Invacare Variance Plus User Manual

I n v a c a r e® Varia nce P lu s

User adjustment manual

Introduction

Thank-you for purchasing a wheelchair from Invacare. This model offers you

all the advantages and characteristics of a product that has been designed

especially to meet your particular requirements.

Great care has been taken with this wheelchair throughout the whole of its

manufacturing process. The components have been selected for their quality

and inspections have been carried out so that your wheelchair can provide

you with full satisfaction.

This booklet describes the wheelchair’s limits of use, the maintenance to be

performed and those adjustments which can be made by yourself or your

family.

However, special technical training is required for some adjustments and only

your distributor can undertake these.

Note

The information set out in this manual may be modified without prior notice.

This manual contents copyright information. All rights are reserved. No part

of this document may be photocopied or reproduced without prior written

agreement from your local INVACARE office, see back page for addresses.

The wheelchair user

As a wheelchair manufacturer, INVACARE makes every effort to supply a

wide range of wheelchairs to meet the many different user requirements.

However, the final decision on the type of model to choose rests with users

and qualified health advisers.

Proper use

The proper use of the wheelchair is dependent upon medical advice, in

accordance with the clinical profile of the user’s illness or disability.

The wheelchair is designed for use indoors and for outdoor use. Please

observe the requirements of the relevant road traffic licensing legislation.

Index

1. Safety and operating limits

1.1 Reaching for an object from a wheelchair

1.2 Transferring sideways to other seats

1.3 Tilting

1.4 Tilting, kerbs

1.5 Stairs

1.6 Slopes

2. Use your wheelchair

2.1 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair

2.2 Propelling the wheelchair

3. Safety checks and maintenance

3.1 Checking performance

3.2 Checking the general condition

4. Transport

5. Guarantee

6. Summary

7. Introduction

8. Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17/29

8.1 Seat elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8.1.1 Different types of backrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

8.1.2 Different types of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

8.1.3 Different types of armrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

8.2 Folding frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.2.1 Side-frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.2.2 Folding system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.3 Rear wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.3.1 Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

8.3.2 Handrim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

8.3.3 Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

8.4 Forks and front wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

8.5 Manual brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

8.6 Footrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

8.7 Legrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

8.8 Footplates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

8.9 Heel straps and calf straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

8.10 Transit version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

8.11 Hub brakes on self propelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.12 Rear anti tippers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

8.13 Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

8.14 Trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

8.15 Drip stand and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

8.16 Back brace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

8.17 Comfort headrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

8.18 Dual handrims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

9 Technical data and tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

7.1 General description

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11/12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/10

. . . . . . . . . . 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

1 - Safety and operating limits

Stability and equilibrium

To ensure that the wheelchair remains stable and is manipulated correctly, you must always maintain good equilibrium. Your wheelchair has been designed to remain stable for normal everyday use.

Nearly everything you do from the wheelchair will have an effect on the centre of gravity. We recommend using straps for increased safety when you are moving about and shifting your weight.

Weight distribution

(Figure 1 )

Many actions will cause you to reach out, lean over or move about within the wheelchair and outside it.

These actions will change the normal equilibrium, centre of gravity and weight distribution of the wheelchair.

Weight limit

The recommended weight limit is 120 kg. However, your degree of activity is important.

For example, an active person weighing 77 kg may subject the wheelchair to more stress than a person weighing 100 kg. We recommend that a very active wheelchair person must select an appropriate design of wheelchair.

Your distributor will advise you on the best model.

1.1 - Reaching for an object from a wheelchair

( Figure 2 )

The limitations on reaching out from a wheelchair shown on the following diagrams have been produced using a representative sample of wheelchair users: 91 men and 36 women.

Note the difference between maximum stretch and reaching out in normal sitting position.

Only the arms should extend beyond the seat of the wheelchair.

For safety reasons, the body and head should remain within the boundaries of the seat. ( Figures 3 and 4 )

Leaning forwards

Position the swivelling castors as far forward as possible ( Figure 5 ) and lock the manual brakes.

Do not lean out beyond the armest.

( Figure 6 )

To support yourself and lean over

To reach towards an object, you support yourself and lean over, it is important to use the swivelling castors as a tool for maintaining stability and equilibrium. A correct alignment is essential for your safety.

To lean backwards

( Figures 7 and 8 )

Move the wheelchair as close as possible to object you wish to reach.

Do not lean back for objects that are beyond arm’s length in a normal sitting position.

1.2 - Transferring sideways to other seats

( Figure 9 )

 This may be done without assistance provided that you are sufficiently mobile and have a strong enough torso.

 Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the seat to which you wish to move with the swivelling castors pointing towards it. Lock the wheels. Move the weight of your body towards the seat.

 While moving between the chair and the seat you will have little or no support under your body. Whenever possible, use a plank when changing seat.

WARNING

BEFORE trying to move, whether to return to the wheelchair or to get out of it, make sure that the gap between the two seats is as small as possible. Also be sure that the manual brakes on the large wheels are on to prevent the wheels moving and turn the two swivelling castors towards the seat to which you wish to move.

WARNING

When you are in the process of transferring between seats, make sure you are as far back as possible in the seat. This will prevent you from breaking the screws, damaging the seat upholstery or tipping the wheelchair forwards.

If you are more or less able to stand up and if the upper part of your body is sufficiently strong and mobile, you can transfer forwards, especially if your wheelchair has fixed sides or armrests ( Figure 10 ). Flip up the footplate and push the foot/leg rest to the side to clear the passage. Position yourself as close as possible to the place you wish to move to.

LOCK BOTH BRAKES

Lean your body forwards while holding the two armrests and lifting yourself to standing position. Then move to the place where you wish to sit, taking your weight on your arms and hands.

( Figure 10 )

WARNING

Never stand up on the foot rests when you are getting in or out of the wheelchair.

( Figure 11 )

1.3 - Tilting (balancing on the rear wheels)

Do not tilt the wheelchair without assistance unless you have mastered the technique of balancing on the rear wheels.

NOTE FOR THIRD PERSON

If a wheelchair user needs assistance, use your body correctly. Keep your back straight and bend at the knee to tip the wheelchair, mount pavements, negotiate stairs or any other obstacles.

Also take care of moving parts such as the armrests or legrests. These must NEVER be used as aids when lifting as they may inadvertently become detached and hurt yourself and/or your helpers.

When you are learning a new method of assistance, ask an experienced helper to advise you before putting it into practice on your own.

To tilt the wheelchair, a third person should grip the handles firmly, ensuring that the handles are properly fixed. Warn the occupant of the wheelchair before tilting it and remind him/her to lean backwards. Check that the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all the wheels. Place a foot on the foot step tube and move continuously until the wheelchair is at the point of equilibrium. At this stage, the helper will feel a difference in weight distribution which usually occurs at an angle of about 30°. Turn the wheelchair in the direction required, if necessary.

LOWER the front, holding the handles to lower the wheelchair slowly and continuously. Do not lower the wheelchair suddenly for the last few centimetres from the ground. This might hurt the occupant.

1.4 - Tilting, kerbs

METHOD 1 - ( Figure 12 )

The helper should tilt the wheelchair until the swivelling castors have passed over the kerb.

Move the wheelchair forwards and lower the swivelling castors onto the pavement. Push the wheelchair until the rear wheels mount and pass the kerb.

METHOD 2 - ( Figure 13 )

The helper should stand on the pavement and turn the wheelchair until the rear wheels are against the kerb.

Tilt the wheelchair backwards to the point of equilibrium and, in a continuous movement, pull the wheelchair until the rear wheels mount the pavement and pass the kerb.

Do not lower the swivelling castors to the ground until you have pulled the backrest of the wheelchair sufficiently far to clear the kerb.

When you have mastered the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use these methods ( Figures 12 and 13 ) to negotiate kerbs, small flights of stairs, etc.

METHOD 3 - ( Figure 14 ) Kerbs, steps, platforms. As a general rule, if you are using the wheelchair without assistance, do not try to negotiate obstacles more than 30 mm high, unless your wheelchair is fitted with anti-tip wheels which minimise the risk of tipping up backwards.

1.5 - Stairs

We recommend that you take very great care when taking a wheelchair up or down stairs. Two people are required for this.

Advice to third persons

Make sure that you get hold of fixed, non-removable parts only. Use the following procedure for going up stairs

( Figure 15 )

1. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of equilibrium. One helper (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step, gripping the handles firmly to lift.

2. The second helper, holding firmly a fixed part of the front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first helper places one foot on the following step and repeats the operation.

3. The wheelchair must not be lowered until the last step has been negotiated and until the chair is clear of the stairs.

WARNING

Escalators

Do not use an escalator to move a wheelchair from one floor to another. This may lead to serious injury.

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