Invacare Lightweight Aluminum Wheelchair User Manual
OWNER'S OPERATOR AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
LIGHTWEIGHT
ALUMINUM
WHEELCHAIR
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WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST
READING AND UNDERST ANDING THIS MANUAL. IF YOU
ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE W ARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS, CONT ACT INV ACARE
TOLL FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE AT 1-888-6AURORA
(628-7672) BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS EQUIP-
MENT - OTHERWISE INJUR Y OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
2 CALL TOLL FREE, 1-888-6AURORA
(628-7672)
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIAL NOTES................................................................................................................................. 4
SAFETY SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 5
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS.......................................................................................... 6
HANDLING .........................................................................................................................................10
SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST ................................................................................................ 11
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................................12
MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................................12
PROCEDURE 1 - FOOTRESTS .......................................................................................................13
SWINGAWAY FOOTREST ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION .............................................................. 13
SWINGAWAY FOOTREST HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT ..................................................................... 13
HEEL LOOP REPLACEMENT ....................................................................................................... 13
PROCEDURE 2 - ARMS....................................................................................................................14
REMOVING OR REPLACING ARMRESTS ................................................................................... 14
SWING-BACK ARMS ......................................................................................................................14
REPLACING ARMREST PAD/CLOTHING GUARDS ................................................................... 14
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PROCEDURE 3 - SEAT AND BACK .................................................................................................15
REPLACING THE BACK UPHOLSTERY ...................................................................................... 15
REPLACING THE SEAT UPHOLSTERY ....................................................................................... 15
PROCEDURE 4 - REAR WHEELS.................................................................................................... 16
REMOVING/INSTALLING THE REAR WHEELS..........................................................................16
REPLACING REAR WHEEL HANDRIM......................................................................................... 16
REAR WHEEL AXLE MOUNTING ADJUSTMENTS ..................................................................... 16
PROCEDURE 5 - FRONT CASTERS ............................................................................................... 18
REPLACING FRONT CASTERS .................................................................................................... 18
INSTALLING/REPLACING FORKS ............................................................................................... 18
CASTER HEADTUBE MOUNTING ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................... 19
PROCEDURE 6 - ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL LOCKS......................................................................... 20
INSTALLING/ADJUSTING ANTI-TIPPERS ...................................................................................20
WHEEL LOCK ADJUSTMENT .......................................................................................................20
WARRANTY........................................................................................................................................23
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
3 CALL TOLL FREE, 1-888-6AURORA
(628-7672)
SPECIAL NOTES
SPECIAL NOTES
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WARNING/CAUTION notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in personal injury or property damage.
NOTICE
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THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE.
WHEELCHAIR USER
As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavors to supply wheelchairs to meet needs of the consumer. However, final selection of the type
of wheelchair to be used by an individual rests solely with the consumer and
his/her health care professional capable of making such a selection.
WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN RESTRAINTS AND SEAT RESTRAINTS
Invacare recommends that wheelchair users NOT be transported in vehicles
of any kind while in wheelchairs. As of this date, the Department of Transportation has not approved any tie-down systems for transportation of a
user while in a wheelchair, in a moving vehicle of any type.
It is Invacare's position that users of wheelchairs should be transferred into
appropriate seating in vehicles for transportation and use be made of the
restraints made available by the auto industry. Invacare cannot and does
not recommend any wheelchair transportation systems.
AS REGARDS SEATING RESTRAINTS - IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE THERAPISTS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO DETERMINE IF A SEATING RESTRAINT IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT BY THE USER. SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A FALL
FROM A WHEELCHAIR.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
4 CALL TOLL FREE, 1-888-6AURORA
(628-7672)
SAFETY SUMMARY
SAFETY SUMMARY
OPERATING INFORMATION
WARNING
To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and
transferring activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified health professional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching
down between your knees.
DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery to reach objects from behind as this may
cause the wheelchair to tip over.
DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are reaching as the
wheelchair may tip over.
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may
occur.
DO NOT attempt to stop a moving wheelchair with the wheel locks. WHEEL LOCKS ARE NOT
BRAKES.
Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken
to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are transferring onto.
When transferring to and from the wheelchair, ALWAYS ENGAGE BOTH WHEEL LOCKS.
DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways.
DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9
DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline with a water, ice or oil film.
DO NOT attempt to ride over curbs or obstacles. Doing so may cause your wheelchair to tip
over and cause bodily harm or damage to the wheelchair.
DO NOT use unauthorized parts, accessories, or adapters other than those authorized by
Invacare
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) part(s). Lifting by
means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user
or damage to the wheelchair.
DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.
Anti-tippers are an option on this wheelchair. Invacare strongly recommends ordering the
anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
DO NOT use the footplate as a platform when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
The seat restraint is an option on this wheelchair. Invacare strongly recommends ordering
the seat restraint as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
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WEIGHT TRAINING
Invacare DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training apparatus.
Invacare wheelchairs have NOT been designed or tested as a seat for any kind of weight
training. If occupant uses said wheelchair as a weight training apparatus, Invacare shall
NOT be liable for bodily injury and the warranty will be voided immediately.
WEIGHT LIMITATION
The AURORA Lightweight Aluminum wheelchairs by Invacare have a weight limitation of
250 lbs.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
5 CALL TOLL FREE, 1-888-6AURORA
(628-7672)
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SAFETY/HANDLING
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
“Safety and Handling” of the wheelchair requires the
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close attention of the wheelchair user as well as the
assistant. This manual points out the most common
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procedures and techniques involved in the safe operation and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a “basic” guide. The techniques that are discussed on the following pages have
been used successfully by many.
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Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal
with daily living activities that may differ from those
described in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each individual to try what works best for
him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that they
may encounter. Techniques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user and assistant
with “safety” as the most important consideration for
all.
A NOTE TO WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANTS
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required,
remember to use good body mechanics. Keep your
back straight and bend your knees whenever tilting
the wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable) parts.
These must NEVER be used for hand-held or lifting
supports, as they may be inadvertently released,
resulting in possible injury to the user and/or
assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have
an experienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
TILTING
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
WARNING
The seat restraint is an option on this
wheelchair. Invacare strongly recommends ordering the seat restraint as an
additional safeguard for the wheelchair
user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must at all times maintain proper balance
and wear your seat restraint, if so equipped. Your wheelchair has been designed to remain upright and stable
during normal daily activities as long as you do not
move beyond the center of gravity.
DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further than the length of the armrests. Make sure the
casters are pointing in the forward position whenever
you lean forward. This can be achieved by advancing
the wheelchair and then reversing it in a straight line.
COPING WITH EVERYDAY OBSTACLES
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be
alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your
wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to
maintain stability and balance.
When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should
grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair
occupant before tilting the wheelchair and remind
him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet
and hands are clear of all wheels.
TILTING - CURBS:
After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use one (1) of the following procedures to
tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
METHOD 1
Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear
the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in the weight distribution.
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the
wheelchair in one continuous movement onto the
sidewalk. Do not let the wheelchair drop the last
few inches to the ground. This could result in injury
to the occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until
the rear wheels roll up and over the curb.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
6
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(628-7672)
SAFETY/HANDLING
WARNING, continued
METHOD 1
METHOD 2
Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body
strength, it is recommended that METHOD 2 use
two (2) assistants. The second assistant should be
positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non-removable (non-detachable) part of
the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and
stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheelchair is
being lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and
turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are
against the curb. The wheelchair should be tilted
back to the balance point and, in one continuous
downward movement, the rear wheels should be
pulled up and over the curb. DO NOT return the
front casters to the ground until the wheelchair has
been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb.
Extreme caution is advised when it is
necessary to move an occupied
wheelchair up or down the stairs.
Invacare recommends using two (2)
assistants and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use ONLY secure,
non-detachable parts for hand-held
supports.
If so equipped, Always wear your seat
restraint. Invacare strongly recommends ordering the seat restraint as an
additional safeguard for the wheelchair
user.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is NOT
available:
1. After the wheelchair has been tilted back to the
balance point, one assistant (in the rear) backs
the wheelchair up against the first step, while
securely grasping a non-removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair for leverage.
2. The second assistant, with a firm hold on a nondetachable part of the framework, lifts the wheelchair up and over the stair and steadies the
wheelchair as the first assistant places one (1)
foot on the next stair and repeats STEP 1.
3. The wheelchair should not be lowered until the
last stair has been negotiated and the wheelchair has been rolled away from the stairway.
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METHOD 2
STAIRWAYS
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair
by any removable (detachable) part(s).
Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may
result in injury to the user or damage to
the wheelchair.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
ESCALATORS? SORRY!
DO NOT use an escalator to move a
wheelchair between floors. Serious
bodily injury may occur.
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(628-7672)
SAFETY/HANDLING
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TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM
OTHER SEATS
WARNING
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BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out
of the wheelchair, every precaution
should be taken to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are transferring onto. Also be
certain the wheel locks are engaged
to help prevent the wheels from moving.
CAUTION
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When transferring, position yourself as
far back as possible in the seat. This will
prevent damaged upholstery and the
possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.
NOTE: This activity may be performed independently provided you have adequate mobility and
upper body strength.
These movements will cause a change to the normal
balance, the center of gravity, and the weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your
particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and
transferring activities in several combinations in the
presence of a qualified health professional BEFORE
attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When
reaching, leaning or bending forward, it is important to
use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and
balance.
CENTER OF
GRAVITY
Example *46% *54% 103 lbs. 130 lbs.
Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side
the seat to which you are transferring, with the front casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel locks. Swing the footrests out of the way and shift body weight into seat with
transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will
be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all possible.
PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you
have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down
between your knees.
UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED
* 46% and 54% represent the total weight distribution between the front and rear of the wheelchair.
FUNCTIONAL REACH FROM A
WHEELCHAIR
The approximate reach-limit values shown in the
accompanying graph were derived on the basis of
a sample of 91 male and 36 female subject wheelchair users. Note the difference between the maximum and the comfortable reach limits, a subjective
but important consideration in design.
FORWARD REACH
(Adults)
COMFORT ABLE
MAXIMUM
INCHES
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend
and transfer in and out of the wheelchair.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
INCHES
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