Invacare TRACER EX User Manual

Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual
TRACER EX
TRACER IV
R
R
HEAVY DUTY/EXTRAWIDE
TRACER TRANSPORT
INVACARE MG
R
R
DEALER: THIS MANUAL MUST BE GIVEN TO THE USER OF THE WHEELCHAIR.
USER: BEFORE USING THIS WHEELCHAIR, READ THIS MANUAL AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
W
A R N
I N G
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT OPERAT E THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST
READING AND UNDERSTANDING THIS MANUAL. IF YOU ARE
UNABLE TO UNDERST AND THE W ARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND
INSTRUCTIONS, CONT ACT A HEAL THCARE PROFESSIONAL,
DEALER OR TECHNICAL PERSONNEL IF APPLICABLE BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE INJUR Y OR
DAMAGE MAY RESUL T.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
2
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTE: The information in this owner's manual applies to the TRACER EX, TRACER IV, TRACER TRANSPORT and the INVACARE MG wheelchairs except where specified.
SPECIAL NOTES ................................................ 4
SAFETY SUMMARY ........................................... 5
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS ............ 7
SPECIFICA TIONS............................................. 12
SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST ................. 13
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................... 14
MAINTENANCE ................................................ 14
PROCEDURE 1 - FRONT RIGGINGS ............... 15
SWINGAW AY FOOTREST ASSEMBL Y
INST ALLATION................................................. 15
SWINGAW AY FOOTREST HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT ................................................. 1 5
HEEL LOOP REPLACEMENT ............................ 15
ELEV ATING LEGREST ASSEMBL Y
INST ALLATION................................................. 16
ADJUSTING THE ELEV ATING LEGREST
ASSEMBL Y ..................................................... 1 6
PROCEDURE 2 - ARMS.................................... 17
REMOVING OR REPLACING ST ANDARD
ARMREST....................................................... 17
ADJUSTING ARMREST HEIGHT - ADJUST ABLE
HEIGHT ARMS ONL Y ....................................... 17
USING OR REPLACING FLIP-BACK ARMREST .. 17
PROCEDURE 3 - SEA T AND BACK .................. 18
FOLD DOWN BACK - TRACER TRANSPORT
ONLY .............................................................. 18
REPLACING BACK UPHOLSTERY..................... 1 8
REPLACING THE SEA T UPHOLSTERY .............. 18
ADJUSTING SEA T WIDTH .................................. 18
PROCEDURE 4 - REAR WHEELS..................... 20
REMOVING/INST ALLING THE REAR WHEELS.... 2 0
REPLACING REAR WHEEL HANDRIM ............... 20
REPLACING/REP AIRING REAR WHEEL
TIRE/TUBE...................................................... 20
PROCEDURE 5 - FRONT CASTERS ................ 21
INST ALLING/REPLACING SIX OR EIGHT-INCH
FRONT CASTERS AND FORKS...................... 21
ADJUSTING FRONT CASTERS ......................... 21
REPLACING/REP AIRING FRONT CASTER
TIRE/TUBE...................................................... 21
REPLACING FRONT CASTERS......................... 2 1
PROCEDURE 6 - SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHTS . 22
CHANGING SEA T-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT-
TRACER EX ONL Y .......................................... 22
PROCEDURE 7 - ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL LOCKS 23
INST ALLING ANTI-TIPPERS ................................ 23
WHEEL LOCK ADJUSTMENT ............................ 24
PROCEDURE 8 - OPTIONS.............................. 25
INST ALLING AMPUTEE ATT ACHMENT ................ 2 5
INST ALLING FIXED HEIGHT I.V. ROD .................. 25
INST ALLING THE CARRYING POCKET ............... 2 5
INST ALLING THE SEAT POSITIONING STRAP .... 2 6
INST ALLING/ADJUSTING THE FRONT
ANTI-TIPPERS................................................ 2 6
INST ALLING THE TELESCOPING I.V . ROD ......... 28
WARRANTY ...................................................... 31
T A B L E
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SPECIAL NOTES
SPECIAL NOTES
S P E C
A L
N O T E S
WARNING/CAUTION notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in personal injury or property damage.
NOTICE
I
THE INFORMATION CONT AINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WHEELCAIR USER
As a manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavors to supply a wide variety of wheelchairs to meet many needs of the end user . However , final selection of the type of wheelchair to be used by an individual rests solely with the user and his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a selection.
WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN RESTRAINTS AND SEA T POSITIONING STRAPS Invacare recommends that wheelchair users NOT be transported in vehicles of any kind while in wheel-
chairs. 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 RESTRAINTS - SEA T POSITIONING STRAPS - IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE DME DEALER, THERA­PISTS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO DETERMINE IF A SEA TPOSITIONING STRAP IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT BY THE USER. SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A F ALL FROM A WHEELCHAIR.
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SAFETY SUMMARY
SAFETY SUMMARY
OPERATING INFORMATION
WARNING
T o 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.
S A F E T Y
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.
o
.
S U
M M
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R
Y
DO NOT use accessories, or adapters other than those authorized by Invacare. DO NOT overtighten hardware attaching to the frame. This could cause damage to the frame tubing. Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts to avoid injury. DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. 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 MUST BE attached at all times. Inasmuch as the anti-tippers are an option on this
wheelchair (You may order with or without the anti-tippers), Invacare strongly recommends or­dering the anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
When changing the seat-to-floor height you must adjust the anti-tippers accordingly. DO NOT use the footplate as a platform when getting in or out of the wheelchair . ALW AYS wear your SEA T POSITIONING STRAP. Inasmuch as the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP is an option on
this wheelchair (Y ou may order with or without the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP), Invacare s trongly recom­mends ordering the SEAT POSITIONING STRAP as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user .
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SAFETY SUMMARY
S A
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E
T
Y
TIRE PRESSURE DO NOT use your wheelchair unless it has the proper tire pressure (p.s.i.). DO NOT overinflate the
tires. Failure to follow these suggestions may cause the tire to explode and cause bodily harm. Replacement of a pneumatic tire or tube MUST be performed by an authorized Invacare Dealer
or Qualified Technician.
SAFETY SUMMARY
WARNING
S U M M A R Y
WEIGHT TRAINING Invacare DOES NOT recommend the use of its wheelchairs as a weight training apparatus. In-
vacare 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 VOID.
WEIGHT LIMITATION The TRACER EX, TRACER TRANSPORT and INVACARE MG wheelchairs have a weight limitation of
250 lbs. The TRACER IV EXTRA WIDE wheelchair has a weight limitation of 350 lbs. The TRACER IV HEAVY DUTY has a weight limitation of 450 lbs. with the heavy duty option.
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SAFETY/HANDLING
SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
“Safety and Handling” of the wheelchair requires the close attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant. This manual points out the most common 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 .
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, however ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual MUST be followed. T echniques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with “safety” as the most important consideration for all.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
WARNING
ALWA YS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (Y ou may order with or without the Seat Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the Seat Positioning Strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
T o assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair, you must at all times maintain proper balance. Y our 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 .
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheel­chair have an effect on the center of gravity . Invacare rec­ommends using seat/chest positioning straps for additional safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.
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.
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 tipping the wheel­chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any re­movable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests. 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.
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.
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. 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 healthcare professional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
S A
F E
T Y
& H
A N D
L
I N G
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.
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SAFETY/HANDLING
CENTER OF
S A F E T
Y & H
A N D
L N
G
Example 46% 54% 103 lbs. 130 lbs.
UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED
I
FUNCTIONAL REACH FROM A
GRAVITY
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 wheelchair users. Note the difference between the maximum and the comfortable reach limits, a subjective but important consideration in design.
REACHING, LEANING AND BENDING - FORWARD
Position the front casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and engage wheel locks. DO
NOT A TTEMPT TO REACH OBJECTS IF YOU HA VE TO MOVE FORW ARD IN THE SEA T OR PICK THEM UP FROM THE FLOOR BY REACHING DOWN BETWEEN YOUR KNEES.
FORWARD REACH
(ADUL T)
COMFORT ABLE MAXIMUM
INCHES
REACHING, LEANING - BACKWARDS
WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back uphol­stery. This will change your center of gravity
INCHES
and may cause you to tip over.
Position wheelchair as close as possible to the de­sired object. Point front casters forward to create the longest possible wheelbase. Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting position.
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SAFETY/HANDLING
TIPPING
WARNING
DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.
When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non­detachable) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant be­fore tipping the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheel­chair, use one (1) of the following methods to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
Tipping - Curbs: Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes
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.
WARNING
When lowering the front casters of the wheel­chair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in in­jury to the occupant and/or damage to the wheelchair.
Tipping - Curbs: Method 1 - Wheelchair Without Step Tubes
This method requires 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. Turn the anti-tippers so the anti-tip wheels are pointing up, The wheelchair should be tilted back to the balance point and, in one continuous upward 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.
WARNING
When lowering the front casters of the wheel­chair, DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in in­jury to the occupant and/or damage to the wheelchair.
Roll the wheelchair backward and SLOWL Y lower the wheelchair in one continuous movement. DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant.
S A
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A N D
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Step Tube
METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBE
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front of 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.
METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBE
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SAFETY/HANDLING
STAIRWAYS
S A F E T
Y & H
A N D
L
I N G
ALWA YS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEA T POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (Y ou may order with or without the Seat Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the Seat Positioning Strap as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
Do not attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
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, non­detachable parts for hand-held supports.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair be­tween floors when an elevator is NOT available:
WARNING
TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM OTHER SEATS
WARNING
BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair , every precaution should be taken to reduce the gap distance. Tu rn 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
When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible in the seat. This will help prevent broken screws, 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.
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.
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. 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.
ESCALATORS? SORRY !
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheel­chair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur .
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