Abstract:
A ball lift assembly includes: a housing having an entrance and an exit; a motor which drives a ball lift system; an electronic control unit (ECU); and a plurality of sensors providing signals to the electronic control unit, including: a first sensor which detects a ball entering the lift system through the entrance; and a second sensor which detects the ball exiting the lift system through the exit. The first sensor provides a first signal to the ECU when the first sensor detects the ball entering the lift system through the entrance. The second sensor provides a second signal to the ECU when the second sensor detects the ball exiting the lift system through the exit. The ECU will turn on the motor to drive the ball lift system upon receiving the first signal, and turn off the motor of the ball lift system soon after receiving the second signal, while making sure the ball actually exits the unit.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a ball return system and more specifically to a ball return lift system with related safety and mechanical features. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Ball return systems are machines used in a bowling environment for returning a bowling ball to a bowler. Common to each of the known devices is some means by which the bowling ball enters a lifting device, is lifted to a desired level, and then is ejected from the device to a ball rail system to a waiting bowler. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    In an aspect of a ball lift assembly, comprising any combination of: a first sensor that detects a ball entering the ball lift assembly and turns on the ball lift assembly when the ball enters; a second sensor that detects a ball exiting the ball lift assembly and turns off the ball lift assembly soon after the ball exits; a third sensor that detects an object, e.g., hand, entering into the ball lift assembly from an exit side thereof, the third sensor turns off the ball lift assembly when the object enters from the exit side thereof; a control unit that controls the turning on and off of the ball lift assembly based on the first, second and/or third sensor, the control unit further comprises logic that turns off the ball lift assembly when a ball does not exit therefrom within a predetermined amount of time; a hood that is removable, the hood: mates with a rail system mounted to a surface; and is structured such that there is clear space between an exit of the hood system and one or more moving parts, e.g., wheel, of the ball lift assembly; a stationary/fixed blocking bracket that has a profile complimentary to an upper wheel, thereby preventing objects, e.g., hand, from being drawn into a lifting mechanism; and a removable wear strip provided on a ball rail, the removable wear strip: comprises projections which mate with holes on the ball rail system; and has a profile which matches to the ball rail. 
         [0004]    In another aspect of the invention, a ball lift assembly comprises: a housing having an entrance and an exit; a motor which drives a ball lift system to lift a ball from the entrance to the exit; an electronic control unit; and a plurality of sensors providing signals to the electronic control unit, comprising: at least a first sensor positioned adjacent to the entrance and which detects a ball entering the lift system through the entrance; and a second sensor positioned adjacent to the exits and which detects the ball exiting the lift system through the exit. The first sensor provides a first signal to the electronic control unit when the first sensor detects the ball entering the lift system through the entrance. The second sensor provides a second signal to the electronic control unit when the second sensor detects the ball exiting the lift system through the exit. The electronic control unit will turn on the motor to drive the ball lift system upon receiving the first signal. The electronic control unit will turn off the motor of the ball lift system upon receiving the second signal, while also waiting for a predetermined time to make sure the ball exits the lift. 
         [0005]    In another aspect of the invention, a removable hood assembly includes: a hood having a first mechanism; a rail system having a second mechanism which mates with the first mechanism such that the hood can be slid in and out with respect to the rails system; and a latch to attach the hood to the rail system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    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. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows two plan views of a ball return system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a ball return system (ball lift assembly) in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a partial exploded view of a ball return system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a ball rail system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    show a wear strip of the ball rail system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    shows a hood system and ball rail system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows partial cut-away view of the hood system and ball lift assembly and related mechanisms of the ball return system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of the hood system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The invention relates to a ball return system and more specifically to a ball lift assembly with related safety and mechanical features and components. The ball return system is a compact, safe, stylish and sophisticated solution to existing systems. The ball return system provides the following features, in addition to those provided in the accompanying figures and described further herein. 
         [0016]    Ergonomic Design 
         [0017]    The ergonomic design of the ball return system has many advantages. For example, from a safety standpoint, the design of the system will keep the customer&#39;s hands away from any moving parts. More specifically and as described in greater detail herein, the design of the hood component and related mechanisms is unique in the way it prevents the bowler or other person from reaching in deep into the area where the ball exits from the ball lift rails and onto the track of the ball rack. That is, the safety aspect of the invention is inherent to the shape of the exit portion of the hood unit; that is, the hood has an overhang which prevents insertion of a hand into the mechanisms. Also in addition there is a unique fixed/stationary blocking bracket that prevents a person&#39;s hand from being hurt when the unit is in a maintenance mode, which protects the mechanic/authorized technician. 
         [0018]    Opto-Electronic Sensing Technology 
         [0019]    The Opto-Electronic Sensing Technology improves energy efficiency and safety. By implementing the sensor technology of the present invention, the motor will run only when the ball arrives; otherwise the motor will stop if hands or objects are inserted into the hood unit or near other mechanisms which are being monitored by the sensors. In embodiments, the sensor technology includes at least two sensors: 1) a sensor which detects the ball entering the lift and which is positioned under the lane or other entry point of the ball lift assembly. This is what starts the lift and allows the motor to save power by turning on only when needed; and 2) another sensor that provides an output if any object enters the hand intrusion area and allows the motor and hence the risk to be eliminated. Another sensor may be used to also detect when the ball has exited the system in order to turn off the motor, or determine that a jam may exist in the lift assembly if a ball has not exited within a predetermined time period. Logic is designed to handle the various operational modes of operation as further described herein. 
         [0020]    Compact Design: 
         [0021]    The compact design of the system provides for minimal congestion and more space on the approach of the bowling lane. In embodiments, the compact design includes the design of the ball rack which is unique in that it is designed to hold 12 balls but also designed to be narrower than other known systems (which typically accommodate side by side balls and hence is wider than at least two balls and a related rail system). This helps the bowler get maximum room in the bowler approach area beside the ball return. The design of the ball rack also enhances the smart path return and makes the transition from the ball lift to the ball return tray as well as the tray downward to the ball rack side rail very gentle to minimize wear to all areas. The tubular rails of the design also incorporate a unique wear strip that is designed to be replaceable and the design of a urethane rivet for optimum balance of ease of assembly and fit during use. Also the attachment of the lift and the ball return to each other is unique and minimizes the vibration. 
         [0022]    Ball Lift Enhancements: 
         [0023]    The ball lift enhancements include a ball track which is an extension of the ball lift track where the flat track design has been adapted to a different height which is slightly higher than the profile and significantly slower than any other ball lift; that is, in embodiments, the height may be substantially the same as the lift mechanism. This also minimizes the harshness, vibration and the speed of ball exiting the unit. Moreover, the ball lift mechanism provides many additional advantages, including: 1) a chain drive which does not need tensioning, and which is used to run 2 V-wheels which are connected by a cross-over belt; and 2) a quick access hood system for easy maintenance. As to this latter feature, a track system associated with the hood allows ease of installation by permitting the hood to slide in and out. The hood can be fastened by a latch design as described further herein. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a ball lift assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the ball lift assembly  100  includes frame members  8   a ,  8   b  and  8   c . In embodiments, the frame members  8   a ,  8   b  are side frame members, and frame member  8   c  is a bottom plate member. Guide rails  6  are provided between the frame members  8   a ,  8   b , held in place by brackets  7  attached (e.g., bolted, screwed, etc) to respective frame members  8   a ,  8   b . In embodiments, the guide rails  6  will guide a bowling ball through the lift system. In embodiments, the guide rails  6  will be curved to have a substantially same profile as the diameter of the wheel(s)  12  and will be spaced apart from the wheel(s)  12  by such a distance so as to allow a ball to pass between the guide rails  6  and the wheel(s)  12 . In embodiments, the wheel(s)  12  have a non-planar profile and preferably a v-shaped profile. 
         [0025]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the ball lift assembly  100  further includes a fixed/stationary safety bracket  14  which has a profile  14   a  that matches (complimentary) the profile of the wheel  12 , e.g., non planar and preferably v-shape. This bracket  14  will block or prevent objects, e.g., hands, from being caught in the wheel during maintenance, e.g., when hood is off, or if someone accidently reaches too far into the ball lift assembly  100 , e.g., under a hood, to grab a ball during the bowling game. The hood system and related mechanisms of the ball lift assembly are described with reference to at least  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0026]    The ball lift assembly  100  further includes one or more brackets  15 . The one or more brackets  15  can be attached, e.g., bolted, screwed, etc., to the frame members  8   a ,  8   b.    
         [0027]    The ball lift assembly  100  further includes a plurality of sensors  16 . In embodiments, the sensors can be opto-electronic sensors, such as motion detectors. By breaking a light or other sensing technology known to those of skill in the art, the sensors  16  can detect when a ball is arriving/entering into the ball lift assembly  100 , and particularly when the ball is about to contact the bottom wheel  12  or be lifted onto the bottom guide rail  6 . Once detected, the sensor  12  will activate the ball lift assembly  100 , e.g., motor  18 , in order for the ball to be lifted onto the bottom guide rails  6  and/or wheel combination. As shown and described more specifically with reference to  FIG. 3 , the motor  18  can drive a set of pulleys and belts (drive and driven system), generally shown at reference numeral  20 . The set of pulleys and belts, in turn, will rotate the wheels  12 . In embodiments, a guard  22  can be used to protect the set of pulleys and belts, as well as act as a safety feature to ensure that a person&#39;s hands cannot get caught in the set of pulleys and belts during maintenance. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  further shows an electronic control unit  24 . In embodiments, the electronic control unit  24  unit will turn on and off (e.g., activate) the ball lift assembly  100 , e.g., motor  18 . In further embodiments, the electronic control unit  24  includes logic such as a timer which can shut down the ball lift assembly  100  in a predetermined amount of time if a ball is not detected to exit the lift assembly  100 , e.g., the time it should take the ball to navigate the entire system. This timer will act as a safety feature, e.g., if the ball does not exit from the system in the allotted time, the electronic control unit  24  will shut down the system under the assumption that the ball is stuck or otherwise remains in the ball lift assembly  100 . Logic of the electronic control unit  24  is designed to handle the various operational modes. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the ball lift assembly  100  in accordance with aspects of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the guide rails  6  are substantially U-shaped and have a curved substantially similar to the profile of the diameter of the wheel(s)  12 . The wheels  12  can be rotatably positioned within the housing and more particularly between the frame members  8   a  and  8   b  by a plate assembly  25 . In embodiments, the plate assembly  24  will have a rotatable shaft  25   a  extending from the wheels  12  and extending through an opening  8   a ′ of the frame member  8   a.    
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, the rotatable shaft  25   a  will engage a pulley system  20  in order to control rotation of the wheels  12 . In embodiments, a spacer plate  26  can be positioned between the plate assembly  24  and the frame member  8   a . The frame members  8   a ,  8   b  also include a serpentine structure  9 , which matches to the positioning of the guide rails  6 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows a partial exploded view of a ball lift assembly  100  in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown in this representative view, the pulley system  20  of the ball lift assembly  100  includes a top pulley  20 ′ and a bottom pulley  20 ″. In embodiments, the pulleys  20 ′,  20 ″ are attached or coupled to shafts  25   a , extending outwardly from the openings  8   a ′ of the frame member  8 . In embodiments, the top pulley  20 ′ drives the top wheel  12 ′ in a clockwise direction; whereas, the bottom pulley  20 ″ drives the bottom wheel (not shown) in a counterclockwise direction. This bottom pulley  20 ″ is driven by the belt  28 , which is in a  FIG. 8  configuration. The top pulley  20 ′, on the other hand, is driven by a drive chain  30  that connects a sprocket  32  of the motor  18  to sprocket  32 ′ of the drive top pulley  20 ′. In this way, the drive chain  30  drives the top pulley  20 ′ in order to rotate the wheel(s)  12 ′. Advantageously, the drive chain  30  also eliminates the need for a tensioner for the belt  28  since there is a direct connection between the motor  18  and the upper pulley  20 ′ (via the sprockets). 
         [0032]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the belt  28  is a V-shape belt. This belt  28  is provided in a  FIG. 8  configuration and is twisted so that the v-profile will match to each of the top and bottom pulleys  20 ′,  20 ″. The  FIG. 8  configuration and the twist also allows the bottom pulley  20 ″ to rotate in a counterclockwise direction; whereas, the upper pulley (driven by the belt chain  30 ) is rotated in the clockwise direction. The guard  22  can be an assembly of plates attached to the frame member  8   a  (e.g., bolted, screwed, etc.), and used to protect the set of pulleys and belts, as well as act as a safety feature to ensure that a person&#39;s hands cannot get caught in the set of pulleys and belts during maintenance. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of ball rail system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , the ball rail system  200  includes a ball rack (rail)  202  with a plurality of holes (openings)  204 . In embodiments, the ball rack  202  is a tubular structure, and the holes  204  are used to accommodate rivets or protrusions of a wear strip as described with reference to  FIG. 5 . The plurality of holes  204  extend along at least a length of the ball rack (rail)  202 . 
         [0034]    In embodiments, the ball rack  202  is designed to hold 12 balls but is also designed to be narrower (e.g., about 20 inches) than other known lifts to help the bowler get maximum room in the bowler approach area beside the ball return system. The ball rail system  200  further includes an end stop plate  206  and a plurality of brackets  208 . A ball rack connector bracket  210  extends from one of the brackets, in order to connect to the ball lift assembly  100  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The attachment to the hood assembly minimizes any vibration that could transfer from the ball lift mechanism. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    show a wear strip  220  of the ball rail system  200  in accordance with aspects of the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 5 a    shows a plan view of the wear strip  220 ; whereas,  FIG. 5 b    shows a partially cut-away view along line A-A of  FIG. 5 a   . In embodiments, the wear strip  220  can be a urethane type material, which is removable from the ball rack  202 . The wear strip  220  can also be other durable materials such as, nitrile rubber, etc. 
         [0036]    The wear strip includes a profile  225 , e.g., concave, which will match to that of the ball rail system  200  and more specifically the tubular structure of the ball rack  202 . This configuration ensures that the wear strip fits snugly onto the tubular structure of the ball rack  202 ; although other profiles are also contemplated by the present invention. The wear strip  220  further includes a protrusion or rivet  230  protruding from the wear strip  220 . The protrusion  230  mates with the holes  204  of the ball rack  202 , allowing the wear strip  220  to be easily removed and replaced. 
         [0037]    As shown, the end or bulbous portion  230   a  of the protrusion  23 Q is connected to the wear strip  220  by a narrower neck portion  230   b . The bulbous portion  230   a  of the protrusion  230  is slightly larger than a diameter of the holes  204  of the ball rack  202 . During the assembly process, the bulbous portion  230   a  of the protrusion  230  will deform as it enters the holes  204  and will then return to its original shape in order to securely hold the wear strip  220  to the ball rack  202 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    show a hood system and ball rail system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 a   , a hood assembly  300  covers the ball lift assembly  100 . In embodiments, the hood assembly  300  is a removable assembly as described with respect to  FIG. 8 . As shown, the hood assembly  300  includes a large overhang, positioned away from the upper wheel that conveys the ball onto the ball rail system  200 . This overhang ensures that a person reaching for the ball cannot accidently contact the wheel or other moving parts of the ball lift assembly  100 . By way of example, the overhang is positioned away from a vertical wall forming the exit of the system, and can be any distance which prevents the possibility of being able to contact any moving parts within the ball lift assembly, e.g., the wheels  12 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6 b   ,  4 ,  5   a ,  5   b  shows a plurality of balls “B” on the ball rail system  200  and more specifically the wear strip  220  that is attached to an inner portion of the ball rack  202 . The design of the ball rail system  200  also makes the transition from the ball lift assembly  100  to the ball return and the tray very gentle to minimize wear to all areas. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  shows a cut-away view of the hood system and related mechanisms of the ball return system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 7  shows the combination of the ball lift assembly  100 , the ball rail system  200  and the hood assembly  300 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the ball lift assembly  100  includes a plurality of sensors  16 ′,  16 ″ (e.g., optical sensors). The sensors  16 ′,  16 ″ detect when an object will enter or exit the ball lift assembly  100 . For example, the sensor  16 ′ will detect when a ball is entering the ball lift assembly  100 , at which time the sensor  16 ′ will provide a signal to the electronic control unit which, in turn, will activate the motor. On the other hand, the sensor  16 ″ can detect when the ball is exiting the system. Thus, as the ball is exiting the ball lift assembly  100 , a signal can then be sent to the electronic control unit to deactivate the motor thus saving energy. In this way, the motor is turned on only when needed, thus saving a considerable amount of energy. 
         [0041]    In more specific embodiments, as the sensor  16 ′ detects the ball entering the ball lift assembly  100 , a timer can be activated. The timer can then be deactivated when the ball is detected leaving the ball lift assembly  100  by the sensor  16 ′. That is, once the ball is detected exiting the ball lift assembly  100 , a “ball stuck in lift” error flag in the electronic control unit can be turned OFF, placing the motor in a ready waiting mode for the next ball. The motor will turn on when another ball is detected. 
         [0042]    In additional embodiments, if the ball does not exit the ball lift assembly  100  within a predetermined time period, the electronic control unit will assume that the ball is stuck or that there was a malfunction of the ball lift assembly  100 . If this is the case, the motor will be shut down so that a maintenance person can attend to the malfunction or jammed ball. More specifically, in the event that the ball does not exit the ball lift assembly  100  within a predetermined period of time (e.g., the amount of time in which the ball should have traversed the system), the “ball stuck in lift” flag can be turned ON, and the motor will be shut off. An alarm can then sound, alerting the maintenance worker to attend to the ball lift assembly  100 . Thus, the motor can run for a predetermined time period, and shut off when the sensor detects the exiting ball or if the predetermined time period has passed (in which the ball should have exited the system). 
         [0043]    In further embodiments, an additional sensor  16 ′″ can also detect when an object, e.g., hand, etc., is placed under the hood  300 , e.g., entering the ball lift assembly  100 . Once an object is detected, the motor is turned off and the wheels will stop rotating. This will prevent injury from a moving part. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of the hood system  300  in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The hood assembly includes a hood  300   a  which is easily removed by gliding on a track/rail system  300   b  mounted to the floor. The track/rail system includes lips  300   b ′ which mate with grooves  300   a ′ on the underside of the hood  300   a , or vice versa. This track system allows the hood to easily slide in and out for ease of removal and assembly. In embodiments, the hood  300   a  can be fastened to the track/rail system  300   b  and/or the ball lift assembly  100  by latch  400 . A bezel  500  can be provided on a front facing portion of the hood  300   a.    
         [0045]    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 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.