Patent Abstract:
A removable platform for covering bowling alley lanes to provide a flat surface above the lanes suitable for a variety of other activities.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the platform art and more particularly to a removable platform installable over a bowling alley array to allow the bowling alley facility to be utilized for functions other than bowling. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are many applications in which a facility may be utilized for various and different functions and in which the floor may consist of a function specific configuration. For example, many indoor sports arenas are utilized for both basketball and ice hockey. In such arenas, a removable basketball floor, often of a parquet configuration, is placed over the floor which, when flooded with water and frozen, is utilized for ice hockey. Many configurations of such removable flooring for such uses have been proposed and/or are available for use. Such systems provide for greater utilization of the facility and thus are economically attractive to the owners of the facilities. 
     However, there is one form of a sports arena that often has a very much greater area than the conventional basketball/ice hockey facility and in which the floor level utilized for the primary function is not substantively coplanar. One such sports facility is the bowling alley facility in which a plurality of side by side parallel bowling lanes are provided for use during bowling. The number of such lanes in any one facility may be forty-eight, sixty or even greater. All of the bowling surfaces of the plurality of lanes upon which bowling balls are rolled are generally fabricated from a preselected wood or plastic laminate and are substantially coplanar. The bowling surfaces are flat and are carefully maintained free from dents, protrusions or other types of defects which would affect the trajectory of a bowling ball rolled thereon. The lanes extend longitudinally from an approach area upon which the bowler approaches the lanes and launches the bowling ball onto the bowling lane to the bowling pin/ball chamber area at the remote end of each lane. As is standard in present day bowling alleys, the pins are generally automatically “spotted” by the pin setting mechanisms into prescribed configurations depending on whether it is the first ball of a line or the second ball of line. If the first ball of a line does not knock all the pins down, the pins are set for the second ball into the configuration left after the first ball. After the second ball of each line, the pins are set to the initial configuration for the first ball of each line. The bowling pin/ball chamber area also contains the mechanism for receiving the bowling ball after each bowling thereof and directing the bowling ball into a ball return portion which directs the bowling ball longitudinally back from the bowling pin/ball chamber at the remote end of the lane to a region in the approach area so that the ball may be repeatedly utilized. 
     Each lane in the plurality of lanes is provided with gutters extending longitudinally at each edge of the lane and each gutter has a generally semi circular configuration extending below the bowling surface level of the lanes. A first of the two gutters of each lane is separated from a first of the two gutters of an adjacent lane on one side of the alley by a single division capping having a first preselected transverse width which extends vertically a first preselected height above the bowling surface of the lanes. The second of the two gutters of each lane are separated from the gutters of an adjacent lane on the other side of the lane by a ball return capping which has a second preselected transverse width that is wider than the first preselected transverse width of the single division capping and the ball return capping extends vertically above the surface level of the bowling lanes a second preselected height which may be greater than the first preselected height of the single division capping. 
     The proprietors of many bowling alley facilities often desire to convert, temporarily, the array of bowling alley lanes to a continuous, flat, platform surface suitable for conducting meetings, dances, political rallies and the like, or other sports activities such as badminton, team handball, volleyball or other desired sports activities. However, removable platforms utilized in other applications cannot be utilized to convert a bowling alley facility to a continuos level flat, level platform surface because of the variations in height of the various portions of the bowling lanes such as the differences in height of the bowling surface, gutters, single division capping and ball return cover capping. There is also the requirement that the there be no damage to the bowling surface of each lane during the installation, removal or use of the platform. The platform covering for a bowling alley array also must be easily assembled on the bowling alley array, easily removed from the bowling alley array. It is desired that such a removable platform also be of a modular type configuration to facilitate the handling, shipping and storage of the components thereof. Since the area of a typical bowling alley facility is much larger than the area of other sports facilities utilizing removable platform like coverings, it is also desired that the components of the platform should be conveniently storable and, to minimize cost to the bowling alley facility proprietor, should utilize as components materials that are generally locally obtainable. 
     Thus, there has long been a need for a removable platform providing a flat, level surface for converting an array of bowling alley lanes into a flat, level platform which can accommodate a variety of other activities, be easily assembled, installed and removed from the bowling alley array, not harm or damage the bowling surface of the alleys during use, installation or removal, be conveniently storable, utilize readily obtainable local supplies for components of the platform, and be economical to fabricate, ship and store. The removable platform is also desired to be easily manipulated during installing, removal, storing maintained in condition during storage so that it may be readily used repetitively as a platform. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved removable platform for a bowling alley array in a bowling alley facility. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved removable platform for a bowling alley array in a bowling alley facility that is easily assembled, installed on and removed from the bowling alleys. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved removable platform for a bowling alley array in a bowling alley facility that does not damage or injure the bowling surface of the bowling alleys during installation thereon, utilization for other desired activities and removal. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved removable platform for a bowling alley array in a bowling alley facility wherein some of the components may be fabricated from readily available local sources. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved removable platform for a bowling alley array in a bowling alley facility that can be relatively economically fabricated, shipped. and stored when not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above and other objects of the present invention are achieved, in a preferred embodiment thereof, by a platform arrangement for covering a plurality of bowling lanes of a bowling alley facility which lanes are in a transverse array. The bowling alley array has a plurality of longitudinally extending bowling lanes in a side by side substantially parallel alignment. Each of the bowling lanes has a bowling surface upon which the bowling ball is launched from an approach area towards the remote end of the lane which has the pin deck and ball return mechanism. There are bowling ball gutters extending longitudinally adjacent each side of each of each of the bowling lanes. The gutter adjacent a first edge of each lane is separated from the gutter in the adjacent lane by a single division capping and the gutter adjacent the second edge on the other side of each is separated from the gutter on the adjacent lane by a ball return cover capping. Both the ball return cover capping and the single division capping extend vertically above the level of the bowing surface of the lanes. The ball return cover capping is much wider than the single division capping. The gutters are in a close proximity where separated by the single division capping and in a larger separation where separated by the ball return cover capping. The single division capping generally extend vertically above the bowling surface of the alleys a first preselected height and the ball return cover capping extends vertically above the bowling surface of the lane a second preselected height which generally may be the same or greater than the first preselected height. 
     The removable platform of the present invention provides a unique platform arrangement covering for utilization over a bowling alley facility as above described. The platform arrangement has a plurality of base support members in a preselected rectilinear grid having a preselected longitudinally extending spaced array along the longitudinal extent of the bowling alley lanes from the approach area to the pin deck area and the plurality of base support member are in a substantially aligned transverse array of the adjacent bowling lanes of the bowling alley array. Each of the base support members have a top surface and a bottom surface, and the bottom surface is adapted to be in contact with the bowling surface of the bowling lanes to support the platform thereon and the base support members are free of contact with any other portions of the bowling alley array. Each of the base support members has a front surface facing towards the approach area and a back surface spaced longitudinally from the front surface and facing the pin deck area. Each of the base support members has a first end surface and a second end surface transversely spaced from the first end surface. The transverse width of each of the base support members is slightly greater than the transverse width of the bowling surface of the lane so that the ends overhang the gutters at each side of the bowling lanes. The ends of transversely aligned base support members at the single division capping are spaced in a relatively close proximity to each but not touching each other or touching or over hanging the single division capping. The ends of transversely aligned base support members at the ball return cover capping are in a greater spaced proximity to each other but not touching each other or touching the ball return cover capping. 
     In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the base support members are fabricated from rotational molding of a linear low-density polyethylene as this has been found to provide both support for the platform but not mar or damage the bowling surface. Other materials may be utilized for the base support members in particular applications as long as such materials are suitable for the purpose in providing adequate support for the platform but not mar or damage the bowling surface of the lane. 
     The top surface of each of the base support members has first walls defining a transversely extending groove therein extending from the first end to the second end and the transversely extending grooves in each base support member are in transversely aligned relationship with adjacent transverse base support members. The front surface of each of the plurality of base support members has second walls defining a plurality of front pockets in a preselected front pocket transversely spaced array. The back surface of each of the plurality of base support members has third walls defining a plurality of back pockets in a preselected back pocket transversely spaced array. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the front pocket transversely spaced array is substantially the same as the back pocket transversely spaced array so that pockets are longitudinally aligned and the number of the plurality of second walls in the front surface of each of the base support members is the same as the number of third walls in the back surface of each of the base support members. 
     Each of the front pockets and each of the back pockets has an open top at the top surface of each of the base support members. Each of the front pockets and each of the back pockets have an inner wall surface, spaced apart side wall surfaces and a lower wall surface, the lower wall surface is spaced intermediate the top surface and the bottom surface of the base support members. At least some of the lower wall surfaces of the second and the third walls have protrusion accepting depressions therein. 
     In preferred embodiments of the present invention the front surface and the back surface of each of the base support members are angled from the vertical from a wider bottom surface to a narrower top surface. 
     The platform of the present invention also has a plurality of transverse cross members positionable in the transversely extending groves in the top surface of the plurality of base support members and the plurality of transverse cross members extending between transversely aligned base support members in adjacent lanes and bridging over and free of contact with the bowling ball return cover capping and bridging over and free of contact with the single division capping. The plurality of transverse cross members may be conventional, readily available lumber such as a 2×4 floor joist or other size as desired for particular applications. The size of the transversely extending groove in the top surface of each of the base support members is selected to accommodate the size of the transverse support members. 
     A plurality of longitudinal support members are provided to extend between the longitudinally spaced apart base support members and are positioned in the front pockets of each base support member and the back pockets of the next longitudinally spaced base support member. The longitudinal support members may be conventional readily available lumber such as a 2×4 floor joist lumber though other sizes may be utilized as desired for particular applications. The size of the front pockets and the back pockets are selected to accommodate the selected size of the longitudinal support members. 
     In some applications it may be desired to have at least some longitudinal support members be fabricated to have a bottom surface that contacts the bowling surface of the lane for additional support of the platform on the bowling surface of the lanes. In order to prevent damage to the surface of the lane, the lane edge longitudinal support members have end shoulders that fit into the front and back pockets of the base support members adjacent to the lane edges and have a bottom surface for engaging the bowling surface of the lane, a top surface spaced from the bottom surface and substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base support members. The lane edge longitudinal support members may be fabricated from the same linear low-density polyethylene material as the base support members. 
     The platform is completed by installing a planar sheet like member on the top surface of the plurality of base support members, on top of the lane edge longitudinal support members, on top of the longitudinal support members and the transverse support members so as to link them together to form a solid platform arrangement. The sheet like members extend over a first preselected number of the plurality of the longitudinally extending spaced array of the base support members and a second preselected number of the substantially aligned transverse array of the base support members so that they link together these members from adjacent lanes. The sheet like member may be a conventional readily available four foot by eight foot sheet of plywood resting on the top surfaces of the base support members, the transverse support members, the longitudinal support members and the fabricated support members. Some of the sheet like members may be cut as required to fit the configuration of the platform in those applications where the dimensions of the platform are not multiples of four foot by eight foot. 
     Some of the longitudinal support members and some of the lane edge longitudinal support members may have protrusions on the bottom surfaces for engagement with the protrusion accepting apertures in the base wall of the front and back pockets of the base support members. Additionally, the front and back surfaces of the lane edge longitudinal support members may have a matching pattern of protuberances and protuberance accepting apertures to allow convenient storage thereof. 
     The base support members may also be provided with hand rail support accepting apertures in regions adjacent the end surfaces thereof so that a hand rail assembly may be installed around some or all of the platform 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The above and other embodiments of the present invention my be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein similar reference characters refer to similar elements throughout and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bowling alley facility showing a plurality of bowling lanes which may be covered by the removable platform arrangement of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of a removable platform according to the principles of the present invention as installed over the lanes of a bowling alley facility; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a base support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of a base support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the base support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the base support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lane edge support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of a lane edge support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the lane edge support member useful in the practice of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the lane edge support member useful in the practice of the present invention; and, 
         FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  are similar to  FIG. 2  and are partial perspective views illustrating details of an assembled removable platform as installed over the lanes of a bowling alley 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawing, there is illustrated in  FIG. 1  is perspective views of a bowling alley facility generally designated  10  having a plurality of side by side parallel bowling lanes  12  on which The number of such lanes  12  may be, for example, two to 48, or more in any one bowling alley facility  10 . Each of the lanes  12  has a bowling surface  14  extending longitudinally from a foul line  16  to a pin deck area  18  and, in playing the game of bowling, a bowling ball is rolled along the bowling surface towards the pins  20  at the pin deck. The bowling pins  20  are set in the desired array at the pin deck  18  and the setting of the pins is generally done by an automatic pin setter mechanism. Adjacent to the pin deck area there is a ball return mechanism which directs the bowling ball into a return mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 1  and which is not part of the present invention) in the direction of the foul line  16 . 
     Each of the bowling surfaces  14  of the lanes  12  are substantially level and coplanar and are maintained in a smooth condition free of protuberances, depressions, grooves, ridges or the like which would affect the course of a bowling ball rolled on the bowling surface  14 . The longitudinal length of each of the lanes  12  is generally 60 feet from the foul line  16  to the center of the location of the number one pin  22  at the pin deck area  16 . Each of the lanes  12  has a transverse width indicated at W of 42 inches and the edges  12 ′ and  12 ″ of each of the lanes  12  are bounded by a gutter  24  extending below the bowling surface  14  of the lanes  12  and each of the gutters has a width G of nine inches. The dimensions as above stated are the nominal dimensions as specified by the ABC and WIBC bowling organizations. As shown on  FIG. 1 , alternate gutters  24  of adjacent lanes  12  are separated by a single division capping  26  and a ball return capping  28 . The single division capping  26  and the ball return cover capping  28  extend vertically above the level of the bowling surface  14  of the lanes  12 . The transverse width single division capping as indicated at A may be on the order of 2¾ inches and the transverse with of the ball return cover capping  28  as indicated at B may be on the order of 9 to 10½ inches, which are not ABC specified dimensions but are an accepted in the bowling alley industry as standard dimensions. 
     Some bowling alley facilities  10  may require columns to support the roof of the bowling alley facility. As shown in  FIG. 1  columns as indicated at  30  may be present between lanes  12  at desired or required locations. The columns  30  do not interfere with the function of the bowling alley facility  10 . 
     An approach area  32  extending transversely adjacent to the lanes  12  and extending longitudinally away from the foul line  16  opposite to the direction of the lanes  12  is also provided in the bowling alley facility  10 . 
     A ball return hood and rack  34  is provided on the approach area  32  and spaced from the foul line  16 . The ball return hood and rack are aligned with each of the ball return cover cappings and receive the bowling balls as moved from regions behind the pin deck area  18  under the ball return cover cappings for repetitive utilization as desired. 
     The above description of a typical bowling alley facility  10  is provided so that the following detailed description of the configuration of a removable platform, according to the principles of the present invention, to be installed above the bowling alley lanes  12  may be more readily understood. The removable platform of the present invention is installed over the lanes  12  and in preferred embodiments of the present invention the removable platform extends from regions adjacent the foul line  16  to regions adjacent the pin deck area  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  there is shown thereon partial perspective views of a portion of a bowling facility  10  having a removable platform  40  according to the principles of the present invention and in which portions of the top sheet like members thereof are omitted for clarity. The removable platform  40  extends longitudinally from regions adjacent the foul line  16  towards the pin deck area (not shown on  FIG. 2 ) as indicated by the arrow  42 . for clarity, only a portion of the removable platform  40  is shown on  FIG. 2  and only a few of the lanes  12  of the bowling facility  10  are shown on  FIG. 2 . Most bowling facilities  10  have the lanes  12  beginning with a left hand lane as indicated at lane  12   a  and have bowling surfaces  14 . A plurality of base support members  44  are positioned in a rectilinear grid along the lanes  12  and are in a spaced apart longitudinal array on each lane  12  and in an aligned transverse array between adjacent lanes  12 . The longitudinal spacing of the base support members  44  may be on the order of 24 inches though greater or less spacing may be utilized as required for particular applications. 
     A plurality of lane edge longitudinal support members  46  are positioned adjacent the edges of each of the lanes  12  and extend between the base support members  44 . According to the principles of the present invention, only the bottom surfaces of the base support member  44  and the bottom surfaces of the lane edge longitudinal support members  46  are in contact with any portion of the bowling alley facility and these surfaces contact only the bowling surface of the lanes  12  though in some applications the surface of the approach area  32  may also be contacted. 
     A plurality of transverse support members  48  are positioned on the base support members  44  and extend between aligned base support members  44  on adjacent alleys. The transverse support members  48  extend over the gutters  24 , over the single division capping  26 , over the gutters  24  and over the ball return capping  28  without any contact therewith. 
     A plurality of auxiliary transverse support members  50  extend between the aligned lane edge support members  50  and pass over the single division capping  26  and over the ball return capping  28  and over the gutters  24  without contact therewith. As noted above, only the bottom surface of the base support members  44  and the bottom surface of the lane edge longitudinal support members  46  are in contact with the bowling surface  14  of the lanes  12  for support of the platform  40  thereon. The transverse support members  48  may have a length that does not extend over as many lanes  12  as desired. As such, in preferred embodiments of the present invention the ends of aligned support members are positioned over the bowling surface  14  of a lane  12  as indicated at  49 . 
     Depending upon the longitudinal spacing of the base support members  44 , in some applications of the present invention it may be found that auxiliary transverse support members  50  may not be required for full support of the sheet like members  54  and the anticipated loading thereon when the removable platform  40  is used for its intended purpose. 
     A plurality longitudinal support members  52  extend between the base support members  44 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the top surfaces of the base support members  44 , lane edge support members  46 , the transverse support members  48 , the auxiliary transverse support members  50 , and the longitudinal support members  52  are all coplanar for support of a plurality of sheet like members  54 . The sheet like members may be conventional four foot by eight foot sheets of plywood and may, if desired for particular applications have the upper surface thereof treated and/or provided with appropriate surface coatings or cover material as desired for particular applications of the intended use of the platform  40 . 
     The transverse support members  48 , the auxiliary transverse support members  50 , and the longitudinal support members  52  may be conventional 2×4 lumber or other sizes of conventional lumber. The use of conventional size lumber readily available at lumber yards across the country and in proximity to bowling alley facilities results in a more economical removable platform  40  since such components may be purchased by the bowling alley proprietor locally and would not have to be shipped from a central manufacturing facility. 
     As described below in greater detail, the finished removable platform  40  may be provided with a rail system indicated at  70  having a hand rail  72  and a plurality of uprights  74  for supporting the hand rail  70  arranged along the periphery of the removable platform  40 . 
       FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a base support member  44  useful in the practice of the present invention. The base support member  44  has a top surface  80 , a bottom surface  82 , front surface  84  and a back surface  86  which is spaced longitudinally from the front surface  84 , a first end surface  88  and a second end surface  90  spaced transversely from the first end surface  88 . The front surface  84  and the back surface  86  have major portions thereof as indicated at  84   a  and  86   a  which are tapered from a wider portion at the bottom surface  82  to a narrower portion at the top surface  80 . The base support members may have a transverse length between the first end surface  88  and the second end surface  90  on the order of 50 inches so that the first end surface  80  and second end surface  90  overhang the gutters  24  but there is no contact with the gutters or with the end surfaces of a transversely aligned base support members  44 . 
     The top surface  80  of the base support members  44  has first walls  92  defining a transversely extending groove  94  extending from the first end  88  to the second end  90 . The groove  94  is configured to accept the transverse support members  52 . The front surface  84  has a plurality of second walls  96  defining plurality of transversely spaced apart front pockets  98 . As shown most clearly on  FIG. 4 , there are first portion of the plurality of transversely spaced apart front pockets  98   a  and a second portion of the plurality of transversely spaced apart front pockets  98   b . The second portion of the plurality of transversely spaced apart front pockets  98   b  are in regions adjacent the first and second end surfaces  88  and  90 . 
     The back surface  86  has a plurality third walls  100  defining plurality of transversely spaced apart back pockets  102 . As shown most clearly on  FIG. 4 , there is a first portion of the plurality of transversely spaced apart back pockets  102   a  and a second portion of the plurality of transversely spaced apart back pockets  102   b . The second portion of the plurality of transversely spaced apart back pockets  102   b  are in regions adjacent the first and second end surfaces  88  and  90 . 
     The front pockets  98   a  are longitudinally aligned with the back pockets  102   a  and the front pockets  98   b  are longitudinally aligned with the back pockets  102   b . The front pockets  98   a  and the back pockets  102   a  are configured to accept the longitudinal support members  52  and the front pockets  98   b  and the back pockets  102   b  are configured to accept the lane edge support members  46 , as described below. Each of the front pockets  98   a  and  98   b  are similarly configured and have an open top and the second walls  96  have a pair of side wall portions  96   a , a back wall portion  96   b  and a bottom wall portion  96   c  as indicated at front pocket  98   b ′. Each of the back pockets  102   a  and  102   b  are similarly configured and the third walls  100  have side wall portions  100   a , a back wall portion  100   b  and a bottom wall portion  100   c  as indicated a back pocket  102   b′.    
     In preferred embodiments of the present invention the bottom walls  96   c  and  100   c  have protrusion accepting depressions  110  therein for accepting protrusions as provided on the longitudinal support members  52  and the lane edge support members  46 . 
     A plurality of apertures  112  are provided in the upper surface  80  of the base support members  44  in regions adjacent the ends  88  and  90  for receiving the uprights  74  of the rail system  70 . 
     The base support members  44  may be provided with a plurality of walls  120  ( FIG. 6 ) tapered inwardly and extending from the bottom surface  82  towards the top surface  80  to provide additional load support. Such walls are called “kiss offs” and enhance the load bearing capability of the base support members  44 . 
     In order to provide additional support between the base support members  44  and the transverse support members  48 , the base support members  44  may be provided with apertures  84   b  in front wall  84  and  86   b  in back wall  86  extending into the groove  94  to allow insertion of a screw or other attaching member into the transverse support member  48 . 
     It has been found that linear low density polyethylene may be advantageously utilized as the material from which the base support members  44  are fabricated. This material is described in detail in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia as set forth in the Internet site thereof in the section “Linear Low Density Polyethylene” and the teaching and technology thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Such material combines the strength necessary to support the removable platform  40  but also will not mar, dent, scratch or in any way damage the bowling surfaces  14  of the lanes  12 . However, other materials having similar characteristics may also be utilized as desired in particular applications. The linear low density polyethylene may be economically molded into the desired configuration of the base support members  44  by a rotational molding technique. 
       FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9  and  10  illustrate a lane edge longitudinal support member  46  useful in the practice of the present invention. The lane edge longitudinal support members  46  has a top surface  138 , a bottom surface  140 , a front surface  142  and a back surface  144 . The lane edge longitudinal support member  46  has a first end surface  146  and a second end surface  148 . The first end surface has a shoulder portion  150  and the second end surface  148  has a shoulder portion  152 . The shoulder portions  150  and  152  are configured to fit into the front pockets  98   b  and back pockets  102   b  of the base support members  44 . 
     The lane edge longitudinal support member  46  has fifth walls  154  defining a front wall pocket  156  which is configured to accept the transverse support members  50 , which, as noted above, may be a conventional 2×4 lumber. As installed in the removable platform  40  as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 , the lane edge longitudinal support members are positioned to have the front surface  142  of one lane edge longitudinal support member  46  facing the front surface  142  of a lane edge longitudinal support member  46  on an adjacent lane so that the auxiliary transverse support members  50  bridge both the ball return cover capping  28  and the and the single division capping  26 . The wall fifth walls  154  have side wall portions  154   a , a back wall portion  154   b  and a bottom wall portion  156   c  and an open top. The bottom surface  140  of the lane edge longitudinal support member  46  contacts the bowling surface  14  of the lanes  12 . 
     A plurality of “kiss off” apertures  160  may be provided in the lane edge longitudinal support member  46  and extend from the front surface  140  toward the back surface  144  for structural support. The lane edge longitudinal support members  46  may also be fabricated from linear low density polyethylene and manufactured by rotational molding as described above for the base support members  44 . 
     For convenience in shipping and storing, the lane edge longitudinal support member  46  may be provided with a plurality of protuberances  170  which are designed to fit into the apertures  172  in the arrangement shown on  FIG. 7  when face surfaces  142  are placed together and back surfaces  144  are placed together. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the shoulders  150  and  152  may be provided with protrusions  176  which are configured to fit into protrusions accepting apertures  110  in the pockets  98   b  and  102   b.    
     From the above, it can be seen that there has been provided a unique removable platform arrangement that may be installed over a bowling alley array of bowling lanes in a bowling alley facility so that the space above the lanes may be utilized for desired activities other than bowling. The removable platform is relatively easy to install and remove, utilizes, to a large extent, components that are readily available from locations near the bowling facility to make the platform more economical to the proprietor of a bowling facility. When not in use as a platform, the components thereof may be conveniently stored. 
     Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the various Figures of the drawing, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4