Guidelines for Functional Use of Rifton Seating

The Rifton Seating System provides secure, comfortable, and functional positioning. This system of three chairs offers a wide variety of choices, so you can customize supports to meet the specific requirements of your child. As your child’s motor skills improve, a therapist can reduce or gradually remove the accessories. This article presents Rifton Seating as a series of topics:

Figure 00CHAIR FEATURES

CHAIR ACCESSORIES

CHAIR FEATURES

Chair Models and Sizes

Figure 1
Figure 1

Rifton Seating is available in both Stationary and Mobile models, and comes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The Stationary Chair is a simple work chair for the minimally involved child. The Footboard and Sandals are optional accessories on this model.

The Mobile Chairs allow the child to remain seated in the chair while being moved from one place to another. When unlocked, the casters are excellent for maneuvering. The Push Handle comes on all Mobile Chairs and allows the caregiver to push it anywhere easily and comfortably. To steer the chair around corners, swivel the back of the chair in an arc, and then proceed forward. The Mobile Chair casters lock by pressing the locking lever on each caster to achieve complete stability of the chair. The Footboard is a required accessory for this model. (Figure 1)

Chair Backrest Options

The medium and large Mobile Chairs are offered in both high and low backrest models. The Low Back Mobile Chair serves a child whose trunk and lower extremities require secure positioning. The High Back Mobile Chair serves a child who needs more upper body support. The small Mobile Chair is only available with the high backrest.

The Stationary Chair model, in both the medium and large sizes, offers an option between a high backrest or low backrest. The small Stationary Chair only offers a high backrest.

Figure 2
Figure 2

Every chair offers the option of a Fixed Backrest, which remains at a 90° angle to the chair seat, or an Adjustable Backrest. The Adjustable Backrest moves from the 90° position through a 15° posterior range. Loosen both oval knobs in the rear, grasp the plastic housing and move the backrest to the desired angle. Tighten both knobs securely. (Figure 2)

The backrest can be adjusted to alter the seat depth. Loosen the knobs under the seat and move the backrest in or out to the desired position, and then tighten the knobs securely.

The set of seat and back pads are shipped assembled onto the chair, and can be removed for cleaning purposes. The seat pad is attached using plastic clips that hook on the front and back edges of the seat. (Figure 3) The back pad has two pockets that slip over the edges of the backrest. There are different pads for high or low backrests. The pads are available in tan or burgundy. (Figure 4)

Figure 3
Figure 3		 Figure 4
Figure 4

 

 

Chair Seat Options

Every chair model offers the option of a frame with Seat Tilt adjustment or a frame with Seat Tilt and Spring adjustment.

Figure 5
Figure 5

Using the Tilt feature the seat slope is adjusted, while the angle between the Backrest and the Seat remains the same. This is a one-handed adjustment, accomplished by turning the second handle under the seat, reached from behind the chair. Because the pivot is at the front of the seat, the distance from the footboard to the seat remains the same throughout the range of tilt. (Figure 5) Note: If you are using the chair in any of the back-tilted positions, a high backrest and headrest should be in place to support behind the user's head.

The Seat Tilt and Spring adjustment adds a dynamic element to the chair, so that it responds to the changing positions of the child. Two labeled levers under the seat enable or disable the spring mechanism. Unlocked (enabled), provides the spring motion and approximately 12 degrees of seat tilt on these models. The spring motion can be disabled (locked) using the two blue spring locks on either end of the tilt adjustment handle. Pull both spring locks BACK firmly all the way. It is important to lock the springs if the tray is being used for eating or some other activity. To unlock (enable) the spring, push both the spring locks to the forward position. (Figure 6)

Figure 6
Figure 6 		Figure 7
Figure 7

The Seat Height is adjusted by turning the first handle under the seat, reached from the front of the chair. Each half turn moves the chair up or down one ½” increment. With this feature, chair height can be adjusted as your child grows. In a school setting, use the same chair for more than one child, and adjust seat height as needed. (Figure 7)

Arm Rests and Hip Strap

The armrest position can be adjusted in both height and angle. Loosen the knob slightly and pull the armrest forward to unlock it. (Figure 8) Move it to the desired position, and push it back to lock. Then tighten the knob securely. You must push the armrests back to lock into position. If you are intending to use the tray, be sure that both armrests are adjusted to the same position. The armrests are also removable by releasing the latch at the back corner. (Figure 9)

Figure 8
Figure 8 		Figure 9
Figure 9

The two side pads are attached to the inside of the armrests. To install them, undo the knob that adjusts the armrest until the bolt comes free. Then slip the bolt into the keyhole in the side pad pushing the bolt head to the top of the keyhole. Now push the bolt back through the holes in the armrest. Tighten the knob to hold the pad in place securely. The armrest can still be adjusted when the pad is attached. Additional side pads slip over the side pads to further reduce the seat width. (Figure 10)

Figure 10
Figure 10 		Figure 11
Figure 11

Each chair has three available positions for the Hip Strap. To change the position of the hip strap, the clips that attach the strap to the seat must be disengaged. Reach under the seat to release each clip. Push the front half of the clip first, then the back half. The clip will come out. (Figure 11) Insert it into the desired slot and push down firmly until you hear it click into place. Pull on the strap to check that it is secure.

CHAIR ACCESSORIES

The Trunk Support consists of two lateral trunk support pads. To place the Trunk Support on the chair, remove the Headrest. Move the lateral pads outward before sliding the trunk support over the backrest. Squeeze the blue finger triggers and slide the trunk support down from the top of the backrest. It will click into position.

The width and angle of the lateral pads can be adjusted by loosening the knobs at the back of the chair and moving the pads as needed; then re-tightening the knobs. The height of the Trunk Support is adjusted by squeezing the blue triggers at the back of the chair and sliding the Trunk Support up or down along the two tracks at the rear of the backrest to click into the desired position. (Figure 12)

Figure 12
Figure 12		 Figure 13
Figure 13

The Anterior Support is a wide, padded strap that clips onto the Trunk Support brackets. This strap gives support in front of the child at the height of the lateral pads. To adjust the length, release the hook and loop fastener and pull the strap through the clip to the desired length. To remove it, simply lift the clips straight up. (Figure 13)

The Head Rest is intended for safety or as a backstop for a child who may suddenly extend the head back while in functional sitting. There are two Head Rest options: Contoured, for slightly more lateral support, and Flat for posterior support only. (Figure 14) The Head Rest fits in the same two tracks at the rear of the backrest as the Trunk Support. To insert the Head Rest or to adjust it up and down, squeeze the two finger-latches. When the Head Rest is at the desired height, release the latches and make sure it is securely in place.

Figure 14
Figure 14		 Figure 15
Figure 15

The Abductor fits into the square socket underneath the seat at center front. Under the socket is a latch; pull this before inserting the Abductor, and then let the Abductor “click” into the desired position – closer to the seat, or out nearer the user’s knees. Make sure you insert the abductor or leg prompts with the holes in the square tube facing down. (Figure 15)

The Leg Prompts are used alternatively to the Abductor and fit into the same square socket as the Abductor, using the same latch. Adjust them medially or laterally, by squeezing the latch at the back, to obtain the best position for the user. Place the two padded straps comfortably and securely on the child’s lower legs. (Figure 16)

Figure 16
Figure 16		 Figure 17
Figure 17

The Footboard comes assembled on the chair. The simple latching system for the Footboard allows the caregiver to adjust it forward or back, by clicking the latches up, and then down to lock in desired place. (Figure 17) The footboard slides back under the chair if desired, for transferring the user in or out of the chair. (Figure 18)

Figure 18
Figure 18		 Figure 19
Figure 19

The Sandals are used to position the user’s feet on the footboard. Place the base of the sandal in the desired position by loosening and tightening the knobs on the side. The sandal attaches to the sandal base with a single latch. (Figure 19) Optional Wedges provide a dorsiflexion or plantarflexion angle for the foot position. The wedge is placed on the base, and the sandal secured on top. To accommodate leg length discrepancy, raise one sandal with two wedges stacked opposite, one on the other. Note: In some configurations of wedges, the footboard will not slide all the way back under the chair.

Trays are available for all Rifton chairs. The tray has a one-handed release handle under the front edge and slides into slots in the armrests. (Figure 20) Be sure both armrests are positioned at the same height and angle when attaching the tray. Pull handle to attach, remove, or adjust the tray. Adjust the armrests to move the tray to the desired height and angle. A handhold can be attached to the rim of the tray in several locations along the front or side. (Figure 21) Start at the front corner of the tray, and slide the handhold along the front or side rim. Tighten the oval knob underneath.

Figure 20
Figure 20 		Figure 21
Figure 21

Correct use of this product requires the prior approval and ongoing guidance of a qualified therapist or physician.

Rifton Equipment | phone: 800-571-8198 | fax: 800-865-4674 | www.rifton.com