ENGLISH User’s Guide Scout Mobile Positioning Chairs READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING SAVE THIS BOOK FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Customer Service Support Toll Free: 1-888-Convaid (266-8243) Phone: (310) 618-0111 Fax: (310) 618-8811 Email: custservice@convaid.com International Email: international@convaid.com Website: www.convaid.com Technical assistance or repair information hours are: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST Before Calling: Please fill in the following. Customer Service will be able to help you more quickly if the information indicated below is readily available.
Table of Contents Setting Up Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Unfolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Fitting and Positioning Guide Seat depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Seat back height . . . . . . . . . . .
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Setting Up Unpacking Check to see that the following items are included with the chair: • Left and right footplates. • Accessories as ordered. • Hex wrench (5/32”, 3/32”). Unfolding SIZE / MODEL CHART Fig.1 Scout Size Model No. 12” 14” 16” 18” SC12 SC14 SC16 SC18 Fig.2 1. Lay chair down with seat facing upward. Fig.1 2. Unlock closure strap. Fig.2 3. Stand chair on front wheels. Fig.3 4. Grasp one handle and push down on the seat tube. Fig.4 5.
SETTING UP 6. Use foot to lock the lower rear brace into a straight position. Fig.6 7. Swing footplates and armrests down into place. Fig.7 & 8 8. To keep closure strap from tangling in the wheel, velcro it onto itself. Fig.9 9. Apply wheel locks before placing individual into chair. Fig.10 Fig.6 Fig.8 Fig.7 Fig.9 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Folding 1. Before folding, front wheels of chair should be in trailing position for best results. Fig.11 Fig.11 Trailing 2. Release Velcro® on closure strap. Fig.12 3. Unlock rear brace by pushing up on center of brace with foot. Fig.13 Fig.12 ! Caution: Keep fingers free of folding mechanism. Fig.
SETTING UP 4. Flip up armrests and swing footrests to the side Fig.14. Grasp one handle and with other hand pull up on seat fabric. Fig.15 Fig.14 Fig.15 5. Lay chair flat with seat facing upward. Push on seat tubes or footplates to complete fold. Fig.16 & Fig.17 6. Move buckle on closure strap to appropriate length, wrap it securely around chair and lock. Fig.18 7. With a straight back, bend knees and lift chair as shown. Fig.19 Fig.16 Fig.17 Fig.18 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Fitting Guide Correct seating and positioning encourages good posture, which in turn aids circulation, breathing and digestion. Please take the time to properly adjust the chair to fit the user. If the user is not correctly positioned, check the accessories section of this manual to see if one or more of our accessories would help to facilitate posture or consult a physical therapist. Improper seating can cause posture problems.
FITTING GUIDE Seat back height Seat Back Height Seat back height varies according to chair size. Headrest extensions are available when extra height is needed to support the head. To determine the seat back height, measure from the seat to the upper part of the head. Fig.22 Fig.22 Seat Width Proper seat width enables the user to sit comfortably and prevents problems from developing. While user is seated on a flat surface, measure from hip to hip. Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Seat-to-Back Angle Adjustment Depending on the user’s degree of ability or prescription from a doctor or physical therapist, the back angle may need adjustment. Adjusting the back angle may also affect the seat depth. Partially fold chair to relieve fabric tension (see folding instructions on page 3). Unhook the Velcro® strip at the back of the chair connecting the seat fabric to the back fabric. Use a wrench (7/16”) to remove the bolt connecting the seat tube to the back tube.
FITTING GUIDE Depth Adjustable Crotch Strap The crotch strap can be adjusted by threading strap through desired slot. Fig.27 Fig.27 Two-piece Seat The lower seat panel is attached to the back panel with Velcro®. It is used to take up slack in the seat panel after seat depth adjustments have been made. Fig.28, 29 & 30 Fig.28 Wrong Excessive Velcro® overlap lifts seat fabric and pushes hips forward, creating poor posture and reducing effective seat depth.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE H-Harness with Padded Covers H-harness shoulder straps help the user retain upright trunk position. To adjust, insert the bolt at the end of the strap through the grommet hole in the seat back. Grommet choice should be level with or higher than the top of the shoulders. Choose a hole that will keep the user secure without the strap rubbing against the face or neck. Secure the strap with the threaded knob. Fig.31 Fig.31 Velour-covered shoulder pads for the H-harness are standard.
FITTING GUIDE Footplate Adjustment Seat-to-footplate height is measured from the back of the knee to the bottom of the heel. Feet or heels should rest comfortably on top of footplate. Fig.33 The Scout footplates are height adjustable and swing away for access or folding. Fig.33 F sup oot he port igh t Pull on ring to remove metal pin holding footplate in place. Move footplate up or down, realign holes and replace pin by pushing pin entirely through holes in tube. Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE For additional range: 4. Using a hex key (included), remove both bolts from the housing bracket on the frame. Flip the bracket upside down and replace bolts. Fig.38 & 39 5. Return the footplate extension tube to the housing bracket and secure with metal pin. Fig.40 Fig.38 Fig.39 Fig.40 Footplate Depth Adjustment All Scout models offer adjustable footplate depth. Use a hex key to loosen the two bolts located on the top of the footplate.
POSITIONING GUIDE Positioning Guide Convaid offers a wide variety of supports to help properly position the user. Note: Convaid’s chairs provide a semi-contour fit around the body. The user must be fitted correctly into the chair to achieve optimal posture and comfort. Swing-Away Adjustable Lateral Support with Scoliosis Strap Single Flap Adjustable trunk support stabilizes the trunk and maintains midline positioning. It can be pulled to one side for scoliosis correction if used with scoliosis strap.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Full Torso Swing-Away Support Vest Adjustable support vest keeps user in place comfortably and securely. Helps maintain midline seating position and prevent forward slumping. The vest is attached to the chair with straps that wrap around the seat back and connect with Velcro®, and shoulder straps that screw into the seat back. Adjust side straps for proper fit. Fig.45 Fig.
POSITIONING GUIDE Custom Seat Cutback - 1”and 2” For the smaller individual, a 1” (2.5 cm) or 2” (5 cm) cutback seat may be more comfortable and help achieve proper seating. It is available in standard or reinforced seat and must be specially ordered. Fig.48 Fig.48 Heavy-Duty Reinforced Upholstery Heavy-duty, reinforced upholstery is standard on the Scout. The padded seat and seat back come with pockets which have removable plastic stiffeners.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Headrest Extension Headrest extension fits easily into sockets on seat back. Fold chair slightly. Move rubber grommets on the mounting posts to adjust height of headrest extension. Fig.52 & 53 Fig.52 Fig.53 Foam Wedge Use wedge to modify seating or positioning or to correct posture. Fig.54-57 Fig.54 Fig.55 Fig.56 Fig.57 Foot Positioner To attach, thread strap through footplate as shown in Fig.58, then bolt strap to underside of footplate. Fig.59 Fig.58 15 Fig.
ACCESSORIES Accessories Upper Extremity Support Surface Tilt front of tray upward and insert hook under the bolt or the plastic knob. Lower the tray so that the bent portion of the support rod locks over the armrest tube. Fig.60 Fig.60 Headrest Cover (Canopy) 1. Move rubber spacers to adjust height of the canopy. 2. Insert into socket rod. Fig.61 Note: Partially fold chair before installing canopy. Folding Canopy: 1. Peel back fringe of canopy. 2. Push down on pivot to begin fold. Fig.61 3.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Grab Bar Attach one end of grab bar to the armrest tube. Pull other end of telescoping grab bar in direction shown in Fig.62 and attach. (Grab bar not available for SC16, SC18 and on transit models.) Fig.62 Transit Models Fig.63 ! Caution: Convaid belts and shoulder straps are for positioning only and are not to be used as a vehicular restraint 17 Scout models have been crash tested and performed satisfactorily at 30 mph / 20 g deceleration. Fig.
TRANSIT MODELS 3. The wheelchair tiedown straps are to be securely attached from the vehicle floor points to anchor points on the chair. All Convaid anchors are clearly identified by their red color. 4. The occupant restraint system must include a lap belt anchored on the wheelchair or on the wheelchair tiedowns, and a shoulder belt anchored to the vehicle wall/roof and lap belt anchor point. 5. All floor tiedown straps must be tightened to eliminate any forward/aft movement of chair. 6.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Miscellaneous Fabric Removal 1. Partially fold the chair to relieve fabric tension (see folding instructions on page 3). 2. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the screw located at the end of each seat tube. Fig.64 3. Loosen the four Velcro® straps located on the back of the chair. Fig.65 Fig.64 Fig.65 4. Unzip the four zippers located on the back of the chair. Fig.66 5. Lift fabric off seat tubes and away from upper handles.
WHEELS Wheels Specifications Scout wheels come standard with 8” and 12-1/2” pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Fig.68 & 69 When ordering replacements, please have the following information available: • Chair model and size • Wheel size • Tire type - ribbed or knobby Pneumatic Tire Sizes: Front Tire – Ribbed Back Tire – Knobby Size: 8” Dimensions: 2” x 8” Size: 12-1/2” Dimensions: 2” x 12-1/2” Fig.68 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Locking and Unlocking Hand Wheel Locks To lock, pull down on handle . Fig.70 To unlock, push forward on handle. Fig.71 Fig.70 Locked Fig.71 Unlocked Caster Locks Caster locks hold swivel wheels in a forward-facing position to prevent turning. To Lock: With the wheels forward facing, press down on the button located on the inside of the caster until the lock enters the hole in the metal bracket on the wheel. Fig.
WHEELS Wheel Lock Adjustment Set wheel locks to locked position. Push chair with light pressure on the rear wheels. If wheel rotates, adjust tension by turning the adjustment nut until wheels no longer rotate while locked. Fig.74 ! Caution: Wheel lock adjustment should be inspected periodically. Fig.74 Anti-Shimmy In the event that the front wheels develop a shimmy, use a wrench (3/4”) to tighten the stem nut. Adjust the stem nut clockwise until shimmy disappears. Fig.75 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Hand Brakes Use riding brakes to maintain control of wheelchair when going down an incline. A moderate squeeze to the two hand levers will slow the chair, a firm squeeze will stop the chair. Fig.76 Fig.76 When stationary, moving the handles to a full rearward position will stop the chair from moving. Fig.77 Fig.77 NOTE: Regular inspection is necessary to maintain brake system. Follow the instructions in the User’s Guide on how to adjust brakes when needed.
WHEELS Inner Pad Adjustment Turn nut Fig.79 clockwise to move pad closer to disk (wheel should spin and not grab). NOTE: Adjust when lever pressure is too high. Fig.79 Outer Pad Adjustment Insert Hex wrench (2.5 mm) into the screw Fig.80, turn clockwise to move pad closer to disk (wheel should spin and not grab). Fig.80 Brake Pad Wear Brake pads should wear no thinner than 1 mm before replacement. Fig.81 1 mm Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Removal of Brake Pads Remove calipers from the axle brackets by unscrewing Hex bolts (A) & (B) with a 5 mm wrench. Fig.82 B Fig.82 A Remove outer pad first by pulling tab downward. Fig.83 To remove inner pad, insert a 2.5 mm Hex wrench into screw (A) Fig.84 and turn clockwise until the back of the pad is clear of its housing. Clea r Ho 1 mm usin g A Fig.83 Fig.84 With a small screwdriver (A), press the pad downward until it is clear of its housing. Fig.
WHEELS To install new pads, first insert inner pad as shown Fig.88. NOTE: Spring should lightly clip onto the small post in the center of the piston and push inward. Fig.88 Using the 2.5 mm Hex wrench inserted into (A), replace the pad into the housing. At the same time, turning anti-clockwise, insert a flathead screwdriver to push the pad. Fig.89 A Fig.89 Install outer pad by dropping the spring side over the small post. Push upward until the spring clips lightly onto the post. Fig.90 Push Up Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Replacing Pads NOTE: A brake system needs some time to break in. Initially, the rubbbing of the pad on disc may cause some noise. B A Fig.91 Return calipers to the axle bracket using Hex bolts (A) and (B) and Hex wrench. Fig.91 & 92 Make sure Hex bolts are securely tightened. Test brakes for effectiveness. Brake levers should move approximately 25 mm. Fig.92 Cleaning To avoid damage to the brake seals, use only alcohol or water when cleaning the caliper parts.
ANATOMIC BACK SUPPORT FRAME Anatomic Back Support Frame The anatomic back support frame stabilizes the neck and head in a functional position to assist the development of neck-and-head righting reflexes. Removable, reformable stiffeners are located inside the fabric seat back. Stiffeners easily pull out for custom-forming with a heat gun. Fig.93 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Important Information Maintenance, Operating & Safety Instructions • READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT • ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • SAVE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE CAUTION: • For increased safety, the seat belt should be used at all times. • Do not leave user unattended. • Do not strap user too tight. • Straps should not interfere with breathing or circulation • Always apply wheel locks before letting go of the chair.
CONSUMER INFORMATION 4. Safety Instructions • Follow folding/unfolding instructions. • Never leave occupied chair unattended. • Do not attempt to take occupied chair up or down stairs, escalators, steep inclines, or icy or slippery surfaces. • To avoid tipping, do not overload the chair, or hang heavy items on the handles that might cause tipping. • Be aware of newly created sharp edges. • Frequently inspect the adjustments on the frame and the positioning accessories.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE • When going down a curb, approach the curb backwards. Lower the rear wheels down the curb and continue backwards, taking the weight off the front wheels so they can be gently lowered. • When transferring user to or from chair, apply foot wheel locks. • Maintain control of chair at all times while going up/down ramp. Avoid steep slopes, particularly with a heavy occupant. If in doubt, do not attempt a descent unless a third party is present to help maintain control of chair. 5.
CONSUMER INFORMATION MAINTENANCE CHART Rims, tires and tire pressure Wheel locks and hand brakes Accessories Front and rear wheel axles Cleaning & lubricating all moving parts Belts, zippers and Velcro closures Seat-/ back upholstery**/tautness Armrests & foam Frame Weekly Every 3 months Every 6 months As necessary • • • • • • • • • Contacting a Convaid representative for service or repair*** • * Use a non-toxic, hypoallergenic lubricant for all moving parts of the frame ** Follow cleaning instruct
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Cleaning of wheels and brakes: Wheels should be kept free of dirt or mud so as to not interfere with pushing the chair. The brakes are to be kept free of dirt or mud, so as not to interfere with locking. Wipe wheels and brakes with a moist cloth as needed and readjust brakes if indicated. Cleaning of fabric cover: Seat and back upholstery can be easily removed, washed, air dried (a Phillips head screwdriver is required) and reattached to the chair. Use standard detergent to wash fabric.
CONSUMER INFORMATION 9. Repairs User: The user can replace easily removable parts or accessories, e.g. footplates and footrest assemblies, heel loops, all fabric items, hand grips, etc. Manufacturer/Service Facility: Repair or replacement of permanently attached, worn or broken parts must be performed by a qualified service facility. Any individual part of the chair can be replaced. If the service facility is close, contact the manufacturer/service facility and the chair can be delivered in person.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE 12. Functional Tests All four wheels should make contact with the floor. With the chair empty, push it forward on a smooth level surface with enough momentum to travel six feet (2 m). The chair should not veer to the left or right more than six inches (15 cm). Wheels should be free running and the wheel locks (brakes) adjusted to adequately secure the chair. Following the fold/unfold instructions, the chair should fold/unfold smoothly without undue effort.
Limited Warranty Convaid warrants to the original retail purchaser of the Convaid product, that if any part thereof proves functionally defective in material or workmanship within the specified warranty period, such defective part will be repaired or replaced (at Convaid’s discretion) free of charge. Warranty service may be performed by an authorized service center or (at Convaid’s discretion) the factory. Warranty Period Frame & X-Braces.......................................
