GB2620959A

GB2620959A - Anti-wrap device for a swing or the like

Info

Publication number: GB2620959A
Application number: GB2210983.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lloyd Jones Hefin
Original assignee: G L Jones Playgrounds Ltd
Current assignee: G L Jones Playgrounds Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-27
Filing date: 2022-07-27
Publication date: 2024-01-31
Also published as: GB202210983D0

Abstract

An anti-wrap device for supporting a swing or the like from a crossbar 14 comprises a sleeve 18 that is assemblable around the crossbar 14, the sleeve 18 being provided with a radial channel (34, figure 2) therein; and a bearing 40 that is assemblable around the sleeve 18. The bearing 40 has an inner circumferential face (42, figure 2) which seats in the channel (34), and an opposite outer circumferential face 46 on to which a loop of a chain 12 for the swing is wrapped. The outer circumferential face 46 has a circumferential slot (48, figure 2) disposed therein for receiving the links of the chain therearound, such that, in use, the bearing 40 is rotatable on the sleeve 18 around the axis of the crossbar 14. The channel (34) and bearing 40 may have complementary radiused profiles (38’ & 42’, see figure 8).

Description

ANTI-WRAP DEVICE FOR A SWING OR THE LIKE

TECHNICAL FIELD Or THE 1A7ENTION

This invention relates to an anti-wrap device for a swing or the like. In particular, this invention relates to an anti-wrap device that is attached in pairs to the crossbar of a playground swing for suspending the chains of a swing seat therebetween, and which provides a simple, but effective, way of preventing low-level vandalism to playground equipment in a cost-effective and durable device.

BACKGROLAD

It has been known for many years that miscreants can wrap a swing seat around the crossbar of a playground swing intentionally such that the swing chains and seat become entangled around the crossbar. This, at the very least, is inconvenient and inconsiderate for other playground users, but it can also cause damage and excessive wear to the playground equipment itself; leading to increased repair or replacement costs.

In order to address this, there are a number of anti-wrap products available commercially that use a bush and a bearing which supports a swivelling hanger. The swing chains are then suspended from the hanger. The use of such swivelling anti-wrap products prevents the chains wrapping should the swing seat be "swung" over the crossbar, but such devices require a cast hanger, bush and large shackle and they can be therefore expensive to manufacture and purchase. They also require the use of large chain links at the top section of the swing chain because a larger shackle is needed to connect to the cast hanger, thereby increasing the overall costs. As they are very much a mechanical solution to this problem, using radial bearings and the like, they need regular maintenance and/or replacement.

Regulations in the United Kingdom, and in other countries, mandate that the chain placement on the crossbar must be wider than the swing seat to prevent neighbouring swing seats, disposed on the same crossbar, from swinging into each other. This can cause problems with uneven and excessive wear, as the point of suspension is not directly below the anti-wrap product.

There is therefore a need for an anti-wrap device that can be attached in pairs to the crossbar of a playground swing for suspending the chains of a swing seat therebetween, and which provides a simple, but effective, way of preventing low-level vandalism and nuisance. It is also desirable for there to be an anti-wrap device that eliminates the need for a separate cast hanger bush and large shackle, thereby saving both capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs. Without such separate cast hanger, bush and large shackle being present, it is also desirable for there to be an anti-wrap device that eliminates the need for large chain links at the top section of the swing chains, which further saves costs. It is also desirable for there to be an anti-wrap device that significantly improves durability and reduces wear on the swing chains due to its self-aligning attributes. It is also desirable for there to be an anti-wrap device that can utilise extended swing chains, or a separate short section of chain, that can be connected to the standard-length swing chains, to again save costs and increase functionality.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an anti-wrap device that can be attached in pairs to the crossbar of a playground swing for suspending the chains of a swing seat therebetween, and which provides a simple, but effective, way of preventing low-level vandalism and nuisance. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anti-wrap device that eliminates the need for a separate cast hanger bush and large shackle, thereby saving both capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anti-wrap device that eliminates the need for large chain links at the top section of the swing chains, which further saves costs. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anti-wrap device that significantly improves durability and reduces wear on the swing chains due to its self-aligning attributes. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anti-wrap device that can utilise extended swing chains, or a separate short section of chain, that can be connected to the standard-length swing chains, to again save costs and increase functionality.

SmitiARY OF THE IMENTION The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided an anti-wrap device for supporting a swing or the like from a crossbar, comprising: a sleeve that is assemblable around the crossbar, the sleeve extending longitudinally along the axis of the crossbar and being affixed around the crossbar, the sleeve being provided with a radial channel therein; and a bearing that is assemblable around the sleeve, wherein the bearing has an inner circumferential face which seats in the channel, and an opposite outer circumferential face on to which a loop of a chain for the swing is wrapped, the outer circumferential face having a circumferential slot disposed therein for receiving the links of the chain therearound, such that, in use, the bearing is rotatable on the sleeve around the axis of the crossbar.

An advantage of the present invention is that an anti-wrap device can be attached in pairs to the crossbar of a playground swing for suspending the chains of a swing seat therebetween, and which provides a simple, but effective, way of preventing low-level vandalism to playground equipment in a cost-effective and durable device.

Preferably, the sleeve is formed from two complementary-shaped sleeve halves, each sleeve half comprising a half-cylindrical through bore and a wall at the base thereof Further preferably, the two complementary-shaped sleeve halves are to be brought together around the crossbar such that their base walls are in a spaced-apart alignment and affixed together using fixing means.

In use, the fixing means may comprise one or more threaded fasteners.

Preferably, the radial channel is positioned radially between a first end and a second end of the sleeve halves and being provided with an abutment surface.

Further preferably, the radial channel is formed by complementary radial semi-circular grooves provided in the sleeve halves which promotes transverse or substantially transverse rotational movement of the bearing around the axis of the crossbar.

In use, the abutment surface of the channel is cylindrical and is coaxial with the axis of the crossbar when in use, or forms a spherical surface disposed between the first end and the second end of the sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve halves when assembled provide a sleeve that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Further preferably, the bearing is formed from two complementary-shaped bearing halves, each bearing half comprising a half-cylindrical segment having a mating face at each end thereof In use, the two complementary-shaped bearing halves may be brought together around 10 the radial channel such that the mating faces are in a face-to-face abutment and clamped together using the wrapped loop of chain, the loop of chain being secured to itself by a connector means.

Further preferably, the loop of chain passes through a large link at the end thereof, the loop of chain being secured to the large link by a connector means Preferably, the inner circumferential face of the bearing is provided as a clearance or transition fit with the abutment surface of the radial channel, such that the bearing is rotatable around the channel in a concentric manner.

Further preferably, the inner circumferential face of the bearing is half-cylindrical or forms a radiused profile.

In use, the connector means comprises a shackle and shackle pin.

Preferably, the circumferential slot disposed in the outer circumferential face of the bearing is dimensioned to receive the alternating links of the chain.

Further preferably, a pair of anti-wrap devices are spaced apart from each other on the crossbar when in use.

In use, the bearing may self-align inside the channel to a position that corresponds to the spacing of a suspended swing seat between the pair of anti-wrap devices on the crossbar.

Preferably, the wrapped loop of chain is calibrated chain, the loop of calibrated chain being secured to itself by a connector means, and onto which a swing chain is suspended Further preferably, the swing seat is coupled between a pair of anti-wrap devices In use, an A-frame of a wheelchair swing may be coupled between a pair of anti-wrap devices.

Preferably, the sleeve and/or bearing is formed via lathe or Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machining and/or injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or vacuum forming and/or rotational moulding and/or compression moulding and/or rim moulding and/or powder impression moulding and/or additive manufacturing and/or 3D printing.

Further preferably, the sleeve and/or bearing are manufactured from a suitable plastics material selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: Nylon (PA), Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (IIDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Tufcoat (PMNIA) thermoplastic polymer or blends thereof It is believed that an anti-wrap device for a swing or the like in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIP1101\1 OF THE DRAIVIVGS The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side plan view of an anti-wrap device for a swing in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded side perspective view of an anti-wrap device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view from the side and above of an assembled anti-wrap device in accordance with the present invention; Figures 4a and 4b are front and side sectional views, respectively, of an assembled anti-wrap device in accordance with the present invention, Figure 5 is a side plan view of an anti-wrap device for a swing in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 shows an exploded side perspective view of an anti-wrap device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view from the side and above of an assembled anti-wrap device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, Figures 8a and 8b are front and side sectional views, respectively, of an assembled anti-wrap device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 shows an exploded side perspective view of an anti-wrap device in accordance with the present invention being utilised to suspend a wheelchair swing or the like, and Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view from the side and above of an anti-wrap device of the present invention being utilised with an alternative chain configuration and connector that provides for improved circumferential adjustment around the bearing.

DEL IILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EATBODRIENTS

The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising an anti-wrap device that can be attached in pairs to the crossbar of a playground swing for suspending the chains of a swing seat therebetween, and which provides a simple, but effective, way of preventing low-level vandalism and nuisance. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides an anti-wrap device that eliminates the need for a separate cast hanger, bush and large shackle, thereby saving both capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides an anti-wrap device that eliminates the need for large chain links at the top section of the swing chains, which further saves costs. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides an anti-wrap device that significantly improves durability and reduces wear on the swing chains due to its self-aligning attributes. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides an anti-wrap device that can utilise extended swing chains, or a separate short section of chain, that can be connected to the standard-length swing chains, to again save costs and increase functionality.

Referring now to the drawings, an anti-wrap device 10 for a swing or the like according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. Specifically, the anti-wrap device 10 is for suspending a swing seat (not shown) via a section of swing chain 12 to a crossbar 14 of a playground swing or the like Clearly, what is shown in Figures 1 and 2 is one such swing chain, and, in use, a pair of such anti-wrap devices 10 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the crossbar 14 and each supporting swing chains 12 between a swing seat (not shown) The anti-wrap device 10 comprises a sleeve portion 18, that is formed from two complementary-shaped halves 18a, 18b that are assemblable around the crossbar 14 when in use. The complementary-shaped halves 18a, 18b are largely identical in shape, however, the first half 18a of the sleeve 18 is configured having openings 20 that each include an internal threaded portion therein. In the second half 18b of the sleeve 18, the openings 22 are provided as through bores which each additionally include a counterbore opening 24 in the outer rim 32 thereof and which can receive a plurality of threaded fasteners 26 to secure the two halves 18a, 18b of the sleeve 18 around the crossbar 14.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the two halves 18a, 18b of the sleeve 18 can be identical in shape to further reduce tooling and manufacturing costs In this embodiment, instead of having openings 20 that include an internal threaded portion, the openings 20 would be identical to through bore openings 22, such that a nut (not shown) would be received within the counterbore 24 to connect to the threaded fastener 26 when in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the head of the threaded fastener 26 is provided having an anti-tamper drive As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the assembled sleeve 18 is formed as a generally open cylinder having a first end 28 and an opposite second end 30. Running axially through the assembled sleeve 18 is a through bore 16 into which the crossbar 14 is received when in use.

Positioned axially between the first end 28 and the second end 30 of the sleeve 18 is a circumferentially-continuous outer rim 32 into which the openings 20, 22 are disposed as a parallel chord across the outer diameter 32 of the assembled sleeve 18. The openings 20, 22 are aligned in an face-to-face arrangement for the purpose of assembling and affixing the anti-wrap device 10 around the crossbar 14 using threaded fasteners 26. The two halves 18a, 18b of the sleeve 18 being proximate to each other along respective base walls 54a, 54b. As best shown in Figures 1 and 3, in use, the walls 54a, 54b are brought into a face-to-face arrangement with the axial through bore 16 of the assembled sleeve 18 around the crossbar 14. The two halves 18a, 18b of the sleeve 18 are dimensioned such that there is a gap 70 between the base walls 54a, 54b of the assembled sleeve 18 to allow for tensioning the sleeve 18 securely on the crossbar 14.

The diameter of the first end 28 of the outer rim 32 is generally the same as that at the second end 30 of the outer rim 32. Disposed generally midway between the first end 28 and the second end 30 of the sleeve 18 is a circumferentially-continuous channel 34 which has a diameter less than the rim 32 disposed at the first end 28 and the second end 30. The continuous channel 34 is formed by two identical semi-circular cut-outs or grooves 34a, 34b being disposed in the complementary-shaped halves 18a, 18b, as best shown in Figure 2.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the channel 34 has radial end faces 36 and a generally flat axial abutment face 38. It is into this channel 34, between the radial end faces 36, that a rotating annular bearing 40 is positioned.

The bearing 40 is formed from two complementary-shaped segments 40a, 40b. The complementary-shaped halves 40a, 40b are identical in shape and each formed as semicircular-shaped segments. Each of the complementary-shaped halves 40a, 40b has a semicircular-shaped inner face 42 and a pair of radial end faces 44. As perhaps best shown in Figure 4a, when assembled, the annular bearing 40 is seated within the channel 34 formed in the sleeve 18, and is configured as an axial bearing which provides an axis of rotation that is transverse to the axis of the crossbar 14. In use, there is a clearance or transition Et between the abutment face 38 of the channel 34 and the inner face 42 of the bearing 40, such that the bearing 40 is rotatable around the sleeve 18 in a concentric manner.

Opposite to the inner face 42 is a circumferential outer face 46. Disposed in the circumferential outer face 46 is a circumferential slot 48. The slot 48 is dimensioned such that it can receive individual alternating links of a chain 12. In use, a single loop of chain 12 is wound around the bearing 40, and which is secured by a connector. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector can be provided by a shackle 50 and shackle pin 52 or the like. The loop of chain 12 is used to circumferentially clamp the bearing halves 40a, 40b together in the channel 34 formed in the sleeve 18. In this way, the chain 12 which projects radially from the axis of the crossbar 14, is able to rotate completely around the crossbar 14 and the swing chain 12 cannot wrap around the crossbar 14.

The skilled person will understand that the outer diameter of both the circumferential outer face 46 and slot 48 will be dimensioned such that the links of the chain 12 form a continuous loop of chain links around the bearing 40 to secure it in place in the channel 34. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, thirteen links of chain 12 are wound in a single loop around the bearing 40 and secured by the shackle 50 and shackle pin 52. This is in no way intended to be limiting as the present invention can be implemented using any number of chain links 12.

Alternatively, a short loop of calibrated chain (not shown) can be used around the bearing 40, together with a shackle 50 and shackle pin 52 and onto which the swing chain 12 can be suspended.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both the sleeve 18 and bearing 40 are formed from Nylon (PA) As perhaps best shown in Figure 1, it can be seen that the swing chain 12 suspended from the anti-wrap device 10 does not project straight downwards (transverse to the crossbar 14), but is tensioned at an shallow angle. This is because in the United Kingdom, and in other countries, there are regulations which specify that the chain width on the crossbar 14 must be wider than the swing seat to prevent neighbouring swing seats, disposed on the same crossbar 14, from swinging into each other.

This can cause problems with uneven and excessive wear, as the point of suspension is not directly below the anti-wrap device 10.

Figures 5 to 8 shows a second embodiment of the anti-wrap device 10 of the present invention The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the channel 34' formed between the first end 28 and second end 30 of the sleeve 18 forms a segment that is substantially spherical and having a radius r from the axis of the crossbar 14 (see Figure 8a). The corresponding abutment face 38' on the bearing 40 has a complementary radiused profile.

In this way, the bearing 40 of the second embodiment is capable of motion around the channel 34' in an indefinite number of axes from one common centre. The bearing 40 is therefore able to self-align inside the channel 34' to a position that best corresponds to the spacing of the pair of anti-wrap devices on the crossbar 14. The axis of rotation being limited by abutment of one of the end faces 44 of the bearing 40 against one of the end faces 36 of the sleeve 18. The axis of rotation is indicated by line B-B' shown in Figure 8a for illustrative purposes only.

Such a configuration therefore reduces wear on all components of the anti-wrap device 10, including the swing chains 12, maximising the life of the components and minimising both capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs.

Figure 9 shows that the anti-wrap device 10 of the present invention can be utilised to support a wheelchair swing (not shown) or the like. With this type of swing, a pair of A-frames are suspended from the crossbar 14 and provide a gated platform on to which a wheelchair or the like can be secured (not shown in Figure 9 for reasons of clarity) The anti-wrap device 10 of the present invention can be used to suspend such A-frames 56 of a wheelchair swing.

Instead of a loop of chain 12 being wrapped around the bearing 40 and secured by a shackle 50 and shackle pin 52, the outer circumferential face 46 having a circumferential slot disposed therein 48 receives the alternating links of a short section of chain 58, such that, in use, the rotating bearing 40 is secured around the sleeve 18.

The short section of chain 58 is secured around the bearing 40 by a clamp 60, that is formed from two complementary-shaped plates 60a, 60b. The complementary-shaped plates 60a, 60b are largely identical in shape, however, the first complementary-shaped plate 60a is configured having a series of threaded internal openings (not shown) therein. The first complementary-shaped plate 60a is also fixedly attached to the arms of the A-frame 56 having a welded construction.

In complementary-shaped plate 60b, the internal openings (not shown) are provided as through bores and which receive a plurality of threaded fasteners 62 to secure the two halves 60a, 60b around the section of chain 58. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the threaded fasteners pass through the chain links positioned at the ends thereof 64, 64', and the tertiary chain links 66, 66'. The plates 60a, 60b each have a radiused cut-out 68 that, in use, is proximate to the first and second ends 28, 30 of the sleeve 18.

Figure 10 shows the anti-wrap device 10 of the present invention being utilised with an alternative chain 12' configuration and connector that provides for improved circumferential adjustment around the bearing 40. The skilled person will appreciate that the varying pitch of non-calibrated chains means that a fixed-sized shackle 50 might not work with every non-calibrated chain 12 because the individual links may not form a compete continuous loop of chain links that align around the bearing 40.

Figure 10 shows an alternative connection method that allows for adjustment, and which still holds the chain 12' tight around the bearing 40. In this embodiment, a large link 72 on the end the chain 12' can be wrapped around the bearing 40 and the other end of the chain 12jfed through the large link 72 to form a loop. This loop can then be secured with a connector, which is shown as a shackle 50 and shackle pin 52 in Figure 10, or some alternative locking means can be fitted where the chain links intersect.

This would be applicable to all of the chain attachment methods described herein, including a full length of swing chain 12, short loop of chain 12, and full chain 12' fed back through a large link 72, for both non-calibrated and calibrated chains In a preferred embodiment, the anti-wrap device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from a polymer such as Nylon (PA). Alternatively, the anti-wrap device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from a polymer such as Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Aciylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Tufcoat (PMMA) thermoplastic polymer or blends thereof The polymer material may be formed from a blend of virgin and/or recycled polymers from both post-industrial and domestic waste streams. Equally, the skilled person will appreciate that the anti-wrap device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

The anti-wrap device 10 and parts thereof can be supplied in a number of different colours.

The anti-wrap device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be manufactured using techniques such as a lathe or Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machining, injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics or rubber manufacture, as additive manufacturing or 3D printing. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

In an alternative embodiment, the anti-wrap device 10 described herein and parts thereof can be manufactured can be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, e.g., machined, pressed, extmded, cast or forged from a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, stainless-steel and combinations and alloys thereof.

Therefore, the anti-wrap device 10 according to the present invention provides a simple, but effective, way of preventing low-level vandalism to playground equipment in a cost-effective and durable device. As there is no need for heavy shackles, bespoke cast hangers and the like, the anti-wrap device 10 provides an economical solution. The self-aligning functionality reducing wear on all components, maximising the life of the components and minimising both capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The singular forms "a", "an" and -the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments.

It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims

Claims

CLAIMS1. An anti-wrap device for supporting a swing or the like from a crossbar, comprising: a sleeve that is assemblable around the crossbar, the sleeve extending longitudinally along the axis of the crossbar and being affixed around the crossbar, the sleeve being provided with a radial channel therein; and a bearing that is assemblable around the sleeve, wherein the bearing has an inner circumferential face which seats in the channel, and an opposite outer circumferential face on to which a loop of a chain for the swing is wrapped, the outer circumferential face having a circumferential slot disposed therein for receiving the links of the chain therearound, such that, in use, the bearing is rotatable on the sleeve around the axis of the crossbar.
2. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is formed from two complementary-shaped sleeve halves, each sleeve half comprising a half-cylindrical through bore and a wall at the base thereof
3. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the two complementary-shaped sleeve halves are to be brought together around the crossbar such that their base walls are in a spaced-apart alignment and affixed together using fixing means.
4. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fixing means comprise one or more threaded fasteners.
5. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the radial channel is positioned radially between a first end and a second end of the sleeve halves and being provided with an abutment surface.
6. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the radial channel is formed by complementary radial semi-circular grooves provided in the sleeve halves which promotes transverse or substantially transverse rotational movement of the bearing around the axis of the crossbar.
7. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the abutment surface of the channel is cylindrical and is coaxial with the axis of the crossbar when in use, or forms a spherical surface disposed between the first end and the second end of the sleeve
8. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the sleeve halves when assembled provide a sleeve that is substantially cylindrical in shape.
9. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the bearing is formed from two complementary-shaped bearing halves, each bearing half comprising a half-cylindrical segment having a mating face at each end thereof
10. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the two complementary-shaped bearing halves are brought together around the radial channel such that the mating faces are in a face-to-face abutment and clamped together using the wrapped loop of chain, the loop of chain being secured to itself by a connector means.
11. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the loop of chain passes through a large link at the end thereof, the loop of chain being secured to the large link by a connector means.
12. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner circumferential face of the bearing is provided as a clearance or transition fit with the abutment surface of the radial channel, such that the bearing is rotatable around the channel in a concentric 25 manner.
13. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner circumferential face of the bearing is half-cylindrical or forms a radiused profile.
14. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claims 10 or 11, wherein the connector means comprises a shackle and shackle pin.
15. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim L wherein the circumferential slot disposed in the outer circumferential face of the bearing is dimensioned to receive the alternating links of the chain
16. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a pair of anti-wrap devices are spaced apart from each other on the crossbar when in use.
17. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bearing self-aligns inside the channel to a position that corresponds to the spacing of a suspended swing seat between the pair of anti-wrap devices on the crossbar.
18. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claims 10 or 11, wherein the wrapped loop of chain is calibrated chain, the loop of calibrated chain being secured to itself by a connector means, and onto which a swing chain is suspended.
19. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the swing seat is coupled between a pair of anti-wrap devices.
20. The anti-wrap device as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein an A-frame of a wheelchair swing is coupled between a pair of anti-wrap devices.
21. The mute as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve and/or bearing is formed via lathe or Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machining and/or injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or vacuum forming and/or rotational moulding and/or compression moulding and/or rim moulding and/or powder impression moulding and/or additive manufacturing and/or 3D printing.
22. The anti-wrap device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve and/or bearing are manufactured from a suitable plastics material selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: Nylon (PA), Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (1-1DPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Tufcoat (PMMA) thermoplastic polymer or blends thereof.