US2223255A - Bowling game - Google Patents

Description

NGV. 26, 1940. 1 C, KOCl 2,223,255

BOWLING GAME Y Filed Feb, 9; 1940 2 sheets-sheet 1 J. C. KOC] BOWLING GAME Nov.26,1940.

Filed Feb. 9,'1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 26, 1940 PATENT OFFICE BOWLING GAME Jerry C. Kooi, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Chicago Coin Machine Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application February 9, 1940, Serial No. 318,059

.10 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in amusement apparatus, particularly a novel form...

of bowling game, one of the principal objects being the provision of electrically operated control and score indicating and registering mechanism arranged to alord the scoring typical of the regulation bowling game. l

Viewed from anotheraspect, it is an object to provide a bowling game in which the pins are replaced by projections of light directed onto the alley in the customary triangular array or spotting arrangement, together with a scoring switch associated with each spot of light and electrically -actuated score registering and indicating mechanism connected with the scoring switches in such manner that the player may play one line consisting of five frames of two balls each, making a total of ten balls, the arrangement further be- 2 lng such that each brace of balls is capable oi effecting a strike, in which all oi the pins or spots are struck; or a spare, in which all of the pins are' struck by the use of two balls; or the striking of individual pins will be registered and indicated cumulatively, it being possible to achieve and register the top bowling score of 300.

A further object is the provision of score indicating and registering means in a game of the class described and which is capable of indicating the lseveral possible bowling scores heretofore alluded to and which is nevertheless of relatively simple construction and operation.

Yet another object is theiprovision in a game of the class described including :ball-operated score switches or the like, of means for registering or indicating score values achieved by balls when played in groups. the group consisting, for example, of two balls, and the arrangement being such that the score indications will be those peculia 1;,-.to the regulation game of bowling in so 40 far as the value of the score may vary dependent upon the order in which score objectives are achieved in playing the two balls of the group, that is, for example, depending upon whether the first ball of the group itself achieves the maximum score or whether the maximum score is achieved through the use of two balls, each of which may variously achieve part of a cumulative score. v

Still another object is the arrangement in a 50 ball rolling game, of score switches adapted to be actuated by a played ball, and tally switches arranged in a ball return runway for engagement by a spent ball to set up various circuits which will operate mechanism to register and indicate the score achieved.

(o1. 27a-11s) j A sun further object is the inclusion in the v arrangement of tally switches oi certain master tally` switches connected with score indicating and registering mechanism so that the latter will 5 be conditioned by the rst ball of a group, if the maximum score is not achieved by the first ball, so that the subsequent ball or balls Vwill operate the tally Aswitches to totalize the score achieved for each group of balls played.

Other objects, advantages and novel aspects 10 of the invention reside in certain details of construction as well as the cooperative relationship of the component parts of the illustrative embodiment described hereinafter in view of the annexed drawings', in which: 15

Fig. 1 is a vertical section through the bowling game;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the light projecting means for simulating the pins; 20

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary horizontal sectionalong line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged elevational detail of one of the locking switches;

Fig. 5 is a scheme of the pin or light spotting 25 arrangement and the control grouping thereof;

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram.

The particular bowling game employed to illustrate the novel circuit connections and control mechanism constituting the present inven- 30 tion, is that described and claimed in my U.- S. Patent No. 2,194,830, which patent includes as one vof its novel features the substitution of projected light for the tenpins employed in the usual bowling game, this novel arrangement including means for projecting spots of light onto the alley in the positions usually occupied. by the tenpins in the customary triangular racking thereof, the spots of light, in this sense, constituting the pinsat which the bowler directs his ball and certain of the pins orspots of light having associated therewith a score switch which will be engaged by a skillfully bowled ball to actuate score registering means.

Such a game is illustrated in Fig. 1, and includes analley or ball rolling board I0 upon the underside of which are secured a plurality of i scoring switches SS, and each switch being provided with an operating finger I la, I I b, etc., Projecting through the board in a position which would correspond to that occupied by the bottom of one of the bowling pins when racked or spotted in the customary manner.y As will hereinafter appear, all ten of the bowling pins are not provided with score switches.

The scoring switches and their specially positioned operating ngers each constitute part of a ball objective, each of which is completed in the present instance by the provision of means inthe form. of lamps I2 situated in a housing I3 above the alley, together with a projecting aperture I4 for each lamp for directing a spot of light S (Fig. 2) onto the alley I0 in the area occupied by one of the switch operating ngers IIa. Thus, each of the switch operating fingers IIa, IIb; etc., and its corresponding spot of light S, constitute a ball objective, or, in the present case, a bowling pin.

'Ihe arrangement is such that a ball bowled atthe pins will actuate certain of the scoring switches and the associated control mechanism, so that the light I 2 corresponding to each scoring A switch struck, will be extinguished, and an indication of the score thus achieved will ultimately be indicated upon a score panel I5.

The game is preferably arranged for coincontrolled operation vand includes a coin slide I6 requiring the deposit therein'of a coin to free the slide for reciprocation to, actuate certain master circuit control means and to release the bowling ball B for movement from confinement beneath the board .through a ball return or delivery alley I 'I (Fig. 3) into a transversely directed gutter I8 at the front of the board beneath the coin slide.

It should be observed that the ball playing lboard or alley I 0 is inclined from the front of-` the machine, at which the coin slide'is situated,l

toward the rear where the pins are situated, so that the bowling ball will ultimately ilnd its way into a rear transverse runway I 9 inclined to direct the ball into the return 0r delivery alley I.'I. When the ball has been bowled a predetermined number of times, mechanism' is operated automatically to block the movement of the ball to the return gutter so that it becomes necessary to deposit another coin to free the ball.

The circuit connections and mechanisms for `exercising control over the game and registering the scores achieved, are illustrated in the circuit diagram of Fig. 6, which is to be read with convenient reference to the structural illustrations shown in Figs. 1 and 3, particularly. Fig. 6 illustrates the condition of the circuit control means when the game is ready for play, and therefore assumes a previous operation of the coin slide I6, and in this-condition the cut-off means which ordinarily blocks the return of the bowling ballv B to the player, is latched to remain in ineffective condition until the. ball has been bowled ten times, constituting one line or ve frames of play. y

At this time the several projecting lamps I2 are illuminated so that all of the light spots S are visible to the player, who seizes the ball B from the return gutter I8 and bowls it skillfully at the array of light spots in an effort to hit the king-pin, that is to say, the foremost light spot S in which the king-pin switch operating linger IIa is disposed. This play, if successful, constitutes a strike corresponding in regulation bowling to the knocking over of all ten pins, and effecting, in the present instance, the extinction of all lamps I2 with an appropriate score indication set up on the panel I5 by the illuminated score lamps.

The circuit connections involved in the indication of a strike following the operation of the king-pin score switch operating finger IIa,

aaaaaszs connects. batterydrom a power source via contact 20 on #I locking switch, causing the latter to release, with the result that a contact 2| in the bank of contacts thereofx will connect power through a contact 22 on the second locking switch to release the latter.` In addition, anotherA power connections established through contact 25 on the #2 switch through contact 26 on the #4 switch energizing the latter; contact 2'I on the #2 switch through contact 28 on the #5 switch to energize the latter; contact 29 on the #3 switch through contact 30 on the #6 switch energizing the-latter; contact 3| on the #4 switch through contact .3 2 on the #l switch energizing the latter; contact 33 on the #6 switch through contact 34 on the #I0 switchenergizing the latter; contact 35 on the #I switch via. conductor 36 and contact 31 on the spare locking switch SPenergizing the latter. The strike locking switch ST also pulls up as a result of power connected thereto via conductor 36 from contact 35 of the #I locking switch. f v

As one oi' the results of the energization of the coils for the gang of locking switches, all of the spot projecting lamps I2 are extinguished, this being accomplished by the breaking of power circuits for each lamp through contacts I2a, |212,`

IZc, I2i, one of which is associated with each of the locking switches #I to I0. Alsor the vstrike indicating lamp 40 is energized through a common power conductor V4I and a contact 42 on the bank of the strike locking switch; a contact 43 also common to conductor 4I, energizes a gong or signal means 44.

It may be observed that while the spare switch SP was released, along with the other locking switches, theV spare lamp 45 is not energized although the energizing contact 46 therefor is closed with a. connection 41 to one of the normal contacts on the strike switch which connects power to the spare lamp through contact 42, since the latter has been pulled away from its normal contact by release of the strike switch. It may be observed that the gang of locking switches including the spare and strike switches is normally set or locked in the condition shown in Fig. 6 and that the energization -loi' the several coils through the serial connections heretofore indicated, causes the several switches to be released from the condition shown in Fig. 6.

Means for registering-the score which results from making a strike and the release of the gang returning ball is a counting switch TC which connects power via a conductor 50 tothe coil BC of a ball counting commutator or stepping switch, the serial contacts of which are connected with ball indicating lamps BL to which power is connected by the wiping contact arm WC responsive to the successive energizations of coil BC as each of the ten balls is returned to the player. By this means, the player is apprised of the number of balls he has played. The returning ball thereafter successively engages the operating iingers of the tally switches numbered ordinally I to I0 (TI TIO) which are connected to a common conductor 5I through a contact MX on a master locking switch ML to energize the coil UC oi.' a units counter,` the wiping contact arm WU of whichv is rnovablesuc` cessively to connect power to the units indicating lamps UL which designate the values-of the individual pins The remaining terminal of each of the ordinal tally switches is connected with a contact in one of the locking switches so that it is necessary to release the latter in order to render the corresponding tally switch effective.

In the circuit diagram it will be observed that switch TI will be energized through contacts 35 of the first locking switch, the remaining tally switches being conditioned through similar connectlons as follows: T2 through contact 52 on the #2 locking switch; T3 through contact-53 on the #3 switch;v T4 through contact 54 on the #4 switch; T5 through contact 55 on the #5 switch; T6 through contact 56 on the #6 switch; T1 throughcontact 5I` on the #1 switch. T8, however, is common to TI and is -thereforeconditioned by the #l locking switch, while T9 is common to T6 and will therefore be conditioned by the #6 locking switch. The last tally lswitch TIIL is conditioned by a contact 58 on the #I0 lock. ing switch.

Thus, if locking switches #I to I0 have been pulled up as aforesaid, each ofthe series of tally well as the strike and spare switches for operation by the returning ball.

In addition to the units counting switch, there is a ten's counting switch of'similar structure and including a coil BT which may be energized throughya contact MY on the'master lockingx` switch, this contact being connected in common to the spare tally switch TS and the strike tally switch TSt, which arev respectively situated at a lower level from the ordinary `tally -switc es toward the end of the balls travel. Since both the spare and strike locking switches are released by the achievement of a strike as aforesaid, the spare tally switch TS will be connected wi power through a contact 60 on the contact ba k of the spare locking switch. Likewise, the strike tally switch ISt is connected with power through a contact El on the strike` locking switch ST. However, operation of the latter two tally switches by the returning ball will not be effected unlessv the master locking switch contact MY is iirst closed.

Release ofthe master locking switch in the case of a strike by the first ball, is eiectedby the closing of a contact 62 on the strike locking switch which is effected the instant the latter is released when the bowler makes a strike. In consequence of this release of the master locking switch, all of the tally switches TI to TID, TS, and TSt are operated by the returning ball and as aresult the units counter switch is energized ten times, which will result in the illumination of the rst tens lamp on the tens counting lamp bank, since switch 83 is energized when closed on the tenth step of the units counter to energize coil BT once, this coil being energized twice more as a result of the closing of switches TS and TSt by the same returning ball, so that a total score of 30 will thus be indicated to the player, the #I ball counting lam also being illuminated.

In order to prepare the control circuits for` the second ball of the frame or group, the gang of locking switches, as well as the master locking switch, must be reset for the purpose, among other things, of illuminating the spot projecting lamps I2 and extinguishing the strike lamp 4I). Such resetting is controlled by the ball effecting ating a reset tally switch TR near the lower end` of the return alley to connect powervia the now closed contact 63 on the master locking switch which energizes a holding relay I-IR` locking a circuit for the latter through contact E and contacts 64 on the holding relay, another contact 65 of which energizes the resetting solenoid PR.

As shown in Fig. 3, energization of solenoid PR pulls back a slide bar lili setting a dashpot 6l to regulate a slow return of the slide bar by its spring 68. Retraction of the bar fromthe nor-N mal position of Fig. 3, causes contact E to open, thus releasing the locking circuit to the holding relay.

When the master locking switch was released, a circuit was set up by its contact 69 to the normally open contact D on the master resetting switch to connect power to the coil MR to reset the master locking switch, contact D being closed as soon as th-e resetting solenoid PR pulls up. Meanwhile. the last of the tallyswitches `has been rendered ineffective by theopening of the master resetting contacts C.

As the resetting slide 66 is drawn back by sole,- noid PR, an over-and-under arm 'Ill thereon passes over a gang reset switch GS and on the return stroke of the slide, the arm 'I0 is peculiarly constructed "to close this switch momentarily and energize the gang reset solenoid GR. which is mechanically connected with all of the locking switches except the master locking switch, to restore the same -to their locked or set condition. When this is done, the apparatus is in its reset condition preparatory to the bowling of the next frame\or brace of balls, the holding relay HR being released and the master locking switch being set, all as shown in Figf, the spot `projecting lamps I2 again being illuminated.

The bowler retrieves the ball B from the return gutter I8 and again propels it at the light spots and associated scoring switches, and this time it will be assumed that he misses the king-pin and strikes the #3 pin" and operates the associated finger IIc and the vcorresponding scoring switch, which results in energizing the #3 locking switch through its contact 24, thus releasing the same to extinguish the corresponding lamp I2 by opening its switch I2C and further eneron the #I switch and contact 28 on the it."V

.gung the #s lacking switch through Contact 'n switch, so that the lamp I2, which corresponds to #I or #5, opens a series power circuit through all of.. the locking switches after the iirst for the strike switch. This series circuit includesv a connection 13 lwith one side of the power line extending through contacts 14, 15, 16, 11, 18 19, and 80 to 8| onA the strike switch. each of the contacts 14 through 80 being associated with one of the locking switches #2 to #IIL Thus, release ot any locking switch after the first, will disable the strike switch.

It will be observed that the pin (Fig. 5) is lnot provided with a score switch, and the pins" in positions l and 9 are similarly arranged, the circuit connections being such that the scoring switches associated with certain "pins control the projectingv lamps and locking switches for certain other pins;V for example,

the king-pin controls all lamp circuits, and the #I pin controls its own circuit and that for the #I and #5 pins. Similarly, the #2 "pin controls its own lamp circuit anciV that for the #l and #5 pins, while the #6 pin controls its own circuit and that for the "pins in positions 5 and I8.`

The shaded areas in the diagram of Fig. 5 illustrate the grouping control of the score switches, it being pointed out that the #4 pin switch also controls the circuits for pins in positions 1y and 8.

Thus, the bowling of the iirst ball in this illustrative example caused the extinction of the lamps for pins 3, 5, 8, 9 and III, and also disabled vthe strike locking switch. By the same token.. the\#2 `score switch would control the circuits for pins 4, 5, 1 and 38.

The -spent ball which accomplished this scoring in traversing the return runway will actuate the ball Ycounting switch TC and step the ball counter register or switch to the next position so that the register will now indicate a .total of two balls bowled. However, the remaining tally switches are not conditioned to eilect the score registers by reason of the open condition of -en`ergizing ML to release the master locking switch and set up a totalizing or tallying circuit for the second ball of the group or brace.

Assuming next that' the bowler bowls the remaining ball of this frame or pair and that he is successful in making a spare, which is equivalent to knocking down all of the remaining "pins and which would therefore require a strik- Ving oi the #I pin to operate its switch IIa, to extinguish the lamps for the #L 2, 4, 1 and 8 positions, such action by the bowler will result in release of locking switches numbered I to I0, as well as the spare switch SP, thereby conditioning tallying switches TI to TIII, as well as TS1, for operation of the registering means.

It will be recalled that the ilrst ball eiiected release of the master locking switch. Subsequently the passage of the spare ball through the return alley will operate the counting switch TC and all of the tallying switches TI to TIO, as well as switch TS. al1 of which are now finally conditioned by the release of the master locking switch to step the units counter and tens counter to indicate a score equivalent to a spare. Therefore, the units counter will be stepped ten times and on the tenth step will step the tens counter once through switch 83, and the tens counter will be moved an additional step by the ball closing switch TS, thus setting up a score of 20 for the spare onk the tenscounter. Upon leaving the return alley, the spare ball will trip the reset tally switch TR, energizing the holding relay HR through contact 63 on ML energizing the resetting solenoid PR through contacts 64 on HR and contact E on the slide switch, which again retracts the resetting slide 66 which operates the gang switch GS and solenoid GR to reset the gang of locking switches and which also opens the locking 4circuit for HR and closes the slide switch D tol energize MR and reset -the master locking switch.

Having described the manner in which a strike and a spare are scored and registered on the apparatus, a third scoring possibility can be handled by the control mechanism and contemplates a. conditionwhere the bowler does not make a strike or a spare, but is nevertheless accorded the cumulative value of pins he may have knocked over, in a manner of speaking. Assuming that after the accomplishment of a spare and strike in the manner aforesaid, the associated .mechanism has been restored to the condition exempliiied in Fig. 6 and that the bowler 'strikes the "pin at position 6, the individual score value of the pins struck will be stored up and indicated, it being recalled that the #6 locking switch exercises control over the lamp and locking switches associated with positions 6, 9 and .III (the same being true of positions l and 8 and 1). In the present example, tally switches Sand 9 and I9 would be conditioned to operate the registering switches, and the rst ball of the pair which was responsible for extinguishing the lamps for positions 6, 9 and I0, would, in leaving the return runway, close the master tally switch to release the master locking switch, thus closing.

contacts MX and MY to the units counter and tens counter. Thereafter, it may be assumed that the remaining ball of the pair is successful in striking the scoring switch at position 1, which would result in release of locking switch #1 and conditioning tally switch T1 for eiective operation.

'I'he second ball in traversing the return runway would operate tally switches TC, T6, T1, T9, and TIII, all of which would result in stepping the ball counter once and the units counter four times. the control circuits as heretofore described, leaving a score of 4(disregarding any previous score) indicated by the units counter and the lamps associated therewith, and the player is ready to bowl the next frame.

Continuing the foregoing example, it is now assumed that the player bowls again and strikes the "pin at #3 position, with a consequent extinction of the lamps illuminating positions 3, 5, 6, 9 and III, having a total score value of 5 units, and upon-'bowling the remaining ball of the pair, it is further assumed that the pin at #1 position is again struck, all of which results in conditioning tally switches T3, T5, T6, T1, T9 and TIG to operate the units counter in the usual manner. Since the units counter was stepped four times from its initial position as shown in Fig. 6, and sinceI the bowling of the next frame In leaving the runway, the ball will resetk Vresulted in a reward of 6 units to the player, the score registering will be transferred automaticallyfrom the tens counter, it being observed that when the wiper WU reaches the contact point numbered I8 on the units counter, a circuit is established from the wiper via this contact and a conductor 82 to a transfer switch 83 forming part of the units counter and closed by the ratchet operating arm 84 thereof each 4 time the coil UC is energized, with the result that the tenth impulse to the units counter will be transferred by switch 83 to the coil BT of the tens counter, causing the `latter to be stepped once.

It may be observed that the stepping switch employed for units counting is adapted for continuous and unidirectional movement, this being'illustrated by the provision in the units counter of a second bank of counting contacts indicated at 84', these banks of contacts being represented in a direction clockwise around the dial and being shown only in part for purposes of simplification.

When the player completes five frames or has bowled his tenth ball, the wiper contact WC of the vball counter switch will have been stepped ten times, carrying the wiper against a cut-off switch CS closing the same to connect power to a contact 85 of switch G to energize the ball cut-off solenoid CO, switch G being permitted to close when the ball cut-off slide 86 is latched in retracted condition by latch arm 81, following operation of the coin slide. Energization of CO withdraws the latch 81 and permits cut-olf slide 86 to be restored by its spring 89 to project a cut-off arm 90 across the return alley i1, block` ing movement of the ball to a position of access to the player, who must now deposit another coin to continue the play.

To release the game for play, a coin is deposited in slide I6 and the latter is pushed inwardly to the limit of its stroke, which results in the closing of three resetting switches AI, A2, and A3, each respectively in circuit with a resetting coil CR. for the ball counter, one of contacts 84 for the units counter, and RT for the tens counter, these switches being normally biased to open condition, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, by engagement therewith of an arm 8| rigid with the coin slide. This arm also actuates a time switch 92 included in the main power line to maintain the apparatus in operative condition for a limited period so that the game cannot be monopolized unreasonably for a single coin. The inner end of the coin slide is adapted to bear against an oiset 93 on the resetting slide 66, thus opening switches C and E and closing switch D to reset the master locking switch ML and also to operate the gang switch for the gang reset solenoid, which restores all of the locking switches. Thus, the master locking switch will be disposed in the condition shown in Fig. 6, and the wiper arms on the stepping switches BC and BT will be restored yby the usual spring means to their initial positions as a result of the release of their corresponding locking pawls 95. The units counter will advance to the next zero position by reason of current owing through switch A2, contact 84 into wiper WU', which is associated with the bank of contacts 84', and thence into step-up solenoid UC.

Operation of theV coin slide as aforesaid also results in energization of the ball release solenoid BR by a circuit through switches F and D, slide 88 being automatically latched in retracted condition by arrn 81 until the latter is tripped after the tenth ball.

The registering switches are arranged to give an indication of 300 points which is equivalent to the customary perfect bowling score. In order to simplify the illustration and description of the device. some of the score indicating lamps have been omitted. j

'I'he Vvarious advantages'and objects of the invention may be accomplished by modiiications of the particular embodiment specically described herein, and it is intended that the appended claims shall include all equivalent arrangements fairly comingv within their call.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In an amusement apparatus the combination with score switches including operating elements for the same arranged in a predetermined game pattern to be actuated by a ball, of means for projecting light to dene a scoring area closely adjacent each operating element, and means operably controlled by said score switches and cooperating with said projecting means to extinguish the light projections for all of the switches when a certain'one of the latter is operated by a ball moved into the corresponding scoring area to actuate the corresponding operating element as aforesaid.

2. In an amusement device, in combination, a ball rolling board, a plurality of score switches each having an operating member disposed relative to said board to be engaged and actuated by a ball, means for projecting a light beam to deiine a scoring area in the region of each operating member, and means operably controlled by certain score switches for extinguishing certain light projections when a ball enters certain scoring areas to actuate a corresponding switch operating member.

3. In a bowling game, in combination, a ball rolling board, electric lights each arranged to project a spot of light onto said board to effect a simulation of tenpins as set up in regulation bowling, together with circuit control means for connecting and disconnecting said lights to a power source and normally conditioned to` illuminate said lights, certain of said lights being provided with a score switch connected with said circuit control means and provided with an operating member situated on said board in the corresponding light spot to be engaged and actuated by a ball bowled into the corresponding light spot, said circuit control means being arranged to cooperate with the score switch for the king-pin position to extinguish all lights when a ball is bowled into said king-pin position whereby to score a strike.

4. In a bowling game, means providing an alley, light projecting means arranged to project ten spots of light in triangular array near one end of the alley with one spot at an apex of said array designating a king-'pin position nearest the remaining opposite end portions of said alley, a score switch provided with an operating element which is disposed at the spot at said king-pin position to be struck by a bowled ball, said switch being connected in a circuit to effect deenergization of said projecting means to. extinguish all spots of light, together with additional score switches each having an operating element disposed at certain of the remaining spots and connected in a circuit to eilect extinction of some of the spots individually and other spots in groups. ,75

5. In a ball game, score switches arranged to be operated by a ball, a runway traversed by spent balls, score registering means, control switches operably controlled by said score switches to set up scoring circuits for operating said registering means, score tally switches each including an operating member disposed in saidrunway to be operated by a spent ball in traversing thesame, a master contrcl switch operable from a noiinal condition to connect said score tally switches for operating said registering means, said tally' switches including a master tally switchin a position to 'be operated by a spent ball after the same has passed the score tally switches and con nected to operate said master control switch for the purpose aforesaid, together with reset means operable to restore said master control switch to said normal condition, said reset means being operated by a master reset tally switch positioned to be actuated by a spent ball which has traversed that portion of the runway'in which said score tally switches are situated.

6. In a ball rolling game including score switches arranged to be actuated by balls, score registering and control means for conditioning the game for the playing of balls in groups and including a plurality of circuit control switches arranged to be actuated from a set condition variously by said score switches depending upon the score achieved in playing said group of balls,- means providing a runway for spent balls, tally switch means arranged for operation by spent balls in said runway, score registering means controlled by said tally switch means, master switch means connected normally to render said tally `switch means ineffective, together with master tally switch means arranged to be actuated by the first spent ball of a group after passing the other said tally switch means to operate said master switch means and condition said other tally switch means for effective operation by a subsequent spent ball of said group to actuate said registering means, together with means for resetting said circuit control switches and master switch and including tally reset switch means arranged to be operated by said subsequent spent ball after operating said other tally switch means as aforesaid to condition the game for the playing of another group of balls. i

'1. In a bowling game, a plurality of electric lights arranged to project spots of-llg'ht on an alley to simulate a set-up of tenpins, score switches each having an operating element disposed in certain of said spots to be engaged by a ball, circuit control switches normally set to close energizing circuits for said lights and cooperatively associated with said score switches to extinguish all lights when a certain score switch is operated, and to extinguish certain individualv lamps when other score switches are operated, a runway traversed by spent balls bowled at said spots, score registering means, and tally switches and operating means therefor situated in said runway to be operated by spent balls said tally switches being in circuit with said control switches andsaid score registering means whereby to condition certain of said tally switches to actuate said registering means.

8. The combination of claim 7 further characterized by the inclusion of a master switch connected so as normally to render said tally switches ineffective to actuate said registering means, together with a master tally switch operated by a spent ball which has traversed that part of the runway in which the other tally switches are situated to render said tally switches effective for operation by the next spent ball to traverse the runway.

9. The combination of claim 7 further characterized by the inclusion therein of" master tally switch means operable by a spent ball which has passed that portion of the runway in which the other tally switches are situated, and circuit connecting means operably controlled by said master tally switch means to condition said other tally7 switch means for operation by spent balls in groups of two, whereby the first ball will operate said master tally switch means to set up circuit connections so that the next following ball will voperate said other tally switches to actuate said registering means, together with reset switch means actuated by said following ball for restoring said circuit control switches and said circuit connecting means to an initial condition for operation by the next group of balls and to illuminate said projecting lights again.

l0. In a bowling game, score switches arranged to be operated by a bowled ball, a runway traversed by balls that have been bowled, electrically operated score registering means, electrically operated circuit control means actuated variously from anormal condition by said score switches depending on the score achieved, tally switches operated by balls traversing said runway and including a master tally switch, and a master control switch operated thereby to connect said circuit control means for actuation of said registering means, together with electrically operated reset means operably controlled by a ball in said runway to restore said master control switch and said circuit control means to a normal condition after passing out of operative engagement with said tally switches.

JERRY C. KOCI.

Images