Sunrise Medical 931150 User Manual
Guardian®Escort
User Instruction Manual & Warranty
Guardian®Escort
Manual de Instruciones Y Garantia
Guardian®Escort
Guide de l'Utilisateur et Garantie
Foreword / Table of Contents
931150 Rev. A
2
English
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We are very happy that you have decided in favor of a high-quality product from SUNRISE
MEDICAL. This user’s manual will provide numerous tips and ideas so that your new wheelchair can become a trustworthy and reliable product in your life.
Maintaining close links with our customers is of great importance to us at Sunrise Medical.
We therefore like to keep you up-to-date with our new and current developments. Keeping
close to our customers also means fast service when you need replacement parts or accessories, or just have a question about your wheelchair — and with as little red tape as possible. We want you to be satisfied with our products and service. Sunrise Medical therefore
constantly works at continuous development of its products. For this reason, changes can
occur in our range of products with regard to shape, technology, and fittings. Consequently,
no claims can be construed from the data or pictures contained in this user’s manual.
SUNRISE MEDICAL has been awarded the ISO 9001 Certificate, which affirms the quality of
our products at every stage, from R & D to production. Please contact your local, authorised
SUNRISE MEDICAL dealer if you have any questions concerning the use, maintenance, or
safety of your wheelchair. In the case that there is no authorised dealer in your area or you
have any questions, you can contact Sunrise Medical either in writing or by telephone at:
Sunrise Medical
7477 East Dry Creek Parkway
Longmont, Colorado 80503
USA
303-218-4600
Toll Free: 800-333-4000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword................................................................................................. 2
Safety Tips .............................................................................................. 3
Wheelchair Components............................................................................. 4
Handling
Folding of Wheelchair ............................................................................ 5
Unfolding of Wheelchair......................................................................... 5
Features, Options & Accessories
Rear Axle ............................................................................................. 6
Armrest................................................................................................ 7
Step Tubes ........................................................................................... 7
Wheel Locks ......................................................................................... 8
Footrest Adjustment .............................................................................. 8
Swing-Away Footrest.............................................................................. 9
Elevating Legrest .................................................................................. 9
Anti-Tip Tubes ...................................................................................... 10
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 11
Maintenance ........................................................................................... 11
Technical Data ......................................................................................... 12
Warranty ................................................................................................. 13
931150 Rev. A
Safety Tips
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SAFETY TIPS
The engineering and construction of this wheelchair has been designed to provide maximum
safety. International safety standards currently in force have either been fulfilled or exceeded. Nevertheless, users may put themselves at risk by improperly using their wheelchairs.
For your own safety, the following rules must absolutely be observed.
Unprofessional or incorrect adaptation or adjustment work could increase the risk of accidents.
As a wheelchair user, you are also part of the daily traffic on streets and pave-ments, just
like anyone else. We would like to remind you that you are therefore also subject to any
and all traffic laws. For this reason, you should always wear clothing which is light-colored
when it is dark, so that you can be seen more easily.
Be careful during your first ride in this wheelchair. Get to know your wheelchair. Test what
effect changing the center of gravity would have on your wheelchair. Practice using your
wheelchair on level ground as well as going uphill and downhill.
CAUTION– The wheel locks are not intended to brake your wheelchair. They are only there
to ensure that your wheelchair does not begin rolling unintentionally. When you
stop on uneven ground, you should always use the wheel locks to prevent such
rolling. Always use both wheel locks; otherwise, your wheelchair could tip over.
The wheel locks have NOT been designed to be used as brakes for a moving wheelchair.
Always make use of elevators and ramps. If these are not available, you can reach your destination with the aid of two attendants.
They should grip the wheelchair at securely
mounted parts.
A wheelchair should never be lifted with an occupant; it should only be pushed.
The maximum user weight is 250 lbs.
This wheelchair should be used exclusively for one person at a time in the seat. Any other
use beyond this limit is in violation of safety regulations.
Users should not sit in the wheelchair while riding in any and all means of transportation.
When vehicles are in motion, unoccupied wheelchairs should be secured using appropriate
means. Before changing any of the adjustments of this wheelchair, it is important to read
the corresponding section of the user’s manual. It is possible that potholes or uneven
ground could cause this wheelchair to tip over, especially when riding uphill or downhill.
When riding over a step or up an incline frontally, the body should be leaning forward.
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Wheelchair Components
WHEELCHAIR COMPONENTS
SUNRISE MEDICAL has been awarded the ISO 9001 Certificate, which affirms the quality of
our products at every stage, from R & D to production.
This product complies with ALL ANSI-RESNA testing guidelines.
Optional equipment and accessories are available at extra charge.
Wheelchairs:
1. Push Handles
2. Backrest Upholstery
3. Armrest
4. Seat Sling
5. Footrest
6. Casters
7. Tire
8. Wheel Lock
9. Handrim
10. Rear Wheel
11. Footrest Release Mechanism
12. Offset Axle
13. Armrest Latch
1
2
7
9
10
3
4
11
5
6
13812
931150 Rev. A
Handling
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FOLDING OF WHEELCHAIR (Fig 1)
Do not attempt to close the wheelchair frame by pushing the back canes towards
each other! Damage to the folding mechanism and frame may result.
Step 1:
Remove any cushions or other obstructions (i.e. backrest supports, backpacks, etc.)
that would interfere with the folding mechanism
Step 2:
If footrests will remain on chair, make sure the foot-plates and calf pads( if any) are
flipped up and out of the way. Otherwise, Swingaway the Footrest or Elevating
Legrest and remove from chair.
Step 3:
• Place your hands underneath the seat upholstery at the front and rear edge of the
seat and sharply lift upward so that the frame starts to close.
• Standing to the side of the chair, grasp the outer side of the opposite armrest and
pull the frame towards you so that both armrest pads and back canes almost touch
each other.
• Be careful to keep fingers and hands clear of folding mechanism and moving parts
during folding process to avoid injuries.
UNFOLDING OF WHEELCHAIR (Fig 3)
Do not attempt to open the wheelchair frame by pulling the back canes apart
from each other! Damage to the folding mechanism and frame may reuslt.
Step 1:
Stand either directly in front of chair (facing the backrest) or to the side.
Step 2:
Place the palms of your hands on top of the seat rail (where the seat upholstery
attaches) and push down and out on the seat rail.
Be careful to keep fingers away from armrest panels and from beneath the seat rail
tubing to avoid injuries.
Step 3:
Make sure the seat rail is pushed down all the way so that it fits inside the seat support.
Figure 1
Figure 2 – Escort folded w/optional
1/2 folding backrest
Figure 3
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Features, Options, & Accessories
REAR AXLE
The Guardian Escort comes with a number of axle plate options and configurations. Each is
dependent upon the chair model and user need.
• All axle plates are interchangeable within the same base frame.
• Always consult a healthcare professional or authorized service center before making
any changes to your rear axle.
CAUTION– Severe injury could result from the use of an improper axle/wheel position.
Listed below are the rear wheel axle options:
Standard Offset Axle:
• This axle plate is the most common and is used for the 24" rear wheel.
• The axle plate can be easily identified by the three axle bolt holes aligned in a vertical position along the plate.
• The bottom hole is the only usable hole designed for this product at this time. Use of
either middle or top hole positions will severely impact performance, safety and function.
This axle plate also provides for two distinct axle positions;
Forward Offset and Rearward Offset.
Forward Offset Axle Position (Fig. 4):
• This is our standard factory setting and provides greater maneuverability, traction and
accessibility to the handrims.
• By offsetting the rear wheel forward of the rear vertical sideframe, the wheel base is
shortened and caution should be exercised when ascending up ramps for unintentional backward tipping.
• Anti-tippers are highly recommended for users who may not have the ability to control their chair safely.
Rearward Offset Axle Position (Fig 5):
• This axle position is reversed from the standard factory setting and places the axle
plate behind the rear vertical sideframe.
• Placing the axle plate in this position increases the wheel base length resulting in a
longer, more stable base.
• Caster rotation, traction and accessibility to handrims will be negatively impacted as
a result of this rear wheel shift.
Amputee Axle Plate (Fig 6):
• This axle plate is commonly used for individuals with single or bi-lateral amputations
of the leg.
• With the lose of leg weight, the wheelchair may be prone to backward tipping with a
standard axle plate.
• The Amputee Axle plate extends the rear wheel 2 ≤" further back from the rear vertical sideframe, thus stabilizing the frame.
Transport Axle Plate - 12" Wheel (Fig. 7):
• The Transport axle plate is used exclusively with our 12" rear wheel option.
• This smaller wheel decreases the chairs overall size, weight and is not intended for
anyone wishing to self-propel their chair.
Figure 4 Forward Offset Axle
Figure 5 Rearward Offset Axle
Figure 6 Amputee Axle
Figure 7 Transport Axle
Transport Axle
Plate (12" wheel)
931150 Rev. A
Features, Options, & Accessories
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ARMREST
All Guardian Escort Armrests come with our exclusive 3-point mounting system. This unique
design increases the lateral stability of the arm and makes the attachment/detachment
quick, easy and trouble free.
Armrest Styles
There are three types of armrests available: Standard Desk, Traditional Desk and Full.
Standard Desk: This armrest utilizes a shorter length armpad (approximately 10 3/4" long)
and sloped front tube to allow the user to pull closer to tables and work surfaces.
Traditional Desk: Our Desk armrest provides user with a more "traditional" design that
keeps the armpad short for table access but provides a horizontal transfer point at the front
of the armrest for individuals needing additional support.
Full: These arms extend approximately 15" in length providing the maximum support for
the arms/upper trunk.
Armrest Latching Mechanism (Fig 8)
Our armrest latching mechanism utilizes a simple, easy-to-identify flip-up/down type latch.
• When the latch is flipped “up”, the armrest remains in a “locked” position.
• Pressing the latch “down” releases the armrest for removal.
NOTE– If the armrest becomes difficult to attach, check the latching mechanism to ensure that the
latch is not engaged in a “locked” or “up” position.
CAUTION– Neither the side-guards or armrests should be used to lift or carry the wheelchair at any
time. Failure to do so could result in irreparable damage and/or injury.
STEP TUBES (Fig 9)
Step Tubes are intended for use by attendants or caregivers to tip a wheelchair partially
backwards and overcome a stationary obstacle which the caster can't negotiate over.
Step 1: With both hands firmly grasping the push grips, place one foot on either step tube.
Step 2: Apply body weight to the foot resting upon the step tube and simultaneously pull
back on the push grips. The casters should raise off the ground.
Step 3: Carefully negotiate over the obstacle obstructing the caster assembly and slowly
lower the chair back to its regular position.
CAUTION– Only attendants and caregivers of suitable physical strength, balance and coordination
should attempt this procedure. Severe injury to the user or caregiver could result from
improper use or judgment of physical condition if attempted.
CAUTION– Children should NEVER attempt this procedure.
CAUTION– This procedure is intended for overcoming small stationary obstacles such as curbs. Patients
should never be transported over any length of distance in a position where both casters
remain elevated.
CAUTION– Anti-tipping tubes should be removed or swung up out of the way prior to attempting to tip
the chair backwards. Anti-tippers are designed to prevent the chair from tipping backwards.
Figure 9
Step Tube
Figure 8
Armrest Latch
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Features, Options, & Accessories
WHEEL LOCKS
Your chair comes equipped with 1 pair of wheel locks. When properly engaged, the wheel
locks prevent the movement of the rear wheels of the wheelchair.
• Proper and regular maintenance is required and should be conducted each month to
prevent accidental movement of the chair.
• Any adjustments should always be conducted by an authorized Sunrise service center.
Failure to do so could cause irreparable damage and/or injury to the patient/caregiver.
Wheel Lock Safety Checklist:
Fully engaged wheel locks should not allow the rear wheel to rotate. To verify this, grasp
the handrim/wheel and try to turn the wheel forward and backward while the wheel locks
are fully engaged. If the wheel moves, check for the following:
• Worn tire tread
• Wet tires
• Damaged shoe/wheel lock mechanism
• Missing mounting hardware
• If any of these items are present, the wheel locks should be checked and adjusted (as
necessary) by an authorized Sunrise service center to ensure proper engagement.
Improper adjustments can cause irreparable damage and/or injury to the user or caregiver.
Wheel Lock Activation
• To engage (while sitting in the chair), push the wheel lock handle forward until they
are fully locked (Fig. 10). For caregivers, reverse the above described directions.
• To release (while sitting in the chair), pull the wheel lock handle back to their original positions (Fig. 11). For caregivers, reverse the above described directions.
NOTE– The Guardian Escort wheel locks come standard with our New “Spring-Assist Auto Return”
mechanism. This spring loaded mechanism brings the wheel lock to a neutral position when
proper engagement has not been achieved. Doing so makes it easier to identify and correct
resulting in fewer injuries to user/caregiver. Always check the wheel locks for proper engagement before transferring in or out of the chair. Failure to heed this warning could result in
injury to user/caregiver.
Wheel Locks should NEVER be used as brakes to slow the wheelchair. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
Any adjustments to the rear wheel (i.e. tire replacement, new axle plate or setting, etc.) should always be followed by the adjustment of the wheel locks. These
kinds of adjustments should always be conducted by an authorized Sunrise service
center. Failure to do so could result in injury.
Extension for the Wheel Lock Lever
(Fig. 12)
The extension for the wheel lock lever can be removed or folded down. The longer lever
helps to minimize the effort needed to set the wheel locks.
CAUTION– Mounting the wheel lock too close toward the wheel will result in a higher effort to oper-
ate. This might cause the brake lever extension to break! Leaning onto the brake lever
extension while transferring will cause the lever to break! Splashing water from tires might
cause the wheel lock to malfunction.
FOOTREST ADJUSTMENT (Fig. 13)
• Removal of the outer screw of the hanger assembly (Fig. 13) will allow the extension
tube to raise or lower to the desired height.
• A minimum of 2 1/2" clearance from the bottom of the footplate to the ground
should be maintained (at a minimum) to prevent interference when
ascending/descending ramps or uneven terrain. Failure to do so could result in injury
to the rider falling from the chair if a sudden stop occurs.
• Always consult a healthcare professional or authorized service center before making
any changes to your footrest length.
Figure 12
Figure 11
Figure 10
Figure 13
Outer screw
Wheel Lock
Extension
931150 Rev. A
Features, Options, & Accessories
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SWING-AWAY FOOTREST (Fig 14)
Attachment
Step 1:
The footrest pivot saddle should be fully inserted into the front frame section (Fig. 14).
Step 2:
• The mounting should always occur offset of the chair (i.e. to the inside or outside of
the sideframe - never in direct alignment).
• Failure to do so will prevent the latching mechanism from engaging.
Step 3:
Once the pivot saddle has been inserted completely, the footrest should be swung
(in-or-out) in a direction that will allow it to sit in alignment with the wheelchair
sideframe.
Step 4:
• Once in alignment with the sideframe, the latch mechanism (Fig. 14) should automatically engage and prevent the movement of the footrest.
• If the footrest is not engaged, make sure the pivot saddle is firmly seated down into
the frame.
• Next check for other obstructions to the latch mechanism.
• If these fail to resolve the problem, contact you local authorized Sunrise Service center for help.
Removal
Step 1:
Begin by pressing the latch release mechanism down (Fig. 14).
Step 2:
• Once the release has been engaged, swing the footrest to the outside or inside of the
wheelchair frame.
• Simply pressing the release handle will not suffice in disengaging the footrest.
• If any weight remains upon the footplate, the footrest will require movement away
from the latch mechanism in order to detach.
ELEVATING LEGREST (Fig. 15)
Attachment
Follow Steps 1 - 4 for attaching the Swing-Away Footrest exactly as outlined.
Removal
Follow Steps 1 - 2 for removing the Swing-Away Footrest exactly as outlined.
Raising/Lowering
Step 1:
To raise or lower the Elevating Legrest, the Heavy Duty release button (Fig. 15)
must be engaged.
Step 2: Constant engagement of this release button must be maintained at all times to
move the Legrest into desired position.
Step 3: When the desired position has been met, release the button to lock the assembly
into place.
NOTE– Pressure applied to the legrest will increase the effort required to depress the Heavy Duty
release button. By slightly lifting the legrest up (1/8" - 1/4") at the footplate, the
release button will engage much easier.
NOTE– When lowering the Legrest all the way down, avoid placing it in the lowest position. Doing so
will cause the casters to rotate and come in contact with the Elevating Legrest.
NOTE– The Elevating Legrest should NEVER be used for lifting or carrying the wheelchair. Doing so will
result in irreparable damage to the Elevating Legrest and/or wheelchair.
Figure 14
Latch release
Latching
mechanism
Fully inserted
pivot saddle
Figure 15
Latch release
Release button
Calf pad
931150 Rev. A
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Features, Options, & Accessories
Calf Pad (Fig. 15)
The contoured calf pad can be depth adjusted to allow the calf to sit in a higher or lower
position. Removal of the mounting bolt from the hinge assembly and calf pad will allow
depth adjustments to be made.
The contoured calf pad can be adjusted up or down the extension tube by the removal of
the same bolt.
CAUTION– Always consult a healthcare professional or authorized service center before making any
changes to your calf pad position.
Length Adjustment
Removal of the outer hex bolt of the hanger assembly will allow the extension tube to raise
or lower to the desired height.
CAUTION– A minimum of 2 1/2" clearance from the bottom of the footplate to the ground should be
maintained (at a minimum) to prevent interference when ascending/descending ramps or
uneven terrain. Failure to do so could result in injury to the rider falling from the chair if a
sudden stop occurs.
CAUTION– Always consult a healthcare professional or authorized service center before making any
changes to your footrest length.
ANTI-TIP TUBES (Fig. 16)
Anti-tip tubes (1) provide additional safety for inexperienced users when they are still
learning how to operate their wheelchairs. Anti-tip tubes (1) prevent a wheelchair from tipping over backwards. Pressing the release button allows the anti-tip tubes (1) to be moved
upwards or removed. An interval of 1 1/2" to 2" should be maintained between them and
the ground. You must swing the anti-tip tubes upwards when going up and down large
obstacles (such as a curb) to prevent them from touching the ground.
Figure 16
1
1
1
/2 – 2"
931150 Rev. A
Troubleshooting / Maintenance
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TROUBLESHOOTING
MAINTENANCE
• Check all of the tires for wear or damage.
• Check the brakes approximately every 4 weeks to make sure that they are working
properly and easy to use.
• All of the joints that are critical to safe using your wheelchair safely are self-locking.
Please check every three months to make sure that all bolts are secure (See the page
on torque). Nylock nuts should only be used once and should be replaced after each
use.
• Please use only mild household cleansers when your wheelchair is dirty. Use only
soap and water when cleaning the seat upholstery.
• If your wheelchair should ever get wet, please dry it after use.
Depending on the frequency and type of use, we recommend taking your wheelchair to your
authorized dealer every 6 months to have it inspected by trained personnel.
CAUTION– Sand and sea water (or salt in the winter) can damage the bearings of the front and rear
wheels. Clean the wheelchair thoroughly after exposure.
Problem
Wheelchair pulls to one side.
Casters begin to wobble.
Wheelchair /Cross-tube assembly does not snap
into position in the seat saddle.
Wheelchair is difficult to fold up.
Wheelchiar squeaks and rattles.
Wheelchair begins to wobble.
Solution
1. Make sure wheel turns easily (bearings, axle).
2. Make sure both casters are making proper
contact with the ground.
1. Make sure all bolts are secure; tighten if
necessary (see the page on torque).
2. Make sure both casters are making proper
contact with the ground.
1. Chair is still new, i.e., the seat or backrest
upholstery is still very stiff. This will improve
with continued use.
1. Screws of the cross-tube brackets are too tight.
1. Make sure bolts are secure; tighten if
necessary (see the page on torque).
2. Apply small amount of lubrication to spots
where moveable parts come in contact with
one another.
1.
Check to see if rear wheels are adjusted
differently.
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