OFFCARR Althea User manual

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
ALTHEA
OFF CARR S.r.l.
Via Dell’Artigianato II, 29
35010 Villa del Conte (PD Italy
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected] - www.offcarr.com
UMALTHEA_R1
-
EN
May
2013
Edition

1
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................4
1.1 D ESCRIPTION .........................................................................................4
1.2 F EATURES ..............................................................................................6
2. PREPARATION FOR USE..........................................................................6
2.1 W HEELCHAIR OPENING ..........................................................................6
2.2 W HEELCHAIR FOLDING ..........................................................................6
2.3 T YRE PRESSURE CHECK ..........................................................................7
2.4 R EAR WHEELS ASSEMBLY CHECK ...........................................................7
2.5 F OOT - REST POSITIONING ........................................................................8
2.6 B RAKES CHECK ......................................................................................9
2.7 A CCESSORIES CHECK .............................................................................9
3. SETTING UP ...............................................................................................10
3.1 F RAME DEPTH ADJUSTMENT .................................................................10
3.2 R EAR SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT .........................................................13
3.3 G RAVITY CENTRE ADJUSTMENT ...........................................................13
3.4 F RONT SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT .......................................................14
3.5 F RONT FORK SUPPORT PLATE ADJUSTMENT .........................................14
3.6 S IDE GUARD ADJUSTMENT ...................................................................15
3.7 B RAKES ADJUSTMENT AND MAINTENANCE ..........................................15
3.8 S EAT UPHOLSTERY ADJUSTMENT AN REPLACEMENT ............................16
3.9 B ACK - REST TENSION ADJUSTMENT ......................................................17
3.10 B ACK - REST HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT ........................................................17
3.11 H EIGHT ADJUSTABLE PUSHING HANDLES .............................................17
3.12 F OOT - PLATE TO SEAT DISTANCE ADJUSTMENT .....................................18
3.13 F OOT - PLATE TILT ADJUSTMENT ...........................................................18
4. ARM-REST..................................................................................................19
4.1 D ETACHABLE ARM - REST ......................................................................20
4.2 T IP - UP ARM - REST .................................................................................20
4.3 H EIGHT ADJUSTABLE ARM - REST ..........................................................20
4.4 “L” TYPE ARM - REST .............................................................................21
5. ANTI-TIP DEVICE.....................................................................................22
5.1 C URVED REAR FRAME ANTI - TIP DEVICE ...............................................22
5.2 C URVED REAR FRAME ANTI - TIP DEVICE ...............................................23
5.2.1 Curved rear frame anti-tip device adjustment................................23
5.2.2 Telescopic end terminal adjustment ...............................................23
5.3 S TRAIGHT REAR FRAME ANTI - TIP DEVICE .............................................23
5.3.1. Height adjustment anti-tip device...................................................24
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6. DOUBLE PUSHRIM SINGLE DRIVE.....................................................25
7. HINGED BACK-REST...............................................................................26
8. SMALL WHEEL FOR NARROW PASSAGES WITH LEVER............26
9. UNBALANCING SYSTEM........................................................................27
10. EXTENDED WHEEL PLATE...................................................................27
11. STRETCHED BAR .....................................................................................27
12. ELEVATING FOOT-REST .......................................................................28
13. TABLE..........................................................................................................28
14. ABDUCTOR ................................................................................................29
15. LATERAL SUPPORT ................................................................................30
16. HEAD-REST................................................................................................31
17. SPOKES GUARDS......................................................................................31
18. WC SEAT.....................................................................................................31
19. USE OF THE WHEELCHAIR ..................................................................32
20. WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MISUSE
OF THE WHEELCHAIR...........................................................................34
21. MAINTENANCE, INSPECTIONS AND CONTROLS...........................35
22. CLEANING INSTRUCTRION..................................................................36
23. TECHNICAL SERVICE.............................................................................37
24. WARRANTY TERMS................................................................................37
25. PACKAGING, SHIPPING AND DELIVERY..........................................38
26. MATERIALS DIFFERENTIATION.........................................................38

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Thanks for choosing an OFF CARR wheelchair.
Since 1982 OFF CARR listens and responds to the customers' needs
by developing highly innovative and technologic solutions, always
aimed to reduce daily mobility problems, with special attention to
product style and to improve customers' life quality.
OFF CARR has a certified system for quality management following
UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 regulations and a Medical device - Quality
management system following UNI EN ISO 13485:2012 regulations.
OFF CARR products meet the 93/42/CEE directives, upgraded
with the 2007/47/CE directive.
Before using or making adjustments on this device,
carefully read the content of this instruction manual.
If needed, please contact an authorized dealer or the manufacturer at
the following address:
OFF CARR s.r.l.
Via dell’Artigianato II, 29
35010 Villa del Conte (Padova) Italy
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] http://www.offcarr.com
4
1. Introduction
The lightweight wheelchair ALTHEA is a non-intrusive medical device,
specifically designed to reduce and counterbalance a physical handicap.
This wheelchair is manually propelled on the back wheels, it has many setups and a
wide range of accessories that meet any customer need.
Only qualified operators must setup the device.
It is forbidden to use the wheelchairs or parts of them in different ways
from those described on this manual.
1.1 Description
ALTHEA is an aluminum folding frame wheelchair. Other details are made with
aluminium or steel alloys or composite materials, such as carbon fibre.
Various frame colors are available and can be combined with various anodized
accessories and details sets.

5
The seat upholstery (3) and the back-rest (5) are usually made with black nylon
cloth. The back-rest can be also made with breathable material to increase the
customer’s comfort. The back-rest upholstery is easily removable to make the
cleaning and washing operations easier and its straightening is adjustable by acting
on the velstraps under the upholstery.
A comfortable compartment with closing zip can be added in the lower part of the
back-rest and another can be placed frontally under the seat.
The back-rest is adjustable in height by acting on the frame-fixing screws. Height
adjustable pushing handles are available.
Different rear frame shapes are available (with same limitation of configuration).
The rear wheel plate (6) allows an easier adjustment of the rear wheel position to
find the most comfortable setup for the user. On demand, for special needs, the
wheelchair can be equipped with an extended wheel plate for safer setup, it is
compulsory with reclining back-rest.
20” or 22”or 24” rear wheel (RW) are available, with some configuration
restrictions. All the rear wheels are equipped with the quick releasing axle.
The front forks (9) have adjustable angles and can hold various wheel diameters
(FC) at various heights, to better answer the setup and agility needs of users.
The front frame (7) is available with fixed or detachable foot-rests. Considering
possible setup restrictions, the foot-plates (11) can be single or double and adjustable
in height and angle. Foot-holding belts and hell stops are available.
The wheelchair can be equipped with closed arm-rest or with open arm-rest with
side guards. Different kind of arm-rest are available. With open arm-rest or without
arm-rest the wheelchair is provided with composite polymer side guards or with
aluminum side guards, as chosen on the order form.
The brake devices (14) are adjustable to counterbalance different wheel sizes and
different wheel setups.
The wide and complete range of accessories available, allows a complete
customization of ALTHEA, both aesthetically and functionally.
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1.2 Features
Lightweight wheelchair
Aluminium folding frame
Double crossbar
Depth adjustable frame up to 6cm
Multiple positions for rear wheels
Tilt adjustable front fork support
Different kind of side guards and arm-rests
Fixed or detachable foot-rests or elevating and detachable
Single drive available
Maximum load of 120 kg
2. Preparation for use
The preparation for use of these devices must be performed by qualified
personnel both to evaluate the suitability of the product and to provide
the correct instructions to the user.
2.1 Wheelchair opening
•
Apply pressure with the open palm over the sides
of the seat (as shown on the drawing) until the seat
is perfectly aligned to the frame.
Be careful not to wrap the tubes of the
crossbar with your fingers to avoid being
pinched between the frame and the crossbar.
2.2 Wheelchair folding
•Fold up the foot-plate first to allow the folding of the
wheelchair frame;
•pull the seat upholstery upwards with both hands as
shown on the drawing.

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2.3 Tyre pressure check
A periodical check of the tyre pressure may help to keep the wheelchair efficient and
more comfortable.
Verify the tyre pressure value according to the value marked on the tyre.
(Indicatively the maximum pressure is: 7.5 BAR for high pressure rear wheels, 4.5
BAR for 20'', 22'', 24'' x1.3 / 8 wheels and 2.5 BAR for pneumatic front castors.)
The pressure for the model Schwalbe Marathon Plus should always be kept from
a minimum of 7 BAR to a maximum of 9 BAR to prevent damage to the surface
of the tyre itself.
In case of air transport is recommended to decrease the tire pressure.
2.4 Rear wheels assembly check
ALTHEA wheelchairs are normally shipped with the rear wheels assembled.
Test for the right functioning of the quick release axle and proper assembly of the
rear wheels:
•
ensure the brakes are released;
•keeping the axle button pressed, pull out the
wheel from the hub;
•still holding down the axle button, insert it into
the hub on the frame of the wheelchair;
•check the efficiency of the engagement by
trying to pull out the wheel without pressing the
button and making sure it does not come off.
For safety reasons it is important to repeat this test every time that for transport
or maintenance reasons, the rear wheels are removed and reassembled to the
frame.
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2.5 Foot-rest positioning
The ALTHEA wheelchair can be configured, depending on the model, with
detachable or not detachable footrests. According to the limits of setup, the footplate
can be either single (automatically lifted with the closing of the wheelchair), or both
single and double, manually lifted.
Once the wheelchair is open, position the footplate by rotating it downwards, ready
for use. If the footplate is single, pay attention to engaging properly its connection
pin to the corresponding connector on the frame.
Separate aluminium
profile footplates Single aluminium profile footplate
The automatic footrest, at the opening of the wheelchair, is automatically placed and
the footplate, in absence of weight, is slightly tilted on one side. This condition is
absolutely normal to allow the automatic closing. With a light weight on the plate, it
immediately takes a plain position.
In the case of a frame with removable footrests, the footrests are packed separately.
To insert the footrest:
•Open the wheelchair;
•Insert the footpads in their correct housing and rotate them starting from a 90°
angle position from the frame (as shown) and rotate it inwards until the
hooking mechanism snaps.

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To extract the footrest:
•Press the hooking lever and rotate the footrest outwards
•Remove the footrest from the hinge pin by pulling it upwards
Note: If necessary, you can turn the footrest to the inside of the wheelchair.
2.6 Brakes check
To check the correct functioning and the efficiency of the parking brakes act as
following:
•
activate the brake (Fig. P, S);
•check if the wheels are blocked.
The included brakes, except for
optional drum brakes, have to
be used only as parking brakes and
never to decrease the speed of the
wheelchair while moving.
To ensure the efficiency of the brakes it
is necessary to maintain the proper tyre
pressure and check frequently the wear
of the clamping elements.
Pushing brake “OFF”
position Pushing brake “ON” position
Pulling brake “OFF”
position Pulling brake “ON” position
2.7 Accessories check
Any accessory required at the time of the setup of the wheelchair is to be shipped
separately. If so they should be properly installed before using the wheelchair.
Fig. P
Fig. O
Fig. Fig, S
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3. Setting up
The wheelchair is shipped in the setup chosen on the order form. The selected
options in the order form should ensure the best possible setup to match the
customer needs. Considering potential setup restrictions it is still possible to perform
other adjustment to better fit the user’s needs.
Please refer to authorized and qualified personnel only to perform any
type of adjustment on the wheelchair.
3.1 Frame depth adjustment
The frame is adjustable in depth with a 2cm steps. Max depth adjustment 6 cm for a
maximum seat depth of 50cm.
Frame depth could be changed:
•moving back, compared to the crossbar, the rear frame
•moving forward, compared to the crossbar, the front frame.

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3.1.1 Moving back the rear frame
•remove the parking brake support;
•remove the “A” screws that fix the
spacers to the frame;
•remove the “B” screws that fix the
front frame to the telescopic tube;
•remove the “C” screws that fix the
crossbar support to the frame;
•
adjust the frame depth pulling backward the rear frame assembled with the
telescopic tube (the telescopic tube is pre-holed with 2cm steps);
•
insert again and fix the “A”, “B” screws;
•the front crossbar holder must be moved backward for the equivalent
distance of the frame elongation;
•insert again and fix the “C” screws;
•insert again the rear wheel (see par.2.4);
•adjust the brake position (see par. 3.7);
•the operations always have to be performed symmetrically either left and
right side..
After changing the depth of the frame is necessary to adjust the position
of the brakes (see par. 3.7).
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3.1.2 Moving forward the front frame
•
remove the parking brake support;
•remove the “B” screws that fix
the front frame to the telescopic
tube;
•remove the “C” screws that fix
the crossbar support to the frame;
•
adjust the frame depth pulling forward the front frame (the telescopic
tube is pre-holed with 2cm steps);
•
insert again and fix the “B” screws;
•the front crossbar holder must be moved backward for the equivalent
distance of the frame elongation;
•insert again and fix the “C” screws;
•insert again the rear wheel (see par.2.4);
•adjust the brake position (see par. 3.7);
•the operations always have to be performed symmetrically either left and
right side..
After changing the depth of the frame is necessary to adjust the position
of the brakes (see par. 3.7).

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3.2 Rear seat height adjustment
•
By pushing the axle button pull out the rear wheel
from the frame;
•lie on the side the wheelchair;
•remove the “B” screws;
•move the inside threaded insert in the desired
position;
•
fix the “B” screws.
3.3 Gravity centre adjustment
The further the rear wheels axles are assembled, the more active and agile the
wheelchair becomes, but at the same time the stability is reduced.
The more back the rear wheel axles are assembled, the more stable the
wheelchair is, but more effort is required to push it.
•
By pushing the axle button pull out the rear wheel
from the frame;
•loosen and remove from the rear plate the wheel bush;
•select the new position for the bush from the three
“C” holes available, keeping the original sequence for
spacers and washer.
Note: consider that the further the hub is connected, the more agile the
wheelchair is, and the further back it is assembled, the less active but the safest
the wheelchair becomes
• connect again the wheels to the chair checking the correct assembly (see par.
2.4)
• the operations always have to be performed symmetrically either left and right
side.
Be sure to choose the same position in both wheel bushes on the back of the frame.
Asymmetrical combinations produce instability.
Once changed the position of the back wheels, it is essential to adjust the front
fork perpendicularity (see. par.3.5) and the positioning of the parking brakes (see
par.3.7).
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3.4 Front seat height adjustment
It is possible to vary the front height of the wheelchair by changing the diameter of
the front wheels or by choosing a different position of the wheel on the fork:
•
unscrew completely one of the “D” screws and remove
the “E” pin, on the side of the non-removed “D” screw,
being careful to the positions of the “F” spacers;
•if necessary, change the wheel;
•position the wheel hole in level with the most suitable
fork hole;
•
insert the “E” pivot, being careful to the original positioning of the “F”
spacers;
•fix the “D” screw.
Be sure to choose the same position in both wheels. Asymmetrical
combinations produce instability.
Once changed the front castor, it is essential to adjust the front fork
perpendicularity (see. par.3.5).
3.5 Front fork support plate adjustment
Once the front and rear seat heights are set, it is necessary to test and to adjust the
perpendicularity of the front fork support plate. This adjustment is important to
reach the maximum agility and the best driving sensitivity of the wheelchair.
•
remove the “A” protective cap;
•loosen the two “B” screws that secure the
fork support plate;
•rotate the upper eccentric nut until the
plate reaches the perpendicular position to
the ground;
•tighten the two “B” screws;
•place again the protective “A” cap.
Note: the two eccentric nuts have different profiles. The upper nut with round
profile allows a continuous adjustment of the plate perpendicularity. In the
lower position the hexagonal profile eccentric nut is assembled; it is
suggested to remove and rotate it only when the rotation of the upper nut on
its own is not enough to reach the correct position of the support plate.

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3.6 Side guard adjustment
If necessary, act as follow to change the position of the side guards:
PLASTIC SIDEGUARD:
•remove the “A” and “B” screws;
•choose the new desired position of the side guard
considering that the ideal gap between it and tyre is
about 6 mm;
•tighten the “A” and “B” screws being careful to the
original positioning of the washers and spacers.
ALUMINIUM SIDEGUARD:
To allow a gradual adjustment, the aluminium clothes
guards is fixed trough the "A" and "B" screws to some
dedicated slots assembled on the frame:
•unscrew without remove the “A” and “B” screws;
•choose the new desired position of the side guard
considering that the ideal gap between it and tyre
is about 6 mm;
•tighten the “A” and “B” screws.
3.7 Brakes adjustment and maintenance
The supplied brakes are designed for parking only and they are not
suitable to reduce the wheelchair speed.
If the rear wheel position has been changed from its original one, it is necessary to
proceed with the brake adjustment.
Act as follow to adjust the brake position:
• leave the brake in OFF position (see par. 2.6 fig. O or R );
• loosen without removing the “A” screws that fix the brake to its support and the
“B” screws that fix the support to the frame.
•
move the brake on its support until the “C”
knurled pin is about 10 mm far from the tyre;
• maintaining the “C” knurled pin perpendicular to
the tyre, properly tighten the “A” and “B” screws;
• if the “C” knurled pin appears worn in the contact
area with the tyre, it is possible to turn it to find a
better contact area or to change it with a new one;
•
Verify the efficiency of the brake (see par. 2.6) and if necessary repeat the
adjustment procedure.
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3.8 Seat upholstery adjustment an replacement
The seat tension can be adjusted by acting on the velstraps:
Seat tension adjustment:
•fold the wheelchair;
•take off the caps (by removing the screw under the seat);
•take out the insert;
•adjust the seat width;
•plug the insert into the upholstery;
•plug insert+upholstery into the seat tube;
•insert the cap and fix the screw;
Seat upholstery replacement:
•lay the seat upholstery on a table and bend the velcro flap till the width "d" is
2cm over the nominal wheelchair width;
•plug the insert into the upholstery;
•plug insert+upholstery into the seat tube;
•insert the cap and fix the screw.

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3.9 Back-rest tension adjustment
The back-rest tension can be adjusted by acting on the
velstraps:
•remove the upholstery cover of the back-rest. Normally it
is closed in the back side but according with the special
setup it can be folded down in front;
•adjust the upholstery tension by opening or closing a little
bit the velstraps under the upholstery;
•put the “B” upholstery cover back in position.
The “A” belts that adjust the back-rest tension cannot be excessively tight in
order to avoid deforming the shape of the wheelchair frame.
3.10 Back-rest height adjustment
The backrest height will be assembled according to the order form selection. It is
however possible to change it over time.
If the wheelchair is equipped with pushing handles is possible to move them up or
down of a few centimetres as shown:
•
remove the upholstery cover and loosen the tensioning
velstraps (see par.3.9) to reach the “A” screws that
connect the handles tube and the frame;
•remove both “A” screws;
•lower or raise the handles until reaching the most
suitable height (the tubes are pre-holed with 2 cm
steps);
•insert again the “A” screws and screw them firmly;
•
set the correct backrest tension and fold properly the upholstery cover (see
par.3.9).
The same procedure can be also followed if the pushing handles are height
adjustable.
3.11 Height adjustable pushing handles
If the wheelchair is equipped with height adjustable pushing
handles it is possible to adjust them as follow:
•loosen the clamp unscrewing the “B” knob;
•choose the most suitable position for the push-handle;
•tighten the “B” knob properly;
•turn the “B” knob in an appropriate position;
Note: the “B” knob is a special spring lever. To change its position it is possible to
pull out the lever, turn it in the desired position and release it again.
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3.12 Foot-plate to seat distance adjustment
The telescopic footplate support is inserted in the front
frame of the wheelchair and secured through the “E” screw.
The height can be changed with 2cm pre-holed steps:
•loosen and remove the “E” screw;
•move the footplate to reach the correct distance from the
seat;
•insert again and properly tighten the “E” screw.
3.13 Foot-plate tilt adjustment
Single or separated footplates have the possibility to have their angle adjusted:
•leave the footplate up to be able to reach the “B” screw;
•loosen the “A” screw if the footplate is single;
•loosen the “B” screw if the footplates are divided;
•select the desired footplate angle;
•properly tighten the “A” or “B” screws.
Single aluminium profile footplate Separate aluminium profile footplates
Follow a similar procedure as above if the foot-plate is automatic closure or
separated plastic foot-plate:
•loosen without remove the ”C” screws, if automatic closure foot-plate;
•loosen without remove the ”D” screws, if plastic separate foot-plate;
•select the desired footplate angle;
•properly tighten the “C” or “D” screws.
Automatic closure foot-plate Plastic separate foot-plate