GB2218339A - Bowls scoreboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A bowls scoreboard which displays in sequence identical information for scores and ends when viewed from the front and from the back comprises plates (d, e, f) marked on both sides but with different numbers. The scoreboard is operated by flipping the plates over manually. It can easily be reset to zero by manipulating back plates (f). <IMAGE>

Description

BOERS SCOREBOARD This invention relates to a bowls scoreboard.

Bowls scoreboards are well known items of equipment commonly in use at bowling greens. On outdoor greens they are usually free standing and are positioned at suitable places on the banks or the perimeter aprons to indicate the scores of competitors or teams and the number of ends played as the game progresses. Frequently, however, because the scoreboards are positioned facing the players on the green, it is impossible for nonplaying officials and club members, supporters or spectators off the green to view the scores and number of ends played in sequential order without altering or moving from their position. This detracts considerably from their enjoyment of the game and causes undesired movement around the green.

There are many different designs of scoreboard currently in use which vary in shape, size and weight but which generally are constructed from metal, wood, plastic or a combination of these materials. All however incorporate three sets of numbered plates which are turned over manually by players to indicate the changing score and number of ends played during the game. At this point, the reverse side of the scoreboard (i.e. that side not facing the green) either displays no figures at all or displays them in a nonsequential order.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the scoreboard (from front and back) including the three sets of numbered plates (for Home, Visitors and Ends) with the numbers at prior to the commencement of play.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the scoreboard (from front and back) during the course of a game, displaying higher numbers on all three sets of plates.

Figure 3 shows a component part of the scoring system, namely the "unit" plate d.

Figure 4 shows a component part of the scoring system, namely the "tens" plate e.

Figure 5 shows a component part of the scoring system, namely the "back" plate f.

Referring to the drawings, the scoreboard comprises three horizontal bars a, supported by two vertical poles b. On each bar there are four clip rings c which hold the plates in suspension. There are nine "unit" plates d suspended from each bar and these are numbered consecutively 0 - 8 (on the front) and 1 - 9 (on the back). These are complemented by five "tens" plates e suspended from the top and bottom bars, the first of these being blank on the front and the remainder numbered consecutively I - 4 (these figures being positioned on the left hand side). On the back of the right hand side they are numbered consecutively 1 - 5.The "tens" plates suspended from the middle bar are similar but there are only two of them on the front the first is blank and the second is numbered 1 (lert hand side) and on the back of the right hand side they are numbered consecutively 1 - 2. There is one "back" plate f suspended from each bar, and as the name implies, they rest behind the other plates described above. The top and bottom ones display the figures 59 on the front and O (positioned centrally) on the back; the middle one displays 29 and 0 respectively.

They also show the words HUg, EWDS and VISITORS in descending order from the top (at front and back), these words being visible at all times irrespective of which numbers are being displayed. For ease of identification and differentiation between scores and ends, the colours used to illustrate this information on the plates are black and red respectively.

In the above example the numbered (lettered) plates show figures ranging from 0 - 59 for scores and 0 - 29 for ends although this "spread" could be extended if desired without any detrimental effect to the principle of the system.

To reset the board to zero after use it is only necessary to grasp each "back" plate and bring it fonlard, upward and over, from a position facing the front of the board. The front is denoted by a small circular distinguishing mark on each of the vertical poles.

The bowls scoreboard may be secured in position adjacent to the rink either by mounting it on a detachable flat base or by attaching it to stakes for use on landscaped surfaces.

Claims (10)

CLAYS

1. A bowls scoreboard comprising sets of numbered (lettered) plates supported by horizontal bars and vertical poles which when operated manually to show scores and ends played as viewed from the front will display the same information (in sequence) when viewed from the back.

2. A bowls acoreboard as claimed in 1 wherein the scoring system is formed by the inter-relation and interaction of different size shaped and numbered plates.

3. A bowls scoreboard substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 - 5 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A bowls scoreboard comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal bars and a plurality of sets of plates, each said set of plates being supported by one of said substantially horizontal bars, at least two substantially vertical members arranged to support said substantially horizontal bars, each said set of plates being arranged such that each plate within each said set may swivel independently about said substantially horizontal bar supporting same, each plate bearing a legend on at least one face thereof, and arranged such that, when in use, a legend displayed by the face of one said set of plates on one side of said scoreboard is identical with a legend displayed by the other face of said one set of plates on the other side of said scoreboard.

2 A scoreboard as claimed in claim 1 comprising three sets of plates arranged in vertically spaced relationship one set with another.

3. A scoreboard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sets of plates each include a base plate.

4. A scoreboard as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base plate of a first set of plates bears a legend indicative of one (eg "Home") team, the base plate of a second set of plates bears a legend indicative of the number of "ends" played, and the base plate of a third set of plates bears a legend indicative of another (eg "Visitors") team, the same legend being provided on each face of each respective base plate.

5. A scoreboard as claimed in claim 3, wherein each set of plates further comprises a first plurality of secondary plates and a second plurality of secondary plates, each plate of said second plurality being substantially U-shaped, whereby the plates of said first plurality are accommodated within the cut-away portion of said U-shaped plates.

6. A scoreboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the legends include numerals.

7. A scoreboard as claimed in claim 6, wherein said numerals are arranged sequentially on said plates, one behind the other, in ascending order from "0" to 9 " .

8. A scoreboard as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the numerals on said first plurality of secondary plates are arranged to be displayed as "units" whereas the numerals on said second plurality of secondary plates are arranged to be displayed as "tens".

9. A scoreboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substantially vertical members are provided, at their lower ends, with spikes or the like.

10. A bowls scoreboard constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.