Lift component for bowling ball retrieval system

Abstract

In a bowling ball retrieval system including a ball return wheel for elevating a bowling ball to a position whereby it can be returned to a bowler, a lift component is secured to the interior circumference of the ball return wheel. The lift component contains a concave surface facing the direction of wheel rotation and rotates underneath a bowling ball to provide the necessary leverage and support to elevate the ball and deliver it to the bowler.

1 . In a bowling ball retrieval system including a ball return wheel for elevating a bowling ball to a position whereby it can be returned to a bowler, a lift component secured to the interior circumference of the ball return wheel, the lift component comprising: 
 a substantially rectilinear block containing a bottom surface and a concave surface, the concave surface having a curvature substantially similar to that of the surface of a bowling ball; and    a substantially straight leading attached edge formed by the junction of the bottom surface and concave surface.    
   
   
       2 . The lift component as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the lift component further comprises: 
 a top surface;    a trailing surface;    a leading free edge formed by the junction of the concave surface and the top surface;    a trailing free edge formed by the junction of the trailing surface and the top surface;    a trailing attached edge formed by the junction of the trailing surface and the bottom surface;    such that the concave surface is disposed between the leading free edge and the leading attached edge;    and the leading free edge, leading attached edge, trailing free edge and trailing attached edge are substantially parallel to one another.    
   
   
       3 . The lift component as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the distance from the leading attached edge to the trailing attached edge is not more than 15.0 cm.  
   
   
       4 . The lift component as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein 
 the length of each the leading free edge, the leading attached edge, the trailing free edge, and the trailing attached edge is 4.0 cm;    the distance from the leading free edge to the trailing free edge is 3.0 cm;    the distance from the leading attached edge to the trailing attached edge is 5.2 cm    the distance from the trailing free edge to the trailing attached edge is 4.2 cm.    
   
   
       5 . The lift component as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more fastener channels extending through the lift component and through which a fastener may be placed, thereby securing the lift component to the interior circumference of the ball return wheel.  
   
   
       6 . The lift component as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the lift component is manufactured from an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer.