I use a lateral support on my Permobil M300 because I tilt to the left side. The only one my DME and I could find that would work for me is made by Stealth. Although it provides the support I need, it has a major drawback. To get it out of the way when I am working to the left, it swings around 180 degrees. It sticks out a good bit behind the seatback.. If I make a turn going through a doorway or near a wall, it often gets whacked out of position or bent. What I needed is a lateral that simply flipped up like the flag on my mailbox. I could not find anyone locally to make one. However, in May Sami Rahman made an intriguing post on the CC Manufacture and Vendor Forum. See /forum/showthread.php?262369-Custom-Wheelchair-Parts-Mods-and-Bearing-Tools&highlight=sami
I followed up and found Sami eager to help. I already had an outline of what I needed from when I approached some local machinists. My approach was to use most of the Stealth parts and just replace the hinge section. I made some sketches from which Sami made a mock up with a 3-D printer. I put the mockup on my old wheelchair and found that I needed to make a couple of changes. I refined my sketches and Sami made a second mock up. After one more minor tweak, Sami made the real parts from 1/8" aluminum. My custom made lateral works even better than I anticipated. I do not have to struggle with the lock-release button on the Stealth or reach way around the back of the seat to bring the lateral pad back into position. I simply nudge my custom lateral up and down with my elbow.
Below are photos of the Stealth lateral support on my manual wheelchair. You can see how far it sticks out in the back when not in use. The red button must be depressed to move it in the desired position.
Below are photos of the first plastic mock up Sami made.
The final product is in the next post window. Apparently I maxed out the allowable space here.
I am now sketching out my design for a perfect typing stick. Sami should be able to make it with his 3D printer. If you have need for a custom device or equipment modification get in touch with Sami at Disability Lab. Here is the link to his website: Http://disabilitylab.com . The cost of my lateral components was much less thaan I expected.
I followed up and found Sami eager to help. I already had an outline of what I needed from when I approached some local machinists. My approach was to use most of the Stealth parts and just replace the hinge section. I made some sketches from which Sami made a mock up with a 3-D printer. I put the mockup on my old wheelchair and found that I needed to make a couple of changes. I refined my sketches and Sami made a second mock up. After one more minor tweak, Sami made the real parts from 1/8" aluminum. My custom made lateral works even better than I anticipated. I do not have to struggle with the lock-release button on the Stealth or reach way around the back of the seat to bring the lateral pad back into position. I simply nudge my custom lateral up and down with my elbow.
Below are photos of the Stealth lateral support on my manual wheelchair. You can see how far it sticks out in the back when not in use. The red button must be depressed to move it in the desired position.
Below are photos of the first plastic mock up Sami made.
The final product is in the next post window. Apparently I maxed out the allowable space here.
I am now sketching out my design for a perfect typing stick. Sami should be able to make it with his 3D printer. If you have need for a custom device or equipment modification get in touch with Sami at Disability Lab. Here is the link to his website: Http://disabilitylab.com . The cost of my lateral components was much less thaan I expected.
And, hope the original designers got it right! (e.g., broken seat backs).
Comment