Bowling pin setting systems and methods wtih reconfigurable pinsetting array

Abstract

A bowling pin setting system with a reconfigurable array of bowling pin retention mechanisms with a contracted configuration with two rows of five pin retention mechanisms and an expanded configuration wherein the pin retention mechanisms are disposed in an equilateral triangle. The array of pin retention mechanisms can be movable, such as by operation of a gantry or pivotable arms, between a pin setting position above a pin deck and a retracted position removed from above the pin deck. A bowling pin assembly and loading system with a pivoting magazine and at least one pin loading magazine can receive bowling pins from the pin deck, assemble the pins into an organized format, and load them into the array of pin retention mechanisms.

1 . A bowling lane, comprising;
 a gutter positioned on each side of a bowling alley surface, each gutter comprising; a plurality of longitudinal rails positioned parallel to the bowling alley surface, said rails positioned to form a gutter for bowling balls, said rails attached to substructures that elevate the rails above a floor surface and approximately level with or slightly below the bowling alley surface, said substructures positioned laterally to said rails and said substructures attached, optionally, to legs.   
     
     
         2 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein each gutter comprises three to five rails. 
     
     
         3 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein the substructure is concave on the upper surface and wherein said rails comprise one or more center rails and edge rails, thereby positioning the one or more center rails lower than the edge rails. 
     
     
         4 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of said rails can be temporarily raised higher than the playing surface of the bowling alley surface. 
     
     
         5 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein each gutter can be temporarily raised higher than the playing surface of the bowling alley surface. 
     
     
         6 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein a lighting system and/or sound system is disposed under said gutters. 
     
     
         7 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein said rails and said substructures of said gutters are provided in sections shorter than the length of the bowling alley surface. 
     
     
         8 . The bowling lane of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of said rails, substructures or legs are made of metal. 
     
     
         9 . A bowling lane, comprising;
 a bowling alley surface comprising decking, said bowling alley surface elevated above a floor surface by a substructure thereby creating a space between the bowling alley decking and floor surface, wherein said space between the bowling alley decking and floor surface is open or substantially open to the building environment.   
     
     
         10 . The bowling lane of  claim 9 , wherein said substructure comprises lateral primary braces joined with longitudinal members. 
     
     
         11 . The bowling lane of  claim 9 , wherein said substructure comprises and is supported by legs. 
     
     
         12 . The bowling alley of  claim 10 , wherein said substructure is at least partially made of metal. 
     
     
         13 . The bowling alley of  claim 10 , wherein said lateral primary braces span beyond the decking to support gutters. 
     
     
         14 . The bowling lane of  claim 9 , wherein lighting and/or a sound system is located at least partially under the bowling alley surface. 
     
     
         15 . The bowling lane of  claim 9 , wherein said legs are height adjustable for installation over uneven floor surfaces. 
     
     
         16 . The bowling lane of  claim 9 , wherein said space between the bowling alley and bowling alley decking is essentially free of flammable substances. 
     
     
         17 . The bowling lane of  claim 9 , said bowling lane further comprising:
 a gutter positioned on each side of a bowling alley surface, each gutter comprising; a plurality of longitudinal rails positioned parallel to the bowling alley surface, said rails positioned to form a gutter for bowling balls, said rails attached to substructures that elevate the rails above a floor surface and approximately level with or slightly below the bowling alley surface, said substructures positioned laterally to said rails and said substructures attached, optionally, to legs.