Sao Suspended Net Swing

Sao suspends a wide rope net over a reinforced rubber membrane, giving a swing that children lie on as much as sit in. The frame is stainless steel tube of 88.9 mm with 42.4 mm handles, and the net is 18 mm braided polyamide rope reinforced with galvanised steel strands.

A swing you can lie down in

The combination of a taut net and a 10 mm EPDM membrane produces a surface that yields under weight but stays flat enough to lie across. Several children can share it at once, which changes the social character of the item: instead of one user and a queue, Sao tends to hold a group in conversation while the movement continues. It is also the swing that suits children who find a conventional seat uncomfortable or difficult to hold.

• Main structure in stainless steel tube of 88.9 mm, handles in 42.4 mm tube
• Reinforced EPDM rubber membrane, 10 mm thick
• Braided polyamide rope net, 18 mm, reinforced with galvanised steel strands
• Polyamide connecting sleeves between the steel structure and the membrane
• Fixings in stainless or corrosion-resistant steel

Technical specification

Siting

The circular safety area of 5.2 m diameter is compact for a group item, and the low free height of fall of 1.0 m keeps the surfacing specification modest. Sao is therefore one of the easier collective swings to insert into an existing park, provided the circle can be kept clear on all sides.

Maintenance

Two components define the maintenance profile: the EPDM membrane, checked for tears and edge separation, and the rope net, checked for sheath abrasion where the steel reinforcement runs. Both are inspected under the routine, operational and annual regime required by EN 1176.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sao suitable for children with additional needs?

The flat, supported surface is easier to use than a moulded seat for many children, and an adult can sit alongside. It is not a substitute for a certified inclusive seat where lateral support is required.

How does it compare with a nest swing?

A nest swing cradles the user in a curved ring. Sao is flatter and firmer because of the membrane under the net, which makes lying down more comfortable and standing less so.

Can the net be retensioned?

Yes, tension is adjustable and is checked at the periodic inspection, along with the condition of the polyamide sleeves connecting the net assembly to the steel structure.