TechnoCurling Innovations - Modernizing Curling Equipment

1. TechnoCurling Studies and Innovations TechnoCurling Studies and Innovations Curling equipment manufacturers continually improve their products Curling equipment manufacturers continually improve their products and develop new ones. The brushes have become lighter and easier to use. and develop new ones. The brushes have become lighter and easier to use. www.technocurling.com www.technocurling.com Manual scrolling…

2. History History Some of us remember the good old straw Some of us remember the good old straw brooms from before the 1980’s brooms from before the 1980’s and how it was hard to brush with them. it was hard to brush with them. and how During those years, brushes were made from During those years, brushes were made from horsehair or hoghair more effective on frosty ice. horsehair or hoghair more effective on frosty ice. The early 90’s saw the arrival of brushes The early 90’s saw the arrival of brushes with more or less dense foam, covered with with more or less dense foam, covered with synthetic fabric such as nylon. synthetic fabric such as nylon. 2

3. Yesterday Yesterday The The straw broom is rarely used today except to straw broom is rarely used today except to wipe underside underside of the stone and to accompany the slide. of the stone and to accompany the slide. Animal hair Animal hair brushes are also used less frequently. brushes are also used less frequently. One One reason reason for the reduced use of these for the reduced use of these types types of brushes is that they lose strands of brushes is that they lose strands of of material that negatively material that negatively affect affect the path of the stone the path of the stone. . wipe the the 3

4. Today Today The brushes used today The brushes used today are generally oval or are generally oval or rectangular in shape rectangular in shape with pillowed soles with pillowed soles covered with synthetic fabric. covered with synthetic fabric. Broomsticks are either solidly Broomsticks are either solidly attached or attached or connected with connected with a a universal universal joint joint to the to the brush. brush. *** *** The The flexible flexible fabric sole fabric sole is the is the target of our concern. target of our concern.*** *** 4

5. Critical Analysis Critical Analysis A fabric sole absorbs water. It absorbs even more as frosted A fabric sole absorbs water. It absorbs even more as frosted ice accumulates. Being wet, it increases difficulties rather ice accumulates. Being wet, it increases difficulties rather than reducing them. It must be replaced to regain efficiency. than reducing them. It must be replaced to regain efficiency. With brushing, too much heat is generated and a fabric sole With brushing, too much heat is generated and a fabric sole saturates the melting droplets and gradually lowers them. saturates the melting droplets and gradually lowers them. The sole being flexible, sinks, and all droplets surfaces are The sole being flexible, sinks, and all droplets surfaces are reached instead of only their heads. It does not level them reached instead of only their heads. It does not level them properly but crushes and therefore reduces all of them. properly but crushes and therefore reduces all of them. Working in this way to the base of the droplets, the sole Working in this way to the base of the droplets, the sole becomes encrusted with grease and dirt, is very difficult to becomes encrusted with grease and dirt, is very difficult to clean and therefore its effectiveness is reduced even more. clean and therefore its effectiveness is reduced even more. 5

6. Other Other remarks remarks… A fabric sole is costly and must be replaced frequently. A fabric sole is costly and must be replaced frequently. It It does not provide uniform pressure on the surface of does not provide uniform pressure on the surface of the the ice because its brush head, ice because its brush head, which is is not rigid enough. If the fabric is fixed on a flat base not rigid enough. If the fabric is fixed on a flat base and and lightly padded, it deteriorates more rapidly. lightly padded, it deteriorates more rapidly. Often Often made in nylon thread which is hydrophilic itself, made in nylon thread which is hydrophilic itself, this this fabric through wear and tear loses fibres that fabric through wear and tear loses fibres that remain remain prisoners of the ice. This causes a certain prisoners of the ice. This causes a certain degree degree of wear of wear on the on the bearing surface of the stones. bearing surface of the stones. The The fabric sole requires a great amount of energy fabric sole requires a great amount of energy and and effort effort as as its contact surface increases its contact surface increases. . … which is made of plastic, is made of plastic, 6

7. E Efficiency fficiency A study of physical phenomena was conducted to: A study of physical phenomena was conducted to:   Be aware of environmental conditions: ice, humidity, temperature, etc…; Be aware of environmental conditions: ice, humidity, temperature, etc…;   determine how to preserve the best ice conditions throughout the game; determine how to preserve the best ice conditions throughout the game;   determine efficient sweeping on the required surface and also on the top determine efficient sweeping on the required surface and also on the top of the droplets which are not at the same height; of the droplets which are not at the same height;   determine how to bring with better sweeping a levelling of the surface determine how to bring with better sweeping a levelling of the surface of the ice; of the ice;   minimize the sweeping energy required to obtain effective results; minimize the sweeping energy required to obtain effective results;   find less aggressive sweeping and to provide cleaner conditions for the ice. find less aggressive sweeping and to provide cleaner conditions for the ice. 7

8. Hardness of the Ice Hardness of the Ice Ice is solid water in mineral crystallographic form Ice is solid water in mineral crystallographic form brittle and breakable. It is vitreous and transparent. brittle and breakable. It is vitreous and transparent. It is fragile and not resistant to impact. It melts in the hand. It is fragile and not resistant to impact. It melts in the hand. On On " " Mohs Mohs" " hardness scale the ice value is 1.5 hardness scale the ice value is 1.5 like lead and aluminum. like lead and aluminum. The ice has been used for a very long time for slide sports. The ice has been used for a very long time for slide sports. Considering its formation, the ice is a rock. Considering its formation, the ice is a rock. Imagine a curling rock aquaplaning on a flat finished Imagine a curling rock aquaplaning on a flat finished rock covered with a lubricating water film! rock covered with a lubricating water film! Should it have the same curl as on ice ? Should it have the same curl as on ice ? 8

9. Why is Ice Slippery ? Why is Ice Slippery ? Ice molecules located on the surface of an curling ice are Ice molecules located on the surface of an curling ice are less "trapped" than those more in depth because they are less "trapped" than those more in depth because they are not surrounded on all sides by other molecules. Being more not surrounded on all sides by other molecules. Being more free they naturally create a micro free they naturally create a micro - -layer that is not quite water and not quite ice. that is not quite water and not quite ice. The interface between the air and the ice therefore provides The interface between the air and the ice therefore provides a layer of water which does not need any more energy for a layer of water which does not need any more energy for the sliding of a the sliding of a 20 kg. 20 kg. curling stone or a curling stone or a 5 kg. object. layer 5 kg. object. 9

10. Surfusion Surfusion Under certain conditions, water may be cooled a number Under certain conditions, water may be cooled a number of degrees below the usual freezing point and still remain of degrees below the usual freezing point and still remain liquid, but freezes as soon as it contacts solid particles, liquid, but freezes as soon as it contacts solid particles, micro micro- -fibres or other impurities fibres or other impurities in the ice. However the presence of gas dissolved in However the presence of gas dissolved in water pebble spray contributes to maintaining water pebble spray contributes to maintaining this liquid state at a temperature below 0 this liquid state at a temperature below 0° °C. The presence of dissolved gas in the water creates a The presence of dissolved gas in the water creates a molecular agitation with the same effect that molecular agitation with the same effect that heat has. Ice at Ice at - -4,5 4,5° °C is said to be C is said to be " " hot ice That will be different at That will be different at - -30 30° °C . in the ice. C. heat has. hot ice ". ". C . 10

11. Sublimation and Condensation Sublimation and Condensation Atmospheric Atmospheric air that we breathe air that we breathe space of curling, the air pulls space of curling, the air pulls the ice surface, i.e. the the ice surface, i.e. the of water (ice) in of water (ice) in needs needs moisture to exist. In an enclosed moisture to exist. In an enclosed moisture moisture in part by sublimation on in part by sublimation on direct direct passage of the solid state passage of the solid state its its gaseous state (moisture). gaseous state (moisture). This This is why it is important to remove moisture constantly in order to is why it is important to remove moisture constantly in order to maintain an ideal condition of relative maintain an ideal condition of relative humidity for the ice. This phenomenon will smooth out the bumpy ice surface the ice. This phenomenon will smooth out the bumpy ice surface lowering pebble little by little. pebble little by little. Condensation is the opposite Condensation is the opposite effect, there is formation of frost on the ice of frost on the ice surface. surface. humidity for the good the good behaviour behaviour of of lowering the the effect, there is formation 11

12. Frost When When temperature and humidity conditions are met temperature and humidity conditions are met to freeze this moisture to freeze this moisture in in the air at the level of the ice, the air at the level of the ice, a layer of crystals a layer of crystals attaches attaches to the ice surface. This occurs often in the morning or before This occurs often in the morning or before the game in the the game in the enclosure of enclosure of curling. A brief reheating A brief reheating may phenomenon phenomenon which slows down the sliding which slows down the sliding of of the the stone until stone until the temperature increases with the temperature increases with the arrival the arrival of the players on the ice. of the players on the ice. to the ice surface. curling. may contain this contain this 12

13. The The F Frost Point rost Point This is the point of condensation, that is, the This is the point of condensation, that is, the saturation temperature of the temperature of the moisture that the air contains. moisture that the air contains. A A frost point of frost point of - -4 4° °C means C means that if the near near the surface of the ice reaches this temperature, the surface of the ice reaches this temperature, the excess of moisture the excess of moisture that the air contains condenses. that the air contains condenses. If If the conditions of temperature and humidity in the the conditions of temperature and humidity in the enclosure are enclosure are well adjusted, the crystals formed on the heads well adjusted, the crystals formed on the heads of of the the pebble pebble make make faster ice. The faster ice. The opposite occurs if the temperature temperature and and humidity levels are poorly controlled; there is humidity levels are poorly controlled; there is accumulation of frost and accumulation of frost and the ice becomes less rapid. saturation that if the ambient ambient air air opposite occurs if the the ice becomes less rapid. 13

14. Inertia Inertia The speed of a curling stone in motion The speed of a curling stone in motion (the intensity and direction or rotation) (the intensity and direction or rotation) cannot be changed unless more force is used. cannot be changed unless more force is used. A stone on a pebbly surface will not continue A stone on a pebbly surface will not continue its path on an ongoing basis if, and only if, its path on an ongoing basis if, and only if, one or more external forces (friction, brushing) one or more external forces (friction, brushing) requires it to decrease or increase its speed requires it to decrease or increase its speed or change its direction or rotation. or change its direction or rotation. 14

15. The Tribology The Tribology Tribology is Tribology is the science and technology the science and technology of of friction, lubrication and wear friction, lubrication and wear. . Applied Applied to to curling curling Friction Friction: : the the force that resists the friction force that resists the friction of the the icy surface. icy surface. the the passage passage from a solid state to a from a solid state to a liquid to the to the friction friction of the brush on the heads of the brush on the heads of the the levelling levelling of of the heads of the the heads of the pebble caused the the friction friction of the stone or the of the stone or the brush. of the brush on the brush on Fusion Fusion: : liquid state due state due of the pebble the pebble. pebble caused by brush. . Erosion Erosion: : by 15

16. Friction Friction Friction occurs between two objects that touch each other Friction occurs between two objects that touch each other by moving one over the other. The surface of these objects is by moving one over the other. The surface of these objects is sometimes covered with microscopic burrs that cling and sometimes covered with microscopic burrs that cling and cause a slower speed, sometimes changes of direction, hops, cause a slower speed, sometimes changes of direction, hops, heat and noise (curling moving stone). The amount of friction heat and noise (curling moving stone). The amount of friction due to brushing depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact, due to brushing depends on the nature of the surfaces in contact, on the surface of contact and the intensity of the force pressing on the surface of contact and the intensity of the force pressing the two objects against each other. On the ice, this is accompanied the two objects against each other. On the ice, this is accompanied by heat causing the melting and erosion of the burrs. by heat causing the melting and erosion of the burrs. 16

17. Fusion Fusion ( (stone) With the hypothesis that half the droplet heads are of the same With the hypothesis that half the droplet heads are of the same height, there would be approximately 10 to12 heads that would height, there would be approximately 10 to12 heads that would bear a 20 kg. stone. Each droplet would therefore support about 2 bear a 20 kg. stone. Each droplet would therefore support about 2 kg. This generates enough heat due to friction of the moving stone kg. This generates enough heat due to friction of the moving stone to soften and flatten the highest heads. to soften and flatten the highest heads. 17

18. Fusion Fusion ( (brush) ) With the hypothesis that half of the droplet heads were of the With the hypothesis that half of the droplet heads were of the same height, there would be approximately 20 heads in contact same height, there would be approximately 20 heads in contact with the sole of the brush, with the sole of the brush, provided that it is flat. provided that it is flat. Compared to the stone, it is therefore a force of 40 kg. that is required on the brush the stone, it is therefore a force of 40 kg. that is required on the brush so that 2 kg. are applied on each droplet head, folding them so that 2 kg. are applied on each droplet head, folding them down a bit. Hence the importance of the speed of brushing to down a bit. Hence the importance of the speed of brushing to warm up the heads and level them enough warm up the heads and level them enough in the path of the stone. in the path of the stone. Compared to 18

19. Erosion Erosion Resistance to the friction between the surfaces of stone Resistance to the friction between the surfaces of stone and ice is less if enough droplet heads are levelled. and ice is less if enough droplet heads are levelled. This is the reason for the slashing of the droplets before a game. This is the reason for the slashing of the droplets before a game. The stone itself levels off the droplets, and The stone itself levels off the droplets, and its underside should be cleaned before each delivery. its underside should be cleaned before each delivery. Brushing generates heat and reduces friction Brushing generates heat and reduces friction resistance by levelling of the droplet heads in the resistance by levelling of the droplet heads in the path of the stone, allowing it to maintain its momentum path of the stone, allowing it to maintain its momentum longer and thus moderate its curve. longer and thus moderate its curve. 19

20. Pressure Pressure With solids such as ice, melting reduces its volume and With solids such as ice, melting reduces its volume and pressure applied on it reduces its fusion temperature. The pressure applied on it reduces its fusion temperature. The pressure must be approximately 1500 psi. to lower it by 1 pressure must be approximately 1500 psi. to lower it by 1° °C. It is therefore very important to apply pressure in a quick It is therefore very important to apply pressure in a quick back and forth movement of the brush on the highest heads back and forth movement of the brush on the highest heads of the pebble to bring them level with the others. of the pebble to bring them level with the others. This reduces the amount of friction on the bearing surface of This reduces the amount of friction on the bearing surface of the stone. the stone. When a sufficient number of heads are levelled When a sufficient number of heads are levelled the stone slides more accurately. the stone slides more accurately. C. 20

21. Refreezing of the ice Refreezing of the ice When the droplet heads are not subject to the pressure When the droplet heads are not subject to the pressure of a curling stone in motion that liquefies them somewhat, of a curling stone in motion that liquefies them somewhat, they solidify immediately leaving them levelled for some time, they solidify immediately leaving them levelled for some time, until frost, evaporation or sublimation continue their effect, until frost, evaporation or sublimation continue their effect, and change their height. This is the same phenomenon of and change their height. This is the same phenomenon of pressure and refreezing that facilitates the sliding shoe. pressure and refreezing that facilitates the sliding shoe. Ice spikes that support the sole melt under pressure, lubricate it Ice spikes that support the sole melt under pressure, lubricate it and then immediately after passing, the melted water refreezes. and then immediately after passing, the melted water refreezes. 21

22. Sliding of the stone Sliding of the stone The delivery of the stone causes its mass to smooth out and The delivery of the stone causes its mass to smooth out and lower the highest droplets. The front part of the crown lower the highest droplets. The front part of the crown under the stone is raised somewhat by this action and under the stone is raised somewhat by this action and produces a thin liquid film in its rotation between it and the produces a thin liquid film in its rotation between it and the tops of the droplet heads. The increase in the amount of tops of the droplet heads. The increase in the amount of friction at the back of the stone is caused by the viscosity of friction at the back of the stone is caused by the viscosity of the resistive water lubricant film. (Imagine an oil !) the resistive water lubricant film. (Imagine an oil !) 22

23. Illustration of the phenomenon of the Illustration of the phenomenon of the curl of on a pebbled icy on a pebbled icy surface surface with a On On a dry surface a dry surface it would be otherwise curl of a a stone clockwise rotation rotation. . it would be otherwise. . stone with a clockwise A stone curls more as A stone curls more as its speed opposed opposed to the friction under its crown to the friction under its crown are at perpendicular perpendicular to the changing to the changing axis of its path. This is " " rotation translation rotation translation" i.e. " i.e. two two properties that exist at the same time. properties that exist at the same time. The forces The forces opposed to the friction opposed to the friction drag the in in clockwise clockwise release release rotation and rotation and to the left in the opposite to the left in the opposite rotation. its speed decreases because the decreases because the forces forces are at an angle an angle axis of its path. This is drag the stone stone to the right to the right rotation. 23

24. Conclusion Conclusion To smooth or polish any surface, the rough To smooth or polish any surface, the rough surface to an equal height. It is not unlike a to an equal height. It is not unlike a professional body repair man using ultra fine water using ultra fine water- -lubricated sandpaper on a long lubricated sandpaper on a long flat block smoothing and finishing the surface. To do this with flat block smoothing and finishing the surface. To do this with sandpaper placed on the hand would not flatten it equally. sandpaper placed on the hand would not flatten it equally. It is evident that to maintain the proper movement of a stone on It is evident that to maintain the proper movement of a stone on pebbled ice, it is important to bring to the same level as many pebbled ice, it is important to bring to the same level as many of the rough and uneven droplet heads as possible in order for of the rough and uneven droplet heads as possible in order for the stone to slide smoothly and without hops. the stone to slide smoothly and without hops. The way to do this is to rub the heads using a rigid and The way to do this is to rub the heads using a rigid and flat surface with recesses to accommodate frost and dirt. flat surface with recesses to accommodate frost and dirt. Then the film of water becomes the lubricant. Then the film of water becomes the lubricant. surface must be levelled must be levelled professional body repair man 24

25. Research and Development Research and Development led to a newly designed led to a newly designed curling brush. curling brush. 25

26. 26

27. The Result The Result articulate broomstick that has been broomstick that has been specially designed to level the highest pebble heads with specially designed to level the highest pebble heads with quick back and forth movement and quick back and forth movement and appropriate A flat synthetic elastomer brush sole that is non A flat synthetic elastomer brush sole that is non- -absorbent, is extremely efficient whether ice is frosted or not is extremely efficient whether ice is frosted or not and is easy to clean between each use. and is easy to clean between each use. A sole with a solid patterned A sole with a solid patterned friction friction surface that thermally provides provides by multi by multi- -shocks shocks equal topping of the droplet heads. equal topping of the droplet heads. A brush whose effectiveness is optimized by a combination A brush whose effectiveness is optimized by a combination of effort and accuracy. of effort and accuracy. A brush with an A brush with an articulate appropriate pressure. pressure. absorbent, surface that thermally 27

28. The Shell The Shell Made of carbon fibre from a range of extremely Made of carbon fibre from a range of extremely resistant composites, it is very light. resistant composites, it is very light. This is This is two essential qualities for the brush head. two essential qualities for the brush head. The shell is shaped to prevent The shell is shaped to prevent flexion imposed by the pressure applied to it. This shell imposed by the pressure applied to it. This shell has a complete thermal and noise insulation. has a complete thermal and noise insulation. The base guarantees good support for a flat The base guarantees good support for a flat rigid sole with a grooved pattern. rigid sole with a grooved pattern. The shell also allows a larger angulation of the The shell also allows a larger angulation of the broomstick broomstick because of its shape. because of its shape. This shape also allows the attachment of the connector. This shape also allows the attachment of the connector. flexion forces forces 28

29. The Shape The Shape It is generally recognized and accepted that a It is generally recognized and accepted that a rectangular shape is best suited for a curling brush. rectangular shape is best suited for a curling brush. Designed to brush at all angles Designed to brush at all angles the sole is 22 cm. in length by 8 cm. wide. the sole is 22 cm. in length by 8 cm. wide. With a quick back and forth movement and a With a quick back and forth movement and a range of 28 cm., the sole stays in the diameter range of 28 cm., the sole stays in the diameter length of the bearing crown of the stone. length of the bearing crown of the stone. This is just where it is needed to trap frost and dirt This is just where it is needed to trap frost and dirt in the grooves without unnecessarily in the grooves without unnecessarily moving to a wider portion of the path. moving to a wider portion of the path. 29

30. The Sole The Sole Polymer elastomer has been carefully selected for the Polymer elastomer has been carefully selected for the manufacture of a sustainable and effective sole. manufacture of a sustainable and effective sole. This material combines the essential qualities of hardness, This material combines the essential qualities of hardness, rigidity and resistance to abrasion and absorption. rigidity and resistance to abrasion and absorption. The perfect amount of friction was achieved by choosing The perfect amount of friction was achieved by choosing its hardness and its surface design its hardness and its surface design in thermal thermal multi multi- -shocks shocks on the higher droplet heads. on the higher droplet heads. It is almost rectangular in shape to maximize friction. It is almost rectangular in shape to maximize friction. The sides are straighten to support the slide. The sides are straighten to support the slide. And it also traps dirt and frost in its grooves. And it also traps dirt and frost in its grooves. in a pattern which causes a pattern which causes 30

31. The Connector The Connector The connection of the connection of the broomstick to has a connector with the following features: has a connector with the following features: The broomstick to the head the head of the brush of the brush   To receive To receive, retain and protect , retain and protect the   a universal joint; a universal joint;   a generator a generator of friction in its articulation of friction in its articulation and between its convex its convex end end and the concave cavity in the shell and the concave cavity in the shell ; ;   the transmission of the transmission of pressure to the brush head. pressure to the brush head. the end of the handle end of the handle ; ; and between Patent: 2,746,925 31

32. The Broomstick The Broomstick A A broomstick designed and well broomstick designed and well- -balanced supports the characteristics characteristics of this carbon of this carbon ultra Its Its surface surface provides, provides, with or without the use of with or without the use of gloves gloves, , a solid grip a solid grip considering the considering the angle The The lower end, which is inserted in a reinforced lower end, which is inserted in a reinforced ring, allows shock absorption to protect the shock absorption to protect the joints of the player. Our new Our new " " Timer Buzzer Timer Buzzer " " can be attached balanced supports the ultra- -light brush/broomstick . light brush/broomstick . angle of brushing. of brushing. ring, allows joints of the player. can be attached to it. to it. 32

33. Weight Weight The impulse of a brush is relative to the The impulse of a brush is relative to the weight of the brush, the weight applied to the brush, weight of the brush, the weight applied to the brush, the duration and the resistance of the movement. the duration and the resistance of the movement. The ideal weight of a curling brush is difficult to determine. The ideal weight of a curling brush is difficult to determine. The The " " feeling feeling " " is a good guide. is a good guide. A weight of approximately A weight of approximately 450 grams appears to be ideal. 450 grams appears to be ideal. A carbon rigid brush is much lighter and A carbon rigid brush is much lighter and therefore requires less effort and is more accurate. therefore requires less effort and is more accurate. 33

34. The Colours The Colours The colours of the brush convey its character. The colours of the brush convey its character. The sole The sole yellow yellow is bright and clearly visible from a distance. is bright and clearly visible from a distance. Red Red- -orange orange is a very bright and pleasing colour. is a very bright and pleasing colour. Both colours clearly show the dirt to be removed. Both colours clearly show the dirt to be removed. The head is a is a grey black grey black natural carbon fibre. natural carbon fibre. The connector The connector is a is a black black colour which means reliability colour which means reliability and strength. and strength. The broomstick The broomstick colours harmonize with the head and sole. colours harmonize with the head and sole. The head 34

35. The The Use to the circumstances, brushing can be done in be done in any rotation of any rotation of the brush It It is preferable is preferable to leave the brush to leave the brush near the ice ice to maximize the to maximize the brushing attack speed. brushing attack speed. A good brushing technique is to be as close as possible A good brushing technique is to be as close as possible to the to the path path of the stone so that the broomstick of the stone so that the broomstick is is at at an angle of approximately an angle of approximately 50 50° ° to 60 This position allows the brush by its broomstick This position allows the brush by its broomstick to provide the maximum compression weight needed. to provide the maximum compression weight needed. Use According According to the circumstances, brushing can the brush. . near the to 60° °. . 35

36. Illustration 1 Distance from the back line to the 2 ° T line= 36.58 m. The coefficient of friction = 3, 8N. Speed of the stone of 19 kg at starting ? Speed ice 28 sec. from the back line to the 2 ° T line. V² = 2 x 3 X 36.58 m 8N / 19 kg = 14,63² V = 3.825 m/sec . Clic here 1° Hog lines 2° Deliver 3.825 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 .5 0 Speed in meters per second 0 3.8 18 28 sec. Time in seconds for a draw The brushers brush alternatly and perpendicularly to the delivery axis, at a speed which ensures the achievement of the entire surface of the path taken by the stone. On the " Mohs " hardness scale 1.5 ice is close to that of aluminum. So there's advantage to brush the top of the highest droplets for level them, maximizing stone sliding conditions. Only a flat and rigid brush sole can ensure a flatness of the surface of the ice. 36

37. Illustration 2 Distance from the back line to the 2 ° T line= 36.58 m. The coefficient of friction = 3, 8N. Speed of the stone of 19 kg at starting ? Speed ice 28 sec. from the back line to the 2 ° T line. V² = 2 x 3 X 36.58 m 8N / 19 kg = 14,63² V = 3.825 m/sec . Clic here 1° Hog lines 2° Deliver 3.825 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 .5 0 Speed in meters per second 0 3.8 18 28 sec. Time in seconds for a draw One brusher brush more or less perpendicular to the delivery axis while the other brush lengthwise almost in line with the delivery axis. With this method the entire surface in the path of the stone is reached for sure. Many players is at an angle of around 45 °, which is great. All the brushes can cast off the frosted droplets heads, but a flat, rigid sole brush levels more and with much less effort, allowing the stone to slip much better and further. 37

38. The Benefits The Benefits More efficient and better results. More efficient and better results. Components of the brush are composite Components of the brush are composite materials and are made with precision. materials and are made with precision. Respect for the ice with a clean sole. Respect for the ice with a clean sole. Brushing is totally directional. Brushing is totally directional. Very easy to clean and dry. Very easy to clean and dry. Durable sole has a long life. Durable sole has a long life. Grooved sole surface is adjusted. Grooved sole surface is adjusted. Light and durable carbon fibre broomstick. Light and durable carbon fibre broomstick. Lightweight and available in many colours. Lightweight and available in many colours. Rapidly get into the habit of using it and quickly desire to adopt it. Rapidly get into the habit of using it and quickly desire to adopt it. Equalize the pebble but also the capacity of the brushers. Equalize the pebble but also the capacity of the brushers. Adds to the effectiveness of the brushing by a third brusher. Adds to the effectiveness of the brushing by a third brusher. Advantageous for curlers of all ages. Advantageous for curlers of all ages. 38

39. The Innovation The Innovation The method of reverse engineering The method of reverse engineering provides an analysis of existing provides an analysis of existing brushes, the needs of users, brushes, the needs of users, the problems and possible improvements. the problems and possible improvements. This led to the design of this curling brush This led to the design of this curling brush for a new generation. for a new generation. Patent: CA 2,665,086 Patent: CA 2,665,086 39

40. This presentation is a summary of a This presentation is a summary of a study that brought us to the innovative study that brought us to the innovative concept of this concept of this new curling brush. new curling brush. We will appreciate We will appreciate your comments and your comments and your interest your interest in these innovative these innovative products. products. in info@technocurling.com info@technocurling.com 40

41. In the In the same steps same steps Curling shoes, Curling shoes, soles, materials and safety improvements soles, materials and safety improvements have been made and are have been made and are patented innovation. patented innovation. Similarly, new Similarly, new Delivery Sticks Delivery Sticks , a and a and a Handle Strap Handle Strap have been made. , a Timer Buzzer Timer Buzzer have been made. Further improvements to the curling player’s personal equipment Further improvements to the curling player’s personal equipment are under study and development and the focus is on increased are under study and development and the focus is on increased comfort and safety in the activity of this sport. comfort and safety in the activity of this sport. 41

42. Designer Having a career in engineering at Laval University and at University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, Gaston Gagné reached retirement and engaged in his favourite sport - curling. Working with icemen, he introduced a study on the optimum conditions to be achieved within the walls of his curling centre. Focusing on the importance of cleanliness and maintenance of the quality of the ice, the physical capabilities of the players and the quality of the equipment available, he began the study of improved curling products that would be better suited to a curler’s needs. This led to the design of unique and innovative curling products that provide improved and accurate results. 42

43. » is used to describe the structural « « nature of our new curling equipment and thoroughness in our work. Hundreds of hours of research and development have resulted in a line of products that will enhance and improve the sport of Curling. Our Innovations Curling Brush Brush Handle Curling Shoes Handle Strap Connector Timer Buzzer Curling Sticks 43

44. Mission Statement: To improve the performance and satisfaction of all curlers with innovative and uniquely designed equipment. Share the joy with your own Share the joy with your own TechnoCurling Innovations! TechnoCurling Innovations! www.technocurling.com Gaston Gagné 2017 Pier & Rog Carlton