Glider (furniture)

A glider or platform rocker is a type of rocking chair that moves as a swing seat, where the entire frame consists of a seat attached to the base by means of a double-rocker four-bar linkage. The non-parallel suspension arms of the linkage cause the chair to simulate a rocking-chair motion as it swings back and forth.

Gliders are popular as a nursery furnishing for assisting parents in feeding newborn babies. Because pinch points are moved away from the floor, a glider is marginally safer for pets and toddlers.

History

Early patents described different mechanisms for glider chairs, such as rails[1] and four-bar linkages supported by springs.[2] Patents using a swinging seat suspended from a four-bar linkage appeared in 1939, and this is now the general configuration used by most glider chairs.[3]

Manufacturers

The primary glider manufacturers in North America are Canadian companies Dutailier and Shermag.

References

  1. ^ US 1795246, Brown, Alexander A, "Mechanical Glider", published 1930-08-23, issued 1931-03-03 
  2. ^ US 2011870, Perlesz, Hugo & Charles F Pearce, Jr, "Glider", published 1933-05-15, issued 1935-08-20 
  3. ^ For example: US 2271440, Nelems, Charles W, "Glider Chair", published 1939-11-25, issued 1942-01-27