OFFCARR QPX-AL User manual

1
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
QPX-AL
QPX-TI
R2 – 07/2017
OFF CARR S.r.l. Via Dell’Artigianato II, 29 35010 Villa del Conte (PD) Italy
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected]om- www.offcarr.com
INDEX ......................................ERRORE. IL SEGNALIBRO NON È DEFINITO.

2
THANKS FOR CHOOSING AN OFF CARR WHEELCHAIR. .......................3
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................4
1.1 QPX PARTS ................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 QPX SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 5
2. SETUP ..............................................................................................................6
2.1 OPENING/CLOSING THE WHEELCHAIR QPX.................................................................. 6
2.2 OPENING /CLOSING THE BACKREST ............................................................................. 7
2.3 INSERTING /REMOVING THE ARMRESTS........................................................................ 8
2.4 INSERTING /REMOVING THE SIDEGUARDS .................................................................... 9
2.5 INSERTING/REMOVING THE REAR WHEELS .................................................................... 9
2.6 CHECKING TYRE PRESSURE........................................................................................ 10
2.7CHECKING THE BRAKES’WORKING ............................................................................ 10
2.8 CHECKING ANY ACCESSORIES .................................................................................... 11
3. QPX ADJUSTMENTS ..................................................................................12
3.1 CHANGING THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY ......................................................................... 12
3.2 HOW TO ADJUST THE BACKREST ANGLE ..................................................................... 13
3.3 ADJUSTING THE CLOTHES GUARDS POSITION .............................................................. 13
3.4 ADJUSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PARKING BRAKES ................................................ 13
3.5 REPLACING THE FRONT CASTORS ............................................................................... 15
3.6 ADJUSTING BACKREST UPHOLSTERY TENSION ............................................................ 15
3.7 ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF THE BACKREST ................................................................ 15
3.8 FOOTPLATE TO SEAT DISTANCE ADJUSTMENT............................................................. 17
3.9 SETTING THE REAR WHEEL CAMBER........................................................................... 17
4. SPOKE GUARDS ..........................................................................................18
5. USE OF THE WHEELCHAIR ....................................................................18
6. KEY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO LIMIT THE RISKS
CONNECTED WITH MISUSE OF THE WHEELCHAIR ......................21
7. MAINTENANCE, INSPECTIONS AND CONTROLS .............................23
8. CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................24
10. WARRANTY TERMS ..................................................................................26
11. PACKAGING, SHIPPING AND DELIVERY............................................27
12. MATERIALS DIFFERENTIATION...........................................................28

3
Thanks for choosing an OFF CARR wheelchair.
Since 1982 OFF CARR listens and answers every customers' needs by continuously
developing innovative and technologic solutions, aimed at reducing daily mobility
problems, always careful about the elegance of their products as well as the improvement
of its customers’ lifestyle.
OFF CARR has a certified system for quality management following UNI EN ISO
9001:2015 regulations and a certified system for quality of medical devices according to
the UNI EN ISO 13485:2016 regulations. These certifications offer prestige to the
company and find confirmation in the quality of products and in customer satisfaction.
OFF CARR products meet the the MDR 2017/745 requirements.
Before using or making adjustments on this device, carefully read what reported on
this instruction manual.
If needed, please contact an authorized dealer, or the firm itself 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 ultra-lightweight wheelchairs QPX Titanium and QPX Aluminium are non-
invasive medical devices, specifically designed to reduce and counterbalance a
physical handicap.
These wheelchairs, manually propelled on the back wheels, have many setups and a wide
range of accessories that meet any customer need.
Their setup, as well as any regulation and/or adjustment MUST be performed uniquely
by qualified personnel.
It is forbidden to use the wheelchairs or parts of them in different ways from those
described on this manual.
1.1 QPX Parts
1. Pushing handle
2. Backrest
3. Sideguards
4. Seat
5. Semi-crossbar
6. Frame
7. Footrest housing
8. Footrest/footplate
9. Front forks
10. Parking brakes
11. Rear wheel hub/bush
RW Rear wheel
FC Front castor
QPX is a folding frame wheelchair, available in TI version (Titanium frame) and AL
(aluminium frame). Other details are made of composite materials, carbon fibre, and
various specific aluminium or steel alloys. Various frame colours are available and can
be combined with various coloured anodized accessories and details sets.

5
The seat upholstery (4) and the backrest (2) are usually made of black nylon cloth. The
backrest can be also made of breathable material to increase the customer’s comfort.
The backrest upholstery is easily removable to make the cleaning and washing
operations easier and its straightening is adjustable by adjusting the velstraps under the
upholstery.
A comfortable compartment with closing zip can be added in the lower part of the
backrest and another can be placed frontally under the seat. The backrest’s height can
be changed by adjusting the frame-fixing screws.
The rear wheels (RW) are equipped with the quick releasing axle. The rear wheel
support (11) allows for an easier adjustment of the rear wheel position, in order to find
the most comfortable setup for the user.
front frame (6) is available with “Y” shape (standard) or with straight front tubes, and
the footplate (8) is self-closing, and adjustable both for angle and for height as per
allowed by the setup.
The wheelchair is provided with carbon fibre or with aluminium sideguards (3), as
chosen on the order form.
The order form allows to choose optional “L” shaped tip-up armrests, adjustable in
height between 22 cm and 28cm.
The parking brakes (10) are available in standard or scissor model and are adjustable
to counterbalance different wheel sizes and different wheel setups.
The wide and complete range of accessories available, allows for a complete
customisation of each QPX to suit its user both likewise and functionality.
1.2 QPX Specifications
•QPX-TI titanium frame and aluminium crossbar
•QPX-AL aluminium frame with aluminium crossbar
•Adjustable front side

6
•Adjustable rear wheel placement to better adjust the center of gravity
•Carbon fibre clothes guard, eventually removable (optional)
•Self closing carbon fibre footplate
•“L” removable armrests (optional)
•Foldable backrest
•Locking system for the folded position
•Maximum weight supported: 100 Kg
•The order form includes all possible setups and accessories available for the
QPX TI and QPX AL wheelchairs.
2. Setup
The setup MUST be performed by qualified personnel, in order to assure
the correct working shape of the product and the best instructions to the
user.
2.1 Opening/closing the wheelchair QPX
OPENING the wheelchair
•Unlock locking lever “A” by putting it vertically
•Start opening the seat by pulling apart the wheels from
one another outward.
•When the wheelchair is slightly open, apply pressure
with the palms on “C” until you can hear the click of
the locking mechanism.
Pay attention to avoid any pinching of the fingers between the moving
crossbar arms. Act only on the lock.

7
CLOSING the wheelchair
•Press button “D” on the lower part of
block “C” to unlock the crossbar and
allow for its closing;
•Pull block “C” upwards until its locking
•Turn “A” clockwise until it locks, to stop
the frame from opening on its own
•
Note: If closing the wheelchair seems too hard, lift the footrest slightly on the not
pivoted end. Doing so the closing process starts in a bit easier way and avoiding
the force needed to start from the footrest completed open.
2.2 Opening / closing the backrest
Careful: The two backrest holders are independent, they both have to be closed at the
same time
CLOSING the backrest
•Push the “E” lever on one of the two holders to unlock the backrest movement.
•Repeat on the other holder.
•Be careful: the position of the backrest upholstery may interfere with the crossbar
when it is in the closed position.

8
OPENING the backrest
•Open the backrest by pulling on both its sides.
•Keep pulling until the locking mechanism clicks.
•Make sure both mechanisms are locked.
•Try to lower the backrest without touching the levers
to be sure it is locked before sitting on the
wheelchair.
Armrests should be removed before folding the
backrest.
2.3 Inserting / removing the armrests
“L” shaped armrest is the only removable armrest available for QPX wheelchairs.
It’s revolving and removable and, depending on the setup, height adjustable.
INSERTING
•Place the lower part of the armrest onto its correct lodging
•Make sure it is facing the right way and check the correct placement by verifying
its stability.
REMOVAL
•When removing the armrest must be revolved backwards (even if partially)
before it is removed from its lodging.
•The armrest is not fundamental for the correct functioning of the wheelchair and
can be removed while the user is sitting on the wheelchair.
Armrests should never be used to lift the wheelchairs, be it with or without
the user.
Armrests should be removed before folding the backrest.

9
2.4 Inserting / removing the sideguards
Note: QPX models are available with carbon fibre clothes guards. These can be fixed
or removable, as chosen on the order form. Both cases leave a range of
adjustments to compensate for any change of the rear wheel position.
For removable clothes guards:
•To remove the clothes guards,
carefully extract it from its
lodging.
•When inserting it back, insert the
cone-shaped titanium blade
supporting the carbon on its
correct lodging on the side of the
seat, making sure the placement is correct and stable.
Inserting and extracting the clothes guards can be performed with the wheel both in
place and not and even with the user sitting on the wheelchair.
2.5 Inserting/removing the rear wheels
Usually QPX wheelchairs are shipped with the rear
wheels disconnected from the frame.
To put the wheels in place do the following:
•make sure the brakes are unlocked;
•Insert the axle in the wheel by pressing the button;
•while keeping the button pressed, insert the pin in
the appropriate bush on the wheelchair’s frame;
•release the button;
•make sure the wheel is properly set by trying to
pull it out without pressing the button (making
sure it doesn’t) and by raising it and trying to spin it;

10
For safety reasons it is important to check the functioning of the
extraction mechanism before using the wheelchair for the first time and
every time the wheels are removed and put back (be it for transport or
adjustment). The supplied brakes have to be used only as parking brakes,
and never to decrease the speed of the wheelchair while moving.
2.6 Checking tyre pressure
Frequent pressure checks help keeping the wheelchair in its best shape and making it
more comfortable.
•Make sure the pressure of the tyres is within the range shown on the tyre. (Usually
the maximum pressure is 7,5 BAR for high pressure rear tyres and of 4.5 BAR for
20’’, 22’’, 24’’x1.3/8 e di 2.5 BAR and any front inflatable castors)
If Schwalbe Marathon Plus have been chosen, they must be at all times
inflated between 7 and 9 bars in order to preserve the tyres themselves
If loading on an airplane, deflate the tyres slightly to compensate for the
pressure changes
2.7 Checking the brakes’ working
To verify if the brakes work correctly, do what follows:
•Activate the brakes (Fig. P, Fig.S, Fig.U);
•Check if the wheels are blocked.
Pushing brake
OFF position
Pushing
brake ON
position
Fig.P
Fig.O

11
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
Pulling brake
OFF position
Pulling brake
ON position
Fig.U
Scissor brake
OFF position
Scissor brake
ON position
The supplied brakes are designed for parking only, and they are not
suitable to reduce the wheelchair speed.
2.8 Checking any accessories
Optional accessories might be shipped separately and have to be put in working order
before using the wheelchair.
Fig.T
Fig.R
Fig.S

12
3. QPX Adjustments
All wheelchairs are manufactured and shipped out, according to the setup chosen by
the customer on the order form. This is the best way of tailoring the wheelchair to
match the user’s needs. Within a certain range it is still possible to make some
adjustments on the final product to reach the optimal setup.
Any adjustment must be performed exclusively by qualified and authorized
personnel.
3.1 Changing the centre of gravity
Moving the rear wheel axle closer to the backrest’s vertical axle makes
pushing easier and makes the wheelchair smoother and more agile but less
safe, since it makes easier to loose balance backwards.
All QPX wheelchairs are supplied with adjustable axle:
To adjust the axle:
•By keeping the axle button pressed, pull out the
wheel from the hub. (See 2.5);
•unfasten, without completely removing, the “D”
screws;
•move the bushes holders of the rear axle to the
desired position (on the frame there are some marked
positions which allow the correct aligning of the
blocks);
•Re-fasten the “D” screws;
•Adjust consequently the position of the sideguards
(See 3.3) and of the brakes, according to the new
centre of gravity i.e. the new position of the rear
wheels.
When choosing a new position for the rear axle, ALWAYS chose safety and
stability over ease of use.
Make sure to have chosen the same position for both bushes, where the axle
latches on the frame. Asymmetric combinations cause instability.

13
After having changed the rear wheels position, you MUST adjust the brakes
and sideguards positions too, to make it work with the new wheel position.
3.2 How to adjust the backrest angle
3.3 Adjusting the clothes guards position
After changing the rear wheels position it is compulsory to
also adjust the carbon fibre wing position:
•Loosen the latching screws without removing them
(this is slightly different for removable and not-
removable clothes guards)
•choose a better suited position, maintaining the
distance with the wheel down to about 6 mm;
•Tighten the latching screws;
The latching blocks have holes already drilled to ease any placement change.
3.4 Adjusting and maintaining the parking brakes
The brakes are exclusively made for parking and cannot be used in any case to
reduce the speed of the moving wheelchair
The wheelchair can be setup with classic or fold away brakes.
It is possible to modify the tilt of the backrest in the
following way:
•Unscrew the screws fastening the tilt backrest
plates.
•Move the plates into the desired position by
verifying it is done symmetrically in both sides for
the wheelchair.
•Verify the backrest reached the desired tilt position.
•Reposition and fasten properly the blocking screws
of the adjustment plates.

14
To adjust the brakes, proceed as follows:
Classic brakes:
•Leave the brake in OFF position (See 2.7 Fig.O, R, T);
•Loosen without removing “A” screws and 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 knurled pin is
about 10 mm far from the tyre;
•Maintaining the knurled pin perpendicular to the tyre,
properly tighten the “A” e “B” screws of the clamp;
•If the knurled
pin is worn out in the contact area with the tyre, it is possible to
turn it or to replace it with a new one.
Scissor brakes:
•Place the brake in the OFF position (See 2.7 Fig.T);
•Loosen without removing the “B” screws which fasten
the brake to the clamp and screws “A” which fasten the
clamp to the frame;
•Place the scissor brake to ON position (See 2.7 Fig.U)
•Slide the brake clamp until it reaches the rear wheel.
•Place the brake in OFF position (See 2.7 Fig.T) and slide
it backwards of further 3-4mm, fasten then the “A” and
“B” screws of the clamp;
•Verify the brake efficiency (See2.7) and if necessary
repeat the adjustment procedure.

15
3.5 Replacing the front castors
If necessary, the front castor can be replaced:
•Completely unscrew one of the “D” screws and
remove the “E” pin being careful to where the “F”
spacers are positioned (in order to be able to reposition
them in the same order);
•If necessary, change the wheel;
•Position the wheel hub aligned with the most suitable
fork hole;
•Insert the “E” pin, being careful to keep the “F”
spacers in the original sequence;
•Fix properly the “D” screw.
Ensure to choose the same position for both front castors.
Asymmetrical
combinations produce instability of the wheelchair.
3.6 Adjusting backrest upholstery tension
The backrest tension can be adjusted by acting on the
velstraps:
•Fold up the “B” upholstery cover of the backrest;
•Adjust the upholstery tension by opening or closing
the disclosed velstraps “A”;
•Fold down the “B” upholstery cover back in place.
The bands that define the backrest tension, especially the one on top, should
not be too tense or they risk damaging the structure of the wheelchair
3.7 Adjusting the height of the backrest
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 it is possible to move them up or
down of a few centimetres as shown:

16
•Remove the upholstery cover and loosen the
tensioning velstrap
s (see 3.6) 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 3.2).
A similar procedure can be also followed to change the extension backrest tubes when
the wheelchair is configured without pushing-handles.

17
3.8 Footplate to seat distance adjustment
The telescopic footplate tube is inserted into the
front frame of the wheelchair and secured
through the two “E” screws.
The height can be adjusted at 2 cm steps:
•Unscrew and remove the “E” screws;
•Slide in or out the footplate till the
appropriate height;
•Insert again and tighten properly the “E” screws
NOTE: It is not possible to use footplates different from the automatic closing one (such
as separate or single aluminium footplates) because also
in the open wheelchair
position (ready for sitting) the footplate helps in its stability.
3.9 Setting the rear wheel camber
It is possible to change the wheel camber by replacing the
rear bushes as follows:
•Remove the wheel
•Loosen the clamp holding the bush in place;
•Remove the bush and replace it with a suitable one (for
a different camber);
•Place the bush with the sides perpendicular to the
floor but, before fixing its clamp, check the correct
alignment of the wheels;
•Insert the rear wheels and check the distances
between them (b1and b2, measured on the front and
on the back at the level of the hub as shown in the
figure) are equal.
•Check the “a” distance from frame to wheel and
verify if it is equal both on the left and on the right side;
•Once the necessary corrections have been performed and all the above tests are
passed, remove the wheels and fix the clamp.

18
4. Spoke Guards
Spokes guards on real wheels prevent the user from putting accidentally hands or fingers
between the spokes of the wheels.
They are also used for aesthetical purposes: they often bear designs and are extremely
colourful (they are mostly used for children wheelchairs).
They can be attached to the spokes with velstraps or clips (it depends on the model).
5. Use of the wheelchair
In order to move safely and to effectively use the wheelchair, it is
recommended to always consult qualified personnel.
Here are some suggestions and recommendations for proper use of the wheelchair, also
aimed at maintaining the security features in time and duration:
•The brakes have only a parking purpose and should never be used as service
brakes to slow down the wheelchair in motion.
•To ensure the efficiency of the brakes, maintain the tyres properly inflated and
check every 3 months the knurled locking pin wear (see 2.4 and 2.6).
•The arm rests are not designed to lift the wheelchair
•Anti-tip wheels aren’t to be used under any circumstances as transit wheels
•Do not lean too far forward because, by moving the centre of gravity too much,
you may tip.
•Always deal with slopes above 6° with an assistant. This limit is only
approximate and it depends from the specific configuration, particularly from
the balancing setup, and is related to the user. The setup also allows balancing
extremes and thus a proportional risk of rolling over. The anti-tip wheel can be
mounted on request to increase the safety of the wheelchair during the use.

19
•The wheelchair should be only used for the transport of people and not of
objects in general.
•Avoid performing any wheelie without the supervision of an assistant.
•Avoid prolonged contact between the wheelchair and water. It can cause
unwanted oxidation of some metal parts and decay of the security features of the
materials involved.
•Avoid contact with seawater and sand, and in these cases proceed to an
immediate accurate cleaning.
•Perform a general check of the wheelchair at least every three months, in
particular by checking tyre inflation (see par. 2.4), the efficiency of the quick
release axles (see par. 2.3), and brakes (see section 2.6), the ease of operation in
the movements of the frame and possibly add some lubricant if necessary.
Verify the working of removable parts.
•Clean periodically the wheelchair using a damp cloth and avoid even partial
immersion. Keeping the wheelchair clean enhances its efficiency.
•The wheelchair in specific setup can include among its parts some chromed
metal components. If you are allergic to chromium do not use the device and
inform the producer for the required substitutions, if not already specified in the
order form. Please notify the company if allergies or other similar problems due
to contact with materials making up the wheelchair are developed.
•The fabric used for the upholstery of the wheelchair is not waterproof. If needed
it can be washed with water at low temperature. In any case, avoid wetting or
submerging any other part of the wheelchair.
•Following the instructions described in this manual, there is not proven danger
of causing injury to people during the opening and folding operations.

20
The pressure of the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres should always be kept from a
minimum of 7 bars to a maximum of 9 bars to prevent damage to the tyres
themselves.
Keep the wheelchair away from direct heat sources, as not all upholsteries in the
order form are fireproof.