SYSTEM TO ACCESS BOWLING MACHINE EQUIPMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a safety guarding system to safely access bowling machine equipment and, more particularly, to a system for safely accessing bowling machine equipment installed in a bowling alley establishment and a kit for such system. This system also allows clearing operational issues without completely shutting down the system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Current systems that provide access to bowling machine equipment are complex systems that require extensive and time consuming assembly processes. This adds to the costs of the system. In fact, it is known that current systems either use multiple levels of access requiring complicated access mechanisms or do not provide adequate access to the machine at all. These current systems may include a complex labyrinth of catwalks and interconnecting components, which are more complicated and time consuming to assemble than the bowling machine equipment (also known as a bowling equipment unit) such as the ball return mechanisms, elevators, storage bins, distributors and pinspotters, for example.

[0003] Current systems also do not provide easy access to all of the components of the bowling machine equipment. So, although the current systems are very safe for the user, providing many safety features, improvements would be welcome to the industry to reduce overall costs, assembly time and maintenance to the bowling machine equipment.

SUMMARY

[0004] A system comprising a platform of a constant height and width from the rear or the pin elevator side to the front or the motors and curtain wall side of assembled bowling machine equipment, the platform including guard rails on sides thereof, and at least one gate to gain access to components of the bowling machine equipment, safety switches are provided for each of the at least one gate to shut down the bowling machine equipment when the gates are sensed to be in an open position, and a single ladder leading to the platform of the constant height and width.

[0005] The platform may be of a different width for an end unit of the bowling machine equipment. The platform is more than 500 mm and more preferably about 538 mm in length. The platform is about 339 mm wide. There are at least one or two gates at the rear of the platform on both sides thereof. There could be one gate at a front of the platform on one or both sides of the platform. The safety switches are either magnetic non-contact or keyed contact switches. A control system includes indicators that show which of the safety switches are disengaged. A panel at the front of the platform may have components mounted to the panel. The platform is mounted to existing structures on units of the bowling machine equipment, thus raising the platform to a certain level with respect to the bowling machine equipment. The platform is mounted between pin elevators. The platform is raised above a platform/deck in front of the pin elevators. The 4039-40003

at least one gate permits access to the platform/pit deck. The at least one gate leads to a second ladder between the platform and the platform/pit deck.

[0006] A kit comprises the components of noted above. A method of installing the components is also provided.

[0007] In additional aspects of the present invention, a system comprises a platform of a constant height and width extending from a pin elevator side to a front curtain wall side of an assembled bowling machine equipment. The system further comprises guard rails on sides of the platform, and at least one gate on sides of the platform, which are openable to gain access to components of the bowling machine equipment. The system further comprises a locking and opening mechanism to maintain the at least one gate in a locked position and when moved to allow the at least one gate to be in an open position. The system further comprises safety switches associated with the at least one gate to shut down adjacent bowling machine equipment when the at least one gate is sensed in the open position. The system further comprises a single ladder leading to the platform of the constant height and width.

[0008] The present invention also includes a platform of a constant height positioned above components of an assembled bowling machine equipment and structured to provide access to selected components of the assembled bowling machine equipment without any shutdown. The invention further includes at least one gate positioned on a side of the platform to access the selected components, and a single ladder leading to the platform of the constant height and width.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention is described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aspect of the present invention;

[0011] FIGS. 2-4 show perspective views of an aspect of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of an aspect of the present invention;

[0013] FIGS. 6 and 7 show enlarged side views of an aspect of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged side view of an aspect of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 9 shows a top view of an aspect of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 10 shows a side or end unit in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 1 1 shows a perspective view of another aspect of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 12 shows a rear view of an aspect of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 13 shows a control panel in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 4039-40003

[0020] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of a leg and partial rung of a ladder in accordance with aspects of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 15 shows a locking mechanism and stop mechanism in accordance with aspects of the invention, where the stop plate is interchangeable to convert the gate from being movable to a fixed gate; and

[0022] FIG. 16 shows an optional access ladder to the front of the machine that would allow access from the top platform to the front end motors and other components in the front for facilitating access without walking in front of the bowler area and thereby minimizing duration of interruption in case of service.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The invention relates to a system to access bowling machine equipment and, more particularly, to a system for accessing bowling machine equipment installed in a bowling alley establishment and a kit for such safety system. In embodiments, the system includes a platform and guard rail system and kit for the platform and guard rail system. The system includes a single platform that extends from one side of the bowling machine equipment to substantially another side of the bowling machine equipment. For example, in embodiments, the platform extends to about 4/5 of the way to the front of the bowling machine equipment. More specifically, a single level platform extends from an access point in the rear of the bowling machine equipment near, e.g., the pin elevator, to the front end of the bowling machine equipment, e.g., near the curtain wall or the front end motors.

[0024] The standard single level platform is at a constant height and width, preferably more than 500 mm and more preferably about 538 mm wide, along an entire length. In embodiments, the width can be narrower for end units which cannot accommodate such dimensions. For example, bowling machine equipment against an end wall or near support beams of a building, a narrower version has been created that will fit within the foot print of the end assembly of the machines, e.g., about 339 mm wide; although other dimensions are also contemplated by the present invention. The system also includes panels for mounting components thereon, such as, for example, scoring controllers, control panels and shut off panels, which would normally be mounted on the backside of the curtain wall.

[0025] The system includes guard rails to ensure safety of the user, as well as gates with safety switches. The gates are provided near the pin elevator in order to allow access to the pin deck (carpet) and other rear end components of the bowling machine equipment. In this scenario, the gates will provide access to another ladder which provides a user access to an intermediate deck and/ r the pin elevator and/or pin deck and related components.

[0026] The gates can also be provided at the front of the bowling machine equipment, e.g., near the curtain wall or pin storage, in order to allow access to components at the front of the bowling machine equipment and on the curtain wall. The front gates can provide interlocked access to a walk area between machines in the same pair, in some 4039-40003

embodiments. The walk area will have front fall protection handrails. The walk area or bridge provides access to existing components on the curtain wall.

[0027] When any of the gates are removed or opened, the safety switches through the safety control system disconnects the main incoming power to the entire pair of the bowling machine equipment such as the distributor, pin elevator, pinspotter, etc. This will ensure that when maintenance, etc. is being performed on a component of the bowling machine equipment, the related components and/or any components in the vicinity will not be in operation.

[0028] The system can be accessed by a single ladder that includes handrails. The single ladder will lead directly to the single level platform and can be at an angle of about 15 degrees. The single level platform can also provide access to two adjacent bowling lanes. The system can also be an end unit which can be mounted on poles and to the bowling machine equipment, or only to the bowling machine equipment and related structures.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aspect of the present invention. As shown in this view, a single platform 10 is provided from a first side (between adjacent pin elevators 15) towards the second side (near a curtain wall (not shown)) at the front of the bowling machine equipment. The single platform 10 is at a single level of constant height and width. In embodiments, the width of the platform 10 can be about 538 mm wide, along an entire length. In embodiments, the width can be narrower for end units of the bowling machine equipment which cannot accommodate such dimensions. For example, for end units against an end wall or near support beams or other building structures, a narrower version has been created that will fit within the foot print of the end unit of the bowling machine equipment, e.g., 339 mm wide.

[0030] The platform 10 is also positioned at such a height as to not interfere with any of the components of the bowling machine equipment. For example, the platform 10 is at such a height so that the user does not have to squeeze between adjacent pin elevators 15. A single ladder 45 leads to the single platform 10. The ladder 45 includes guard rails 45a.

[0031] Guard rails 20 are provided on both sides of the platform 10, for safety. In embodiments, gates 25 are provided on either or both sides of the platform 10 (at different locations) to allow access to portions of the bowling machine equipment such as, for example, the pin deck, pin elevator, distributor, pin storage and the pinspotter. In embodiments, the gate 25 in the rear of the bowling machine equipment provides access to another ladder 30 leading to a deck 35 in front of the pin elevator, for example.

[0032] The gates 25 include safety features such as, for example, safety interlock switches (e.g., cut off switches) 40. The interlock switches 40 through the safety control system will disconnect electrical power to the pair of pinspotters (e.g., disconnect electric power to the components of the bowling machine) when the gates are opened. This ensures safety of the system during maintenance or other operations.

[0033] This system also allows clearing operational issues without completely shutting down the system. For example, a maintenance worker can have access to the pin deck from above, to clear pin jams. This is possible without entering the pin deck or requiring 4039-40003

the complete shutdown of the pinspotter or other machinery, as the maintenance worker will not be on the lane or near moving equipment.

[0034] FIGS. 2-4 show perspective views of an aspect of the present invention. In this aspect of the invention, the single ladder 45 is at about a 15 degree slope (but can be at other slopes such as, for example 0 degrees shown in FIG. 1). The ladder 45 includes guard or hand rails 45a, for safety. The ladder 45 leads to a single platform 10 provided from a first side (near the pin elevator 15) to a second side (near a curtain wall (not shown)) of the bowling machine equipment. The single platform 10 is at a single level of constant height and width as discussed above. The platform 10 is also positioned at such a height as to not interfere with any of the components of the bowling machine equipment. For example, the platform 10 is at such a height so that the user does not have to squeeze between adjacent pin elevators 15.

[0035] Guard rails 20 are provided on both sides of the platform 10, for safety. In embodiments, swing (hinged) or lift up gates 25a and 25b are provided to allow access to portions of the bowling machine equipment such as, for example, the pin deck, pin elevator, distributor, pin storage and the pinspotter. In embodiments, the rear gates 25a permit access to another ladder 30 leading to a deck 35 in front of the pin elevator 15, for example. For example, rear gates 25a allow access to the rear components of the bowling machine equipment. The front gates 25b allow access to the curtain wall mounted components of the bowling machine equipment. The gates 25a, 25b can be provided on either or both sides of the platform 10. In embodiments where a bridge or connection 50 is provided between adjacent machines or leading from a front gate 25b, handrails 55 can be provided along the bridge or connection 50.

[0036] In embodiments, a panel 60 can be provided at the front of the platform 10, e.g., near the gates 25b, if present. The panel 60 provides a mounting platform for components that would have customarily been mounted to the curtain wall or other front end components that may not have been very easily accessible. These components may be, for example, the scoring system and/or shut off switches.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, a side unit may have a slightly different configuration in that the platform 10 can be provided on poles or other supports 65. The same safety equipment such as, for example, fixed gates, hand rails, etc. are also provided on this side unit. In embodiments, the side unit (platform) can be narrower than the other

embodiments, if constrained by walls or other building structures.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of an aspect of the present invention. FIGS. 6 and 7 show enlarged side views of an aspect of the present invention. In embodiments, only a single front gate 25b is shown. This is useful because in some case, only one side of the machine requires access to the curtain wall and so includes a bridge or connection 50. Also, as there is no gate, and hence no access from this side of the platform, there is no need to provide handrails, etc. as no worker would have access to this portion of the machine from this side of the platform. However, in further embodiments, a gate can still be provided (but remained locked) in case of future need, for example, if a bridge is subsequently assembled to fill the gap 50a (See, e.g., FIGS. 5 4039-40003

and 6).

[0039] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged side view of an aspect of the present invention. As seen, the platform 10 permits easy access to the additional ladder 30 and platform 35. In addition, the platform 10 is mounted directly onto an existing platform 70. Based on this mounting configuration, the platform 10 is higher than conventional systems, which allows easy access to components and does not require the user to squeeze between adjacent pin elevators 15. This view also shows the safety sensor 40 for the gate 25a. Also, as there is no connection or bridge provided on this side of the machine, there is no requirement or need to have a front gate 25b. Instead, the guard rails 20 are provided to the panel 60. Moreover, a safety shield 110 is provided between adjacent units of the bowling machine equipment to ensure that a user cannot pass from one pair to the adjacent pair, bypassing a gate (and its safety features).

[0040] FIG. 9 shows top view of an aspect of the present invention. As clearly shown in this view, the platform 10 is at a single level and leads from one side of the machine (e.g., pin elevator 15) to substantially the front side of the machine so that an operator can have access to the pin bin and the panel if it has the electrical controls mounted thereto (e.g., curtain 75). Guard rails 20 along with gates that are either fixed, or movable are provided along the entire length of the platform 10. Also, as shown, the platform 10 is provided between adjacent pin elevators 15.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows a side or end unit in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1 1 shows a perspective view of another aspect of the present invention. As previously discussed, these aspects of the invention show front and rear gates. In embodiments, the front gates 25b and rear gates 25a can be, for example, hinge mounted to the guard rails 20. As in all the embodiments, the movable gates include a safety interlock switch (e.g., shut off switch). The shut off switch can be any known switch such as, for example, a contact or non-contact magnetic switch. Upon the contacts being disengaged, the components can automatically be shut down or turned off through the safety control system. The shut off switch can also be associated with other components such as, for example, the panel (guard panel) of the pin elevators.

[0042] FIG. 12 shows a rear view of an aspect of the present invention. This view shows a control panel 80 mounted between adjacent pin elevators 15. This view also shows a pair of pinspotters two units (bowling machine equipment) in accordance with the present invention, one of which is an end unit. The control panel can include, for example, a system reset, main shut off switch and a plurality of LED lights or other indicators 85 (See, FIG. 13). The plurality of LED lights or other indicators 85 are designed and configured to show which shut off switches are disengaged. In this way, the user no longer has to test each component (e.g., gate, panel, etc.) to determine which shut off switch is disengaged and hence, which component needs to be properly installed so that the bowling machine equipment can be restarted.

[0043] More specifically, the control 80, e.g., Safety Control E-Stop Box, contains a lockable main power switch, an E-Stop pushbutton, a blue reset pushbutton, internal fuses, and a series of lights that indicate the status of the various shutdown interlock 4039-40003

devices of the associated pinspotter pair. A label provides a graphic representation of the interlocks associated with the LEDs on the E-Stop Box. Normally only the power light (green) should be on. If another light is lit, it indicates that an interlock is in an off- normal condition. It is important to note that even if multiple interlocks have been tripped, only one of the 11 interlock LEDs will illuminate at a time on the E-Stop Box. Once the interlock associated with the LED that is illuminated has been reset, the next tripped interlock (if one exists) will be illuminated. The logic order is shown below.

Interlock ID Number Description Order of Illumination

7 Light Curtain 1

11 Odd Pin Wheel 2

10 Odd Pit Door 3

9 Odd Forward Door (optional) (4)

1 Even Pin Wheel 5

2 Even Pit Door 6

3 Even Forward Door (optional) (7)

4 Rear E-Stop 8

5 Top E-Stop 9

6 Front E-Stop 10

8 Spare N/A

[0044] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of a leg and partial rung of a ladder in

accordance with aspects of the invention. In this embodiment, the ladder 45 height is adjustable by use of a plate 95 with multiple holes 95a. The plate 95 is mounted to the floor via a bolt and concrete anchor 100 . The plate 95 is also mounted to the ladder 45, by use of the holes 95a. The holes 95a allow for height adjustment of the ladder 45.

Also, the vertical legs of the ladder include slots 45b. The slots accommodate tabs 105a extending from the ends of the rungs 105. This provides for ease of installation, i.e., not requiring any special tools.

[0045] FIG. 15 shows a locking mechanism in accordance with aspects of the invention. In particular, the locking mechanism 27 is a partial sleeve ("C" shaped member) that can be placed over the rail of the gate and the guard rail. The locking mechanism 27 is mounted to the gate and when placed over the guard rail secures the gate in position by engaging the top of both the gate and the guard rail, ensuring the gate cannot be opened. The locking mechanism 27 can be pivotally mounted to either the gate or the guard rail, and when the gate is in the closed position, will engage with both the gate and the guard rail to ensure that the gate cannot be opened. In embodiments, the locking mechanism 27 includes a cross section of the rails of the guard rail and gate, but slightly larger in dimensions to fit over the rails.

[0046] The gate also includes a stop plate 29, which extends from a side of the gate and which will contact with the guard rail, for example. The stop plate 29 is to ensure that the gate cannot be pushed into the machine and assists with aligning the interlock switch.

[0047] FIG. 16 shows an optional access ladder 200 to the front of the machine that would allow access from the top platform to the front end motors and other components in the front for facilitating access without walking in front of the bowler area and thereby minimizing duration of interruption in case of service.

[0048] The present invention also includes a kit. The kit includes the components noted above. The kit may include other components on existing systems such as the safety 4039-40003

switches and bridge between components and also adaptation parts for various models of the pinspotters. The kit can include assembly instructions. The assembly instructions can include methods of adjusting the height of the ladder, the installation of the ladder and other related components, such as mounting the platform to existing components of the bowling machine equipment.

[0049] It should be understood by those of skill in the art that the components of the present invention, e.g., platform, gates, rails, interlocks, switches, etc. can be

implemented on currently installed systems, or provided with new installations. Also, the components of the present invention can be used with any type of installation and thus, the environments shown in the figures should not be considered limiting features. The environments, e.g., bowling machine equipment, is provided for illustrative example only.

[0050] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims, if applicable, are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principals of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Accordingly, while the invention has been described in terms of embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications and in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.