CA2279025C - Curling broom device - Google Patents
Curling broom device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2279025C CA2279025C CA 2279025 CA2279025A CA2279025C CA 2279025 C CA2279025 C CA 2279025C CA 2279025 CA2279025 CA 2279025 CA 2279025 A CA2279025 A CA 2279025A CA 2279025 C CA2279025 C CA 2279025C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- surface means
- broom
- ice
- broom device
- curling broom
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- A63B67/148—Curling brooms or brushes
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an improved curling broom device. The broom comprises a handle having a pivotal connection to a head. The broom head consists of a planar portion in contact with the ice surface. The planar portion consists of a leading edge and a trailing edge with a first surface means rearward of said leading edge and forward of said trailing edge and a second surface means there between. The first surface means consists of a Teflon® or UHMW-PE layer whereas the second surface means consists of a resilient foam block with a cloth fabric layer. The two different types of ice-engaging surfaces allows a curler to effectively polish, buff and clean the surface as required. 12
Description
CURLING BROOM DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the sport of curling, various types of brooms are used for sweeping, buffing and polishing the ice surface in advance of the moving curling stone so as to affect its path and speed along the ice surface. Conventional brooms have bristle-type broom heads. More recently, modifications to the conventional broom have lead to the removal of the bristles and the substitution of elastomeric or resilient foam materials which are secured to the base of the broom head.
However, there exist disadvantages with the use of these type of brooms. In the case of the bristle-type brooms, the bristles eventually fall off the broom head and are left to lie about on the ice surface. The residual bristles left on the ice surface impede the flow and direction of the travelling curling rock.
The more modern types of brooms with elastomeric or resilient foam plates also have certain disadvantages. The micro-topography of the ice surface consists of tiny ice pebbles of various heights. Since it is only the higher pebbles that materially affect the path of the rock, the elastomeric materials used are too flexible and mould themselves in and around the pebbles making the "sweeping action" less effective. Therefore, more energy is required to buff and polish the ice surface with the more modem brooms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to overcome the mentioned disadvantages by providing an improved broom the use of which permits the curler to make more effective contact with the relevant micro-topography of the ice and, as a consequence, better control over the moving curling rock. These objects are met by providing a handle pivotally connected to a broom head which preferably consists of two different surface means in contact with the ice.
The broom head possess a planar portion in contact with the ice surface. The planar portion has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first surface means is rearward of the leading edge and forward of the trailing edge. The second surface means is disposed within a cavity between the first surface means and protrudes beyond the horizontal plane of the first surface means. The first surface means is preferably made of a material with a low coefficient of friction such as Teflon or UHMW-PE. The second surface means is preferably made of a cloth fabric covered resilient foam block. The recessed structure of the base into which the resilient foam block is placed, permits the block to be compressed up to the horizontal plane of the Teflon surface.
Therefore, the underside of the broom head structure consists of a forward and trailing Teflon or UHMW-PE coated areas and a resilient foam block area disposed in between.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the sport of curling, various types of brooms are used for sweeping, buffing and polishing the ice surface in advance of the moving curling stone so as to affect its path and speed along the ice surface. Conventional brooms have bristle-type broom heads. More recently, modifications to the conventional broom have lead to the removal of the bristles and the substitution of elastomeric or resilient foam materials which are secured to the base of the broom head.
However, there exist disadvantages with the use of these type of brooms. In the case of the bristle-type brooms, the bristles eventually fall off the broom head and are left to lie about on the ice surface. The residual bristles left on the ice surface impede the flow and direction of the travelling curling rock.
The more modern types of brooms with elastomeric or resilient foam plates also have certain disadvantages. The micro-topography of the ice surface consists of tiny ice pebbles of various heights. Since it is only the higher pebbles that materially affect the path of the rock, the elastomeric materials used are too flexible and mould themselves in and around the pebbles making the "sweeping action" less effective. Therefore, more energy is required to buff and polish the ice surface with the more modem brooms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to overcome the mentioned disadvantages by providing an improved broom the use of which permits the curler to make more effective contact with the relevant micro-topography of the ice and, as a consequence, better control over the moving curling rock. These objects are met by providing a handle pivotally connected to a broom head which preferably consists of two different surface means in contact with the ice.
The broom head possess a planar portion in contact with the ice surface. The planar portion has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first surface means is rearward of the leading edge and forward of the trailing edge. The second surface means is disposed within a cavity between the first surface means and protrudes beyond the horizontal plane of the first surface means. The first surface means is preferably made of a material with a low coefficient of friction such as Teflon or UHMW-PE. The second surface means is preferably made of a cloth fabric covered resilient foam block. The recessed structure of the base into which the resilient foam block is placed, permits the block to be compressed up to the horizontal plane of the Teflon surface.
Therefore, the underside of the broom head structure consists of a forward and trailing Teflon or UHMW-PE coated areas and a resilient foam block area disposed in between.
The forward area is the first to contact the oncoming ice surface during a forward sweeping action characteristic of curling. The Teflon or UHMW-PE covered surface acts as a pressure plate, transferring the force placed on the broom to the ice surface. This in turn causes the micro-melting of the ice surface pebbles. The central area of the broom head, consisting of the resilient cloth covered foam insert, is the next surface to contact the ice surface and functions to mop and clear the ice of debris. The trailing area then engages the ice and once again functions to apply pressure to the ice. The resulting moisture created reduces the coefficient of friction of the ice surface, permitting the curling rock to travel a greater distance. It also gives the curler greater control over the rock.
The rigid and planar Teflon or UHMW-PE surface provides a direct means of contacting the top surface of the micro-topography of the ice. As mentioned, the resilient foam broom heads of the prior art, mould into the grooves of the topography of the ice surface instead of aggressively contacting the desired tips of the ice pebbles. The Teflon or UHMW-PE plate forming part of this invention, limits the compression of the foam insert. Thus, the present invention provides a means for contacting solely the desired tips of the ice pebbles, resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy required to buff, polish and clean the ice surface.
The rigid and planar Teflon or UHMW-PE surface provides a direct means of contacting the top surface of the micro-topography of the ice. As mentioned, the resilient foam broom heads of the prior art, mould into the grooves of the topography of the ice surface instead of aggressively contacting the desired tips of the ice pebbles. The Teflon or UHMW-PE plate forming part of this invention, limits the compression of the foam insert. Thus, the present invention provides a means for contacting solely the desired tips of the ice pebbles, resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy required to buff, polish and clean the ice surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
In the accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views.
FIGURE 1 is a view of the cross-section of the broom with the handle shown FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the broom with the handle shown FIGURE 3 is a view of the base of the broom head FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top portion of the broom with the handle shown FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning to the preferred embodiment which is illustrated in the Figures, a curling broom device, in accordance with the present invention, consists of a broom head and a handle.
Referring to Figures 1,2 and 3, the broom head consists of a head structure comprising a integrally formed top (16) and bottom portions (5); the bottom portion presenting planar surfaces (6) and an insert (7). The head structure can be produced using any type of rigid material such as wood or plastic or combinations of these materials.
In the accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views.
FIGURE 1 is a view of the cross-section of the broom with the handle shown FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the broom with the handle shown FIGURE 3 is a view of the base of the broom head FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top portion of the broom with the handle shown FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning to the preferred embodiment which is illustrated in the Figures, a curling broom device, in accordance with the present invention, consists of a broom head and a handle.
Referring to Figures 1,2 and 3, the broom head consists of a head structure comprising a integrally formed top (16) and bottom portions (5); the bottom portion presenting planar surfaces (6) and an insert (7). The head structure can be produced using any type of rigid material such as wood or plastic or combinations of these materials.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the exterior body of the broom head can be any shape that can receive a broom handle in a locking and pivotal engagement. In the preferred embodiment shown, the top portion of the body has a triangular-like cross-section. A circular opening for receiving the ball of the rod handle is centrally located at one of the sides (3) of the top portion in a downwardly sloping fashion. The spherical void is made to receive the ball at the end of the handle in a complementary way and is shaped accordingly.
In order to secure the handle within the spherical void behind the circular opening, the spherical void is recessed within the body and presents a cross-sectional circle having a diameter slightly larger than the ball which is to be inserted into the spherical void. The ball has integrally formed slits permitting the opposed ball sides to be compressed and inserted into the void where they expand and are secured and retained within. In order to lock the handle within the spherical void, a longitudinal hole (20), located on the underside of the broom head cavity, is provided permitting the insertion of a suitable pin (17) (preferably 1/8" in diameter) into the space between the bifurcated ball locking it in the expanded position preventing its compression and locking it within the void. It can be seen that its arrangement has the effect of preventing the removal of the handle from the base once the ball joint is retained within the confines of the spherical void. It should be noted that the locking of the ball nonetheless permits substantial rotation of the ball within the spherical void and correspondingly gives the curler a greater degree of rotational freedom in operating the broom.
Referring to Figure 3, the bottom portion of the broom head is planar and rectangularly shaped. A
rectangular cavity (18) is located centrally and recessed within the base. The cavity is thus surrounded around its entire perimeter by the remainder of the base to which a Teflon or UHMW-PE plate (16), preferably 1/32" thick, is attached. A NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness layer, such as cork, may be added to the base prior to the attachment of the Teflon or UHMW-PE plate (not shown). This additional layer gives the broom a`softer touch' when applied to the ice surface.
A resilient foam block to which is secured a cloth fabric layer is placed within and snugly secured within the cavity in a manner to permit its easy removal and replacement. The foam block insert protrudes approximately one inch from the cavity. The Teflon surface and the fabric layer are suitable for buffing and polishing the surface of the ice. It will be recognised by those skilled in the art that other suitable surfaces and fabric layers could be used instead of those suggested.
As illustrated from Figure 4, the handle has several features. The handle is an elongated cylindrical rod (19), with a spherical ball base (15). The handle is attached to the top portion of the head at an incline to the normal sweeping plane. Several slits (13) are integrally formed in the bottom portion of the handle, including within the ball base. The slits are preferably 1/8" x 2 3/4" in dimension and positioned at a 90 degree angle to each other.
In use, a downward and forward force is applied to the broom, resulting in the compression of the foam insert to present a generally planar surface in contact with the ice. The coupling of the ball (15) of the handle to the spherical opening (2) of the head, allows the broom head to pivot around the handle. As such, as downward pressure is applied to the handle, the base of the head remains in contact with the ice surface at all times.
The bottom planar portion of the head, in contact with the ice, consists of a forward and trailing area. During the sweeping action characteristic of curling, the Teflon or UHMW-PE plate of the forward area contacts the targeted ice surface area first. As mentioned, the Teflon or UHMW-PE
plate acts as a pressure plate resulting in the melting of the tips of the ice surface pebbles that it contacts. It also serves to buff and polish the ice surface. Subsequently, the same portion of the ice surface is contacted by the cloth covered insert. The foam insert functions in buffing, polishing and cleaning the ice surface by removing the moisture created by the forward area. Later the area is contacted by the Teflon or UHMW-PE plate of the trailing area, resulting in the melting of the tips of the ice surface pebbles. It is to be appreciated that reversing the sweeping action of the broom by pulling the broom backwards results in the reversal of the trailing and forward area actions such that the trailing area functions as the forward area and the forward area functions as the trailing area.
Referring to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The bottom portion of the broom head comprises two rectangular cavities which are centrally located and recessed within the base. Foam block inserts as mentioned previously are secured with each recess.
The perimeter of each cavity is surrounded by a Teflon or UHMW-PE plate. The additional inserts are added to improve the efficiency of the present invention. Any number of inserts can be incorporated into the bottom portion of the broom head without departing from the spirit of the invention.
An altelnative preferred embodiment (not shown) comprises a broom head with a bottom portion and insert in the reverse arrangement as described. The bottom portion is formed from a resilient block of foam covered with a cloth fabric layer. A rectangular Teflon covered rigid material is inserted in the cavity of the broom head.
From the Foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.
It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope of the thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
In order to secure the handle within the spherical void behind the circular opening, the spherical void is recessed within the body and presents a cross-sectional circle having a diameter slightly larger than the ball which is to be inserted into the spherical void. The ball has integrally formed slits permitting the opposed ball sides to be compressed and inserted into the void where they expand and are secured and retained within. In order to lock the handle within the spherical void, a longitudinal hole (20), located on the underside of the broom head cavity, is provided permitting the insertion of a suitable pin (17) (preferably 1/8" in diameter) into the space between the bifurcated ball locking it in the expanded position preventing its compression and locking it within the void. It can be seen that its arrangement has the effect of preventing the removal of the handle from the base once the ball joint is retained within the confines of the spherical void. It should be noted that the locking of the ball nonetheless permits substantial rotation of the ball within the spherical void and correspondingly gives the curler a greater degree of rotational freedom in operating the broom.
Referring to Figure 3, the bottom portion of the broom head is planar and rectangularly shaped. A
rectangular cavity (18) is located centrally and recessed within the base. The cavity is thus surrounded around its entire perimeter by the remainder of the base to which a Teflon or UHMW-PE plate (16), preferably 1/32" thick, is attached. A NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness layer, such as cork, may be added to the base prior to the attachment of the Teflon or UHMW-PE plate (not shown). This additional layer gives the broom a`softer touch' when applied to the ice surface.
A resilient foam block to which is secured a cloth fabric layer is placed within and snugly secured within the cavity in a manner to permit its easy removal and replacement. The foam block insert protrudes approximately one inch from the cavity. The Teflon surface and the fabric layer are suitable for buffing and polishing the surface of the ice. It will be recognised by those skilled in the art that other suitable surfaces and fabric layers could be used instead of those suggested.
As illustrated from Figure 4, the handle has several features. The handle is an elongated cylindrical rod (19), with a spherical ball base (15). The handle is attached to the top portion of the head at an incline to the normal sweeping plane. Several slits (13) are integrally formed in the bottom portion of the handle, including within the ball base. The slits are preferably 1/8" x 2 3/4" in dimension and positioned at a 90 degree angle to each other.
In use, a downward and forward force is applied to the broom, resulting in the compression of the foam insert to present a generally planar surface in contact with the ice. The coupling of the ball (15) of the handle to the spherical opening (2) of the head, allows the broom head to pivot around the handle. As such, as downward pressure is applied to the handle, the base of the head remains in contact with the ice surface at all times.
The bottom planar portion of the head, in contact with the ice, consists of a forward and trailing area. During the sweeping action characteristic of curling, the Teflon or UHMW-PE plate of the forward area contacts the targeted ice surface area first. As mentioned, the Teflon or UHMW-PE
plate acts as a pressure plate resulting in the melting of the tips of the ice surface pebbles that it contacts. It also serves to buff and polish the ice surface. Subsequently, the same portion of the ice surface is contacted by the cloth covered insert. The foam insert functions in buffing, polishing and cleaning the ice surface by removing the moisture created by the forward area. Later the area is contacted by the Teflon or UHMW-PE plate of the trailing area, resulting in the melting of the tips of the ice surface pebbles. It is to be appreciated that reversing the sweeping action of the broom by pulling the broom backwards results in the reversal of the trailing and forward area actions such that the trailing area functions as the forward area and the forward area functions as the trailing area.
Referring to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The bottom portion of the broom head comprises two rectangular cavities which are centrally located and recessed within the base. Foam block inserts as mentioned previously are secured with each recess.
The perimeter of each cavity is surrounded by a Teflon or UHMW-PE plate. The additional inserts are added to improve the efficiency of the present invention. Any number of inserts can be incorporated into the bottom portion of the broom head without departing from the spirit of the invention.
An altelnative preferred embodiment (not shown) comprises a broom head with a bottom portion and insert in the reverse arrangement as described. The bottom portion is formed from a resilient block of foam covered with a cloth fabric layer. A rectangular Teflon covered rigid material is inserted in the cavity of the broom head.
From the Foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.
It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope of the thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (8)
1. A curling broom device comprising a handle connected to a head by a pivotal connection, said head having a planar portion for engagement with an ice surface, said portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge; said portion having first surface means rearward of said leading edge and forward of said trailing edge and second surface means intermediate said leading edge and trailing edge; and wherein said first surface means is a rigid non-fabric plastic material and said second surface is a resilient cloth woven fabric material.
2. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first surface means is of a polytetrafluoroethylene material.
3. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first surface means is of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material.
4. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said planar portion has a recess into which a backing is placed that provides support for said resilient cloth woven fabric.
5. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said second surface means extends beyond a lower surface of said planar portion.
6. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said backing is a foam block.
7. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said first surface means includes a noise vibration and harshness backing layer.
8. A curling broom device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said noise vibration and harshness backing layer is cork.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2279025 CA2279025C (en) | 1999-07-28 | 1999-07-28 | Curling broom device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2279025 CA2279025C (en) | 1999-07-28 | 1999-07-28 | Curling broom device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2279025A1 CA2279025A1 (en) | 2001-01-28 |
| CA2279025C true CA2279025C (en) | 2009-04-07 |
Family
ID=4163867
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2279025 Expired - Fee Related CA2279025C (en) | 1999-07-28 | 1999-07-28 | Curling broom device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2279025C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8677548B2 (en) | 2010-01-14 | 2014-03-25 | The University Of Western Ontario | Curling head for curling broom |
| CN103908768B (en) * | 2013-01-06 | 2017-07-18 | 哈尔滨体育学院 | Curling stone multifunctional refrigerating brush |
| US11103757B2 (en) | 2017-11-14 | 2021-08-31 | Rose-Ann Kathleen Lyons | Portable curling-broom |
-
1999
- 1999-07-28 CA CA 2279025 patent/CA2279025C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2279025A1 (en) | 2001-01-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140729 |