Spring launched pop-up pin bowling game

Abstract

A tabletop bowling game including a small scale replica of a bowling alley. A platform is mounted above the replica of the bowling alley at one end thereof. Ten upstanding posts are formed on the platform with the posts arranged in seven columns extending lengthwise of the bowling alley to provide a pattern of posts similar to the pattern of pins on a bowling alley. Each post receives and supports a small scale replica of a bowling pin. Each small scale replica of a bowling pin has a spring which is compressed by its post and which biases the bowling pin in a direction upwardly off the post. A releasable hook mechanism is provided for holding each bowling pin replica on its post against the bias of the spring. Targets extend downwardly from the platform and terminate slightly above the bowling alley with each target aligned with a single column of posts. Slides connect the targets and the hooks to release one of the hooks from its bowling pin replica upon movement of the target. One of the slides is arranged so that movement of the target aligned with the middle column of posts will release all of the hooks and bowling pin replicas and movement of the target aligned with a column other than the middle column of posts will release less than all of the hooks and their associated bowling pin replicas. A puck is provided to be slid on the alley replica into contact with one of the targets.