Karma KM-5000 recliner Series User manual

KM-5000reclinerSeries

GENERAL WARNING
zDO maintain your chair well, in particular check the tyre(tire) pressure since
this affects the efficiency of the brakes.
zDO make sure both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the chair.
zDO make sure both brakes are applied when the chair is not being pushed or
used.
zDO take care when climbing kerb(curb) or turning on slopes.
zDO avoid steep or uneven surfaces that may cause the chair to tip over.
zDO avoid soft surfaces because the castors(casters) may become bogged
down.
zDO travel smoothly in all conditions.
zDO look well ahead to anticipate hazards such as furniture, doors, potholes,
slopes, kerbs(curbs), doorways etc.
zDO make sure that both feet are safely on the footrests and that clothing is
safely tucked out of the way so that it cannot get caught in the wheels.
zDO take care when travelling up or down or across inclines.
zDO keep both hands on the push handles to control the chair, if you are the
attendant.
zDO pay attention to keep the chair’s balance.
zDO check the frame and components regularly and refer to this user guide
during and after the warranty period.
zDO, when upholstery is loose, replace it with a new part.
zDO equip with anti-tippers to avoid falling backwards.
zDO equip with a seat belt designed for disabled people.
zDO equip with "heel loops" for disabled people.
zDO be far away of flame, it might injury user and damage the chair.
zDON'T overload the chair under any circumstances.
zDON'T hang anything heavy on the back of the chair that could cause the
chair to become unstable, particularly when negotiating inclines.
zDON'T allow more than one user at a time.
zDON'T use with an unconscious patient.
zDON'T use other transport to pull the wheelchair.
zDON'T do "wheelies", since you my fall or tip over backwards and suffer a
severe injury.
zDON'T go too fast or turn too quickly.
zDON’T travel across a slope greater than 7 degrees.
zDON'T stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
zDON'T go down steps forward.
zDON'T attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may
result in injury to the user and/or attendant or damage to the wheelchair.
zDON’T use the wheelchair when back joint folded. This alters the centre of
gravity and may cause the wheelchair to tip backwards. It should only be
folded for storage or transport of the wheelchair.
zDON’T hang anything on the back joint that could cause the backrest to fold
suddenly and may cause injury.
i

YOU AND YOUR KARMA SERVICE PROVIDER
zNo tools are required for assembly. Your wheelchair should be set up by
your authorized Karma dealer. Your authorized Karma dealer is also your
service provider. Unauthorized repairs, upgrades and add-ons will negate
your warranty and may lead to injury. Any adjustments to the rear wheel
position should be carried out by your authorized Karma service provider.
Your Karma service provider has the necessary service/maintenance manual
for your wheelchair.
zIf you have any defective parts or lose any parts, please contact your dealer
for repair and/or replacement. Please only use parts authorized by Karma.
Use of parts that are not authorized by Karma will negate your warranty.
zCustomers should order parts through their dealer as well as all repairs and
scheduled maintenance.
zCustomers should go to their dealership for all service needs to guarantee
their warranty is not nullified. Always go to an authorized service provider.
Unauthorized repairs will nullify your warranty. Procedures other than those
described in this manual must be performed by a qualified technician. They
also have the service manual with a complete list of maintenance required to
keep your Karma wheelchair in good working order. Check the warranty
section of this manual to find out what Karma guarantees and what
maintenance and parts you will have to pay for.
zKarma does not have an official list of service providers at this time. Please
contact your dealer for service. If you cannot contact your dealer, please
contact another authorized Karma dealer for service. If this is not possible
please contact us and we will arrange for a service repair. Please note that
there will be a charge for collection and delivery of your wheelchair.
ii

CE MARKING
This wheelchair complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices
Directive 93/42/EEC.
CAUTION:
Before purchasing and using a Karma wheelchair, please consult a
qualified professional to ensure that you choose a suitable product and
receive training in how to use it. It may also be necessary to fit additional
equipment to your wheelchair or change your wheelchairs set up. Please
consult your service provider.
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE .........................................................................1
2. SAFETY ............................................................................2
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS ...............................................6
4. OPERATION .....................................................................8
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE...............................20
6. OPTION AND ACCESSARIES........................................22
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................24
8. SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................25
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING.............................................26
10. WARRANTY..................................................................27

1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the wheelchair.
Improper use of the wheelchair could result in harm or injury. Therefore, for
safe and enjoyable use of the wheelchair, please read this owner's manual.
zThis owner's manual includes operation instructions for the aspects of the
wheelchair, unfolding/folding instructions and instructions on how to deal with
possible accidents.
zThis owner's manual is written for Karma wheelchair: KM-5000 recliner.
zThe symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to
the parts marked with these symbols.
WARNING: Improper use could lead to serious injury or death.
CAUTION: Improper use could lead to serious injury and/or
damage to your wheelchair.
SUGGESTION: Follow these instructions to keep the wheelchair in
good condition.
zThis manual includes a repair and maintenance chart as well as details of your
warranty.
zIf someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give them this owner's
manual for his or her reference.
zAs designs change, some illustrations and pictures in this manual may not
correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased. We reserve the right to make
design modifications without further notice. This manual will be updated
regularly please refer to the Karma website for the latest version.
1

2. SAFETY
2.1 Doorways
The safest way to operate the chair is on level floors that are free of obstacles.
Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands
on the push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to
force yourself over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a
doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause
your to lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1)
2.3 Navigating Inclines
¾Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
¾When pushing a wheelchair, go straight up a slope. If you need to go down,
walk backwards until user is on level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
¾Avoid stopping on an incline; it can potentially cause you to lose control of the
chair.
¾Do not use the parking brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair; this could
cause it to seize up or pull to on side, causing you to lose control of the
wheelchair.
¾Whenever possible, navigate inclines with an attendant.
2.4 Kerbs(Curbs)
¾Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have assistance
make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles).
¾Avoid hard impacts when descending a kerb(curb). A hard impact could
adversely affect the chair.
¾Never try to scale or descend kerb(curb) that exceed a normal height (30-50mm).
¾Always be careful when climbing kerb(curb) and never move up or down a
kerb(curb) in reverse without an assistant.
2.5 Stairs
¾Always use two or more assistants. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of equilibrium.
One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step,
gripping the handles firmly to lift. The second assistant, holding firmly a fixed
part of the front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the
first attendant places one foot on the following step and repeat the operation
(See below Figure)
¾Never go down steps forwards.
¾Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2

2.6 Streets
¾Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the chair
and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
¾Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the castors(casters) to
become stuck. (See Figure 2.4)
2.7 General
¾Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of the chair.
¾Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
¾Never carry more than one passenger. Karma wheelchairs are designed for
one user.
¾Please make sure your clothing does not get caught in the rear wheels.
2.8 Upholstery
¾When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.
¾Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning solvents.
2.9 Anti-tippers
Please purchase anti-tippers and always use them to avoid personal injury.
The distance between the rear wheel and the anti-tip wheel should be not less
than 5cm. The anti-tip should not be more than 5cm above the ground.
3

2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit
The KM-5000 series is suitable for users weighing not more than 115kg.
Please note loads exceeding maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair
and cause malfunctions creating a safety hazard. The warranty does not
cover damage caused by improper operation of the wheelchair.
2.11 Avoid General Misuse:
¾Please note any vehicle can cause injury if used incorrectly. This user guide
contains a number of cautions. Please follow these guidelines to increase your
safety. Please be aware that careless use endangers your own safety as well as
that of others. ALWAYS follow the Highway Code when outdoors and the
guidelines written in this manual. Your wheelchair will give years of safe use if
used sensibly and carefully.
¾Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)
Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5
4

2.12 Labelling
Please carefully read all the labelling on the wheelchair before using it.
Please do not remove them and protect them for future reference.
5

3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
zThe KM-5000 series is a self-propelled or transit wheelchair. That is, it can
either be propelled by an attendant (transit) or by the user (self-propelled).
zThe KM-5000 series is suitable for users up to 115kg in weight. Backrest reclines
smoothly from 90ā- 163ā/
zThe KM-5000 series is an adjustable wheelchair. It is suitable for users who
require side transfer. The detachable parts are easy to operate.
zIt has solid tyres(tires). It also has an extremely durable aluminium alloy frame
with tough accessories and does not suffer in dramatic extremes of temperature
(neither user nor attendant need touch metal parts in normal use).
zThe castors(casters) have PU tyres(tires) for greater durability; pneumatic
castors(casters) are available on request.
zSpoked rear wheels are 24 inches in diameter with micro-cellular tyres(tires).
zWhen prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or below
knee, single or double) or other conditions that affects the users natural centre of
gravity, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as well as attaching
anti-tippers. The wheelchair has been designed to allow the rear wheels to be set
back for amputees.
6

3.2 Parts Description
1. Pillow
2. Headrest
3. Backrest Upholstery
4. Push Handle
5. Reclining Lever
6. Armrest
7. Parking Brake
8. Rear Wheel
9. Anti-Tip
10. Frame / Cross bar
11.Castor(Caster)
12. Seat Upholstery
13. Swing-away Elevating Footrest
14. Calf Pad
15. Footplate
z14” rear wheels are available.
zFigure 3.1
Self-locking Ring Pin
Figure 3.2
Reclining Gas Strut
Figure 3.3
7

4. OPERATION
4.1 Preparing For Use
4.1.1 Unfolding
¾Holding the armrests, pull outwards. (See Figure 4.1)
¾Pointing your fingers inward with the palm of your hand on the frame, push down
until the seat is fully lowered. Make sure the frame is firmly seated in its holder.
(See Figure 4.2)
¾Attach footrest and check it is locked. (See Figure 4.3)
¾Flip the footplates down. (See Figure 4.4)
¾Push down the lateral support mechanism. (See Figure 4.5)
¾Ready for action! (See Figure 4.6)
Alternatively, you can stand at the side of the chair and complete step 1 by
pulling the nearest armrest towards you and pushing the other one away.
Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4 Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6
CAUTION:
When completing step 2 never put your fingers
around the sides or under the seat as they can be
trapped between the seat and the frame. (See
Figure 4.7)
Figure 4. 7
8

4.1.2 Assembling headrest
¾Put headrest tubes into back tubes. (See Figure 4.8)
¾Press the button to be locked in the tubes. (See Figure 4.9)
Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9
4.1.3 Folding
¾Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.10)
¾Swing away the footrest and disassemble the footrest. (See Figure 4.11)
¾Release the lateral support mechanism. (See Figure 4.12)
¾Disassemble the headrest. (See Figure 4.13)
¾Pull up on the seat upholstery by holding it in the centre of its front and back edge.
(See Figure 4.14)
¾Folding is now completed. (See Figure 4.15)
Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11 Figure 4.12
Figure 4.13 Figure 4.14 Figure 4.15
CAUTION:
Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.
9

4.1.3 Adjustments
4.1.3.1 Armrest
zStandard armrest: detachable armrest
¾Armrest is detached by drawing out self-locking pin and release the lever under
the armrest. And then, you can disassemble the armrest upwards. (See
Figures 4.16 and 4.17)
Figure 4.16 Figure 4.17
CAUTION:
Please make sure that the self-locking ring pin is inserted into the hole
under the armrest before you use the armrest. (See Figure 3.2)
4.1.3.2 Elevating footrest
¾You can elevate the footrest directly and stop anywhere you desired. (See Figure
4.18)
¾When you want to go down, press the release lever. (See Figure 4.19)
¾To adjust footplate height use the Karma tool provided to loosen the bolt at the
side of the footrest arm.
¾Adjust to required height and re-tighten. (See Figure 4.20)
SUGGESTION:
¾Make sure that the footplate height is adjusted properly according to the user’s
calf length to reduce pressure on the body.
¾The footplate height must be more than 5cm. (See Figure 4.21)
Figure 4.18 Figure 4.19 Figure 4.20 Figure 4.21
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CAUTION:
When adjust foot lengths, be sure user’s thigh is safety on the seat upholstery
smoothly. And inner knee doesn’t hit the front edge of seat upholstery. (See
the Figure 4-22 & 4-23)
Figure 4.22 Figure 4.23 Figure 4.24
4.1.3.3 Assembling anti-tipper
See the below figure, be sure the button is locked in the tube. And test its
function. (See Figure 4.24)
4.1.3.4 Rear Wheel
Your wheelchair may be supplied with quick-release wheels. If so, please
follow the instructions below.
4.1.3.4.1 Rear Wheel Removal
¾Support the weight of the chair with one hand by holding the push handle.
¾Depress the hub cover and hold down the quick-release mechanism.
¾Remove the wheel. (See Figure 4.25)
4.1.3.4.2 Rear Wheel Attachment
¾First ensure that the brake is in the OFF position. Take up the assembled wheel
and axle and depress the button in the centre of the axle, as above. This
retracts the ball bearings that will allow you to push the axle into the wheel
bracket that is located on the lower rear frame of the wheelchair. When you
remove your thumb from the button on the axle, the ball bearings should be
visible protruding from the axle at the back of the wheel bracket. This will secure
the wheel safely in the frame. (See Figure 4.26)
CAUTION:
¾You must make sure that the axle is fully located in the wheelchair bracket and
that the ball bearings are fully open and have positively attached the wheel in the
frame.
¾The rear wheel can be mounted at different positions on the frame to alter the
seat height and overall stability of the chair. Changing the wheel position should
be carried out by your approved repairer or therapist.
11

Figure 4.25 Figure 4.26
4.1.3.5 Important Do’s and Don’ts
¾Do: Keep axles clean and lubricated with light oil or maintenance spray.
¾Do: Maintain correct tire pressure if using pneumatic tyres(tires).
¾Do not: Try to remove the wheels while the wheelchair is occupied even when
using anti-tip levers.
4.1.3.6 Safety Belt
How to assemble and disassemble the Safety Belt
¾Loosen the fourth and fifth screws of both side of seat upholstery and insert the
Safety Belt in between the fourth and fifth screw holes. (Figure 4.27)
¾Keep the safety Belt in 45 deg for comfortable usage. (Figure 4.28)
¾Put the seat upholstery back and tighten screws.
Figure 4.27 Figure 4.28
Adjusting length of seat belt
¾Identify the require length of the belt. (Figure 4.29)
¾Push the two part of belt through buckle to make the belt longer or shorter.
(Figure 4.30)
¾Pull the two part of belt tight. (Figure 4.31)
¾Push buckle up to the plastic clip so that the belt can not slip out of position.
12

Please check that there is no gap between the belt and buckle if the wheelchair
user has multiple careers. (Figure 4.32)
SUGGESTION:
We recommend that the belt is fitted quite tightly around the pelvis. Please
tighten until you can just get your fingers between user and seat belt. Please
check that the belt is fastened correctly as recommended. If this is not
possible please consult your supplier.
Figure 4.29 Figure 4.30 Figure 4.31 Figure 4.32
How to operate it:
¾When you sit on the wheelchair, fasten the safety belt.
¾Adjust the belt and make it fit your body for comfort and security.
¾When you don’t use it, please fasten the belt to avoid the belt dropping into rear
wheels during motion.
Maintenance
The Safety Belt is made from 100% polyester fibre and the clasp is made from
plastic. It does not require any maintenance but should be inspected every
month to ensure that the edges are not frayed and weekly to make sure that it
correctly fits the user. If there are any signs of deterioration, please replace it
immediately.
4.1.4 Transportation and Storage
Make sure the wheelchair is folded when stored.
SUGGESTION:
Please store the wheelchair in a location where it is out of direct sunlight, rain
and dew. For more details, consult your Karma dealer.
WARNING:
Don't put anything on the wheelchair while it is in
storage. Storing goods on a folded or unfolded wheelchair
will cause damage and is not covered under warranty.
(See Right Figure)
13

4.2 Transferring In and Out
4.2.1 Transferring In
¾Engage both hand brakes.
¾Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.
¾Lower the user into the seat, allowing them to use the armrests for support.
¾Turn the footplates back down, so that the user can place his feet on them.
Ensure that the heels rest against the heel supports to prevent contact with the
castors(casters).
¾Release both hand brakes.
CAUTION:
Always ensure that the front castors(casters) are in line with the rear wheels
and pointing forwards and that the back of the chair is secure either against a
wall or firmly held by an attendant.
4.2.2 Transferring Out
¾Make sure that the chair is near your final destination.
¾Move the wheelchair backwards so that the castors(casters) are pointing
forwards and are in line with the rear wheels. Ensure that, where possible, the
rear of the chair is against a wall or, if not, it must be firmly held by an attendant.
¾Engage both hand brakes.
¾Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.
¾Slide forwards on the seat. Place one foot firmly on the ground with the knee at
a right angle and the other foot slightly apart and further back.
¾Place your hands on the front of the armrests and moving your weight forward,
bring your head and shoulders up over your knees as you push yourself up.
Some people have to side transfer.
¾Flip back your armrest, and make sure that the chair is near your final
destination.
¾Prop up your body and move sideward slowly, using transfer board. Be careful
to hit the brake or other components of wheelchair.
CAUTION:
¾Never stand on the footplates when getting into (or out of) the chair. (See
Figure 4.33)
¾When getting in and out of the wheelchair please use the hand brakes. The
hand brake is the lever at the side of the wheelchair.
¾Please ensure that neither the tread on your tyres(tires) nor the brake block has
become too worn. If pneumatic tires are fitted, please maintain at the
recommended tyre(tire) pressure for the same reason.
¾Please ensure that occupant's fingers do not get caught in the brake.
When transferring in and out of the chair, make sure that the brakes are
applied to prevent the chair from sliding away. Also see that the footplates are
flipped up for ease of entering or exiting. (See Figure 4.34)
14