Improvements in Ten-pin Balls for Bowling Alleys.
Year: 1894

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Ten-pin Balls for Bowling Alleys.
I, CHARLES WEBSTER RODMAN, of the Town of Queens, State of New York,
United States of America, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
It has been the custom heretofore to construct ten-pin balls with holes to place
the fingers in, in order to secure a firm hold of the ball. These holes throw the
ball out of balance so that they roll irregularly, and as the balls are made of
lignum vitæ, (a wood without any regular grain) the edges of the holes become
broken and ragged by use and they then tear the fingers of the bowlers.
My present invention removes all these imperfections, and it consists in certain
devices fully described and claimed in the Specification.
In order that those skilled in the art may understand, construct and use my
invention, I will proceed to describe it, referring to the drawings making a part of
this Specification, in which
Figure 1 is a view of a ten-pin ball partially in section, showing my invention.
Figure 2 is a section of a portion of the ball on angular line 2. 2. of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a section of a portion of the same on line 3. 3. of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a section of a portion of the ball on line 4. 4. of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a view of a bushing D. with its lugs M. M.
A represents a ten-pin ball. L represents the usual finger holes drilled into the
body of the ball angularly toward each other, from the circumference inward.
N represents an enlargement of these holes, inward to points or shoulders, O, and
are provided with bushings C, as shown. The finger holes extend through the
bushings C, beyond the shoulders O, to the section lines 2. 2., or until the circum-
ferences of the holes practically meet each other. Beyond the lines 2. 2. holes K
extend to points near the opposite side of the ball, but eccentric to the center lines
of finger holes L, and they cross each other at about lines 3. 3. of Figure 1, so
that springs and pins (to be hereafter described) may pass each other without
interference. These extension holes K, and their position at the point or lines 2. 2.
and 3. 3. are shown particularly in Figures 2 and 3. B are plugs, which fit the
finger holes L; they are provided at their inner ends with pins or tubes I, of
proper length, to guide and direct the operation of spiral springs J, which springs
take onto and surround the pins I, and bear against the inner ends of plugs B, and
also against the bottoms of holes K. These pins I, are also affixed to the plugs B,
eccentrically to their center lines, to agree with the eccentric holes K; thus the
pins and springs pass each other without interference, so that the bowler can
compress the springs by inserting his fingers and can push the plugs B inward; the
springs react and force the plugs to their extreme outward position when the fingers
are removed, as in bowling the ball on the alleys.
Figure 1 shows the upper finger hole with the fingers inserted and the plug B
in its extreme inward position, on its bottom shoulder and with the spring J
compressed. The lower finger hole is shown with the plug B. in its extreme
outward position, with the outer surface of the plug B even with the surface of
the ball.
I will now describe the locking mechanism which is arranged to secure the
plugs B in their extreme outward positions and to release them at proper times so
that the bowler can push them inward to grasp the ball and roll it on the alley.
Through bushings C, from the outer circumference to the ioner, metal cups E are
inserted, baving stops or shoulders R to secure them in fixed position with their

page_text: inner faces, in line with the surface of finger holes L; the inner faces of these
cups E are cupped out, to fit and allow in each one-half of a metal ball F to rest,
when the ball is in proper position for it to roll into it. In plug B are inserted
cups D, provided with holes G, bored angularly inward from their outer surfaces
to their inward or rear positions, and of such diameter, that metal balls, one in
each, may and will roll back and forth, when the ball is in proper position for them
to do so, by gravity. These holes G are more than deep enough each to receive the
whole of its own metal ball F, so that when the finger holes and their appliances
are turned upward these metal balls F will run into and be held by the holes G
entirely out of the way of the cups E, so that the plugs B may be pushed inward,
and when the said finger holes-are-turned downward these metal balls F roll
downward and into the cups in E, one-half of the ball F only entering said cups,
the other half being still in the hole G and fitting it, operatively. The plugs B
are locked against any outside thumb or blow, and the ten-pin balls may be
rolled on the alleys snoothly without injuring the edges of the finger holes, and
without shock, by the striking of the edges of the finger holes on the alley.
The parts contained in the finger holes by my invention are constructed and
arranged to insure a perfect balance of the ten-pin balls.
It will be readily
understood that this may easily be done and that it is an important feature.
Provision is made to prevent the plugs B from turning in their respective finger
holes by a cross pin running in grooves in the said holes.
The lugs M M shown particularly in Figures 4 and 5 and in Figure 1, as to the
lower finger hole apparatus run in grooves P which extend from lines 2. 2. to the
outer surfaces of the cup bushing E, which forms a stop and a limiting device for
the outward movement of the plugs B.
The operation of my invention will be quite apparent to those skilled in the art
without further explanation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
First. In a ten-pin ball, provided with finger holes, the plugs B, arranged to slide
in said holes, and means whereby the said plugs are automatically locked and
unlocked to and from the ball by change of position, all constructed and arranged
to operate as and for the purposes specified.
Second. The combination with a ten-pin ball, of finger holes, automatic closing
plugs, closing springs, and means for locking and unlocking sáid plugs in their holes
all combined to operate substantially as specified.
Dated this 5th day of June 1894.
ALLISON BRUS.,
Agents for the Applicant.