BCW Advantage User manual

BCW Advantage
Manual Wheelchair
Customer Manual
#8002
Uncontrolled Copy
Rev 2.0 Current 06/02/03
204 W. 2nd St.
Ellis, KS 67637
R

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEFINITIONSOFSYMBOLS ................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................2
Description .......................................3
Specifications......................................4
PRE-USEINSPECTIONANDSETUP............................5
SafetyChecklist.....................................5
WheelchairAssembly..................................5
FEATURES.........................................13
Armrest.........................................13
Footrest ........................................13
UpholsteryFabric ...................................14
RearWheelLocks...................................14
CastersandPneumaticTires .............................15
OPTIONS..........................................16
PositioningBelts....................................16
PowerDriveAttachments ...............................16
SeatingSystemModifications.............................16
SAFETY TIPS
Fasteners .......................................18
Maintenance......................................18
Storage.........................................18
OPERATIONOFMECHANISM ...............................6
General.........................................6
ReachingorLeaning ..................................6
Transfers ........................................7
CenterofBalance....................................8
Slopes..........................................8
DoorwaysandObstacles................................8
TirePressure ......................................9
MotorVehicleSafety ..................................9
StreetandRoadways..................................9
Escalators.......................................10
Transporting a Chair and Rider Up or Down Stairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CurbsandSingleSteps................................10
Folding and Unfolding the Wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ElevatingFootrest...................................17
i

WARRANTYINFORMATION................................20
LimitationsandExclusions...............................20
GoverningLaw.....................................20
WarrantyServicesProcedures.............................21
MANUFACTURERDISCLAIMER..............................22
GeneralInformation..................................22
TrademarksandPatents................................22
Copyright........................................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii

DEFINITIONS OF SYMBOLS
In the following sections you will find important instructions for your safety. The words
“WARNING” and “CAUTION” alert you to specific risk of personal injury or property damage.
They mean as follows:
WARNING - A hazard or unsafe practice that may cause severe injury or death to
you or to other persons.
CAUTION - A hazard or unsafe practice that may cause damage to this bed or to
other property.
DEFINITIONS OF SYMBOLS
1

Before using this BCW Advantage wheelchair you, and each person who may assist you,
should read this entire manual and make sure to follow all instructions. Review the important
safety information in each section often, until the warnings are second nature to you.
For your safety and comfort, Wheelchairs of Kansas provides you with a quality product
designed to meet and exceed the demanding needs of the bariatric patient.
Your authorized Wheelchairs of Kansas dealer knows your chair best and can answer most of
your question about chair safety, use, and maintenance. For your future reference, fill in the
following:
Wheelchairs of Kansas Dealer:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
WARNING - If you fail to heed these warnings, severe injury may occur to you
or your attendant.
For the User:
You should make sure that persons who assist you read and follow all warnings and
instructions that apply to that use. Before using this BCW Advantage Chair, each attendant
must know what to do to ensure safety.
For the Attendant:
1. Put the user at ease. Tell the user what you plan to do and explain what you expect the
user to do.
2. Work with the user doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe methods best suited to your
abilities and those of the user.
3. Always use good posture and proper body mechanics. When you lift or support the user,
bend your knees slightly and keep your back as upright and straight as you can.
INTRODUCTION
2

3
INTRODUCTION
We want to hear your questions or comments about this manual, the safety and reliability of
your walker and the service you receive from your Wheelchairs of Kansas dealer. Please feel
free to write or call us at the address and telephone number below:
Wheelchairs of Kansas
Customer Service Department
P.O. Box 320
204 W. 2nd St.
Ellis, Kansas 67637
1-800-537-6454
IMPORTANT: READ YOUR WARRANTY
DESCRIPTION
The BCW Advantage is a manual wheelchair that is available in a variety of sizes from 24”
wide up to 34” wide. Designed and engineered for bariatric individuals, this chair can hold up
to 850 lbs. This chair has seat height adjustability by changing the placement of the axle bolt
and raising or lowering the casters. Also offering standard accessories, such as removable
desk-length, height, adjustable armrests and swingaway footrests.
Rear
Wheel
Casters
Armrests
Swingaway
Footrests

Overall Width
24”.........................................31”
26”.........................................33”
28”.........................................35”
30”.........................................37”
32”.........................................39”
34”.........................................41”
OverallDepth......................................32”
Overall Height
24”-28” .....................................39”
30”-34” .....................................41”
SeatDepth........................................20”
Seat Height
24”-28”...............................19”or20.5”
30”-34”...............................20.5”or22”
BackHeight.......................................17”
ArmHeight.....................................7.5”-9”
WeightCapacity.................................850lb.
4
INTRODUCTION
SPECIFICATION
WARNING - If you fail to heed this warning, a fall may occur and cause severe
injury to you or your attendant, and may cause damage to this
wheelchair and to other property.
The weight capacity of this wheelchair is 850 lbs.
Exceeding this limit will void the warranty.

PRE-USE INSPECTION AND SETUP
SAFETY CHECKLIST
WARNING - If you fail to heed these warnings, severe injury may occur to you
or others. Before each use of your wheelchair you should:
1. Make sure that your chair rolls easily and freely and that all parts work smoothly.
2. Check for excess noise, vibration or a change in ease of use. They may be signs of a
problem such as low tire pressure, loose fasteners or damage to the chair.
3. If you detect a problem, make sure to repair or adjust your chair before using it. Contact
your authorized Wheelchairs of Kansas dealer to help you find and correct the problem.
WHEELCHAIR ASSEMBLY
Determining whether assembly is required will depending on the method of shipping. The
wheelchair is shipped two different ways, one way is completed assembled and the other way
the casters and wheels must be bolted on.
Tools required: 2 - ½”Open End Wrench
2 - 15/16” Open End Wrench
The Advantage wheelchair has two adjustments for the seat to floor height, determine which
height is suitable for your situation. If the top hole is used on the casters, be sure to use the
top hole on the wheels.
To bolt on the back wheels, slide the bolt through the wheels and then add the spacer. Attach
wheel assembly through the frame and secure the nut with a 15/16” wrench. Be sure to put
the bolt through the same (top or bottom) hole on both sides.
Slide the caster up into the frame of the chair, slide bolt in through the pre-drilled hole. Attach
nut with a ½”wrench. Be sure to put the bolt through the same (top or bottom) hole on both
sides.
5

OPERATION OF MECHANISM
GENERAL
WARNING If you fail to heed these warnings, a fall or tip over may occur and
cause severe injury to you:
1. Start slowly with an easy, fluid motion. If you are familiar with a different chair, you may use
too much force and tip over.
2. Have someone help you until you know what can cause a tip over and how to avoid doing
so. Never try a new maneuver on your own until you are sure you can do it safely.
3. Your chair is most stable when you are moving forward. Be very careful when you move
your chair backward. You may lose control or tip over if one of the rear wheels hits an
object and stops rolling.
REACHING OR LEANING
(Example: Dressing or Changing Clothes)
WARNINGS Reaching or leaning affects the center of balance of your
wheelchair. If you fail to heed these warnings, a fall or tip over may
occur and cause severe injury to you:
1. Avoid reaching or leaning if you must shift your weight to do so. Ask for help or use a
device to extend your reach.
2. Never try to reach an object if you must move forward in your seat to do so. This may
cause the wheelchair to tip forward. Always keep your buttocks in contact with the
backrest.
3. Never reach with both hands. If you do so, you may not be able to catch yourself to prevent
a fall if the chair tips.
4. Never lean backward to reach an object.
5. If you must reach or lean from your chair:
A. Rotate the front casters to the forward position. To do this,
move your chair past the object, then back up alongside it.
Backing up will rotate the casters to their forward position.
B. Place your chair as close as you can to the object you
wish to reach.
6
Front Casters in
Forward Position

C. Steady yourself by firmly grasping a rear wheel, or an
armrest with one hand.
D. Avoid putting pressure on the footrest while you reach. This
May cause the chair to tip forward.
E. Do not lock rear wheels. This creates a tipping point and makes a fall or tip over more
likely.
TRANSFERS
WARNINGS If you fail to heed these warnings, a fall or tip over may occur and
cause severe injury to you:
1. Transfers require good balance and agility and are very dangerous. Be aware that there is
a point during each transfer when the chair seat is not below you.
2. If equipped with wheel locks, always lock the wheels before you transfer. Make sure to
keep pneumatic tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure may allow the rear wheel locks to
slip.
3. Locking the rear wheels will not keep your chair from sliding away from you or tipping. To
avoid a fall, you should:
A. Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself
During a transfer.
B. Work with your doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe
transfer methods.
C. Have someone help you until you are sure you can perform
safe transfers on your own.
4. Rotate the front casters forward to make the chair more stable.
5. Be careful of the footrests. To avoid a trip or fall when you
transfer, you should:
A. Make sure your feet do not “hang up” or get caught in the
space between the footrests.
B. Avoid putting weight on the footrests as the chair may tip forwards.
C. If you can, remove or swing the footrests out of the way
6. Removing arm rest may be helpful.
OPERATION OF MECHANISM
7
Front Casters in
Forward Position

OPERATION OF MECHANISM
CENTER OF BALANCE
WARNINGS The point where the chair will tip forward, rearward or to the side
depends on its center of balance and stability. If you fail to heed
these warnings, a fall or tip over may occur and cause severe
injury to you.
1. To avoid a fall or tip over, you should have someone help you until you know the balance
points of your chair and how to avoid a tip over.
2. The center of balance and stability of your chair are affected by :
A. A shift in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
B. Riding your chair on a sloped surface.
WARNINGS
2. Avoid turning on a slope, as a tip over is likely. Always go as straight up and straight down
as you can.
3. Be very careful if you must climb a slope greater than 10%. (A 10% slope means: One
foot of elevation for every ten feet in length of the slope.) Ask for help if the slope may be
beyond your ability.
4. Always control your speed when going downhill. If you go too fast, you may not be able to
control your chair. Ask for help if the slopes may be beyond your ability.
A. You can control your speed by keeping constant pressure on the rear wheels.
B. If equipped with rear wheel locks, never use the rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop
your chair. Doing so is likely to cause you to veer out of control or tip over.
DOORWAYS AND OBSTACLES
1. Make sure that the floor area where you use this chair is level and free of obstacles. You
may need to:
A. Remove or cover threshold strips between doors.
B. Install a ramp at some doors.
SLOPES
Going up or down a slope will change the center of balance of your
chair. If you fail to heed these warnings, you may suffer a severe
injury from a tip over, fall or lose of control:
1. Lean or press your body uphill to help correct the change in the center of balance.
8

OPERATION OF MECHANISM
2. Keep both of your hands on the hand rims. If you fail to do so, you may lose control of your
wheelchair and tip over..
3. Do not propel your chair by pushing or pulling on an object. Never pull yourself though a
doorway by grabbing the doorjambs with one or both hands.
4. To help correct the center of balance of your chair you should:
A. Lean your upper body forward slightly as you go up over an obstacle.
B. Press your upper body backward as you go down from a higher to a lower level.
TIRE PRESSURE
Check weekly for proper inflation level, as listed on the tire side wall.
WARNINGS In most states, wheelchairs are not legal for use on public roads. Be
alert to the dangers of motor vehicle traffic on roads or in parking
lots.
1. At night, or when lighting is poor, use reflective tape on your wheelchair and clothing to
make it easier for drivers to see you.
2. Due to low position, it may be hard for drivers to see you. Make eye contact with drivers
before you go forward. When in doubt, yield until you are sure it is safe.
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
WARNING Wheelchairs of Kansas wheelchairs do not meet the federal
standards for motor vehicle seating. If you fail to heed these
warnings, the rider may suffer a severe injury:
1. Never permit anyone to sit in this wheelchair while he or she is in a moving vehicle. The
rider may be thrown from the chair in an accident or sudden stop. Wheelchair positioning
belts will not prevent this.
2. Always move the rider to an approved vehicle seat. Secure the rider with proper motor
vehicle restraints.
3. Never transport this chair in the front seat of a vehicle. It may shift and interfere with the
driver. Always secure this chair so that it cannot roll or shift.
STREETS AND ROADWAYS
9

OPERATION OF MECHANISM
ESCALATORS
WARNING Never take a chair on an escalator, even with an attendant. Doing so
is likely to cause a fall or tip over and severe injury to you and
others.
TRANSPORTING A CHAIR AND RIDER UP OR DOWN STAIRS
WARNING Wheelchairs of Kansas does not endorse or recommend the lifting of
the chair, with a person in it. Other means of transport must be used
to carry a person over stairs or obstructions in the pathway if no
ramp or other means is provided to properly roll the chair around or
over the stairs or obstructions.
Tips For Descending A Curb Or Single Step With Help From An Attendant
Read and follow the warnings for “Attendants” .
To help the rider descend a curb or single step in a backward direction:
1. Always descend a curb or a single step in a backward direction.
2. Check to make sure that the handle grips will not rotate or slip off.
CURBS AND SINGLE STEPS
WARNINGS - If you fail to heed these warnings, a fall or tip over may occur and
cause severe injury to you or others:
1. Never try to climb or descend a curb or a step alone unless you are a skilled rider and you
are sure you have the upper body strength needed to do so.
2. Do not try to climb a high curb or step (more than 4 inches high) unless you have help, your
wheelchair may exceed its balance point and tip over.
3. When you have an attendant, make sure that they use the push handles. The attendance
must have secure points to hold the rear of the wheelchair.
CAUTION - The impact from dropping down from a curb or step can damage the
frame or other chair parts and may loosen fasteners. Check for
damage to the wheelchair or loose fasteners before each use.
10

OPERATION OF MECHANISM
3. Always stay behind the wheelchair.
4. Several feet before you reach the edge of the curb or step, turn the wheelchair around and
pull it backward.
5. While looking over your shoulder, carefully step back until you are off the curb or stair and
standing on the lower level.
6. Pull the chair toward you until the rear wheels reach the edge of the curb or step. Then
allow the rear wheels to slowly roll down onto the lower level.
7. When the rear wheels are safely on the lower level, tilt the wheelchair back to its balance
point. This will lift the front casters off the curb or step.
8. Keep the balance position and take small steps backward. Turn the wheelchair around and
carefully lower the front casters to the ground.
Tips For Climbing A Curb Or Single Step With Help From An Attendant
Read and follow the warnings for “Attendants”
To help a rider ascend a curb or single step in a forward direction:
1. Always stay behind the wheelchair.
2. Face the curb and tilt the wheelchair up on the rear wheels so that the front casters clear the
curb or step.
3. Move forward, placing the front casters on the upper level as soon as you are sure that you
are past the edge.
4. Continue forward until the rear wheels contact the face of the curb or step. Lift and roll the
rear wheels to the upper level.
11

FOLDING AND UNFOLDING THE WHEELCHAIR
WARNING Never let your fingers come between moving parts when you open
or close this wheelchair. Doing so may cause a pinch or crush type
injury.
To prevent damage to the armrest upholstery,
always remove the armrest before folding or
unfolding the wheelchair.
To Fold:
Fold the foot plates up, grasp the
center of the seat upholstery at the front
and the rear, and lift up in a straight line.
To Unfold:
Place one hand on the seat rail
that the upholstery is bolted to. Place the
other hand on the rear wheel on the
opposite side of the chair. Simultaneously
push down on the seat rail and pull out on
the wheel until the seat is down. In some
Instances it may be necessary to wiggle the
side to line up the telescope tubes.
OPERATION OF MECHANISM
12

ARMREST
WARNING Never try to lift the wheelchair by its armrest. They may come loose
or break. If this occurs, the wheelchair may fall and cause severe
injury to you or others. Lift the wheelchair only by non-detachable
parts of the main frame. They are not designed to bear the weight of
the wheelchair.
Mount the armrest by sliding the post
into the front and back mount. The
front of the armrest has a push pin
that needs to be pushed in before it is
locked into place on the frame. Make
sure that the pin pops out to indicate
It is in place.
To remove push pin and slide out.
To adjust height, push down on lever,
as indicated in picture, and pull up on
armrest until it clicks into desired
Position.
FOOTREST
WARNING If you fail to heed these warnings, a fall or tip over may occur and
cause severe injury to you: The lowest point of the footrest should
be at least 2-1/2 inches above the ground level on a flat surface. If
set too low, they may “hang up” on the types of obstacles you can
expect to find in normal use. This may cause the wheelchair to stop
suddenly and tip forward.
WARNING Never try to lift the wheelchair by its footrest. They may come loose
or break. If this occurs, the wheelchair may fall and cause severe
injury to you or others. Lift the wheelchair only by non-detachable
parts of the main frame.
FEATURES
13
Push Pin

FEATURES
Mounting The Footrest:
1. Place the footrest (A) on the
hanger pins (B) at an angle to the
wheelchair.
2. Swing the footrest into position
and latch into places.
Removing The Footrest:
1. Pull the footrest latch (C).
2. Swing the footrest out to an angle
from the wheelchair and lift off the
pins.
Adjusting Footrest Height:
1. Loosen the bolt (D) at bottom of
the footrest.
2. Slide the footrest to the desired
height and tighten the bolt. (See
warning for footrest on page 15)
UPHOLSTERY FABRIC
WARNING Replaces worn or torn fabric immediately. Failure to do so may
result in a fall and severe injury to you.
REAR WHEEL LOCKS
WARNING Rear wheel locks are not designed to slow or stop a moving
wheelchair. Use them only to keep the rear wheels from turning
when the chair is at a complete stop. If you fail to heed these
warnings, you may suffer a severe injury from a tip over, fall or loss
of control. (See page 17)
1. Do not use the rear wheel locks to try to slow or stop your chair when it is moving. You
may veer out of control or tip over.
2. Low pressure in a rear tire may cause the wheel lock on that side to slip and may allow
the wheel to turn when you do not expect it.
14
A
D
B
C

FEATURES
To Adjust:
Be sure the rear tires are inflated to the proper pressure before adjusting the parking brake.
The proper tire pressure setting is indicated on the side of the tire.
1. Loosen the two lock nuts on the
back side of the brake assembly.
2. Adjust the brake assembly (tap
with hammer) to leave
approximately 1/2” between the
brake pad and the tire.
3. Tighten the lock nuts.
CASTERS AND PNEUMATIC TIRES
WARNING If items, such as string or hair, become entangled between the caster
or the axle bolt the wheel chair may become hard to steer and roll.
Check monthly and clean if needed.
Proper inflation extends the life of your tires and makes your wheelchair easier to operate.
1. Do not use this wheelchair if any of the tires are under or over inflated. Check weekly for
proper inflation level, as listed on the tire sidewall.
2. Low pressure in any of the tires may cause the chair to veer to one side and may result in
loss of control.
3. Over inflated tires may burst.
The Advantage wheelchair has two adjustments for the seat to floor height, determine which
height is suitable for your situation. If the top hole is used on the casters, be sure to use the
top hole on the wheels.
Tools required: 2 - ½”Open End Wrench
2 - 15/16” Open End Wrench
To bolt on the back wheels, slide the bolt through the wheels and then add the spacer. Attach
wheel assembly through the frame and secure the nut with a 15/16” wrench. Be sure to put
the bolt through the same (top or bottom) hole on both sides.
Slide the caster up into the frame of the chair, slide bolt in through the pre-drilled hole. Attach
nut with a ½”wrench. Be sure to put the bolt through the same (top or bottom) hole on both
sides.
15
Lock Nuts
½”

POSITIONING BELTS
WARNINGS Use positioning belts only to help support the rider’s posture.
Improper use of positioning belts may cause severe injury or death
of the rider.
1. Make sure that the rider does not side down in the wheelchair seat. If this occurs, the rider
may suffer chest compression or suffocate due to pressure from the belts.
2. The belts must be snug, but must not be so tight that they interfere with breathing. You
should be able to slide your open hand, flat, between the belt and the rider.
3. A pelvic wedge or similar device can help the rider from sliding down in the seat. Consult
with the rider’s doctor, nurse or therapist to find out if the rider needs such a device.
4. Use positioning belts only with a cooperative rider. Make sure that the rider can easily
remove the belts in an emergency.
5. Never use positioning belts:
A. As a patient restraint. A restraint requires a doctor’s order.
B. On a rider who is comatose or agitate.
POWER DRIVE ATTACHMENTS
WARNING Installing a power drive on this wheelchair is an alteration to the
frame and voids the warranty. Do not mount a power drive on any
Wheelchairs of Kansas wheelchair. It will affect the center of balance
of your chair and may cause a tip over and severe injury to you. See
your Wheelchairs of Kansas dealer for power wheelchair options.
SEATING SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS
WARNING Use of a seating system not approved by Wheelchairs of Kansas may
alter the center of balance of the wheelchair. This may cause the
wheelchair to tip over and result in severe injury to you. Do not
make a change to the seating system of your wheelchair unless you
consult your authorized Wheelchairs of Kansas dealer first.
OPTIONS
16