Invacare Alu Lite User manual

Invacare®Alu Lite
User guide
Manuel d'utilisation et de réglage
Manual do utilizador
Bedienungsanleitung
Yes, you can.
UK
FR
PO
Gebruiks- en instellingshandleiding
Istruzioni per l’uso e la regolazione
Manual del usuario
NL
IT
SP
GE

User guide 3
Manuel d'utilisation et de réglage 20
Manual do utilizador 43
Gebruiks- en instellingshandleiding 64
Istruzioni per l’uso e la regolazione 86
Manual del usuario 108
Bedienungsanleitung 130
UK
FR
PO
NL
IT
SP
Invacare®Alu Lite
GE

Foreword
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some information is submitted
under copyright – all rights reserved. Any information 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. However, final selection of the wheelchair
rests solely with the user and his/her qualified health advisor.
Proper and efficient use of the wheelchair that you have chosen is based upon the medical prescription
which was issued for you on the basis of your pathology and the nature of your disability.
Your wheelchair is especially designed to be used inside, and with certain restrictions outside. Please comply
with traffic regulations.
Stamp of the Distributor

Introduction
Dear Customer
Thank you for purchasing an Invacare wheelchair.
This model was designed to provide you with all the benefits 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.
This product conforms to the requirements of Council directives 93/42/EEC related to medical devices class
1(one) product by application of following standards: NF EN ISO 14971 and NF EN 12182.
However, all the repairs (except for inner tubes) as well as some adjustments, require specific technical
training and, therefore, must be performed by your distributor.
The Invacare®Alu Lite is designed for both indoor and outdoor use with the purpose of helping people
who are not able to walk over a long distance.

2
A. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Page
1. Safety and operating limits
1.1. Reaching an object from the chair 3
1.2. Sideways transferring to other seats 5
1.3. Tilting 6
1.4. Tilting, kerbs 6
1.5. Stairways 7
2. Operating instructions
2.1. Folding and Unfolding the wheelchair 8
2.2. Wheelchair propulsion 9
2.3. Lifting the wheelchair 9
3. Safety inspection and maintenance
3.1. Performance control 9
3.2. General inspection 9
4.Transportation
5. Warranty
5.1. Standard terms and condition 11
5.2. Limitation of liability 11
6. Summary of operating instructions 11
B. DESCRIPTION OF YOUR CHAIR
Page
1. General
1.1. Introduction 13
1.2. General description 13
2. Adjustments
2.1. Seat elements 14
2.1.1 Seat upholstery 14
2.1.2 Backrest type 14
2.1.3 Backrest upholstery 15
2.1.4 Footrest supports 15
2.2. Frame 16
2.2.1 Side frame 16
2.2.2 Folding system 16
2.3. Rear wheel 16
2.3.1 12" wheels 16
2.3.2 Axles 16
2.4. Castors 16
2.5. Brakes 16
2.5.1 Manual brakes 16
3Specification and tool
3.1.
Standard wheelchair specifications 18
3.2.
Tools for adjustments and regular maintenance (Not supplied) 19
3.3 Dimensions 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS

3
- Weight Limit
The maximum recommended weight of the user is 100 kg.
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 that of 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 repre-
sentative sample of wheelchair users:
- Only the arms should be extended beyond the seat of the
wheelchair. (figure 2).
- The body and head should remain within the boundaries of
the seat. (figure 3).
12 3
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 (figure 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.

4
1.1.1 Leaning forward
Do not extend your chest over the armrest (figure 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
(figure 5).
1.1.2 Leaning backward
Position 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
(figures 6 and 7).
5 7
6
4

5
1.2. Sideways transferring to other seats
This may be done without assistance provided that you are
sufficiently 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. Move the
weight of your body towards the seat (figure 8)
- While moving from the wheelchair to the seat, your body
will have little or no support. Where possible use a transfer
board during transfers.
- If you are more or less able to stand up and if your upper
body is sufficiently strong and mobile, you can transfer
forward to another seat. Fold the footplate up and push
the footrest/legrest to the side, bend your body forward
leaning on the two armrests and lift yourself up; then shift
your body towards the place where you want to sit while
distributing your weight to the arms and hands (figure 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 (figure 10).
8910

6
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 firmly grab the han-
dles making sure both are properly fixed. 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 firmly 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 (figure 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 (figure 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.
11 12

7
To get off the pavement :
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. Stairways
Because this is a difficult movement, we recommend using
two attendants, one in front of the wheelchair and one
behind the wheelchair.
To climb stairways (figure 13) :
After tilting the wheelchair to the point of equilibrium, one
assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the
first step grasping the handles firmly to lift..
The second assistant, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs,
while holding firmly a fixed part of the frame, and holds it
while the first 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.
13

8
2. Operating instructions
2.1. Unfolding and Folding the wheelchair
2.1.1 Unfolding the wheelchair (figure 14) :
-With one hand, grab the armrest or the seat support tube
on one side of the wheelchair and slightly tilt it towards you
(so that the rear wheel and castor lift from the ground) ;
-With the other hand, push on the seat upholstery until the
tube supporting the upholstery is fully unfolded. The seat
upholstery must be fully extended ;
-Then, engage the two manual brakes, open the footrest/
legrest and check the ground clearance (footrest/ground
distance - see § B-2.1.5). You can now sit down in the wheel-
chair.
14
2.1.2 Folding the chair (figures 15 and 16) :
-Fold and lock the footrest/legrest toward the front of the
wheelchair.
-Swivel the plates into the vertical position. Using both
hands, take the centre front and back edges of the seat
upholstery and lift it. Or, tilt the wheelchair to one side
and close it using the handles on the backrest.
!
Warning :
- Fold the wheelchair while keeping the seat upholstery
upwards to avoid damage by the folding system.
15 16

9
2.2. Wheelchair propulsion
Wheelchair propulsion is provided by attendant only.
2.3. Lifting the wheelchair
Preliminary folds the chair (see § 2.1.2), always lift the
wheelchair by gripping the frame at the points (A) shown
in the figure 17.
!
Never lift the wheelchair by removable parts (foo-
trests). Ensure the backrest canes are securely locked in
place.
3. Safety inspection and maintenance
3.1. Performance control
As the user, you will be the first to notice the possible
operational defects of your wheelchair. The following table
indicates the easiest troubleshooting symptoms to identify
and the preliminary inspection that you can perform.
In the event that the symptoms persist after tightening
screws and nuts, please consult your retailer.
3.2. General inspection
Your distributor, who has the required technical expertise, is
responsible for any wheelchair repairs.
We recommend that you take the wheelchair to your
retailer at least once a year for a complete inspection.
A
17
The
wheelchair
swerves
to the right
The
wheel-
chair
swerves
to the left
The
wheel-
chair turns or
moves slowly
The
castors
lift
Creaking
and
clinking
Play in
the
wheelchair
Inspections
Make sure that the bolts
are tight
Check the fork angle
Make sure that the 2
castors come in contact
with the ground at the
same time

10
Regular maintenance allows the identification and replace-
ment of defective and worn parts, which improves the daily
operation of your wheelchair.
Regular inspections to be performed by you or your
assistants :
a. General
Make sure that the wheelchair folds and unfolds easily.
Make sure that the wheelchair moves in a straight line. (no
resistance or deviation)
b.Attendant brakes
Make sure that the attendant brakes do not touch the moving
tyres.
Make sure that the attendant brakes operate easily.
Make sure that the joints are not worn and do not have
excessive play.
c. Folding system
Check the folding system for worn or distorted parts.
d. Skirtguard/armrest upholstery
Make sure that all the fittings are properly tightened.
e. .Armpad
Make sure that the armpads are in good condition.
f. Seat and backrest upholstery
Make sure that the upholstery is in good condition.
g. Rear wheels
Make sure that the wheel nuts and precision bearings are
tight.
Make sure that the wheels are parallel to the frame.
h. Castors
Make sure that the axle is tight by turning the wheel the
wheel must gradually come to a stop.
i. Fork/steering tube
Make sure that all the fittings are well tightened.
j. Solid tyres
Check the wear of the solid tyre tread.
k. Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning: Use only damp clothes and gentle detergent. Do
not use abrasive or scouring liquid. Do not use high pressure
cleaning devices on ball bearings (front & rear wheels, fork
axles)
Disinfection: Spray or wipe disinfection using a tested and
recognised product is permitted.A list of the current
permitted disinfectants is available from the Robert Koch
Institute at http://www.rki.de
Make sure you dry the wheelchair if it is wet (e.g. after
washing it or going out in the rain).
4.Transportation
The wheelchair is not designed or tested to be used as a
seat in a vehicle, it is necessary to use a vehicle seat adapted
to your transportation.
When you lift your wheelchair, for example to store it in the
trunk of your car, make sure you use a good body posture
which doesn't strain your back.

11
5. Summary of warranty terms
5.1. Standard Invacare terms and conditions
This is to certify that your manual wheelchair is warranted
by Invacare for a period of 2 years for the frame, crossbars
and all others parts, subject to the following conditions :
- The manufacturer will not accept responsibility for damage
caused by misuse or non-observance of the instructions set
out in the user manual.
- During the period of warranty, any parts that have become
defective due to faulty workmanship or materials, will be
renewed or repaired without charge by the Invacare dealer/
supplier.
- The warranty will be forfeited should any unauthorised
alteration be made to the equipment.
- The Purchaser’s statutory rights under the Consumer
Protection Act are not affected.
5.2. Limitation of liability
This warranty does not extend to the consequential costs
resulting from fault clearance, in particular freight and travel
costs, loss of earnings, expenses, etc.
Invacare shall not be liable for :
- Natural wear and tear.
- Inappropriate or incorrect use.
- Defective assembly or setting-up by the purchaser or third
parties.
- Defective or neglectful treatment use of unsuitable spares.
6. Summary of operating instructions for
optimal safety
-Maximum user’s recommended weight : 100 kg.
-Do not attempt to reach objects if you have to move
forward in the seat.
-Do not attempt to pick up objects from the floor by rea-
ching down between your knees.
-Do not lean over the top of the upholstery back to reach
objects located behind you : this may cause you to tip over
-Always engage both attendant brakes simultaneously.
-Do not carry in the stairways or escalator, user sited in the
wheelchair whith only one attendant; this may cause serious
injury.
-Do not expose the wheelchair to a temperature higher
than 40°C.
-To avoid injury, keep your fingers away from mobile parts
(folding system, footrests), and maintain good posture before
lifting the wheelchair.
!
Avoid riding on wet areas as well as gravel, grass, etc.
(sand and sea water particularly damage ball bearings).

12

13
B. DESCRIPTION OFYOUR WHEELCHAIR
1. PRESENTATION
1.1. Introduction
Your wheelchair has been factory set before you purchased
it. However, it must be specifically adapted to your needs.
The following detailed paragraphs describe the various
functions and possible adjustments as well as available
options. You can make some adjustments yourself, while
others can be made only by your dealer.
Important: based upon the selected model or options, your
new Alu Lite wheelchair may be equipped with all of the
components or options which are described in the
following pages.
!
This is a warning symbol ; you must
imperatively follow the instructions that
are provided in these paragraphs to
prevent personal injuries as well as
injuries to people around you !
1.2. General description (see photo)
Your wheelchair is made of various parts and this manual
describes only the main parts. We recommend that you
become acquainted with the following terms in order to
better understand your wheelchair operation :
The seat consists of the seat and backrest upholstery,
the backrest and armrests. This unit is designed to provide
optimal comfort.
The swing-away footrest support : this is the suppor-
ting part between the frame and the footrest which swivels
to facilitate transfers and can be removed during transport.
The footrest consists of an adjustable tube and the
footplate which supports the foot.
The folding frame consists of side frames and a folding
system including the seat rails. These parts constitute the
frame, which is the supporting component of the wheelchair
and its strength is well tested (checked at 100 kg).
The rear wheel consists of the wheel and axle.
The rear wheels ensure the rear stability.
They are mounted on a fixed wheel support brackets .
The castor consists of the front wheel and the fork. The
castors provide front contact with the ground and deter-
mine the steering by the direction of the forks.

14
The attendant brake is a parking brake.
The two attendant brakes are used to secure the wheelchair
when stationary.
2. Adjustments
2.1. Seat elements
2.1.1 Seat upholstery
It provides comfortable support to the user.
Standard padded seat are not adjustable; in the event that
they become slack, it is recommended to request your dealer
to replace them.
!
Keep your fingers away from movable parts to prevent
injuries during folding and unfolding !
2.1.2 Backrests type
!
To prevent falls or possible injury to the user and/or
attendant as the backrest canes are used as a support to tilt
and/or climb kerb or stairways, make sure that the backrest
canes are securely locked in place.
- Folding backrest (photos 1 and 1A)
To save space during transport, operate lever (A) by pulling
or pushing it and fold the top of the backrest.
To return to the initial position, bring the top in the vertical
position; it locks automatically.
Seat
upholstery
Armrest
Backrest upholstery
Footplate
Folding
frame
Rear wheel
Rear wheel axle
Backrest
Front wheel
Armpad
Adjustable
footrest tube
Rear wheel
support
Swing away
footrest
Attendant
brake

15
!
Always make sure that the backrest is properly locked
in place before the user settles down in the wheelchair to
prevent any injuries !
2.1.3 Backrest upholstery
Padded backrest it provides excellent daily comfort for the
user who does not need specific support for the upper body.
In the event that the upholstered backrest slackens, ask for
a replacement from your Dealer.
2.1.4 Footrest supports
- Standard footrest supports (photo 2) they swing away during
transfers and can be removed during transport.
Operate lever (A) by pushing sideways and swivelling towards
outside. To return to the initial position, align the footrest
support it locks automatically.
To remove the footrest support, simply pull up after
unlocking the assembly.
To refit it, brings the support up in the open position, align
the holes (B) on the side mounting and press on, while still in
the unlocked position.
- Footrests (photo 3) : the footplate can be lifted during
transfers, footrests are height adjustable.
Loosen the bolt (A) to adjust to the desired height, firmly
tighten the bolt after adjustment.
Straps for standard legrest : to ensure a good position of the
feet.
Note : the standard footrest supports and legrests are
mounted in pairs on the wheelchair; whenever you remove
them, remember that you have a right side and a left side !
!
Never lift the wheelchair by the footrest supports or
legrests !
Keep your fingers away from movable parts during folding,
disassembling or adjustment to prevent injuries !
2
A
11A
A
3A

16
2.2. Frame
2.2.1 Side frame
The side frames are designed to accommodate fixation of
the front and rear wheels. No adjustment is required on side
frames.
2.2.2 Folding system
It consists of two cross-bars which integrate the seat rails.
To fold and unfold your wheelchair, see chapter A “ General ”
paragraph 2.1. No adjustment is required on folding system.
2.3. Rear wheels
2.3.1 12" Wheels
The 12" (310 mm) rear wheels are composite wheels. They
are be delivered with solid tyre.
2.3.2 Axles
The wheelchair is commercialized with fixex axles.
2.4. Castors
The solid front wheels are available in 8" x 1 1/4" (200mm x
28 mm) diameter.
2.5. Brakes
2.5.1 Manual brakes
-Locking Hand Brake (photo 4)
1. Push down on the bottom portion of the brake handle (A)
until an audible click is heard.
2. Refer to Unlocking Hand Brake, see § following .
- Unlocking Hand Brake (photo 4)
1. Pull up on the top portion of the brake handle (A) to
release.
2. Release the brake handle.
- Using Hand Brake (photo 4)
1. Pull up on the top portion of the brake handles (A) toward
the push handles.
2. Do one of the following:
• Remain stationary - Hold the brake handle up.
• Continue mobility - Release the brake handle.
4
A