U.S. patent application number 10/924139 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for bowling lane advertising and method.
Invention is credited to Burkholder, Roy A., Fineran, Raymond R. JR., Hansen, Jan, Lehmkuhl, Thomas, Recknagel, Troy A..
Application Number | 20050020368 10/924139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34084668 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050020368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burkholder, Roy A. ; et
al. |
January 27, 2005 |
Bowling lane advertising and method
Abstract
A method of advertising on a bowling lane wherein the bowling
lane consists of an approach area, a pin deck end area and a lane
area extending between the approach area and the pin deck area. A
generally transparent overlay structure overlies at least a portion
of one of the approach area, the pin deck area and the lane area of
the base member, wherein the overlay structure consists of a core
layer, a decorative layer, and a wear layer. The overlay structure
includes printed indicia that are visible through the overlay
structure and protected thereby.
Inventors: |
Burkholder, Roy A.;
(Whitehall, MI) ; Fineran, Raymond R. JR.; (North
Muskegon, MI) ; Hansen, Jan; (Kungsbacka, SE)
; Recknagel, Troy A.; (Muskegon, MI) ; Lehmkuhl,
Thomas; (Muskegon, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dykema Gossett PLLC
Suite 300
39577 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills
MI
48304
US
|
Family ID: |
34084668 |
Appl. No.: |
10/924139 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10924139 |
Aug 23, 2004 |
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10224142 |
Aug 20, 2002 |
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10224142 |
Aug 20, 2002 |
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09575950 |
May 23, 2000 |
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6450892 |
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09575950 |
May 23, 2000 |
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09060914 |
Apr 15, 1998 |
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60556905 |
Mar 26, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/115 ;
473/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 27/365 20130101;
A63D 1/04 20130101; B32B 27/20 20130101; B32B 27/36 20130101; B29C
63/48 20130101; B29C 63/02 20130101; B32B 2307/4026 20130101; B32B
37/10 20130101; B32B 2307/406 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/115 ;
473/117 |
International
Class: |
A63D 001/04 |
Claims
The invention claimed is as follows:
1. A method of advertising on a bowling lane, the bowling lane
having an approach area thereof, a pin deck end area thereof and a
lane area thereof extending between said approach area and said pin
deck area, the method of advertising comprising the steps of;
providing one or more generally transparent overlay structures
overlying at least a portion of one of said approach area, said pin
deck area and said lane area; providing printed indicia on said one
or more of said overlay structures such that said printed indicia
are visible through said one or more overlay structures and
protected thereby, wherein said printed indicia of one of (i) a
single overlay structure and (ii) a plurality of overlay structures
when assembled, defines advertising.
2. The method of advertising of claim 1 including: providing an
overlay structure with at least one of a core layer, a decorative
layer, and a wear layer.
3. The method of advertising of claim 2 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said decorative layer.
4. The method of advertising of claim 2 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said core layer.
5. The method of advertising of claim 2 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said wear layer.
6. The method of advertising of claim 1 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises selecting any one or
combination of two or more of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a
product name, an organizational name and an organizational
logo.
7. The method of advertising of claim 6 including: providing an
overlay structure with at least one of a core layer, a decorative
layer, and a wear layer.
8. The method of advertising of claim 7 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said decorative layer.
9. The method of advertising of claim 7 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said core layer.
10. The method of advertising of claim 7 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said wear layer.
11. A method of advertising on a bowling lane, the bowling lane
having an approach area thereof, a pin deck end area thereof and a
lane area thereof extending between said approach area and said pin
deck area, the method of advertising comprising the steps of:
providing one or more generally transparent overlay structures
overlying at least a portion of one of said approach area, said pin
deck area and said lane area, wherein each of said overlay
structure includes a core layer, a decorative layer over the core
layer, and a wear layer over the decorative layer; providing
printed indicia on said one or more overlay structures such that
said printed indicia are visible through said one or more overlay
structures and protected thereby, wherein said printed indicia of
one of (i) a single overlay structure and (ii) a plurality of
overlay structures when assembled, defines advertising.
12. The method of advertising of claim 11 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said decorative layer.
13. The method of advertising of claim 11 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said core layer.
14. The method of advertising of claim 11 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said wear layer.
15. The method of advertising of claim 11 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises selecting any one or
combination of two or more of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a
product name, an organizational name and an organizational
logo.
16. The method of advertising of claim 15 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said decorative layer.
17. The method of advertising of claim 15 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said core layer.
18. The method of advertising of claim 15 wherein: said step of
providing printed indicia further comprises placing said printed
indicia on said wear layer.
19. A method of advertising on a bowling lane, the bowling lane
having an approach area thereof, a pin deck end area thereof and a
lane area thereof extending between said approach area and said pin
deck area, the method of advertising comprising the steps of:
providing printed indicia on the bowling lane such that said
printed indicia are visible to an observer of the bowling lane,
wherein said printed indicia defines advertising.
20. The bowling lane of claim 19 wherein: said step of providing
printed indicia further comprises selecting any one or combination
of two or more of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a product
name, an organizational name and an organizational logo.
21. A bowling lane, comprising: one or more overlay structures,
wherein each overlay structure includes a core layer, a decorative
layer over the core layer, and a wear layer over the decorative
layer wherein certain ones of said overlay structures includes
printed indicia that is visible through said overlay structure and
protected thereby, wherein said printed indicia of one of (i) a
single overlay structure and (ii) a plurality of overlay structures
when assembled, define advertising.
22. The bowling lane of claim 21 wherein said printed indicia is on
said decorative layer.
23. The bowling lane of claim 21 wherein said printed indicia is on
said core layer.
24. The bowling lane of claim 21 wherein said printed indicia is on
said wear layer.
25. The bowling lane of claim 21 wherein said printed indicia is at
least one of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a product name, an
organizational name and an organizational logo.
26. The bowling lane of claim 25 wherein said printed indicia is on
said decorative layer.
27. The bowling lane of claim 25 wherein said printed indicia is on
said core layer.
28. The bowling lane of claim 25 wherein said printed indicia is on
said wear layer.
29. A bowling lane, comprising: an approach area thereof, a pin
deck end area thereof and a lane area thereof extending between
said approach area and said pin deck area; said bowling lane
including printed indicia such that said printed indicia are
visible to an observer of the bowling lane, wherein said printed
indicia defines advertising.
30. The bowling lane of claim 29 wherein said printed indicia is at
least one of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a product name, an
organizational name and an organizational logo.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/556,905, file Mar. 26, 2004 and is a
continuation-in-part of commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/224,142, filed Aug. 20, 2002, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/575,950, filed May
23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,892, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/060,914, filed Apr.
15, 1998, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to bowling, and in particular
to advertising and associated method for bowling centers and the
like.
[0003] This invention relates to methods of promotion of products
and ownership related to bowling centers and the like. People are
drawn to bowling centers for various reasons, such as location or
league establishments. Once the patrons are in the center, there
are various methods utilized by the center to entice the patrons to
spend money at the center, i.e., banners displaying food and/or
beverage specials. However, it is also desirable to provide
discreet messages or product promotion to educate patrons of
products utilized at the center or remind patrons of the center
ownership itself.
[0004] This invention also relates to ten pin bowling lanes and
other indoor bowling lanes, such as five pin and duck pin bowling
lanes. It is especially useful for a reconstructed bowling lane
surface, in a method of preparing a bowling lane surface, and as a
bowling lane surface protecting material over wood or synthetic
lanes.
[0005] Bowling lane assemblies are composed of an elongated lane, a
wider approach section at the foul line end, and a pin deck on the
pin deck end. These lanes are primarily of two main types. One type
is formed of joined wood boards. The other type has a synthetic
surface on a support base such as pressed wood. Both types are
mounted on an elevating support structure. A conventional bowling
lane is the type that is fabricated of joined wood boards. The lane
is structured with laminated strips of wood of substantial
thickness extending lengthwise of the lane.
[0006] After a period of use of the lane, the action of bowling
balls on the lane surface and repeated refinishing of the surface
create wear and dents requiring resurfacing or reconstruction of
the lane. A conventional way of treating the lane is to sand it
down and apply a new finish coat to it. This procedure is time
consuming and expensive; because of the sanding involved, an entire
facility may have to be shut down when any one lane is resurfaced.
To solve this problem, various attempts have been made to resurface
a bowling lane by covering the lane with an overlay structure,
usually a continuous homogeneous surface sheet extending the width
of the lane. Another more recent technique for resurfacing bowling
lanes is to cover the lane with a thin flexible tape or film 0.076
to 0.178 mm (3 to 7 mils) thick and having an undersurface coated
with adhesive, not totally unlike a giant roll of cellophane tape,
as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,152 and
4,867,816.
[0007] This later technique has been found to be effective for many
bowling establishments and has been widely used. However, it is not
universally applicable, and it requires considerable skill and
effort to avoid problems associated with the large underside
adhesive surface area. The film must be carefully controlled, as it
is being unrolled and laid in order to minimize air pockets,
misaligmment, and other difficulties from an adhesive material of
this nature. One specific difficulty, which arises when using this
film, occurs due to seasonal movement in boards for wooden lanes.
Because the material is adhered to the entire surface of the lane,
the expansion and contraction of the wood boards can cause waves or
tunneling of the film material resulting in a lane surface that is
not smooth. Later removal of the film also destroys the film.
[0008] Additionally, the film material is thin and does not prevent
the wood underneath from being dented by the ball or pins. Abrasive
material or sharp pieces on the ball may penetrate the thin film.
The ball can also penetrate the film used in this technique if the
film is not cared for properly. The film lasts only three to ten
years.
[0009] Rigid synthetic lane panels are also sometimes used to
reconstruct lane surfaces. However, this is extremely expensive and
leaves joints between the panels. The panels are usually about
{fraction (1/2)} inch thick and 12 feet long phenolic or phenolic
pressed wood panels.
[0010] Another attempt has been to use a single, relatively thick,
homogeneous fiberglass panel that simply is mechanically attached
to the existing lane at the four corners of the panel. This
resulted in the panels becoming uneven.
[0011] Still another attempt was to provide a factory made, thin
sandwich-type overlay structure and mechanically anchoring the
structure to the lane at considerably spaced locations, such as on
the order of four feet apart. The sandwich would include a
particleboard covered by a synthetic laminate made in the factory
and taken to a site for installation. Such sandwich structures
would not stay flat and buckled between the anchoring
locations.
[0012] A main concern with any type of mechanical attachment is the
cosmetic consequences of the exposed mechanical means. In addition,
the problems and dilemmas faced by lane designers, as exemplified
above, are magnified when considering that a non-wood synthetic
lane covering will respond to typical temperature and humidity
changes differently from the wood lane it covers. Consequently, the
synthetic covering must be firmly attached to the lane to either
"move" with the lane, or to prevent the lane itself from moving
significantly.
[0013] As can be seen from the above outline of various prior
attempts at resurfacing bowling lanes, adhesives and/or closely
spaced mechanical connections may accomplish these necessary
results, except that adhesive attachment is quite expensive to
perform, time consuming and generally presents an unhealthy
environment, while mechanical fasteners or attaching means usually
are cosmetically unacceptable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] One aspect of this invention is to provide a unique method,
sheet material, and resulting lane construction that can be readily
manufactured in extruded form, can be readily installed, neither
utilizes nor requires adhesive spread over the undersurface of the
material, and is readily removed and replaced, if necessary, at a
later date. Typically, but not necessarily, the method employs
small strips of double-sided tape or other adhesive means or any
type of mechanical fastening system at select locations for
installation and retention of position. It protects the lane,
whether of wood or synthetic material, and extends the life of the
lane. It can also be used to revamp damaged sections of a lane.
[0015] The method achieves resurfacing of a bowling lane, even the
approach and pin deck area if desired, with a sheet of flexible,
relatively thick, polymer having a thickness of about 0.63 to 2.50
mm (25-100 mils), uncoated with adhesive. The side edges of the
lane covering polymer sheet can be trimmed, and then the end edges
trimmed, if necessary. Any initial waves in the laid extruded sheet
have been found to basically disappear after being pushed down by a
towel bar from the foul line to the pin deck. The polymer sheet may
be one layer of clear 100 percent polycarbonate.
[0016] The extruded polymer sheet may also comprise a first layer
and a second layer underlying the first layer. The first layer may
be 100 percent polycarbonate or alternatively, may be a mixture of
about 5-20 percent of a lubricious polymeric material, i.e.,
Teflon.RTM., and correspondingly about 80-95 percent polycarbonate.
When 100 percent polycarbonate is used, the total thickness of the
first layer is about 25 percent of the total thickness of the
extruded polymer sheet. When the first layer is made of
polycarbonate and Teflon.RTM., the first layer is about 5-50
percent of the total thickness of the extruded polymer sheet.
[0017] The first layer may contain an optical brightener, which may
include a fluorescent dye that is responsive to ultraviolet light.
The sheet may optionally include a third layer beneath the second
layer. The optional second and third layers may contain a tinting
dye or an ultraviolet blocking agent to avoid uneven glow
appearance from substances beneath the film in the wood, etc. A
replaceable decorative film, advertising material or web printed
material of chosen design and color may be placed beneath the
applied polymeric sheet or printed on the surface, usually on the
bottom, of the polymer sheet as well.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention contemplates the use of a
relatively thick, homogeneous laminate sheet for resurfacing a
bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fastening means are spaced
about the perimeter of the sheet in respective recesses in the
upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for
securement to the lane. Plug means fill the recesses flush with the
upper surface of the sheet to hide the fastening means.
[0019] The laminate sheet includes a core, a decorative layer and a
wear layer. The decorative layer may simulate the appearance of a
wood bowling lane. This decorative layer may also include
decorative indicia, advertising material or corporate logos or
identification. At least one clear wear layer is provided over the
decorative layer. The filler plugs are fabricated of similar
material, also with a matching decorative layer.
[0020] Another aspect of this invention is to provide a bowling
lane consisting of a base member that includes an approach area, a
pin deck end area and a lane area extending between the approach
area and the pin deck area With printed indicia on the base member
so that the printed indicia is visible to an observer viewing the
bowling lane. The bowling lane may include a generally transparent
synthetic sheet member overlying at least a portion of the approach
area, the pin deck area or the lane area, and an attachment member
that securely attaches the synthetic sheet member to the base
member to retain the synthetic sheet member in an overlying
relationship with the base member. The synthetic sheet member may
include the printed indicia that is visible through the synthetic
sheet member and protected by the synthetic sheet member. The
printed indicia may be located on the approach area, pin deck area
or lane area. The printed indicia may be a corporate name, a
corporate logo, a product name, an organizational name or an
organizational logo, or any other form of organizational
information, product information or slogans, or advertising. The
synthetic sheet may consist of a core, decorative layer, and wear
layers and the printed indicia may be located on the core,
decorative layer or wear layer.
[0021] These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference
to the following written specification, claims and appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic side elevation of a bowling
establishment made according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic sectional view taken at right
angles to the view of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bowling lane showing a
portion of the lane;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a pair of bowling lanes, gutters,
ball return zone, approaches and pin decks embodying the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side elevational
view of one embodiment of the juncture of the approach and the lane
at the foul line;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side elevational
view of another embodiment of the juncture of the approach and the
lane at the foul line;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side elevational
view of an embodiment of the juncture at the lane and the pin
deck;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side elevational
view of an embodiment showing the extruded sheet on a synthetic
lane and without applying an extruded sheet on the approach;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged, exploded side elevational view
of an embodiment of the juncture at the lane and the pin deck;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing in greater detail the
fastening means and overlay structure of one aspect of the
invention;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an overlay structure of
one aspect of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention, showing a bowling lane incorporating a logo;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention, showing a bowling lane incorporating a
slogan;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention, showing a bowling lane incorporating bowling
establishment identification;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention, showing a bowling lane incorporating various
aspects of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
present invention, showing a bowling lane incorporating a logo;
and
[0038] FIG. 17 is a flow-chart setting forth the method of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0039] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper",
"lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal"
and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented
in FIGS. 4 and 12. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific
dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the
embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,
unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0040] An exemplary embodiment of a bowling establishment made
according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 in a somewhat
schematic form. The same includes an enclosure, generally
designated 110, having a ceiling 112 with a saw tooth
configuration, opposed end walls 114 and 116, sidewalls 118 (only
one of which is shown), and a floor 120. Supported on the floor 120
is a plurality of bowling lanes 10 in side-by-side relation as is
well known and shown in FIG. 4. The lanes 14 may be either natural
wood construction or so-called synthetic lane construction, and
each has an upper surface 124 which is planar and which is flanked
by gutters 16 (FIG. 2). The surface 124 is adapted to have one or
more bowling balls 126 rolled thereon toward the pit end 128
thereof. As is well known, bowling pins 130 are spotted in a
triangular configuration on the bowling surface 124 at the pit end
128, specifically, on the pin deck 24, usually by an automatic
pinsetter, shown schematically at 132.
[0041] A masking unit 134 hides the pinsetter 132 and may be of
conventional construction. A ball return and rack, generally
designated 136, is located near the approach end 26 of the lanes.
An area 140, shown extremely condensed in FIG. 1, to the right of
the approach end 26 of the lanes 10 may house the usual amenities,
such as seating for the bowlers, a bar and/or grill, an area for
entertaining children, equipment storage, and rental locations,
etc.
[0042] In the usual case, the enclosure 110 would be relatively
window free. The windows, if any, will generally be located
adjacent the area 140 and will severely limit the amount of light
entering the establishment 110. For this reason, the ceiling 112,
and the saw tooths thereof, is provided with conventional lane
lighting, typically in the form of several fluorescent tubes 142.
In addition, conventional lamps 144 or ultraviolet lights 152 may
be disposed behind the masking unit 134 so as to illuminate the pit
end 128 of each of the lanes 10.
[0043] If made of wood, a typical lane 14 will consist of
thirty-nine boards 15 across the width of the lane 14. Synthetic
lanes are constructed to simulate real wood and, therefore, may
also appear to have thirty-nine boards 15 across the width of the
lane 14. An example of the configuration of boards 15, whether
simulated or real wood, is shown in FIG. 3. While FIG. 3 represents
a typical lane with thirty-nine boards, other configurations are
contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. In addition,
while FIG. 3 depicts the thirty-nine board configuration, FIGS.
12-14 do not show all thirty-nine boards because the inventive
concept is more clearly illustrated in this manner.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 4-9 of the drawings, a two-lane
bowling facility is shown in greater detail to illustrate one
embodiment of the invention, it being realized that typical bowling
centers have a large number of lanes, usually in pairs like this.
This two-lane arrangement 10 includes two lane assemblies 12 and
12' in a typical arrangement with each lane 14 being straddled by a
pair of gutters 16. Between the two lane assemblies is a ball
return capping 18 that is above a ball return channel of typical
type. At opposite sides of the two lanes from the ball return
capping are lane divisions 20 of typical type.
[0045] Each lane 14 is of standard length, i.e., 60 feet plus or
minus {fraction (1/2)} inch as measured from the foul line 22 to
the center of the number one pin on the pin deck 24. At the head
end of the lane, i.e., adjacent foul line 22, is what is known as
the approach 26. The approach is where the bowler advances toward
the lane with the ball in hand in order to roll or bowl the ball
down the lane toward the pins on the pin deck 24. These pins are
graphically illustrated as ten pins in the typical triangular
configuration with number one pin being at the front apex of the
triangle and numbers seven and ten pins being at the rear apices or
corners of the triangle. The lane is of standard width of 411/2
inches plus or minus {fraction (1/2)} inch, according to the
standards of the American Bowling Congress (ABC).
[0046] The invention shown in FIGS. 4-9 will typically be used to
restore or recondition a lane which has become worn due to ball
indentations, ball tracking marks, blemishes, pin indentations and
general wear due to repeated traverse of the lane by balls and by a
conventional lane conditioning machine. Alternatively, the
invention can be used to complete, i.e., finish off, a new lane of
wood or of synthetic material, and/or used in the other manners
disclosed herein. If the lane is a worn lane, it is preferably
sanded to remove ball dents and other cosmetic problems before the
material of this invention is installed, and preferably a wood lane
has a slightly rubbery base coat lane finish applied to it to seal
the wood, which prevents liquids from wicking between the sheet and
lane. If the lane is in good condition, the material of this
invention can be installed on top of the existing wood lane finish
or the synthetic lane. One variation is to sand and apply base coat
only to the approximately first one third of the lane from the
approach since this is where most ball damage occurs. Then, the
novel sheet material is applied to the lane. If it is later decided
to recondition the entire length of the lane, the novel material
and lane protection layer can be readily removed from the lane, the
lane reconditioned, and the novel sheet material replaced over the
length of the lane.
[0047] In contrast to the prior teachings wherein a very thin film,
e.g., about 0.076 to 0.178 mm (3 to 7 mils), having an adhesive
over its lower surface, is carefully unrolled and adhered over the
length of the lane, the present sheet is of substantial thickness
of about 0.63 to 2.50 mm, preferably 1.25 mm thick, and is not
coated with adhesive. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 4, the
extruded polymer sheet 30, preferably made of polycarbonate,
extends over the length of the lane from the foul line 22 to the
rear edge of the pin deck 24. However, the extruded polymer sheet
may cover the approach, the lane and the pin deck or any one of
these areas individually or in combination. One or more sheets may
be used.
[0048] In the typical instance, the polymer sheet 30 (FIG. 4-9)
extends from the foul line 22 to the rear edge of the pin deck 24.
The polymer sheet is not typically glued to the entire lane.
Rather, an adhesive means or any type of mechanical adhesive means
attaches the foul line end portion of the sheet, and the central
area of the lane remains free of adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive
is a narrow strip of thin, double-sided adhesive tape 27,
preferably about 0.1 mm thick, extends substantially the width of
the lane, and is positioned between extruded polymer sheet 30 and
the lane surface, i.e., beneath the sheet and on top of the lane
surface. The polymer sheet 30 is preferably relatively stiff when
flat. This leading edge is what primarily holds the sheet in
position. However, static forces also assist in retaining the
polymer sheet 30 in position, especially over the central area of
the lane. At the far end of the lane, i.e., at the rear of pin deck
24, the polymer sheet 30 may be secured to the underlying lane
surface by a pair of laterally spaced strips of thin double-sided
adhesive tape 28 (FIG. 4). It is presently preferred to have these
strips of tape basically at the corners, i.e., adjacent the number
seven and number ten pin locations. The double-sided tape 27 at the
foul line is preferably about two inches wide. The double-sided
tape at 28 preferably is in pieces of about two inches wide by four
inches long in dimension, both being very thin, preferably about
0.1 mm thick. The polymer sheet 30 may be a substantially clear
sheet made of 100 percent polycarbonate.
[0049] In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 4-9,
the extruded polymer sheet 30 may also comprise a first layer 35
and a second layer 37 underlying first layer 35. First and second
layers 35 and 37 are preferably co-extruded. The extruded polymer
sheet 30 is clear, i.e., generally transparent, when polycarbonate
is used to form the extruded polymer sheet. The extruded polymer
sheet may be provided with selected decorative effects underneath
it. These decorative materials can be inserted as a film or web and
removed at will since the polymer sheet is not glued or otherwise
attached to the lane over its length. The decorative effects or
advertising material may also be printed on or under the polymer
sheet. Thus, for example, the undersurface material can have a
simulated wood appearance, advertising material, or any suitable
design or wording to suit special occasions or environments,
corporate name, corporate logo, product name, organizational name
or logo or other printed indicia. The second layer 37 can include
in its thickness a coloring agent, an ultraviolet light blocker
material, and/or an ultraviolet responsive pigment or dye material
that is responsive to ultraviolet light to provide a special
glow-in-the-dark effect similar to that described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,489,241; 5,529,541 and 5,888,142, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference. Incorporation of the ultraviolet
responsive material into the second layer is advantageous because,
should scratches occur in the first layer, this will not adversely
affect the ultraviolet lighting characteristics of the lanes.
Nevertheless, the ultraviolet responsive material could
alternatively be incorporated into the first layer.
[0050] The first layer 35 may comprise between about 5-20 percent
of a lubricious polymeric material, i.e., TEFLON.RTM.
(tetrafluoroethylene fluorocarbon, fluorinated ethylene-propylene,
or copolymers thereof), and correspondingly 80-95 percent
polycarbonate instead of being 100 percent polycarbonate material.
When this is done, the thickness of the first polycarbonate layer
is about 5-50 percent of the total thickness of the extruded
polymer sheet. An extruded layer of TEFLON.RTM./polycarbonate can
be made by feeding beads, which are each made of 5-20 percent
TEFLON.RTM. and correspondingly 80-95 percent polycarbonate, into
the extruder.
[0051] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in
FIGS. 4-9, the extruded polymer sheet 30 is composed of three
laminated layers underlying one another including, a first
polycarbonate layer, which is generally clear and may optionally
include a lubricious polymeric material such as TEFLON.RTM. and/or
an optical brightener, a second polycarbonate layer that is
generally clear and contains an ultraviolet responsive pigment or
dye, a color tint material, and an ultraviolet light blocker
material, and a third polycarbonate layer 39, which also is
generally clear. The third layer 39 may contain an ultraviolet
light-blocking agent to protect the lane from fading, a color tint
material, an optical brightening material, and/or an ultraviolet
light blocker alone or in any combination. Preferably, the first,
second, and third layers are co-extruded. Due to the co-extrusion,
the first, second and third layers do not necessarily form discrete
layers.
[0052] The use of TEFLON.RTM. in combination with polycarbonate in
the first layer of the extruded polymer sheet reduces friction on
the lane and creates a slight white color. When TEFLON.RTM. is
added to the first layer, however, the coefficient of friction of
the upper surface of the sheet material is comparable to that of an
oiled lane surface. The slight white color of the
TEFLON.RTM./polycarbonate first layer is an advantage because it
brightens the bowling lane under normal lighting conditions.
Bowlers find bright lanes more appealing. The
TEFLON.RTM./polycarbonate first layer also typically creates a
bowling surface with better texture. When TEFLON.RTM. is
incorporated into the first or only layer, the extruded polymer
layer is less glossy and has a generally matte appearance, making a
matte finish treatment unnecessary. When TEFLON.RTM. is
incorporated into the first layer, except for the relative
thickness changes discussed above, the composition of the second
and third polycarbonate layers, when used, remains as discussed
above. Whether or not TEFLON.RTM. is used as a component in the
first layer, the first or second polycarbonate layers may contain
ultraviolet responsive pigments or dyes. The ultraviolet responsive
pigment or dye may be a fluorescent glow-in-the-dark material that
may have a slightly brown appearance under normal lighting
conditions, or it may be clear with no visible coloration under
normal lighting conditions. Of course, any combination of
glow-in-the-dark ultraviolet responsive pigments or dyes may be
used or the pigment or dye may be omitted entirely from the second
polycarbonate layer in both embodiments. Likewise, as discussed
above, the third layer may contain an ultraviolet light blocker,
which protects the wood surface of the lane from becoming
damaged.
[0053] As discussed previously, the polymer sheet 30 may be
substantially clear 100 percent polycarbonate only. The approach 26
(FIGS. 4-6 and 8) may or may not have a polymer sheet 30 applied.
If it is applied, preferably the polymer sheet 40 (FIG. 5) on the
approach 26 will be at least as thick and preferably slightly
thicker than polymer sheet 30 on the lane 14, so as not to
interfere with the sliding action of the bowler. For example, if
polymer sheet 30 is 1.25 mm thick, polymer sheet 40 is preferably
between 1.5 and 2.0 mm thick up to the foul line 22 (FIG. 5). Since
this approach polymer sheet 40 is traversed by the bowler who also
slides on it, it has its forward edge adjacent the foul line
secured by a thin layer of adhesive of double-sided adhesive tape
42 extending across the entire width of the approach layer 40, and
at the rear edge of the approach, a layer 44 of thin double-sided
adhesive tape extends the width of the approach. The double-sided
tape at 42 and 44 is very thin, about 0.1 mm thick, and preferably
about 2-3 inches wide. The double-sided adhesive tape contains a
removable protective strip 29 over the adhesive on one side of the
tape prior to attachment. Optionally, a fill-in strip 36 of
polymeric material can be utilized between the approach sheets 40
of the adjacent lanes (FIG. 4).
[0054] The polymer sheet 30 shown in FIGS. 4-9 may be formed on a
polymer extruder having a die orifice of selected width and height
to produce the width and thickness of the polymer sheet 30.
Preferably, a removable protective film is applied to at least one
surface of polymer sheet 30 after the polymer is extruded. Polymer
sheet 30 is then transported to the bowling establishment. Sheet 40
may be formed in the same or a similar way.
[0055] When installing the polymer sheet 30 on the bowling lane, a
roll of polymer sheet 30 is typically used. Once the lane has been
prepared, if necessary, by sanding the base coat finishing the
existing lane surface, the roll of polymer sheet 30 is laid down on
the bowling lane and unrolled over the area to be covered. Once
unrolled, the protective film/layer may be removed from extruded
polymer sheet 30 prior to installation. Unrolling the sheet and/or
removing the protective film creates a static charge that attracts
particles to the bottom surface of sheet 30. Typically, any
remaining dust or other small particles on the lane surface adhere
to the polymer sheet 30 due to the static forces. If this occurs,
the sheet 30 may be inverted (flipped over). This exposes the
particles attached to the polymer sheet 30 by the static forces
such that they may be removed with a towel.
[0056] In order to easily flip the polymer sheet 30, the pin deck
end of the polymer sheet is pulled over the polymer sheet until it
lies on the approach 26. Then, the looped end is grasped and pulled
onto the approach 26. There are now four polymer sheet sections
overlying one another. Next, the bottom layer of the polymer sheet
30 is pulled out from the looped end (now located about 15 feet
down the lane). When the installer approaches the pin deck end 24,
the polymer sheet 30 will flop over itself. The material may then
be positioned as needed.
[0057] If the sheet 40 is not used on the approach area 26, then
the leading edge of the sheet material at the foul line 22 is laid
after the underlying wood is beveled, e.g., about 1.5 mm deep at
the foul line, for a sheet material of 1.25 mm in thickness,
angling up to the rest of the lane surface in 6 inch distance or so
as depicted in FIG. 6. This is to assure that polymer sheet 30 will
not extend above the level of the approach so as to inhibit the
bowler's sliding action in the event the bowler slides across the
foul line. The sheet 30 is then slid, as necessary, until one end
is adjacent the foul line 22 and the opposite end is at the far end
of the pin deck 24. The top surface is preferably then cleaned with
a slightly damp, lint-free towel bar or the like. This removes any
dirt and dust from the polymeric sheet 30 and should especially be
done if the sheet has been inverted to expose dust or other
particles that were on the lane but that adhered to the sheet due
to static forces, as discussed above.
[0058] Once the polymer sheet 30 is positioned so that it is
straight and covers the entire lane surface, it can be temporarily
attached to the lane with a few pieces of double-sided tape. It may
be permanently attached. Then, a cutting tool of the type commonly
used for cutting polymers is preferably employed to trim the side
edges of the polymer sheet 30 so that the width of the sheet is
equal to or slightly less than the underlying lane width.
Preferably, the edges are about 0.1 mm or so less width than the
lane, on each side of the lane but within the ABC guidelines. Then
the front and back ends are trimmed to the proper length, if
necessary. Preferably, the top surface of the sheet 30 is then
buffed slightly as with a rotary floor machine, at least for the
first approximately 30-45 feet of the lane. The cut edges are then
smoothed and typically beveled.
[0059] After the surface of the extruded polymer sheet 30 is
cleaned as necessary, it is attached at the foul line 22 with the
double-sided tape 27 about 2 inches wide and about 0.1 mm thick
over the width of the material. Two pieces of two-inch wide tape
may also be used. For ease of installation, the double-sided tape
should be attached to the lane first. It may be desired not to
further secure the rear end of the polymer sheet 30 at the pin deck
24 until the lane has been used and/or conditioned with a common
bowling lane conditioner a few times to assure that it lies
completely flat. Ultimately, the rear end of the polymer sheet 30
is preferably attached to the underlying lane surface by a pair of
approximately two inch by four inch pieces of double-sided tape 28
at the rear corners of the pin deck. The sheet material can be
buffed periodically to assure uniformity of surface
characteristics. With these simple steps completed, the sheet
material has been found by extensive testing to be suitable for
extended bowling.
[0060] The upper surface of polymer sheet 30 can be smooth or have
a matte finish. As discussed above, when no TEFLON.RTM. is
incorporated into the polycarbonate layer, treatment may be
necessary to obtain a matte finish, while no such treatment is
necessary when TEFLON.RTM. is used because the reconditioning layer
is less glossy. If at any time it is desired to remove the polymer
sheet 30 for treatment of the lane in any fashion, or applying
decorative surfaces or the like beneath it, this can be readily
done by simply releasing the double-sided tape at the ends and
shifting the polymer sheet 30 off the lane.
[0061] Installation of the extruded polymer sheet 40 shown in FIGS.
4-9 on the approach is done in similar fashion except that the
entire width of the sheet 40 on the approach has the double-sided
tape 42 on both the edge portion adjacent the foul line and at 44
on the leading edge portion, as depicted in FIG. 4.
[0062] If it is desired to have a separate layer of material on the
pin deck 24, this can be done in the manner indicated in FIG. 7 by
having polymer sheet 30 terminate at the front of the pin deck 24,
applying a separate layer 31 on the pin deck, there being
underlying double-sided tape 28' beneath the rear edge of polymer
layer 30, and tape 28" beneath the forward edge of layer 31,
adjacent to each other, and a very thin layer of clear plastic film
33, e.g., about 0.005 inch thick, beneath both of these strips to
tape. The tape may have an adhesive protective strip 29 on both
sides (FIG. 6). However, typically the adhesive tape has a single
top protective strip, and the adhesive is rolled onto the surface
when applied. Once unrolled, the top protective strip 29 is removed
to reveal the adhesive. Additionally, if there is another section
of the lane, e.g., the head section, which is damaged, it can be
cut out and replaced with material of appropriate length. A
separate piece of a very thin clear plastic, with adhesive on one
side, may also be used to adhere the sheet to the lane, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,152.
[0063] Also, a lubricious polymeric material containing lane
finishing material may be applied as a lane finish directly to any
portion of the surface of the lane, the pin deck or to the polymer
sheet.
[0064] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the
invention contemplates the use of a synthetic sheet member, or
overlay structure, generally designated 46, for covering, i.e.
resurfacing, a bowling lane 10, and including the use of a
plurality of mechanical fastening means, generally designated
50.
[0065] More particularly, overlay structure 46 may be fabricated of
a relatively thick, homogeneous laminate sheet 52. A decorative
layer 54 covers overlay structure 46 core 57 to simulate the
appearance of a wood bowling lane. Decorative layer 54 may then be
covered by at least one clear wear layer 55. It is anticipated that
more than one wear layer may be applied, 55 and 55a. The top clear
layer 56 and wear layers 55, 55a are provided for long wearing
characteristics.
[0066] The majority of laminate sheet 52 may be fabricated of a
homogeneous material constructed with layers of phenol-formaldehyde
impregnated Kraft paper 0.007 inch thickness per sheet. Sheet 52
should be greater than {fraction (3/16)} inch thick and,
preferably, on the order of {fraction (7/16)} inch thick for
accommodating mechanical fastening means 50 as described
hereinafter. In relation to the screw fasteners described
hereinafter, the sheet is on the order of three times the height of
the head of one of the screws.
[0067] Decorative layer 54 may be fabricated by a
melamineformaldehyde impregnated alpha-cellulose 65# basis weight
paper with cured thickness on the order of 0.006-0.008 inch or any
other suitable product. The decorative layer paper may be pre-dried
and tension-controlled during impregnation to minimize any sheet
width variation.
[0068] Laminate sheet 52 may be made using extremely high
pressures. The core 57 may be made with phenolic Kraft paper layers
or other suitable product, and fused with the decorative layer 54
and the wear layer(s) 55, 55a in a single process. All the layers
may be individually resin soaked by running the sheets through a
resin bath, and then dried before processing. The layers may then
be stacked to yield the desired final laminate thickness. The
decorative layer 54 may be stacked on top of the core 57, with the
wear layer(s) 55, 55a and final clear layer 56 on top of the
decorative layer 54 (FIG. 11). The finished laminate sheet 52 may
be a one-piece homogeneous structure. A mirror image of the
decorative layer 154, wear layer(s) 155, 155a and clear layer 156
may be produced on both sides of the core 57 (FIG. 11) for
dimensional stability, it being understood that clear top 56, wear
layer(s) 55, 55a and decorative layer 54 are those layers visible
to an observer viewing the lane.
[0069] Mechanical fastening means 50 are in the form of screws 58
extending through overlay structure 46 for securement to lane 14,
as shown. The screws extend through drilled holes 60, the holes
being countersunk, as at 62, to accommodate the heads 64 of the
screws 58 in recesses 66 in the upper surface of the sheet. After
the screws 58 are embedded to securely fix the sheet to the
existing lane, a plurality of disc-shaped plugs 68 may be inserted
by a press fit into recesses 66 sufficient to be substantially
flush with the upper surface of overlay structure 46. The plugs 68
may be fabricated similar to the laminate sheet, including a
decorative layer to match the decorative layer of the sheet, but
simply of a thinner construction.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 12-17, another embodiment of the present
invention with printed indicia on the bowling lanes will be
described. In FIG. 12, a bowling lane assembly 74 is shown and is
similar to the previously described bowling lane assembly 12, and
similar parts appearing in FIG. 12 are represented by the same,
corresponding reference numerals. Bowling lane assembly 74 has an
approach area 26, a lane area 14 and a pin deck area (not shown).
Gutters 16 straddle either side of the lane 14 and a foul line 22
is located at the juncture of the lane 14 and the approach 26. In
this embodiment, a transparent synthetic overlay structure 46, as
described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, overlays bowling lane
assembly 74. The overlay structure 46 may cover all or a portion of
the approach 26, pin deck area 24 and lane 14. As described with
reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the overlay structure 46 is securely
attached to the bowling lane assembly 74. The overlay structure 46
includes printed indicia that are visible through the overlay
structure 46 and can be seen to the casual observers viewing the
lane. For instance, the printed indicia is large enough to be be
seen while standing on the approach 26 and viewing the pin deck
area 14. The printed indicia may be placed on the core 57,
decorative layer 54 or wear layer(s) 55, 55a of the overlay
structure 46. The printed indicia may include a wide variety of
printed material to create messages and/or ornament the interior of
the bowling center. For instance, the printed indicia may take the
form of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a product name, an
organizational name and an organizational logo or any other form of
organizational information, product information or slogans or
advertising information. The printed indicia 76 shown in FIG. 12 is
a corporate name identifying the manufacturer of the bowling
equipment. The type of printed indicia chosen depends upon the
needs of the bowling center, it being understood to those skilled
in the art that the printed indicia chosen is more permanent in
nature due to its application on the bowling lane 14.
[0071] FIGS. 13-16 show bowling lane assemblies similar to the
previously described bowling lane assembly 12 with similar parts
appearing in FIGS. 13-16 and represented by the same, corresponding
reference numerals. Bowling lane assembly 84 shown in FIG. 13 shows
another embodiment of the present invention with the use of a
slogan as the printed indicia 86. FIG. 14 shows a bowling lane
assembly 94 with the bowling establishment's name as the printed
indicia 96 located on the lane 14. FIG. 15 shows another embodiment
of the present invention with printed indicia 86, 96 located on the
lane area 14 and approach 26, respectively. It should be understood
that any combination of printed indicia, e.g., corporate name with
advertising material, etc. can be placed anywhere on the bowling
lane, e.g., approach and lane, or approach and pin deck. In
addition, the printed indicia can be in any orientation on the
lane, e.g., along the length of the lane as shown in FIGS. 12-15,
or across the lane as shown in FIG. 16. The orientation may also be
diagonal, circular, etc. The combinations of application and
printed indicia are limitless and anticipated as being within the
scope of the invention.
[0072] The printed indicia may be applied to the overlay structure
46 on the core 57, decorative layer 54 or wear layer(s) 55, 55a.
The printed indicia may be applied to the overlay structure 46 by
any one of a number of different suitable processes, such as
printing using an ink jet printer or any other suitable processes.
The printed indicia may be applied to the bowling lane assembly 12,
74, 84, 94 without the use of an overlay structure 46 by any one of
a number of different suitable processes.
[0073] With reference to FIG. 17 and FIGS. 12-16, a method of
advertising on a bowling lane will be described. The method of
advertising on a bowling lane wherein the bowling lane has an
approach area, a pin deck area and a lane area includes step 100 of
providing printed indicia for placement on the bowling lane such
that the printed indicia is visible to an observer viewing the
bowling lane (FIG. 17). The printed indicia may include a wide
variety of printed material to create messages and/or ornament the
interior of the bowling center. For instance, the printed indicia
may take the form of a corporate name, a corporate logo, a product
name, an organizational name, an organizational logo or any other
form of organizational information, product information or slogans,
or advertising information. The method of advertising may further
include step 102 of providing one or more generally transparent
overlay structures overlying at least a portion of the approach,
lane or pin deck area. In substep 104 of step 102, the printed
indicia may be on the overlay structure such that the printed
indicia are visible and protected by the overlay structure. The
method of advertising may also include step 106 of providing the
overlay structure with at least one of a core layer, decorative
layer, wear layer(s) and clear layer, and substep 108 of step 106
includes placing the printed indicia on at least one of the core
layer, decorative layer, wear layer and clear layer. Alternatively
the method of advertising may be accomplished by applying the
printed indicia to the bowling lane assembly by any one of a number
of different suitable processes.
[0074] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *