SYSTEM FOR THE CREATION OF DECORATIVE OR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS FROM USED BOWLING PINS

Abstract

Certain aspects are directed to an apparatus and method for creating and attaching a covering for a bowling pin. A cylindrical body comprising at least one single aperture located at a lower portion of the sleeve and a closed portion located at an upper portion of the sleeve, the cylindrical body comprising a contour of a selected genre of bowling pin, the cylindrical body comprising and an elastomeric material. Additionally, the single aperture may comprise an attachment ring portion, wherein the attachment ring portion comprises elastic deformative properties which allow the attachment ring portion to expand over portion of the larger diameter of the bowling pin and attach securely to a rim and a bottom surface of the bowling pin to be covered.

Claims

1. A sleeve for a bowling pin comprising: a cylindrical body comprising at least one aperture located at a lower portion of the sleeve and a closed portion located at an upper portion of the sleeve; the cylindrical body comprising a contour of a selected genre of bowling pin; the cylindrical body comprising and an elastomeric material; the at least one aperture comprises an attachment ring portion; wherein the attachment ring portion comprises elastic deformative properties which allow the attachment ring portion to expand over portion of the larger diameter of the bowling pin and attach securely to a rim and a bottom surface of the bowling pin to be covered.

2. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises an elastomeric material of a uniform thickness.

3. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises a silicone material of a uniform thickness.

4. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises a wall thickness of 0.06.

5. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises a weight of 0.41.

6. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the attachment ring portion is disposed to securely cover a small percentage of and not the entirety of the bottom surface of the bowling pin to be covered.

7. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the attachment ring portion is disposed to securely cover a less than a quarter annularly of the bottom surface of the bowling pin to be covered.

8. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the attachment ring portion is disposed to securely cover a 1/16 inches annual area of the outer portion of the base of the bowling pin.

9. The sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 wherein the thickness of the sleeve is uniform along the sleeve when engaged and encompassing a bowling pin.

10. A method of situating the sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 1 over a bowling pin comprising the steps of: sliding a malleable cylindrical sleeve comprising, an interior portion, an exterior portion, an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a lower portion elastic ring and a lower portion aperture, over the upper portion of a bowling pin via the lower portion aperture; fitting the lower portion aperture of the malleable cylindrical around the lower portion of the bowling pin; and securing the lower portion ring around the outer edge of the lower surface of the bowling pin.

11. The method of situating the sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 10 over a bowling pin further comprising the step of: affixing a graphic display on the exterior portion of the sleeve in the manufacturing process.

12. The method of situating the sleeve for a bowling pin of claim 10 over a bowling pin wherein the graphic display may be selected from group consisting of a commemorative statement, a design, a logo, a personal name, a company name, and a character.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 exemplifies a front view of the different types of bowling pins prevalent in the art including Duckpin, Tenpin and Candlepin in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 2A exemplifies a front view illustrating a used ten-pin bowling pin;

[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover encapsulating the used bowling pin;

[0038] FIG. 2C illustrates an opaque embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover encapsulating the used bowling pin, in accordance with the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 3A exemplifies a front view of a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover illustrated fully encapsulating the used bowling pin;

[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates a top plan view of a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover illustrated fully encapsulating the used bowling pin;

[0041] FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover encapsulating the outer circumference and edge of the used bowling pin, but leaving the majority of the base of the bowling pin uncovered;

[0042] FIG. 4A exemplifies a front view of a regulation ten-pin bowling pin illustrating the dimensions of the regulation ten-pin bowling pin including the height which is 15 inches (38 centimeters), the maximum width which is 4.75 inches (121 millimeters) and the base diameter which is 2.03 inches (51.6 millimeters);

[0043] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover illustrating the dimensions of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin, including the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin and the base diameter and a top plan view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover illustrating the dimensions of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin in accordance with the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 5 exemplifies a front view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover illustrating the vital dimensions for manufacturing, including diameters and diametric taper distances of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin in accordance with the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 6A illustrates a front three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover and the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover, in accordance with the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 6B illustrates a rear three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover and the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover, in accordance with the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 6C illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover and the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover, in accordance with the present invention;

[0048] FIGS. 7A-C exemplifies a top view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover illustrating a three-dimensional view of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin and a bottom view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover illustrating a three-dimensional view of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin, in accordance with the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 7A illustrates a front three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover and the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover, in accordance with the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 7B illustrates a rear three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover and the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover, in accordance with the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 7C illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover and the radial seam for the upper portion of the cover, in accordance with the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 8A illustrates a three-dimensional top plan view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, presently not installed on a bowling pin, illustrating the exterior of the tapered upper portion with the radial seam, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0053] FIG. 8B illustrates a three-dimensional bottom view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover, presently not installed on a bowling pin, illustrating the interior of the tapered upper portion and further illustrating the attachment ring; in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the system and apparatus for converting an expended bowling pin does not represent the only forms in which the instant system may be construed and/or utilized. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments and are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the system.

[0055] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term about, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term about generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms about may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0056] To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as a, an and the are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

[0057] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The terminology used and specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

[0058] The present apparatus includes a one piece, sleeve-like casing member or apparatus disposed to substantially encase many genres objects including sporting goods and components for partaking in sporting events, or other such item. In one embodiment, the system provides a manner to conceal dents, blemishes and the like, for a member such as a bowling pin, and particularly a used bowling pin.

[0059] FIG. 1 exemplifies a front view of the different types of bowling pins prevalent in the art including a Duckpin 10, a Tenpin 12 and a Candlepin 14, each of which has a specifically designed sleeve to conform to the contours of the pin.

[0060] FIG. 2A exemplifies a front view illustrating a used ten-pin bowling pin 20. FIG. 2B illustrates a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover 20 encapsulating the used bowling pin. FIG. 2C illustrates an opaque embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover 24 encapsulating the used bowling pin, in accordance with the present invention.

[0061] In one embodiment, the system acts as a sleeve member 22 which can be removably and slidably attached to cover the bowling pin and in such an instance, polymeric compositions and materials such as thickly drawn films such as silicone, Graphene, Gallium Nitride and Perovskites can be utilized. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is constructed of a malleable conforming material that will elastically conform to the body of a bowling pin, and yet still exhibit a thickness of material of a quality to cover flaws and still cover flaws.

[0062] Additionally, in one embodiment, the system introduces use of silicone for the material of the sleeve. The system also features a range of wall thicknesses, in one embodiment, the wall thickness may range from 1 mm to 2 mm thick. In one embodiment, a wall thickness of 0.06 inches, or 1.524 inches is introduced. Additionally, in one embodiment the system may have an average weight of 0.41 pounds.

[0063] In an additional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the sleeve material can be translucent and tinted with a visually pleasing color (for example, light pink or light blue). In other embodiments, the sleeve material may be composed of opaque materials which fully mask dings and other such markings.

[0064] The sleeve like mechanism may exhibit a printed character or graphic display in a specified printed character or graphic display area 26. While the sleeve member 22 is disposed for decorative purposes, the system is not designed to be protective from impact, or in any manner and once the system is installed, the pin should never be reused in a bowling scenario. Thus, the system is only intended to introduce an enhancement to the aesthetic value of the bowling pin 20.

[0065] As discussed above, the bowling pin 20 is normally constructed from a hardwood maple compound. The sleeve 22 material is elastomeric and can absorb a certain amount of impact energy by compression of the material itself and by deforming its shape. The sleeve 22 may comprise a substantially cylindrical shape that mimics the contours of all facets of a bowling pin, including completely encompassing and enclosing the upper portion of the pin and enclosing the rim of the lower portion 21 of the bowling pin 20 snugly and securely.

[0066] FIG. 3A exemplifies a front view of a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover 30 illustrated fully encapsulating the used bowling pin. FIG. 3B illustrates a top plan view of a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover 32 illustrated fully encapsulating the used bowling pin.

[0067] FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of a transparent embodiment of the ten-pin bowling pin cover encapsulating the outer circumference and edge of the used bowling pin, but leaving the majority of the base of the bowling pin uncovered. The bottom view also illustrates the retaining region area 32 of the instant bowling pin cover 30 which encloses the outer circumference and edge of the used bowling pin. In the instant embodiment, when engaged, the retaining region area 32 of the instant bowling pin cover 30 encompasses a 1/16-inch (1.59 mm) thickness. Also illustrated is the exposed lower portion 34 of the encapsulated bowling pin.

[0068] FIG. 4A exemplifies a front view of a regulation ten-pin bowling pin 40 illustrating the dimensions of the regulation ten-pin bowling pin including the height 41 which is 15 inches (38 centimeters), the maximum width 42 which is 4.75 inches (121 millimeters) and the base diameter 43 which is 2.03 inches (51.6 millimeters).

[0069] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 44 illustrating the dimensions of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin, including the radial seam 45 for the upper portion of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin and the base diameter 46 and a top plan view 47 of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover illustrating the dimensions of the cover for a ten-pin bowling pin in accordance with the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 5 exemplifies a front view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 50 illustrating the vital dimensions 51 for manufacturing of the cover including the corresponding diameters and diametric taper distances for a ten-pin bowling pin. The identical representation utilizing the corresponding diameters and diametric taper distances can be made to create the sheet to be utilized for candlepin and duckpin situations as well.

[0071] FIG. 6A illustrates a front three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 60, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover 61 and the radial seam 62 for the upper portion of the cover. FIG. 6B illustrates a rear three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 60, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover 61 and the radial seam 62 for the upper portion of the cover. FIG. 6C illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 60, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover 61 and the radial seam 62 for the upper portion of the cover.

[0072] FIG. 7A illustrates a front three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 60, engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover 61 and the radial seam 62 for the upper portion of the cover. Additionally, FIG. 7B illustrates a rear three-dimensional view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 60, engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover 61 and the radial seam 62 for the upper portion of the cover.

[0073] FIG. 7C illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 60, not engaged with a bowling pin, and further illustrates the upper portion of the bowling pin cover 61 and the radial seam 62 for the upper portion of the cover. Additionally illustrated is the bowling pin base portion 70 which is visible annularly inward of the attachment ring 64 of the bowling pin cover 60.

[0074] FIG. 8A illustrates a three-dimensional top plan view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 80, presently not installed on a bowling pin, illustrating the exterior of the tapered upper portion 82 with the radial seam 83. FIG. 8B illustrates a three-dimensional bottom view of one embodiment of the bowling pin cover 80, presently not installed on a bowling pin, illustrating the interior of the tapered upper portion 82 and further illustrating the attachment ring 84.

[0075] Further described for usage in line with the apparatus as described is a method of situating a covering over a bowling pin comprising the steps of sliding a malleable cylindrical sleeve comprising, an interior portion, an exterior portion, an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a lower portion elastic ring and a lower portion aperture, over the upper portion of a bowling pin via the lower portion aperture; fitting the lower portion aperture of the malleable cylindrical around the lower portion of the bowling pin; and securing the lower portion ring around the lower surface of the bowling pin. The method of situating a covering over a bowling pin may further comprise the step of affixing a user chosen printed character on the exterior portion of the sleeve.