Games using tangible projectile – Bowling
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-17
2003-06-03
Pierce, William M. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Bowling
Reexamination Certificate
active
06572484
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates in general to a table for a bowling center, and more particularly to an improved table for bowlers and friends that allows them to sit at and which provides for ample space for the consumption of food and beverages while facilitating ease of access to the lanes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bowling has been and remains a popular sport or hobby for many people. While the decorum of bowling centers or establishments that have bowling lanes may vary greatly, the layout of the bowling areas is substantially the same in all establishments or centers. The bowling areas are divided into three distinct but interrelated sections: the bowling lanes section, the approach section, and the sitting/scoring section. Persons patronizing bowling centers will generally be referred to herein as patrons, which include bowlers, friends, and other people having bowling interests.
The first or bowling lanes section normally includes a plurality of bowling lanes that are subgrouped into pairs of lanes. Each lane includes a bowling lane or surface and a gutter on each side of the bowling lane. A ball return section including a ball return track is disposed between each lane of a pair of lanes, while a capping is located between each adjacent pair of lanes. The total width of a pair of lanes between the median of consecutive capping sections is about 133½ inches. That width can be broken down into two lanes that are 42 inches wide, four gutters (2 on each lane) that are each 9½ inches wide, a ball return section that is also 9½ inches wide, and half of two capping sections that are each 2 inches wide.
The ball return track extends the length of the lanes and into the approach section, where it extends upward to deposit or return the balls to a ball return rack at a level that allows bowlers to easily pick up their bowling balls. An open area is provided on each side of the ball return rack that represents the approach areas of the approach section. Usually the ball return track is below floor level and emerges upwardly through the floor in the approach area to the ball return rack. The approach section, which extends to the beginning (or foul line) of the bowling lane section, allows a bowler to ‘run up’ and deliver a ball down the lane without impairments during a bowling turn.
Behind the approach section, generally on a lower level, is a section for the bowlers to sit and keep score. In most centers, a small table is located directly behind the ball return rack for each pair of lanes. The table generally allows one person from each lane to sit and keep score, while offering a few cupholders. The remaining bowlers or friends either stand or sit behind the table in additional seating provided. It has been known that some bowling centers utilize an oval table in the spectator area behind the sitting/scoring section that may seat up to six patrons.
Throughout the years, the services in bowling centers have changed. Instead of merely offering a form of entertainment or sport, bowling establishments now often offer food and drinks as well. Furthermore, it is often common for various organizations or groups to rent out part or all of the bowling lanes for private parties, whereby numerous bowlers might want to bowl on each lane. Generally, only two bowlers or other patrons per pair of lanes may sit at the table. The remaining patrons have to either sit behind the table in whatever seating is available, remain standing, or go to the area behind the bowling area. If the patrons order food or beverages, most have to either hold their food or drinks, or place them in the area behind the bowling platform. This layout is inconvenient for patrons who want to socialize, eat and drink with others at bowling centers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a unique solution to the problems mentioned above by providing a table in a bowling establishment or center sized and shaped to serve a pair of lanes with ample space for several patrons to eat food and drink beverages on the table and to allow easy access for moving into the approach areas and about the ball return rack when taking bowling turns. The table is preferably substantially triangular in shape and is located with its apex substantially in line with and adjacent to the ball return rack between the lanes of a pair of lanes. The base of the table is about eight (8) feet wide, with sides of about six and a half (6½) feet. Thus, the location and size of a table allows space for patrons to walk between adjacent tables and along the tables to the approach sections, and around the ball return rack. Each table provides ample space to accommodate at least six patrons.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved bowling table for a bowling area in a bowling center that is sized, shaped and located in the sitting/scoring section to allow a plurality of patrons to sit around and comfortably eat food and/or drink beverages while providing easy access to the approach section.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a bowling table that does not interfere with the movement of the patrons in approaching the lanes and movement between lanes.
REFERENCES:
patent: D196121 (1963-08-01), Soszynski
patent: D339487 (1993-09-01), Rizzi
patent: D401086 (1998-11-01), Hellwig et al.
patent: D413212 (1999-08-01), Dame et al.
patent: 10155967 (1998-06-01), None
patent: 9621915 (1996-07-01), None
Wholesale Furniture Catalog M-952, p. M-52, upper right corner of page, received Jul. 6, 1995, located in “Office Furniture” boxes in Design Library.*
IKEA Catalog, 1991, p. 76, upper right corner of page, located in “IKEA” boxes in Design Library.*
Brunswick Bowling Catalog Supplies and Equipment, pp. 30 and 31, 1952.
Pierce William M.
Zickert Lloyd L.
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