I first saw this on a Johnny Carson show in the early '80s. I don't know who invented it but Carson had him on the show with it. When the fellow wound up the bowling ball, it kind of leaned forward and then quickly hopped down the lane and knocked over the pins. I laughed for a good long time after seeing that. Strolling bowling has been re-issued and you can get them once again online. It's great taking it out once in a while to show friends. They get a kick out of watching it hop down the lane. (I don't really "play" with any of the few vintage toys that I own. I don't think that's a good idea with vintage toys that have wind-up springs. I just basically show friends that they still work.)