Invacare AX3 Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

Owner’s Operator and Maintenance Manual

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.com

AX3

™

Wheelchair

AX3

™

Wheelchair 2 Part No 1143216

 WARNING

A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN MUST PERFORM THE INITIAL SET UP

OF THIS WHEELCHAIR. ALSO, A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN MUST

PERFORM ALL PROCEDURES SPECIFICALLY INDICATED IN THE

MANUAL.

WHEELCHAIR USERS: DO NOT SERVICE OR OPERATE THIS

EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST READING AND UNDERSTANDING

(1) THE OWNER’S OPERATOR AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

AND (2) THE SEATING SYSTEM’S MANUAL (IF APPLICABLE). IF

YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE WARNINGS,

CAUTIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT INVACARE

TECHNICAL SUPPORT BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE OR

OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE INJURY OR DAMAGE

MAY RESULT.

DEALERS AND QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS: DO NOT SERVICE OR

OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST READING AND

UNDERSTANDING (1) THE OWNER’S OPERATOR AND

MAINTENANCE MANUAL, (2) THE SERVICE MANUAL (IF

APPLICABLE) AND (3) THE SEATING SYSTEM’S MANUAL (IF

APPLICABLE). IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE

WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT

INVACARE TECHNICAL SUPPORT BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO

SERVICE OR OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT - OTHERWISE, INJURY

OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

NOTE:Updatedversionsofthismanualareavailableonwww.invacare.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part No 1143216 3 AX3

™

Wheelchair

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTES ................................................................................ 7

LABEL LOCATIONS ........................................................................... 8

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS .................................................... 9

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................. 10

Stability Warning.......................................................................................................................................10

Repair and Service Information.............................................................................................................11

Operating Information.............................................................................................................................11

Tire Pressure.........................................................................................................................................12

Weight Training....................................................................................................................................13

Weight Limitation ................................................................................................................................13

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS ......................... 14

Stability and Balance.................................................................................................................................14

Coping with Everyday Obstacles ..........................................................................................................15

A Note to Wheelchair Assistants....................................................................................................15

Tipping.........................................................................................................................................................15

Tipping - Curbs.....................................................................................................................................15

Stairways.....................................................................................................................................................17

Transferring To and From Other Seats ..............................................................................................18

Percentage of Weight Distribution ......................................................................................................18

Reaching, Leaning and Bending - Forward ..........................................................................................19

Reaching, Bending - Backward...............................................................................................................19

SECTION 3—SAFETY INSPECTION ................................................... 21

Safety Inspection Checklists...................................................................................................................21

Inspect/Adjust Initially .........................................................................................................................21

Inspect/Adjust Weekly........................................................................................................................22

Inspect/Adjust Monthly.......................................................................................................................22

Inspect/Adjust Periodically.................................................................................................................23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AX3

™

Wheelchair 4 Part No 1143216

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 4—WHEELCHAIR OPERATION ........................................... 24

Unfolding and Folding Wheelchair .......................................................................................................25

Unfolding the Wheelchair..................................................................................................................25

Folding the Wheelchair ......................................................................................................................26

Using Wheel Locks ..................................................................................................................................26

Folding Wheel Lock Handles.................................................................................................................27

Installing/Removing the Front Riggings ................................................................................................27

Installing..................................................................................................................................................27

Removing ...............................................................................................................................................27

Installing/Removing Elevating Legrests.................................................................................................28

Installing..................................................................................................................................................28

Removing ...............................................................................................................................................28

Raising/Lowering the Elevating Legrest ...............................................................................................29

Using Flipback Armrest...........................................................................................................................29

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT SECTIONS ................................ 30

SECTION 5—TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE ................... 31

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................31

Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................31

Maintenance Safety Precautions .......................................................................................................31

Suggested Maintenance Procedures ................................................................................................31

Transporting the Wheelchair ................................................................................................................32

SECTION 6—FRONT RIGGINGS ........................................................ 33

Adjusting Footrest Height ......................................................................................................................33

Replacing Heel Loop................................................................................................................................34

Installing Impact Guards/Calf Strap ......................................................................................................34

Installing Adjustable Angle Flip-up Footplate Hinge .........................................................................35

Adjusting Elevating Legrest Height and Calfpad Height/Depth......................................................35

Adjusting the Footplate Height.........................................................................................................35

Adjusting Calfpad Height....................................................................................................................36

Adjusting Calfpad Depth ....................................................................................................................36

SECTION 7—ARMS ......................................................................... 37

Removing/Installing and Adjusting T-Arms.........................................................................................37

Removing/Installing T-Arms...............................................................................................................37

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part No 1143216 5 AX3

™

Wheelchair

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Adjusting T-Arm Height .....................................................................................................................37

Removing/Installing Flipback Armrests................................................................................................38

Removing/Installing Flip Back Armrest............................................................................................38

Replacing Armrest Arm Pad ..................................................................................................................39

SECTION 8—SEAT/BACK ................................................................. 40

Removing Back Canes .............................................................................................................................40

Removing/Installing Seat Upholstery....................................................................................................40

Removing Seat Upholstery.................................................................................................................40

Removing/Installing Standard Back Upholstery .................................................................................41

Removing Back Upholstery................................................................................................................41

Adjustable Back Upholstery...................................................................................................................42

Adjustable Tension Straps..................................................................................................................42

Back Upholstery Cover......................................................................................................................42

Installing/Replacing Adjustable Back Upholstery...........................................................................42

Adjusting the Height Adjustable Back..................................................................................................44

Adjusting the Back Angle ........................................................................................................................44

Removing/Installing/Adjusting the Back Cane Bracket.....................................................................45

Installing/Removing Seat Positioning Strap .........................................................................................46

Installing/Removing the Spreader Bar ..................................................................................................46

SECTION 9—REAR WHEELS/FRONT CASTERS ................................... 48

Removing/Installing Rear Wheels .........................................................................................................48

Permanent Axles..................................................................................................................................48

Quick-Release Axles ...........................................................................................................................49

Adjusting Quick-Release Axles..............................................................................................................50

Replacing Handrims..................................................................................................................................50

Adjusting the Wheelbase Length ..........................................................................................................51

Adjusting Rear Wheel Height................................................................................................................51

Replacing/Repairing Rear Wheel Tire/Tube.......................................................................................52

Replacing/Repairing Front Caster Tire/Tube .....................................................................................52

Removing/Installing Sector Block..........................................................................................................53

Adjusting Forks .........................................................................................................................................53

Removing/Installing/Repositioning the Caster Assemblies..............................................................54

Removing Front Caster ......................................................................................................................54

Installing Front Caster.........................................................................................................................54

Adjusting Caster Angle............................................................................................................................54

Adjusting Caster Assembly Position ....................................................................................................55

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AX3

™

Wheelchair 6 Part No 1143216

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 10—SEAT-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT ........................................... 56

Seat Dump..................................................................................................................................................56

Measuring Seat-to-Floor Height............................................................................................................57

Measuring Front Seat-to-Floor Height............................................................................................57

Measuring Rear Seat-to-Floor Height .............................................................................................57

Changing Seat-to-Floor Height..............................................................................................................57

SECTION 11—WHEEL LOCKS ............................................................ 59

Adjusting Wheel Locks ...........................................................................................................................59

Adjusting Wheel Lock Position ........................................................................................................59

Adjusting Wheel Lock Tension.........................................................................................................60

Replacing Wheel Lock Handle...............................................................................................................60

SECTION 12—ANTI-TIPPERS ........................................................... 61

Installing/Adjusting Anti-Tippers ...........................................................................................................61

Installing Anti-Tippers .........................................................................................................................61

Adjusting Anti-Tippers........................................................................................................................62

LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 63

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2. Ensuring long-term maintenance and servicing of your product.

3. Receiving updates with product information, maintenance tips and industry news.

Please have your model number and purchase date available to complete your registration.

Any registration information you submit will only be used by Invacare Corporation and protected

as required by applicable laws and regulations.

SPECIAL NOTES

Part No 1143216 7 AX3

™

Wheelchair

SPECIAL NOTES

Signalwordsareusedinthismanualandapplytohazardsorunsafepracticeswhich

couldresultinpersonalinjuryorpropertydamage.Refertothetablebelowfor

definitionsofthesignalwords.

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.

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.

SEAT POSITIONING STRAP

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. The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It

is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or

aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt MUST be replaced immediately.

As regards restraints - seat/chest positioning straps - it is the obligation of the DME

dealer, therapists and other healthcare professionals to determine if a seat/chest

positioning strap 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.

Invacare products are specifically designed and manufactured for use in conjunction

with Invacare accessories. Accessories designed by other manufacturers have not

been tested by Invacare and are not recommended for use with Invacare products.

SIGNAL WORD MEANING

DANGER

Danger indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

may result in property damage.

LABEL LOCATIONS

Part No 1143216 8 AX3

™

Wheelchair

LABEL LOCATIONS

Refer to Owner's Manual

for proper anti-tipper

setting.

1085379

WARNING

Serial Number

Label Location

WARNING

DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT

THE ANTI-TIP TUBES

INSTALLED.

REV. 5/98

P/N 60106X144

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS

Part No 1143216 9 AX3

™

Wheelchair

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS

*NOTE:Basedoffoffollowingconfiguration:16x16frontseat‐to‐floorheight=18”,armtype=

adjustableheightdesk,fixed7°backwith15¾”heightandpaddednylonslingupholstery,6”

urethanefrontwheels/forks,22”spokedrearwheelswithpneumatictires,aluminumanodized

handrims,nylonseatupholsterywithhookandloop,withoutfrontrigging,quick‐releaseaxles,

andpush‐to‐lockwheellocks.

AX3

OVERALL WIDTH

OPEN

CLOSED

Seat width plus approx. 8½ inches

Approx. 13 inches

OVERALL DEPTH (WITH RIGGINGS) Seat depth plus 15½ inches (without front riggings)

SEAT WIDTH: 16”, 18”, and 20”

SEAT DEPTH: 16” and 18”

SEAT-TO-FLOOR (ADULT/HEMI): 16” to 20” in 1” increments

BACK STYLE AND HEIGHT: Fixed 0° (15.75” high)

Fixed 7° (15.75” high)

Fixed 7° (Adj. Height 15.75” - 20”)

Adj. Angle (Adj. Height 15.75” - 17.75”)

ARM STYLES: Adj. Height “T” Arm (Full or Desk Length)

Swingaway and Removable Fixed Height (Full or Desk Length)

Swingaway and Removable Adj. Height (Full or Desk Length)

FRONT RIGGINGS: 60° Swing-in/Swing-out

70° Swing-in/Swing-out

Elevating Legrest, Swing-in/Swing-out

REAR AXLE: Permanent

Quick-Release

REAR WHEELS: 24-inch Composite Wheels (urethane or pneumatic tires)

22 or 24-inch spoke wheels (urethane or pneumatic tires)

HANDRIMS: Anodized Aluminum

Black Plastic Coated Steel

WHEEL LOCKS: Push-to-lock

CASTER SIZE: 6x1¼ inch (urethane tire)

8x1¼ inch (urethane or pneumatic tires)

8x2 inch (urethane or pneumatic tires)

BACK UPHOLSTERY: Black Padded Nylon

Adjustable Tension Back

WEIGHT*: 29 lbs.

WEIGHT CAPACITY 275 lbs.

SHIPPING WEIGHT (APPROXIMATE): 35 lbs.

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

AX3

™

Wheelchair 10 Part No 1143216

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

 WARNING

SECTION 1 - GENERAL GUIDELINES contains important information for the safe

operation and use of this product. DO NOT use this product or any available

optional equipment without first completely reading and understanding these

instructions and any additional instructional material such as Owner’s Manuals,

Service Manuals or Instruction Sheets supplied with this product or optional

equipment. If you are unable to understand the Warnings, Cautions or Instructions,

contact a healthcare professional, dealer or technical personnel before attempting

to use this equipment - otherwise, injury or damage may occur.

Stability Warning

Theseatheight,seatdepth,backangle,seatingsystem/upholstery,size/positionofthe

rearwheels,size/positionofthefrontcasters,as wellastheuserconditiondirectlyrelate

tothestabilityofthewheelchair.Anychangetooneoranycombinationoftheninemay

causethewheelchairtodecreaseinstability.TheseadjustmentsMUSTbeperformedby

aqualifiedtechnician.

Seat‐to‐floorheightshavespecificpositionsdependingonrearwheelsize,rearwheel

position,frontcastersize/positionandseat‐to‐floorangle.TheseadjustmentsMUSTbe

performedbyaqualifiedtechnician.

NOTE:Whenchangestotheleft

handcolumnoccur,followacross

thechartandrefertotheX

proceduretomaintaintheproper

stability,safetyandhandlingofthe

wheelchair.

SEAT HEIGHT

SEAT DEPTH

BACK ANGLE

SEATING SYSTEM/UPHOLSTERY

CASTER SIZE

CASTER POSITION

REAR WHEEL SIZE

REAR WHEEL POSITION

USER CONDITION

WHEEL LOCKS

ANTI-TIPPERS

SEAT HEIGHT • XXXXXXXN/AN/AN/A

SEAT DEPTH X • X X X X X X N/A N/A N/A

BACK ANGLE X X • X X X X X N/A N/A N/A

SEATING SYSTEM/UPHOLSTERY XXX • XXXXXN/AN/A

CASTER SIZE X N/A X N/A • X X X N/A X X

CASTER POSITION X N/A X N/A X • X X N/A X X

REAR WHEEL SIZE X N/A X N/A X X • X N/A X X

REAR WHEEL POSITION X N/A X N/A X X X • N/A X X

USER CONDITION XXXXXXXX •N/AN/A

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

Part No 1143216 11 AX3

™

Wheelchair

Repair and Service Information

Unlessotherwisenoted,allserviceandadjustmentsshouldbeperformedwhilethe

wheelchairisunoccupied.

Operating Information

Todetermineandestablishyourparticularsafetylimits,practicebending,reachingand

transferringactivitiesinseve ralcombinationsinthepresenceofaqualifiedhealthcare

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tipthewheelchairwithoutassistance.

DONOTuseanescalatortomoveawheelchairbetweenfloors.Seriousbodilyinjurymay

occur.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.Alsobecertainthewheellocksareengagedtopreventthewheelsfrom

moving.

DONOToperateonroads,streetsorhighways.

DONOTclimb,goupordownrampsortraverseslopesgreaterthan9°.

NEVERleaveanunoccupiedwheelchaironanincline.

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

turnoverandcausebodilyharmordamagetothewheelchair.

Invacareproductsarespecificallydesignedandmanufacturedforuseinconjunctionwith

Invacareaccessories.Accessoriesdesignedbyothermanufacturershavenotbeentested

byInvacareandarenotrecommendedforusewithInvacareproducts.

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.

ALWAYSengagebothwheellocksandreducethegapdistancebeforetransferringtoand

fromthewheelchair.Turnallcastersparalleltotheobjectyouaretransferringonto.

Wheellocksarenotbrakes.DONOTattempttostopamovingwheelchairwiththewheel

locks.

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

AX3

™

Wheelchair 12 Part No 1143216

Engagingthewheellocksmaynotpreventthewheelchairfrommovingonallfloor

surfacesincludingthosethatmaybewetorslick.Alwaysexercisecautionwhen

transferringintooroutofyourwheelchair

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.

NEVERtrytoliftortipthewheelchairbycantileverarmsorT‐arms,seriousinjurycan

occur.

DONOTovertightenhardwareattachingtotheframe.Thiscouldcausedamagetothe

frametubing.

DONOTstandontheframeofthewheelchair.

ALWAYSkeephandsandfingersclearofmovingpartstoavoidinjury.

DONOTsitortransferintothewheelchairunlessitisfullyopenandtheseatframerails

arefullyseatedintothesideframeH‐blocks.

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.

Unlessotherwisenoted,allserviceandadjustmentsshouldbeperformedwhilethe

wheelchairisunoccupied.

ALWAYSwearyourseatpositioningstrap.Theseatpositioningstrapisapositioningbelt

only.Itisnotdesignedforuseasasafetydevicewithstandinghighstressloadssuchas

autooraircraftsafetybelts.Ifsignsofwearappear,beltmustbereplacedimmediately.

Ifwheelchairisexposedtoextremetemperature(above100°Forbelow32°F),high

humidityand/orbecomeswet,priortouse,ensurehandgripsDONOTtwiston

wheelchairhandle‐otherwisedamageorinjurymayoccur.

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.

DONOTusethefootplateasaplatformwhengettinginoroutofthewheelchair.

ALWAYSkeephandsandfingersclearofmovingpartstoavoidinjury.

DONOTplacehandorfin gersontheundersideoftheseatrailwhenopeningorclosing

thewheelchair.

DONOTsitortransferintothewheelchairunlessitisfullyopenandtheseatrailsare

fullyseatedintothesideframeH‐blocks.

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.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.

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES

Part No 1143216 13 AX3

™

Wheelchair

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orphysicaldisabilityandthewarrantywillbevoid.

Weight Limitation

Thewheelchairhasaweightlimitationof275lbs(125kg).

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

AX3

™

Wheelchair 14 Part No 1143216

SECTION 2—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.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

ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap. Inasmuch as the seat positioning belt is

an option on this wheelchair (You may order with or without the seat restraint),

Invacare strongly recommends ordering the seat restraint as an additional

safeguard for the wheelchair user.

The seat positioning strap is a positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a

safety device withstanding high stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If

signs of wear appear, belt must be replaced immediately.

DO NOT climb, go up, or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than 9°.

Invacare strongly recommends proceeding down ramps or slopes slowly to avoid

hard braking or sudden stops.

DO NOT leave elevating legrests in the fully extended position when proceeding

down ramps or slopes.

Be aware that carrying heavy objects on your lap while occupying the wheelchair

may adversely affect the stability of the wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury

to the user, damage to the wheelchair and surrounding property.

This wheelchair has been designed to accommodate one individual. If more than

one individual occupies the wheelchair this may adversely affect the stability of the

wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury to the user and passenger and damage

the wheelchair and surrounding property.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Part No 1143216 15 AX3

™

Wheelchair

Toassurestabilityandproperoperationofyourwheelchair,youmustatalltimeswear

yourseatrestraintand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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tiltingthewheelchair

ortraversingcurbs,orotherimpediments.

Also,beawareofdetachablepartssuchasarmsorlegrests.ThesemustNEVERbeused

tomovethewheelchairoras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.

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(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.

Tipping - Curbs

Aftermasteringthetechniquesoftippingthewheelchair,usethisproceduretotackle

curbs,shortstairs,etc.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

AX3

™

Wheelchair 16 Part No 1143216

Method 1 - Wheelchair with Step Tubes

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,refertoFIGURE 2.1.

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.

 WARNING

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.

FIGURE 2.1 Method 1 - Wheelchair with Step Tubes

Method 2 - Wheelchair without Step Tubes

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,refertoFIGURE 2.2.

Unlessthefirstassistanthasexceptionalupperbodystrength,itisrecommendedthat

METHOD2usetwoassistants.

Thesecondassistantshouldbepositionedatthefrontofthewheelchairliftingupwardon

theremovable(non‐detachable)partofthewheelchairframewhenliftingthewheelchair

andstabilizingthewheelchairwhen thewheelchairisbe ing 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

cleartheedgeofthecurb.

FIGURE 2.2 Method 2 - Wheelchair

without Step Tubes

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Part No 1143216 17 AX3

™

Wheelchair

Stairways

 WARNING

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 assistants and making thorough

preparations. Make sure to use only secure, non-detachable parts for hand-held

supports.

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. The seat positioning strap is a position-

ing belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high stress

loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt must be

replaced immediately.

Followthisprocedureformoving thewheelchairbetweenfloorswhenanelevatorisnot

available:

1. Turntheanti‐tipperssotheyarefacingup.

2. 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.

3. Thesecondassistant,withafirmholdonanon‐detachablepartoftheframework,lifts

thewheelchairupandoverthestairandsteadiesthewheelchairasthefirstassistant

placesonefootonthenextstairandrepeatsSTEP1.

4. Thewheelchairshouldnotbelowereduntilthelaststairhasbeennegotiatedandthe

wheelchairhasbeenrolledawayfromthestairway.

5. Turntheanti‐tipperssotheyarefacingdown.

 WARNING

DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily

injury may occur.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

AX3

™

Wheelchair 18 Part No 1143216

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. Align both casters parallel with 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 pre-

vent damaged upholstery and the possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,referto

FIGURE 2.3.

NOTE:Thisactivitymaybeperformed

independentlyprovidedyouhaveadequate

mobilityandupperbodystre ngth.

1. Positionthewheelchairascloseas

possiblealongsidetheseattowhich

youaretransferring,withthefront

castersparalleltoit.

2. Engagewheellocksandfolddownthe

wheellockhandles.

3. Removeorflipbackarmrests.

4. Shiftbodyweightintoseatwith

transfer.

FIGURE 2.3 Transferring To and From

Other Seats

NOTE: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.

The seat height, seat depth, back angle, seat system/upholstery, caster size/position,

rear wheel size, rear wheel position, correct anti-tipper as well as the end user’s dis-

ability or end user’s physical condition and capabilities directly relate to the stability

of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combination of the nine may cause the

wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments MUST be performed by a

qualified technician.

Maximum Gap Distance

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Part No 1143216 19 AX3

™

Wheelchair

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,referto

FIGURE 2.4.

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

deter]mine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.

FIGURE 2.4 Percentage of Weight

Distribution

Reaching, Leaning andBending - Forward

Properpositioningisessentialforyoursafety.Whenreaching,leaning,bendingforward,

itisimportanttousethefrontcastersasatooltomaintainstabilityandbalance.

 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.

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,referto

FIGURE 2.5.

Positionthefrontcasterssothattheyare

extendedasfarforwardaspossibleand

engagewheellocks.

FIGURE 2.5 Reaching, Leaning and Bending

- Forward

Reaching, Bending - Backward

 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.

Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts to avoid injury.

CENTER OF

GRAVITY

UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

AX3

™

Wheelchair 20 Part No 1143216

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,referto

FIGURE 2.6.

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.

FIGURE 2.6 Reaching, Bending - Backward

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Invacare AX3 Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

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