Freedom Designs TriPod LT User Manual

□ With transport package
□ Without transport package

Supplier:
This manual must be given to
the user/caregiver of this
wheelchair

Rider:
Before using this wheelchair
read this entire manual and
save for future reference

By Freedom Designs, Inc.

OPERATING MANUAL

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

2241 N. Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA 93065 ● [phone] ● FAX [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

011309

Introduction

LT

™

LT

Congratulations on your purchase of the Freedom Designs, Inc. TriPod

wheelchair. These chairs combine state-of-the-art technology with durability and
function to meet all of your changing needs. This Operating Manual will provide you
with a detailed guide for proper assembly as well as instructions on the care of your
new wheelchair. Please follow the instructions carefully, paying special attention to the
Safety Precaution section. It is important that you read the entire Operating Manual
before operating the wheelchair. After consulting your Operating Manual, if you feel
you have further questions, please contact one of our Authorized Dealers or our
Customer Service Department at:

[phone]

or e-mail:

[e-mail]

Again, thank you for your purchasing a Freedom Designs, Inc. TriPod

This manual revised on January 13, 2009

Serial #___________________________________

™

Reference Phone Numbers:

Home Medical Equipment Supplier Name

Phone #

Home Health Care Agency Name

Phone #

Doctor Name

Phone #

Table of Contents

Page #

Table of Contents 1-2
General Warnings 3-5

Weight Limit 3
Every Wheelchair is Different 3
Reduction of Risk of an Accident 3
Safety Checklist 3
Adjustments 4
Environmental Conditions 4
Terrain 4
Street Use 4
Motor Vehicle Safety 5
Transport Option 5
Assistance 5

Warnings: Falls & Tip-Overs 6-10

Center of Balance 6
Dressing or Changing Clothes 6
Wheelies 6
Obstacles 7
Reaching or Leaning 7
Moving Backward 8
Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills 8
Transfer 9
Curbs and Steps 9
Stairs and Escalators 10

Warnings: For Safe Use 10-11

Transport Use 10
Descending a Curb or Single Step 11
Climbing a curb or Single Step 11
Climbing Stairs 11
Descending Stairs 11
Maintenance 11

Warnings: Components and Options 12-14

Transport Option 12
Anti-Tip Devices 12
Armrests 13
Cushions & Sling Seats 13
Fasteners 13
Footrests 13
Pneumatic Tires 13
Positioning Belts 14
Power Drive 14
Push Handles 14
Quick Release Axles 14

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Large Drive Wheels 15
Wheel Locks 15
Modified Seating Systems 15
Upholstery Fabric 15

Initial Inspection Checklist 16
Specifications 17
Features 18
Unfolding the TriPod
Folding the TriPod ™ LT 20

Main Frame 21-26

1. Anti-Tips (Limited Tension Caster/Axle Link 21

2. Wheels & Tires 21

3. Footrest 22-23

4. Quick Release Axles 24

5. Flip Back Armrests 25

6. Casters 25

7. Wheel Locks 26

8. Wheel Lock Options 26

TriPod Adjustments 27-29

1. Back Canes 27

2. Back Cane / Seat Depth Adjustment 27

3. Armrest Adjustments 27

4. Caster Fork Adjustment 28

5. Wheel Lock Adjustments 28

6. Drive Wheel Axle Adjustments 29

7. Rear Tip Limiter 29

Cleaning 30
Maintenance 30
Storage 30
Troubleshooting 31
Summary 32
Warranty 33

™

LT 19

Page #

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

● 2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 ● 800-331-8551 ● Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

2

General Warnings

Warnings & Caution statements included in this manual describe conditions and unsafe

practices which might result in bodily injury or property damage. Read this entire manual
before assembly or operation of this wheelchair. If you do not understand any of the
instructions in this manual, call your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer. Note: Where
they apply, you will also find “Warnings” in other sections of this manual. Heed all warnings in
this section.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control
may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others

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The weight limit for the TriPod

ceeds the weight limit, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control
may cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Every wheelchair is different. Become familiar with your chair before you

begin riding. Start slowly, with easy, smooth strokes. Be careful not to use too
much force, which might result in tipping over, damage to your chair, a fall or
loss of control, which may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Reduction of Risk of an Accident:

1. BEFORE riding, you should be trained in the safe use of this chair by your
health care advisor.

2. Practice bending, reaching and transfers until you know the limit of your
ability. In order to avoid tipping over, have someone help you, until you
know what can cause a fall.

3. Be aware that you must develop your own methods for safe use best suited
to your level of function and ability.

4. NEVER try a new maneuver on your own, until you are sure you can do it
safely.

5. Get to know the areas where you plan to use your chair. Look for hazards
and learn how to avoid them.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Safety Checklist

Before each use of your chair:

1. Make sure the chair rolls easily and that all parts work smoothly. Check for
noise, vibration, or a change in ease of use. (They may indicate low tire
pressure, loose fasteners, or damage to your chair).

2. Repair any problems. Consult your Freedom Designs, Inc. authorized
dealer for help in finding or correcting the problem.

3. Check to see that both quick-release axles are locked. When locked, the
axle button will “pop out” fully. If not locked, the wheel may come off and
cause you to fall.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

™

LT is a 200 lb. person. If the person ex-

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Adjustments

1. If you modify or adjust this chair, it may increases the risk of a tip-over
UNLESS you make other changes as well.

2. Before any adjustments or modifications are made to your chair, consult
your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer.

3. Unauthorized modifications or use of parts not supplied or approved by
Freedom Designs, Inc. may damage the chair structure. This will void the
warranty and may cause a safety hazard.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Environmental Conditions

1. Use extra care if you must ride your chair on a wet or slick surface. Ask for
help, if you are in doubt.

2. Contact with water or excess moisture may cause your chair to rust or
corrode. This could cause your chair to fail.

a. Do not use your chair in a shower, pool or other body of water. The
chair tubing and parts are not watertight and may rust or corrode
from the inside.
b. Avoid excess moisture, (for example, do not leave your chair in a
damp bathroom while taking a shower).
c. Dry your chair as soon as you can if it gets wet, or if you use water to
clean it.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Terrain

1. Your chair is designed for use on firm, even surfaces such as concrete,
asphalt and indoor floors and carpeting.

2. Do not operate your chair in sand, loose soil or over rough terrain. This
may damage wheels or axles or loosen fasteners of your chair.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Street Use

In most states, wheelchairs are not legal for use on public roads. Be alert to the
danger of motor vehicles on roads or in parking lots.

1. At night, or when lighting is poor, use reflective tape on your chair and
clothing.

2. Due to your low position, it may be hard for drivers to see you. Make eye
contact with drivers before you go forward. When in doubt, yield until you
are sure it is safe.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

● 2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 ● 800-331-8551 ● Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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Motor Vehicle Safety

As identified on the front cover of this user manual, identify whether your chair
has been manufactured with the Transport Option installed.

If your chair is not equipped with the Transport Option:

The TriPod

vehicle seating.

1. NEVER let anyone sit in this chair while in a moving vehicle.

a. ALWAYS move the rider to an approved vehicle seat.
b. ALWAYS secure the rider with proper motor vehicle restraints

2. In an accident or sudden stop, the rider may be thrown from the chair.
Wheelchair hip belts will not prevent this, and further injury may result from
the belts or straps.

3. NEVER transport this chair in the front seat of a vehicle. It may shift and
interfere with the driver.

4. ALWAYS secure this chair so that it cannot roll or shift.

5. Do not use any chair that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

If your chair is equipped with the Transport Option, see the Transport Option
Warnings on Pages 11, 12, 13 & 14.

Assistance
For the Rider:

Everyone who helps you, needs to read and follow all warnings and instruc­tions that apply.

For Attendants

1. Work with the rider’s doctor, nurse or therapist to learn safe methods best
suited to your abilities and those of the rider.

2. Tell the rider what you plan to do and explain what you expect the rider to
do. This will put the rider at ease and reduce the risk of an accident

3. Make sure the chair has push handles. They provide secure points for you
to hold the rear of the chair to prevent a fall or tip-over. Check to make sure
push handle grips will not rotate or slip off.

4. To prevent injury to your back, use good posture and proper body
mechanics. When you lift or support the rider, bend your knees slightly and
keep your back as straight as you can.

5. Remind the rider to lean back when you tilt the chair backward.

6. When you descend a curb or single step, slowly lower the chair in one easy
movement. Do not let the chair drop the last few inches to the ground. This
may damage the chair or injure the rider.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

™

LT wheelchairs do not meet federal standards for motor

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WARNING: FALLS & TIP-OVERS

Center of Balance

The point where this chair will tip forward, back or to the side depends on its
center of balance and stability. How your chair is setup, the options you select
and the changes you make affect the risk of fall or tip-over.

1. The Most Important Adjustments Are:

a. The position of the large Drive wheels. The more you move the Drive
wheels forward, the more likely your chair will tip over backward.

This chair design has a limited tension caster/axle link with a small
caster wheel mounted at the rearmost end. This limited tension link is
intended to be used as an aid when climbing or descending obstacles,

such as low curbs. It is also designed to be an anti-tipping device. .

The rear tip limiter has been preset at the factory for optimum
performance and safety.

2. The Center of Balance is also Affected By:

a. A change in setup of your chair, including:

1. The distance between the large Drive wheels.

2. The amount of large wheel camber.

3. The seat height, seat angle and position on frame.

4. The backrest angle.

b. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c. The use of a back pack or other options, and amount of added weight.

3. To Reduce the Risk of an Accident:

a. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle and caster
position is best for you.
b. Consult your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer BEFORE you
modify or adjust this chair. Be aware that you may need to make other
changes to correct the center of balance.
c. Have someone help you until you know the balance points of your chair
and how to avoid a tip-over.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Dressing or Changing Clothes

Your weight may shift, if you dress or change clothes while seated in this chair.
To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:

1. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This
makes the chair more stable.

2. Lock wheel locks into place.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Wheelies

“Wheelies” (tilting the wheelchair backward to its balance point) are extremely
dangerous, as the chair may tip over. Freedom Designs, Inc. recommends that
“wheelies” not be attempted.

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

● 2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 ● 800-331-8551 ● Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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Obstacles

Obstacles and road hazards (such as potholes and broken pavement), can
damage your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over or loss of control.
To avoid these risks:

1. Keep a lookout for danger—scan the area well ahead of your chair as you
ride.

2. Make sure the floor area where you live and work are level and free of
obstacles.

3. Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.

4. Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop off at the
bottom of the ramp.

5. To Help Correct Your Center of Balance:

a. Lean your upper body FORWARD slightly as you go UP over an
obstacle.
b. Press your upper body BACKWARD as you go DOWN from a higher to
a lower level.

6. Keep both of your hands on the handrims as you go over an obstacle.

7. Never push or pull on an object, (such as furniture or a doorjamb), to propel
your chair.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Reaching or Leaning
If you reach or lean, it will affect the center of balance. Of your chair. This may

cause you to fall or tip over. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device to
extend your reach.

1. NEVER reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or rise up off
the seat.

2. NEVER reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat to do so.
Always keep your buttocks in contact with the backrest.

3. NEVER reach with both hands, you may not be able to catch yourself to
prevent a fall if the chair tips.

4. DO NOT reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may damage one
or both backrest tubes and cause you to fall.

5. If you must reach or lean:

a. Do not lock the Drive wheels. This creates a tip point and makes a fall or

tip-over more likely.
b. Do not put pressure on the footrests.

Note: Leaning forward puts pressure on the footrests and may cause the chair

to tip if you lean too far.
c. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to reach.
d. Do not try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down between
your knees. You are less likely to tip if you reach to the side of your
chair.
e. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This
makes the chair more stable.

Note: To do this: Move your chair past the object you want to reach,

then back up alongside it. Backing up will rotate the casters forward.

f. Firmly grasp a large Drive wheel or an armrest with one hand. This will

help to prevent a fall if the chair tips.

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Moving Backward

Use extra care when you move backward. Your chair is not stable when you
propel yourself rearward. You may lose control or tip over if one of the large

Drive wheels hits and object and stops rolling.

1. Propel your chair slowly and smoothly.

2. Stop often and check to be sure your path is clear.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills

Riding on a slope, which includes a ramp or side hill, will change the center of
balance of your chair. Your chair is less stable when it is at an angle. The rear
stabilizing wheel may not keep the chair from going over backward.

1. Do not use your chair on a slope steeper than 10%. (A 10% slope means:
one foot in elevation for every ten feet of slope length).

2. Always go as straight up and as straight down as you can. (do not “cut the
corner” on a slope or ramp).

3. Do not turn or change direction on a slope.

4. Always stay in the CENTER of the ramp. Make sure ramp is wide enough
that you are not at risk that a wheel may fall over the edge.

5. Do not stop on a steep slope. If you stop, you may lose control of your chair.

6. NEVER use wheel locks to try to slow or stop your chair. This is likely to
cause your chair to veer out of control.

7. Beware of:

a. Wet or slippery surfaces.
b. A change in grade on a slope (or a lip, bump or depression). These may
cause a fall or tip-over.
c. A drop-off at the bottom of a slope. A drop-off of as small as 3/4”
can stop a front caster and cause the chair to tip forward.

8. To Reduce the Risk of a Fall or Tip-Over:

a. Lean or press your body UPHILL. This will help adjust for a change
in the center of balance caused by the slope or side hill.
b. Keep pressure on the handrims to control your speed on a down
slope. If you go too fast, you may lose control.
c. Ask for help any time you are in doubt.

9. Ramp at Home & Work—For your safety, ramps at home and work must
meet all legal requirements for your area.

We recommend:
a. Width: At least four feet wide.
b. Guardrails. To reduce the risk of a fall, sides of ramp must have
guardrails (or raised borders at least three inches high).
c. Slope. Not more than a 10% grade.
d. Surface. Flat and even, with a thin carpet or other nonskid material.
(Make sure there is no lip, bump or depression).
e. Bracing. Ramp must be STURDY. You may need a section at the top or
bottom to smooth out the transition.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.

Freedom

● 2241 Madera Rd. Simi Valley, CA. 93065 ● 800-331-8551 ● Fax [phone]

www.freedomdesigns.com

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Transfer

It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be
aware that there is a point during transfer when the wheelchair seat is not
below you. To Avoid a Fall:

1. Work with your health care advisor to learn safe methods.
a. Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a
transfer.
b. Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on
your own.

2. Lock large Drive wheels before you transfer. This keeps the large wheels

from rolling.

Note: This will NOT keep your chair from sliding away from you or tipping.

3. Make sure to keep pneumatic tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure may
allow the wheel locks to slip.

4. Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are transferring to. If
possible, use a transfer board.

5. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.

6. Remove footboard, if possible.

a. Make sure your feet do not catch in the space between the footrests.
b. Avoid putting excessive weight on the footboard, as this may cause the
chair to tip.

7. Make sure armrests are out of the way and do not interfere.

8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surfaces as you can. This will reduce the
risk that the chair will tip or move away from you.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

Curbs & Steps

1. Each person who helps you should read and follow the warnings—”For
Safe Use” (Pages 11 – 13).

2. Do not try to climb or descend a curb or step alone UNLESS you are a
skilled rider of this chair and you are sure you have the strength and
balance to do so.

3. Do not try to climb a high curb or step, (more than 4” high), UNLESS you
have help. Doing so may cause your chair to exceed its balance point and
tip over.

4.. Go straight up and down a curb or step. If you climb or descend at an a n -

gle,
a fall or tip-over is likely.

5. Be aware that the impact of dropping down from a curb or step can damage

your chair or loosen fasteners.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or
loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.

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