Swing (seat) - Types of Swings

Types of Swings

Tire swings are a form of swing made from a whole tire. These are often simply a new or used tire hanging from a tree on a rope. On commercially developed playground swingsets, oversized new tires are often reinforced with a circular metal bar to improve safety and are hung on chains from metal or wooden beams. They may hang vertically or hang flat, suspended from three or more points on one side. These flat type of swings can hold three or more children. Pumping is achieved by using one or two of the three chains attached to the swing, and two (or more) children can pump in turn. Tire swings can also be used in spinners, where the occupants use their feet to propel the tire.

Natural swings may be created by lianas (creeper plant) in a subtropical wild forest like Aokigahara forest near Mount Fuji.

Rope swings are swings created by tying one end of a length of rope to a tree branch, bridge, or other elevated structure. A knot or loop is usually put on the other end to prevent fraying and help the swinger stay on. Rope swings are often situated so that those swinging on them can let go and land in water deep enough to cushion the fall and to be swum around in.

The incorporation of a short board such as a skateboard in which the rider stands is called swing boarding. It is made safer by the use of an attached board and a harness for the rider.

Toddler swings are swings with a bucket shape with holes for the child's legs, or a half-bucket shape and a safety belt, that is intended to reduce the likelihood of a very young child from falling out.

Porch swings are a type of swinging bench primarily intended for adults. Porch swings are permanently mounted to the roof of a porch. The seat typically is large enough to seat about three people. Porch swings are an alternative to using rocking chairs or gliders outdoors.

Canopy swings are similar to porch swings, but they are hung on a separate frame and are usually portable. They derive their name from the canopy installed for sun protection.

Kiiking is a sport played in Estonia whereby players attempt to rotate 360 degrees around the spindle on a long swing made of seat and rigid steel bars in place in ropes or chains.

Hammock swings are portable bed swings made of lightweight material, often attached to a couple of trees in the backyard or to a hammock stand.

• A child playing on a swing suspended on chains

• Estonian traditional swing

• A canopy swing

• Kiiking swing

• Rope swing in Summit, New Jersey

• Natural swing made of lianas in Aokigahara forest near Mount Fuji in Japan

• The Happy Accidents of the Swing, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1767/8)

• The Swing Feast, by John Reinhard Weguelin (1885)

• The Swing, by John Reinhard Weguelin (1893)