Atlas Ernie and Bert User Manual

Postal address
Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV
PO Box 106
5370 AC Ravenstein
The Netherlands

Visiting address
Korte Stukken 7
5371 MN Ravenstein
The Netherlands

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.atlas-rehab.nl
[e-mail]

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Ventral standing frames

May 2008

Ernie and Bert User Guide

Foreword

No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or published, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV.

© 2008 Atlas Revalidatie Techniek B.V.

2

FFoorreewwoorrdd

This user guide is intended for parents and/or supervisors of children who use the Ernie or Bert
ventral standing frames.

The Ernie and the Bert both bear the CE marking, which indicates that they meet European safety
requirements.

The settings of these standing frames are adjusted by the dealer prior to delivery. This user guide
subsequently helps you to make the most important daily adjustments to the standing frame, thus
enabling the child for whom it is intended to make optimal use of it.

The user guide contains a great many photographs and illustrations that will facilitate finding the
adjustment facilities on the standing frame.

Your experiences with the Ernie and the Bert are important for their continual improvement. If you
have remarks or suggestions for improvement of these products, please contact us via:

Postal address:
Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV
Antwoordnummer 3509
5370 ZX Ravenstein
The Netherlands

Internet:
www.atlas-rehab.nl
[e-mail]

Read this user guide carefully.

Ernie and Bert User Guide

Contents

No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or published, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV.

© 2008 Atlas Revalidatie Techniek B.V.

3

CCoonntteennttss

1. THE ERNIE AND THE BERT ................................................................................................................................. 4

2. SAFETY...................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 S

AFETY INSTRUCTIONS

........................................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 I

MMEDIATE DANGER

............................................................................................................................................ 6

3. INITIAL USE ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

3.1 T

RANSFERRING THE CHILD TO THE STANDING FRAME

.......................................................................................... 7

3.2 T

RANSFERRING THE CHILD FROM THE STANDING FRAME

..................................................................................... 7

4. OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

4.1 D

AILY ADJUSTMENTS

........................................................................................................................................... 8

4.1.1 The brakes...................................................................................................................................................... 8

4.1.2 The total height .............................................................................................................................................. 9

4.1.3 The angle at which the child stands............................................................................................................... 9

4.1.4 The chest band ............................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1.5 The pelvic derotation band or pelvic band .................................................................................................... 9

4.1.6 Removing, fastening and adjusting the depth of the sacral support (optional in the standard version) ...... 10

4.1.7 Securing the child’s feet in the shoe holders................................................................................................ 10

4.1.8 The height and angle of the tray table ......................................................................................................... 10

4.1.9 Changing the cover plate of the tray table................................................................................................... 11

4.2 S

TANDARD SETTINGS (IT IS ADVISABLE TO HAVE THESE SETTINGS FIXED BY A PARAMEDIC

) ............................. 12

4.2.1 The height of the sacral support (holder) (optional in the standard version) .............................................. 12

4.2.2 The height and depth of the pelvic support .................................................................................................. 12

4.2.3 The height of the chest support .................................................................................................................... 13

4.2.4 The height, width and depth of the leg supports .......................................................................................... 13

4.2.5 The height and width of the shoe holders..................................................................................................... 15

4.2.6 Correcting the angle of the feet.................................................................................................................... 16

5. MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 17

6. REPAIRS .................................................................................................................................................................. 17

7. WARRANTY............................................................................................................................................................ 17

8. TECHNICAL DATA ............................................................................................................................................... 18

8.1 D

IMENSIONS OF THE STANDING FRAMES

............................................................................................................ 18

8.2 U

PHOLSTERY

..................................................................................................................................................... 18

8.3 O

PTIONS

............................................................................................................................................................. 18

Ernie and Bert User Guide

1. The Ernie and the Bert

No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or published, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV.

© 2008 Atlas Revalidatie Techniek B.V.

4

11.. TThhee EErrnniiee aanndd tthhee BBeerrtt

The Ernie is the small, playful version of the ventral standing frame and the Bert is the medium­sized version. As a result of their functionality and enormous versatility, these standing frames have
been well known within the field of child rehabilitation for years. Because they can be tilted from 60
to 90 degrees, a child can be verticalised (be placed in an erect standing position) gradually. The tilt
adjustment is especially intended to promote stretching of the trunk.

The Ernie is suitable for children with a height of 65 to 105 cm and the Bert is suitable for those with
a height of 95 to 150 cm.

Support
The child is secured in position using a chest support with band, a unique pelvic support that can be
adjusted in depth, flexible leg supports and shoe holders.

The Ernie FLEX and the Bert FLEX
In addition to the standard Ernie and Bert, there are also innovative versions available: the Ernie
FLEX and the Bert FLEX. These standing tables have a flexible chest support and a flexible pelvic
support for additional user convenience. The supports are completely flexible and the ideal fit can
be realised for every child as a result. The supports enclose the trunk and pelvis, which means that
side pads are no longer needed.

Derotation band
A standard feature of the Ernie and the Bert models is a derotation band that is used to secure the
child’s pelvis in position. The derotation band prevents rotation of the pelvis. The band is equipped
with a colour code to simplify its use. The derotation band is an optional feature of the Ernie FLEX
and the Bert FLEX.

Sacral support
A standard feature of the Ernie FLEX and the Bert FLEX is a sacral support that is also used to
secure the child’s pelvis in position. The sacral support is optional in the case of the basic, standard
Ernie and Bert models.

Tray table
The tray table encourages the child to be more active when he or she is in the standing frame. The
tray table has a play bowl and cover plate. This plate also serves as a surface for the child to play
on and has Velcro loop strips on one side and a washable drawing board on the other.

The standard features of the Ernie and the Bert
are as follows:

• Chest support with band for securing the child in
position;

• Pelvic support with derotation band, the depth of
the support is adjustable;

• Flexible leg supports;

• Shoe holders with safety straps;

• Set of wedges for correcting the angle of the feet;

• Tray table with bowl and cover plate for the child

to play on.

The standard features of the Ernie FLEX and the
Bert FLEX are as follows (see illustration on the

left):
a) Flexible chest support with band for securing the

child in position;

a

b

d

e

g

c

Ernie and Bert User Guide

Foreword

No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or published, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV.

© 2007 Atlas Revalidatie Techniek B.V.

5

b) Flexible pelvic support, the depth of which is adjustable;
c) Sacral support;
d) Flexible leg supports;
e) Shoe holders with safety straps;
f) Set of wedges for correcting the angle of the feet

(not visible);

g) Tray table with bowl and cover plate for the child to play on.

Ernie and Bert User Guide

2. Safety

No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or published, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Atlas Revalidatie Techniek BV.

© 2008 Atlas Revalidatie Techniek B.V.

6

22.. SSaaffeettyy

Atlas has paid a great deal of attention to the design of this standing frame and the child’s safety;
the settings are adjusted professionally prior to the initial use of the frame. It is, however, imperative
that the following safety instructions be observed by the child’s parents and supervisors to
guarantee that it is used safely.

2.1 Safety instructions

a) First read this user guide and test the standing frame before it is used;
b) Never leave the child alone in the standing frame and always supervise its use;
c) Ensure that all fastenings and parts used to secure the child in position are properly tightened;
d) Tighten the adjusting screws and clamps firmly and check them after each adjustment;
e) Only use the standing frame on a flat surface;
f) Always put the brakes on at least two of the four wheels;
g) The standing frame may only be used inside;
h) The standing frame may not be used for transport purposes;
i) Do not allow other children to play with the standing frame or ride on it;
j) Adjustments may only be made by the child’s parents or carers. Adjustments may not be made

with the child in the standing frame unless absolutely necessary;
k) The child may become dizzy, always bear this in mind;
l) Increase the period for which the child uses the standing frame slowly (in consultation with the

therapist);
m) If the child has developed and grown, check that the standing frame does not cause discomfort

by pinching or squeezing him or her;
n) If the child has grown, only change the settings in consultation with the therapist;
o) Ensure that you adopt a comfortable position when helping the child in the standing frame for

long periods of time;
p) Never use the maximum height, width or depth to ensure a sturdy connection;
q) Do not exceed the maximum user weight of 40 kg (Ernie) or 65 kg (Bert);
r) Any service carried out by a person who has not been authorised by Atlas will invalidate the

warranty and Atlas will no longer be liable for injuries and/or damage.

Safety instructions “b” and “c” are repeated on the standing frame in the form of a warning sticker
(see figure below). Ensure that this text remains legible at all times. If necessary, request a new
copy of the sticker.

2.2 Immediate danger

Practice the following operations so that you can remove the child from the standing frame rapidly in
the event of fire or other immediate danger.

Act quickly in the event of fire or other immediate danger:

a) Loosen the shoe holder safety straps, and the chest and pelvic bands;
b) Hold the child firmly and loosen the sacral support holder;
c) Lift the child out of the standing frame.

Ensure that all the fastening

s and parts

used to secure the child in position are

properly tightened.

Never leave the user alone in the standing

frame.