Invacare Tracer EXIR User Manual

Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

Tracer EXI

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.

For more information regarding

Invacare products, parts, and services,

please visit: www.invacare.co

WARNING

DO NOT OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT

FIRST READING AND UNDERSTANDING THIS

MANUAL. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND

THE WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND

INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT A

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, DEALER OR A

WARNING

QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE INJURY

OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Tracer® EXI 2 Part No. 1110547

CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTES................................................................................ 5

LABEL LOCATIONS ........................................................................... 6

SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................. 7

SECTION 1 - GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................. 8

STABILITY...................................................................................................................................................... 8

OPERATING INFORMATION............................................................................................................... 9

TIRE PRESSURE........................................................................................................................................ 10

WEIGHT TRAINING ............................................................................................................................. 10

WEIGHT LIMITATION.......................................................................................................................... 10

SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS ...................................................................................... 11

SECTION 2 - SAFETY INSPECTION .................................................. 18

SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST .................................................................................................... 18

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................ 19

MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 19

CONTENTS

SECTION 3 - FRONT RIGGINGS ....................................................... 21

INSTALLING/REMOVING THE FOOTREST .................................................................................... 21

FOOTREST HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT ................................................................................................ 22

RAISING/LOWERING THE ELEVATING LEGREST ASSEMBLY ............................................. 24

HEEL LOOP REPLACEMENT .............................................................................................................. 24

SECTION 4 - ARMS ........................................................................ 26

REMOVING AND INSTALLING ARMREST ................................................................................... 26

SECTION 5 - SEAT AND BACK ....................................................... 27

REPLACING BACK UPHOLSTERY ................................................................................................... 27

REPLACING SEAT UPHOLSTERY ..................................................................................................... 2 7

ADJUSTING THE SEAT WIDTH ....................................................................................................... 28

SECTION 6 - REAR WHEELS ........................................................... 31

REMOVING/INSTALLING THE REAR WHEELS .......................................................................... 31

REPLACING REAR WHEEL HANDRIM .......................................................................................... 3 2

REPLACING/REPAIRING REAR WHEEL TIRE/TUBE................................................................. 32

SECTION 7 - FRONT CASTERS ....................................................... 33

INSTALLING/REPLACING FORK ASSEMBLIES ............................................................................ 33

ADJUSTING FORKS ............................................................................................................................... 33

REPLACING FRONT CASTERS ......................................................................................................... 3 4

REPLACING/REPAIRING FRONT CASTER TIRE/TUBE ........................................................... 34

Part No. 1110547 3 Tracer® EXI

CONTENTS

SECTION 8 - ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL LOCKS .................................... 35

INSTALLING/ADJUSTING THE ANTI-TIPPERS ........................................................................... 35

WHEEL LOCK ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................................................... 37

SECTION 9 - SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT ........................................... 39

CHANGING SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT ....................................................................................... 39

SECTION 10 - OPTIONS ................................................................. 41

INSTALLING THE SEAT POSITIONING STRAP ......................................................................... 41

NOTES........................................................................................... 42

LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................................... 43

CONTENTS

Tracer® EXI 4 Part No. 1110547

SPECIAL NOTES

WARNING/CAUTION notices as used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices which could result in personal injury or property damage.

NOTICE

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

WHEELCHAIR 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 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.

SPECIAL NOTES

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 - SEAT POSITIONING STRAPS - IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE DME DEALER, THERAPISTS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE 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.

Part No. 1110547 5 Tracer® EXI

LABEL LOCATIONS

WARNING

Refer to Owner's Manual for proper anti-tipper setting.

1085379

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The wheel locks on this wheelchair have been pre-set at the factory to comply with the Veterans Administration functional Standard

8320.01 of the Federal Register, paragraph

3.2.4.5.3. If these wheel locks do not meet your needs, follow instructions below.

CAUTION

Any wheel lock adjustments should embed wheel lock shoe at least 1/8" into tire when locked (3/16" on pneumatic tires).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WHEEL

LOCK ADJUSTMENTS

1. Loosen wheel lock mounting fastener, which runs through mounting bracket and frame.

2. Slide clamp toward rear wheel until wheel lock shoe is embedded into tire material at least 1/8" when handle is engaged to the lock position (3/16" for pneumatic tires).

3. Tighten mounting fastener to secure mounting bracket in desired location and recheck lock shoe embedding.

4. Inspect for correct locking action BEFORE actual use.

00078X021-0394

WARNING

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

THE ANTI-TIP TUBES

REV. 5/98

INSTALLED.

P/N 60106X144

Crossmember

Lower Frame

Tube

Tracer® EXI 6 Part No. 1110547

SPECIFICATIONS

TRACER EXI

Overall Width

Permanent Arm: 23-1/4, 25-1/4, 27-1/4-inches Removable Arm: 24-1/2, 26-1/2, 28-1/2-inches

Overall Depth: 31-7/8-inches

(without Front Riggings)

Seat Width: 16, 18 and 20-inches Seat Depth

SA Frame: 16-inches FF Frame: 16-inches

SEAT-TO-FLOOR**

(With 24-inch Wheels)

Adult (SA Frame): 19-1/2-inches Adult (FF Frame): 21-inches

Hemi (SA Frame): 17-1/2-inches Back Height: 16-inches Back Style: Fixed Arm Styles: Fixed Height; Desk or Full Length; Permanent or Removable Front Riggings: Swingaway Footrests, Elevating Legrests (Not Available on FF Frame ) Rear Axle: Permanent Rear Wheels: 20, 22 and 24*-inch Composite* Urethane*, Pneumatic or

Pneumatic-Flat Free Insert

Handrims: Composite*, Chrome Plated Steel, Black Painted Aluminum Wheel Locks: Push to Lock* (Adult), Pull to Lock* (Hemi) Caster Size: 6x1-inch Urethane (N/A FF Frame), 8x1-inch Solid Rubber*

8x1-1/4-inch Pneumatic or Pneumatic-Flat Free Insert,

Upholstery: Vinyl - Midnight Blue or Black* Weight*** (approx.)

SA Frame

Permanent Arm: 36 pounds Removable Arm: 36 pounds

FF Frame: 37 pounds Shipping Weight***

(approx.)

SA Frame

Permanent Arm: 45-1/2 pounds Removable Arm: 45-1/2 pounds

FF Frame: 46-1/2 pounds

SPECIFICATIONS

* NOTE: These options are standard for this model.

** NOTE: The seat-to-floor heights are based on urethane tires. If wheelchair is equipped with pneumatic (properly inflated) or solid rubber tires, add 1/4-inch to the measurements listed above. These heights can vary +/- 1/4-inch due to tire wear and manufacturing tolerances.

***NOTE: Weights based on 18-inch wide wheelchair without front riggings. Weights will vary depending on how wheelchair is equipped.

Part No. 1110547 7 Tracer® EXI

SECTION 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

Section 1 - General Guidelines includes the following:

Stability

Operating Information

Tire Pressure

Weight Training

STABILITY - ALL MODELS

GENERAL GUIDELINES

the six (6) may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

Weight Limitation

Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs

WARNING

Caster Size

Caster Position

Wheel Size

Wheel Position

Anti-Tippers

User Condition

Caster Size  ььььь Caster Position ü  üüüü Wheel Size üü  üüü Wheel Position üüü  üü User Condition ььььь 

NOTE: When changes to the left hand column occur, follow across the chart and refer to the procedure that is checked (ü) to maintain the proper stability, safety and handling of the wheelchair.

Seat-to-floor heights have specific positions depending on rear wheel size, rear wheel position, front caster size and front caster position. These adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

Anti-tippers are specific to the different seat-to-floor heights. Refer to the chart in INSTALLING/ADJUSTING THE ANTI-TIPPERS in SECTION 8 of this manual for correct usage and adjustment. If these requirements cannot be achieved, do not use the wheelchair. Contact a qualified technician.

If changing the seat-to-floor height the correct anti-tippers MUST be ordered to maintain a 1-1/2 to 2-inch ground clearance.

Anti-tippers MUST be fully engaged. Ensure that the release button of the anti-tipper fully protrudes out of the hole on the bottom of the wheelchair frame.

Ensure both anti-tippers are adjusted to the same height. 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 antitippers), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.

Tracer® EXI 8 Part No. 1110547

GENERAL GUIDELINES

SECTION 1

OPERATING INFORMATION

WARNING

Unless otherwise noted, all service and adjustments should be performed while the wheelchair is unoccupied.

After ANY adjustments, repair or service and BEFORE use, make sure all attaching hardware is tightened securely - otherwise injury or damage may result.

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.

ALWAYS wear your Seat Positioning Strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (You 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.

ALWAYS verify that hand grips on the rear cane are secure prior to use when an assistant is used to propel the chair.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

DO NOT sit or transfer into the wheelchair unless the wheelchair is fully open.

DO NOT TRAVERSE, CLIMB or GO DOWN ramps or slopes greater than 9°.

DO NOT operate on roads, streets or highways. 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 to you or damage to 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. This will change your center of gravity and may cause you to tip over.

DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward direction you are reaching as the wheelchair may tip over.

WHEEL LOCKS ARE NOT BRAKES. DO NOT attempt to stop a moving wheelchair with the wheel locks.

DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance. DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious

bodily injury may occur.

Part No. 1110547 9 Tracer® EXI

SECTION 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

WARNING (CONTINUED)

Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters parallel to the object you are transferring onto. When transferring to and from the wheelchair, ALWAYS ENGAGE BOTH WHEEL LOCKS.

DO NOT use parts, accessories, or adapters other than those authorized by Invacare.

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 and/or assistant or damage to the wheelchair.

DO NOT stand on the frame of the wheelchair.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

DO NOT use the footplate as a platform. When getting in or out of the wheelchair, make sure that the footplates are in the upward position.

ALWAYS use the handrims for self-propulsion. Inasmuch as the HANDRIMS are an option on this wheelchair (you may order with or without the handrims), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the handrims as an additional safeguard for the wheelchair user.

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 instructions may cause the tire to explode and cause bodily harm. The recommended tire pressure is listed on the side wall of the tire.

Replacement of a pneumatic tire or tube MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

WEIGHT TRAINING

WARNING

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 is void.

WEIGHT LIMITATION

WARNING

The Tracer EXI wheelchair has a weight limitation of 250 lbs. (114 kg.).

Tracer® EXI 10 Part No. 1110547

GENERAL GUIDELINES

SECTION 1

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 users.

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. Techniques 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

GENERAL GUIDELINES

ALWAYS wear your seat/chest positioning strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT/ CHEST POSITIONING STRAP is an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or without the Seat/Chest Positioning Strap), Invacare strongly recommends ordering the Seat/Chest Positioning Strap 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. 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.

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 challenge 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.

Part No. 1110547 11 Tracer® EXI

SECTION 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

Always verify that hand grips on the rear cane are secure PRIOR to use when an assistant is used to propel or lift the chair. Check for any signs of looseness or deterioration and if found, contact a qualified technician. DO NOT attempt to move the wheelchair by pulling on the hand grips if they are found to be unsecure or have deteriorated.

Also, be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests. These must NEVER be used to move the wheelchair or as lifting supports, as they may be inadvertently released, result-

GENERAL GUIDELINES

ing 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.

The size/position of the front casters, size/position of the rear wheels, use of anti-tipper model, as well as the user condition directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one (1) or any combination of the six (6) may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments MUST be performed by a qualified technician.

Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will

CENTER OF

GRAVITY

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.

UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED

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.

Tracer® EXI 12 Part No. 1110547

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Reaching, Leaning and Bending - Forward.

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.

Position the front casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and engage wheel locks.

Reaching, Leaning - Backwards.

WARNING

DO NOT lean over the top of the back upholstery. This will change your center of gravity and may cause you to tip over.

SECTION 1

GENERAL GUIDELINES

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.

TIPPING

WARNING

DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.

When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a nonremovable (non-detachable) 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 and/or pinch points.

After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use one (1) of the following methods to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.

Part No. 1110547 13 Tracer® EXI

SECTION 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

TIPPING - CURBS: METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBES:

Place foot on the step tube and begin to tilt the wheelchair toward you. 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.

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.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

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.

TIPPING - CURBS: METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBE

WARNING

Step Tube

METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH

STEP TUBES

WARNING

METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIR

WITHOUT STEP TUBE

or have deteriorated.

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 SLOWLY 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. Turn the anti-tippers so the anti-tip wheels are facing down.

Tracer® EXI 14 Part No. 1110547

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