IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS TO BE USED IN PLAYING GAMES SIMILAR TO THE GAME NOW KNOWN AS 'CURLING."
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Foulis, of Cairnic Lodge, Fifeshire, Scotland, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS TO BE USED IN PLAYING
GAMES SIMILAR TO THE GAME NOW KNOWN AS 'CURLING.""
Cooled the 92od Santamber 1877 and dated the 12th April 1877
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Foulis at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th April 1877.
“IMPROVEMENTS IN
ROBERT FOULIS, of Cairnie Lodge, Fifeshiro, Scotland.
APPARATUS TO BE USED IN PLAYING GAMES SIMILAR TO THE GAME NOW KNOWN AS
CURLING.'
3 »
This Invention has for its object improvements in apparatus to be used in playing
games similar to the game now known as "curling."
The game of curling is at present played on a surface of natural ice with weights,
or as they are called "stones," which are slidden along the ice towards a point
marked upon the surface. In this form the game can only be played when a frozen
surface is obtainable.
In order to admit of a similar game being played in a room or other place having
a smooth floor, I spread upon the floor a fabric similar to oilcloth, but somewhat
lighter and having a smooth face.
The fabric known as "marble baize" is that which I employ, but it requires
preparation to render it suitable for use, and this preparation consists in rubbing
the surface with a composition of wax and turpentine.
On this prepared surface, the peculiar "stones" which I employ slide much as do
the ordinary curling stones on a surface of ice.
A special peculiarity of my curling stones is that the bottom or frictional face of
the stone is composed of short bristles, set as in a brush, so that the stonestands
upon the ends of the bristles.

page_text: I form the body of the stone of wood in two parts, an upper and a lower. These
parts shut together boxwise, and between them I arrange a leaden disc of a size to
give the requisite weight to the stone.
The stone is provided with a metal handle covered so that it may not injure the
surface if from unskilful use the stone should be overturned.
The stone is also provided with a buffer ring of india-rubber all around it, so
that when in the course of play one stone comes into contact with another, the
elasticity of the india-rubber may prevent shock and facilitate the transfer of
motion from stone to stone.
a
The surface is marked with concentric circles as when the game is played
unon ice.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Robert Foulis in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 12th October
1877.
ROBERT FOULIS, of Cairnio Lodge, Fifeshire, Scotland. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS TO BE USED IN PLAYING GAMES SIMILAR TO THE GAME NOW KNOWN AS
'CURLING.'"
This Invention has for its object improvements in apparatus to be used in playing
games similar to the game now known as "curling."
The game of curling is at present played on a surface of natural ice with weights,
or as they are callod "stones," which are slidden along the ice towards a point
marked upon the surface. In this form the game can only be played when a frozen
surfaco is obtainable.
In order to admit of a similar game being played in a room or other place having
a smooth floor, I spread upon the floor a fabric similar to oilcloth, but somewhat
lighter, and having a smooth face.
The fabric known as "marble baize" is that which I employ, but it requires pre-
paration to render it suitable for use, and this preparation consists in rubbing the
surface with a composition of wax and turpentine.
Marble baize is especially convenient for use in rooms, but for larger sizes of the
game, other smooth surfaces as wood and metal may be employed, but whatever
material is employed, the surface is prepared with beeswax dissolved or rendered
semi-solid by admixture with turpentine.
On this prepared surface the peculiar "stones" which I employ slide much as do
the ordinary curling stones on a surface of ice.
A special peculiarity of my curling stones, one of which is represented in the
Drawing annexed, is that the bottom or frictional face of the stone is composed of
short bristles set as in a brush, so that the stone stands upon the ends of the
bristles.
I form the body of the stone of wood in two parts, an upper and a lower. These
parts shut together boxwise, and between them I arrange a metal disc of a size to
give the requisite weight to the stone.
The stone is provided with a metal handle covered so that it may not injure the
surface, if from unskilful use the stone should be overturned.
The stone is also provided with a buffer ring of india-rubber all around it, so that
when in the course of play one stone comes into contact with another, the elasticity
of the india-rubber may prevent shock and facilitate the transfer of motion from
stone to stone.
The surface is marked with concentric circles as when the game is played
upon ice.

page_text: What I claim is the apparatus herein described to be used in playing games
similar to the game known as "curling."
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Foulis, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven.
ROBERT FOULIS. (L.S.)