Mounting an iPad to a Wheelchair

Positioning a device well is essential for optimal access and use. In some cases mounting from a wheelchair may be required. Although lots of different devices can be mounted to a wheelchair, this post focuses on some of the options available for mounting a tablet.

1.    Daessy

various daessy mounts

Daedalus Technologies main product is the Dassey mounting system which has a wide range of brackets, device adaptor plates and connecting bars that will fit most communication machines and tablets onto a wheelchairs.  It’s a good option for mounting, but it’s a bit heavy duty for a light device such as an iPad.

Daessy have a number of Standard Daessy Wheelchair Mounts that allow the mount to fold behind or to the side of the chair.  They also have wheelchair mounts with the option for the user to release their mount to swing to the side and lock to out of position.

http://www.daessy.com/dms/indexm.html

If the user is able to reach a release-catch in fount of them, then swing away options may be suitable such as these two below.

Locking Swing-Away Mount DLSA7

Daessy Locking Swing Away Mount DLSA7

The DAESSY Locking Swing-Away Mount (DLSA7) The Locking Swing-Away Mount consists of a single length of tube bent to a right angle shape and supported in a clamp that allows the Mount to be swung away from the user in the manner of a gate. A Locking mechanism located at the clamp and operated by a cable running underneath the Mounted device controls the swing-away action.

Swing Aside Mount DSAM4

Daessy Swing Aside Mount DSAM4

 

The Swing Aside Mount combines the features of the Locking Swing Away Mount (DLSA7) with the lockable frame clamp components. The mount can be swung away from the user by releasing the lock-pin connected to the cable that runs below the horizontal tube.

As well as the Dassey standard mounts, custom solutions can be setup using their large range of components.

With Daessy mounts, the devices (iPads or other) can be quickly detached from the mount and the mount can be lifted completely out of the frame clamp for mount removal.

 

2.    Rehadapt

REHAdapt mount on a Wheelchair

 

Rehadapt manufacture a number of options for wheelchair mounts. Again similar to Daessy it consists of poles and connecting joints.

This is a good mounting system, light but quite expensive.  Rehadapt’s Virtual Mounting Solution offers a way to see a virtual image of your mounting needs.  First take a number of pictures from different angels of the location where mount is needed. Then note details of the make and model of the wheelchair, details of the device or switch to be used, which side it is to go on and any other requirements. Email all off to the service.  Rehadapt will then send back to you, a proposal of the mounting configuration including a superimposed image and a list of all parts needed.
http://www.rehadapt.com/index.php/en/support-en/vms

 

3.    Mount’nMover

user rotating a mount n'mover mount

Mount’nMover is a mounting system that allows the user to easily make adjustments via levers at the front of the mount. One lever allows the mounted device to be tilted 0 to 90 degrees and anywhere in between and the other lever allows the mounted device to be moved in a horizontal plane and locked in multiple positions. It comes in three versions: Dual Arm, Single Arm and Tilt’n Turner. All three attach to a wheelchair, table or floor stand.  https://www.mountnmover.com/

Video of mount https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj7dgl9-bF0

 

4.  Ram mounts

This is a more lower cost mounting solutions as Ram Mounts is a mainstream mounting system, designed for mounting tablets into cars, however it does have brackets that will allow attachment to a wheelchair.  Typically a Ram mount will consists of a clamp, ball and socket arm and a cradle for devices such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet etc.  This video shows how a tablet or can be mounted to a chair https://youtu.be/xIlQTgRtRrM

There are a number of useful clamps that could be used to attach to a wheelchair, such as the RAM Tough-Claw or the RAM Rail Base U-Bolt.

Ram Tough Claw clamp

RAM Rail Base U-Bolt clamp

https://www.rammount.com/products/toughclaw

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-231U

Arms of various sizes can connect to these brackets as well as connected together with double ball adapters.

RAM double socket arm

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-230U

The RAM X-Grip range provides useful universal tablet holders.RAM X-Grip cradle

 

 

https://www.rammount.com/products/tablets/xgrip

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