US3272123A

US3272123A - Method of printing bowling game scores

Info

Publication number: US3272123A
Application number: US338485A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ernest C Webb
Original assignee: Cleveland Trust Co
Current assignee: Cleveland Trust Co
Priority date: 1964-01-17
Filing date: 1964-01-17
Publication date: 1966-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 1983-09-13

Description

Sept. 13, 1966 E. c. WEBB METHOD OF PRINTING BOWLING GAME SCORES Filed Jan. 17, 1964 5 Sheets-s l R. Y O B W B M m E R V W w W M T W M I 0 RM 7 4 E E 9 mm 7 W Y ms B 3 A w 3 W W 0 F F w L A?! 2 41 3! 5 a 9 M w Q paw W 8 u ILW! 6 NH! 6 w/vH \04 w a m h. w I 2 2 w 6 G. F VZA 5 ix Sept. 13, 1966 E. c. WEBB METHOD OF PRINTING BOWLING GAME SCORES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 17, 1964 ATTORNEY Sept. 13, 1966 E. c. WEBB METHOD OF PRINTING BOWLING GAME SCORES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 17, 1964 Fig.9.

B we N E LW C T 8 E N R E ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,272,123 METHOD OF PRINTING BOWLING GAME SCORES Ernest C. Webb, Bay Village, Ohio, assignor to Cleveland Trust Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a trustee Filed Jan. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 338,485 3 Claims. (Cl. 101-426) This invention relates to systems for printing the frameto-frame pinfall results and scores achieved in a bowling game on a score sheet, and more particularly to an improved system of the type described which facilitates substantially continuous projection of the frame-to-frame score data onto a screen or the like as the game progresses.

In US. Patent No. 3,124,355, issued March 10, 1964, assigned to the assignee of the present application, there are described systems for automatically detecting, totalizing and printing the score in a bowling game. In such systems it is desirable to approximate, as closely as possible, the conventional manual method of entering scores on a bowling game score sheet. This means that it is essential to print pinfall information and frame-to-frame scores as they become available throughout the game. At the same time, it is desirable to maintain projection of a substantially continuous image of the score sheet and the material printed thereon for viewing on a screen or the like while avoiding, as much as possible, introduction of the printing mechanism into the projected image. Upon brief consideration, it will readily be appreciated that this is a complex problem and cannot be solved by the application of conventional printing techniques wherein a major portion of the sheet on which characters are printed is obstructed by the printing mechanism itself during the printing operation.

Although the system shown in the aforesaid US. Patent No. 3,124,355 is entirely satisfactory for its intended purpose and facilitates continuous viewing of the score sheet during a game, it requires that the pinfall results and scores be printed on the underside of a translucent or the like score sheet positioned beneath a transparent plate. This enables the printing mechanism to be located entirely beneath the score sheet so that substantially the entire sheet, including the printed matter thereon, may be viewed from above. When, however, it is desired to project the image of a score sheet of this type, opaque or reflective projection techniques must be employed with the light source for projection being above, rather than below, the score sheet.

It is well known that the so-called transparent projection system is much more desirable than the opaque system since a much brighter image of better contrast can be obtained with a much smaller light source. In this latter system used in movie projectors, for example, the light passes through the film or the like having thereon the image which is to be projected. A system for automatically printing ball results and frame-to-frame scores on a bowling game score sheet while at the same time utilizing transparent projection is shown in copending application Serial No. 305,591, filed August 30, 1963, and also assigned to the assignee of the present application. According to the teachings of application Serial No. 305,591 a generally horizontal transparent support plate is provided for a bowling game score sheet and is formed from material such as glass. Overlying the support plate is an elongated sheet, formed from non-absorbing transparent plastic or the like, which is adapted to receive the printed ball results and scores of a bowling game. Extending over the score sheet when it is positioned on the support plate are three coaxial shafts each of which has a printing wheel connected to its free end, with the coaxial shafts being connected to a positioning mechanism disposed along one side of the support plate. Hence, the

3,27Z,l23 Patented Sept. 13, 1966 coaxial shafts extend from the positioning mechanism in cantilever beam relationship. Cooperating means are provided in the positioning mechanism whereby the printing wheels may be at any point on the score sheet. Means are also provided which lower the printing wheels into printing engagement with the score sheet material.

With the arrangement of the aforesaid application Serial No. 305,591 the printing wheels are positioned over a score sheet during a printing operation only, and are moved to a position where they do not obstruct the score sheet between printing operations. Furthermore, the printing wheels move over only the unprinted portion of the score sheet, not the previously printed portion. This arrangement facilitates a transparent projection system with the light passing upwardly through the support plate and score sheets and thence through a focusing system above the sheets where it is projected onto a screen.

The idea of using a transparent or the like score sheet on a light-transmitting support plate and passing light through the two in order that the image of the score sheet may be focused onto a screen is not new and is shown, for example, in US. Patent No. 2,811,892. It must be remembered, however, that in prior art systems of this type manual scoring was employed. In other words, one of the players would manually enter each ball result and frame score. When, however, an attempt is made to automatically print the ball results and frame-to-frame scores, some means must be provided to correctly position the frame boxes and ball results boxes with respect to the printing mechanism such that the printed characters will be centered within the respective ball results and frame boxes of the projected score sheet. Although this is not a severe problem from a truly technical or engineering point of view, it must again be remembered that apparatus of this type is intended for use by the general public in bowling alley establishments and that, from a very practical point of view, every effort must be made to simplify as much as possible the procedures required for setting up the printing apparatus. Otherwise, any difficulty encountered by players with the equipment might possibly discourage its use, and this notwithstanding the fact that the equipment might otherwise be outstanding in a scientific sense.

Accordingly, as an overall object, the present invention seeks to provide systems for automatically printing the ball results and frame-to-frame scores in a bowling game while at the same time facilitating transparent projection of the score sheet and rapid and effortless set-up of the equipment by inexperienced users of the equipment.

With a transparent projection system of the type described above, it is considered most satisfactory to utilize a transparent score sheet formed from non-absorbing plastic material such as Mylar (trademark) or an acetate material. This type of material has very good resistance to the heat generated by the projection lamp, gives very good transparency, and also facilitates wiping olf of the printed scores at the completion of a game whereby the plastic sheet may be used for a subsequent bowling game. In certain cases, however, it is desired to have a permanent record of the game; and as another object the present invention provides a method whereby the scores printed on the non-absorbing transparent score sheet may be transferred directly to an absorbent sheet of translucent or the like paper and kept as a permanent record. By transferring directly it is meant that no photographic or similar process is required which employs a sensitized paper for the purpose of duplicating the score.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, it has been found that by printing on the non-absorbing transparent score sheet with an ink which remains moist after printing, the non-absorbing score sheet may be pressed against one or more sheets of an absorbing translucent paper, such as conventional drafting paper, and the ink transferred directly to the translucent sheets whereby the scores may be read in their normal configuration from the sides of the translucent sheets opposite those which are pressed against the non-absorbing score sheet.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the overall printing arrangement of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the score sh'eet clamping mechanism utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1 for securing the score sheet against transparent backing plates;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the closed and open positions of the sliding clamp elements used to actuate the clamping mechanism shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coaxial printing wheels used in the printing mechanism of FIG. 1, showing the arrangement whereby an inked ribbon is passed beneath the printing wheels;

FIG. 5 illustrates one method of printing bowling game scores wherein the scores are printed on a non-absorbing transparent score sheet having the outline of a blank bowling game score sheet scribed thereon, and wherein the transparent backing plates are blank;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of another method for printing in accordance with the invention wherein the nonabsorbing transparent score sheet is itself blank but the transparent backing plates have the outline of a blank bowling game score sheet scribed thereon on the underside or upper side thereof;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of another method for printing in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates another method for printing wherein both the transparent score sheet and the transparent backing plates therefor have the outline of a blank bowling game score sheet scribed thereon whereby the scribed bowling game score sheet may be registered with the scribed lines on the transparent backing plate;

FIG. 9 illustrates the method in accordance with the invention whereby the printed scores on the score sheet are transferred directly to a permanent record sheet; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative method for inking the printing wheels used to print scores and ball results on the score sheet.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the score printing apparatus shown therein is of the general type described in copending application Serial No. 305,591, filed August 30, 1963, and assigned to the assignee of the present application. Three coaxial printing wheels, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10, are mounted on three coaxial shafts 12 in cantilever beam relationship and enclosed by a housing 11. The shafts 12 project outwardly through an elongated slot 14 in a housing 16 for the printing mechanism proper. Of the three coaxial printing wheels, each is employed to selectively print either ball results or units, tens or hundreds in the score, depending upon the circumstances. The printing mechanism proper within the housing 16 is adapted to move the coaxial shafts 12 and the printing wheels 10 carried thereon in quadrature. That is, it can move in one direction along the arrow 18 shown in FIG. 1 and in another direction at right angles thereto along the direction of arrow 20. In this manner, the printing wheels can be positioned over any frame box or score box on either one of two blank score sheet forms, hereinafter described.

Beneath the printing wheels 10 are two transparent plates 22 and 24 (FIG. 2) each of which is adapted to support a transparent, non-absorbing score sheet form as will hereinafter be described. The necessity for two

transparent plates

22 and 24 and two score sheet forms will be apparent when it is remembered that in league play, two teams bowl on adjacent bowling alleys. Consequently, one score sheet form is required for each team and the housing or console 16 is positioned between the adjacent alleys. The

transparent plates

22 and 24, as best shown in FIG. 2, are carried on an upper plate 26 by means of clamps 28 which surround the periphery of each transparent plate. Beneath the

transparent plates

22 and 24 is a lamp 30 which directs light, by means of

reflectors

32 and 34, up through the

transparent plates

22 and 24 and a score sheet 36 positioned thereon. After passing through the

plates

22 and 24 and the score sheet 36, the light is directed through a series of mirrors and lenses in housing 38 (FIG. 1) above the score sheet, where it is directed forwardly onto spaced screens, not shown, above adjacent bowling alleys. In this respect, the mirror and lens system within housing 38 is such that it will project the image of one score sheet for one team onto one of the spaced screens and the image of the other score sheet for the other team on the other of the spaced screens. One type of mirror and lens system suitable for this purpose is shown, for example, in the aforesaid copending application Serial No. 305,591. The housing 38 which encloses the mirror and lens system is supported by means of a downwardly-depending support 40 carried on spaced,

upstanding brackets

42 and 44 which project upwardly from opposite sides of a score sheet receiving table 46 supported on the console or housing 16 in cantilever beam relationship.

In ordinary league play, three games are played by each bowling team. Accordingly, the score sheet used is an elongated strip having three sets or pairs of score sheet forms arranged thereon in succession, one score sheet form of each pair being for each team. As was mentioned above, the score sheet 36 is formed of transparent, nonabsorbing plastic material such as Mylar (trademark) or an acetate material. However, while a truly transparent score sheet material is desired, it will be appreciated that a translucent or other similar material will also serve the purpose, the important thing being that the score sheet material is such as to permit light to pass therethrough. The same applies to the

plates

22 and 24. That is, they are preferably transparent. Where it is desired to project the score, naturally true transparency is preferable in order to obtain a well defined and bright image. Although various types of score sheet forms may be employed in accordance with the invention, the particular score sheet shown in FIG. 1 has the outline of a conventional blank bowling game score sheet scribed thereon. Furthermore, the upper table surface of the table 46 is white such that when the transparent score sheet 36 passes over it, the printed characters thereon may be easily vlewed and read without interference from a confusing and dark background.

In order to hold the score sheet 36 in position during a printing operation, a clamping mechanism, generally indicated at 48 in FIG. 1, is provided. The clamping mechanism 48 comprises a clamping plate 52 (FIG. 2) having two

rectangular openings

54 and 56 cut therein to coincide with the

transparent plates

22 and 24. At the four corners of the clamping mechanism 48 are slideable clamping elements 5 8, best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Each clamping element 58 comprises an upper button 60 having a downwardly-depending portion 62 which extends through a slot 64 in the plate 52. Carried on the lower end of the portion 62 is a pin 66 which slides within an inclined slot 68, the arrangement being such that with the clamping element 58 in the position shown in FIG. 3A, the plate 52 will be forced downwardly into engagement with the score sheet 36 which is then held against the plate 26. In order to release the score sheet such that it may slide underneath the clamping plate 52, the four clamping elements 58 are moved to the position shown in FIG. 3B

where the plate 52 is raised upwardly from the plate 26.

To the right of transparent plate 24, as viewed in FIG. 2, is a curved plate 70 having a downwardly-depending portion over which the transparent score sheet 36 is draped.

In order to insert the score sheet 36 beneath the clamping plate 52, the clamping elements 58 are moved to positions where the plate 52 is in the position shown in FIG. 3B. Thereafter, the forward end of the score sheet 36 is passed beneath the plate 52 until portions thereof are over each of the

transparent plates

22 and 24. At this point, the clamping elements 58 are moved in the opposite direction to thereby move the plate 52 downwardly and into clamping engagement with the score sheet. The trailing end of the score sheet 36 is permitted to drape over the plate '70. After the first game is completed, the clamping elements 58 are released, the score sheet 36 is moved until the blank forms of the next pair of the three sets of score sheet forms thereon are beneath

openings

54 and 56 and over

plates

24 and 22, and the clamping elements again actuated to clamp the score sheet in place.

The score sheet is shown in this position in FIG. 1 with the already-printed scores for the first game being over the white top of the table 46 where they may be easily viewed.

Finally, during the third game, the plate 52 is again released, the third pair of score sheet forms positioned over

transparent plates

22 and 24, and the plate 52 again clamped in position.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated dispensing means 72 which serves to support an inked ribbon or the like in engagement with the printing wheels such that when the wheels 10 are lowered into engagement with the transparent score sheet 36, an imprint of the printing characters will result. The dispensing means '72 includes a vertical support member 74. which is secured to the coaxial shafts 12 by any suitable means, not shown. The vertical support member 74 carries a feed roll '76 secured to a shaft 78 and a take-up roll 80 secured to a shaft 82. Shaft 82 is rotata-bly supported by the support member 74 and extends beyond the other side thereof. A roll of inked ribbon is supported on the feed roll '76 and extends therefrom downwardly around an arcuate deflecting plate 86 surrounding the printing wheels 10 and having an opening 83 disposed adjacent to the bottom of the wheel. The ribbon 84 extends across the opening 83 and upwardly around the deflecting plate to the take-up roll 80. Suitable means, not shown, are employed to advance the tape 84 from the feed roll 76 to the take-up roll 80.

In order to transfer the printed characters on the score sheet 36 directly to absorbent paper in a manner hereinafter described, it is necessary for the ink applied to the score sheet to remain moist after printing. Although the invention is not limited to the use of any specific type of inked tape, one type which has been found satisfactory is that manufactured by Buckeye Ribbon & Carbon Company, Cleveland, Ohio, and identified as their No. 272 cotton ribbon plasticized on one side and impregnated with a No. 78 ink, the plasticized side, of course, being that opposite the score sheet 36.

When the printing wheels 10 are not being used during the progress of a game, they are moved out of the path of light passing through

openings

54 and 56, preferably in the position shown in FIG. 1 intermediate the two score sheet forms. This insures that substantially the entirety of each form will be unobstructed for viewing during the progress of a game since the printing wheels are over the transparent score sheet only for short periods of time during actual printing of the ball results and scores. Alternatively, after each printing operation, the printing wheels may be moved backwardly toward slot 14 shown in FIG. 1 for approximately three score box spaces from the score box representing the frame being played. This will enable all printed scores ahead of the wheels to be easily seen; while the printing wheels, being relatively small, will still enable substantially the entire score sheet to be viewed, including the unprinted portion. The arrangement of score sheet and printing wheels assures, of course, that the printing apparatus including arm 12 and wheels 10 will be over the unprinted portion of the sheet only.

As was mentioned above, it is of primary importance in any printing device of the type described intended for use by the general public to eliminate as far as possible any complications or required skill in order to initially position the score sheet. Various score sheet arrangements are shown in FIGS. 58. With specific reference to FIG. 5, the score sheet 36 is transparent and nonabsorbing and has sets of blank score sheet forms 85 scribed thereon for opposing teams in each game of league play. The

plates

22 and 24, however, are blank. This, of course, requires a more or less exact positioning of the sets of blank score sheet forms with respect to the printing wheels 10; however this can be handled very effectively by providing a line or lines 86 on the score sheet between adjacent sets of scribed blank forms 85 which may be aligned with the edges of the center strip 51 of the plate 52. The scribed lines on the transparent score sheet 36 may be either on the top or the bottom thereof; however if they are placed on the top they must be coated with a coating of about 0.001 inch thick. Such a coating may comprise any suitable plastic material which will adhere to the acetate or Mylar (trademark) score sheet proper and which at the same time is transparent. The necessity for the coating when the lines are scribed on top of the score sheet 36 will be understood when it is remembered that at the completion of a game, the printed scores are wiped off the score sheet 36 which is thereafter used for subsequent games.

With reference to FIG. 6, another arrangement is shown wherein the score sheet 36 is completely blank; whereas the outline of the blank score sheet is scribed on either the upper sides or undersides of the

transparent plates

22 and 24. This arrangement has the advantage of requiring no alignment whatever of the score sheet with respect to the printing wheels 10 and at the same time produces a projected image which appears as if the scores have been printed on a conventional blank bowling game score sheet. When, however, the score sheet is pulled forwardly such that it is no longer above the

transparent plates

22 and 24, the printed characters will simply appear in rows and columns without any enclosing boxes as is the conventional practice. It has been found, however, that a score sheet of this type is quite satisfactory for a permanent record since it is only necessary to occasionally refer to the printed record from time-to-time after it is once printed.

With reference now to FIG. 7, another arrangement is shown which is similar to that of FIG. 6 with the score sheet 36 being blank and the

transparent plates

22 and 24 being scribed. In this case, however, the upper white surface of table 46 is also scribed such that the previouslyprinted set of non-scribed score sheets will register with the scribed lines on the table 46 to give the appearance of a conventional score sheet which can be read While the succeeding game is being played.

With reference to FIG. 8, both the score sheet 36 and

transparent plates

22 and 24 are scribed. In this case, registration is effected by merely adjusting the score sheet 36 until the lines thereon exactly register with the lines on the

transparent plates

22 and 24, followed by clamping with the plate 52. The lines may be scribed on either the upper or lower surfaces of the

transparent plates

22 and 24; and, likewise, may be scribed on either the upper or lower surface of the score sheet 36. As in the previous case, however, when the lines are scribed on the upper surface of the score sheet, they must be coated with a transparent coating of about 0.001 inch thick. In all cases, a blank score sheet form, if used, is divided into player lines each having ten frame boxes therein in accordance with usual practice. Although not shown in the drawings for purposes of simplicity, the first nine score boxes are each provided with two ball results boxes in the upper right-hand corner thereof, while the tenth frame box has three ball results boxes therein, the third being for the tenth frame bonus ball.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 9, the manner in which a permanent record of the score sheet is produced is shown. On top of the housing or console 16 are a pair of pressure rolls 89 which may be selectively separated by any suitable means, not shown. Alternatively, the rolls 89 may be located at any other suitable location. In order to produce a permanent record, the transparent and non-absorbing score sheet with the printed characters thereon has superimposed thereon a sheet of translucent and absorbent paper 90. Suitable paper for this purpose may, for example, be conventional tracing paper used in the drawing trade. As was mentioned above, the ink on the non-absorbing score sheet 36 remains moist after printing. Therefore, by placing the absorbent, translucent paper 90 over the score sheet 36 and by passing the two between the pressure rolls 89, the ink will be absorbed by the absorbent paper 90. Thereafter, when the paper 90 is peeled off of the score sheet 36, the absorbed ink will create printed characters which may be viewed in their normal readable configuration as viewed through the side of the translucent paper 90 opposite that which was pressed against the score sheet 36. It has been found that as many as five copies of the score sheet may be produced in this manner with the ink being transferred to each successive sheet of absorbent material until it is exhausted.

The translucent and absorbent paper 90 may have the outline of a blank score sheet thereon which is registered with that on the score sheet 36 or it may itself be blank. After the printed characters are transferred to the absorbent paper 90 which then comprises a permanent record, they may be wiped off the transparent and non-absorbing score sheet 36 which is then used for subsequent bowling games.

Referring, again, to FIG. 2, the lamp 30 is energized through two leads 91 and 92 connected through a rheostat 93 to a source of voltage 94. When the scores are to be projected in the manner described above, the rheostat 93 will be adjusted to obtain maximum intensity of the lamp 30. However, in some cases, it may be desired to observe the score sheets on

plates

22 and 24 directly. In this latter case, the rheostat will be adjusted to lower the intensity of lamp 30 so that the scores may be readily viewed directly on the

plates

22 and 24.

Instead of transferring the printed scores and ball results directly to a sheet of translucent and absorbing paper in the manner described above, they may be permanently recorded by means of the well-known Thermofax (trademark) process or any other suitable method of this type utilizing a sensitized paper. In this latter case, however, it is essential that if the player lines and frame boxes are scribed on the score sheet 36, they be on the same side as the printed material. This, of course, requires a transparent coating of the type described above over the scribed lines having a thickness of about 0.001 inch. If a blank score sheet 36 is employed such as that shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 the sensitized paper may have the outline of a blank score sheet previously scribed thereon such that the scores and ball results will be enclosed within the appropriate frame and ball results boxes on the completed and permanent score sheet.

Now, with reference to FIG. 10, an alternative arrangement for inking the printing wheels 10 is shown wherein an ink pad 96 is mounted on the center bar of the clamping plate 52. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the printing wheels are first rotated where the characters to be printed are at the bottoms of the wheels; the shafts 12 and wheels 10 moved downwardly into engagement with the pad 96; the shafts 12 and wheels 10 raised and moved laterally to the correct player line and frame box on one of the score sheet forms; and the wheels 10 and shafts 12 thereafter forced downwardly to effect printing. After the printing operation, the wheels 10 are moved into position over pad 96 preparatory to the next successive printing operation. The manner in which the wheels are moved laterally and up and down is fully shown and explained in the aforesaid copending application Serial No. 305,591.

In all cases described above, the non-absorbing characteristic of the score sheet 36 permits the scores to be wiped off after a game and the sheet to be used for subsequent games. Of course, if it is desired to produce a permanent record by one of the methods described above, the scores cannot be wiped off until after the permanent record is produced' The specific embodiments of the invention shown herein are, of course, designed for use with transparent projection systems wherein the light passes through a transparent score sheet in much the same way as it passes through the film in a movie projector. It is, however, possible to apply opaque projection techniques to the invention. As is known, in the opaque system light reflected from an object is projected rather than light passing through an object. In the case of opaque projection, the score sheet 36 could be opaque, or it could be transparent with the

plates

22 and 24 frosted and illuminated from beneath, as by lamp 30 to provide an excellent light background. The projector utilized in the case of opaque projection may, for example, be similar to that shown in copending application Serial No. 200,555, filed June 6, 1962, wherein the score sheets are illuminated from above, rather than below, and the reflected light projected onto screens.

In the case where no projection is desired, a simple opaque score sheet may be employed. Alternatively, transparent or translucent score sheet material may be utilized in combination with

plates

22 and 24 which are frosted and illuminated from below. The light required for illumination in this latter case would naturally be much less than that required for projection, and need be bright enough only to provide a light background which contrasts with the scores for easy reading.

Although the invention has been shown in connection with certain specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A method for printing the frame-to-frame scores achieved in a bowling game, which comprises placing a non-absorbing score sheet formed of material which will permit light to pass therethrough on top of a rigid plate also formed of material which will permit light to pass therethrough and passing light upwardly through the plate and the score sheet such that printed scores may be viewed thereon, printing the frame-to-frame scores on the score sheet as the game progresses with an ink which remains moist after printing and which is not absorbed by the score sheet, at the completion of a bowling game placing absorbent paper which is characterized in that light will pass therethrough in abutment with said non-absorbing score sheet and pressing the paper against the side of the sheet having printed characters thereon whereby the moist ink will be absorbed by the paper and the printed characters may be viewed in their normal readable configuration by viewiug them through the side of the paper opposite that which is pressed against the score sheet, and thereafter wiping the printed characters from the surface of said non-absorbing score sheet after the absorbent paper has been pressed thereagainst whereby the score sheet may be used in a succeeding score printing operation.

2. A method for printing the frame-to-frame scores achieved in a bowling game, which comprises placing on a rigid transparent or the like plate a substantially transparent score sheet, printing the f-rame-to-frame scores achieved in a bowling game on the transparent score sheet, passing light through the transparent plate and score sheet such that the printed scores may be viewed on the score sheet, at the completion of a bowling game transferring the printed scores to a permanent score sheet record having a blank score sheet form scribed thereon, the scores being transferred to the permanent score sheet by direct pressure contact with the transparent score sheet having inked score impressions printed thereon, and finally wiping the inked score impressions from the transparent score sheet such that it may be used for a subsequent printing operation.

3. A method for printing the frame-to-frame scores achieved in a bowling game, which comprises placing on a rigid transparent or the like plate a substantially nonabsorbing transparent score sheet, printing the frame-toframe scores achieved in a bowling game on the transparent score sheet with an ink which remains moist after printing, passing light through the transparent plate and score sheet such that the printed scores may be viewed on the score sheet, at the completion of a bowling game transferring the printed scores to a permanent score sheet which will absorb the moist ink and which has a blank sco-re sheet form scribed thereon by pressing the transparent score sheet against the absorbent blank score sheet, and finally Wiping the printed scores from the transparent score sheet such that it may be used for a subsequent printing operation.

References (Iited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 526,557 9/1894 Br-ookman 101-251 1,021,776 4/1912 Heitzmann 101-426 1,081,922 12/1913 Balderston 88-24 1,950,373 3/1934 Depenbrock 101-407 2,143,214 1/1939 Selenyi. 2,252,577 8/ 1941 Newman 88-24 2,307,108 1/1943 Bryce 101-93 2,330,799 10/ 1943 Coker et al 88-24 3,124,355 3/1964 Mentzer et al 101-407 WILLIAM B. PENN, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. A METHOD FOR PRINTING THE FRAME-TO-FRAME SCORES ACHIEVED IN A BOWLING GAME, WHICH COMPRISES PLACING A NON-ABSORBING SCORE SHEET FORMED OF MATERIAL WHICH WILL PERMIT LIGHT TO PASS THERETHROUGH ON TOP OF A RIGID PLATE ALSO FORMED OF MATERIAL WHICH WILL PERMIT LIGHT TO PASS THERETHROUGH AND PASSING LIGHT UPWARDLY THROUGH THE PLATE AND THE SCORE SHEET SUCH THAT PRINTED SCORES MAY BE VIEWED THEREON, PRINTING THE FRAME-TO-FRAME SCORES ON THE SCORE SHEET AS THE GAME PROGRESSES WITH AN INK WHICH REMAINS MOIST AFTER PRINTING AND WHICH AN INK WHICH REMAINS SCORE SHEET, AT THE COMPLETION OF A BOWLING GAME PLACING ABSORBENT PAPER WHICH IS CHARACTERIZED IN THAT LIGHT WILL PASS THERETHROUGH IN ABUTMENT WITH SAID NON-ABSORBING