CA2122895C - Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack - Google Patents
Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2122895C CA2122895C CA 2122895 CA2122895A CA2122895C CA 2122895 C CA2122895 C CA 2122895C CA 2122895 CA2122895 CA 2122895 CA 2122895 A CA2122895 A CA 2122895A CA 2122895 C CA2122895 C CA 2122895C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base member
- female receptacles
- hack
- foot pad
- ice
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
- A63B67/14—Curling stone; Shuffleboard; Similar sliding games
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For Music (AREA)
Abstract
A method of installing an above ice surface curling hack is described. Firstly, embed a base member into a sheet of ice. The base member must be totally covered by ice thereby leaving an ice surface that is devoid of any hack depressions.
The base member has at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. Secondly, drill the ice out of the female receptacles. Thirdly, mate the female receptacles of the base member with depending male members of a detachable foot pad.
The base member has at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. Secondly, drill the ice out of the female receptacles. Thirdly, mate the female receptacles of the base member with depending male members of a detachable foot pad.
Description
2~ ~~g95 The present invention relates to a method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Historically, a curling hack consisted of a notch or depression carved in a sheet of ice. A curler would stand with one foot in the hack while throwing a curling rock. The hack provided the curler with stable footing when throwing the curling rock.
In modern curling the curler no longer stands when throwing the curling rock. Instead the curler slides part way down the sheet of ice with the curling rock. The curling hack is still important as it provides a point against which the curler can push to commence the slide.
Despite its importance to the game of curling, the conventional curling hack consisting of a notch or depression in the ice surface presents a number of problems. The persons who care for and maintain the ice surface must continually remove accumulations of broom straw and debris from the hacks .
When "pebbling" the ice, they must take care not to allow ice to accumulate within the hack for fear that a curler may slip and fall while attempting to push out of the hack to commence his or her slide. During the playing of the game, the curlers must prevent curling rocks from falling into and potentially damaging the hacks. It is not unusual for a curler, while absorbed in watching the curling action, to inadvertently step down into the notch or depression forming the hack and fall or otherwise injure himself or herself.
In order to make caring for the ice easier above ice surface curling hacks have been developed that rest on top of the ice surface. These curling hacks consist of an arm having a first end pivotally mounted at an end of a sheet of curling ice and a second end having a foot pad. When the curlers wish 21228~!~
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Historically, a curling hack consisted of a notch or depression carved in a sheet of ice. A curler would stand with one foot in the hack while throwing a curling rock. The hack provided the curler with stable footing when throwing the curling rock.
In modern curling the curler no longer stands when throwing the curling rock. Instead the curler slides part way down the sheet of ice with the curling rock. The curling hack is still important as it provides a point against which the curler can push to commence the slide.
Despite its importance to the game of curling, the conventional curling hack consisting of a notch or depression in the ice surface presents a number of problems. The persons who care for and maintain the ice surface must continually remove accumulations of broom straw and debris from the hacks .
When "pebbling" the ice, they must take care not to allow ice to accumulate within the hack for fear that a curler may slip and fall while attempting to push out of the hack to commence his or her slide. During the playing of the game, the curlers must prevent curling rocks from falling into and potentially damaging the hacks. It is not unusual for a curler, while absorbed in watching the curling action, to inadvertently step down into the notch or depression forming the hack and fall or otherwise injure himself or herself.
In order to make caring for the ice easier above ice surface curling hacks have been developed that rest on top of the ice surface. These curling hacks consist of an arm having a first end pivotally mounted at an end of a sheet of curling ice and a second end having a foot pad. When the curlers wish 21228~!~
to throw curling rocks, the arm is laid down parallel to the ice surface with the foot pad resting on the ice surface where a conventional hack would normally be. When the ice is being serviced, or when not required during a curling game, the arm is pivoted into a position raised from the ice surface. To accommodate both curlers who push off on their right foot and curlers who push off on their left foot, the arm is laterally slidable.
The concept of an above ice surface curling hack provided tremendous advantages and convenience for the persons servicing the ice. Numerous complaints, however, were received from the curlers. The mechanism that allowed the arm to move laterally, unavoidably developed some unwanted movement after prolonged use that adversely effected the curlers push off. In the raised position, the arm itself became a hazard which was often inadvertently bumped by curlers. For these and other reasons, the above ice surface curling hacks did not become popular with curlers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is better method of installing an above ice surface curling hack.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing an above ice surface curling hack. The method includes the steps that will hereinafter be further described. Firstly, embed a base member into a sheet of ice. The base member must be totally covered by ice thereby leaving an ice surface that is devoid of any hack depressions. The base member has at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. Secondly, drill the ice out of the female receptacles. Thirdly, mate the female receptacles of the base member with depending male members of a detachable foot pad.
The concept of an above ice surface curling hack provided tremendous advantages and convenience for the persons servicing the ice. Numerous complaints, however, were received from the curlers. The mechanism that allowed the arm to move laterally, unavoidably developed some unwanted movement after prolonged use that adversely effected the curlers push off. In the raised position, the arm itself became a hazard which was often inadvertently bumped by curlers. For these and other reasons, the above ice surface curling hacks did not become popular with curlers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is better method of installing an above ice surface curling hack.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing an above ice surface curling hack. The method includes the steps that will hereinafter be further described. Firstly, embed a base member into a sheet of ice. The base member must be totally covered by ice thereby leaving an ice surface that is devoid of any hack depressions. The base member has at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. Secondly, drill the ice out of the female receptacles. Thirdly, mate the female receptacles of the base member with depending male members of a detachable foot pad.
With the method, as described above, the drilled out holes are only slightly larger in diameter than a pencil.
When the foot pad is removed there is absolutely no portion of the base upon which a curler can trip. There is, similarly, nothing upon which a curling rock can catch. When the hack is needed, the foot pad is quickly and simply placed in position by mating the depending male members of the foot pad with the female receptacles in the base. The foot pad provides the curler with an extremely stable foothold. Apart from having to periodically drill ice out of the females, the curling hack requires relatively little maintenance while gaining all the many benefits that an above ice surface curling hack provides to persons maintaining the curling ice.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an above ice surface curling hack which includes a base member having at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. A foot pad is provided which has at least two depending male members. The male members of the foot pad temporarily mate with the female receptacles of the base member to detachably secure the foot pad to the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a curling hack constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of a foot pad component of the curling hack illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view in longitudinal section of the curling hack illustrated in FIGURE l, installed on a sheet of ice.
~~~~89~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method and associated apparatus for installing an 5 above ice surface curling hack will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. The apparatus is critically important to the method and will, therefore, be described first.
The preferred embodiment, generally identified by reference numeral 10, is an above ice surface curling hack which will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. Referring to FIGURE 1, curling hack 10 has two primary components a base member 12 and a detachable foot pad 14. Base member 12 has three sets 16a, 16b, 16c of vertically oriented female receptacles 16. Referring to FIGURE 2, foot pad 14 has three depending male members 18.
The method will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. Firstly, embed base member 12 into a sheet of ice 20, as illustrated in FIGURE 3. It is to be noted that base member 12 is be totally covered by ice thereby leaving ice surface 20 devoid of any hack depressions.
Secondly, drill ice out of female receptacles 16 to provide access for mating with depending male members 18 of base member 12. Thirdly, mate female receptacles 16 of base member 12 with depending male members 18 of detachable foot pad 14.
Referring to FIGURE l, the appropriate set of female receptacles is chosen depending upon the desired foot positioning. Set 16a represents a first position for a left footed curler. Set 16b represents a second position for a right footed curler. Set 16c represents a central position.
The left and right positions have historically been used by curlers and, therefore, curlers have become accustomed to starting their slide from either the right or left side.
However, with modern curling a long slide down the centre of the ice surface is viewed as desirable. Central position 16c is an optional position. It provides a better starting point for a central slide. It also avoids the necessity of moving foot pad 14 back and forth between set 16a and 16b to accommodate left footed and right footed curlers. When curling hack 10 is not in use during play or when cleaning the ice, footpad 14 is removed, as illustrated in FIGURE 2.
It will be apparent to one skilled in that art that curling hack 10, as described, overcomes the disadvantages of previous above ice surface curling hacks whiles maintaining all the many advantages of an above ice surface curling hack in terms of relative ease of ice maintenance. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the Claims. For example, the number of male and female members is not critical, as long as foot pad 14 is secured to base member 12 in a stable manner.
When the foot pad is removed there is absolutely no portion of the base upon which a curler can trip. There is, similarly, nothing upon which a curling rock can catch. When the hack is needed, the foot pad is quickly and simply placed in position by mating the depending male members of the foot pad with the female receptacles in the base. The foot pad provides the curler with an extremely stable foothold. Apart from having to periodically drill ice out of the females, the curling hack requires relatively little maintenance while gaining all the many benefits that an above ice surface curling hack provides to persons maintaining the curling ice.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an above ice surface curling hack which includes a base member having at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. A foot pad is provided which has at least two depending male members. The male members of the foot pad temporarily mate with the female receptacles of the base member to detachably secure the foot pad to the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a curling hack constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of a foot pad component of the curling hack illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view in longitudinal section of the curling hack illustrated in FIGURE l, installed on a sheet of ice.
~~~~89~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method and associated apparatus for installing an 5 above ice surface curling hack will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. The apparatus is critically important to the method and will, therefore, be described first.
The preferred embodiment, generally identified by reference numeral 10, is an above ice surface curling hack which will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. Referring to FIGURE 1, curling hack 10 has two primary components a base member 12 and a detachable foot pad 14. Base member 12 has three sets 16a, 16b, 16c of vertically oriented female receptacles 16. Referring to FIGURE 2, foot pad 14 has three depending male members 18.
The method will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. Firstly, embed base member 12 into a sheet of ice 20, as illustrated in FIGURE 3. It is to be noted that base member 12 is be totally covered by ice thereby leaving ice surface 20 devoid of any hack depressions.
Secondly, drill ice out of female receptacles 16 to provide access for mating with depending male members 18 of base member 12. Thirdly, mate female receptacles 16 of base member 12 with depending male members 18 of detachable foot pad 14.
Referring to FIGURE l, the appropriate set of female receptacles is chosen depending upon the desired foot positioning. Set 16a represents a first position for a left footed curler. Set 16b represents a second position for a right footed curler. Set 16c represents a central position.
The left and right positions have historically been used by curlers and, therefore, curlers have become accustomed to starting their slide from either the right or left side.
However, with modern curling a long slide down the centre of the ice surface is viewed as desirable. Central position 16c is an optional position. It provides a better starting point for a central slide. It also avoids the necessity of moving foot pad 14 back and forth between set 16a and 16b to accommodate left footed and right footed curlers. When curling hack 10 is not in use during play or when cleaning the ice, footpad 14 is removed, as illustrated in FIGURE 2.
It will be apparent to one skilled in that art that curling hack 10, as described, overcomes the disadvantages of previous above ice surface curling hacks whiles maintaining all the many advantages of an above ice surface curling hack in terms of relative ease of ice maintenance. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the Claims. For example, the number of male and female members is not critical, as long as foot pad 14 is secured to base member 12 in a stable manner.
Claims (6)
1. A method of installing an above ice surface curling hack, comprising the steps of:
a. firstly, embedding a base member into a sheet of ice, the base member being totally covered by ice thereby leaving a planar ice surface, the base member having at least two vertically oriented female receptacles;
b. secondly, drilling the ice out of the female receptacles;
and c. thirdly, providing a detachable foot pad having depending male members and mating the female receptacles of the base member with the depending male members of the detachable foot pad.
a. firstly, embedding a base member into a sheet of ice, the base member being totally covered by ice thereby leaving a planar ice surface, the base member having at least two vertically oriented female receptacles;
b. secondly, drilling the ice out of the female receptacles;
and c. thirdly, providing a detachable foot pad having depending male members and mating the female receptacles of the base member with the depending male members of the detachable foot pad.
2. ~An above ice surface curling hack, comprising in combination:
a. a base member having at least two vertically oriented female receptacles; and b. a foot pad having at least two depending male members, the male members of the foot pad temporarily mating with the female receptacles of the base member to detachably secure the foot pad to the base.
a. a base member having at least two vertically oriented female receptacles; and b. a foot pad having at least two depending male members, the male members of the foot pad temporarily mating with the female receptacles of the base member to detachably secure the foot pad to the base.
3. ~The above ice surface curling hack as defined in Claim 2, wherein three female receptacles and three depending male members are provided.
4. ~The above ice surface curling hack as defined in Claim 2, wherein at least two laterally positioned sets of female receptacles are provided representing a first position for a left footed curler and a second position for a right footed curler.
5. ~The above ice surface curling hack as defined in Claim 2, wherein three laterally positioned sets of female receptacles are provided representing a first position for a left footed curler, a second position for a right footed curler, and a central position.
6. An above ice surface curling hack, comprising in combination:
a. a base member having three sets of laterally spaced female receptacles, each set including three vertically oriented receptacles; and b. a foot pad having three depending male members, the male members of the foot pad temporarily mating with the female receptacles of the base member to detachably secure the foot pad to the base, to one of the sets of female receptacles representing a first position for a left footed curler, a second position for a right footed curler, and a central position.
a. a base member having three sets of laterally spaced female receptacles, each set including three vertically oriented receptacles; and b. a foot pad having three depending male members, the male members of the foot pad temporarily mating with the female receptacles of the base member to detachably secure the foot pad to the base, to one of the sets of female receptacles representing a first position for a left footed curler, a second position for a right footed curler, and a central position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2122895 CA2122895C (en) | 1994-05-04 | 1994-05-04 | Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2122895 CA2122895C (en) | 1994-05-04 | 1994-05-04 | Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2122895A1 CA2122895A1 (en) | 1995-11-05 |
| CA2122895C true CA2122895C (en) | 2005-04-19 |
Family
ID=4153538
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2122895 Expired - Fee Related CA2122895C (en) | 1994-05-04 | 1994-05-04 | Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2122895C (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-05-04 CA CA 2122895 patent/CA2122895C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2122895A1 (en) | 1995-11-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |