More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
Research
1. Rocking Chair Project
Research
By: Diane Kohlin, Dan Gauvreau,
Brenna Johnson, and Amanda Schafer
2. History
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• Rocking chairs (sometimes called rockers) first made an
appearance sometime in the 1700s, although no one knows exactly
when. Stories also abound that Benjamin Franklin is the inventor
of the rocking chair, while others suggest that he did not invent the
chairs but was one of the earliest owners of one. But, regardless of
who actually invented these amazing pieces of furniture, there is
no doubt that rockers are the most comfortable of all types of
chairs available today.
• A rocking chair is different from other chairs in that it has its legs
mounted onto rockers (curved bases), which make it possible for
the chair to rock. The rocking motion of the chairs makes it sway
forwards and backwards, thus providing a very even and steady
motion that helps the occupant of the chair to relax.
• Although the first rocking chairs in existence were believed to
have originated around the early to mid 1700’s in England, the
3. rocking chair was originally utilized as a garden sitting chair. The
Windsor rocking chair was called such because of it place of
origination, Windsor Castle, around the beginning of the 1700’s. It
was a wooden rocking chair, wood being the easiest medium
through which to create such a piece of furniture, and since its
creation has given birth to many new variations of the rocking
chair; such as the glider rocking chair. In the timeline of rocking
chairs, the wicker rocking chair came after the creation of the
Windsor, which was mainly a wood rocking chair with a heavily
rounded hoop back with spindles that gave it the appearance of a
bird cage.
Materials
• Oak rocking chairs are some of the sturdiest made, and just oak
furniture alone is well known for its amazing beauty and strength.
Oak hardwood rocking chairs are not the cheapest, but they are
very much a favorite for those that want a long lasting chair.
• If you are planning on getting a quality or custom built oak rocking
chair, you might consider getting mission style oak rockers or a
high-back rocker. For those that want to just relax and watch the
sunset or sunrise, an oak recliner rocker can provide the enjoyment
and comfort needed.
• More and more popular resin rocking chairs have become. While it
was most common for the use of a rocker to be within the home,
more and more people are looking for rocking chairs and gliders
which are for outside use. With this influx of people searching for
outdoor rocking chairs, there has become a greater need to use
different materials for the construction of rocking chairs, such as
resin, wood, plastic, and other materials.
4. • The resin rocking chairs however have become of popular use in
recent times with the advancement of man. If you were wondering
a little more about resin then lets go over that. Resin is a solid
material that can pretty much withstand any weather conditions
you throw at it. It does not peel or even warp when put under
extreme heat, nor does it rust or blister if you leave it in the rain for
extended periods of time. Resin is also a scratch resistant material,
so you can count on your resin wood rocking chair lasting for quite
a while.
• Whether you buy a natural or synthetic rocking chair, be it oak
aluminum or even a resin rocking chair, you can be sure that it will
most likely last you a long time. The builders of rocking chairs
have had years to perfect them. If you need to see them, there are
quite a few online pictures and images of rocking chairs before you
make your final purchasing decision
• Softwood and Hardwood: There are softwoods and hardwoods.
Most old rocking chairs, especially the ones still in use, are made
of a hardwood such as oak. Though there are some well-made old
rockers fashioned of a softer wood such as pine, most simply have
a problem holding up to the stresses through which a rocking chair
is put. Hence, the reason many old rocking chairs that have
survived the tests of daily use for several generations are those
carved of a hardwood.
• Joinery and Screws- Most old rockers have a wood flange that
surrounds the entire seat. This flange conceals the wood brace
through which screws are passed to join the seat bottom with the
legs. Look for the original screws. Many older screws will be a bit
discolored, compared with a screw molded of soft metals in the last
century. Screws that are original to an old rocker that has lasted
several generations were made of iron or other hard metals.
6. • Note that pre-catalyzed and post catalyzed "lacquers" (aka acid
catalyzed lacquers) are reactive finishes. The term lacquer is, in
this sense, used inconsistently from product to product.
• The oil based varnishes dry from the top down by reacting with
oxygen. The catalyzed lacquers dry from the bottom up (which is
like the evaporative finishes) and the solvents migrate upwards to
the film surface and then out leaving behind molecules that then
crosslink.
• Tung oil and linseed oil are reactive finishes that cure by reacting
with oxygen, but do not really form film finishes when cured.
• Water based finishes generally fall into the coalescing category.
• Although staining furniture is optional, applying a finish is
essential to protect the wood's surface. Without a finish, wood
can dry, crack and deteriorate or -- if exposed to moisture -- swell
so that drawers and doors no longer work. A good finish prevents
swelling and cracking, protects against stains and enhances the
appearance of the wood.
• Finishes contain chemicals that can be dangerous if used without
proper safety precautions. Always wear lightweight surgical
gloves to protect the skin and protective glasses to guard the
eyes. Some finishes emit hazardous fumes, so work outdoors or
in a well-ventilated area with a fan for circulation. Wear a
charcoal respirator when working with oil-based finishes. Never
work near a gas furnace, wood-burning stove or other flame.
• Rags soiled with finish pose a fire hazard, so safely dispose of
them by placing them in a sealable container (such as a paint can)
and filling it with water.
• Every piece of furniture, whether new or antique, needs a finish,
but no single finish is right for all situations. Although at least 10
varieties and more than a dozen brands of finish are available, all
can be divided into two categories: penetrating finishes (those
that dry inside the wood) and surface finishes (those that dry on
the surface of the wood).
7. • Penetrating finishes are easier to apply and leave a more natural
look. Surface finishes are more durable but don't look as natural.
• Linseed oil is one of the oldest penetrating finishes, but it tends
to become sticky in humid weather. Danish oils also fit into the
category of penetrating finishes. Tung oil is a favorite among
woodworkers because it's easy to apply and leaves an attractive,
natural appearance.
• Apply tung oil with a rag rather than a brush. First, remove any
dust from the wood with a tack cloth. Shake the tung oil
container and apply a liberal amount to a clean cloth. Rub the oil
directly onto the wood, adding more to the cloth as necessary.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tung oil begins to feel sticky,
then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Surface Finishes
Although they don't look as natural as penetrating finishes,
surface finishes provide more durable protection. They're a better
choice for everyday pieces that will receive a lot of wear.
• Unlike tung oil, which dries inside the wood, surface finishes
such as shellac and varnish dry on top of the wood to create a
protective coating.
• Surface finishes are applied with brushes rather than rags, and a
variety of brushes are available -- each with different attributes.
Oil-based finishes may be applied with a natural brush or a
synthetic one. Apply water-based finishes with a synthetic brush,
as water may cause natural bristles to swell and become useless.
Avoid inexpensive foam brushes, as they wear out quickly and
don't lay down a smooth coat.
8. Calculations
• Finished Dimensions of a Normal Rocking Chair
Height: 29 inches (72.5 cm)
Width: 14 inches (35 cm)
Depth: 24.5 inches (61.25 cm)
• Finished Dimensions of a Toddler’s Rocking Chair:
Height: 21 inches (53.3 cm)
Width: 17 inches (43.2 cm)
Depth: 14 inches (35 cm)
The average 7 year old is 44 inches (3 feet and 8 inches) tall and 50.6
pounds.
Our chairs base would be around 1 foot and a ¼ by 1 foot and ¼ or
0.381 meters by .381 meters.
Area = Length * Width
Area= 0.381 * 0.381
Area = 0.145 m^2
Birch has a bending strength of 155 MPa. This means that it would take
155 MPa of pressure to break birch.
So our chair should be able to support a seven year old easily.
Safety
Because this is a child’s chair, safety must be incorporated into our
design. Another reason safety should be considered is because rocking
chairs are more dangerous than most chairs. This is because when
someone sits in one, it rocks back a little farther than it normally is. For
a child this could cause them to fall because they are not expecting it.
9. One consideration would be to make the chair smaller than normal. This
makes it less likely for the child to fall out, and it also makes it more
comfortable because it would fit them better. Another important
element would be to have round edges. If a chair were to have rough or
sharp edges, kids could easily hurt themselves by falling into it or hitting
it while playing.
Demand
Rocking chairs are in high demand for many reasons:
• Blood pressure falls while rocking and your respiration
slows. It is also very good for relieving stress.
• Research has shown that ADD and ADHD students are able
to learn better while in a rocking chair because of the
constant movement.
• Rocking chairs can help relieve back pain.
• For babies or young children rocking can provide social and
motor development. It also helps to calm crying babies.
Design
Wooden Slats:
These chairs are the ultimate outdoorsy child’s rocking chairs. They are
made with wooden slats for the seat as well as the back. They are very
traditional and go just fine in the kids bedroom with an outdoorsy type
of theme. People often mistake the wooden slates as being
uncomfortable but they actually are made to meet the contour of a
child’s body and are very relaxing to sit in. As a child grows, these type
of rocking chairs assist in giving them straight posture. The backs of
these chairs come in multiple designs: from 2 slats horizontally to 6 slats
vertically. It all depends upon the child’s preference.
10. Rocking Toys:
Wooden rocking vehicles, animals, and characters are definitely a big hit
these days. The girls love to rock in their favorite princess’s chariot
while the boys speed away in their rocking vehicle. Oh what a joy as
each child’s imagination goes wild in these cute and trendy rocking
devices. The animal rockers are becoming so life-like that it is scary.
Seeing a young child rocking on a long slippery python is somewhat
discomfiting, but it is the “in” thing and brings hours of enjoyment to
children and peace to parents’ sanity.
The sophisticated look of children’s rocking chairs these days are
bringing fun, excitement, and decorations into the room of each child.
They come in different designs such as the wooden slat rocker,
upholstered chair, and the wild rocking toys.
Bibliography
"Childrens Rocking Chairs." Childs Rocking Chair. Web. 17 Mar. 2011.
http://childsrockingchair.net/childrens-rocking-chairs/
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