Mantis was designed and has been tested to effectively
function in a wide array of environmental conditions. However, for
safety reasons, and in order to provide a cost effective solution,
Pro-Techt has defined certain user guidelines that serve as the
basis by which Pro-Techt will warrant the Mantis product. Using
Mantis in ways or conditions that exceed our recommended guidelines
could cause premature damage to the product and will likely reduce
the life of the product. Usage outside of these guidelines could
result in injury and will void your warranty.
Following these usage guidelines, and exercising common sense, will
ensure that your Mantis will provide you with years of comfort and
protection while enabling you to have more enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Deployment and Adjustments
Cams (latch mechanisms)
After placing your Mantis on your mount, and adjusting for the desired
position, always be sure to fully lock the cam to ensure a tight
fit for this connection. Similarly, for Pro Models that have height
adjustment, always be sure the cam is in the locked position once
the desired height adjustment is determined.
Should your Mantis fit become too loose onto your mount or height
adjustment , tighten (in small intervals) the lock nuts which are
located on the left side of both latch mechanisms until the desired
fit is achieved. Over tightening and loosening, or removing of the
lock nuts could over time reduce its effectiveness and require replacement.
Knobs (tilt adjustments)
Always fully loosen the knobs when setting and adjusting the angles,
and then fully tighten the knobs once the desired angles are achieved
to ensure the Mantis will stay securely at the desired position.
Should the fit become too loose on your tilt adjustment mechanisms,
tighten (in small intervals) the lock nuts which secure the knobs
until the desired fit is achieved. Over tightening and loosening,
or removing the lock nuts could over time reduce its effectiveness
and require a replacement.
Using Mantis while Moving and in the Wind
Pro-Techt recognizes that wind can be a factor in many outdoor excursions.
Mantis' aerodynamic canopy has been uniquely designed to minimize
the impact of the wind. However, the Mantis has not been designed
to withstand high travel speeds and/or wind. Therefore Pro-Techt
has provided the following specific guidelines to ensure your Mantis
will provide years trouble-free comfort and protection.
When moving more than a few MPH, always position Mantis in the overhead
position. Pro-Techt recommends and warrants using Mantis only when
combinations of travel and wind speed are 15 miles per hour or less.
Operating at travel and wind speeds greater than 15 mph with the
Mantis in the open position is not recommended and will void your
warranty. When you want to travel at speeds in excess of 15 mph,
Pro-Techt recommends that you close the fabric into the upper spine
of Mantis, attach the fabric catch, loosen the pivot knob and swing
your Mantis back so that the upper spine overlaps the lower spine
and retighten the pivot knob. This takes just a few seconds and
now you can travel at high speeds.
Cleaning and Care
With a minimal of care, Mantis will remain attractive and functional
for years. Pro-Techt recommends that you always rinse off your Mantis
with fresh water after exposure to salt water and let dry before
storing.
Fabric
Removal
The fabric top on your Mantis is easily removable for cleaning.
The top is secured by Velcro along the upper spine. To remove, start
by holding the fabric near the base of the upper spine and gently
separate the fabric from the spine. Once the fabric is separated
along the entire spine, separate the velcro connected fabric at
the inner most portions of the Mantis arms. Now the top can be easily
removed by sliding it off of the arms and battens.
Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep fabrics looking good and to delay the
need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a
monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent
dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the
need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments,
a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Once
separated, follow these instructions for cleaning both the polyester
and Sunbrella Fabrics:
Place your Mantis fabric in a washing machine and follow these steps:
Use only natural soaps (like antibacterial dish washing liquid),
never detergent.
Wash and rinse in cold water.
Air dry. Never put the fabric in your dryer.
For Sunbrella fabrics, if stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted
chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning see http://www.sunbrella.com
for specific recommendations on how to get out difficult stains and
other relevant information.
Retreating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, the fabrics are treated with a finish
that enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for
several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning.
Pro-Techt recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guardª as the preferred
retreatment product for our fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after
thorough cleaning or after five years of use. 303 should be applied
to fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the
original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.
After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then
apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303
to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings
are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single
heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square
feet of lightweight fabric. Always apply 303 to clean fabric.
Mantis Spines and Plastic
The anodized aluminum spines and plastic should be wiped clean as
needed with a non-abrasive household cleaner.
Storage
Mantis fabrics and components are rot, mildew and rust resistant,
however we recommend that you do not store Mantis wet for extended
periods of time. If wet, simply wipe off and leave the fabric in the
open position until dry before storing. |
