Ball lift device and method
US5868629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63D5/02
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The ball lift device includes an improved track structure for stabilizing a bowling ball along a path of travel or guide path as it is lifted within the device. The device includes a means for lifting the ball by use of a pair of rotating V wheels and a drive means which rotates the V wheels through a drive belt which is driven by a motor. The V wheels are housed within a frame which has an entrance point for receiving the bowling ball to be lifted, and an exit point which ejects the bowling ball at a specified height. A guide support or single track structure defines the path of travel in which the ball is lifted through the device. The guide support includes a guide support bracket and a wear strip mounted over the bracket. A pair of side wear strips extend along the path of travel and are positioned so as to laterally stabilize the bowling ball as it is lifted along the guide support. The method of lifting includes the steps of providing a lifting device, introducing the ball into the lifting device along a path of travel, contacting the ball with a guide support assembly along a center line of the path of travel, and lifting the ball wherein the ball maintains contact against t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.