Invacare Orbit 1073955 Operation manual

Owner’s Operator and Maintenance Manual
DEALER: This manual MUST be given to
the user of the product.
USER: BEFORE using this product, read this
manual and save for future reference.
For more information regarding
Invacare products, parts, and services,
please visit www.invacare.com
Orbit™

Orbit™2Part No. 1073955
 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. 1073955 3Orbit™
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT ............................................................... 6
SPECIAL NOTES ................................................................................ 9
LABEL LOCATION .......................................................................... 10
Standard Labels .........................................................................................................................................10
TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS .................................................. 12
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................. 13
Information for Healthcare Professionals/Assistants .......................................................................13
Stability - All Models ................................................................................................................................13
Anti-Tippers...............................................................................................................................................14
Operating Information.............................................................................................................................14
Tire Pressure .............................................................................................................................................15
Weight Training ........................................................................................................................................15
Weight Limitation.....................................................................................................................................15
SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS ......................... 16
Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs.............................................................................................................16
Stability and Balance.................................................................................................................................16
Coping With Everyday Obstacles.........................................................................................................17
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants ........................................................................................................17
Reaching, Leaning and Bending Forward.............................................................................................18
Reaching and Leaning Backwards..........................................................................................................18
Tipping.........................................................................................................................................................18
Stairways.....................................................................................................................................................20
Escalators....................................................................................................................................................21
Transferring To and From Other Seats ..............................................................................................21
SECTION 3—SAFETY INSPECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING .................... 22
Safety Inspection Checklist.....................................................................................................................22
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................25
Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................25
SECTION 4—ASSEMBLY .................................................................. 27
Assembling/Disassembling the Removable Orbit Wheelchair.......................................................27

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Orbit™ 4Part No. 1073955
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 5—FRONT RIGGINGS ........................................................ 30
Installing/Removing Front Riggings .......................................................................................................30
Adjusting Footplate Height.....................................................................................................................31
Installing 3-Inch Extension ......................................................................................................................32
Installing Elevating Legrest......................................................................................................................33
Adjusting Elevating Legrest.....................................................................................................................33
Installing/Adjusting the Adjustable Angle Flip-up Footplates..........................................................34
Bilateral Contracture Platform Procedures .......................................................................................35
Replacing Sector Block............................................................................................................................37
Installing/Removing/Adjusting the Telescoping Front Frame Tubes.............................................38
Optional Footrest Accessories .............................................................................................................39
SECTION 6—ARMS ......................................................................... 41
Installing the T-Arm Sockets..................................................................................................................41
Installing/Removing the T-arms ............................................................................................................42
Adjusting the T-Arms ..............................................................................................................................43
Using/Installing/Adjusting Cantilever Arms.........................................................................................48
Replacing/Repositioning the Locking Mechanism in the Cantilever Arm....................................50
Replacing and Adjusting Arm Pad Depth for Cantilever Arms .....................................................51
SECTION 7—SEAT AND BACK ......................................................... 52
Replacing the Locking Mechanism in the Back Cane ......................................................................52
Installing Fixed Height Stroller Handles ..............................................................................................53
Installing/Removing/Adjusting the Adjustable Angle Stroller Handles .........................................53
Removing/Installing the Spreader Bar..................................................................................................55
Folding/Unfolding the Back Canes ........................................................................................................56
Installing/Removing a Seating System...................................................................................................57
Removing/Installing the Seat Pan...........................................................................................................57
SECTION 8—FRONT CASTERS ......................................................... 58
Replacing/Installing Front Caster Assemblies.....................................................................................58
Replacing Front Fork ...............................................................................................................................59
Adjusting Caster Headtubes ..................................................................................................................60
SECTION 9—REAR WHEELS ............................................................. 61
Removing/Installing Rear Wheels .........................................................................................................61
Adjusting the Quick-Release Axle........................................................................................................62
Replacing Handrims..................................................................................................................................63

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part No. 1073955 5Orbit™
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 10—ANTI-TIPPERS/WHEEL LOCKS ..................................... 65
Foot Activated Wheel Lock Procedures ............................................................................................65
Hand Activated Wheel Lock Procedures ...........................................................................................66
Adjusting the Wheel Lock......................................................................................................................67
Installing Anti-Tippers..............................................................................................................................68
Adjusting Anti-Tippers ............................................................................................................................69
SECTION 11—RECLINER ................................................................. 70
Engaging Tilt-In-Space ..............................................................................................................................70
Operating Recliner...................................................................................................................................72
Adjusting Limit Stops of the Tilt Mechanism......................................................................................73
Replacing Upholstery (Recliner Models Only)...................................................................................74
Adjusting the Back Height - Recliner Models Only ..........................................................................75
SECTION 12—TRANSPORT READY OPTION ..................................... 76
About Transport Ready Packages.........................................................................................................77
Compliance Information .........................................................................................................................77
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................77
Securing the Wheelchair to the Vehicle .............................................................................................78
Securing the Occupant............................................................................................................................80
SECTION 13—OPTIONS ................................................................... 82
Using the Ventilator Tray .......................................................................................................................82
LIMITED WARRANTY ..................................................................... 83

REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT
Orbit™ 6Part No. 1073955
REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT
The benefits of registering:
1. Safeguard your investment.
2. Ensure long term maintenance and servicing of your purchase.
3. Receive updates with product information, maintenance tips, and industry news.
4. Invacare can contact you or your provider, if servicing is needed on your product.
5. It will enable Invacare to improve product designs based on your input and needs.
Register ONLINE at www.invacare.com
- or -
Complete and mail the form on the next page
Any registration information you submit will be used by Invacare Corporation only, and
protected as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Part No. 1073955 7Orbit™
Name _______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
City ___________________ State/Province __________
Zip/Postal Code ________
Email ___________________________________ Phone No. _________________
Invacare Model No. ______________________ Serial No. __________________
Purchased From _________________________Date of Purchase:___________
1. Method of purchase: (check all that apply)
❏ Medicare ❏ Insurance ❏Medicaid ❏ Other __________________________
2. This product was purchased for use by: (check one)
❏ Self ❏ Parent ❏ Spouse ❏ Other
3. Product was purchased for use at:
❏ Home ❏ Facility ❏ Other
4. I purchased an Invacare product because:
❏ Price ❏ Features (list features) _________________________________________
5. Who referred you to Invacare products? (check all that apply)
❏Doctor ❏ Therapist ❏ Friend ❏Relative ❏Dealer/Provider ❏Other_________
❏ Advertisement (circle one): TV, Radio, Magazine, Newspaper ❏ No Referral_____
6. What additional features, if any, would you like to see on this product?
__________________________________________________________________________
7. Would you like information sent to you about Invacare products that may be available for a
particular medical condition? ❏Yes ❏No
If yes, please list any condition(s) here and we will send you information by email and/or mail about
any available Invacare products that may help treat, care for or manage such condition(s):
__________________________________________________________________________
8. Would you like to receive updated information via email or regular mail about the Invacare
home medical products sold by Invacare's dealers? ❏Yes ❏No
9. What would you like to see on the Invacare website?
__________________________________________________________________________
10. Would you like to be part of future online surveys for Invacare products? ❏ Yes ❏ No
11. User's Year of birth: ______________________________________________________
If at any time you wish not to receive future mailings from us, please contact us at Invacare Corporation,
CRM Department, 39400 Taylor Parkway, Elyria, OH 44035, or fax to 877-619-7996 and we will remove
you from our mailing list.
To find more information about our products, visit www.invacare.com.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM
Register ONLINE at www.invacare.com - or -
Complete and mail this form
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Orbit™8Part No. 1073955
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SPECIAL NOTES
Part No. 1073955 9Orbit™
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followingtable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
TRRO includes four factory-installed transport brackets and a wheelchair anchored
pelvic belt. TRRO has been crash-tested in accordance with ANSI/RESNA WC Vol 1
Section 19 Frontal Impact Test requirements for wheelchairs with a 168 lb crash
dummy, which corresponds to a person with a weight of 114 to 209 lbs.
Only use the transport brackets included with TRRO for the purposes described in
this manual.
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.
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.
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 LOCATION
Orbit™10 Part No. 1073955
LABEL LOCATION
Standard Labels
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT
THE ANTI-TIP TUBES
INSTALLED.
REV. 5/98 P/N 60106X144
Refer to Owner's Manual
for proper anti-tipper
setting. 1085379
WARNING
NOTE:Seatremoved
forclarity.
WEIGHT CAPACITY
150 LBS. (68 kgs.)
REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL
P/N 1111010

LABEL LOCATION
Part No. 1073955 11 Orbit™
Wheelchairs with TRRO
P/N 1120033 REV B - 08/05
Refer to attached TRANSPORT READY OPTION
Instruction Card and wheelchair Owner's Manual
before use.
NOTE:Seatremoved
forclarity.

TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS
Orbit™12 Part No. 1073955
TYPICAL PRODUCT PARAMETERS
*NOTE:Invacarerecommendsthatrearseat‐to‐floorheightbeatleast3/8inchshorterthanfront
seat‐to‐floorheight.Otherwiseaforwardseatdumpcanoccur.Therearseat‐to‐floorheightsare
basedonpneumatictiresorpneumatictireswithflatfreeinserts.Ifwheelchairisequippedwith
urethanetires,subtract1/4inchfromthemeasurementslistedabove.Allheightsareapproximate
to±1/4inchduetotirewearandairpressure.Thefrontseat‐to‐floorheightsareapproximateto±
1/4inch.
**NOTE:Weightsvarydependingonhowwheelchairisequipped.
ORBIT
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
OVERALL WIDTH: 18.5 inches 24.5 inches
OVERALL DEPTH
(WITHOUT FRONT RIGGINGS)
SHORT FRAME:
LONG FRAME:
35 inches
39 inches
38 inches
42 inches
SEAT WIDTH: 10-16 inches (in one inch increments)
SEAT DEPTH: 10-16 inches (in one inch increments)
FRAME TYPE: Aluminum, One-piece
SEAT-TO-FLOOR*: 15-1/2 to 20-1/2 inches
BACK STYLE: Adjustable Angle (80° to 110°), Fold Down Reclining back
with stroller handles (Available on long frames only),
Fixed Height Anodized Cane with Push Handles
BACK HEIGHT: 20 inches
BACK ANGLE (RECLINER ONLY): 90° to 170°
ARM STYLES: “T” (Standard), Cantilever (Fixed Hgt. Anodized Cane with
Push Handles Only) or Dual Point (Adjustable Height)
FOOTREST: Swingaways Footrests and Elevating Legrests
REAR AXLE: Permanent or Quick Release
REAR AXLE MOUNTING PLATES: Multi-Position
REAR WHEELS: 12, 20, 22 and 24 inch Composite Pneumatic or
Pneumatic-Flat Free Insert, Urethane tires
HANDRIMS: Aluminum, Plastic Coated and Projection
CASTER SIZE: 5 inch Aluminum or Composite Urethane, 6 or 8 inch
Composite Urethane, Pneumatic or Pneumatic with
Flat Free Insert
WHEEL LOCKS: Push-to-Lock, Wheel Lock Extensions, Hill Holder,
Foot Activated
WEIGHT: 32 lbs without front riggings
SHIPPING WEIGHT** (APPROX.): 45 lbs

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
Part No. 1073955 13 Orbit™
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, ser-
vice manuals or instruction sheets supplied with this product or optional equip-
ment. 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.
Information for Healthcare Professionals/Assistants
TheOrbitwheelchairMUSTbeoperatedbyahealthcareprofessionalorassistantwhen
inANYreclinedposition.
Makesurethepatientisproperlypositionedinthewheelchairbeforerecliningor
inclining(reverserecline)tomaintainmaximumstabilityandsafety.
AssistantsMUSTbepreparedtosupporttheweightoftheoccupantwhenreclining,or
returningtheoccupantofthewheelchairtothefulluprightposition.Makesuretouse
properbodymechanics(useyourlegs)orseekassistanceifnecessarytoavoidinjury.
ALWAYSengagebothwheellockswhilerecliningorinclining(reverserecline)thewheelchair.
Stability - All Models
Theseatheight,seatdepth,backangle,pivotpointofseatframe,seatingsystem,caster
position,sizeandpositionoftherearwheels,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an
authorizedInvacaredealerorqualifiedtechnician.
NOTE:Whenchangesto
thelefthandcolumnoccur,
followacrossthechartand
refertotheprocedurethat
ischecked( 9 )tomaintain
theproperstability,safety
andhandlingofthe
wheelchair.
CASTER SIZE
CASTER POSITION
WHEEL SIZE
WHEEL POSITION
ANTI-TIPPERS
USER CONDITION
CASTER SIZE •XXXXX
CASTER POSITION X•XXXX
WHEEL SIZE XX • XXX
ANTI-TIPPERS XXX • XX
USER CONDITION XXXXX •

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
Orbit™14 Part No. 1073955
Anti-Tippers
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asafeguardforthewheelchairuser.
ALWAYSuseanti‐tippers.Whenoutdoorsonwet,softgroundorongravelsurfaces,anti
tippersmaynotprovidethesamelevelofprotectionagainsttipover.Extracautionmust
beobservedwhentraversingsuchsurfaces.
Operating Information
AfterANYadjustments,repairorserviceandbeforeuse,makesureallattaching
hardwareistightenedsecurely‐otherwiseinjuryordamagemayresult.
Unlessotherwisenoted,allserviceandadjustmentshouldbeperformedwhilethe
wheelchairisunoccupied.
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.
Whencleaningrearcaneorhandgripareasuseonlyacleantowellightlydampenedwith
coolwater.Verifythatgripsaredrypriortouse.Useofsoaporammoniabasedcleaning
solutionswillresultinthehandgripsslidingoffthecaneassembly.Failuretoobservethis
warningmayresultininjurytotheuserorbystanders.
Ifthewheelchairisexposedtoextremetemperature(above100°Forbelow32°F),high
humidityand/orbecomeswet,priortouse,ensurethatthehandgripsdonottwistonthe
handle.Otherwise,damageorinjurymayoccur.
Avoidstoringorusingthewheelchairnearopenflameorcombustibleproducts.Serious
injuryordamagetopropertymayresult.
ALWAYSkeephandsandfingersclearofmovingpartstoavoidinjury.
DONOTtraverse,climborgodownrampsorslopesgreaterthan9°.
DONOTattempttomoveupordownaninclinewithawater,iceoroilfilm.
DONOToperateonroads,streetsorhighways.
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toreachobjectsbehindyou,asthismay
causethewheelchairtotipover.
DONOTshiftyourweightorsittingpositiontowarddirectionyouarereachingasthe
wheelchairmaytipover.

SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
Part No. 1073955 15 Orbit™
DONOTattempttostopamovingwheelchairwithwheellocks.Wheellocksarenotbrakes.
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.
Whentransferringtoandfromthewheelchair,ALWAYSengagebothwheellocks.
DONOTattempttoliftthewheelchairbyanyremovable(detachable)parts.Liftingby
meansofanyremovable(detachable)partsofthewheelchairmayresultininjurytothe
userordamagetothewheelchair.
DONOTstandontheframeofthewheelchair.
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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.
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suggestionsmaycausethetiretoexplodeand
causebodilyharm.Therecommendedtirepressureislistedonthesidewallofthetire.
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damagetothewheelchairandthewarrantyisvoid.
Weight Limitation
TheOrbitwheelchairhasaweightlimitationof150lbs.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Orbit™16 Part No. 1073955
SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF
WHEELCHAIRS
Safety/Handling of Wheelchairs
Safetyandhandlingofthewheelchairrequire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
heeded.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 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.
Toassurestabilityandproperoperationofyourwheelchair,youMUSTmaintainproper
balanceatalltimes.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.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Part No. 1073955 17 Orbit™
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Copingwiththeirritationofeverydayobstaclescanbealleviatedsomewhatbylearninghowto
manageyourwheelchair.Keepinmindyourcenterofgravitytomaintainstabilityandbalance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
Whenassistancetothewheelchairuserisrequired,remembertousegoodbody
mechanics.Keepyourbackstraightandbendyourkneeswhenevertippingthe
wheelchairortraversingcurbs,orotherimpediments.
DONOTattempttoliftthewheelchairbyanyremovable(detachable)parts.Liftingby
meansofanyremovable(detachable)partsofthewheelchairmayresultininjurytothe
userordamagetothewheelchair.
Ifthe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the
wheelchair’shandle‐otherwisedamageorinjurymayoccur.
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,
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.
 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, pivot point of seat frame, seating system,
caster position, size and position of the rear wheels, as well as the user condition
directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combina-
tion of the nine may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjust-
ments must be performed by an authorized Invacare dealer or qualified technician.
Manyactivitiesrequirethewheelchairownertoreach,bendandtransferinandoutofthe
wheelchair.Thesemovementswillcauseachangetothenormalbalance,thecenterof
gravity,andtheweightdistributionofthewheelchair.Todetermineandestablishyour
particularsafetylimits,practicebending,reachingandtransferringactivitiesinseveral
combinationsinthepresenceofaqualifiedhealthcareprofessionalbeforeattempting
activeuseofthewheelchair.
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.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Orbit™18 Part No. 1073955
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.
NOTE:Forthisprocedure,referto
FIGURE 2.1.
Positionthefrontcasterssothattheyare
extendedasfarforwardaspossibleand
engagewheellocks. FIGURE 2.1 Reaching, Leaning and Bending
Forward
Reaching and Leaning Backwards
 WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back
upholstery to reach objects behind you,
as this may cause the wheelchair to tip
over.
NOTE:Forthisprocedure,referto
FIGURE 2.2.
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 2.2 Reaching and Leaning
Backwards
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and/orpinchpoints.
Aftermasteringthetechniquesoftippingthewheelchair,useoneofthefollowing
methodstotacklecurbs,shortstairs,etc.

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Part No. 1073955 19 Orbit™
Method 1 - Wheelchair With Step Tubes
NOTE:Forthisprocedure,refertoFIGURE 2.3.
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.
 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 occu-
pant and/or damage to the wheelchair.
Rollthewheelchairforwardandslowly
lowerthefrontofthewheelchairinone
continuousmovementontothesidewalk.
Pushthewheelchairforwarduntiltherear
wheelsrollupandoverthecurb. FIGURE 2.3 Method 1 - Wheelchair With
Step Tubes
Method 2 - Wheelchair Without Step Tubes
 WARNING
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose
and/or worn, replace immediately.
NOTE:Forthisprocedure,refertoFIGURE 2.4.
Thismethodrequirestwo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.
FIGURE 2.4 Method 2 - Wheelchair
Without Step Tubes
Step Tube

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Orbit™20 Part No. 1073955
 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.Turntheanti‐tipperssotheanti‐tipwheelsarefacingdown.
Stairways
 WARNING
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.
DO NOT attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on any removable (detachable)
parts. Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may
result in injury to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose
and/or worn, replace immediately.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair up
or down the stairs. Invacare recommends that, if possible, the user be removed
from the wheelchair prior to moving. Invacare recommends using two assistants
and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use only secure, non-detachable
parts for hand-held supports.
NOTE:Forthisprocedure,refertoFIGURE 2.5.
Followthisprocedureformovingthe
wheelchairbetweenfloorswhenan
elevatorisnotavailable:
1. Ifnecessary,rotatetheanti‐tippersso
thewheels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. FIGURE 2.5 Stairways