Transfer
Board
A transfer board is used by individuals with impaired mobility to move laterally over short distances, for example, from a wheelchair to a car seat or from a bed to a wheelchair.
What is a Transfer Board?
A typical transfer board is a flat board. One end is placed under the buttocks of the individual and the other end is placed on the desired surface for transfer. The transfer takes place by lifting the individual, either by a caregiver or by him/herself, up and across in very short movements until the individual reaches the other side. This method of transfer can easily cause rubbing or pinching of the skin and the buttocks should not be dragged across the board. We have created a Transfer Board that will prevent this from happening.
Our Transfer Board
Our Transfer Board consists of two boards on top of each other with marbles in between – to reduce the friction – which prevents any pain or bruising caused to the individual.
The elevated seat, above the marbles, moves easily from one side to the other. It requires a lot less effort to move from one surface to another, than do typical Transfer Boards. It is made of commercial ply-wood and is durable, flexible and very strong.
This Transfer Board will without a doubt improve the quality of life for all wheelchair users, giving them more independence than they had before.
How our Transfer Board was born ?
A few years ago the father of my son’s friend was involved in a horrific car accident which left him with quadriplegia. After his accident I came to know Chris better as we both attended school activities at the same time.
On one occasion I helped him to get into his car from his wheelchair… what a humbling experience! Not because of Chris’s quadriplegia but because of my own, almost, inability to help him. There I was 6ft 4”, weighing in at 110kg’s STRUGGLING to help him get into his car!
This started me thinking that there must be a better way of transferring my friend. I came up with the idea of a transfer board in 2 parts: a seat and a base. The seat moves over the base from side to side… simple!
Since I am in the woodworking business, I immediately made one out of plywood. Plywood is flexible and very strong, the ideal material for the job. I found, however, that once there is weight on the seat, it creates friction between the base and the seat. No matter how we varnished, sanded and buffed, we could not get rid of the friction. We had to find a way of lifting the seat up off the base but keeping it attached to the base …Marbles!
The base now becomes a track with marbles elevating the seat. The seat has 2 guides keeping it attached to the base and it can be extended beyond the base, under the buttocks of the user. Similarly, the seat slides with little effort across to the other side and extends, once again, beyond the base, leaving the individual in the desired position. The final product is durable, flexible and strong (it handles my weight, and more, easily!).
How does it work?
Useful Tips
1. Make sure that your wheelchair is locked and that the surface you are transferring to is stable and secure.
2. Starting with the strap end, line the seat and the track up by placing the curved ends on top of one another. Let your caregiver place them together as deep as possible under your buttocks.
3. Try extending the seat a little further under your buttocks but not all the way.
4. Ensure that the track is correctly positioned on the other side. It will lift up but it does drop down once you start moving across.
5. Position yourself squarely on top of the seat.
6. Carefully slide yourself across to the other side with your caregiver’s assistance. You can also do it by placing your hands on either side of the seat, on top of the tracks. Push yourself away with the one hand and pull with the other until you reach the other side.
7. Once you’ve moved as far as the Quadrislide will allow you, you will find that the seat has extended beyond the track, and you should be fully in the desired position.
8. The Quadrislide can now be removed by pulling on the strap.
9. The Quadrslide Dimensions:
Track: 800mm x 150mm x 24mm,
Seat: 600mm x 220mm x 9mm
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Quadrislide be able to carry my weight?
The Quadrislide has been tested and proved to smoothly transfer the weight of up to 200kgs.
Will I slip off of the Quadrislide when being transferred?
The surface of the Quadrislide’s seat is finely textured to ensure safe sliding.
Is the Quadrislide heavy?
Each Quadrislide weighs 3kgs and is fitted with a carry strap for your convenience.
What are Quadrislides made of?
Your Quadrislide is carefully crafted from wood and glass marbles (Yes … marbles!)
Will I have to assemble my Quadrislide?
No! There is no need to worry about assembling the Quadrislide. Its smart design allows for a compact product pre-assembled and shipped- ready for your use.
From Our Clients
How to get your Transfer Board?
1. Requisition
Contact us via a call, WhatsApp, email, the chat below or request a quote via the submission form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get back to you with a quote and an invoice ASAP!
2. Payment
We only accept EFT payments for which the banking details will be supplied via invoice after request.
3. Shipping
Shipping within South Africa is free of cost, however shipment out of ZA will be the responsibility of the customer.
4. Get a Quote
Fill in the details below and we’ll send you a quote ASAP!
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Your needs, opinions, and feedback are very important to us.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us know about your experience with our transfer board.