Abstract
The disclosure relates to a pin string retention device used in a string pinspotter and, more particularly, to a string plug that is inserted into a bowling pin. More specifically, the disclosure relates to the improvement in the string retention capability and more specifically the ease of use and installation. The string plug utilizes friction between the string and the plug to secure the string to the bowling pin.
Claims
1. A structure comprising a string plug comprising a body with one or more multiple channels configured to accommodate a string along its circumference and length.
2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the body is cylindrical.
3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the channels comprise a channel running a long a diameter of the body at a top end.
4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the channels are in communication with one another.
5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the body includes a cut-away portion with a flat surface.
6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the cut-away portion includes a slit communicating with at least one of the channels.
7. The structure of claim 6, wherein the slit has a tapered cross-section.
8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the tapered cross-section becomes narrower along a length of the body.
9. The structure of claim 5, wherein the portion with a flat surface is at an end of the body, adjacent to a slit within the body.
10. The structure of claim 9, wherein the slit includes surfaces with a convex profile.
11. The structure of claim 1, wherein the channels include a channel extending along an entire length of the body.
12. The structure of claim 11, further comprising ribs extending from the channel.
13. The structure of claim 11, wherein the channel comprises a tapered profile.
14. The structure of claim 1, wherein the string plug is placed within a hole of a bowling pin.
15. The structure of claim 14, wherein the channels hold the string through friction between the string and the string plug.
16. The structure of claim 15, wherein the friction is accomplished by the material of the pin plug as well as a groove or series of grooves in the pin plug.
17. The structure of claim 1, wherein the string plug comprises plastic, wood, carbon fiber, or metal.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] 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.
[0006] FIGS. 1-5 show several different string plugs in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 6 shows a string plug and string inserted into a pin in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIGS. 7A-7D show a method of retention and the procedure to use it in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIGS. 8-13 show different string plug assemblies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The disclosure relates to a pin string retention device used in a string pinspotter and, more particularly, to a string plug that is inserted into a bowling pin. In embodiments, the disclosure relates to the improvement in the string retention capability and more specifically the ease of use and installation. The string plug utilizes friction between the string and the plug to secure the string to the bowling pin.
[0011] The string pins are a key component of the pinspotter and require the strings to be firmly attached to their corresponding pins. In addition, the pins being the most impacted component in the system need to be replaced periodically. Moreover, the pins that experience the highest impacts from bowling balls (1, 2 and 3 positions) can be rotated to the other positions (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) to extend the life of the pins. This process of moving them involves detaching the pin from the string and then reattaching the pin to the string. This is currently a time-consuming process. Many bowling centers have a significant shortfall of experienced mechanics and service personnel. The string pinspotter, being a very simple machine, allows most maintenance tasks to be performed by general front desk staff with little training. Therefore, it is critical for all maintenance operations to be simplified and made efficient from the aspects of ease of use and time to complete.
[0012] The current process requires the string to be tied into a particular style of knot so that it will not untie during play yet is still relatively easy to untie for pin replacement or pin rotation. This process usually takes x mins per pin. Considering most bowling centers have multiple machines which typically have ten pins per machine, the service time for pin rotation and pin replacement multiplies significantly. The process is also inconsistent with different operators doing it differently for either lack of knowledge or skill.
[0013] The current disclosure eliminates the knot and instead provides a mechanical fastener that allows consistent and simple assembly/disassembly operations. Furthermore, it reduces the time it takes to complete the task by more than 33%. It is also expected that little to no prior training or skill will be required to use this current invention making it easier for maintenance to be done by almost any staff person. The string plugs described herein can be easily adapted to or retrofitted to other bowling string pins on different pinspotters, retroactively to provide this benefit to the user.
[0014] FIGS. 1-5 show several different string plugs in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As in each of the embodiments described herein, the body 12 is preferably cylindrical in shape in order to fit within a hole 16 of a bowling pin 18 as shown in FIG. 6. It should be recognized, though, that other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated herein. The body 12 includes a plurality of channels that accommodate a string. As in each of the embodiments, the channels are preferably semicircular in cross-section and are designed to accommodate a string. The channels may also be tapered or other configurations as further described herein. Also, as in teach of the embodiments, the string plugs utilize friction between the string and the plug, itself, to secure the string to the bowling pin. In any of the embodiment, the string plugs may be made from plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics (thermosets), wood, carbon fiber, metal or other materials that exhibit the necessary durability required for a bowling application. The string plug of any of the embodiments can also be made from a single-body part or a multi-body assembly.
[0015] More specifically, in FIG. 1, for example, a string plug 10 includes a body 12. The body 12 of FIG. 1 includes a channel 14 that runs along a length or partial length of the body 12. The body 12 further includes a channel 24 at a top portion of the body 12. The channel 24 extends along an entire diameter of the body at the top end. In embodiments, the channel 24 is in alignment and communicates with the channel 14 in order for a string to be strung through the different channels and, in embodiments, to firmly hold the string to a bowling pin. A channel 16 extends partially around a circumference of the body and extends to and is in communication with channel 14. A channel 18 extends from the channel 16 along a length of the body and extends to an channel 20. The channel also extends partially around the circumference of the body 12 and extends between the channel 18 and the channel 24 (by a channel partially along a length of the body 12 extending between the channel 24 and the channel 20. In this embodiment, the sting will fit within the channels, with the end of the string being accommodated by at the end channel 14 when it is placed within the hole 16 of the bowling pin 18.
[0016] In FIG. 2, for example, a string plug 10a includes a body 12. The body 12 is preferably cylindrical in order to fit within a hole 16 within a bowling pin 18 as shown in FIG. 6. The body 12 includes a plurality of channels that accommodate a string. In this embodiments, the body 12 includes a cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the cut-away portion 26 of the body 12 is preferably a depth of the body 12 (although other depths are also contemplated herein for each of the different cut-away portions). In embodiments, the depth of the cut-away portion 26 may be of such a depth to accommodate a width of the string. In this way, the flat surface 26a may be used to accommodate an end of the string when the plug is placed within a hole of a bowling pin as described in more detail herein. The cut-away portions also includes a flat surface 26a. The body 12 includes a slit 28 extending through the body 12 and, particularly, within the cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the slit 28 has a tapered profile such that at an end 28a has a larger cross-section than the end 28b. In further embodiments, the end 28a will have a larger cross-section than the string; whereas the end 28b will have a smaller cross-sectional area than the string. In this way, the string can easily be placed within the slit 28, and as tension is placed on the string, the string will become locked into the smaller cross-sectional area of the end 28b of the slit 28. The string plug 10a also includes a channel 24 at a top portion of the body 12 and, which is in communication with the slit 28 on a back side. The channel 24 extends along an entire diameter of the body at the top end.
[0017] In FIG. 3, for example, a string plug 10b includes a body 12. The body 12 is preferably cylindrical in order to fit within a hole 16 with a bowling pin 18 as shown in FIG. 6. The body 12 includes a plurality of channels that accommodate a string. In this embodiments, the body 12 includes a cut-away portion 26 with a channel 30 at an end portion and, which further comprises a flat surface 26a. The channel 30 extends along an portion of the cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the cut-away portion 26 of the body 12 is preferably a depth (or width (circumference) of the string) of the body 12 and includes a flat surface 26a capable of accommodated an end of the string when it is inserted into the hole of the bowling pin 18. The body 12 includes a slit 32 extending through the body 12 and, particularly, at one end of the cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the slit 28 has a tapered or convex profile and may be adjacent to the flat surface 26a.
[0018] In FIG. 4, for example, a string plug 10c includes a body 12. The body 12 is preferably cylindrical in order to fit within a hole 16 with a bowling pin 18 as shown in FIG. 6. The body 12 includes a single channel 34 that runs along the length of the body 12 and is partially within a depth of the body 12. The channel 34 will accommodate a string. In this embodiments, the channel 34 may be a tapered channel with a plurality of ribs 36. The tapered channel 34 will have a smaller cross-section deeper within the body 12 than at a surface of the body 12. The ribs 36 may be designed to grasp the string with the smaller cross-section area providing additional grip for the string. In embodiments, the ribs 36 may be angled in an opposite direction in which tension is placed onto the string. The body 12 includes a channel 38 at an end of the body 12, communicating with the channel 34. The channel 38 extends along an entire diameter of the body at the top end.
[0019] In FIG. 5, for example, a string plug 10d includes a body 12 similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3. The body 12 is preferably cylindrical in order to fit within a hole 16 with a bowling pin 18 as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiments, the body 12 includes a cut-away portion 26 with a channel 30 at an end portion. The channel 30 extends along the entire partial cut-away. In embodiments, the cut-away portion 26 of the body 12 is preferably a depth (or width (circumference) of the string) of the body 12 and includes a flat surface 26a that is capable of accommodation an end of the string when it is inserted into the hole of the bowling pin. The body 12 includes a slit 32 extending through the body 12 and, particularly, at one end of the cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the slit 28 has a tapered or convex profile or a flat profile. The flat surface 26a of the cut-away portion 26 may accommodate the end of the string when the plug is placed into the bowling pin as described herein.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a generic bowling pin 18 accommodating any of the plugs described herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the string plug will fit within the hole or bore 16 at a top portion of the bowling pin 18. The bowling pin 18 will include an additional hole or bore 16a communicating with and preferably in alignment with the hole or bore 16. This hole or bore 16a will expose a portion of the string plug (when it is inserted into the hole ore bore 176) and can be used, in embodiments, to remove the plug by inserting a tool within the hole or bore 16a and pushing or exerting a force on the string plug from within the hole or bore 16a. The bowling pin 18 also includes hole or bore 16b that extends from the top of the bowling pin 18 and communicates with the hole or bore 16. The hole or bore 16b is preferably orthogonal to the hole or bore 16 and, in embodiments, is designed and configured to accommodate the string. In this way, the string can extend from the bowling pin 18 and be attached to a pulley or other system for lifting of the bowling pins by the string.
[0021] FIGS. 7A-7D show method of retention and the procedure to use it in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7A, the string 18 is threaded through the bore or hole 16b and hole or bore 16. The string 50 can be attached to the plug 10. As shown in 7B, the string is partially inserted into the different channels of the plug 10. As shown in FIG. 7C, the string 50 is tucked into one of the channels of the plug and, in FIG. 7D, the string is pulled upward such that the plug is now inserted into the hole or bore 16. By placing the plug 10 into the hole or bore 16, the string will now be locked in place. In this way, there is no need to tie the string to the pin or use other complicated means of attachment.
[0022] FIGS. 8-13 show different string plug assemblies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in this representation of FIG. 8, the plug 10e includes serpentine channels 110 that extend through the body 12 of the plug 10e such that the string 50 can be threaded though the channels 110 along a length and width section of the body 12. In embodiments, the channels 110 may extend entirely through the width sections (e.g., between opposing surfaces) and, in embodiments, may be exposed on the sides, (e.g., may or may not be bores, instead of channels). As shown in FIG. 8, the plug 10e may also include channels 105 that run partially along the length of the body 12 and which communicate with the channels 110 that are running along a partial circumference of the body 12. A channel 110a may be provided at an end (e.g., top portion) of the body 12 as described with respect to several of the plugs herein. Once the string 50 is inserted into the channels 105, 110, 110a the plug 10e can be inserted withing the hole or bore 16 of the bowling pin 18. In this way the string 30 can be locked to the bowling pin 18.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows an assembly 900 similar to the string plug 10e of FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, for example, the plug 10e shows serpentine channels 110 that extend through the body 12 of the plug 10e such that the string 50 can be threaded though the channels 105, 110 that are provided along a circumference and length of the body 12. In embodiments, the channels 110 may extend entirely through the width sections and, in embodiments, be exposed on the sides, (e.g., may or may not be bores, instead of channels). As shown in FIG. 9, the plug 10e may also include channels 105 that run partially along the length of the body 12 and which communicate with the channels 100 that are running along a circumference of the body 12. The channel 105a at the bottom of the plug 10e may accommodate the end of the strong 50. A channel 30 may also be provide at an end (e.g., top portion) of the body 12 as described with respect to several of the plugs herein. Once the string 50 is inserted into the channels 105, 105a, 110, 110am the plug 10e can be inserted withing the hole or bore 16 of the bowling pin 18. In this way the string 30 can be locked to the bowling pin 18.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows an assembly 1000 similar to the string plug 10b of FIG. 3. In FIG. 10, for example, the string plug 10b includes a body 12. The body 12 is preferably cylindrical in order to fit within a hole 16 with a bowling pin 18 as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiments, the body 12 includes a cut-away portion 26 with a partial channel 30 at an end portion and, further comprises a flat surface 26a. In embodiments, the cut-away portion 26 of the body 12 is preferably a depth of the body 12 and includes a flat surface 26a capable of accommodated an end of the string 50 when it is inserted into the hole of the bowling pin 18. As shown in this figure, the cut-away, as in each of the different embodiments, may be a different depth or dimension and is preferably at least a diameter of the string in order for the string to be accommodated herein and locked when the plug is inserted into the bowling pin. Thus, as shown in this figure, an end of the string 50 will be tucked away on the cut-away portion 26 and will be locked within the slit 32 and, preferably, between the tapered or convex profile. The body 12 includes a slit 32 extending through the body 12 and, particularly, at one end of the cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the slit 28 has a tapered or convex profile which can also be used to lock the string 50 onto the bowling pin.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows an assembly 1100 similar to the string plug 10c of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the body 12 includes a channel 34 that is partially within a depth of the body 12. In this embodiment, the channel 34 may be a tapered channel with a plurality of ribs 36 that are angled in order to grasp onto the string 50. The tapered channel 34 will have a smaller cross-section within the body 12 than at surface circumference of the body 12, with a gradual taper. The ribs 36 may be designed to grasp the string with the smaller cross-section area providing additional grip for the string. The body 12 includes a channel 38 at an end of the body 12, communicating with the channel 34.
[0026] FIG. 12 shows an assembly 1200 similar to the string plug 10d of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the body 12 includes a channel 34 that is partially within a depth of the body 12. In this embodiment, the string plug 10d includes a body 12 which includes a cut-away portion 26 and a partial channel 30 at an end portion. In embodiments, the cut-away portion 26 of the body 12 is preferably a depth of the body 12 (although other dimensions are contemplated herein including a circumference of the string) and includes a flat surface 26a that is capable of accommodating an end of the string when it is inserted into the hole of the bowling pin. The body 12 includes a slit 32 extending through the body 12 and, particularly, at one end of the cut-away portion 26. In embodiments, the slit 28 may have a tapered or convex profile or a flat profile that is capable of gripping the string when the plug 10d is inserted into the hole.
[0027] FIG. 13 shows an assembly 1300 similar to the string plug 10f of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the body 12 is preferably cylindrical in order to fit within a hole 16 with a bowling pin 18. The body 12 includes an upper channel 42 and a lower channel 44, running along a partial length of the body 12. The upper channel 42 and a lower channel 44 are both in communication with the slit 32, which is provided through the body 12. In embodiments, the slit 32 may be similar to the slits of FIG. 3 or FIG. 5. A pocket 60 is provided in the body 12, in communication with the channel 42. In embodiments, the pocket 60 can accommodate the end of the string 50 and may be used to lock the string into place when the string plug is inserted into the bowling pin.
[0028] The current embodiment involves a design of a pin plug such that the string is simply fed through grooves of the plug wherein the geometry and material properties of the pin plug clinch the string and retain it effectively. The design is self-contained and does not need additional tools to complete the installation. The concept utilizes the friction between the string and the pin plug to secure the string to the bowling pin.
[0029] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications, kits that contain portions of the system can be made available as upgrade kits, and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
