Some important information about the dynamics of swinging and
keeping a portable swing frame stable
As our therapy swing frames are now being used more for a post adolescent population, we want to address the needs of these older swingers who are also stronger, heavier, and (hopefully) more independent.
Keeping a swing frame stable and safe is affected by 3 main dynamics of swinging
1.Combined weight of swinger and swing
2.Radius of the arc (length of rope)
3.Force of the swinging (how high up they are swinging
Also, please note; the more slick the floor the more likely the legs will wander.
Your overview; what kind of swinging are you looking for and how big are the people, for now and in the future, who will be using the equipment? The vigorous swinging of an older heavy person will need a sturdier frame. Another heavy person may need only slight motion and can do well with either a Homestand II or HPSI frame
For instance, here is a picture of 3 guys all over 200 lbs., about 650 Lbs total on the Homestand II.
The frame is taking the weight, but the swinging is very light. This is very static swinging, back and forth well within the spread of the legs. Also, note the Plywood Platform swing is about 2 feet off the ground for a shorter radius and the legs are less likely to move around in the front lawn.
On the same setup a 50 or 60 lb. child on a light weight swing (like the 20 Lb Plywood Platform pictured here) can pretty much have any safe swinging movement they desire, even on a hardwood floor, just don't bang into the legs. A 150 lb person can swing just to the spread of the legs, go outside and the frame will want to shift.
Here we are most concerned with swinging front to back. Circular swinging (not spinning) like on a tire swing is not recommended, the frame will shift and feel unstable. However both the frames are made for spinning off the center swivel.
So, we have decided to be more prudent and lower the weight capabilities of the Homestand II, to now 250 Lbs and the HPSI model is now 275 Lbs. and to develop the VLF model portable swing frame to address the needs of this growing population.
The VLF (Very Large Frame) is twice as wide, a little taller, heavier, still portable, and built to take a variety of swinging motions.
With this important explanation of stability we hope you can make a better informed choice and enjoy a safer swinging experience with equipment that will work for you now and in the future
.
|
