Ball ramp assembly
US6227981A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B69/40
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention contemplates an improved ball ramp assembly that enables even the most severely handicapped bowler to guide and accelerate a bowling ball toward the intended bowling pins. The bowling ramp assembly includes a ramp having a ball guide defining a ball path along the ramp, a base coupled to a proximal end of the ramp for supporting the ramp, a ball release coupled to the ramp for selectively controlling travel of the ball along the ramp, and a positioning assembly coupled to the ramp for adjusting the orientation of the ramp. The ball release includes a ball stopping member that moves between a ball blocking position and a ball releasing position. The positioning assembly includes at least one motor coupled to the ramp and a wheel located at the distal end of the ramp. The ball release and positioning assembly are both controlled by switches which may be located remotely from the ramp.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.