Remploy Aurora User manual

February 2006 Revision C

February 2006Revision C
Part One - Aurora product guide.
February 2005
Contents:
Part one – Aurora product guide.
1.1 Introduction
1.1.2 Opening the product package
1.1.3 Preparing the wheelchair for use
1.1.4 Armrests/Side guards
1.1.5 Backrest
1.1.6 Brakes
1.1.7 Castors
1.1.8 Footrests
1.1.9 Seating/folding
1.1.10 Stabilisers
1.1.11 Wheel assembly
1.1.12 Recommended configurations
1.1.13 Warranty information

1.1 Introduction.
The Aurora is Remploy’s new lightweight folding wheelchair. The unique half seat folding system
allows the chair to fold down to a smaller size than a traditional chair. Subtle modularity allows you
to configure the chair to suit a range of users and environments. This guide shows how to get the
best performance from your new chair and how the chair can be configured to suit your needs. The
following section describes how to safely use and maintain your Aurora wheelchair.
It will have been delivered in assembled form with the specification as ordered, if you are in doubt
about the specification please contact your distributor or approved service agent. Remploy
recommends that trained personnel configure the chair and carry out necessary adjustments
following professional assessment prior to use. Before the chair is used it should also be checked
and tested.
1.1.2 Opening the product package.
For protection during transit your Aurora wheelchair is packed in a cardboard carton, together with
user guidance information. Each wheelchair has its own specific identification code label at the
back of the chair. This code together with other product information such as occupant weight limit,
should also be noted on the wheelchair service record included in the information package supplied
with the product.
Take care that all the information supplied is kept in a safe place for reference. The service record
should be available for the approved distributor to endorse at the recommended service interval.
Other cautionary labels secured to the wheelchair are reminders for the user, and should not be
removed without reference to the approved distributor.
Users are responsible for ensuring that the product is used safely and correctly. Packaging should be
disposed of carefully and safely after an initial period of use.
1.1.3 Preparing the wheelchair for use
Features on the Aurora allow your chair to be stowed more conveniently. These include fitting and
removing the quick release wheels (Section 1.1.11) folding the backrest (section 1.1.5) and folding
the chair. These are routine operations and you should familiarise yourself with them before using
your Aurora wheelchair.

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1.1.4 Armrests/side guards
Two types of armrest are available to fit the Aurora, these are two different sizes, desk and full
length. The desk length allows greater freedom in environments such as an office, the full length
offers greater levels of support and is better suited for occupants that use the armrest for
transferring. Both versions can be either quickly removed or pivoted back out of the way. These
features aid storage and side transfer.
Desk length
To remove them simply depress the button at the back as illustrated above and lift out of the
bracket. When replacing them, the latch will snap into place when they are correctly located. To
rotate them out of the way, lift them from the front and move them to the desired position. When
replacing, it is important that the bottom of the side panel is located in the slot on the side of the
frame.
Full length
Besides offering more support than the desk arm they also
have a second latch at the front. To remove them simply
depress the button/latches as illustrated (left) starting with the
front latch. When replacing them, locate the rear first (the
catch will snap into place when correctly located) then pivot
the front fixing back into place. To rotate out of the way
without removing, unlatch and lift from the front and move to
the desired position without disengaging the rear latch. When
refitting for use, it is important that both latches are engaged.
It is also possible to fit a tray with the use of an adapter. This slides into the front of the main tube
on the full length version and is held in place by the same bolt that locates the armrest pad.

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1.1.5 Backrest
The Aurora backrest can be folded to reduce the space needed for storage or transportation. To do
this, release both latches as illustrated and allow the back to fold down. To set the chair up for use
again, lift the back tubes until the latches re-engage. Ensure that the latches are correctly located
before using the chair.

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1.1.6 Brakes
The brakes that are fitted can be moved to suit either 24” or 315 mm wheels. The recommended
mounting positions for both wheel sizes are shown in the images above.
Brake pressure is adjusted by moving the clamp and the slider tube on the frame to the desired
position. To do this, loosen the two bolts on the brake clamp, and then configure the brake assembly
as appropriate. When re-clamping the brake ensure that it is not clamped to a tube that will rotate
when the chair is folded. To engage the brake, rotate the lever forwards as shown on the 24” wheel
configuration drawing.
When engaged the brakes should exert sufficient pressure on the tyres to hold the chair on a 10
degree slope. Operation of the brake will be effected by variations in tyre pressures. It is important
to maintain correct and constant tyre pressure once the brake is set. Refer to the recommendations
in the service section for tyre pressures.
24” wheel 315 mm wheel

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1.1.7 Castors
The castors have multiple wheel positions to allow for
variations in seat to ground heights and wheel sizes. The
spindle should always be vertical for maximum
maneuverability and directional control. Whenever a rear
wheel setting is changed the castor position should be
checked. You may need to either move the caster wheel to a
different hole position or reset the spindle to vertical. This is
done by rotating the off center clamp bolts the required
amount. Locktite should be applied to the fixing nuts if they
are removed and refitted for any reason.
1.1.8 Footrest
Correct positioning of the
footrests to suit occupant
size and position is very
important as it has a major
effect on distribution of
seating pressure. The
underside of the
occupant’s legs should be
supported as far forward
as possible over the length
of the seat, to reduce high-
pressure areas. When
transferring to and from
the wheelchair, avoid
contact and weight on the
footrest, as this will cause
the wheelchair to tip
forwards.
To adjust the height of the footrest remove the bolts, move the footplate as needed and replace the
bolts.

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1.1.9 Seating/folding
The seating system on the Aurora allows the chair to fold down into a smaller size than a standard
folding chair, the supporting seat tubes are split in two. To fold the chair, simply release the latch on
the front brace, remove/lift the cushion and/or front flap and lift the rear seat rails/supporting canvas
as illustrated below. When unfolding the chair, ensure that the rear seat canvas and seat rails are
correctly located prior to re-fixing the cushion/flap then re-lock the latch.
Front cross brace
not shown.

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1.1.10 Stabiliser
Stabilisers can be fitted if there is a risk of the user tipping the chair backwards. Their position
effects the angle that the chair can tip back to before it touches the ground. Remploy recommends
that trained personnel configure the chair and carry out necessary adjustments following
professional assessment prior to use. Adjusting the stabiliser can adversely the effect the
performance of the stabiliser
1.1.11 Wheel assembly
There are two
standard wheel
options available with
your Aurora
wheelchair, 24” or 315
mm.
Both wheels are
supplied with quick
release axles, they are
operated by depressing the spring-loaded button in
the center of the hub (as illustrated above.) This
allows the receiver to be inserted/removed. When
fitting the wheel it must be up against the bush
face and the button must be in the released
position. Check the security by pulling the wheel away from the frame.
With both wheels there is some adjustment available, this allows you to change the seat to ground
height (24”wheel only), wheelbase or wheel size (see the next section 1.1.12 for the recommended
configurations.) For each wheel size there is corresponding fixing points as shown in the image
(above left.) The mounting block will have been fitted to the chair to suit the wheels fitted at the
time of order. The same block is used for both wheel options.

February 2006 Revision C
The image below shows show how the block is fitted to the chair and how the wheel alignment can
be set using the grub screws in the wheel mount block.
Caution: Remploy recommends that trained personnel configure the chair and
carry out necessary adjustments following professional assessment.
1.1.12 Recommended configurations.
Your Aurora Wheelchair can be configured in 6
different ways to alter stability, wheelbase and/or
seat to ground height. The table on the next page
shows how to configure the chair for each of these
recommended configurations. When using the
diagrams ensure that you are viewing the chair
from the left side (as on the image left.)

February 2006 Revision C
Note: Before reconfiguring the Aurora ensure that you have read and understood all of the
user guide.
** The recommended stabiliser wheel position allows the front castors to lift 125mm. Any variation
on this may adversely effect the safety of the chair. Remploy recommends that trained personnel
configure the chair and carry out necessary adjustments following professional assessment.
Configuration Castor wheel
position
Wheel mount
orientation
Stabiliser wheel
position**
1:
485 mm seat to ground
377 mm wheelbase
24" wheel
2:
485 mm seat to ground
427 mm wheelbase
24" wheel
3:
510 mm seat to ground
377 mm wheelbase
24" wheel.
4:
510 mm seat to ground
427 mm wheelbase
24" wheel.
5:
485 mm seat to ground
426 mm wheelbase
315 mm wheel
6:
485 mm seat to ground
456 mm wheelbase
315 mm wheel

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1.1.14 Warranty information
Please ensure that the operation of this product is fully understood. To avoid the risk of misuse
consult your approved distributor, who has detailed product and service information, for further
guidance if necessary.
Remploy Healthcare guarantees the products supplied to be free from manufacturing defects, and
will replace components where necessary free of charge, for a period of 24 months from the date of
purchase.
This guarantee is subject to the condition that the product has been used, adjusted and maintained in
accordance with the user and maintenance instructions supplied by Remploy Healthcare.
This does not affect your statutory rights. A more complete warranty statement is available on
request from the approved distributor.

Remploy Aurora User Guide Page 13February 2006 Revision C
MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS
GENERAL GUIDE AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Factors considered in selecting a wheelchair apply to both occupants
and carers and include:
• method of propulsion
• seating position
• occupant size and weight
• physical ability of occupant and carer ( where applicable )
• ease of use
• environment
• safety
• degree of independence
• transportation
• costs
Clinical Assessment teams have a responsibility to provide the
wheelchair occupant and carer, where applicable, with a means of
achieving effective mobility, bearing in mind all the above
considerations.
There are many different types and variations of wheelchairs available
today. It may not be possible to satisfy all requirements and
environments with one chair for every need of the occupant (and carer)
for home, travel or work.

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2.1 INTRODUCTION
The type of wheelchair, and attachment features, provided will be
different according to individual user requirements, and clinical
assessment of need. In many cases the result will be a compromise
solution.
Some modular wheelchairs can be set up or finely adjusted to suit user
needs. Users should contact their approved distributor if they are
having problem in using their wheelchair, a simple adjustment or
alternative build configuration may help to resolve the problem.
Remploy manual wheelchairs can be divided into two broad categories.
•Attendant Propelled
•Occupant Propelled
This general information section covers safety issues of wheelchair use
covering all of these.
Please read carefully together with all other information provided,
covering the specific model supplied, which will give particular details
of the wheelchair features and construction, methods of operation and
correct setting methods.

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2.2 GETTING IN AND OUT OF A WHEELCHAIR FACING FORWARDS
For maximum safety, these operations should be carried out with the
help of an attendant. The occupant should always try to assist the
attendant wherever possible to share the total effort.
Carers should not attempt to lift without help.
If this is not possible a hoist may be required.
Getting into the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on, flip up the footplates, taking care
that the heel support straps (if fitted) are not jammed against the
footrest support frame. On some models, footrests may be detached or
swung away for easier access.
Note that when footrests are detached, the mounting swivels
remain exposed, and care should be taken to avoid the occupant
catching these accidentally.
The occupant may be able to help by pushing on the armrests to
provide support whilst being lowered into the seat. Finally, push the
footplates down, and locate the occupant’s feet on them. see fig 1.
Getting out of the wheelchair.
Make sure that the brakes are on,then flip up the footrests or detach
them. The occupant should place a hand on each armrest, bend
slightly forward and place both feet well back and firmly on the ground,
then push upwards to assist the carer.
2.3 SIDE TRANSFER
When the wheelchair armrest is removed, it will allow sideways entry to
the chair and vice versa, from another chair or car seat. see fig 2.
Physically active Independent users with upper body and arm strength
should eventually develop skill to carry out this manoeuvre without
help. However, it is advisable that an attendant should be available if
assistance becomes necessary.
Make sure the brakes are on, or that the wheelchair is prevented from
moving, It is easier to transfer when flip up footrest assemblies are
swung back out of the way, or removed so as not to interfere with the
legs. Fixed frame wheelchairs with foot bars, which do not have
protruding brackets and footplates, allow side transfer without the need
for footrest removal. Feet should be firmly on the ground and not on
the footrest. The safest way to transfer is to bend slightly forward.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SIDE TRANSFER ON SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN FLOORS
If there is a gap between the two seat surfaces, it may help to slide
along a smooth transfer board, or to use some other lever point such
as a car hand grip for additional support whilst manoeuvring from one
seat to the other.

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Figure 1 - Getting in/out of the wheelchair
Figure 2 - Side Transfer
F
i
g
u
r
e
4 - Attendant Control
Figure 3 - Maintain a firm grip on the
push handles

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2.4 BRAKES
Hand brakes are provided for preventing wheel movement when
parked, particularly on a slope, or during occupant transfer to and from
the wheelchair. The action of a brake shoe pressing on the tyre makes
correct inflation pressure important, see section 1.5.
Cable operated hub brakes are an option available for mounting on the
push handles to allow the attendant to control the chair without having
to reach down for the hand brake handle. These may also provide the
attendant with a means of controlling the speed of a wheelchair when
going downhill, and are a safety improvement on slopes and undulating
terrain, as described in Technical Information Manual (Part B).
Operating the wheelchair in this way however, demands that the
attendant is skilled in the controlling operation, as a sudden change in
direction will result if one wheel is retarded in advance of the other.
2.5 PUSHING TECHNIQUES
Pushing a wheelchair with a helpful occupant can be an enjoyment for
both people involved provided that there is mutual confidence and
understanding.
When first planning a trip, the pusher should check the distance and
terrain to be covered, bearing in mind that a slope going out is a hill
coming back. A combination of slope and camber is common in many
areas. Try the chair out on typical surface conditions nearby, and
practice manoeuvres likely to be encountered on a longer trip.
The pusher should be familiar with the operation of the wheelchair,
remembering to put the brakes on and steady the chair before the
occupant gets in and out. Where applicable, detachable features such
as push handles and armrests should be checked for security, before
setting out on a journey. The occupant should not be rushed during
transferring in and out of the chair.
Before setting off, the pusher should make sure that the occupant is
comfortable and that clothes, rugs, covers etc do not catch in the
wheels or interfere with the general workings of the wheelchair.
The pusher should walk at a sensible speed, and tell the occupant
before changing position, tipping the chair or manoeuvring, also paying
attention to the surface conditions and avoiding uneven or soft ground
wherever possible.
The pusher should always maintain a firm grip on the push handles.
The chair should not be jolted or jarred, or rocked like a pram. see figs
3 & 4.
Shopping bags or other additional heavy loads should not be carried in
a wheelchair unless specifically designed for the purpose. This
particularly applies to hanging items over the push handles, which can
overload the chair and affect stability resulting in injury if the occupant
tips out of the chair when it is left unattended momentarily.

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Fig. 6.
going down a kerb
finish position
Fig. 5.
going down a kerb
start position
make sure that the front
end of the chair is
lowered slowly to the
floor, and that the
castors are pointing to
the rear.
castors with small
wheels, are more
liable to dig in,
than large wheels,
and require extra
care in use.

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2.6 KERBS
Negotiating a kerb.
The methods described here involve an attendant controlling the
operation. Active users adopt balancing techniques carry out kerb
manoeuvres independently, but methods will vary according to the
setting of the chair, the physical strength of the user and skills acquired
through training and practice with wheelchair experts. See section 1.6.
Going down a kerb:
The chair castors should be taken to the edge of the kerb. The pusher
should hold the chair handles firmly, pressing down on the tipping lever
and at the same time tilting the chair back. see fig 5.
The rear wheels can then be taken to the kerb edge and the foot
removed from the tipping lever. The chair is then lowered down the
kerb on its rear wheels, with the castor wheels facing rearwards, this
prevents them jamming up momentarily as the chair starts to move,
before pivoting the chair gently to the ground, to face direction of travel
and then pushing forward.
Note: The chair must not be tipped forward or the occupant may fall
out. When stabilisers have been fitted, this operation is more
difficult to control, and extra care should be taken.
Going up a kerb. First method.
The chair footplates, or occupant feet if longer, should be taken to just
in front of the kerb edge. The pusher should hold the chair handles
firmly, pressing down on the tipping lever, tilting the chair backwards
using body weight leverage, bringing chair forward till the back wheels
touch the kerb.
The front castors wheels can then be lowered down onto the path,
making sure that the wheels are facing rearwards. With the push
handles held firmly the attendant should now lift and push the chair.
Going up a kerb. Second method.
The chair should be turned round so that the back wheels are against
the kerb and the attendant should hold the pushing handles firmly and
tip the chair backwards.
Using body weight as leverage the attendant should then pull the chair
off the kerb and up onto the pavement, making sure, as above that the
castor wheels are facing rearwards .
The chair may then be pivoted to face the direction of travel and
pushed forward.

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Figure - 7
Ensure that push
handle
locks are fully engaged before using
Figure - 8
Detachable push handles
must be inserted correctly
Figure - 9
Going down/up a flight of
steps