The L-shape transfer door, also called the wheelchair transfer door or the L-shape outward-swing door, is the aluminum door on Ella's Transfer family. It swings outward through 172 degrees and, because of its L shape, exposes the full side of the tub. That lets a bather slide across from a wheelchair directly onto the seat instead of stepping over a wall, and it is why the Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60 and TransferXXL are designed with wheelchair users in mind.

How It Works

The handle sits on the front of the door. Swing the door fully open, position the wheelchair beside the tub, transfer onto the seat, then pull the door closed and turn the handle clockwise. The handle drives a 2-latch gear and shaft mechanism: turning it pushes two tapered pins into the frame, compressing the seal evenly. This is the same family of mechanism as the U-shape outward door, which uses three latches. The seal is just as tight with the tub empty as with it full, and the door must never be opened until the tub has completely drained. The L shape is also designed to fit over a standard toilet. See operating the L-shape transfer door and the video walkthrough in getting into a transfer tub.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every Transfer model has the L-shape door: the Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60 and TransferXXL. One owner manual covers all five; the wheelchair-transfer and L-shaped-outward-swing-door manuals on the site are the same file. The transfer tub family guide compares the five sizes and their packages.

What to Know as an Owner

Plan for the swing: the door needs about 36.5 inches of clear floor in front of the tub for its 172 degree arc, and the wheelchair needs room to sit alongside. Never put your weight on the open door during a transfer, since the door and seal warranty is valid only when the alignment is correct and has not been changed by a bather's weight; use the grab bar and the seat instead. Keep the seal clean and, each time you lock, confirm the handle completes its clockwise travel so both pins seat. If the pins stop lining up with the striker plate, or the plate itself loosens, transfer door pins and striker plate covers the adjustment. For a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850, have your model name, your order details from where you purchased, and photos of the pins, striker plate and seal.

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