Invacare Action Vertic User manual

Invacare® Action®
Ver tic
User guide
Yes, you can.

Foreword
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some information is submitted under copyright – all rights reserved. Any infor-
mation in this document cannot be photocopied or duplicated without prior written authorization by Invacare.
As the European and world leader manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavours to supply a wide range of wheelchairs to meet all the needs of the user in
everyday life. Final selection of the Action Vertic is based upon prior trial in order to obtain part or full reimbursement. The user, with the assistance of a multi-
disciplinary team of qualied health advisors as well as a registered distributor, will nd out if the product is perfectly adapted.
- Your wheelchair is especially designed to be used inside. It is intended for active adults who wish to position themselves vertically during the day for medical
or professional reasons. This product complies with the European CE EN93/42 directives relative to medical products of Class 1, EMC (NF EN6060-2 et CEI
60335-2) and meets the NF mark standard (NF EN ISO 14971 & NF EN 12182).
- The Action Vertic is designed to be used for short periods as well as permanently, in everyday life or at work.
- It is important that you comply with the vertical positioning protocol (duration, frequency, posture, maximum verticality angle,…) which has been prescribed
by your physical therapist.
Safety Information on Electromagnetic Interference
This electric vehicle was successfully tested in accordance with International standards as to its compliance with Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Regula-
tions. However, electromagnetic elds, such as those generated by radio and television transmitters, and cellular phones, can inuence the functions of electric
vehicles. Also, the electronics used in our vehicles can generate a low level of electromagnetic interference, which however will remain within the tolerance
permitted by law.
For these reasons we ask you to please observe the following precautions:
WARNING: Danger of malfunction due to electromagnetic interference!
− Do not switch on or operate portable transceivers or communication devices (such as radio transceivers or cellular phones) when the vehicle is switched on!
− Avoid getting near strong radio and television transmitters!
− In case the vehicle should be set in motion unintentionally, switch it off immediately!
− Adding electrical accessories and other components or modifying the vehicle in any way can make it susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Keep in
mind that there is no sure way to determine the effect such modications will have on the overall immunity of the electronic system!
− Report all occurrences of unintentional movement of the vehicle, or release of the electric brakes to the manufacturer!
Stamp of the Distributor

Introduction
Dear Customer
Thank you for purchasing an Invacare wheelchair.
This model was designed to provide you with all the benets and features to meet your needs. Only quality
components were selected for your wheelchair based upon rigorous inspections during the entire manufac-
turing process.
This manual describes the operating limits of your wheelchair, maintenance operations and adjustments that
you or your assistant can make.
However, all the repairs (except for inner tubes) as well as some adjustments, require specic technical
training and, therefore, must be performed by your distributor.
!
Please read carefully the operating instructions in this user guide before rst use of your wheelchair .
This product was supplied by Invacare® manufacturer with respect to the environment. It is in conformity
with 2002/96/CE directive relative to electric and electronic equipment waste management.
This product may contain substances which might damage the environment if they are disposed of in inap-
propriate places and places non conform to national regulation.
The symbol showing a crossed out waste bin is afxed on this product in order to encourage you to
recycle it at selective collection structures (please contact your municipal authorities / local government).
Please be ecologically responsible and recycle this product at the end of use.

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A. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Page
1. Safety and operating limits
1.1. Reaching an object from the chair 3
1.2. Transferring to other seats 5
1.3. Tilting 6
1.4. Tilting, Kerbs 6
1.5. Slopes 7
1.6. Stairways 7
1.7. Vertical positioning 7
2. Operating instructions
2.1. Folding and Unfolding the wheelchair 8
3. Safety inspection and maintenance
3.1. Performance control 10
3.2. General inspection 10
4. Battery recharging 11
5. Transportation 11
6. Summary of warranty terms 14
5.1. Standard terms 14
5.2. Limitation of liability 14
7. Operating instructions for optimal safety 14
B. DESCRIPTION OF YOUR WHEELCHAIR
Page
1. Presentation
1.1. Introduction 15
1.2. General description 15
2. Adjustments
2.1. Seat elements 16
2.1.1 Depth adjustable seat 16
2.1.2 Tension adjustable seat upholstery 17
2.1.3 Height adjustable backrest 19
2.1.4 Tension adjustable backrest upholstery 20
2.1.5 footrests 21
2.1.6 Armrests 21
2.1.7 Straps and posture belts 21
2.2. Frame 23
2.2.1 Side frame 23
2.2.2 Stand up mechanism 23
2.3. Rear wheel 23
2.3.1 Wheels 23
2.3.2 Handrims 24
2.3.3 Quick release axles 25
2.4. Castors 25
2.4.1 Wheels 25
2.5. Brakes 26
2.5.1 Manual brakes 26
2.6. Options and accessories 27
2.6.1 Push handle 27
2.6.2 Anti-tippers 28
2.6.3 Work tray 29
2.7. Table of light/sound signals signication 27
2.8. Specications and tools 27
2.8.1 Standard wheelchair specication 27
2.8.2 Tools for adjustment (not supplied) 28
2.8.3 After sale and disposal 29
2.9. Dimensions (ISO) 31
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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- Weight Limit
The maximum recommended weight of the user is 115kg.
However, the level of activity is an essential factor. For
example, an active user who weighs 75 kg may subject the
wheelchair to more stress than a user who weighs 100 kg.
To this purpose, we recommend that you consult your
retailer when choosing the model of wheelchair based upon
your daily life style.
1.1. Reaching an object from the chair
The limitations on reaching out from a wheelchair indicated
in the following diagrams have been calculated based on a
representative sample of wheelchair users:
- Only the arms should be extended beyond the seat of the
wheelchair. (gure 2).
- The body and head should remain within the boundaries of
the seat. (gure 3).
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A GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Safety and operating limits
For a safe operation of your wheelchair, the following para-
meters should be observed :
- Stability and balance
Your wheelchair has been designed to provide the stability
you need during normal daily activities.
Any movement in the wheelchair will have an impact on
the position of the centre of gravity, which may lead to the
wheelchair tipping and a fall.
To improve your safety when you move a lot or you trans-
fer your weight from one place to another, we recommend
using seat belts.
- Weight distribution (gure 1)
Many actions cause the user of a wheelchair to reach out,
lean over or move about within the wheelchair and outside
it. These movements cause a change to normal balance,
centre of gravity (G) and weight distribution of the wheel-
chair.

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1.1.1 Leaning forward
Do not extend your chest over the armrest (gure 4).
In order to reach an object in front of you, you must lean and
bend down ; therefore, you must use the castors as a tool
(pointing them forward) to maintain stability and balance. An
accurate alignment of the wheels is essential for your safety
(gure 5).
1.1.2 Leaning backward
Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the desired
object so that you can simply pick it up by stretching your
arm while sitting in the chair in a normal position. In any case,
do not lean backwards because you may cause the chair to
tip (gures 6 and 7).
5 7
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4

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1.2. Transferring to other seats sideways
(gures 8 & 9)
This may be done without assistance provided that you are
sufciently mobile and have a strong enough torso.
- Move the wheelchair as close as possible to the seat
to which you would like to sit, with the castors pointed
forward. Lock the wheels by applying the brakes. Swing the
armrest pad backwards on the side you would like to move
to. Move the weight of your body towards the seat (gure
8)
- Front transfer is possible by leaning on the two armrests
to lift yourself up ; however it is not recommended as the
slight exibility of armrests may cause momentary instability
and possibly lead to a fall.
- While moving from the wheelchair to the seat, your body
will have little or no support. Where possible use a transfer
board during transfers (gure 9).
!
Warning :
- Position yourself as close as possible to the place where
you wish to sit.
- When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible
in the seat to prevent breaking screws, damaging the seat
upholstery or causing the wheelchair to tip forward.
- Lock the two brakes ; they should not be used in any case
as support for transfers.
- Never stand on the footrests when you are getting in or
out of the wheelchair (gure 10).
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1.3. Tilting (balancing on the rear wheels)
For greater safety, this operation must be performed by an
attendant. The attendant should be aware of the required
physical effort and use appropriate positioning in order to
relieve the strain on his/her back (keep a straight back and
bend your knees during this operation).
To tilt the wheelchair, the attendant must rmly grab the han-
dles making sure both are properly xed. Warn the occupant
in the wheelchair before tilting it and remind him / her to
lean backwards and make sure that both feet and hands of
the user are clear of the wheels.
Place a foot on the footstep tube and move continuously
until the chair reaches the equilibrium point. At this stage, the
assistant will feel a difference in weight distribution, which
usually occurs at approximately 30°. At this point, the
wheelchair can get over the obstacle easily.
Finally, the attendant slowly and gradually lowers the front
down to the ground, while rmly holding the handles.
!
Warning :
- Be aware of detachable parts such as armrests or legrests :
they must NEVER be used as lifting supports as they may be
inadvertedly released, resulting in possible injury to the user
and / or attendant.
- Do not lower the wheelchair suddenly, even if it is several
centimetres from the ground, as this may result in injury of
the user.
1.4. Tilting, Kerbs
To get on the pavement :
- Method 1 (gure 11)
The attendant positions the wheelchair in front of the
pavement facing forward. Attendant tilts the wheelchair
backwards until the castors reach the pavement; attendant
pushes the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels are
against the kerb and again pushes the wheelchair until the
rear wheels climb over the kerb.
- Method 2 (gure 12)
In this case, the attendant stays on the pavement and
moves the wheelchair in a backwards position with the rear
wheels against the kerb. The attendant tilts the wheelchair
backwards until it is balanced and pulls the wheelchair with a
steady movement until the rear wheels climb over the kerb ;
then he / she lowers the castors, while making sure that the
chair is far enough on the pavement so that the castors do
not fall into empty space.
To get off the pavement :
11 12

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The attendant positions the wheelchair facing forward on
the pavement and tilts it backwards until it is balanced, then
he/she pushes the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels
touch the road after getting over the obstacle; then, he / she
gradually lowers the castors to the ground.
1.5. Slopes
It is recommended to avoid using ramps with a slope higher
than 9°. The wheelchair risks tipping over in the event of
spinning or side movement (gure 13).
Upward slopes (gure 14) :
Lean the upper body forward and move the wheelchair
forward with short quick pushes on the hand rims to main-
tain speed and direction control. If you want to rest, apply
both brakes when stopping.
Downward slopes (gure 15) :
Lean backward cautiously and let the hand rims slide in your
hands. Be ready to react at any moment to control speed
and direction.
!
Warning :
- Avoid turning suddenly and never try to climb and descend
a ramp diagonally (figure 16).
1.6. Stairways
Because this is a difcult movement, we recommend using
two attendants, one in front of the wheelchair and one
behind the wheelchair.
!
Warning :
we recommend that users over 125 kg in weight do not use
this operation !
To climb stairways (gure 17) :
After tilting the wheelchair to the point of equilibrium, one
assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the
rst step grasping the handles rmly to lift.
The second assistant, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs,
while holding rmly a xed part of the frame, and holds it
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14 16

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while the rst assistant takes a step and repeats the opera-
tion. The wheelchair must not be lowered until the last step
has been passed and the chair is clear of the stairs.
To descend stairways :
Same operation as above, however, in reverse order.
!
Warning :
- Do not attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable parts
(such as armrests, legrests or footrests).
- Avoid using an escalator which may lead to serious injury in
the event of a fall.
1.7. Vertical positioning
Battery autonomy make it possible to stand up and sit down
about 150 times (depending on user’s weight) before
recharging.
!
Warning :
You should not use the raising/lowering mechanism when
the charger is connected, unless batteries are at very low
capacity and cannot drive lowering operation.
Please comply with the vertical positioning protocol which
has been prescribed by your physical therapist.
It is essential that your Action Vertic is perfectly adapted to
your morphology, all necessary adjustments are described in
§ B 2.1.
Always make sure that the ground where you want to
stand up is perfectly level and rm, without any obstacle or
object which might damage stability of the wheelchair and
safety of the user.
Operate both manual brakes to block rear wheels.
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