KIRTON Duo User manual

Duo –
Electric/Regulated Motion
User Instructions
Contents
2 Introduction to the Duo chairs
3 Duo Product Range
3 Questions and Concerns
3 Guidelines for Best Practice
4 The User Instructions
General Operation of the Duo:
4 What is Tilt-in-Space?
4 Operating the Tilt-in-Space and Elevating
Legrest
5 Back Height Adjustment
5 Back Support Adjustment
6 Footboard Height Adjustment
6 Back Angle Adjustment
6 Seat Height Adjustment
6 Negative Legrest Angle
7 Seat Length Adjustment
7 Removing the Seat Module
7 Seat Width Adjustment
8 Arm Height
7 Headrest Angle Adjustment
8 Headrest Split-Wing Adjustment
9 Lateral Supports
9 Removable Arms
10 Pommel
10 Leg-Laterals
10 Lap-Belt and Pelvic Positioner
11 Potential Risks, Cautions and Warnings
11 Care and Maintenance
11 Service and Maintenance Indicator
12 General Care
12 Helpline
Duo User Information
January 2010
IMPORTANT NOT
ICE
• On receipt of the chair the battery must
be fully charged before use via the
handset.
• It is recommended that the battery is
charged for at least 8 hours.
• DO NOT let the battery completely
discharge as this will render it unable
to fully recharge again. If the battery is
left to completely discharge it will have
to be replaced and this is not covered
under warranty.
• It is recommended that the battery is
charged regularly overnight to prevent
complete discharge.

Page 2
Introduction to the Duo chairs
What is the Duo?
The purpose of the Duo seating system is
to provide the ultimate in positioning and
postural management for those who are
unable to maintain their body posture and
require extra support.
The Duo is the third generation in Kirton’s
multi-positioning seating range following on
from the original Persona and Solo chairs.
Whilst the original chairs provided
significant manual adjustment and
positioning opportunities, the Duo provides
equivalent adjustment and positioning with
the added value of electrically/battery
operated Tilt-in-Space and legrest elevation
or indeed the innovative Regulated Motion.
Designed to easily adjust the tilt-in-space
positioning and elevate the legrest as well
as providing a pressure management
seating solution, the Duo is multi-adjustable
in all its dimensions for each individual
user.
Why is there a need for this type of
chair?
The ability of a seated person to function
efficiently and perform activities depends on
their ability to adopt the appropriate
posture. All activity is posture dependent.
If a person cannot move or has problems
adjusting their posture, it may be necessary
to use seating to try to provide externally
what is limited internally.
The Duo helps fulfil the need to maintain an
individual’s seated posture yet
re-orientate and redistribute pressure. This
is achieved by using the tilt-in-space and
back angle recline features that are key to
the Duo’s functionality.
Who should consider using the
Duo?
Designed for those with or at risk of
developing an unconventional body shape
or for those with postural related problems,
the Duo can be used within a variety of
different environments including domestic
homes, hospitals, hospices and nursing
home environments.

Duo Product Range
Range
• Major and Minor versions
Options
Different seat widths:
• Major - 400, 450 or 500
• Minor - 300, 350, 400 or 450
Available as either Ramped or Flat seat
modules
Pressure Relieving Seat Options
• Intelli-Gel Seat Module
• Transflo Gel Seat Module
• Reflexion™ Foam Seat Module
Back Style Options
• Cushioned Waterfall Backrest
• Sculpted Reflexion™ Foam Backrest
Accessories
• Lateral supports
• Leg-Laterals
• Pommel
• Legrest bracket to achieve a 25º
negative angle
• Extra waterfall cushion for Duo Major
back heights 910mm, 940mm, 970mm
• Extra waterfall cushion for Duo Minor
back heights 740mm, 780mm, 810mm,
840mm, 870mm
• Flat seat board
• Foot Sandals (large/small)
• Universal Tray
• Pelvic Positioners
• Lap-Belt
Page 3
Guidelines for Best Practice
To ensure good practice when considering
purchasing a Duo and effective use post
purchase we advise that the following
guidelines are considered:
1. Seek advice and input from a qualified
therapist/professional and/or Kirton
representative/distributor at the initial
prescription of the chair.
2. If unsure when ordering the chair and
any accessories contact either the
therapist involved or your Kirton
representative or distributor or our
Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or
[phone] to discuss
further.
3. Following delivery of the Duo chair, it is
necessary for it to be configured and
adjusted for the user. This can either
be carried out by a therapist or
individual trained in the set-up and
configuration of the Duo chair or the
regional Kirton representative, where
possible.
4. It is recommended that during the
initial set-up of the chair other staff
members that will be supervising the
user(s) should be trained in adjusting
the chair to ensure the chair is
adjusted safely and correct positioning
is maintained for the benefit of the
user. This is of particular importance
where the chair is to be used by
several different users who will all
require different configurations of the
chair to varying degrees.
5. Users of the Duo should be supervised
and checked regularly to ensure their
most appropriate position is
maintained in the chair.
Questions and Concerns
Should you experience any difficulties or
have any concerns regarding the initial
purchase or subsequently adjusting the
Duo chair or have any concerns regarding
its use or operation then immediately
contact either your Kirton representative,
distributor or our Customer Services Team
on Freephone 0800 212709 or
[phone], they will be delighted
to help you.

Page 4
The User Instructions
The purpose of the following user
instructions is to provide a guide on how to
utilise, adjust and maintain the Duo chair.
The instructions should be read by all those
involved with the supervision of the user
and/or the care of the chair before
configuration and use.
The Duo must be set-up or configured
specifically for each individual using the
chair.
The necessary steps for configuration are
detailed in this document to ensure correct
positioning and to make postural
adjustments to the chair to ensure safe and
comfortable use.
Please retain these instructions with the
Care and Maintenance card enclosed for
future reference.
What is Tilt-in-Space?
Tilt-in-space is a unique pivoting system
that provides a reclined, resting position
whilst maintaining posture and pelvic
stability.
Weight is distributed over a larger contact
surface area, reducing the sheering forces
on the skin, making it a simple yet effective
way to combat the build up of pressure.
Key to the Duo is the ability to effect the tilt-
in-space without over exertion by the carer
or indeed the user through the use of a
battery powered motor.
Operating the Tilt-in-Space and
Elevating Legrest
The Duo enables either the carer or the
user, where appropriate, to adjust the Tilt-
in-Space facility and/or the elevating legrest
by the simple touch of a button.
Electr
ic Hand Controller Buttons
Regulated Motion Hand Controller Buttons
Regulated Motion Version
Tilt-in-Space & Legrest Elevation
Regulated Motion has been incorporated into
the Duo chair range to create the ultimate
pressure management chair.
The six buttoned hand controller is
programmed to ensure the Tilt-in-Space has
“Regulated Motion” or the ability to move over
a range automatically adjusting the Tilt-in-
Space. The pattern of movement is set to
repeat to ensure motion over a period of time
within a specified tilt range.
There are two time modes:
•Auto Timed over an 80 minute cycle, or
•Auto Continuous
As a guide the Tilt-in-Space cycle takes
approximately 20 minutes to complete 15º of
movement in one direction. It can be started at
any angle except between 35º and fully
reclined.
Note: To stop the Automatic mode press any
of the four lower buttons to take the operation
back to manual.
Legrest
Elevation
Legrest
Lowering
Lowering
Tilt-in-Space
Raising
Tilt-in-Space
Legrest
Elevation
Legrest
Lowering
Lowering
Tilt-in-Space
Raising
Tilt-in-Space
Auto
-
Timed
Tilt-in-Space
Auto
Continuous

Page 5
Back Height Adjustment
The correct postural position for the user is for
the top of the chair back to be the same height
as the top of the user’s ear.
To increase the back height of the chair:
• Detach the loose cover back panel at the
rear of the chair by unfastening the Velcro
both at the top and bottom of the cover.
• Secondly, loosen the material backboard
cover (it folds underneath the backboard for
storage on lower back heights) so that the
extra material hangs loose revealing an
extra Velcro strip.
• To adjust the back height, use the spring
pull “snaps” located on the metal back
frame. When retracted and turned 90°the
snaps will stay out whilst the correct position
is selected. Slide the upper part of the back
up or down until the height required is
achieved and allow both pins to snap back
into the required hole.
• Ensure both “snaps” are located correctly
before use.
• For Duo Majors with a back height 910mm,
940mm, 970mm or for Duo Minors with a
back height of 740mm, 780mm, 810mm,
840mm, 870mm an extra waterfall cushion
is required to fill the increased back height
space. Always check that there is enough
cushioning when the back of the Duo is
reclined as this can reveal a gap on the
higher back heights. Use the extra waterfall
cushion to fill this gap.
• The extra waterfall cushion should be fixed
to the Velcro on the backboard cover. The
remaining backboard cover should then be
folded up behind the backboard for
neatness.
• The waterfall cushions have been designed
to condense and mould to the user as the
dimensions of the chair are reduced or
increased to fit altered chair dimensions.
Where necessary the extra waterfall
cushion should be inserted.
Back Support Adjustment
The user may require more or less waterfall
cushioned support dependent on the
individual’s needs and the back height
required. For those that require a back height
greater than 910mm on the Major version and
740mm on the Minor an extra waterfall
cushion can be added (see back height
adjustment).
The cushioning of the waterfall pillows can be
increased or decreased according to user
need.
• To decrease padding:
Simply unzip the cushions at the back; slit
the fabric bag carefully and remove the
amount of Dacron padding necessary.
Take care not to trap any of the fibres in the
zipper.
• To increase padding:
If more Dacron is required to provide firmer
cushioning and support, unzip the cushions
at the back and add more Dacron preferably
behind the bagged Dacron so as to avoid
trapping any loose fibres in the zipper.
Extra Dacron can be obtained from Kirton.
Please contact your Kirton representative or
distributor or our Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or
[phone] to discuss further.

Page 6
Footboard Height Adjustment
It is important to try and support the whole
foot from the heel to the toes with the thighs
evenly distributed on the seat cushion to
ensure the least possible pressure directly
behind the knee.
• The complete footboard assembly slides
up and down the front tubes. It is easily
adjusted by using spring pull “snaps”.
When retracted and turned 90°the snaps
will stay out whilst the correct position is
selected.
• To find the “snaps” on the footrest, tilt the
footboard upwards and pull out both pins.
• Slide the footboard up or down as
required and allow the pins to click back
into the required hole.
Footboard Angle Adjustment
The angle of the footboard can be adjusted
to two different settings - 90°and 120°.
• Using the spring pull “snap” adjusters
located at the rear of the footboard, just
pull out and do not turn as they will
remain out whilst the plantaflexion
position is selected. The pins will stay
pulled out until a 90°position is required.
• The footboard can also “flip up” towards
the legrest by a simple lifting action
pushing the footboard towards the
legrest. This is particularly useful for
those individuals who would like their
feet on the floor or have some mobility
when exiting the chair.
Back Angle Adjustment
The angle of the back is adjustable in
relation to the seat in order to ensure
comfort and facilitate correct positioning.
To alter the angle, squeeze the “brake-
style” handle on the right hand side of the
push handle at the back of the chair. This
activates the positioning mechanism and
enables the back to recline.
Release the lever when the desired angle is
achieved.
To bring the chair back to an upright
position, squeeze the “brake-style” handle
on the right hand side of the push handle
at the back of the chair and guide the chair
to the desired position.
Seat Height Adjustment
The seat height of the chair can be either
raised or lowered according to the needs of
the user.
On the right hand side of the chair is a
retractable handle that facilitates the chair
movement.
To raise the chair:
• Turn the handle clockwise.
To lower the chair:
• Turn the handle anticlockwise.
Negative Legrest Angle
For those individuals requiring a negative
25°legrest angle, an extra bracket is
required and needs fitting.
Please contact your Kirton representative or
distributor or our Customer Services Team
on Freephone 0800 212709 or
[phone] for advice.

Page 7
Seat Length Adjustment
To ensure that the correct seat length is
achieved for each user a clearance of 25mm
or one inch between the front of the seat
cushion and the calf is desirable when the
user is firmly against the back of the seat.
• To adjust, locate at the rear of the seat
module at the back of the chair frame a
silver-spring adjuster. Lifting the spring will
enable the seat module to be moved
forwards or backwards according to the
user’s needs.
• The seat module may be stiff to adjust but
by moving to the front of the chair and
positioning one hand at the back of the seat
module and the other at the front the correct
seat length should be achieved.
• Check that the silver-spring adjuster is
securely in place and the seat module is not
movable.
• Sit the user in the chair and check the
dimensions.
Removing the Seat Module
To remove the seat module completely for
either replacement or cleaning the following
steps should be taken.
• Locate at the front of the chair two screws
that should be removed completely using a
Phillips screwdriver.
• When replacing the seat module do not
forget to replace the screw at the front of the
seat and ensure that the silver-spring clip is
locked in place.
Seat Width Adjustment
The seat width depends on the user’s hip
width and will vary according to the level of
pelvic support required. If substantial support
is needed, the chair arms should fit firmly
against the user. Both arms should be at the
same distance from the seat cushion, to obtain
a central position for the user.
• To adjust the arms in and out, remove the
side arm panel by pulling it away from the
chair. It is fitted with plastic clips for easy
removal and fitting.
• Locate and loosen the butterfly knob at the
rear of the under arm and the spring-loaded
popper at the front.
• Pull the spring-loaded popper down and pull
the whole arm assembly either in or out to
the required width. Keep the gap between
each arm and the seat the same.
• Ensure that the spring-loaded popper is
securely in place and re-tighten.
• Repeat on the opposite arm
• Replace the side arm panel by locating the
plastic clips on the metal frame of the chair
and pressing until it fixes to the frame.

Arm Height
The user’s elbow should rest comfortably
on the armrest, high enough to provide
support without having shoulders raised or
hunched.
• To adjust the arm height, remove the
side arm panel by pulling it away from the
chair. It is fitted with plastic clips for easy
removal and fitting.
• Loosen the front and back spring-loaded
levers. Rotate anti-clockwise until loose.
• Raise or lower the arm to the required
setting.
• Secure both the front and back levers.
• Do not take the arm above 300mm from
the top of the seat module as the arm
panel will not fit back onto the side of the
arm.
Arm height adjustment
Split-wing headrest adjustment
Page 8
Headrest Angle Adjustment
The headrest tilts backwards or forwards,
supporting the user’s head as required.
• Using the small spring-loaded lever on
the left hand side of the back frame,
release the locking mechanism by turning
the lever anti-clockwise.
• Move the headrest to the desired position
and turn the lever clockwise to lock. The
lever is ratcheted and will rotate freely
when pulled out.
• To avoid damaging the ratchet
mechanism, push the lever in when
loosening or tightening the locking
mechanism.
Advice: Try not to restrict the angle of
vision too much when adjusting the
headrest and wing positions whilst ensuring
user comfort – keep it within range for
watching television and conversation when
the head is against the headrest.
Headrest Split-Wing Adjustment
The split-wings provide lateral support to
the user’s head and shoulders. They can be
angled in or out for a more central position
and should be adjusted to provide support
to the user in the centre of the chair.
The articulating joints in the split-wing
headrest are an integral part of the back of
the Duo.
By bending both wings on each side of the
headrest, the headrest can be set in its
desired position.
It may require some effort to manoeuvre the
wings. The wing movement has been made
tight to ensure that it will not move when
you are sitting in the chair in a relaxed
position.
To tighten the wings:
Use an Alun Key and a 13mm adjustable
spanner (not supplied).
• Pull the wing back so that it lies flat.
• Loosen the cover to expose the friction
joint.
• Tighten by using the Alun Key at the top
of the joint and the 13mm adjustable
spanner to secure the bolt, at the bottom.
•
Refit the cover and adjust to suit.

Lateral Supports (optional)
• The Duo can be fitted with two lateral
supports that operate independently but
are adjusted in the same way.
• Both lateral supports can be completely
removed.
• To detach or attach the lateral supports,
loosen the “triangular” handle and adjust
to preference.
• The two supports can be moved
horizontally across the bar (wider or
narrower) or vertically to suit the individual
in the chair. They are marked to ensure
that they are positioned evenly to provide
balanced support where appropriate.
• To move vertically, loosen the black
spring-loaded levers on each lateral
support at the rear of the chair. Rotate
anti-clockwise until loose.
• Raise or lower the lateral support to the
required setting and secure the levers.
• To move horizontally, loosen the
“triangular” handle and adjust to
preference. When appropriate positioning
has been found then the “triangular”
handles should be tightened to provide
stable and secure support.
Page 9
Removable Arms
• Arms are detachable for easy side
transfer and sling positioning if a hoist is
used.
• Remove the side arm panel by pulling it
away from the chair. It is fitted with
plastic clips for easy removal and fitting.
• Locate and loosen the butterfly knob at
the rear of the under arm and the spring-
loaded popper at the front.
• Pull the spring-loaded popper down and
pull the whole arm assembly either in or
out to the required width. Keep the gap
between each arm and the seat the
same.
• Pull arm away from chair.
• Ensure that the spring-loaded popper is
securely in place and re-tighten.
• To ensure user safety, never remove
both arms at the same time and never sit
on the arms or put undue pressure at the
front.

Lap
-
Belt and Pelvic Positioner
Lap-Belt
• To use the Lap-Belt effectively, undo the
buckle joining the two halves of the strap
by depressing the button on the central
console and place the straps over the
arms or to the side of the seat before
transferring the user into the chair.
• When the user is seated, bring the two
sides of the buckle together and fasten.
• Adjust the strap by pulling on the plastic
loop to give firm control but take care not
to restrict user movement.
• NOTE: Please refer to Lap-Belt User
Instructions enclosed for further
information.
Pelvic Positioner
• Lay the positioner out flat.
• Place the positioner in the seat of the
chair with the buckles pointing towards
the chair front and the levers on the
buckles facing down.
•
Feed the lengths of the straps through the
D-Rings on either side of the seat
cushion.
• Place the ends of the straps over the
arms of the chair before transferring the
user into the chair.
• Sit the user into the chair with their pelvis
firmly back in the seat and their buttocks
on the back edge of the harness.
• Bring the straps over the users thigh and
through the buckles on each end of the
harness.
• Pull the straps tight and fasten down the
levers on the buckles. The fit should be
snug – not too tight and not too loose.
Page 10
Pommel (optional)
The pommel simply slides on and off from
the front of the seat module.
• To remove, firmly take hold of the
pommel upholstery and metal work and
pull. The pommel will slide out of the
seat module.
• To fix the pommel in place, take the
metal bar of the pommel and align with
the fixing point at the front of the seat
module in the centre. Simply push the
pommel in place.
Leg-Laterals (optional)
The Leg-Laterals are one complete unit that
slides onto the legrest assembly.
The footboard must be removed before
attempting to fix the Leg-Laterals to the
legrest assembly.
• To remove the footboard assembly
retract the spring pull “snaps”. Slide the
footboard down and off the legrest
assembly.
• Pull out the “snaps” on the Leg-Lateral
unit. Align the unit with the legrest
assembly and slide the Leg-Lateral unit
up the legrest to the desired position.
Ensure the zips of the lateral pads are on
the underside of the Leg-Lateral Unit to
guarantee it has been put on the correct
way.
• Locate the pins into the correct
positioning holes and click the “snaps”
into a firm fixing.

•
The user is at risk if the Lap-Belt is not
properly specified and adjusted to their
particular requirements.
• Users should be regularly checked and
continuously supervised when using the
Lap-Belt to mitigate the user moving or
sliding into an inappropriate position.
• Thrusts, spasms and strong movements,
for example as well as partial loosening of
the Lap-Belt could cause injury to the
user.
• Care should be taken not to over tighten
the Lap-Belt in order to reduce the risk of
harm to the user.
Care and Maintenance
For recommended care, cleaning and
maintenance, please refer to the care
and maintenance guidelines enclosed
with your chair and the care label fixed
to the chair.
Service and Maintenance Indicator
A service and maintenance indicator is
located on the push handle of the chair.
This indicator will flash after 11 months of
use to advise that the chair should be
serviced.
Annual servicing of the chair will extend the
warranty of the chair to 5 years if
maintained from new and increase the
chair’s lifespan.
The annual maintenance service is
chargeable. Additional components and
parts will be quoted and charged
separately, if required.
Should you require any further information
or costs please do not hesitate to contact
our Customer Service Team on Freephone
0800 212709
Page 11
Potential Risks, Cautions &
Warnings
• The user is at risk if the Duo is not
properly configured to their particular
physique and requirements.
• It is recommended that the tilt-in-space is
changed at regular intervals to reduce
the risk of pressure sores.
• When tilting a user who has their feet on
the floor or footboard without elevating
the legrest, exercise care to avoid
pressure build up behind the user’s
knees.
• The footboard must never be stood on
when transferring into or out of the chair.
It will not support the user’s full weight
and may cause the chair to tip.
• Never sit on the elevating legrest or push
the chair around by it as this may
damage the mechanism and may cause
the chair to tip.
• To ensure user safety never remove
both arms at the same time.
• Never sit on the arms or put them under
undue pressure.
• When adjusting the headrest angle or the
arms, push the lever in when tightening
or loosening the locking mechanism to
avoid damaging the ratchet mechanism.
• Users should be regularly checked and
supervised when sitting or lying in the
chair to mitigate the user moving or
sliding into an inappropriate position.
• Care should be taken when adjusting the
chair not to trap fingers or clothing in the
framework.

Page 12
General Care
• Wipe down framework with soapy water
and a soft cloth.
• Check castors regularly for build up of
fluff and dirt particles.
• Cleaning with scouring pads is not
advised.
Helpline
Should you have any concerns either pre or
post purchase of the chair contact
our Customer Services Team on
Freephone 0800 212709 or from outside
the UK [phone] to discuss
further. Alternatively, if you purchased your
chair from a Kirton distributor in the first
instance please contact your point of
reference there.
If your call concerns a specific seating
product or item of furniture please have
ready your sales order number before you
telephone. This can be located on the base
of each chair and helps us identify your
details and deal with your enquiry
efficiently.
23 Rookwood Way
Haverhill
Suffolk
CB9 8PB
England
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Freephone: 0800 212709
Email: [email protected]
www.kirton-healthcare.co.uk