are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the system.
For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.
To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.
While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The terminology used and specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
The present apparatus includes a one piece, sleeve-like casing member or apparatus disposed to substantially encase many genres objects including sporting goods and components for partaking in sporting events, or other such item. In one embodiment, the system provides a manner to conceal dents, blemishes and the like, for a member such as a bowling pin, and particularly a used bowling pin.
In one embodiment, the system acts as a sleeve member 22 which can be removably and slidably attached to cover the bowling pin and in such an instance, polymeric compositions and materials such as thickly drawn films such as silicone, Graphene, Gallium Nitride and Perovskites can be utilized. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is constructed of a malleable conforming material that will elastically conform to the body of a bowling pin, and yet still exhibit a thickness of material of a quality to cover flaws and still cover flaws.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the system introduces use of silicone for the material of the sleeve. The system also features a range of wall thicknesses, in one embodiment, the wall thickness may range from 1 mm to 2 mm thick. In one embodiment, a wall thickness of 0.06 inches, or 1.524 inches is introduced. Additionally, in one embodiment the system may have an average weight of 0.41 pounds.
In an additional embodiment, as shown in
The sleeve like mechanism may exhibit a printed character or graphic display in a specified printed character or graphic display area 26. While the sleeve member 22 is disposed for decorative purposes, the system is not designed to be protective from impact, or in any manner and once the system is installed, the pin should never be reused in a bowling scenario. Thus, the system is only intended to introduce an enhancement to the aesthetic value of the bowling pin 20.
As discussed above, the bowling pin 20 is normally constructed from a hardwood maple compound. The sleeve 22 material is elastomeric and can absorb a certain amount of impact energy by compression of the material itself and by deforming its shape. The sleeve 22 may comprise a substantially cylindrical shape that mimics the contours of all facets of a bowling pin, including completely encompassing and enclosing the upper portion of the pin and enclosing the rim of the lower portion 21 of the bowling pin 20 snugly and securely.
Further described for usage in line with the apparatus as described is a method of situating a covering over a bowling pin comprising the steps of sliding a malleable cylindrical sleeve comprising, an interior portion, an exterior portion, an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a lower portion elastic ring and a lower portion aperture, over the upper portion of a bowling pin via the lower portion aperture; fitting the lower portion aperture of the malleable cylindrical around the lower portion of the bowling pin; and securing the lower portion ring around the lower surface of the bowling pin. The method of situating a covering over a bowling pin may further comprise the step of affixing a user chosen printed character on the exterior portion of the sleeve.
This application takes priority from and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/397,498 filed on Aug. 12, 2022, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63397498 | Aug 2022 | US |
