Kuschall K-SERIES User manual

KüschallsK-Series
EN Active wheelchair
User Manual
This manual MUST be given to the user of the product.
BEFORE using this product, read this manual and save for future reference.

©2013 Küschall AG
All rights reserved. Republication, duplication or modification in whole or in part is prohibited without
prior written permission from Küschall AG. Trademarks are identified by ™and ®. All trademarks are
owned by or licensed to Küschall AG or its subsidiaries unless otherwise noted.

Contents
1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Information about the User Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 Intended use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.5 Service life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6 Copyright protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Safety devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Components and their functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Parking brakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3 Backrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.4 Push handles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.5 Side rest, infinitely height adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.6 Simple armrest, height-adjustable,
swivelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.7 Mudguard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.8 Clothes-guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.9 Footrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.10 Antitipper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.11 Vario-Ax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.12 Rear wheel extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.13 Seat cushion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.14 Seat position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4 Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.1 Pelvic belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2 Air pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3 Passive illumination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.4 Luggage carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.5 Transit wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1 Safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6 Using the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.1 Safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.2 Braking during use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.3 Getting in and out of the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.4 Driving and steering the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.5 Negotiating steps and kerbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.6 Going up and down stairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.7 Negotiating ramps and slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.8 Stability and balance when seated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.1 Safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.2 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.3 Removing and fitting the rear wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.4 Transporting the occupied wheelchair in a
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.1 Safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.2 Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.3 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8.4 Disinfection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
9.1 Safety information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
9.2 Identifying and repairing faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
10 After Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
10.1 Re-use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
10.2 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

11 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
11.1 Dimensions and weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
11.2 Environmental conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
11.3 Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
11.4 Identification label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

General
1 General
1.1 Information about the User Manual
Thank you for choosing a küschall® wheelchair.
This User Manual contains important information about using the
wheelchair. In order to ensure safety when using your wheelchair, read
the User Manual carefully and follow the safety information.
If your vision is impaired, you can view the user manual as a PDF file on
the Internet at www.kueschall.com and enlarge it on-screen as required.
If you cannot enlarge the texts and graphics sufficiently, please contact
the küschall® distributor for your country;
→addresses on the reverse of this document. If necessary, we will
provide you with a high resolution PDF file of the user manual.
Moreover, you can have the PDF file read out to you with the aid of
suitable programs using special language functions on your computer
(e.g. in Adobe®Reader®X: Shift+Ctrl+Y).
The equipment of your wheelchair may differ from the
descriptions and diagrams given here due to the wide range of
models available.
If you need additional information, please refer to our website at
www.kueschall.com.
1.2 Symbols
Symbols in this manual
In this User Manual warnings are indicated by symbols. The warning
symbols are accompanied by a heading that indicates the severity of
the danger.
WARNING!
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
serious injury or death if it is not avoided.
CAUTION!
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
minor or slight injury if it is not avoided.
IMPORTANT!
Indicates a hazardous situation that could result in
damage to property if it is not avoided.
Gives useful tips, recommendations and information for
efficient, trouble-free use.
This product complies with Directive 93/42/EEC
concerning medical devices. The launch date of this
product is stated in the CE declaration of conformity.
Symbols on the product
Snap hook symbol: Tie-down positions where the
restraint system straps must be placed in case of
transporting the occupied wheelchair in a vehicle.
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K-Series
1.3 Warranty
Küschall AG guarantees that their wheelchairs are free from defects and
are fully functional. The warranty covers all faults and defects which are
verifiably attributable to faulty construction, substandard materials or
poor workmanship. Warranty claims against the manufacturer may only
be made by the distributor and not by the user of the product.
The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, the consequences
of improper handling or damage, poor maintenance and incorrect
assembly or commissioning by the purchaser or a third person or faults
which are attributable to circumstances beyond our control. Wearing
parts are not covered by the guarantee. The warranty is voided if
modifications are made to the product which were not authorised and
not performed by the specialist dealer or if inappropriate accessories
or spare parts are used. The warranty does not cover consequential
costs arising from the rectification of defects such as freight and travel
expenses, labour costs, fees etc.
The term of the warranty is 24 months. The frame is guaranteed for
5 years.
Furthermore, the terms and conditions are part of the general terms and
conditions particular to the individual countries in which the product
is sold.
Quality and Flame Retardancy
Quality is fundamental to the company’s operation, working within the
disciplines of ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.
The wheelchair has been tested in accordance with EN 12183. It
includes a test for flammability.
1.4 Intended use
The active wheelchair is propelled manually and should only be used
for independent or assisted transport of a disabled person with mobility
difficulties. When used without an assistant, it should only be used by
persons who are physically and mentally able to use the wheelchair
safely (e.g. to propel themselves, steer, brake). The wheelchair should
only be used on level ground and accessible terrain, as well as indoors.
This active wheelchair needs to be subscribed and fit to your specific
health condition.
WARNING!
Any other or incorrect use could lead to hazardous
situations.
1.5 Service life
The expected service life is five years, presuming that the product is
used daily and in accordance with safety instructions, maintenance
instructions and intended use, stated in this manual.
1.6 Copyright protection
This User Manual is protected by copyright. It may not be reprinted or
copied or transferred to third parties in part or in full without the prior
written consent of the manufacturer.
6 1544595-B

Safety
2 Safety
2.1 Safety information
This section contains important safety information for the protection
of the wheelchair user and assistant and for safe, trouble-free use of
the wheelchair.
WARNING!
Risk of accidents and serious injury
Accidents with resulting serious injury can occur if the
wheelchair is wrongly adjusted.
ದAdjustments at the wheelchair always must be carried
out by a specialist dealer.
WARNING!
Risk due to driving style being unsuitable for the
conditions
There is a risk of skidding on wet ground, gravel or
uneven terrain.
ದAlways adjust your speed and driving style to the
conditions (weather, surface, individual ability, etc.).
WARNING!
Risk of injury
In a collision you could sustain injury to parts of your
body that extend beyond the wheelchair (e.g. feet or
hands).
ದAvoid an unbraked collision.
ದNever drive into an object head-on.
ದDrive carefully through narrow passages.
WARNING!
Risk due to wheelchair being out of control
At high speed you could lose control of your wheelchair
and overturn.
ದNever exceed a speed of 7 km/h.
ದAvoid collisions in general.
CAUTION!
Risk of burning
The wheelchair components can heat up when exposed
to strong sunlight.
CAUTION!
Risk of getting fingers caught
There is always a risk of getting, e.g. fingers or arms,
caught in the moving parts of the wheelchair.
ದMake sure when activating the folding or insertion
mechanisms of moving parts, such as the removable
axle of the rear wheel, folding backrest or antitipper,
that nothing becomes caught.
2.2 Safety devices
WARNING!
Risk of accidents
Safety devices that are incorrectly set or no longer
working (brakes, antitipper) can cause accidents.
ದAlways check that the safety devices are working
before you use the wheelchair and have them
checked regularly by the specialist dealer.
The functions of the safety devices are described in chapter 3
Components and their functions, page 8 .
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K-Series
3 Components and their functions
3.1 Overview
$Push handle
%Back
&Rear wheel with handrim
'Parking brake
(Front wheel fork with front wheel
)Footrest
*Frame
+Seat / Cushion
,Clothes-guard
Short description
The küschall K-Series is a rigid frame wheelchair with folding backrest.
The equipment of your wheelchair may differ from the
diagram as each wheelchair is manufactured individually to
the specifications in the order.
8 1544595-B

Components and their functions
3.2 Parking brakes
The parking brakes are used to immobilise the wheelchair when it is
stationary to prevent it from rolling away.
WARNING!
Risk of overturning if you brake sharply
If you apply the parking brakes while you are moving,
the direction of movement can become uncontrollable
and the wheelchair may stop suddenly, which can lead
to a collision or to you falling out.
ದNever apply the parking brakes while you are moving.
WARNING!
Risk of overturning
The parking brakes will not operate correctly unless
there is sufficient air in the tyres.
ದEnsure the correct tyre pressure, 11.3 Tyres, page 43.
Standard brake
1. To apply the brake, push the brake lever forwards as far as possible.
2. To release the brake, pull the brake lever backwards.
Performance brake
1. To apply the brake, push the brake lever forwards as far as possible.
2. To release the brake, pull the brake lever backwards.
Active brake
1. To apply the brake, pull the brake lever forwards beside or between
your knees as far as possible.
2. To release the brake, push the brake lever backwards beside or
between your knees.
1544595-B 9

K-Series
3.3 Backrest
Backrest cover
You can adjust the tension of the backrest cover as required.
Adjusting the backrest cover
1. Remove the backrest cushion $.
2. Loosen the Velcro® tapes %on the rear of the backrest cover by
simply pulling on them.
3. Tighten or loosen the tapes as required then reattach them.
WARNING!
Risk of tipping
If the bands are set very loose, the tipping point of your
wheelchair is changed for the worse.
ದEnsure that the bands are set correctly.
Backrest height
The height of the backrest can be adjusted. The adjustment must be
carried out by the specialist dealer.
Backrest angle
The angle of the backrest can be adjusted. The adjustment must be
carried out by the specialist dealer.
Backrest bar
WARNING!
Risk of accidents
The backrest bar is not suited for lifting or carrying the
wheelchair with the user sitting in it as it can break.
ದThe backrest bar may not be used to lift or carry the
wheelchair while the user is sitting in it.
10 1544595-B

Components and their functions
3.4 Push handles
IMPORTANT!
ದAlways check the push handles before using the
wheelchair, as to whether the hand grips are secure,
cannot be turned and cannot be pulled off.
Foldable push handles (optional)
Foldable push handles are used when the push handles are only
required occasionally.
1. To fold down the push handles, hold the wheelchair with one hand.
Grip the push handle with the other and using your thumb activate
the release (1) that is concealed under the plastic.
2. At the same time pull the push handle backwards (2) and fold it
down (3).
3. To fold the push handles up, bring the push handle into the
horizontal position until it engages.
IMPORTANT!
ದMake sure that the push handle does actually engage
so that it does not accidentally fold down while
pushing the wheelchair.
Height adjustable, angled push handles (optional)
The infinitely height adjustable push handles allow any assistant to
adjust the handles to a comfortable level.
1. To set the height of the push handles, loosen the bolt $, push the
handle to the desired position and tighten the bolt again.
1544595-B 11

K-Series
3.5 Side rest, infinitely height adjustable
Removing
1. Pull the side rest by the arm cushion out of the holder.
2. To adjust how easy or difficult it is to pull the side rest out of the
holder, change the degree to which the screws &are tightened.
Fitting
1. Push the side rest into the holder.
Adjusting the height
1. Loosen the screw %of the retaining plate $.
2. Move the armrest upwards or downwards until you reach the
desired height.
3. Tighten the screw %.
4. Perform the setting on both sides.
3.6 Simple armrest, height-adjustable, swivelling
Removing
1. Raise the armrest and pull it upwards out of the holder.
Fitting
1. Push the armrest into the holder.
Adjusting the height
1. Pull the armrest out of the holder.
2. Loosen the screw on the tube of the armrest and screw it back in at
the desired height.
3. Push the armrest back into the holder.
4. Perform the setting on both sides.
Swivelling
1. Raise the armrest a little and swivel it outwards.
12 1544595-B

Components and their functions
3.7 Mudguard
In order to prevent dirt from the wheels spraying upwards, a removable
mudguard can be fitted. The position of the mudguard can be adjusted.
The adjustment must be carried out by the specialist dealer.
Removing
1. Pull the mudguard upwards out of the holder.
2. To adjust how easy or difficult it is to pull the mudguard out of the
holder, change the degree to which the screws $are tightened.
Fitting
1. Push the mudguard into the holder.
3.8 Clothes-guard
A clothes-guard can be fitted to protect your clothes. Before folding the
back of the wheelchair, the clothes-guard must first be folded inwards
against the backrest.
Folding in
1. Raise the clothes-guard at the front and swivel it inwards in front
of the backrest.
1544595-B 13

K-Series
3.9 Footrest
The height of the footrest can be adjusted. The adjustment must be
carried out by the specialist dealer.
3.10 Antitipper
An antitipper prevents the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
WARNING!
Risk of overturning
Antitippers that are incorrectly set or no longer working
can lead to overturning.
ದAlways check that the antitipper is working before
using the wheelchair and have it set or readjusted by
a specialist dealer when required.
WARNING!
Risk of overturning
On uneven or soft ground, the antitipper can sink into
potholes or directly into the ground, thereby curtailing
or eliminating its safety function.
ದOnly use the antitipper when travelling on even and
firm ground.
Activating the antitipper
1. Push the antitipper downwards against the spring and swivel it
backwards through 90° until it engages.
WARNING!
Risk of tipping
An activated antitipper can catch when negotiating a
step or an edge.
ದAlways deactivate the antitipper before driving over
a step or kerb.
Deactivating the antitipper
1. Push the antitipper downwards against the spring and swivel it
inwards through 90° until it engages.
Setting the height
1. Press the spring pin $on the antitipper and push the inner section
to the position required. Allow the spring pin to engage in the
nearest hole.
14 1544595-B

Components and their functions
3.11 Vario-Ax
Your wheelchair can be fitted with a Vario-Ax. The Vario-Ax makes it
possible to change the wheel camber.
Adjusting wheel camber of the Vario-Ax
IMPORTANT!
ದDo not overtighten the knurled screw $as this can
damage its mechanism.
IMPORTANT!
ದChanging the wheel camber can impair or negate the
function of the parking brakes.
1. Loosen the knurled screw $on the Vario-Ax.
2. Pull the wheel by the hub %until the desired angle is set.
3. A gentle engagement will indicate when it has reached one of the
four possible positions.
4. Retighten the knurled screw $.
5. Perform the same setting on both sides.
3.12 Rear wheel extension
Your wheelchair can be fitted with a rear wheel extension. The rear
wheel extension makes it possible to alter the position of the rear wheel
and thus the tipping stability of the wheelchair. The adjustment must
be carried out by the specialist dealer.
3.13 Seat cushion
A suitable cushion is needed to provide an even pressure distribution
on the seat.
Use an antislip underlay or Velcro® fastening tapes to avoid
slipping of the seat cushion.
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K-Series
3.14 Seat position
Tipping stability
The seat position and thus the tipping stability of your wheelchair can
be altered. The adjustment must be carried out by the specialist dealer.
Seat height front
The front seat height can be adjusted. The adjustment must be carried
out by the specialist dealer.
Seat height rear
The rear seat height can be adjusted by several centimeters. The
adjustment must be carried out by the specialist dealer.
16 1544595-B

Accessories
4 Accessories
4.1 Pelvic belt
Your wheelchair can be fitted with a pelvic belt which will prevent
you from sliding forward in the wheelchair or from falling out of the
wheelchair.
WARNING!
Risk of serious injuries through strangulation.
ದEnsure that you are sitting fully back in the seat and
that the pelvis is as upright and symmetrical as
possible - not forward on one side or tilted back.
ದPosition the lap belt so that the hip bones can be felt
above the belt.
ದAdjust the length using the buckles so that there is
just sufficient room for your hand to slide between
your body and the belt. It is recommended that
the clasp is kept in a central position, i.e. make
adjustments to each side.
ದMake sure that the belt cannot slide and the clasp
does not dissolve. Refit the pelvic belt if necessary,
→specialist dealer.
ದCheck and possibly change these adjustments each
time the belt is used.
Fitting the pelvic belt
1. Remove the backrest cover and attach the Velcro® fastener to the
backrest at the required height. Ensure that the fastener is at the
front.
Opening the pelvic belt
1. Push in the PRESS button and pull the catch $out of the
buckle %. The pelvic belt opens.
Closing the pelvic belt
1. Push the catch $into the buckle %.
2. Pull the belt &until you are held securely in the wheelchair.
4.2 Air pump
The air pump is fitted with a universal valve connection.
1. Remove the dust cap from the valve connection.
2. Push the valve connection onto the open valve on the wheel and
pump the wheel up.
4.3 Passive illumination
You can attach reflectors to the rear wheels.
1544595-B 17

K-Series
4.4 Luggage carrier
Your wheelchair can be fitted with a luggage carrier. When not in use,
the luggage carrier can be folded up.
WARNING!
Risk of tipping
Weight on the carrier changes the tipping behaviour of
the wheelchair. The wheelchair can tip forwards more
easily when the luggage carrier is loaded.
ದUse the luggage carrier only for transporting small
and lightweight luggage.
ದAvoid driving the wheelchair to fast when carrying
luggage.
ದAvoid driving ramps and slopes when carrying
luggage.
ದDo not stand on the luggage carrier.
4.5 Transit wheels
If your wheelchair is too wide for certain applications, e.g.
trains/aeroplanes, narrow passageways, narrow doors, the transit
wheels can be used.
WARNING!
ದWhen using transit wheels, the parking brakes no
longer have any effect and you cannot control your
wheelchair via the handrims.
Switching to transit wheels
1. Lower the transit wheels into the operating position. To do this,
press the pin inwards until you can pull the tube down.
2. Press the second pin in.
3. Pull the tube further downwards until the pin engages into the slot.
4. Move the wheelchair to a stable object (door frame, heavy table),
which you can use for support and hold onto it firmly with one
hand.
5. Tilt the wheelchair until the rear wheel on the opposite side rises
off the floor.
Prior to removing the rear wheels, the distance between the
lowered transit wheels and the floor should not be more than
2 cm.
18 1544595-B

Accessories
6. Remove the rear wheel,
→7.3 Removing and fitting the rear wheels, page 30.
7. Repeat the process on the other side.
Switching from transit wheels to rear wheels
1. Move the wheelchair to a stable object, which you can use for
support and hold onto it firmly with one hand.
2. Tilt the wheelchair until the transit wheel on the opposite side rises
slightly off the floor.
3. Fit the rear wheel back onto the removable axle,
→7.3 Removing and fitting the rear wheels, page 30.
4. Bring the transit wheels back into the inactive position.
5. Repeat the process on the other side.
1544595-B 19

K-Series
5 Setup
5.1 Safety information
CAUTION!
Risk of injury
ದBefore using the wheelchair, check its general
condition and its main functions, 8.2 Maintenance
Schedule, page 36.
Your specialist dealer will supply your wheelchair ready for use. Your
dealer will explain the main functions and ensure that the wheelchair
meets your needs and requirements.
20 1544595-B