SHONAQUIP tessBack User manual

Address: Independence Square, Unit 7 & 8,
Cnr Strandfontein & New Ottery Road, Ottery 7808
Tel: +27 21 797 8239
Email: [email protected]g.za
For more information on this product and any others in our range visit:
www.ShonaquipSE.org.za
User Manual
How to
tess ck
a
SHONAQUIP
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Enabling inclusion

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Shonaquip
How to Video
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CONTENT
Product Intro
Kids Sizes
Adults Sizes
Certification
TESS BACK Components
Box Contents
Attachment of Clamps
Height Adjustment
Width Adjustment
Angle & Depth Adjustment
Fitting & Removing
Maintenance
Spares
Warranty
3
4
5
6
6
7
8
11
13
17
20
21
24
25
tess ck
a
Document Version: 2 07/2022

PRODUCT INTRO KIDS SIZES
03 04
The TESS BACK is a rigid back support system with over 30 different back and side support
combinations. These can be adjusted to support a wide variety of basic to intermediate
wheelchair users who require firm pelvis, posterior and trunk side support. It can be fitted
onto a wide range of different wheelchairs, both manual and motorised.
The TESS BACK can be adjusted in angle by 15° and in width by up to 50mm to ensure
proper fit for different users.
We recommend using the TESS BACK in conjunction
with an appropriate pressure care cushion
to promote healthy development of the
pelvis and spine in children and
to help prevent pelvis and spinal
deviations in adults.
Please enquire about our
Seat Cushions for more details.
Tel: +27 21 797 8239
Email: [email protected]g.za
Visit our website:
www.ShonaquipSE.org.za
(Dimension tolerance +-10mm)
KIDS
Tess
Back
Size
Select
Option
Back
Height
Tess Back Width Range Select Lateral Height
and Depth
Max
Bracket
Distance
Bracket
Type
Min Max
8”
240 175 (6.8”) 240 (9.5”) 160 x 150 185 Single
300 170 (6.7”) 225 (8.9”) 210 x 150 180 Single
10”
240 180 (7.1”) 260 (10.2”) 160 x 150 188 Single
300 160 (6.3”) 250 (9.8”) 210 x 150 188 Single
340 160 (6.3”) 250 (9.8”) 260 x 150 188 Single
12”
240 215 (8.5”) 275 (10.8”) 160 x 150 275 Single
300 210 (8.3”) 290 (11.4”) 210 x 150 245 Single
340 180 (7.1”) 265 (10.4”) 260 x 150 210 Single
Max

ADULT SIZES
05 06
TESS BACK COMPONENTS
Trunk Side Support
Clamps
Mounting Bracket
Centre Panel Cover Side Adjuster Bracket
ADULTS
Tess
Back
Size
Select
Option
Back
Height
Tess Back Width Range Select Lateral Height
and Depth
Max
Bracket
Distance
Bracket
Type
Min Max
12”
300 210 (8.3”) 290 (11.4”) 210 x 150 245 Single
340 245 (9.6”) 305 (12”) 260 x 150 260 x 200 240 Double
440 240 (9.4”) 300 (11.8”) 300 x 150 300 x 200 280 Double
14”
240 270 (10.6”) 335 (13.2”) 260 x 150 260 x 200 330 Double
300 255 (10”) 315 (12.4”) 300 x 150 300 x 200 310 Double
340 260 (10.2”) 340 (13.4”) 390 x 150 390 x 200 300 Double
16”
240 320 (12.6”) 390 (15.4”) 260 x 150 260 x 200 380 Double
300 325 (12.8”) 390 (15.4”) 300 x 150 300 x 200 355 Double
340 335 (13.3”) 415 (16.3”) 390 x 150 390 x 200 355 Double
18”
240 375 (14.8”) 445 (17.5”) 260 x 150 260 x 200 430 Double
300 370 (14.6”) 450 (17.7”) 300 x 150 300 x 200 400 Double
340 370 (14.6”) 470 (18.5”) 390 x 150 390 x 200 410 Double
20”
240 410 (16.1”) 480 (18.9”) 260 x 150 260 x 200 475 Double
300 390 (15.4”) 480 (18.9”) 300 x 150 300 x 200 455 Double
340 410 (16.1”) 520 (20.5”) 390 x 150 390 x 200 455 Double
(Dimension tolerance +-10mm)
CERTIFICATION
The TESS BACK has been tested and certified to conform to ISO 16840-3:2006.
Always consult an experienced seating practitioner before selecting a device
and be sure to check that the device was correctly specified for the user’s
measurements and needs. Always use an appropriate pressure care cushion in
conjunction with your TESS BACK. Contact Shonaquip to find out more.
!
CAUTION
Max

TOOLS REQUIRED:
ATTACHMENT OF CLAMPS
07 08
NOTE:
There are dierence numbers of clamps for dierent sizes.
All sizes adjust and t in the same manner.
Each TESS BACK is supplied with a set of 19mm and a set of 22mm clamps that can be
fitted onto correspondingly sized back posts, common to most wheelchairs.
An additional 25mm back post clamp set can be ordered.
KIDS: 8” - 12” inch use a single clamp ADULT: 12” - 20” use double clamps
5mm Allen Key
*Always consult
an experienced
seating practitioner
before adjustments
to the seating
are made.
BOX CONTENTS
Included in the box along with a partially assembled TESS BACK are clamps and pins for
mounting and tools to help with the set up.
19mm Clamps
19mm Clamps
Long Pins
22mm Clamps
22mm Clamps
Short Pins
13mm Spanner
(Adult Only)
5mm Allen Key
10mm Spanner
ADULT 12” - 20” KIDS 8” - 12”

ATTACHMENT OF CLAMPS CONT.
09 10
STEP 1: ATTACHMENT TO WHEELCHAIR
To fit the TESS BACK you will need to attach
and set up the mounting clamps.
First open the clamp by undoing the bolt using
a 5mm allen key.
Fit the clamp around the back post, keep the
clasp at the back in place and fit the pin in the
front as shown. Secure it all with the bolt.
Make sure the bolt faces outwards ensuring
that the clamp with the threaded hole is on the
inside and the clamp with the smooth hole is
on the outside.
Attachment is the same for all the clamps.
Tighten bolt once position has been decided.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
11 12
STEP 1: UNDO THE BOLT
STEP 2: ADJUSTING HEIGHT
NOTE:
To loosen the clamps undo the bolt slightly
with a 5mm allen key until the clamp can be
slid up or down on the back post into the
desired position.
Remember to check the height position of
the TESS BACK with the user seated in the
chair.
Always make sure to check that
there is at least a two nger / 30mm gap
between the user’s armpit (axilla) and the
top of the TESS BACK trunk side support.
The height of the backrest can be adjusted
by loosening and moving the clamps up or
down the wheelchair backpost to the desired
height.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
Correctly positioning the TESS on the wheelchair back posts is as simple as loosening and
moving the clamps.
5mm Allen Key
*Always consult
an experienced
seating practitioner
before adjustments
to the seating
are made.

13 14
STEP 1: LOOSENING THE NUTS
CHECK WIDTH MEASUREMENTS
Width adjustments can be done with the
user seated in the wheelchair and may be
easier with the assistance of another person.
To make adjustments first remove the
cover to access the adjustment bolts.
Loosen each nut located on the back of the
backrest, slightly. This will allow the whole
Tess Back to be adjusted narrower or wider
with the user as it is being set up.
Measure the user’s trunk width.
Measure the width between the trunk side
supports of the TESS BACK is correct for
the user’s trunk.
Place the user back in the wheelchair.
FINAL STEP:
Tighten the clamp bolts again once this
position has been determined.
If the user is self-propelling check
that the user is able to reach the wheels
comfortably to push the wheelchair safely
and eciently. The TESS BACK laterals
should not hinder movement of the user’s
arms or prevent him/her from pushing the
wheelchair comfortably.
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT CONT.
WIDTH ADJUSTMENT
TOOLS REQUIRED:
The width of a TESS BACK can easily be adjusted using just a 10mm spanner.
Width adjustment range varies between the sizes.
*Always consult
an experienced
seating practitioner
before adjustments
to the seating
are made.
10mm Spanner

15 16
STEP 2: SELECT WIDTH POSITION
STEP 3: CHECK FITMENT WITH USER
FINAL STEP: RETIGHTEN BOLTS
Also recheck two nger /30mm
gap between Trunk Side Support and the
user’s armpit (axilla).
With the user leaning forward and the
assistance of someone offering support in
the front, the trunk side supports can be
positioned into place on either side of the
user’s trunk.
Tighten these bolts when the appropriate
support has been determined.
Make sure to tighten each nut securely,
but not too tight as it may damage the
thread.
Always make sure to check the
pressure between the user’s trunk and
the side support.
WIDTH ADJUSTMENT CONT.

17 18
STEP 2A: SELECT ANGLE POSITION
STEP 2B: SELECT DEPTH POSITION
ANGLE & DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
TOOLS REQUIRED:
The TESS BACK can be adjusted in angle by 15° from the push handles. By loosening the
same bolts the depth can also be set.
*Always consult
an experienced
seating practitioner
before adjustments
to the seating
are made.
10mm Spanner (kids sizes 8”-12”)
Addtional 13mm Spanner for (Adult sizes 12”-20”)
STEP 1: LOOSEN THE BOLTS
Loosen the 4x bolts located on the slotted
brackets on the back of the TESS BACK.
With both hands supporting the back panel
the angle can be adjusted.
With both hands supporting the back panel
the TESS BACK can be shifted forwards and
backwards to adjust the depth.

ANGLE & DEPTH ADJUSTMENT CONT.
19 20
FITTING & REMOVING
STEP 3: RETIGHTEN THE BOLTS FITTING:
To fit, bring the TESS BACK towards the
clamps. Once it touches the back post push
it down to nest behind the pins.
REMOVAL:
Removal is the reverse of fitting.
Lift up and pull out.
TESS BACK correctly set up and fitted
on chair.
FINAL STEP: CHECK FITMENT WITH USER
Retighten the bolts and check fitment with
the user.
Always make sure to check the
pressure between the user’s trunk and
the side support.
Also recheck two nger /30mm
gap between Trunk Side Support and
the user’s armpit (axilla).

MAINTENANCE
21 22
Regular check ups and proper care will increase the lifespan of the TESS BACK and ensure
the safety and wellbeing of the user.
CAUTION:
Don’t tamper with the setup of the TESS BACK.
It is important that you don’t change the settings or foam padding in any way once the
TESS BACK has been fitted by the therapist. The TESS BACK will have been selected and
fitted to give the correct amount of support for the user’s specific needs.
Contact your therapist should you have any concerns about the TESS BACK and its
function or comfort.*
* For additional information on tting and adjustment of the TESS BACK, please contact
REGULAR CHECKS YOU CAN MAKE:
All the tools needed for maintenance are supplied with the TESS BACK.
- 10mm spanner
- 13mm spanner (additional for adult sizes)
- 5mm Allen key
After inspecting the TESS BACK, repair or replace broken or lost parts as soon as possible
to avoid more serious damage.
Remember to also keep the wheelchair and seat cushion in good working order with regular
cleaning and servicing. All these parts work together as a system to support the health
and wellbeing of the user.
Contact your seating service if you have concerns about your wheelchair or TESS BACK.
Check the condition of
the padding regularly to
ensure it is not damaged
and that there are no rough
or unprotected edges
against the user’s body.
Once a week check that
the nuts behind the back
and bolts on the brackets
are tight using the supplied
spanners.
Check the TESS BACK
brackets are placed in the
correct position on the
mounting clamps on
wheelchair back posts.
Check that the clamps
are in the correct
position and are fixed
firmly to the back-post.
If they have slipped/
moved out of position,
reposition the clamp
and tighten the clamp
bolts.
!

SPARES
23 24
MAINTENANCE CONT.
COVERS:
The covers can be removed for cleaning. The clean the outside fabric wipe clean with a
damp sponge and water. For hardier stains hand wash the covers with a little soap.
Never place in a washing machine, this will reduce their lifespan.
When removing the cover take care that the foam lining of the TESS BACK is not damaged.
This foam is important for pressure care. If there are any foam inserts, remove them and
wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
CAUTION:
Never use TESS BACK without covers on.
CHECK UPS & SERVICING:
Clinical check-ups along with servicing the TESS BACK and wheelchair are recommended
at least every 2-3 months. This will ensure that correct alignment of the user is maintained
and that the wheelchair and supports are still providing them with appropriate support
and mobility.
It is especially important that the size and fit of the TESS BACK of a young user is regularly
monitored by their therapist.
PART NAME PART CODE QTY
Tess Back Cover Set Specify the TESS
BACK width, back
height & lateral depth.
1
Mounting Clamp Set
(no pin) 19mm
TSB-C-A-19 1
Mounting Clamp Set
(no pin) 22mm
TSB-C-A-22 1
Mounting Clamp Set
(no pin) 25mm
TSB-C-A-25 1
Clamp Pin: Short TSB-CP-S 1
Clamp Pin: Long TSB-CP-L 1
!

NOTES
NOTES
25 26
WARRANTY
As part of our commitment to clients for life, Shonaquip will make every attempt to support
its products throughout the life of the product given normal use and reasonable wear and tear.
Warranty is provided on the TESS BACK for a period of 1 year from date of issue.
Date of issue of TESS BACK:
____________/________/________
CAUTION:
Leaving the TESS BACK and wheelchair to stand out in the rain will void the Warranty.
YYYY MM DD
!
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