This article is sponsored by Raz Design. In this Voices interview, Mobility Management sits down with David Harding, CEO of Raz Design, to talk about their product Trakz and its impact on the mobility and rehabilitation space. He explains how Raz is driving innovation with this product and other unique features such as toolless assembly and their patented Zbrilok® safety lock system. He also provides a look at what’s to come for Raz and its clients as they expand and refine the Trakz product line.
What life and career experiences do you most draw from, in your role today?
I was the president of a mid-sized CRT supply company where we were constantly faced with mediocre products from large multi-line suppliers unwilling or unable to commit their engineering resources to product improvement. In the late 80s, we started modifying existing products to better meet the needs of our customers. Some of the most commonly modified products were rehab shower commode chairs, which laid the foundation for Raz and the products we are designing today.
What is Trakz, and why is it such an important product for Raz?
For a lot of reasons, not everyone with a physical disability has a roll-in shower. Trakz is a solution known generically as tub slider system, and it allows people to be bathed over a tub rather than in bed. This is a new category for Raz.
When we decided to enter this space, we did so with the conviction that the Raz would set itself apart by integrating a safety device to prevent chairs from accidentally leaving the tracks, potentially injuring the user.
How is Trakz driving innovation in the mobility space, and what outcomes have you seen as a result?
We believe Trakz is the safest tub slider on the market because of its fail-safe bridge connection system called Zbrilok®. We introduced other design innovations such as tool-less set-up and 35∘ of rotational tilt, but Zbrilok® is the cornerstone of this product’s design.
Tell us about Zbrilok®. What is it, how does it work and what impact is it having?
Trakz is the world’s first tub slider with a patented safety feature Zbrilok®, which consists of two latches and a hinged cover plate. The latches connect the bridge to both bases with one latch per base. When both latches are fastened to their respective bases, the cover can be fully closed. The lid, if not closed, acts as a blocker, preventing the seat portion from moving from either base and onto the bridge.
Given Trakz’s impact on the U.S. market, how is Raz preparing to meet the growing international demand?
Tub sliders are not universally used, though we are seeing a growing demand in New Zealand, Australia and a few European countries. We have no concerns about meeting demand.
What is on the horizon for the Trakz product line?
We are currently developing a bariatric model, a pediatric, small adult model, and a shower slider, all set for release in 2025.
Finish this sentence: “In the mobility space, 2025 will be defined by…”
…new product introductions, and continued domestic and international growth.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited for length and clarity.
To learn more about Trakz tub sliders, visit us at razdesigninc.com/index.php/shower-commode-chair/raz-trakz-tub-slider-system/
Zbrilok® is patented in North America (patent #11,819,466) and patent pending in the rest of the world.
The Voices Series is a sponsored content program featuring leading executives discussing trends, topics and more shaping their industry in a question-and-answer format. For more information on Voices, please contact sales@agingmedia.com.