Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CURLING BROOM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to certain improvements to a curling
broom for use in the sport or game of ice curling, and more particularly
relates to an
improved curling broom handle.
BACKGROUND
In the sport of curling, brooms are commonly used for sweeping the ice
to affect performance of curling rocks sliding along the ice. A common type of
broom generally involves an elongate and uninterrupted handle which mounts a
broom head transversely at one end thereof. The broom head includes bristles
or a
padded member for brushing or sweeping the ice. It is common practice for
persons
to own their own curling brooms such that persons commonly are required to
transport their curling brooms from home to the curling rink. The elongate
handle is
awkward both for storage and transport.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
curling broom comprising:
a main shaft;
at least one telescoping shaft mounted on the main shaft for relative
sliding movement therebetween;
a broom head for mounting on an end of one of the shafts; and
a stop mechanism for selectively restricting sliding movement of said at
least one telescoping shaft in relation to the main shaft.
The use of a telescoping shaft permits the handle of the broom to be
readily collapsed for occupying minimal space when storing or transporting the
broom. For certain persons depending upon sweeping style, adjustment of an
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overall length of the handle by use of telescoping shafts assists in
increasing
sweeping efficiency. Connecting the telescoping shaft with the main shaft in a
sliding telescoping manner ensures proper strength of the handle in use due to
the
overlapping configuration upon which the shafts become coupled.
There may be provided a handle grip supported on a different one of
the shafts than the broom head. The broom head is preferably supported on said
at
least one telescoping shaft.
The stop mechanism may comprise a lock for positively restricting
sliding movement in both direction when engaged at any one of a plurality of
spaced
positions.
Said at least one telescoping shaft preferably comprises a first
telescoping shaft slidably received within the main shaft which supports the
broom
head thereon and a second telescoping shaft slidable with respect to the main
shaft.
Preferably each of the telescoping shafts includes a stop mechanism
for selectively restricting sliding movement of the respective telescoping
shaft
relative to an adjacent one of the shafts.
There may be provided a resilient padded member supported on a free
end of one of the shafts opposite the broom head, wherein the resilient member
lies
transversely to a longitudinal direction of the shafts.
There may be provided a mounting member supported on the end of
one of the shafts for selectively mounting various configurations of
conventional
broom heads thereon.
In one embodiment, there is provided a resilient member or cord
coupled between the shafts to connect the shafts when the telescoping shaft is
slidably removed from the main shaft. The stop mechanism in this instance
restricts
sliding of the telescoping shaft into the main shaft beyond a prescribed
overlap.
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According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided
a delivery supporting device for use with a curling broom having an elongate
handle,
the device comprising:
an elongate support arm;
first and second mounting arms supported at spaced positions on the
support arm; and
first and second mounting clips supported on the first and second
mounting arms respectively at an equal spacing from the support arm;
each mounting clip comprising a clamping member for clamping
engagement onto the handle of the curling broom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the curling
broom.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the broom according to Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the curling broom in
which the main shaft includes a fixed grip opposite the broom head.
Figure 4 is an exploded front perspective view illustrating an optional
universal mounting plate for securement to an end of the telescoping shaft for
mounting various broom head configurations thereon.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an auxiliary handle arranged to be
supported on the telescoping shaft supporting the broom head thereon.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a support member arranged to be
supported on an end of the handle opposite the broom head.
Figures 7 and 8 are respective side elevational and end views of a
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supporting device which is optionally used with the handle of a curling broom.
Figures 9 and 10 are front perspective views of an alternate
embodiment of a coupling between the main shaft and one telescoping shaft in
respective connected and disassembled positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a curling
broom generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The broom generally
includes a
handle 12 and a broom head 14 similarly to conventional curling brooms for
sweeping in the sport of curling.
The handle 12 generally includes a main shaft 16 which is elongate
and tubular, extending in a longitudinal direction between a first open end 18
and a
second open end 20. The main shaft is preferably formed of a rigid lightweight
material which is hollow in construction between respective first and second
open
ends thereof.
The handle further includes a first telescoping shaft 22 which is slidably
received within the first open end 18 of the main shaft. The telescoping shaft
22 is
similarly tubular in construction, being formed of light rigid material. The
first
telescoping shaft is suitably sized so that an outer diameter thereof
approximately
equals the inner diameter of the main shaft to be snugly yet slidably received
therein
for movement between a retracted position with a majority of the telescoping
shaft
22 being received within the main shaft and an extended position in which the
majority of the first telescoping shaft extends outwardly beyond the main
shaft. At
least a portion of the first telescoping shaft and the main shaft remain
overlapping in
the extended position as illustrated in dotted line in Figure 1. The first
telescoping
shaft 22 includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures 24 which are evenly
spaced in
the longitudinal direction of the shaft, in longitudinal alignment along one
side of the
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shaft.
A first stop mechanism 26 in the form of a conventional releasable pin
lock is provided for selectively protruding into a selected one of the
apertures 24 in
the first telescoping shaft. The first stop mechanism includes a button 28 to
activate
release of the pin lock from the selected one of the apertures 24. When
engaged,
the pin lock of the first stop mechanism 26 restricts sliding movement of the
first
telescoping shaft 22 relative to the main shaft 16 in both directions.
Furthermore the
pin lock is biased towards a locking position when the button 28 is not
activated for
automatic locking similarly to conventional pin locking configurations.
The lower free end of the first telescoping shaft 22 includes a broom
head mount 32 secured thereon. The broom head mount 32 generally comprises a
portion of the shaft 22 which is narrower in diameter and suitably arranged
for
selective coupling with an adapter mounting plate 34. The adapter plate 34
includes
suitable mounting connections thereon for securement to various conventional
broom head designs for universal attachment of the various broom heads to the
handle described herein.
A handle grip 36 is provided adjacent the first stop mechanism 26 fixed
at the first open end 18 of the main shaft 16. The handle grip 36 is
accordingly fixed
in relation to the main shaft so that the handle grip can be adjustable in
spacing
relative to the broom head at the lower free end 30 of the broom by slidably
adjusting the position of the first telescoping shaft within the main shaft.
The handle
grip 36 generally comprises a rigid support member projecting generally
radially
outwardly from a front side of the main shaft at a slight downward incline
towards the
broom head. The handle grip is covered with suitable padded and ergonomically
shaped material to conform to the shape of a person's hand comfortably and
locates
the button 28 for releasing the first stop mechanism at a free end thereof.
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A second telescoping shaft 38 is provided which is similarly tubular and
rigid in construction for being slidably received within the open second end
20 of the
main shaft 16. Similarly to the first telescoping shaft, the second
telescoping shaft
includes an outer diameter which closely approximates the inner diameter of
the
hollow main shaft 16 to permit sliding movement of the second telescoping
shaft
relative to the main shaft. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 40
are
similarly provided in the second telescoping shaft.
A second stop mechanism 42 is also provided which is fixed on the
main shaft adjacent the second open end 20 thereof. The second stop mechanism
42 similarly includes a button 44 to selectively release a conventional type
pin lock
which is received within a selected one of the apertures 40 in the second
telescoping
shaft.
An upper free end 46 of the second telescoping shaft includes a
padded support member 48 mounted thereon. The padded support member 48
includes an arcuate, curved surface which ergonomically fits against a
shoulder or
within an armpit of a user of the broom to comfortably apply pressure to the
end of
the broom by leaning thereon. The support member 48 is a surface which is
substantially broader than the cross section of the shaft and is positioned to
lie
transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The support member 48
also
may include a rigid internal structure with suitable resilient padding for
comfort
thereon. In this arrangement the support member 48 is movable with the second
telescoping shaft relative to the main shaft for adjusting both a position of
the
support member relative to the main shaft as well as for adjusting an overall
length
of the broom handle.
Turning now to Figure 3, a further embodiment of the second end 20 of
the main shaft 16 of the broom handle is illustrated. In this arrangement, the
second
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end of the main shaft is closed with a handle grip 60 being formed thereon
which is
fixed in relation to the main shaft. Accordingly no second telescoping shaft
is
provided and overall length of the broom is determined solely by adjustment of
the
first telescoping shaft 22 within the main shaft 16.
As shown in Figure 4, the lower free end 30 of the first telescoping
shaft 22 is illustrated in further detail in which the portion of reduced
diameter at the
lower free end of the first telescoping shaft is clearly shown for being
received within
the broom head mount 32 which includes a suitable socket 34 for securely
receiving
the portion of reduced diameter of the first telescoping shaft 22 therein.
Turning now to Figure 5, an alternate embodiment of the handle grip
36 is illustrated in which the grip is supported on a sliding carrier 64 in
the form of a
collar snugly yet slidably received along the first telescoping shaft 22. A
conventional pin lock assembly, with button release, is supported on the slide
carrier
64 for engagement with one of the apertures in the first telescoping shaft so
that a
position of the handle may be adjusted or the carrier may be fully removed
from the
first telescoping shaft when the pin lock assembly is released. The particular
configuration of the handle grip is arranged to ergonomically be supported in
a
persons hand similarly to the handle grip of the first embodiment.
The support member 48 may comprise a removable pad supported on
a suitable socket grip 66 for selective mounting on the upper free end 46 of
the first
telescoping shaft as illustrated in Figure 6.
Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, a delivery aid and supporting device
70 is illustrated for connection to a broom handle of the type described
herein or any
other type of conventional broom handle by use of a quick release attachment.
The
device includes a support arm 72 comprising an elongate member which is
straight
in a longitudinal direction of the member but curved in profile to provide an
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ergonomic contour. A semi-circular profile is ideal for mating engagement
alongside
a broom handle which is round in cross section. First and second mounting arms
74
are mounted on the support arm 72 spaced apart at opposite ends thereof to
project
outwardly from the support arm perpendicularly thereto within a generally
common
plane. First and second mounting clips 76 are mounted at the free ends of the
first
and second mounting arms 74 respectively. Distance of each mounting clip 76
from
the support arm 72 is identical so that a handle mounted within the clips 76
lies
parallel and spaced apart from the support arm 72. Each mounting clip 76
generally
comprises a C-shaped channel which is somewhat resilient to permit snap on
mounting of the clips onto the circular cross section of a broom handle. Each
mounting arm 74 includes hinges at the clips 76, at the support arm 72 and
also
partway therebetween so as to permit the mounting arms 74 to be folded in half
when mounted onto a broom handle at which point the support arm 72 lies
alongside
the broom handle directly adjacent thereto.
Turning now to Figures 9 and 10, in a further embodiment of the broom
handle, the main shaft 16 includes a main portion 80 and a collar 82 secured
at one
end thereof to project outwardly in a longitudinal direction from the main
portion of
the shaft. A telescoping shaft 84 is slidably received with the collar 82 of
the main
shaft and abuts against an internal shoulder formed partway within the collar
by the
end of the main portion 80 which terminates partway into the collar. Sliding
movement of the telescoping shaft 84 within the collar 82 of the main shaft
thus
stops when the telescoping shaft abuts the end of the main portion 80 of the
main
shaft to restrict sliding movement in one direction only of the telescoping
shaft
relative to the main shaft. The collar is suitably arranged for a snug fit
with the
telescoping shaft while still permitting sliding removal of the telescoping
shaft from
the collar as illustrated in Figure 10. Both the telescoping shaft 84 and the
main
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shaft are hollow and include a pin 86 spanning diametrically across the shaft
at a
position spaced inwardly from the end which mates with opposing shaft. On the
main shaft, the pin 86 is spaced inwardly from the end of the main portion 80
of the
shaft within the collar 82. A resilient elastic cord 88 is coupled between the
two pins
86 to resiliently secure the telescoping shaft within the collar of the main
shaft as
illustrated in Figure 9 which permits ready separation thereof simply by
stretching
the elastic cord 88.
As noted herein various improvements to conventional curling broom
handles are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the handle grips and the
support
member at the end of the handle are preferably formed of a soft rubber
material for
gripping. The shafts may be formed of any suitable material, for example
graphite or
aluminium. Lightweight plastic components would typically be used for the stop
mechanisms. Any of the couplings or stop mechanism may alternatively be coated
with a rubber gripping material as well.
The various features of the broom handle disclosed herein may be
used alone or in combination as described above. The delivery supporting
device
70 for instance may be used with conventional broom handles or with a handle
having telescoping shafts as described herein. In either embodiment first and
second mounting clips would be provided for securement to the handle.
Optionally
hinges 90 may be provided for coupling the mounting arms 74 onto the support
arm
72 to permit folding collapsing of the device when not in use.
As noted above, the present invention possesses features which
facilitate, or make easier, transportation, storage, and handling of the
broom. It also
has features which allow for more efficient and effective use on the curling
ice.
The broom handle has several features and variations. In its simplest
form, the broom handle retracts from the bottom end (brush head end) by means
of
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a telescoping shaft and spring and pin locking mechanism. One shaft of smaller
circumference is allowed to slide within the main tube. Desired length is
achieved by
inserting the pin through the appropriate hole in the sliding shaft. This
adjustment
allows for optimum length of the broom handle in relation to height of the
user. This,
in turn, allows the userlsweeper to apply a greater portion of body weight (by
using
shoulder area to exert pressure on the upper end of the handle) to increase
effectiveness of the brush head on the ice surface. In theory, the greater the
pressure or friction of the brush on the ice surface, the further the curling
rock wilt
travel as the friction of the brush head causes a slight melting of the
pebbled ice
surface and thus allows the curling rock/stone to travel farther.
Another version of the handle allows for a second locking mechanism
fixed on the top of a main tube with another telescoping shaft
operatinglsliding in
and out on the top end. This adjustment will allow for precise distance
between the
user's shoulder and their bottom (pressure) hand. Conversely, this second
locking
mechanism can be an adjustable one located on the bottom, sliding shaft to
provide
the same adjustable distance between shoulder and bottom hand.
The bottom locking mechanism in either version will have an optional
handle grip locking mechanism made of a soft pliable plastic or rubber. This
will
provide another method to apply additional weight to the brush head, with less
stress
to the wrist. It would be ergonomically formed to the hand and will be at an
angle
comfortable to the wrist.
The bottom end of the bottom shaft has a tapered end to accept
various brush heads already on the market. To make it universal, it will come
with
an adapter plate to fit many other brush heads.
The upper end of the curling broom can have a pad installed for
engagement with a shoulder or arm pit of a user, which will distribute the
pressure of
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the handle end on the user's shoulder, meaning greater comfort. It will be
made of
soft, pliable, spongy material and will automatically form to the sweeper's
shoulder
as pressure is applied.
Another option for this (and other) broom handles is an attachable
delivery aid or delivery supporting device as shown in Figures 7 and 8. This
aids the
curler when he/she is in the process of delivering their stone down the ice.
It allows
the curler to maintain a more upright and balanced position through the
delivery
process. It is made of a semi-circular tubing (fiberglass, resin, etc...),
slightly larger
than broom handle. This enables it to fold into the handle and become
unobtrusive
during sweeping motion. It is attached to the handle by slightly pliable
plastic "C"
clips, snapping it into position and which permit it to be attached to any
type of
curling broom handle. Aluminum rods with hinges allow the delivery aid to snap-
and-lock open or fold away.
Another version of broom is a coupler as shown in Figures 9 and 10
which enables the broom handle to come apart in the middle for easy handling,
transportation, and storage. In this version, the broom handle is constructed
of a
hollow material, for example aluminum, fibreglass, graphite, resin etc. It is
in two
pieces. The pieces are held together by a spring or stretchable elastic
material
(such as bungee cord, or tarp strap). Attached to one end is a fixed coupler.
When
in use, one end fits into the end of the coupler, giving it a rigid, snug fit
for sweeping.
When storing or transporting, handle is simply pulled apart and doubled-up as
per
Figure 10.
In further embodiments, the pin lock mechanisms described above
may be replaced with twist lock mechanisms commonly found on various
telescoping poles which permit one section to be fixed longitudinally relative
to
another by relative rotation of the sections about the longitudinal axis
thereof.
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While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are
possible within the scope of the invention. The invention is to be considered
limited
solely by the scope of the appended claims.
