US3738648A

US3738648A - Bowling pin setting device

Info

Publication number: US3738648A
Application number: US00145456A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Strickland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-05-22
Filing date: 1971-05-20
Publication date: 1973-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 1990-06-12

Abstract

A pin setting device for placing bowling pins on a playing surface in bowling array. The device includes an elevator for lifting bowling pins upwardly, a distributor feeding system for receiving bowling pins from the elevator and moving the bowling pins forwardly to a distributor. An indexing mechanism drives the distributor incrementally about a vertical axis and the distributor includes pick-up mechanisms to grip pins off the distributor feeding system. A guide plate combines with the pickup mechanisms to position the pins in bowling array as the rotor turns. Separate and distinct setting and clearing mechanisms are provided to respectively strip pins off the distributor and place the pins on the playing surface, and to raise pins off the playing surface while the surface is swept to remove fallen pins.

Description

[ June E2, 1973 5/1951 MacFarland....................... 273/43 A ABSTRACT A pin setting device for placing bowling pins on a play- Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle AttorneyRogers, Bereskin & Parr ingsurface in bowling array. The device includes an e1- evator for lifting bowling pins upwardly, a distributor feeding system for receiving bowling pins from the elevator and moving the bowling pins forwardly to a distributor. An indexingmechanism drives the distributor incrementally about a vertical axis and the distributor includes pick-up mechanisms to grip pins off the distributor feeding system. A guide plate combines with the pick-up mechanisms to position the pins in bowling array as the rotor turns. Separate and distinct setting and clearing mechanisms are provided to respectively strip pins off the distributor and place the pins on the George Paul Strickland, 26 Patricia Drive, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada May 20, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 145,456

Foreign Application Priority Data May 22, 1970 Canada......................,........... 83824 US. 273/43 A, 273/43 D [51] Int. A6301 5/09 Field of Search............. 273/43 R, 43 A, 43 D,

References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent [191 Strickland BOWLING PIN SETTING DEVICE [76] Inventor:

['22 Filedx 28 Claims, 30 Drawing Figures playing surface, and to raise pins off the playing surface while the surface is swept to remove fallen pins.

273/43 A 273/43 A 273/43 R 273/43 A 273/43 A 273/43 A 2,920,891 1/1960 Sherman..................... 2,702,707 2/1955 Frye............. 2,930,617 3/1960 Albrecht 2,853,300 9/1958 Montooth et a1. 2,383,708 11/1945 Bates 3,084,937 4/1963 Flint et a1.

PAIENIED .nm 1 2 ma SHEET 02M 14 INVENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND yz iu/ PATENIEB 3.738.648

sum mar 14 INVENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRlCKLAND PATENIEbJLw v 2 1 1 .1

SIEEI ow 14 I N VENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND PAIENIEU JUN 1 2 Ian SHEET USUF 14 FIG/IO INVENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND PATIENTEW" 21975 sum near 14 INVENTOR.

GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND VPATENIED I 3.738.648

sum 0711f 14 INVENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND PATENIED JUN 1 2 I975 SHEET 090? 14 ll. ll 0 a0 INVENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND n: wmv E w vow wmw m? QM: w 1 wow wom A E Rm Hr. Auw 5F --it ri rr fiifim PATENIEB JUN I 21973 FIG. 23

SEE! 11 W 14 I N VENTOR. GEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND PATENIED Jun 1 2 ma SIIEH 130$ 14 m L m m m 0 0 El NW 5 o r my n w M u R P B A w T 1 G E c Wm 5 m 0 F INVENTOR. BYGEORGE PAUL STRICKLAND 7? 5m at L FIG. 30 (Part I) 7! v Pmmrmmww SHEET IMF 14 14677114 7Z7RS' AND wk VALVESQHMASTER CONTROL I 90,0412 AIR SUPPLY INVENTOR. GEQRGE PAUL STRICKLAND FIG. 30 (Part 11) This invention relates to a pin-setting device for resetting fallen pins on a playing surface, and more particularly to a device for setting pins used in a bowling game known as five pins."

In five pin bowling, the pins are arranged in V formation with a central or head pin being nearest the bowler. Originally the pins were reset by hand either by placing each pin individually on the playing surface at one of five pin locations or by pulling strings which raise the pins up and then lower then back into the desired positions. In recent years however, automatic devices have become available for resetting the pins.

It is desirable that an automatic pin-setting device should be relatively inexpensive to install, be simple and reliable and require a minimum of maintenance. The device should preferably be light for moving it into position over a bowling surface and simple to inspect for proper operation.

There are three main types of pin-setting devices available. The first type has an elevator which moves along an upright track for elevating pins from behind the playing surface onto a belt which runs longitudinally forwards to transport the pins through a series of gates and chutes. The gates selectively deliver the pins into chutes which guide the pins into a setting mechanism. The device relies on the pins to trip switches for controlling the gates and includes complex machinery for driving moving parts. This type of device is relatively complex, expensive, heavy and difficult to maintain.

A second type of pin-setting device which is presently available uses a vertical elevator for moving the pins up to a horizontal transporter which moves the pins into a storage area. When there are five pins in the storage area a relay is tripped which ejects the pins forwardly into downwardly extending tracks, each track receiving one pin. The pins are stored in these tracks and then allowed to fall as required into a setting mechanism. There is a tendency for pins to become jammed in the tracks and also because of the height of the vertical transporter there is noticeable damage to the pins as they fall off the elevator and impact with other pins at the bottom of the elevator.

In both of the types described thus far, the setting mechanism which sets the pins on the playing surface or deck is also used for lifting the pins during a clearing sequence. Upright pins are first lifted so that fallen pins can be swept off the playing surface before placing the upright pins back on the playing surface. The mechanism associated with this sequence is relatively complex and expensive to manufacture.

A third type of pin-setting device includes cords attached to the pins for resetting the pins. After a pin has been knocked over the cords are pulled tightly to raise the pins upwardly into a recess for locating the pins and then the pins are allowed to air slowing downwardly into position on the playing surface. Some difficulty has been encountered with this type of machine due to cords attached to the pins. Players have agreed to play the game according to the machine rather than to the actual score. For instance, it is possible that one of the pins is left standing and yet the machine resets all of the pins indicating that all of the pins were knocked down. The players agree to score as if all of the pins had been knocked down. Although this machine has many advantages in that it is relatively light and inexpensive, there is nevertheless a player resistance to this type of machine because of the cords.

In general it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a pin-setting device which is relatively light, comparatively inexpensive and which exerts a more positive control over the movement of the pins between the fallen position and a reset upright position on the playing surface. Accordingly, in one of its aspects the present invention provides a pin-setting device having a distributor for receiving pins from a distributor feeding system and locating the pins in the desired V-arrangement used in five pin bowling, the pins being held in a positive upright position during distribution, and a setting mechanism which strips pins off the distributor and lowers them onto the playing surface.

In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a pin-setting device having a setting mechanism for placing the pins on the playing surface and a separate clearing mechanism for lifting pins off the playing surface while fallen pins are swept off the playing surface.

In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a setting mechanism for stripping pins off a distributor and placing the pins on the playing surface, the setting mechanism supporting the pins in V- arrangement.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a clearing mechanism for lifting up upright pins from the playing surface, including pins which have been displaced from their original position and then placing the pins back on the playing surface in the displaced position.

These and other aspects of the invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away to show the construction of a pin-setting device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of a system for feeding pins to an elevator;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elevator feeding system and the elevator;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the elevator;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower part of the elevator;

FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of an upper part of the elevator showing the transfer of pins from the elevator to a distributor feeding system;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional side views of the distribu tor feeding system showing the operation of the system for transporting a pin to a distributor;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of parts of the distributor to illustrate the distributor picking up a pin from the distributor feeding system;

FIGS. 1 l and 12 also illustrate parts of the distributor shown in FIGS. 9 and 10; I

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the geometrical relationships between the positions of the pins when set on the playing surface;

FIG. 14 is a plan view, partly in section showing the distributor and an associated indexing mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the operation of the distributor;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pin carrier forming part of a setting mechanism for stripping pins from the distributor and placing the pins on the playing surface;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are sectional side views of the pinsetting device illustrating the operation of the setting mechanism;

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate movements ofa gate forming part of the setting mechanism;

FIG. 21 is a sectional side view of the pin-setting device illustrating a clearing mechanism for lifting upright pins while fallen pins are swept off the playing surface;

FIG. 22 is a top view, partly broken away, of part of the clearing mechanism for gripping the pins;

FIG. 23 is a sectional side view of a part of the device showing a sweeping mechanism for removing pins from the playing surface;

FIGS. 24 to 28 show the arrangements of some of the sensing devices used in controlling the sequential movements of the pin-setting device;

FIG. 29 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a drive system for use in driving the rotating moving parts of the pin setting device; and

FIGS. 30 (Part I) and 30 (Part II), taken together, constitue a diagrammatic illustration of a pneumatic circuit for controlling the device automatically and for responding to signals from a player.

In five pin bowling, each bowler is allowed three balls with which he can attempt to knock down the five pins set up by a pin-setting device/If he knocks down some of the pins with either of his first two balls there is a likelihood that these pins will remain on the playing surface between upright pins. The bowler then presses I a button to clear the playing surface and the pin-setting device responds by lifting up the pins which are standing and sweeping the fallen pins rearwardly off the playing surface. The upright pins are then lowered onto the playing surface ready for the bowler to attempt to knock them down. Once the bowler has either knocked down all of the pins or used the three balls allowed he then presses a further button to set a further five pins and the device responds by sweeping thee playing surface to remove any pins which remain on the surface and then placing five new pins on the playing surface.

The essential mechanisms and systems of the pinsetting device will now be described with reference to FIG. 1, in which a pin setting device is mounted over an end portion 52 of a playing surface and includes an elevator feeding system 54 for receiving pins from a rear end 56 of the playing surface and transporting the pins and balls to an elevator 58. The pins and balls are lifted by the elevator onto a distributor feeding system 60 which transports the pins forwardly and permits the balls to roll rearwardly and transversely down a track 62 and onto a ramp 64 which guides them forwardly to the bowler. Distributor feeding system 60 receives orientated pins from the elevator and carries the pins forwardly into an upright position before the pins are picked up by a distributor 66 which is indexed by a mechanism (not shown in this view) for arranging the pins in the desired V configuration. A setting mechanism 68 is adapted to strip pins off the distributor 66 and lower the pins in V configuration onto the playing surface 52. The device 50 also includes a clearing mechanism 70 which operates separately and distinctly from setting mecahnism 68 to lift up standing pins so that fallen pins can be removed rearwardly by a sweeping mechanism 72.

As each pin is transported from behind the playing surface and back on to the playing surface, a series of pneumatic sensing devices are opened and closed to ensure the proper logical sequence of events. These sensing devices also control parts of a drive system 74 for moving rotating parts of the pin-setting device 50 and are part of a logic circuit for ensuring proper operation of the device.

The device 50 will be described firstly with reference to the mechanisms and systems in the order in which they were introduced with reference to FIG. 1. After describing these various mechanisms and systems, the pneumatic sensing devices, drive system and logic circuit will then be described. For ready reference, a series of headings will be used according to the terminology already developed in describing FIG. 1.

A. Elevator Feeding System, 54

As seen in FIG. 1, the elevator feeding system 54 transports pins from the rear end 56 of the playing surface 52 rearwardly to the elevator 58.

Reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 3 in which the feed system 54 includes a vibrator 76 mounted on a base frame 78 and including an inclined board 80. Pins falling off playing surface 52 onto the board 80 are made to move down the board by an eccentric drive 82 which is coupled by a tie rod 84 to a board support 86 attached to board 80. The board 80 moves longitudinally along a path controlled by respective long and

short links

88, 90 pivotally coupled to the frame 78 and support 86. As a result the pins tend to move downwardly and rearwardly along the board 80 ending either on a transversely moving conveyor 92 or a relatively short longitudinally moving conveyor 94 (FIG. 3). Longitudinally extending guides 95 on the vibrator board 80 and stationary boards 96 ensure that pins do not fall off the vibrator board 80 and

conveyors

92, 94, and a transversely extending board 98 guides the pins on the conveyor 92. The vibrator 76 is driven continuously whereas the

conveyors

92, 94 are stopped when no further pins are required at the distributor.

B. Elevator, 58

As seen in FIG. 1, the elevator 58 is positioned at the rear of the pin-setting device 50 and operated to pick up pins from the feedingsystem 54 and lift the pins onto the distributor feeding system 60. The elevator is driven intermittently and stopped only when there are sufficient pins to fill the distributor as will be described.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 4 in which the elevator 58 includes an upright oval track 100 defined by

rails

102, 104 for guiding carriages 106 on which respective trays 108 are mounted. Each carriage 106 and tray is adapted to elevate one pin at a time from the feeding mechanism 54 to the distributor feeding system 60. Each of the carriages 106 has wheels 110 adapted to roll relatively freely in

respective channels

112, 114 formed in the

rails

102, 104. Each tray 108 has a raised U-shaped rib 116 which combines with a back flange 118 to locate the pin as will be described. Carriages 106 are attached to a continuous flat belt 120 and a pulley belt 122 is engaged against the flat belt 120 for driving the carriages in the

rails

102, 104. The arrangement of the pulley belt 122 will be described under the heading Drive System with reference to FIG. 29.

As seen in FIG. 5, the pins used in five pin bowling have a bulbous lower end, a neck and an enlarged head. A band of rubber or other resilient material is positioned about the bulbous portion to cushion the impact when a ball strikes the pin. The band makes movement of the pins relatively difficult because it tends to catch on parts of the device and trap the pin. Consequently the device must be designed so that there is little likelihood that the band could interfere with proper movement of the pins. For instance, the trays 108 are spaced apart and shaped so that a pin which attempts to find its way head first onto a tray engages against a back stop 124 and the distance from the top of the pin to the band is such that should the head of the pin be adjacent the underside of a preceding tray, the band cannot engage the rib 116 on the succeeding tray. This prevents apin being picked up by a tray and remaining on the tray with the head of the pin towards the back of the tray. Normally if a pin engages a tray head first, the

weight of the bulbous portion of the pin will be sufficient to cause the pin to fall off the tray once the tray starts to move upwardly. The pin then falls onto a curved surface 126 and back onto the conveyor 94.

A further possibility is that two pins engage on the same tray as shown in FIG. 5. In this event the upper of the pins is in the right position but the second pin is in the tray head first. The curved surface 126 provides some support for the pins initially. However, when the pins reach the upper extremity of the surface 126 pins then fall off the tray and back onto the transverse conveyor 92 where they are less likely to collide with other pins because the pins tend to accumulate on the longitudinal conveyor 94. The pins are then transported by the

conveyors

92, 94 back into position for engagement with the trays 108.

Because of the shape of the bowling pins, each pin can be supported on trays 108 with its axis misaligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the playing surface and of the device 50. (FIG. 1). As seen in FIG. 6

rails

128, 130 are provided to align the pins as the pins move vertically towards the distributor feeding system. The rails contact the neck of the pin to bring the axis of the pin generally into alignment with the axis of the device so that the pin is then ready for transfer to the distributor feeding system. The pins then roll off the trays 108 onto a relatively narrow conveyor 132 for moving the pins towards distributor 66 (FIG. 1).

As the pin passes between rails I28, 130 it strikes a pneumatic sensing device 134 and then as it is transported along conveyor 132 it strikes a second sensing device. The function of these sensing devices will be described under the heading logic circuit.

The trays 108 are also shaped for receiving balls which are elevated onto the conveyor 132 in a similar fashion to the pins. However, the balls do not contact the sensing device 134 or the sensing device 136 and because the conveyor 132 is inclined downwardly and rearwardly, the balls roll onto the track 62 and then down the ramp 64 to the bowler.

C. Distributor Feeding System, 60

As seen in FIG. 1, the distributor feeding system 60 receives pins from the elevator 58 and transports them forwardly for pick up by the distributor 66.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. As seen in FIG. 6, the pin is guided by side walls 137, as it is transported forwardly by the conveyor 132. Conveyor 132 is driven continuously independently of the elevator whether or not the distributor requires more pins. The drive to elevator feeding system, elevator and distributor feeding system will be described in more detail with reference to the drive system.

As seen in FIG. 7, the pin is transported forwardly head first on the conveyor 132 until the head of the pin engages a curved plate 138 which guides the head of the pin upwardly as the conveyor 132 continues to transport the bottom of the pin forwardly. This pin movement continues until the pin falls into a U-shaped cup 140. The ring around the pin engages in the cup and the bottom of the pin opens a sensing device 142 which is also part of the logic circuit. Cup 140 is pivotally attached to respective first ends of a pair of links 144 and to a further link 146. The other ends of links 144 are attached to a common shaft 148 and a crank 150 is also attached to this shaft. The distal end of the crank 150 is pivotally coupled to a pneumatic actuator 152 for rotating the crank 150 and shaft 148 to elevate the cup 140 into the position shown in FIG. 8. The

length of the

links

144, 146 are chosen so that in the position shown in FIG. 7 the pin is inclined forwardly andin the position shown in FIG. 8 the pin is generally vertical. Once the pin is in the position shown in FIG. 8 it is ready to be received by the distributor 66 in the manner shown in chain-dotted outline in FIG. 8. The actuator then moves the cup downwardly into the position shown in FIG. 7 for receiving a further pin. D. Distributor, 66

As seen in FIG. 1, the distributor 66 receives pins from the distributor feeding system 60 and arranges them in a V formation so that the setting mechanism 68 can strip the pins off the distributor 66 and place the pins on the playing surface 52. The distributor is driven by an indexing mechanism. However, for simplicity of description the distributor will be described first before describing the indexing mechanism.

Reference is made to FIGS. 9 and 10 which illustrate the operation of one of six pick-up mechanisms 154 adapted to receive pins from the distributor feeding system 60. Each of the mechanisms 154 includes a guide plate 156 to which is attached a pair of location pins 158, 159 guided in channels in the underside of a stationary distributor plate 160. The channels are not shown in these views and will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14. A distributor rotor 162 has six arms 164 each of which is coupled to a respective one of six pick-up mechanisms 154 at its distal end.

Considering the mechanism 154 shown as typical of all six mechanisms, guide plate 156 is attached to a short axle 166 rotatably mounted in a boss 168 at the end of arm 164 and connected to a downwardly extending location element 170 so that the plate 156 and element 170 rotate with respect to the arm 164. The element 170 is curved downwardly and includes an upright portion172 having a generally V-shaped crosssection for combining with a shoe 173 to grip a pin about the neck of the pin. The shoe is pivotally mounted on an extension 175 of element 170 and is spring-loaded and biased upwardly into the position shown in FIG. 9. The arms 164 are driven by the indexing mechanism towards a deflector 174 mounted ona bracket 176 on the plate 160 so that the shoe 173 meets an upwardly curvedleading end 178 of the deflector 1'74 and is moved into the position shown in FIG. 10. At this point the rotor stops and the cup 140 is moved upwardly into the FIG. 8 position to push the head of the pin between the shoe 173 and upright portion 172 as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12. The deflector 174 is sufficiently resilient to permit the shoe 173 to rotate so that the head of the pin passes the shoe and then the deflector pushes the shoe back into the FIG. 10 position whereby the pin is locked in place supported by the pick-up mechanism 154. The weight of the pin is such that it retains the shoe 173 in the position shown in FIG. so that the pin is effectively locked against downward movement and suspended from the mechanism 154. However, the pin is free to move upwardly and the shape of the shoe is such that upon moving the pin upwardly the shoe rotates back into the FIG. 9 position. The pin can then be withdrawn downwardly from the pick-up mechanism 154.

As the rotor continues to turn the distributor feeding system places another pin in position for engagement with the next mechanism 154 on the succeeding arm 164. As will be described, these movements continue until five pins are supported, one pin in each of five of the mechanisms 154.

Reference is next made to FIG. 13 which shows the geometrical relationships between thee positions of the pins when set for bowling. The pins are arranged in a standard V-formation with the arms of the V 60 apart and the mid-pin of each arm a distance of 18 inches from neighboring pins. As seen in FIG. 13, thee position of the pins are indicated as follows: head pin 180;

middle pins

182 and 184; and end

pins

186 and 188. The outer circle radius R2 is the path which a pin would follow from a position shown in FIG. 10 if it were free to move in a circle about the centre of the rotor 162 (FIG. 9) and the inner circle radius R1 is the path followed by the axis of boss 168 (FIG. 9) in completing one revolution about the axis of the rotor 162. The head pin 180 and end

pins

186, 188 lie on the outer circle radius R2 on radial lines spaced 120 apart and the

pins

182, 184 lie on the radial lines drawn to

respective pins

188, 186 if these lines are projected past the centre of the circle. Radii R1 and R2 are related such that twice the difference between radii R1 and R2 is equal to the radial distance between pin position 184 and the circle radius R2.

If the radii are to satisfy this relationship, and the angle between the

line joining pins

180 and 188 and the line between

pins

180 and 186 is to be 60 with the distance between

pins

180 and 182 equal to 18 inches, then the radius R2 is equal to 12 {8 or 20.784 inches, the radius R1 equals 9 /3'or 15.588 inches, and the pin positions 182, 184 are respectively 6 fior 10.392 inches from the axis of the rotor. As a result the distance between the axis of boss 168 (on circle radius R1) and the pin 180 is 3 {3 inches so that if mechanism 154 is rotated through 180 degrees while the arm 164 is rotating through 60, the pin 180 moves from its position as drawn into position 182. This pin movement is controlled by the aforementioned channels in plate 160 (FIG. 9) as will be described.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14 in which pin positions are related by the numerals used for the pin positions of FIG. 13. In order to describe the movements of the distributor, first consider a bowling pin 190 which the distributor has just received from the distributor feeding system 60 (FIG. 1). The distributor moves clockwise as drawn and the location pins 158, 159 of the pick-up mechanism 154 are guided by the outer 7 wall of a peripheral channel 192 formed in the underside of plate 160. As the rotor 162 rotates, the location pins 158, 159 move along a circular portion of the channel until leading location pin 158 meets a tangential portion 196 of the channel and follows this portion towards a radial slot 194. There is now a tendency for the guide plate 156 to rotate because pin 159 cannot follow pin 158 down the tangential portion 196. As the plate 156 rotates a leading end of the plate engages in radial slot 194 and a recess 195 in the plate locates about a stationary location pin 197 (as seen in FIG. 15). The pin 159 then passes arm 164 travelling in a clearance channel 198 and the guide plate disengages from the radial slot 194 before moving along a further tangential portion 200 of peripheral channel 192. The boss 168 and location pins 158, 159 move into alignment so that the location pin 159 is made to move down the tangential portion 200 and into the position of bowling pin 184 as indicated in FIG. 14. Upon further movement of the rotor 162, the location pin 159 moves down portion 200 and the end of plate 156 engages in a further radial slot 202 while the location pin 158 moves along a clearance channel 204 until the bowling pin takes up position 180 as indicated in FIG. 14. Further rotation of the rotor results in moving bowling pins into the positions indicated as 182 and 186 and at this point the rotor is supporting five pins, the first pin received by the rotor being at 186 and the last pin at 188. Once the five pins have been transferred to the setting mechanism 68 (FIG. 1), the distributor is ready to receive pin 190. In practice the distributor receives five pins and then no more pins are received until these five pins are stripped off the distributor by the setting mechanism 68 (FIG. 1).

E. Indexing Mechanism The indexing mechanism is not apparent in FIG. 1 although it will be evident from the foregoing description that the distributor 66 is driven by the indexing mechanism intermittently for picking up pins from the distributor feeding mechanism 60.

Reference is next made to FIG. 14 to describe an indexing mechanism 220. The mechanism includes a pulley wheel 222 driven by a belt 224 from a drive pulley 226. This drive will be more fully described with reference to the drive system. The wheel 222 drives a Geneva mechanism 228 consisting of a spider 230 and slotted wheel 232. The mechanism 228 is conventional in form and is arranged to give discrete movements of one-sixth of a revolution for each movement of the spider through one third of a revolution. A pneumatic actuator 234 can be operated against spring 236 to rotate a latch 238 out of engagement with spider 230 to permit the spider to rotate through 120. The actuator 234 is operated by the logic circuit as will be described.

The prime purpose of the indexing mechanism is to position each of the arms in sequence for picking up a pin from the distributor feeding system. However, the indexing mechanism also ensures that once the distributor is carrying five pins, the arms are positioned for proper engagement of the pins in the setting mechanism 68 (FIG. 1).

F. Setting Mechanism, 68

As seen in FIG. 1, the pin-setting device 50 is mounted on

respective side walls

240, 242 or any other convenient support at the sides of the playing surface 52. The device includes a generally horizontal framework 244 supported by feet 246 which rest on the side walls, and respective front and

rear support members

248, 250 which extend upwardly from the framework 244 to support longitudinally extending girders 252 which are inter-connected by transversely extending members 254. The distributor 66 is coupled to the girders 252 and members 254 and the clearing mechanism is suspended from support members 248. Setting mechanism 68 is also coupled to support members 248 and as better seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 the setting mechanism is guided by

tracks

256, 258 and 260 which combine to provide the necessary motion in stripping pins off the distributor and placing the pins in the desired V formation on the playing surface 52.

Reference is made to FIG. 16 which shows a pin carrier 262 of the setting mechanism 68. The carrier 262 consists of respective forward, intermediate and

rear elements

264, 266 and 2 68 which are interconnected by forwardly extending

members

270, 272. A C-shaped pin support'274 is attached to element 264 and

similar supports

275, 276, 277, 278 and

flanges

280, 282 are attached to

respective elements

266 and 268. The pin supports are positioned in the relationship described with reference to FIG. 13 for receiving pins from the distributor 66 (FIG. 1). Each of the Cshaped pin supports opens forwardly so that once the pins are positioned on the playing surface 52-the support can be moved rearwardly out of engagement with the pins and then moved upwardly back into position for receiving further pins. The element 268 has respective upwardly extending

flanges

280 and 282 attached to its ends for attachment of the pin carrier 262 to links which move the carrier vertically and maintain the carrier in a horizontal position.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 17 and 18. Pin carrier 262 is guided by structure associated with the

tracks

256, 258 and 260 as will be described, and maintained in a horizontal position by first pairs of parallel links 284, 286 (one of each pair being shown in these figures) and second pairs of

parallel links

288, 290.

Considering one link from each pair, link 284 is pivotally mounted at a first end to a corresponding one of the support members 248 and at its other end to an end of a bell crank lever 292. The link 284 acts as a tie rod whereas link 286 provides the main strength to support the pin carrier and other links. Link 286 is attached by a first of its ends to a shaft 294 and at its other end is pivotally connected to the bell crank lever 292. The arrangement of the

links

284, 286 is such that as the link 286 rotates about the axis of shaft 294 the bell crank lever 292 remains in the same position relative to the horizontal.

Links

288, 290 are similar in length and attached pivotally at their upper ends to the bell crank lever 292 and at their lower ends to the flange 282 of pin carrier 262. The position and lengths of the links is such that rotation of link 286 about the axis of shaft 294 results in vertical movement of the pin carrier 262 while retaining the pin carrier in a horizontal position.

It will be noted from FIG. 16 that flange 280 differs in shape from flange 282. Although the flanges correspond in that a pair of holes 296 are provided in each flange for pivotally connecting respective pairs of the

second links

288, 290, a further pair of holes 298 is provided in flange 280. An elongated arm 300 is attached to flange 280 by fasteners passing through holes 298 and the arm 300 has a roller 302 at its distal end for travelling in

tracks

256, 258 to locate the pin carrier 262 horizontally. The arm 300 also has a roller 304 adjacent its lower end for engagement in track 260 when the roller 302 has moved upwardly beyond

tracks

256, 258 as will be described.

The pin carrier 262 is movable between an upper position as shown in FIG. 17, an intermediate position shown in chain-dotted outline in FIG. 18, and a lower position shown in full outline in FIG. 18. The pin carrier strips five pins from the distributor by first engaging the pins and then continuing to move upwardly a short distance to take the weights of the pins off the respective shoes 173 of the pick-up mechanisms 154 (FIG. 9). The shoes then move upwardly under the influence of the associated springs thereby freeing the pins. The pins are then supported by the pin carrier 262 so that the pins can now be moved downwardly into contact with the playing surface 52. To this end a crank 306 is attached to shaft 294 and coupled at its distal end to a first pneumatic actuator 308 which is arranged in back-to-back relation with a second pneumatic actuator 310 which is in turn attached to an anchor 312 on one of the girders 252.

Pin carrier 262 is moved into the intermediate position by de-energizing the second pneumatic actuator 310 so that the crank 306 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 17 resulting in downward rotational movement of

links

284 and 286. Roller 304 is engaged in track 260 and remains in this track while the pin carrier 262 is moved downwardly into the intermediate position. As will be described with reference to the logic circuit, the pin carrier will remain in this position until a call is made for a new set of pins on the playing surface 52. During this interval the distributor 66 continues to receive pins from distributor feeding system 60.

Once a call is made for a new set of pins on the playing surface 52, the first pneumatic actuator 308 is deenergized and the crank 306 rotates as the pin carrier 262 moves downwardly from the intermediate position until the pins rest on the playing surface 52.

As better seen in FIG. 18 the pin carrier moves down until the pin supports 274 to 278 are out of contact with their respective pins. At this point roller 302 has left track 256 and entered a gate 314 which is better seen in FIGS. 19 and 20. The gate is pivotally mounted on an axle 316 for movement between a first position shown in FIG. 19 and a second position shown in FIG. 20. A small pneumatic actuator 318 is provided and coupled to a bell crank lever 320 having a pin 322 riding in a slot 324 in the gate 314. Bell crank lever 320 is arranged so that the gate 314 cannot be moved out of its preferred positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 unless the actuator 318 is energized. In moving the bell crank lever 320, the actuator engages a sensing device 326 which senses when the gate is in the second position shown in FIG. 20, and as will be described, begins the upward movement of the pin carrier 262. As soon as the pin carrier 262 has reached. the position shown in full outline in FIG. 18, the gate 314 moves towards the FIG. 20 position thereby moving the pin carrier 262 horizontally and rearwardly so that the pin supports 274 to 278 are no longer positioned under their respective pins. The sensing device 326 is then open and the first pneumatic actuator 308 is energized to rotate the crank 306 and move the pin carrier 262 upwardly. During this upward travel the roller 302 is engaged in the track 258. If the distributor is fully loaded and ready to supply a further five pins to the pin carrier 262, the second pneumatic actuator 310 takes over from the intermediate position and continues to move the pin carrier 262 upwardly into its uppermost position. During this upward travel the roller 302 passes through a biased gate 327 which normally forms part of track 256. The gate permits upward movement of the roller 302 but in the downward path it guides the roller along the track

Claims

1. A device for setting bowling pins on a rear end portion of a longitudinally extending playing surface, the bowling pins being arranged inn bowling array and the device comprising: an elevator feeding system for receiving fallen bowling pins off the rear end of the playing surface and transporting the pins rearwardly of the playing surface; an elevator mounted rearwardly of the feeding system for receiving bowling pins from the elevator feeding system and moving the pins vertically, the elevator including means for orientating the pins such that the axis of each pin extends longitudinally; a distributor feeding system mounted forwardly of the elevator and above the elevator feeding system for receiving orientated bowling pins from the elevator and moving the pins forwardly, the distributor feeding system including: a cup; means adapted to transport the bowling pins from the elevator to the cup; means adapted to guide each of the bowling pins into the cup with the pins in an upright position; and means for elevating the cup together with a bowling pin into an uppermost position; a distributor mounted forwardly of the distributor feeding system and above the rear end portion of the playing surface, the distributor including a rotor mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and including five arms and five pick-up mechanisms pivotally attached one to each of the respective outer ends of the arms for movement about respective vertical axes, each pick-up mechanism being adapted to receive a bowling pin from the distributor feeding system with the cup in said uppermost position; an indexing mechanism adapted to move the rotor about said rotor axis in incremental movements including five movements of onesixth of a revolution, the rotor stopping after each of said five movements with one of the pick-up mechanisms in position for receiving a bowling pin from the cup; said distributor including means guiding the pick-up mechanisms for rotation about respective said vertical axes of said pickup mechanisms during rotation of the rotor such that when the rotor stops after said five incremental movements, there are five bowling pins carried by said pick-up mechanisms, each of the pins being vertical and positioned relative to said rotor vertical axis in said bowling array; a setting mechanism comprising a pin carrier including five pin supports arranged in said bowling array; and means adapted to move the pin carrier between an uppermost position for stripping bowling pins from the distributor and a lowermost position for placing the bowling pins on the playing surface in bowling array; a clearing mechanism movable independently of the setting mechanism and comprising: a housing including five gripper assemblies arranged in bowling array and adapted to grip bowling pins, the setting mechanism and clearing mechanism being movable independently in game sequence without interference one with the other; and means adapted to move the housing between an uppermost position removed from the playiNg surface to permit bowling pins to be placed on the playing surface by the setting mechanism, and a lowermost position in which the gripper assemblies are positioned for gripping the bowling pins so that these pins are lifted off the playing surface when the housing is moved into the uppermost position; and a sweeping mechanism including a board for longitudinal movement between a forward raised position above the playing surface in front of said playing surface end portion, and an end position at the rear of the playing surface for sweeping bowling pins off the playing surface.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the elevator feeding system comprises: a vibrator including a board inclined downwardly and rearwardly and adapted to oscillate in a longitudinal direction to impart rearward movement to fallen bowling pins; a transversely extending conveyor mounted immediately rearwardly of the vibrator for receiving some of the bowling pins moved rearwardly by the vibrator and some of the pins which fall off the elevator; and a longitudinally extending conveyor mounted immediately rearwardly of the vibrator and at the end of the transversely extending conveyor, the sum of the width of the longitudinally extending conveyor and the length of the transversely extending conveyor being substantially equal to the width of the vibrator, the longitudinally extending conveyor being adapted to receive pins from the vibrator and from the transversely extending conveyor for moving the pins rearwardly towards the elevator.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the elevator comprises: a continuous track lying in a generally vertical plane and mounted rearwardly of the elevator feeding system; a plurality of carriages adapted to move along the track; a plurality of trays attached one to each of the carriages and adapted to receive bowling pins from the elevator feeding system, the trays being proportioned and positioned in the elevator so that if a bowling pin engages a tray with the head of the pin rearmost, the bowling pin will tend to fall off the tray during upward movement of the tray whereas bowling pins entering the trays with the bottom of the bowling pins rearmost will tend to remain on the trays; a flexible belt attached to the trays with the trays spaced along the belt; and a drive belt frictionally engaged with the flexible belt and extending in contact with substantially the full length of the flexible belt.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which each of said pick-up mechanisms comprises: an axle mounted at the end of a corresponding one of said arms for rotation about the corresponding one of said vertical axes; a guide plate rigidly coupled to an upper end of the axle and extending generally horizontally; a location element rigidly attached to the axle and extending radially from the axle, the distal end of the location element including an upright portion; and a shoe pivotally coupled to said location element for vertical movement about a horizontal axis between an engagement position in which the shoe combines with said upright portion to grip the neck of a bowling pin and thereby suspend the bowling pin, and a disengagement position above the engagement position in which the shoe no longer engages the bowling pin neck so that the bowling pin is free to move downwardly out of the pick up mechanism, the shoe being spring-biased into the disengagement position so that an upward movement of the suspended bowling pin releases the shoe and the bowling pin is then free to move downwardly; and in which said pick-up mechanism guide means comprises a pair of location pins attached to the guide plate and extending upwardly, the pins being spaced equidistantly from a corresponding one of said vertical axes and the axes of the location pins and said one of said vertical axes being in a common vertical plane; and stationary means defining downwardly-opening channels in which said location pins are engaged for controlling the angular position of said pick-up mechanism in relation to said one of the vertical axes such that with five bowling pins in said bowling array, the first, third and fifth pins to be picked up by the distributor are each suspended with a corresponding location element extending radially outwardly from a corresponding one of said five arms, and such that the second and fourth bowling pins to be picked up by the distributor are each suspended with a corresponding location element extending radially inwardly.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 in which the radial distance between the axis of rotation of the rotor and each of said vertical axes of the axles is 9 Square Root 3 inches and the radial distance between the axis of a bowling pin in one of said pick-up mechanisms and the corresponding one of said vertical axes of the axles is 3 Square Root 3 inches.

6. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the device further comprises a framework and in which the setting mechanism moving means comprises parallel linkage means pivotally coupled to the pin carrier and to the framework to maintain the carrier substantially horizontal as the carrier moves vertically between an uppermost position in which bowling pins are stripped from the distributor, an intermediate position where the setting mechanism rests when not in use, and a lowermost position for placing pins on the playing surface; rollers coupled to the pin carrier; and tracks rigidly attached to the framework for receiving said rollers to guide said pin carrier in moving between said uppermost and lowermost positions, said tracks including first and second tracks extending generally vertically; a biased gate forming an intersection between said first and second tracks and normally positioned to form a continuation of the first track; a movable gate for receiving the roller with the pin carrier in the lowermost position, the movable gate being adapted to transfer the roller from the first to the second track thereby moving the pin carrier rearwardly to disengage the bowling pins, the pin carrier roller being guided by the tracks such that in moving from the uppermost position to the lowermost position and returning to the uppermost position, the roller first passes down the first tracking to the movable gate, is moved horizontally by the movable gate into the second track, and then moved vertically in the second track passing through the biased gate and returning to the first track before the pin carrier reaches the uppermost position.

7. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which each of said clearing mechanism gripper assemblies comprises: first and second cranked arms pivotally mounted on the housing for movement about a vertical axis; and an actuator coupled to the cranked arms for moving the arms apart and together so that when the arms move together a bowling pin can be gripped between the arms and then released by moving the arms apart.

8. A device as claimed in claim 5 in which the device further comprises a framework and in which the setting mechanism moving means comprises parallel linkage means pivotally coupled to the pin carrier and to the framework to maintain the carrier substantially horizontal as the carrier moves vertically between an uppermost position in which bowling pins are stripped from the distributor, an intermediate position where the setting mechanism rests when not in use, and a lowermost position for placing pins on the playing surface; rollers coupled to the pin carrier; and tracks rigidly attached to the framework for receiving said rollers to guide said pin carrier in moving between said uppermost and lowermost positions, said tracks including first and second tracks extending generally vertically; a biased gate forming an intersection between said first and second tracks and normally positioned to form a continuation of the first track; a movable gate for receiving the roller with the pin carrier in the lowermost position, the movable gate being adapted to transfer the roller from the first to the second track thereby moving the pin carrier rearwardly to disengage the bowling pins, the pin carrier roller being guided by the tracks such that in moving from the uppermost position to the lowermost position and returning to the uppermost position, the roller first passes down the first tracking to the movable gate, is moved horizontally by the movable gate into the second track, and then moved vertically in the second track passing through the biased gate and returning to the first track before the pin carrier reaches the uppermost position.

9. A device for setting bowling pins on a rear end portion of a longitudinally extending playing surface, the bowling pins being arranged in bowling array and the device comprising: transport means mounted rearwardly of the playing surface for receiving bowling pins off the playing surface and elevating the pins; a distributor adapted to receive pins from the transport means and to position the pins in bowling array; and a setting mechanism adapted to strip bowling pins off the distributor and place the bowling pins on the playing surface; said distributor comprising a rotor including five radial arms and positioned above said rear end portion for rotation about a vertical axis, the arms being spaced at 60* intervals about said axis; said distributor further including five pick-up mechanisms pivotally attached respectively one to each arm for rotation about respective vertical axes, each of said pick-up mechanisms being adapted to receive one bowling pin from said transport means; an indexing mechanism adapted to turn the rotor in incremental movements including five incremental movements of one-sixth of a revolution, the rotor stopping after each said five incremental movements while a bowling pin is moved by said transport means into one of the pick-up mechanisms; and means guiding said pick-up mechanisms to locate the pick-up mechanisms about respective said pivotal arm connections as the rotor turns so that after each of the pick-up mechanisms has received a bowling pin from the transport means, and the indexing mechanism has moved the rotor through said five incremental movements, there are five bowling pins suspended from the distributor in bowling array.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9 in which the setting mechanism comprises: a pin carrier including five pin supports arranged in bowling array and including means adapted to move the pin carrier between an uppermost position for stripping pins off the distributor and a lowermost position for placing the pins on the playing surface in bowling array.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9 and further comprising a clearing mechanism movable independently of the setting mechanism and comprising: a housing including five gripper assemblies arranged in bowling array and adapted to grip bowling pins; and means adapted to move the housing between an uppermost position removed from the playing surface to permit bowling pins to be placed on the playing surface by the setting mechanism, and a lowermost position in which the gripper assemblies are positioned for gripping the bowling pins so that these pins are lifted off the playing surface when the housing is moved into the uppermost position the setting mechanism and clearing mechanism being movable independently in game sequence without interference one with the other.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11 in which the setting mechanism comprises: a pin carrier having five pin supports arranged in bowling array and including means adapted to move the pin carrier between an uppermost position for stripping pins off the distributor and a lowermost position for placing the pins on the playing surface in bowling array.

13. A device as claimed in claim 11 and further comprising a sweeping mechanism including a board for movement between a forward raised position above the playing surface and an end position at the rear of the playing surface fOr sweeping bowling pins off the playing surface.

14. A device as claimed in claim 10 in which the pin carrier moving means is adapted to stop the pin carrier at an intermediate position above the lowermost position and below the uppermost position, the pin carrier being stored in the intermediate position when not required to set pins on the playing surface.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14 and further comprising a sweeping mechanism including a board for movement between a forward raised position above the playing surface and an end position at the rear of the playing surface for sweeping bowling pins off the playing surface.

16. A device as claimed in claim 14 in which the device further includes a framework and in which the setting mechanism moving means comprises parallel linkage means pivotally coupled to the pin carrier and to the framework to maintain the carrier substantially horizontal as the carrier moves vertically between an uppermost position in which bowling pins are stripped from the distributor, an intermediate position where the setting mechanism rests when not in use, and a lowermost position for placing pins on the playing surface; rollers coupled to the pin carrier; and tracks rigidly attached to the framework for receiving said rollers to guide said pin carrier in moving between said uppermost and lowermost positions, said tracks including first and second tracks extending generally vertically; a biased gate forming an intersection between said first and second tracks and normally positioned to form a continuation of the first track; a movable gate for receiving the roller with the pin carrier in the lowermost position, the movable gate being adapted to transfer the roller from the first to the second track thereby moving the pin carrier rearwardly to disengage the bowling pins, the pin carrier roller being guided by the track such that in moving from the uppermost position to the lowermost position and returning to the uppermost position, the roller first passes down the first track to the movable gate, it is moved horizontally by the movable gate into the second track, and then moved vertically in the second track passing through the biased gate and returning to the first track before the pin carrier reaches the uppermost position.

17. A device for setting bowling pins on a rear end portion of a longitudinally extending playing surface, the bowling pins being arranged in bowling array and the device comprising: transport means for moving pins from the rear of the bowling surface and elevating the pins sequentially; a distributor adapted to receive pins from the transport means and position the pins in bowling array; and a setting mechanism mounted above the rear end portion and adapted to strip bowling pins off the distributor and place the bowling pins on the playing surface; said distributor comprising: a rotor for rotation about a vertical axis; a plurality of pick-up mechanisms rotatably coupled to the rotor for rotation about respective other vertical axes; and each said pick-up mechanism including means adapted to grip the neck of a bowling pin as the bowling pin is received from the transport means, the bowling pin then hanging vertically from the grip means; and means co-operating with the pick-up mechanisms to guide the pick-up mechanisms as the rotor turns for rotating the pick-up mechanisms thereby changing the distance of associated bowling pins from the rotor vertical axis for locating the pins in bowling array above the rear end portion of the playing surface.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17 and further comprising a clearing mechanism movable independently of the setting mechanism and comprising: a housing including a plurality of gripper assemblies arranged in bowling array and adapted to grip bowling pins; and means adapted to move the housing between an uppermost position removed from the playing surface to permit bowling pins to be placed on the playing surface by the settiNg mechanism, and a lowermost position in which the gripper assemblies are positioned for gripping the bowling pin so that these pins are lifted off the playing surface when the housing is moved into the uppermost position, the setting mechanism and clearing mechanism being movable independently in game sequence without interference one with the other.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising a sweeping mechanism including a board for movement between a forward raised position above the playing surface and an end position at the rear of the playing surface for sweeping bowling pins off the playing surface.

20. A device as claimed in claim 17 in which the rotor includes six radial arms and the distributor further includes six pick-up mechanisms, each of the pick-up mechanisms being attached to a respective one of the outer ends of the radial arms.

21. A device as claimed in claim 9 in which the transport means comprises: an elevator feeding system for receiving fallen bowling pins off the rear end of the playing surface and transporting the pins rearwardly of the playing surface; an elevator mounted rearwardly of the feeding system for receiving bowling pins from the elevator feeding system and moving the pins vertically, the elevator including means for orienting the pins such that the axis of each pin extends longitudinally; and a distributor feeding system mounted forwardly of the elevator and above the elevator feeding system for receiving orientated bowling pins from the elevator and moving the pins forwardly, the distributor feeding system including: a cup; means adapted to transport the bowling pins from the elevator to the cup; means adapted to guide each of the bowling pins into the cup with the pins in an upright position; and means for elevating the cup together with the bowling pin into an uppermost position for transferring the pin to the distributor.

22. A device as claimed in claim 17 in which the transport means includes a distributor feeding system mounted rearwardly of the distributor and comprising: a cup; means adapted to transport bowling pins forwardly into the cup; means adapted to guide each of the bowling pins into the cup with the pins in an upright position; and means for elevating the cup together with a bowling pin into an uppermost position for transferring the pin to the distributor.

23. A device as claimed in claim 17 in which the transport means comprises: an elevator feeding system for receiving fallen bowling pins off the rear end of the playing surface and transporting the pins rearwardly of the playing surface; an elevator mounted rearwardly of the feeding system for receiving bowling pins from the elevator feeding system and moving the pins vertically, the elevator including means for orientating the pins such that the axis of each pin extends longitudinally; and a distributor feeding system mounted forwardly of the elevator and above the elevator feeding system for receiving orientated bowling pins from the elevator and moving the pins forwardly, the distributor feeding system including: a cup; means adapted to transport the bowling pins from the elevator to the cup; means adapted to guide each of the bowling pins into the cup with the pins in an upright position; and means for elevating the cup together with a bowling pin into an uppermost position for transferring the pin to the distributor.

24. A device as claimed in claim 17 in which the setting mechanism comprises: a pin carrier including five pin supports arranged in said bowling array; and means adapted to move the pin carrier between an uppermost position for stripping bowling pins froom the distributor and a lowermost position for placing the bowling pins on the playing surface in bowling array.

25. A device as claimed in claim 17 in which the transport means comprises: an elevator feeding system for receiving fallen bowling pins off the rear end of the playing surface and transporting the pins rearwardly of the playing surface; an elevator mounted rearwardly of the feeding system for receiving bowling pins from the elevator feeding system and moving the pins vertically, the elevator comprising: a continuous track lying in a generally vertical plane; a plurality of carriages adapted to move along the track; a plurality of trays attached one to each of the carriages and adapted to receive bowling pins from the elevator feeding system, the trays being proportioned and positioned in the elevator so that if a bowling pin engages a tray with a head of the pin rearmost, the bowling pin will tend to fall off the tray during upward movement of the tray whereas bowling pins entering the trays with the bottom of the bowling pins rearmost will tend to remain on the trays; a flexible belt attached to the trays with the trays spaced along the belt; and a drive belt frictionally engaged with the flexible belt and extending in contact with substantially the full length of the flexible belt; and a distributor feeding system mounted forwardly of the elevator and above the elevator feeding system for receiving orientated bowling pins from the elevator and moving the pins forwardly, the distributor feeding system including: a cup; means adapted to transport the bowling pins from the elevator to the cup; means adapted to guide each of the bowling pins into the cup with the pins in an upright position; and means for elevating the cup together with a bowling pin into an uppermost position for transferring the pin to the distributor.

26. A device as claimed in claim 17 in which each of said pick-up mechanisms comprises: an axle mounted on the rotor for rotation about a vertical axis; a guide plate rigidly coupled to an upper end of the axle and extending generally horizontally; a location element rigidly attached to the axle and extending radially from the axle, the distal end of the location element including an upright portion; and a shoe pivotally coupled to said location element for a vertical movement about a horizontal axis between an engagement position in which the shoe combines with said upright portion to grip the neck of a bowling pin and thereby suspend the bowling pin, and a disengagement position above the engagement position in which the shoe no longer engages the bowling pin neck so that the bowling pin is free to move downwardly out of the pick-up mechanism, the shoe being spring-biased into the dis-engagement position so that an upward movement of the suspended bowling pin releases the shoe and the bowling pin is then free to move downwardly; and in which said pick-up mechanism guide means comprises: a pair of location pins attached to the guide plate and extending upwardly, the pins being spaced equidistantly from the axis of said axle, and the axes of the location pins and the axle being in a common vertical plane; and stationary means defining downwardly-opened channels in which said location pins are engaged for controlling the angular position of said pick-up mechanism in relation to said axis of the axle such that with five bowling pins suspended from the distributor in bowling array, the first, third and fifth pins to be picked up by the distributor are each suspended with a corresponding location element extending radially outwardly from the rotor, and such that the second and fourth bowling pins to be picked up by the distributor are each suspended with a corresponding location element extending radially inwardly.

27. A device as claimed in claim 26 in which the radial distance between the axis of rotation of the rotor and the axis of the axle is 9 Square Root 3 inches and the radial distance between the axis of the bowling pin in the pick-up mechanism and the axis of the axle is 3 Square Root 3 inches.

28. A device for setting bowling pins on a rear end portion of a longitudinally extending playing surface, the bowling pins being arranged in bowling array and the device comprising: transport means mounted rearwardly of said end portion for movinG pins from the rear of the bowling surface and elevating the pins sequentially; distributor means (mounted above) in vertical alignment with said end portion and adapted to receive bowling pins from the transport means and to position the bowling pins in bowling array; a setting mechanism in vertical alignment with said end portion and below the distributor means, comprising a pin carrier including pin supports arranged in said bowling array; and means adapted to move the pin carrier between an uppermost position for stripping the bowling pins from the distributor and a lowermost position for placing the bowling pins on the playing surface in bowling array; a clearing mechanism movable independently of the setting mechanism and positioned in vertical alingment with said end portion and below the distributor means, the clearing mechanism comprising: a housing including gripper assemblies arranged in bowling array and adapted to grip bowling pins; and means adapted to move the housing between an uppermost position removed from the playing surface to permit bowling pins to be placed on the playing surface by the setting mechanism and a lowermost position in which the gripper assemblies are positioned for gripping the bowling pins so that these pins are lifted off the playing surface when the housing is moved into the uppermost position; and a sweeping mechanism including a board for longitudinal movement between a forward raised position above the playing surface in front of said playing surface end portion, and an end position at the rear of the playing surface for sweeping bowling pins off the playing surface, the setting mechanism and clearing mechanism being movable independently in game sequence without interference one with the other.