ENGLISH User’s Guide CuddleBug Tilt-In-Space Wheelchair 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 information. 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 Guide Seat depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Seat width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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”). Unfolding 1. Lay chair down with seat facing upward. Fig. 1 2. Push in grey detent buttons on the footplate, and swing footplate out and upward until parallel with the ground. Fig. 2 Fig.1 3. Squeeze the recline lever on the right side of the chair’s handle and lift seat back into full upright position. Fig.
SETTING UP 4. Squeeze the lever located on the back of the seat and pull up on chair. Fig 4 5. Adjust handles and foot plate into desired position. Fig.4 6. Apply wheel locks before placing individual in chair. Fig. 5 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Folding 1. Before folding, the front wheels of chair should be in a forward facing position for best results. Fig. 6 2. Tilt chair in upright position. 3. Push in grey detent buttons on the footplate, and swing footplate out and upward until parallel with the ground. Fig. 7 Fig.6 Fig.7 4. Apply wheel locks. Fig. 8 5. Squeeze the lever located on the back of the seat and push forward and down. Fig. 9 Release the lever when the chair is at its lowest position. Fig.8 3 Fig.
SETTING UP 6. Once the chair is in the Lo position, locate the red loop next to the Hi/Lo lever and pull to the far left with an index finger. Fig. 10 7. While holding the red loop, squeeze the recline lever on the right side of the chair's handle and recline the back all the way down. Fig. 11& 12 Fig.10 Fig.11 Fig.12 8. Push in grey detent buttons on the handle, and rotate handle back into chair. 9. Push in grey detent buttons on the footplate, and rotate footplate back under chair. Fig. 13 10.
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. Seat Depth Measure from the most posterior portion of the buttocks to the back of the knee. Subtract from that measurement 1-2” to allow adequate clearance between the seat and the back of the knee. Fig.14a To Adjust: 1. Apply wheel locks. 2.
FITTING GUIDE 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. 15a The user should have enough room to prevent hips and thighs from rubbing against the frame. However, the chair should not be too wide or the user will slide around and posture could be affected. Seat width is measured from the inside walls of the seat pan. Fig. 15b Fig.15a Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Seat-to-Footplate Height Adjustment Seat-to-footplate height is measured from the back of the knee to the bottom of the heel. Soles of the feet or heels should rest comfortably on top of footplates. Fig. 17a Fig.17a F sup oot hei port ght The soles of the feet or heels should rest comfortably on top of the footplates. To achieve this, remove detent pins on the front of the leg tubes, slide the footplate to the desired position and reinsert the pins. Fig.
FITTING GUIDE To achieve comfortable foot placement, the footplate angle may be adjusted. First loosen the four bolts on the outer edge of the leg rest where the footplate tubes are located. Angle the footplate for maximum comfort and tighten the bolts. Fig. 17c Fig.17c Footplate Depth Adjustment To adjust the depth of the footplate, loosen the four bolts on the bottom of the footplate and slide the footplate into desired position, then tighten the bolts. Fig. 18 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Positioning Guide Positioning Belts The Cuddle Bug comes with either a two-point or a three-point positioning belt. Both can be attached to the back of the seat (to achieve a 45 degree lap belt angle) or to the sides of the seat pan (to achieve a 60 degree lap belt angle) Fig. 19-20. To attach the belts to the chair, open the plastic clip located at the ends of the positioning belts and thread it through the desired fabric loop, then press clip together until it clicks shut. Fig.
POSITIONING GUIDE To tighten: Tighten the positioning by pulling on the metal loop located on the end of the strap. Fig. 23 To loosen: Grasp buckle and pull away from chair. Fig. 24 Fig.23 Fig.24 Depth Adjustable Crotch Strap The 3-point positioning belt comes with a depth adjustable crotch strap. To adjust: 1. Locate the small metal retainer on the crotch strap. Push it through the slot under the seat until crotch strap is removed. Fig. 25 Fig.25 2.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Anterior Trunk Support Vest The Anterior Trunk Support helps the user to retain upright trunk position, and prevents forward slumping. Fig. 27-28 Anterior Trunk Support Height Adjustment: Locate the two small metal retainers on the upper portion of the shoulder straps behind the seat back. Push them through the slots in the seat to the front. Once you have established the desired shoulder height, push each metal retainer back through the appropriate hole in the back pan.
POSITIONING GUIDE Lateral Thoracic Spports Lateral thoracic supports are used to maintain midline positioning of the trunk. To Open: Press latch located at top of thoracic support and pull outward until it snaps into place. Fig. 30 Height Adjustment: Loosen two adjustable levers on the back of the chair by rotating them counter clockwise. Slide thoracic support vertically to desired position, and tighten levers. Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Hip Guides Hip guides help to stabilize the pelvis. To adjust the width: Velcro the desired number of foam positioning pads to each side of the seat to achieve desired width. Fig. 34 Fig.34 Medial Thigh Support (Pommel) The pommel separates the legs at the knees for proper seating. Depth adjustment: Use a wrench to loosen the two nuts located under the pommel. Slide pommel to desired position and tighten the nuts. Fig. 35 To swing pommel up: Rotate up until pommel snaps into place.
POSITIONING GUIDE Adjustable Contour Headrest Depth adjustment: Loosen the two nuts located on the upper portion of the headrest. Slide the front bracket to the desired depth and retighten the nuts. (A) Height adjustment: Loosen the two nuts located behind the back pan and slide the back bracket to the desired height then retighten the nuts. (B) Or loosen the two screws behind the headrest pad and slide the headrest pad your desired height then retighten the screws.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Height Adjustable Armrest To adjust height of armrests, loosen the two round knobs and slide armrest to desired position, re-tighten knobs. Fig. 38 Fig.38 Foot Positioner The foot positioner holds the foot securely in place. To attach, select desired location on the footplate and press down to Velcro. Fig. 39a & 39b Fig.39a Fig.
POSITIONING GUIDE Height Adjustable Push Handle Angle Adjustment: Press and hold the grey detent button. Fig. 40 While holding the detent button, adjust the handle to desired angle and release button. Fig. 41 Fig.40 Fig.41 Height Adjustment: Pull the black knob located on the bottom of the push handle’s arms and turn one quarter of the way. Fig. 42 Swing the push handle forward or backward to desired height, and turn black knob back into original position. Fig. 43 Fig.42 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Frame Positioning Options Tilt: To tilt, squeeze the lever on the left side of the chair's handle and push down. Fig. 44 Release the lever when desired angle of tilt has been achieved. Fig. 45 Fig.45 Fig.44 Recline: Squeeze the lever on the right side of the chair's handle and recline to desired position. Fig. 46 To recline past 115-degrees, grasp the red loop with your left index finger and pull to the furthest left. Fig.
FRAME POSITIONING OPTIONS Hi / Lo Adjustment: Secure wheel locks prior to adjusting the height of the seat. Squeeze the lever located on the back of the seat. Using your body weight, press down at a forward angle. Fig. 48 Release the lever when desired height of seat has been achieved. Fig. 49 Fig.48 Fig.49 Accessories Upper Extremity Support Surface (Tray) The tray is used for feeding and trunk stabilization. Fig. 50 To attach, slide tubes located underneath the tray into armrest receiver. Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Fig.51 Fig.52 Under Seat Storage Tray The storage tray, which attaches to the chair frame under the seat, is designed to hold disposables, miscellaneous medical items and other supplies. The tray is made of mesh fabric for easy cleaning and includes a removable plastic base to prevent sag. The tray is easy to install or remove, and is attached to the chair frame with snap closures. Fig. 53 Fig.
ACCESSORIES Headrest Cover (Canopy) To attach canopy, rotate push handle down Fig. 54 & Fig. 55, then insert canopy rod into socket tubes located on the sides of the back pan and rotate handle to desired position. Fig. 56 & Fig. 57 Fig.54 Fig.55 Fig.56 Fig.57 Opening and closing the canopy: To open: grasp and push away from you. Fig. 58 To close: grasp and pull toward you. Fig. 59 Fig.58 Fig.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Upholstery Fabric Removal Chair fabric may be removed to facilitate cleaning. To remove seat upholstery and seat pad, unfasten the Velcro strips. 1. Remove accessories and unfasten belts/vest. 2. Unfasten snap buttons located at the top of the upholstery near headrest. 3. Loosen fabric at sides of chair. Fig. 60 4. Remove the fabric bag by unsnapping buttons. One button on eachside. Fig. 61 Fig.60 Fig.61 5.
WHEELS Cleaning To clean upholstery, wipe spills with a damp clean cloth. For dried stains, combine 1 part of an enzyme powder detergent with 5 parts water. Apply the solution to the stain and wait 1 to 2 minutes to allow the detergent to begin removing the stain. Then lightly scrub the area and rinse thoroughly with clean water. All soap residues must be removed. Wheels Specifications The CuddleBug comes standard with 6" and 8" solid tires.
CONVAID USER’S GUIDE Fig.65 Fig.66 Locking and Unlocking Toggle Wheel Locks To lock, push down on rear lever of wheel lock. Fig. 67 To unlock, press down on front lever of wheel lock. Fig. 68 Fig.67 Locked 23 Fig.
POSITIONING GUIDE 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.69 ! Caution: Wheel lock adjustment should be inspected periodically. Fig.69 Anti-Shimmy If the front wheels develop a shimmy, use a wrench to tighten the stem nut. Adjust the stem nut clockwise until the shimmy disappears. Fig. 70 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 Weekly Every 3 months Every 6 months As necessary • • • Front and rear wheel axles Cleaning & lubricating all moving parts Belts, zippers and Velcro closures Seat-/ back upholstery**/tautness Armrests & foam Frame • • • • • • Contacting a Convaid representative for service or repair*** • * Use a non-toxic, hypoallergenic lubricant for all moving parts of the frame ** Follow cleaning instr
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 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.
NOTES 32
Limited Lifetime 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.......................................
