Thread: Making a rocking chair safe

Maybe a pair of rails which sit on the ground, with the rocker between. Overlay with leather /something to conceal the gap? Like a handbrake shroud.

Two possibilities;

Firstly mount it on a glider system; these use non-parallel arms to simulate a rocking motion. HERE is a commercial product.

Secondly suspend it from a big A-frame.

You can buy rocking chair "swivel" base mechanisms, which give you both a swivel and rocking motion such as in an office chair. If you are making a two seater, use two of these (one at each end of the seat). This would provide the rocking motion without the "swivel". The area under the seat where these are mounted could easily be enclosed to prevent access to fingers etc.

Screenshot 2023-03-18 at 11.11.24 am.jpg

To find plenty of examples, just google "rocking chair pivot".

Alternatively, just find a couple of old office chairs that are about to be thrown out and remove the swivel / pivot bases from them.

Since Wednesday I researched some more and came across the glider system. That seems easier to make safe so I'm proceeding down that route at present. Can't find any local (Australian) supplier of the glider brackets so will fabricate my own.

Right now I'm rigging up a prototype to determine the ideal gliding/rocking motion. That will determine the bracket length.

I have not yet located any research on the ideal "rocking" motion for humans so if anyone knows of something I'd love to hear about it.
By rocking I mean the combination of back and forward movement together with up and down movement.

Are you trying to solve a problem that does not exist, Harry?

My grandparents had a pair of rockers that allegedly came from Nan's grandparents. They were then inherited by Mum and then me. Always seemed to be pets and kids in the houses - favourite was for kids to stand on the rockers while Nan rocked. Nice memories.

I do not recall any accidents involving kids, pets or adults. Nor were their any family stories of accidents. My memories go back over 70 years - and family legends probably another 50 years.

The only problem we had was that they move around a little, and occasionally they would touch and mark a wall or another piece of furniture.

Safety guarding around the rocking mechanism
Barrier fencing to prevent unauthorized entry
Safety training & induction before use
PPE requirements sign posted
Safe as houses,

Originally Posted by Nutz

Safety guarding around the rocking mechanism
Barrier fencing to prevent unauthorized entry
Safety training & induction before use
PPE requirements sign posted
Safe as houses,

You will also need to wear a hard hat and knee pads in case you fall off.

Well, joking aside and for the benefit or future readers, a sensible risk assessment of a potential hazard considers many factors. History and experience are a couple of factors. Your experience Graeme indicates no reports of issues. My experience and knowledge differs.

The physical location of the bench chair and the local environment means the potential of injury to animals is significant. I will create a solution, and I'm nearly there, or the chair will not be made. Still happy to hear of any ideas.

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

You will also need to wear a hard hat and knee pads in case you fall off.

Oops, my bad. Forgot about those, obviously a poor quality risk assessment on my part.

Harry,
Have you considered a swing? Make it high enough to clear the dog.
Nutz

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

... You will also need to wear a hard hat and knee pads in case you fall off. ...

Originally Posted by Nutz

Oops, my bad. Forgot about those, obviously a poor quality risk assessment on my part. ...

Oops, got my priorities amuk. You will also need a cricket box - cannot be too careful.

This is my solution to a safe rocking mechanism and rocking bench chair. I'm 99.9% certain none of the local reptiles or other animals sharing my space will ever be injured.
Feel free to copy and improve.....

That should work well, Harry.

A classic case of parallel development? My 20+ year old garden rocker also has a similar "hanging rocker" system, albeit fully exposed rather than being enclosed like yours.

Garden Rocker.JPG

Originally Posted by harry wall

This is my solution to a safe rocking mechanism and rocking bench chair. I'm 99.9% certain none of the local reptiles or other animals sharing my space will ever be injured.
Feel free to copy and improve.....

I actually like the look of it.

but

just when you think you've made something idiot proof, the world comes along with a bigger idiot