Raul T Jordan

US Patent:

62279815, May 8, 2001

Filed:

Feb 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/251479

Inventors:

Mauricio Anibal Lizama Troncoso - Rio Piedras PR
David Serrano - San Juan PR
Joel Rivera - Bayamon PR
Jose Soto - Dorado PR
Raul Jordan - Guaynabo PR
Lorenzo Detres - Maricao PR

Assignee:

University of Puerto Rico - San Juan PR

International Classification:

A63D 500

US Classification:

473 56

Abstract:

The present invention contemplates an improved ball ramp assembly that enables even the most severely handicapped bowler to guide and accelerate a bowling ball toward the intended bowling pins. The bowling ramp assembly includes a ramp having a ball guide defining a ball path along the ramp, a base coupled to a proximal end of the ramp for supporting the ramp, a ball release coupled to the ramp for selectively controlling travel of the ball along the ramp, and a positioning assembly coupled to the ramp for adjusting the orientation of the ramp. The ball release includes a ball stopping member that moves between a ball blocking position and a ball releasing position. The positioning assembly includes at least one motor coupled to the ramp and a wheel located at the distal end of the ramp. The ball release and positioning assembly are both controlled by switches which may be located remotely from the ramp.