GB2439720A

GB2439720A - Safety assembly and power saving system

Info

Publication number: GB2439720A
Application number: GB0613229A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michele Ventola
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-04
Filing date: 2006-07-04
Publication date: 2008-01-09
Also published as: GB0613229D0

Abstract

A ball return power saver and safety system comprises a sensor fitted to a ball return mechanism. The sensor activates an indicator light, advising the player that a ball is being returned. After a set time the mechanism turns off the motor.

Description

Ball Return Power Saver/Safety System This invention relates to

conserving energy and removing the risk of an individual causing harm to themselves when retrieving a ten pin bowling ball from the ball exit area applicable to all ten pin bowling applications.

Prior to this invention the ball exit or ball lift as it is also known, is turned on at the beginning of a game and remains on until the game is complete.

This invention turns off the ball lift motor whilst the game is in progress and when no bowling balls are being returned to the player. Once a ball is bowled and is then returned to the player via the ten pin bowling machine the bowling ball reaches a particular point on the track under the bowling lane which in turn activates an electric sensor which starts the ball return motor thus allowing the bowling ball to be lifted from under the lane and returned to the player. After a preset time, approximately 5-8 seconds, the sensor then shuts down the ball lift electric motor.

This process alone removes approximately 80% of usage, as the unit is only used as and when a ball is returned and not left running continuously as it is currently. As this invention operates the assembly approximately 80% less this also removes the risk to the player placing their hands into what can be potentially a trap hazard to the hands/fingers, with the addition of a light/beacon (externally fitted) in line with the electric motor, as the electric motor is started the player is made visually aware of the incoming ball so removing further risk of injury.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Current set up (no sensor installed) Figure 2 Power saver safety system installed and not in operation Figure 3 Power saver safety system installed and in operation In figure 1, a typical bowling application comprises of the player bowling the ball down the bowling lane I once the ball has reached the ten pin bowling machine 2 this machine retrieves the bowling ball under the bowling lane at speed 3 to which the ball travels on the under lane ball track 4, the ball arrives at the ball exit/ball return and is lifted on to the ball tray via pulleys powered by a motor for the player to use the ball again 5.

In figure 2, the invention is installed with no bowling ball being bowled down the lane. In this typical application as no ball is being bowled I, there will be no ball travelling on the under lane ball track 4, thus not activating the electronic sensor 4a, leaving the ball return motor in a turned off state 5a, which saves power and removes the risk of injury to the player.

In figure 3, the player sends a bowling ball down the bowling lane I the bowling machine 2 retrieves the bowling ball and returns it to the player at speed 3 under the bowling lane via the under lane ball track 4, whilst the ball is under the lane and reaches a given point, it passes an electronic sensor 4b sending a turn on state to the ball return motor/light-beacon Sb. Player is aware of incoming ball, ball is lifted on to ball tray and returned to player, the sensor then shuts down turning off the motor and beacon so saving power and removing risk of injury to player.

Claims

Cjaims An electric sensor installed underneath a bowling lane along the

under lane ball track, which when activated at a given point by a passing bowling ball switches on the ball lift motor so allowing the ball to be lifted above the lane and returned to the player, then deactivates the motor once this process is complete.

2 An electric sensor according to claim 1 that when fitted can be adjusted to keep the motor activated from two seconds to ten seconds.

3 An electric sensor according to claim I that when attached to a light/beacon can inform the player of an incoming bowling ball.

4 An electric sensor according to claim 2 that when adjusted to individual requirements can improve and conserve energy usage and reduce the possibilities of self harm from players not paying attention to dangerous moving parts.

An electric sensor according to claim I if required to operate the ball return continuously can be turned off by trained staff thus overriding the timer circuit but engages the timer facility once power is reconnected.