Wheelchair Swings

[geologist]

So I'm embarking on the Amazing Workshop's latest endeavor -- designing some handicapped swings for local playgrounds and parks, as part of an outreach program by a local Autism group.

These damned swings are pretty pricey, but I think I can build it much cheaper:

Has anyone ever tried building one of these? I'm no ZTFab by any means, but I'm confident enough in my skills that I could weld some of these with no problems.

 

[gbsmithy08]

YA I think it would be doable. Chain is cheap and the platform could be made out of Expandable metal and angle iron instead of the perforated plate. That plate right there is most of the cost that has all those little holes in it. You can get the chain thru this website http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-chain/=iyfvvh
This is good chain here for what they were probably using.
Also the expandable metal is like $35.00 for a 4'x8' sheet of 1/2" expandable metal roughly 1/16" thick.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For safety sake, do NOT use eye hooks that screw/lag into wood ! They will eventually pull out.

You want eye hooks that require a washer and nut to hold them. Use thread locker or nylock nuts.

 

[danski0224]

One reason the manufactured swings are so pricey is the liability that is assumed by the manufacturer.

If you fabricate these, that entity is you.

There is more to it than whether or not you can buy the parts and weld it up.

 

[sprint7]

One reason the manufactured swings are so pricey is the liability that is assumed by the manufacturer.

If you fabricate these, that entity is you.

There is more to it than whether or not you can buy the parts and weld it up.

X's 10

 

[NASTYZEN]

One reason the manufactured swings are so pricey is the liability that is assumed by the manufacturer.

If you fabricate these, that entity is you.

There is more to it than whether or not you can buy the parts and weld it up.

That's why I won't touch soccer goal posts, swings or anything else that goes in a park or gym.
Too bad I can't help out the community, even sad....
Not worth loosing my livelihood over it.

 

[geologist]

Liability is being assumed by the city after placement, and the swings will be constructed under an LLC formed just for this purpose. I would like to get the county engineer involved as well to oversee construction.

 

[danski0224]

Liability is being assumed by the city after placement, and the swings will be constructed under an LLC formed just for this purpose. I would like to get the county engineer involved as well to oversee construction.

Sure seems like a lot of effort for this project.

Do you intend to dissolve the LLC after these things are installed?

What makes you think/assume that if someting were to happen, the lawyers would leave you alone in the future?

Hopefully, you will get everything in writing... not that it will put you 100% in the clear.

Good luck.

 

[srmofo]

Use 4 chains and 4 mounting locations at the platform and overhead. That way the platform will always swing level. Install a dropgate on the platform so the wheel chair can be loaded.

The next step is figuring out how to secure the wheelchair considering there is not a universal design

 

[Bruce Amacker]

Hopefully, you will get everything in writing... not that it will put you 100% in the clear.

Good luck.

Correct. Even a written release contract, signed and notarized by all parties will not release you from liability on this product. Talk to your attorney, he'll tell you the same thing. They can (and will) sue through corporations to get you, too.

Good luck, you're going to need it.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

You could limit your liability by placing a 'swing at your own risk sign'. LOL

 

[Az Scooter]

^^ha ha ha ha ha ^^^

 

[geologist]

Suffice to say that even if someone sued, they wouldn't get much. Maybe 2 pennies to rub together to make them feel better. A million dollar a year daughter pretty much insures that:

1.) I don't have heaps of free cash flow, and even if I did, its accounted for elsewhere.
2.) My existing assets are protected in ways you can't imagine (or maybe you can).
3.) My net income after deductions and expenses is zero.
4.) I have less than $15k in potentially exposed assets. However, the bulk of that is exempted.

So, good luck with that. Also, the thread was about the fabrication, not the discussion of 184,406 legal wranglings for litigious people to take everything I own. While I appreciate the concern, realize that some of you guys would **** bricks if you saw some of the stuff I do for my community.

 

[danski0224]

...Also, the thread was about the fabrication...

Well, you did post a picture of the swing style, and the picture is a pretty good one. Really not much to discuss considering that you apparently have "everything else" covered.

Are you looking for a cut list?

 

[geologist]

Well, you did post a picture of the swing style, and the picture is a pretty good one. Really not much to discuss considering that you apparently have "everything else" covered.

Are you looking for a cut list?

...just thinking that perhaps there could be various improvements. Guys around here build all kinds of stuff, and it's always better to toss around fabrication ideas.

 

[Kevin54]

It's a damn shame that we live in a society that we have to be so afraid to do anything for fear of being sued.

The swings are a great idea and there is no reason that you can't make them. Make it so it is triple the strength of one that you would buy. If you can't weld, then make the parts and have someone weld it that is certified in welding. If you can weld but not machine, then have someone machine the parts for you. Since this will be for handicapped kids, I would think that you could get some deals on the welding or machining. If I had the equipment I need and hopefully will have before long, I'd be more than happy to help you out.

If you plan on making quite a few of these, talk with a lawyer and see what you would have to do, or what wording that you would need in advertising that would keep you exempt from any liability issues.