Karman VIP 500 series User manual

VIP 500 series
VIP 505 (KM-1510.3T) /VIP 515 (KM-1520.3T)

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GENERAL WARNING
DO maintain your chair well, in particular check the tire pressure since this
affects the efficiency of the brakes.
DO make sure both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the chair.
DO make sure both brakes are applied when the chair is not being pushed or
used.
DO take care when climbing curbs or turning on slopes.
DO avoid steep or uneven surfaces that may cause the chair to tip over.
DO avoid soft surfaces because the casters may become bogged down.
DO travel smoothly in all conditions.
DO look well ahead to anticipate hazards such as furniture, doors, potholes, etc.
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.
DO take care when traveling up or down or across inclines.
DO keep both hands on the push handles to control the chair, if you are the
attendant.
DO pay attention to keep the chair balanced.
DO check the frame and components regularly and refer to this user guide
during and after the warranty period.
DO tie-up the upholstery or replace which with a new one when it becomes
loose.
DO lubricate bearings regularly.
DO equip with anti-tippers to avoid falling backwards.
DO equip with a seat belt designed for disabled people.
DO equip with "ankle supports" for disabled people.
DO clean both hands after oiling the wheelchair.
DO tighten the screws of headrest tubes.
DO NOT overload the chair in any circumstance.
DO NOT hang anything heavy on the back of the chair that could cause the chair
to become unstable, particularly when negotiating inclines.
DO NOT allow more than one user at a time.
DO NOT use with an unconscious patient.
DO NOT use other transport to pull the wheelchair.
DO NOT do "wheelies", as you my fall or tip over backwards and suffer a severe
injury.
DO NOT sit in a wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has affixed the
labels of hook mark.
DO NOT go too fast or turn too quickly.
DO NOT stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
DO NOT go down steps forward, whether solo or with an attendant.
DO NOT 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 assistant or damage to the wheelchair.
DO NOT use the wheelchair when the back is folded. This alters the centre of
gravity and may cause the wheelchair to tip backwards. The back should only be
folded for storage or transport of the wheelchair.
DO NOT hang anything on the back joint that could cause the backrest folding
suddenly and may cause injury.

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YOU AND YOUR KARMAN SERVICE PROVIDER
No tools are required for assembly. Your wheelchair should be assembled by
your authorized Karma dealer. Your authorized Karma dealer is also your
service provider. Unauthorized repairs, upgrades and add-ons will negate your
warranty. Anything wheelchair related that requires tools should be done by
your authorized Karma service provider. Your Karma service provider has the
necessary service/maintenance owner’s(manual) for your wheelchair.
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.
Part numbers are listed on our bill of materials (explosion drawings), which we
give to our authorized dealers and service providers. Customers should order
parts through their dealer as well as all repairs and scheduled maintenance.
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 owner’s(manual) must be performed by a qualified technician.
They also have the service owner’s(manual) with a complete list of maintenance
required to keep your Karma wheelchair in top performance. Check the
warranty section of this owner’s(manual) to find out what Karma guarantees and
what maintenance and parts you will have to pay for.
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 all else fails, contact
Karma directly via our website or give us a call and we can refer you to your new
service provider.
CE MARKING
This wheelchair complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EEC.
CAUTION:
Before purchasing and using Karma wheelchairs, please consult qualified
professionals so as to ensure that you choose suitable products a
nd use them
correctly as well. For safety reasons, if there is any risk due to the user’
s
movement in the wheelchair
or other environmental factors that might cause the
wheelchair to tip or the person on the wheelchair to fall off, Karma recommends
that yo
u install anti
-
tippers, safety belt, or other additional safety
accessories
.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE.............................................................................................2
2. SAFETY................................................................................................3
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS ...................................................................7
3.2 Parts Description.................................................................................8
4. OPERATION.........................................................................................9
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE...................................................22
6. OPTIONS AND ACCESSARIES .........................................................25
7. TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................26
8. SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................27
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING ................................................................28
10. WARRANTY .....................................................................................28

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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).
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.
This owner's(manual) is written for Karma wheelchair: VIP 500 series.
The symbols used in this owner’s(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 injur
y and/or damage
to your wheelchair.
SUGGESTION:
Follow these instructions to keep the wheelchair in good
condition.
This owner’s(manual) includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as
the warranty.
If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give him or her this
owner's(manual) for his or her reference.
As designs change, some illustrations and pictures in this owner’s(manual)
may not correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased. We reserve the
right to make design modifications without further notice.

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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
you to lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1)
2.3 Navigating Inclines
Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
When assisting, go straight up a slope. If user needs to go down midway,
walk backwards until user is on level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
Avoid stopping on an incline; it can potentially cause you to lose control of
the chair.
Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair; this could cause
it to seize up, causing you to lose control or fall out of the chair.
Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while navigating
inclines.
2.4 Curbs
Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have
assistance make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles).
Avoid hard impacts when descending a curb. A hard impact could adversely
affect the chair.
Never try to scale or descend curbs that exceed a normal height. (30-50cm)
Always be careful when climbing curbs and never move up or down a curb
in reverse without an assistant.
2.5 Stairs
Always use two or more assistants.
Never go down steps forwards.
Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2.6 Streets
Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the
chair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to become
stuck.(See Figure 2.4)
2.7 General
Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of the
chair.
Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
Never carry more than one passenger. Karma wheelchairs are limited to
one user.

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Use caution to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.
2.8 Transport
Do not use other transportation to pull the wheelchair.
Do not get transported on any vehicle while seated in your wheelchair.
Karma doesn't approve of any tie-down systems. Please transfer into seating
approved by the automotive (or other) industry and wear a safety belt.
2.9 Upholstery
When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.
Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning
solvents.
2.10 Anti-tippers
Please purchase anti-tippers and always use them to avoid personal injury.
CAUTION:
When tilting your wheelchair, please change the position no.3
to avoid
tipping and injury user. (see the bellow figures)
2.11 Maximum User Weight Limit
Refer to "Max. User Weight" in section 8. SPECIFICATIONS. Loads exceeding
maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions
yielding a safety hazard. The warranty does not cover damage caused by
improper operation of the wheelchair.
2.12 Avoid General Misuse
Please note that our "Owner's(Manual)" contains a number of cautions -- any
vehicle can cause injury if misused -- use within our guidelines and with
reasonable care and your safety will be increased. Your wheelchair will
give years of safe use if used sensibly and carefully. 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 owner’s(manual).
Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)

5
Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5

6
2.13 Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do not
remove them. Protect them for future reference.

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3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
The VIP 500 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)
These wheelchairs are suitable for users up to 253lb in weight. Hand
brakes are provided for both rear wheels and are connected to a duel
attendant brake located on the left push handle.
It has an extremely durable aluminum 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).
This chair is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
The casters have solid tires for greater durability; pneumatic casters are
available on request.
Rear wheels are 20 inches in diameter and solid PU tires are available on
request.
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 center of gravity, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as
well as attaching anti-tippers.
Intelligent 0-35º center-of-gravity weight-shifting tilt-in-space seat shifts
pressure to reduce bedsores, while providing wheelchair users a wide choice
of tilt-in-space angels with increased balance and stability.
Lightweight foldable design allows easy transport.
The gas cylinders give attendant to tilt user more easily

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3.2 Parts Description
1. Push Handle
2. Release lever
3. Back joint
4. Side Panel
5. Brake
6. Anti-tippers
7. Rear Wheel
8. Cross Brace (Cross Bar)
9. Caster
10
.
Headrest
Upholstery
11. Attendant brake
12. Back Upholstery
13. Armrest
14. Seat Upholstery
15. Footrest
16. Heel Loop
17. Footplate

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4. OPERATION
4.1 Preparing For Use
4.1.1 Unfolding
Holding the armrests, pull outwards. (See Figure 4.1)
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)
Holding the swing-away footrest, lower it into its coupling at 45°from the side.
Swing the footrest towards the middle until you hear it click into place. (See
Figure 4.3)
Flip the footplates down. (See Figure 4.4)
Attach the headrest and tighten the knob bolts. (See Figure 4.5)
Ready for action!
CAUTION:
Please be sure to tighten the knob bolts of the headrest or else
it might result
in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
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
CAUTION:
Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.

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CAUTION:
When completing step 2 never put your fingers
around the sides or under the chair as they can
be trapped between the seat and the frame.
(See Figure 4.6)
Figure 4.6
4.1.2 Folding
Remove the headrest. (See Figure 4.7)
Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.8)
Squeeze the swing-away footrest release handle and rotate the footrest to
either side for removing. (See Figure 4.9)
Pull up on the seat upholstery by holding it in the center of its front and back
edge. (See Figure 4.10)
Press the two release levers on the backrest frame (push handle tubes) to
fold the backrest down for compact storage and easy transport. (See
Figure 4.11)
Folding is now completed.
Figure 4.7 Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9
Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11

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4.2 Adjustments
4.2.1 Footrest
Footrests can rotate in or out, which makes transferring in tight spaces easier.
Swinging both footrests inward makes it easier to work at a desk. (See
Figures 4.12 and 4.13)
To adjust footplate height use the Karma tool provided to loosen the bolt at
the side of the footrest arm.
Adjust it to the desired height, re-tighten the screw and make sure the
footplate is firm. Then tighten the nut as a locknut from outside. (See Figure
4.14)
Figure 4.12 Figure 4.13 Figure 4.14 Figure 4.15
SUGGESTION:
Make sure that the footplate height is adjusted properly according to the
users calf length to reduce pressure on the body.

The footrest height must be more than 5c
m. (See Figure 4.
15
)
4.2.2 Footrest
Squeeze the swing-away footrest release handle and rotate the footrest to
either side for removing. (See Figure 4.16)
Figure 4.16

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4.2.3 Headrest
Your headrest height may be adjusted to a suitable position for you. Simply
attach or detach the headrest using the hook and loop fabric. (See Figure
4.17)
Figure 4.17 Figure 4.18
SUGGESTION:
Before using, please attach the headrest and tighten the screws.
4.2.4 Back Upholstery
There is a thicker part in the middle of backrest upholstery. It is designed to
support the lower lumbar of your back. Please adjust it to fit you and attach it
on the backrest using the hook and loop fabric. (See Figure 4.18)
4.2.5 Tilting Your Wheelchair 0-35°
Please lock both brakes. (See Figure 4.21)
Grasp the right push handle and squeeze the tilt lever. (See Figure 4.22)
Press downward with both hands simultaneously until the desired seat angle
is achieved and then release the lever. (See Figure 4.23)
Figure 4.19 Figure 4.20 Figure 4.21
4.2.6 Flip-back armrest (for VIP 515)
Armrest flips back by pressing the release lever located at the front base of the
armrest. After you press the release lever, you can lift and rotate the armrest
backwards. (See Figures 4.22 and 4.23)
The height adjustment：Simply loosen and remove the knob bolt, then adjust the
armrest to the desired height and finally reattach the knob bolt.

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Figure 4.22 Figure 4.23
4.2.7 Transporting and Storing
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 fo
lded wheelchair will
cause damage and is not covered under warranty.
(See Figure 4.24)
Figure 4.2
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4.3 Transferring In and Out
4.3.1 Transferring In
Engage both hand brakes.
Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.
The user lowers himself/herself into the seat using the armrests for support.
Turn the footplates back down, so that the user can place his feet on them.
Release both hand brakes.
Caution:
Always ensure that the front casters
are in line with the rear wheels and pointing
forwar
ds and that the back of the chair is secure either against a wall or firmly
held by an attendant.
4.3.2 Transferring Out
Make sure that the chair is near your final destination.
Back the chair sufficiently to ensure that the casters are pointing forward, i.e.
in line with the rear wheels and usually with the caster forks pointing forward.
Ensure that, where possible, the rear of the chair is against a wall or, if not, it
must be firmly held by an attendant.

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Engage both hand brakes.
Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.
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.
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.
Caution:
Never stand on the footplates when getting into (or out of) the chair. (See
Figure 4.25)

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.
Please ensure that neither the tread on your tires nor the brake block has
become too worn. If pneumatic tires are fitted, please maintain at the
recommended tire pressure for the same reason.

Please ensure t
hat 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 4.26)
4.4 General Use
4.4.1 Attendant Pushing and Self-propelled
Do ensure that the brakes are always locked when the chair is not being
pushed. (See Figure 4.27)
Always make sure that both feet are safely on the footplates and that clothing
is safely tucked out of the way and cannot get caught in the wheels. (See
Figure 4.28)
Always use both hands on the push handles to control the chair. (See Figure
4.29)
Always avoid steep or uneven surfaces because the chair may tip over. (See
Figure 4.30)
Always avoid soft surfaces because the casters may get bogged down. (See
Figure 4.31)
Always be careful not to go too fast or turn too quickly and try to achieve a
smooth steady ride.
Before crossing the tracks, please stop completely and look both ways.
Cross the tracks perpendicular to avoid your wheels getting stuck.
Do not drive at full speed over railroad tracks.
Be careful going through a doorway that your hands and arms do not get
injured.
PLEASE keep in contact with the person in the chair. If you stop to look in shop
windows or talk to people, remember to turn the chair so that the person in the
chair does not have to turn.
WARNING:

15
NEVER lock the brakes too suddenly as this may tip the user out of the chair.
Figure 4.25
Figure 4
.26
Figure 4.27
Figure 4.28 Figure 4.29 Figure 4.30
Figure 4.31 Figure 4.32
4.4.2 Tilting by the Attendant
Make sure both the user's feet are on the footplates and will not slip off.
Make sure the handgrips are secure and cannot slip off.
Release both brakes.
Grasp both push handles firmly.
Put your stronger foot on the relevant tipping lever at the back of the chair.
Tell the person in the chair that you are about to tilt the chair backwards.
Pull back with both hands and push down and forwards with the foot. This
will bring the chair onto the back wheels. (See Figure 4.32)
Caution:
When a chair is tilted to about 25 degrees it will balance on it's rear wheels
and be easy to hold. If it is tilted further back it will be difficult
to hold and the
person in the chair will feel unsafe.
Lower with a straight back; keep your foot on the anti-tipper and lower the
chair slowly forwards softly to the ground.