Greencare DB1J 13, DB1S 13, DB1S 16, DB1S 15, DB1S 17 User Manual

Models covered DB1J 13

DB1S 13, 15, 16, 17, 18.

DB1L 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22.

DB1XL 20, 22, 24

Introduction

Preparing the wheelchair for use

Opening the wheelchair

Closing the wheelchair

Setting up Footrests

Setting up Brakes

Setting up Armrests

Setting up Wheels

Using the wheelchair safely

General advice and routine user maintenance

Getting in and out

Getting in occupant standing forwards

Getting out occupant standing forwards

Occupant side transfer

Outdoor Visibility

Using the wheelchair safely with heavy occupants

Handling heavy occupants

Build specifications for heavy occupants

Getting around safely and environmental features

Planning a trip

Dealing safely with kerbs

Safe slope

Use of castors

Use of accessories

Use of anti tippers

Use of cushions

Fire Precautions

Use of hand rims and tyres

Use of seatbelts (also posture belts)

Transporting the wheelchair in a vehicle

Transportation with occupant in a vehicle.

Use of four point tie downs and occupant restraints

User Safety Routine Checklist

Technical Data Dimensions

Warranty

GREENCARE DB1 – USER INFORMATION

This information is intended for wheelchair users,
occupants or carers. It is also a useful reference
for service professionals who are prescribing or
handing over a wheelchair to a user. Guides are
issued with serial numbers when supplied with a
chair, and also for information with an accessory.

The Greencare DB1 Wheelchair is intended to
provide mobility for people who are unable to
walk. This guide is for all users. The information
provided is intended to help users understand the
wheelchair, and get the best performance out of it
in safety. Different users may have specific
requirements relating to them individually and
their environment, both indoors and outdoors.

Greencare wheelchairs are built specifically to
meet the needs of individuals who have been
assessed by clinical professionals. Wheelchair
service staff responsible for handing over a
wheelchair to a user should explain its operation
and compatibility with other equipment as
necessary. Occupant transfers in and out of the
wheelchair, and accessibility within the intended
environment should be triale d, and the
wheelchair adjusted accordingly.

Greencare component system modularity allows
a chair to be fine tuned at handover, or
subsequently after a trial period by a trained
wheelchair technician. Greencare staff are
available to assist with assessments and
handovers. Users should take time to read and
understand the wheelchair information before
use. User s sh ould understand how the
wheelchair is intended to function for them and
their responsibilities for its safe use and
maintenance. A wheelchair used and maintained
correctly should last 5 years or more.

A service checklist is included in this guide for
user reference. Recommended frequency of
service checks by a wheelchair technician
depends upon an assessment of usage and
environmental factors. For heavy frequent use a
check every 6 months is recommended. For
occasional use, a check every 36 months is
adequate. Where appropriate the recommended
service interval will be advised. If in doubt users
should contact their local wheelchair service.

Our website www.greencaremobility.co.uk has
downloadable copies of User, Assessment and
Technical Service guides.

Mobility

Thank you for choosing a Greencare DB1
Wheelchair.

An advanced stylish modular wheelchair, with
build options for occupant and attendant
control. When received, it will have been built
to order with fittings to meet an assessment of
your need.

Please take the time to read all the information
provided, and take care that all information is
kept safe for future reference

The wheelchair description code and batch
date are on a label on the rear cross brace.
This can be read from the back of the chair.
Each wheelchair has its own specific
identification code serial number .

The serial number is a unique identification
reference and is important in the provision of
spares, and for advice regarding your specific
wheelchair

Serial number of this chair is as indicated.

Other important information can be found on
labels secured to the wheelchair, or provided
with accessory items, such as a cushion, are
additional guidance..

Labels should not be removed. Users are
responsible for ensuring that this product is
maintained and used safely and correctly.

Users requiring more specific advice about the
DB1 wheelchair, or who need more information
about other products from Greencare, can
c o n t a c t t h e G r e e n c a r e w e b s i t e

www. greencaremobility.co.uk

For technical service or repair users should
co ntact their App roved Distributor or
Wheelchair Service Centre.

Please dispose of packaging responsibly.

Introduction

1

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

Opening the wheelchair

Grip the armrests and push them apart as far
as possible. This may be easier by tilting the
wheelchair sideways slightly, so that the
wheels on one side are clear of the ground.

Put hands on the seat canvas with fingers
pointing into the middle of seat. Push down
and out, with the flat of the hand on the two
sides of the seat, until the chair is completely
open.

The Greencare frame is positively located in
the open position. Press down on the seat
rails and you will feel the frame going into
the final open position. This positive open
lock makes the frame rigid, the seat position
comfortable, and also enables more
effective maneuverability and control.

The Greencare DB1 backrest is available
optionally as a non folding, or folding frame
tube. If a none folding version has been fitted,
the lifting weight of the frame is slightly less,
but the chair will not fold down to the most
compact size. Subsequent changes in
method of use may mean a change of
backrest specification to the other option.
Modularity of build will allow this.

When fitted with a folding backrest, the upper
push handle section will be folded down at the
back of the wheelchair frame. To raise the
backrest, lift the push handles. Backrest
latches on each side will click into position
when the push handle is fully up, provided that
the back brace tension is released. When the
backrest catches locate, push down on the
back brace to tension chair back.

DB1 has the option of an integral lightweight
easy folding cushion support backrest or
tension adjustable cushion support backrest
upholstery. The type provided will be based
upon the assessment of your need.

For occupant comfort and support the backrest
has an additional folding comfort brace. This
unit operates on the over centre lock principle.
It will need to be pressed down in the centre, to
lock out, before the occupant sits in the
wheelchair. Carers should take care when
closing this brace, keeping fingers away from
the closing surfaces, because it locates quickly
to lock out.

The tension adjustable backrest has a support
back cushion supplied separately. when the
chair is packed in its carton. This cushion
should be attached to the inner tension strap
support frame by Velcro.

The tension back support requires to be set up
to conform to the required shape. This should
be set up for you at handover, when the chair
frame has been opened.

Finally push the lower back flap upwards and
under the seat so that the Velcro engages to
close and secure the seat fabric assembly

If a separate seat cushion is provided, as part
of the final specification it should now be
placed in position on the seat (see page 16)

2

Closing the wheelchair

For transit and storage, foot plates should be
swivelled upright, or detached. The footplate
has an inbuilt friction grip which retains the
upright position when folded.

Release the Velcro flap securing the back
support to the underside of the seat. For some
users this operation may require more effort
than expected because velcro is such a strong
connection. Where ease of operation is a
priority, the velcro flap may be left to hang down
without attaching.

The back support upholstery options as shown
on the previous page, affect wheelchair folding.
The thin lightweight integrated back cushion
support, can be conveniently folded.

The thicker more supportive back cushion is
attached by Velcro to inner tension adjustable
support frame straps. This thicker cushion
increases the folded width, and if the storing
space available is limited, it is recommended
that this thicker cushion is removed for folding to
the minimum size.

The comfort locking brace assembly keeps the
backrest tubes in line when the tension straps
are set. This reduces backrest deflection, under
tension pressure and occupant load. This brace
has a central folding feature, which should be
lifted to release when folding.

Backrests may be built with specially re enforced
components for very heavy occupants or those
who create excessive pressure.

On folding backrest models, press down the
latch lever at the back of the hinge. This releases
the backrest locking pin.

To fold the frame, grasp the middle of the seat
canvas at the front and back, and give a sharp
pull upwards. The frame will release from its
location, and the two sides will start to come
together.

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

Press the armrests inwards until the chair is
fully closed.

A Velcro secured closing strap is provided at
the top of the pushing handle to keep the
wheelchair in the folded closed position.
This is particularly useful when the tension
adjustable assembly with the thicker back
cushion is left in place when the wheelchair is
folded. This strap should be wrapped around
the opposing push handles to keep the chair
frame from accidentally re opening.

On occupant-propelled wheelchairs, the QD
(quickly detachable) wheels can be removed
to further reduce the individual component
size, or reduce the weight for lifting.

Make sure that the folded wheelchair and
detached components are stored securely
and available for next use.

3

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

Setting up Backrests

Backrests are built according to occupant
measurements and assessed requirements.
They may include specially reinforced
components for heavy occupants or those
who create excessive pressure.

Backrests may be foldable, with a hinged
push-handle which automatically locks into
place when the back is lifted to the occupant
supporting position. A folding back will allow
storage in a car boot or small space.

When a chair is specified as needing specific
storage requirements, this should be
checked at the handover to ensure
equipment compatibility. Rigid backrests are
suitable when the wheelchair is not stored in
a small space.

If the wheelchair is to be used in transport,
accessibility to this should be checked at
assessment and handover to ensure
equipment compatibility. Backrests can be
supplied to meet occupant requirements with
a range of different support angles. When an
adjustable reclining backrest is fitted, it
allows the carer to set the backrest to a
required occupant support position.

On reclining back chairs the backrest angle is
cable controlled by operating levers on the
push handles. The support height of reclining
backrests will normally have an extension to
the level of the occupants head, according to
assessed need.

Backrest extensions are integrated into the
backrest build and located on special upper
frame tubes. They are supplied with
adjustable tension straps and separate
cushioning of similar construction to the main
back support upholstery.

When the occupant is reclined, weight distribution
reduces the rearward stability of the wheelchair.
As a build standard, rear wheels will be set in the
most stable position, usually with anti-tip
stabili sers. With the backrest rec lined,
manoeuvrability is more difficult for the carer.

A situation in which frequent removal of the head
support extension is required is in vehicle
transportation. In this application an extended
head support may be inconvenient for other
aspects of normal use, because it restricts
visibility and communication for general use. In
such cases the backrest extension will be
removable, with a separate option of individual
push handles, which can be located at the
required pushing height by adjustable fixings. The
separate backrest components should be safely
stored when not in use.

These illustrations show chairs with and without a
backrest extension.

4

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

Setting up the Footrests

The chair that you have been supplied with
will have a footrest specification configured
to meet your assessed needs. Environment
of use and functional operation determine
the final specification required.

In addition to the configurable foot support
plates, shown opposite, Greencare DB1 has
a choice of detachable footrest brackets, and
footrest support options including an angle
adjustable type a rigid foot bar and a dynamic
foot support for use in tight spaces

The lift and swing type bracket features a
double locking action for increased security.
The frame location stud for this is also
smaller when footrests are removed for
transfer. The swing type bracket swivels into
position and releases with a single touch,
these are easier for the occupant.

To attach the footrest brackets, locate the
upper pivot spigot in the top of the front frame
tube, press down or swivel to locatet in the
forward facing position. To release depress
the trigger on the underside of the mounting
support feature. Footrest brackets should be
swivelled away or removed for occupant
transfer. It is possible to pivot the footrest
bracket inwards or outwards depending on
the user requirement. Footrest brackets
should normally be removed for storage.

For complete footrest bracket removal,
continue to lift so that the upper pivot clears
the front tube location. When removed, place
the footrests carefully in a safe position ready
for the next use.

Lateral position, height and the angle of footrest
support plates on the Greencare DB1 wheelchair
are adjustable. This is set by means of three fixing
screws on the underside of each unit. Each DB1
footrest has a choice of three alignment positions.
This will normally be set to meet user need, with
the central gap between footrests minimized,
when the wheelchair is handed over. It is possible
to adjust footrest height and position, if .

A jacking screw at the end of the footrest bracket
stem adjusts the sideways angle of the footplate.
When unloaded this will be slightly upward facing.
It is normal for this to deflect under foot pressure,
and it can be adjusted to be horizontal by this
screw

The foot support plate height is adjustable by a
range of fixing screw positions, and a series of
threaded holes in the inner stem. Using this
combination of holes, the footrest can be aligned
and tightened in its location.

Footrest height settings are important. A correctly
set footrest height will help to spread the load of
the occupant weight, easing pressure, and
improving the comfort.

The most comfortable seating position is usually
obtained when the occupant thighs are horizontal
and the hips and knees are at right angles.
Footrest adjustments should be explained and
completed at the handover.

Footbar

As an alternative to separate type foot plates it is
possible to fit a foot bar. This is a telescopic frame
that fits into the footrest brackets and locates as
previously described for the footrest. When fitted,
the front of the chair becomes compact and is
more manoeuvrable.

Dynamic Footboard

This is an option for indoor use in a compact
environment like a kitchen. It is an option that can
be fitted or removed as and when required. The
dynamic footboard is suspended by cables set to
measurements from the assessment. It allows the
occupants to be able to get closer to objects like
sinks, tables and etc.

5

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

Setting up Brakes

The Greencare brake unit is a toggle action,
requiring operation of a handle on either side.
Brakes should exert sufficient pressure on tyres
to hold the chair on an 8-degree slope. This test
is not a usage recommendation. (Read section
on outdoor safety.)

Brake shoe action of pressing onto the surface
of a pneumatic tyre, requires the tyre to be fully
inflated to the correct operating pressure of 3
bar. Puncture free tyres have a constant
pressure.

When correctly set, brakes should be easily
operated by occupant or carer, as required. A
build option with an extended brake handle is
available to reduce the operating effort.

This extended handle unit can be set up rigidly
or to allow folding down if handle height
reduction is required for side transfer.

When the extended handle is set for folding
down, care should be taken to ensure that it is
returned to the upright position for operation.

Handle options can be fitted retrospectively if
user needs change.

6

It also helps with moverability in confined
spaces, which with the standard footrest
would not be possible.

The dynamic footboard comes in one size but
is able to fit most foot sizes comfortably. The
height is set to length by the suspension
cables and will be made to suit the user of the
wheelchair. The footrest angle can also be
adjusted by fixing the cable length shorter or
longer, front to rear, and this can be held with a
grub screw.

287mm

308mm

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

The range of wheel positions on the
Greencare frame system require brake
settings to suit wheelchair configuration.

Brakes are clamped in position on the frame.
Position of the clamp can be changed using a
hexagonal Allen key. The brake clamps
incorporate safety grips to maintain the set
position during use. Users should frequently
check that the brake is positioned effectively.
Brake adjustment may be carried out by a
competent person/carer if technical service
support is not available.

Lubrication of the brake mechanism, with a
none toxic lubricant will maintain effective
operation over a long period of use. Lubricant
on the operating face of the brake contact
shoe should be avoided.

Cable operated brakes with levers on the
pushing handle are an additional option to
allow attendant to slow down the chair without
having to reach for the brake handle. Holding
back the speed when going downhill is an
increasing benefit as the occupant weight
increases. It is a recommendation on 150Kg
and 175Kg occupant chairs.

Setting up Armrests and Supports

Armrests are latched at the front of the frame,
in socket locations, and pivoted at the rear of
the backrest location. They can be released at
the front and pivoted upwards and back for
transfer in and out of the chair. They are not be
removable from the chair unless specially
adapted for this purpose.

7

can be made detachable , which can help with
the compactness of the wheelchair and also in
side transfer (see page 11)

The armrest is removed by releasing the latch
and pivoting on the rear of the arm rest. When it
reaches a 30 degree angle the armrest will
release vertically and can be removed.

When not in use for transfer, armrests should be
fully located in the front socket at all times. An
armrest that is not fully located is prone to
accidental damage.

The front socket has a quarter turn feature that
releases the armrest. The armrest can be
swivelled back into the front socket, where it will
latch into position automatically.

The armrest should be secured in position at all
times. It is not recommended that the armrests
are grasped by the attendants to lift the chair
and occupant. Heavy lifting operations should
be avoided.

Thoracic supports are also available, these
positioning accessories are most often used to
improve occupant side stability and balance.
They can also ask as tactile reminders, to allow
the occupant maintain optimised posture.

If needed for a special purpose, the armrest

PREPARING THE WHEELCHAIR FOR USE

The adjustable thoracic support pads can
offer a wide range of vertical, lateral, depth,
and angle adjustments, while providing
excellent anterior as well as lateral support.
they are also contoured for a natural fit.

It is usual to fit thoracic supports with a none
folding back. When a folding back is fitted the
height adjustability of the thoracic pad position
is restricted.

The thoracic support should not interfere with
the occupants comfort. The support pad can
be raised and swung away during transfers.

8

The thoracic supports can be used singly or as
a pair depending on the users needs.

Greencare support pads are manufactured in a
wipe clean durable material. They should be
kept clean using a mild detergent

Greencare side panels my be produced in a
semi transparent grade of structural plastic,
which has some flexability or rigid aluminium as
determined by the assessment. They should be
kept clean using a soft damp cloth, and mild
detergent. They should not be rubbed with an
abrasive pad.

The Greencare wheelchair has the possibility
to fit an arm pad safety option, Armalight. This
unit has an integral chargeable lighting system.

Tray Supports

The adjustment of support pads positions may
be done at the time of handover.