Background Today, bowling is enjoyed by 95 million people in more than ninety countries worldwide. Thousands of bowling centers are built around the world. Bowling centers are built and decorated with elegant materials and they often offer additional services like cafes, restaurants, arcades, children's playrooms or the like for bowlers. Most typically bowling centers offer two to sixteen lanes but there are bowling centers having up to over one hundred bowling lanes. The lane width is around 42 inches i.e. around 1 ,06 meters, and the total lane length is around 75- 80 feet i.e. around 23-24 meters. Thus, the area of one bowling lane is approximately 25m ² , which means that, for example, in a four-lane bowling center the area of bowling lanes is at least 100m ² . When the area of gutters and the space between and next to the lanes is calculated, the total surface area of a four-lane bowling lane is around 160m ² . In 12-lane bowling centers the corresponding area is almost 500m ² . This requires large buildings, bowling centers, that are built and maintained with high investments but without an opportunity to use that bowling lane area for any other purpose. Especially in new type of entertainment centers or entertainment clubs there is a real need for simple and fast lane covering system to enable more efficient use of space, for example, as performance stage structures, dining halls, exhibition rooms etc.

There exist structures that have been introduced for temporary flooring purposes, which structures are arranged to be drawn over a floor of a bowling lane area by using an existing pair of rails or they are arranged to be laid onto bowling lanes. In both cases, these structures are quite heavy and they raise the floor level essentially when these existing structures are arranged on top of the bowling lane area. Also the existing systems have certain limitations regarding the bowling center's measurements like the free height or the extra width needed for the system. Also in current systems the time needed for the conversion - especially for a larger area can be a big limitation for daily use. Summary

Now an improved covering structure for gutters of bowling lanes has been invented, by which the above problems are overcome. Various aspects of the invention include a covering structure that is characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a covering structure configured to be placed in the vicinity of a bowling lane, for example, longitudinally to the bowling lane for covering at least a gutter of the bowling lane in a covering position, wherein the covering structure comprises at least one covering sheet, and wherein in the covering position the covering sheet is arranged above the gutter so that the cover structure and the bowling lane are configured to form a flat surface.

According to an embodiment, the covering structure further has a fencing position, wherein in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged to form fencing for a ball. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet is turnably fixed to a support structure of the gutter so that the covering sheet is turnable from the covering position to the fencing position. According to an embodiment, in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged in a substantially vertical position on a side of the gutter preventing the ball from slipping from the gutter. According to an embodiment, in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged horizontally on a side of the gutter preventing the ball from slipping from the gutter. According to an embodiment, in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged in a substantially vertical position on a side of return tracks of the bowling ball return system for preventing the ball from slipping out of the tracks. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet is liftable from the fencing position to the covering position. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet comprises an embedded light source, some other visual, audio or special effect device, for example, a smoke, wind, laser, touch effect device or a movement detector. According to an embodiment, the covering system is arranged to form a bumper preventing balls from dropping into the gutter. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bowling lane conversion system for a bowling center comprising at least one bowling lane, wherein the bowling lane conversion system comprises at least one covering structure configured to be placed in the vicinity of the bowling lane, for example, longitudinally to the bowling lane for covering a gutter of the bowling lane in a covering position, wherein the covering structure comprises at least one covering sheet, and wherein in the covering position the covering sheet is arranged above the gutter so that said at least one cover structure and the bowling lane are configured to form a flat surface.

According to an embodiment, said at least one covering structure further has a fencing position, wherein in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged to form fencing for a ball. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet is turnably fixed to a support structure of the gutter so that the covering sheet is turnable from the covering position to the fencing position. According to an embodiment, in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged in a substantially vertical position on a side of the gutter preventing the ball from slipping from the gutter. According to an embodiment, in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged horizontally on a side of the gutter preventing the ball from slipping from the gutter. According to an embodiment, in the fencing position the covering sheet is arranged in a substantially vertical position on a side of return tracks of a bowling ball return system for preventing the ball from slipping out of the tracks. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet is liftable from the fencing position to the covering position. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet comprises an embedded light source, a visual effect generating apparatus, a sound effect generating apparatus, a smoke generator, a fan, a touch sensitive apparatus or a movement detector. According to an embodiment, the bowling lane conversion system comprises a carpet behind a masking wall of the bowling center, wherefrom the carpet is configured to be arranged on the covering structure and the bowling lane, when the covering structure is in the covering position. According to an embodiment, the covering sheet also at least partially covers a bowling ball return system of the bowling center. According to an embodiment, the covering structure further comprises a cover for a trough of a ball return system. According to an embodiment, the covering structure is arranged horizontally on the cover in the fencing position. According to an embodiment, the bowling lane comprises a rest for the covering sheet. According to an embodiment, the rest comprises a fixing structures for preventing sideward movement of the covering sheet.

Description of the Drawings

In the following, various embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Fig. 1 a-c show a covering structure comprising two covering sheets according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2a-b Figure 2 a-b show a covering structure comprising two covering sheets according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a covering structure comprising two covering sheets according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4a-b show a covering structure comprising two covering sheets according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5a-b show a structure of a bowling lane area of a bowling center according to an embodiment of the invention; shows a covering structure comprising one covering sheet for a single lane according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7a-c show a covering structure comprising two covering sheets according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 show a covering structure comprising a series of covering strips according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 9 shows a covering structure comprising two covering sheets according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of Example Embodiments

In the following, several embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of a covering structure for bowling centers. A bowling center requires a great deal of space. A single lane requires a footprint of about 44m ² , including, in addition to the lane, two gutters, a ball return system and a pin setting apparatus. This does not include space for seating, party rooms, arcades, the concourse, kitchen, administrative areas, fire safety systems, and other building requirements. Bowling lanes are, in many cases, laid out in married pairs with each pair sharing a ball return track between the lanes. This way every other gutter pair is separated by the ball return track and every other only the fencing structure. After a bowling ball has been rolled down the lane to strike pins, the a bowling ball return system returns the ball to the approach area of the lane for repeated use i.e. the ball travels on a track of a bowling ball return system when being returned to the bowler. The ball return system may include lifting means leading the ball to the track which extends alongside the lane or between two lanes back to a bowling rack at the approach area. Conventionally in automated bowling systems the joint track is provided between two lanes and located below the horizontal level of the lanes i.e. the horizontal level of the lanes may be raised so that the bowling ball return system fits between lanes and possibly at least partly beneath the flooring level. The return track is set on the floor level or in the other embodiment to the bottom of a sunken trough also extending alongside a bowling lane/s longitudinally. The trough may be made of, for example, concrete or some other suitable material. The return track is usually made of steel pipes or plastic profile. Typically, there is one common bowling ball return system and thus also one common trough for two adjacent lanes so that the trough with the return track is between the adjacent gutters of two adjacent lanes. In addition, there may exist a fencing between gutters, so that the ball cannot slip to the ball return system or to the adjacent gutter or lane. Also there may exist another fencing on the sides of the return track to prevent ball from slipping out of the tracks.

The present invention provides a covering method for bowling ball gutters and bowling ball return systems of bowling centers, wherein the covering method comprises a covering structure configured to be placed in the vicinity of a bowling lane, for example, longitudinally to the bowling lane for covering at least a gutter of the bowling lane in a covering position. The covering structure comprises at least one covering sheet that is suitable to be arranged, for example, by turning, sliding, and/or lifting, to a covering position from a fencing position. In the covering position, covering sheets are arranged horizontally above gutters so that the lane and the covering structure form an essentially uniform, planar and flat surface. In the fencing position, covering sheets may be arranged horizontally one on the other above a ball return trough of a bowling ball return system or a space between gutters of two adjacent lanes so that the covering sheet or sheets form a pile acting as a barrier i.e. fencing for a ball, or the covering sheets may be arranged vertically on both sides of the space between gutters of two adjacent lanes or the trough so that vertical covering sheets form barriers i.e. fencings for both lanes. This way, fencings prevent the ball from slipping to the adjacent lane or a ball return system. In addition, covering sheets may be arranged vertically on both sides of the return track as fencings to prevent ball from slipping out of the track. The present invention further provides a bowling lane conversion system for bowling centers. By the bowling lane conversion system it is possible to convert the bowling center, for example, to an entertainment hall, concert hall, dining room etc. Because, when all covering sheets are arranged horizontally for covering the gutters, the covered bowling lane area creates a uniform and flat surface. In addition, the bowling lane conversion system may further comprise a carpet or the like by which the covered bowling lane area is possible to be coated by. The carpet or the like protects the lanes from damages that may otherwise take place when people are using the covered bowling lane area for other purposes than bowling. It is possible to store the carpet, for example, as a roll behind a masking wall that is located in front of the pin setter; the masking wall is what the player directly faces while bowling. From behind the masking wall the carpet is easy to roll into place. Also it is possible to store the carpet in any other place in vicinity of the lanes, for example, front, back sides or even beneath the lanes.

In the following, several embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of a covering structure for a bowling lane area, wherein the covering structure comprises at least one covering sheet suitable to be arranged to cover a gutter of a bowling lane or, when comprising two covering sheets, to cover gutters of adjacent bowling lanes, and wherein the covering sheet may also act as a fencing structure next to a gutter of a bowling lane or between gutters of adjacent bowling lanes. The covering structure may further comprise a carpet for coating the covering sheets and lanes. The covering sheet may be turnably fixed to a support structure of a bowling ball gutter or a bowling ball return system so that the covering sheet can be arranged from a covering position to a fencing position or vice versa (see fig. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2a, 2b, 3, 7a, 7b, 7c, 9). In addition, the covering sheet may be arranged above a space between two adjacent lanes or a cover of a sunken ball return trough of a bowling ball return system in the fencing position wherefrom it can be arranged by turning, sliding or lifting to the covering position above gutter (see fig. 4a and 4b). Further, the covering sheet may be arranged to the trough of a bowling ball return system, for example in the trough, between the gutter and the trough or between gutter and the lane next to the trough, in a substantially vertical position wherefrom it can be arranged by turning and lifting to the covering position above gutter (see fig. 3a and 3b). The covering sheets of covering structures are suitable to be used for covering gutters so that the lane and the covering sheet(s), form an essentially planar surface. If the covering sheet or sheets are not wide enough for covering also the space between two adjacent lanes or a trough of the bowling ball return system while covering the gutter, then a separate cover for the trough can be arranged if it does not already exists like in fig. 4a and 4b.

An example embodiment of the present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to figures 1 through 9 of the drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the invention can be a covering structure that comprises only one covering sheet, for example, for a single bowling lane or the covering structure can comprise two covering sheet between an adjacent pair of bowling lanes comprising a space between the lanes or a common bowling ball return track system between the lanes. Figures 1 a-c show a covering structure 10 comprising two covering sheets 1 1 for gutters 12 of two adjacent lanes 13, 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. In these embodiments, the covering structure 10 comprises two covering sheets 1 1 between an adjacent pair of bowling lanes 14. In figure 1 a the covering sheets 1 1 are in a fencing position. As can be seen from figure 1 a, the covering sheets 1 1 form fencings, barriers, so that a ball cannot slip from a gutter 12 to the adjacent lane 14 over a space 16 between the lanes 13, 14. In figure 1 b the covering sheets 1 1 are in a state between the fencing position and a covering position i.e. the covering sheets 1 1 are turned towards the covering position. In this transitional state the covering sheets may also serve an additional purpose of "bumper" where the sheets 1 1 prevent the ball from dropping in the gutter - thus helping e.g. children bowl without gutter shots. In figure 1 c the covering sheets 1 1 are in the covering position, wherein the covering sheets 1 1 are turned to a horizontal position above the gutters 12 so that the covering sheets 1 1 and lanes 14 form a planar surface. The covering sheets 1 1 are turnably fixed to a support structure 18 of a gutter 12 between the ends of the covering sheet 1 1. The covering sheets 1 1 are turnably fixed, for example, by a hinge 15 or any other suitable structure. In addition, there is a rest, a support, 17 in a side of a bowling lane 13, for example, in a sheet of the bowling lane or in a lane bed, for supporting covering sheets 1 1 above gutters 12 in the covering position so that a flat surface can be formed and stored. The rest 17 may further comprise a fixing structure that prevents sideward movement of the covering sheet. The fixing structure may be, for example, plug-and socket- joint or tongue-and-groove joint between the rest and the covering sheet, be, for example, tongue-and-groove joint between the rest and the covering sheet.

Figures 2 a-b show a covering structure 20 comprising two covering sheets 21 for gutters 22 of two adjacent lanes 24 according to an embodiment of the invention. In figure 2a the covering sheets 21 are turned toward the covering position shown in figure 2b. As can be seen from figure 2b, the covering sheets 21 of this embodiment are not wide enough to cover a ball return trough 23. Therefore, an additional cover 26 for the trough 23 is needed. The covering sheets 21 in the covering position above gutters 22, the cover 26 above the trough 23 and the lanes 24 form a uniform surface. The cover 26 may be lifted to its place after the covering sheets 21 are set to the covering position. It is also possible that there is no the ball return trough 23 between the lanes 24. There could only be a space 16 instead of the ball return trough 23 as in figure 1 a-c. This is possible in case the ball return is arranged on top side of the lanes, in which case the return tracks are on lane level or above it. Figure 3 shows a covering structure 30 comprising two covering sheets 31 for gutters 32 of two adjacent lanes 34 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiments, the covering structure 30 comprises two covering sheets 31 between an adjacent pair of bowling lanes 34 comprising a common bowling ball return system between the lanes 34. In figure 3 the covering sheets 31 are embedded in a substantially vertical position to a trough 33 in a fencing position. From the fencing position the covering sheets 31 can be arranged, for example, by lifting and turning to the covering position above gutters 32 and the trough 33. As can be seen from figure 3, the covering sheets 31 in this embodiment needs a separate cap above covering sheets 31 for preventing a ball 36 from slipping to the trough 33 in the fencing position. However, it is also possible that covering sheets 31 are only partly embedded in the trough 33, in which case a separate cap is not necessarily needed. The return track 35 is set to the bottom of the trough 35 of the bowling ball return system. Also in this embodiment the covering sheets 31 have an additional function as side guards, fencings, to return tracks 35.

The turning/movement mechanism of the covering sheet may also include rails, linkages, one or several hinges, brackets, slides or other means of enabling movement between different positions. For example, in figure 3 in the fencing position, a pivoting axle may locate in the bottom part of a support structure 37. In the fencing position the pivoting axle is first lifted to upper end of the same support structure through e.g. a slot arranged in both ends of the hinge/pivoting axle and then the covering sheet can be turned to the horizontal covering position.

Figures 4 a-b show a covering structure 40 comprising two covering sheets 41 a, b for gutters 42 of two adjacent lanes 44 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the covering sheets 41 a, b are arranged one on the other on a cover 41 c of a sunken trough 43 i.e. as a pile in the fencing position. When the covering sheets 41 a, b are on the cover 41 c, they form a fencing for preventing a ball 45 from slipping to the trough 43 in the fencing position. From the fencing position the covering sheets 41 a, b can be arranged, for example, by turning, lifting, sliding, or folding to the covering position above gutters 42 so that the first covering sheet 41 a is arranged above the first gutter 42 and the second covering sheet 41 b is arranged above the second gutter 42. The cover 41 c of the trough 43 may remain in its place. There may a connecting structure/s between covering sheets 41 a, covering sheets 41 b and/or cover 41 c, that connect all or part of these together. The connecting structure may be, for example, a hinge or corresponding structure allowing, for example, turning and folding. It is also possible to arrange a separate heightening structure 46 above the covering sheet 41 a in the fencing position. It is also possible that there is no cover 41 c of the trough 43 between the lanes 24. There could only be a space 16 instead of the ball return trough 43 as in figure 1 a-c.

In a case where there is only one gutter, there is also only one covering sheet that is on the cover of a trough in the fencing position and above the gutter in the covering position.

Figures 5 a and b show a bowling center structure 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. A carpet roll 51 of a covering structure is arranged behind a masking wall 52 and in front of a pin setter structure 53 (pins not shown). When the covering sheets are arranged horizontally on the lanes for covering the gutters, the covered bowling lane area 54 creates a uniform and flat surface and from behind the masking 52 the carpet 51 is easy to roll into place on the lanes and covering sheets. The covered bowling lane area 54 that is coated by the carpet 51 or the like protects the lanes and covering structures from damages that may otherwise take place when people are using the bowling lane area for other purposes than bowling. Figure 6 shows a covering structure 60 comprising one covering sheet 61 for a gutter 64 of a single lane 62 according to an embodiment of the invention. By the covering sheet 61 it is possible to plain the lane 62, covering sheet 61 , and the floor 63 in to same level (the floor 63 is optional in this embodiment). It is also possible, that there exists a ball return system next to the gutter 64.

When there is no adjacent lane and the lane has its own bowling ball return system, there may not be need for a covering structure that comprises two covering sheets. It is also possible to use covering sheets of some other embodiment of this invention as a single covering sheet. Figures 7a-c show covering structure 70 comprising two covering sheets 71 for gutters 72 of two adjacent lanes 74 according to an embodiment of the invention. In these embodiments, the covering structure comprises two covering sheets 71 between an adjacent pair of bowling lanes 74. In figure 7a the covering sheets 71 are in the fencing position. As can be seen from figure 7a, the covering sheets 71 form fencing, barriers, so that a ball cannot slip from a gutter 72 to the covering structure 70, for example, to a trough 73. In figure 7b the covering sheets 71 are in a state between the fencing position and a covering position i.e. the covering sheets 71 are turned towards the covering position. Also in this embodiment, in transitional state the covering sheets may also serve an additional purpose of "bumper" where the sheets 71 prevent the ball from dropping in the gutter 72. In figure 7c the covering sheets 71 are in the covering position, wherein the covering sheets 71 are turned to a horizontal position above the gutters 72 so that the covering sheets 71 and lanes 74 form a planar surface. The covering sheets 71 are turnably fixed to a support structure of the gutter 72 between the ends of the covering sheet 71 so that one part of the covering sheet 71 covers the gutter and the other part half of the trough 73 i.e. the first half of the width of the trough 73 is covered by the first covering sheet 71 and the second half of the width of the trough 73 is covered by the second covering sheet 71. The covering sheets 71 are turnably fixed, for example, by a hinge 75 or any other suitable structure. In these embodiments, covering sheets 71 are so wide that an additional cover for the trough 73 is not needed.

In another embodiment the covering structure is a series of covering strips typically perpendicular to the lane and joint with hinge or some other form of bending structure to form a continuous cover that can be rolled in a similar manner than the carpet e.g. behind the masking wall. This embodiment shown in picture 8. The strips are marked by number 80. Figure 9 shows a covering structure 90 comprising two covering sheets 91 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the covering sheets 91 have a two-part structure, wherein parts are connected together by a hinge structure 92. In this embodiment, there is not a space or a ball returning system between the covering sheets 91.

There may also be an embodiment, where a covering sheet of a covering structure can be arranged vertically between a gutter and a bowling lane, when the covering structure is not in a covering position. It should be noted that when the covering sheet or sheets are so wide that they cover a trough of a bowling ball return system, they at the same at least partially covers the bowling ball return system.

The covering sheet may be made of aluminum or wooden plate, composite structure like glass-, carbon- or aramide fibre composite, honeycomb cored structure or any other suitable material. When covering structures are arranges as a pile shown in figure 4a, it may be advantageous to use plates made of wood or e.g. light cored composite panels because the structures are so thick that the form an adequate fencing. Whereas, aluminum or composite covering sheets are light to handle.

Also it is advantageous to store possible plastic profiles or other fence heightening structure inside the gutters under the covering sheets when in covering position. The plastic profiles or other fence heightening structure may be used above covering sheets in the fencing position.

It should be notes, that in the fencing position covering sheets may prevent balls from slipping from gutter or from return tracks depending on the placement of covering sheets in the fencing position.

A covering sheet according to this invention may be uniform and may longitudinally cover the whole gutter. Additionally, one covering sheet can be formed from one or more pieces that together forms a covering sheet. Covering structures according to this invention may also be used as an installation place for bowling lane illuminating systems and it is advantageous to embed various light sources (e.g. LEDs or lasers) or movement detecting apparatus, detectors, visual or sound effect generating apparatus or similar to these structures as they are installed very close to the lane and thus provide a good place for any lane illuminating or ball movements detecting system.

It is obvious that the present invention is not limited solely to the above- presented embodiments, but it can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.