t e c h n o Curling Shoe Innovations www.technocurling.com Patent : CA 2,793,721 Manual scrolling…

Various curling shoes and soles currently on the market t e c h n o Various curling shoes and soles currently on the market

t e c h n o Current Problems Teflon sole Other Low resistance to abrasion Low in hardness Material is one hardness only Teflon cannot be molded Imperfect plane surface Must be chemically treated in order to be glued Heavy and expensive material Other Shoe heights are not always equal Shoe has round toe Risk of falling

t e c h n o Need for Improvement These pictures illustrate the main wear areas of the heel and front bones on the teflon sole. The sole of the sliding shoe should be perfectly flat for the full width. This ensures the best possible balance during the slide.

t e c h n o Shoe Height When one shoe is higher than the other (even if only half a centimetre) one leg provides more support than the other. The pelvis will then shift and potential problems occur in the back , knees and hips. Curling shoes should be the same height assuming the legs are the same length.

Incidents that Result in Injuries t e c h n o Incidents that Result in Injuries Curling falls are often caused by the sliding shoe. The sliding foot movement often results in a fall with serious injuries. More negative consequences can increase with age and reduced capabilities. Fitness exercises keep us less vulnerable to bad falls, however it is absolutely essential to make improvements to curling equipment to assure more personal safety.

Your Perfect Curling Shoe t e c h n o Your Perfect Curling Shoe 1. Size According to the width (different toes) and the length of the foot. 2. Height The maximum height of the heel of the shoe should not exceed a centimetre. Both shoes must be the same height. 3. Insulation Properly lined and insulated shoes to keep feet warm.

t e c h n o 4. Solidity Shoes must be designed to protect feet and ankles from sprains and strains. 5. Absorption The correct thickness of the inner and the outer soles absorb shock. Therefore reinforcement underneath the sole prevents unnecessary force on the tendons. 6. Best choice The right shoe size is essential. Shoes must adapt to the feet and not the reverse. Having the best curling shoes will significantly improve the release and the accuracy.

t e c h n o 7. Model The sliding foot: the flat surface of the sole can be a full size or a reduced size with various patterns that take into account certain factors e.g. shoe size, weight of the player, etc... The pushing foot: the square toe shoe fits the form of the hack. The square toe promotes good support and proper positioning of the foot during the push. Flatness on the top of the shoe keeps the foot straight during the slide to provide balance and guidance for accuracy. 

t e c h n o The Sliding Shoe A non-skid part of the sole is indented on the heel for security A flat full sole Reinforcement plates in the forefoot and heel provide perfect flatness and full width of the sliding surface. They are integrated into a molded sole and made of a specifically selected polymer which can be different strengths, surface finishes, colours, patterns or forms.

t e c h n o The Push Shoe The square toe Square toe fits the hack for better accuracy. Square toe Flat on top The sole is thicker to equalize the height of both shoes.

t e c h n o The square end of the push shoe is perpendicular to the axis of the second toe and the middle of the heel. The axis of the foot

t e c h n o The push shoe with a square toe The sliding shoe made of the same polymer which fits the shape of the hack and is flat on the top to facilitate the slide. The sliding shoe has a resistant molded sole made of a polymer whose friction decreases with its level of hardness.

t e c h n o Beneficial Improvements to the Shoe Variable hardness of the sole which modifies friction Very low coefficient of friction on the ice Full width flatness on the pressure surface Adjustable surfaces to provide various release patterns Choice of surface finish (glossy or matte) Improved safety to prevent falling Unique sole thickness High wear resistance More economical Precision manufacturing Designed to fit the hack Helps to keep the foot straight Beneficial to the balance and therefore to the slide

t e c h n o « techno » 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 Connector Brush Handle Timer Buzzer Curling Shoes Curling Sticks Handle Strap

Share the joy with your own t e c h n o Mission Statement: To improve the performance and satisfaction of all curlers with innovative and uniquely designed equipment. Share the joy with your own TechnoCurling Shoe! www.technocurling.com Gaston Gagné 2017 Pier & Rog Carlton