Invacare Atlas Lite User manual

Invacare® Atlas Lite
User guide
Yes, you can.
ISO 9001

Foreword
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some information is submitted
under copyright – all rights reserved. Information in this document cannot be photocopied or duplicated
without prior written authorization by Invacare.
As the Australasian and world leading manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavours to supply a wide range
of wheelchairs to meet all the needs of the user in everyday life. However, nal selection of the wheelchair
rests solely with the user and his/her qualied health advisor.
Proper and efcient 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 trafc 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 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.
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.
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.
The I nvacare ® Atlas 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.

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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
1.6. Slopes 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 10
3.2. General inspection 10
4.Transportation
11
5. Warranty
5.1. Standard terms and conditions 12
5.2. Limitation of liability 12
6. Summary of operating instructions 12
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 Padded seat upholstery 14
2.1. 2 Backrest options 15
2.1. 3 Backrest upholstery 16
2.1. 4 Footrest supports 16
2.1. 5 Armrests 17
2.2. Frame 17
2.2.1 Side frame 17
2.2.2 Folding system 18
2.2.3 Seat height adjusment 18
2.3. Rear wheel 18
2.3.1 24" wheels 18
2.3.2 Handrims 18
2.3.3 Axles 19
2.4. Castors 19
2.5. Brakes 19
2.5.1 Manual brakes 19
2.5.2 Attendantbrakes 20
2.6. O ptions 20
2.6.1 Transit version 20
3ls
3.1.
Standard wheelchair specications 21
3.2.
Tools for adjustments and regular maintenance (Not supplied) 21
3.3 Dimensions
22
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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3
- Weight Limit
The maximum recommended weight of the user is 120
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 lifestyle.
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).
123
A GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Safety and operating limits
For 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 falling.
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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5
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.
Accurate alignment of the wheels is essential for your safety
(gure 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. Donot lean
backwards because you may cause the chair to tip (figures 6
and 7).
5 7
6
4

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5
1.2 Sideways transferring to other seats
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. Move the
weight of your body towards the seat (gure 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 sufciently strong and mobile, you can transfer
forward to another seat. Fold the footplates up and push
the footrests/legrests 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 (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 as support
for transfers.
- Never stand on the footrests when you are getting in or
out of the wheelchair (gure 10).
8910

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7
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 knees during this operation).
To tilt the wheelchair, the attendant must rmly grab the han-
dles making sure both are properly xed. The attendant must
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 occupant 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, as this may result in
injury of the user.
1.4 Tilting, Kerbs
To get onto the footpath:
- Method 1 (gure 11)
The attendant positions the wheelchair in front of the
footpath facing forward. Attendant tilts the wheelchair
backwards until the castors reach the footpath; 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 stands on the footpath 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

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7
To get off the footpath :
The attendant positions the wheelchair facing forward on
the footpath and tilts it backwards until it is balanced, then
he/she pushes the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels
touch the road; then, he / she gradually lowers the castors
to the ground.
1.5 Stairways
Because this is a difcult movement, we recommend using
two attendants, one in front of the wheelchair and one
behind the wheelchair.
To climb stairways (gure 13) :
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 continues
to hold it while the rst assistant takes a step and repeats
the operation.
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.
1.6 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 14).
13 14

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9
Upward slopes (gure 15) :
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 16) :
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 17).
18
16 17
15
2. Operating instructions
2.1 Unfolding and Folding the wheelchair
2.1.1 Unfolding the wheelchair (gure 18) :
- With one hand, grab the armrest or the seat support
tube on one side of the wheelchair and slightly tilt it to-
wards 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
wheelchair.

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9
2.1.2 Folding the chair (gures 19 and 20) :
- 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.
2.2 Wheelchair propulsion
Wheelchair propulsion is provided by the handrims moun-
ted on the wheels.
!
Qualied medical and paramedical staff will be able to
advise you with regard to the propulsion technique best suited
to your disability.
2.3. Lifting the wheelchair
First, fold the chair (see § 2.1.2), always lift the wheelchair
by gripping the frame at the points (A) shown in figure 21.
!
Never lift the wheelchair by removable parts (armrests,
footrests). Ensure the backrest canes are securely in place.
19 20
A
21

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3. Safety inspection and maintenance
3.1 Performance control
As the user, you will be the rst to notice the possible
operational defects of your wheelchair. The following table
indicates the easiest problems to identify and the
preliminary inspection that you can perform.
In the event that the problems persist after adjusting the
pressure in the tyres and tightening screws and nuts, please
consult your retailer.
The inner tubes of the wheels are the only components that
you can repair yourself (see § B-2.3).
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. Regu-
lar maintenance allows the identication and replacement of
defective and worn parts, which improves the daily opera-
tion 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. Manual brakes
Make sure that the manual brakes do not touch the moving
tyres.
Make sure that the manual brakes operate easily.
Make sure that the joints are not worn and do not have
excessive movement.
c. Folding system
Check the folding system for worn or damaged/bent parts.
d. Skirtguard/armrest upholstery
Make sure that all the ttings are properly tightened.
e. Armrests
Make sure that the armrests are rmly attached, but easy to
remove.
The
wheelchair
swerves
to the right
The
wheelchair
swerves
to the left
The
wheelchair
turns or
moves slowly
The
castors
lift
Creaking
and
clinking
Movement
in the
wheelchair
Inspections
Make sure that pressure
in the pneumatic tyre
is correct
(cf. § B-2.3)
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

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f. Armpad
Make sure that the armpads are in good condition.
g. Seat and backrest upholstery
Make sure that the upholstery is in good condition.
h. Rear wheels
Make sure that the wheel nuts and precision bearings are
tight.
Make sure that the wheels are parallel to the frame.
i. Handrims
Check for rough patches.
j. Spokes
Make sure that the spokes are not distorted, loose or bro-
ken.
k. Castors
Make sure that the axle is tight by turning the wheel, the
wheel must gradually come to a stop.
l. Fork/steering tube
Make sure that all the ttings are well tightened.
m. Pneumatic and solid tyres
Check the pressure of the pneumatic tyres (front =250 KPa,
Rear = 350 KPa) check the wear of the solid tyre tread.
n. Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning: Use only damp cloth and gentle detergent. Do
not use abrasive or scouring liquid. Do not use high pres-
sure cleaning devices on ball bearings (front & rear wheels,
fork axles)
Disinfection: Spraying or wiping disinfectant 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
Invacare recommends that wheelchair occupantstransfer
into the vehicle seat and use the OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) vehicle-installed restraint system.

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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.
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: 120 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 oor 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 manual brakes simultaneously.
- Manual brakes are parking brakes: they must not be used
under any circumstances to slow down the wheelchair or as
support during transfers.
- Do not tilt the wheelchair (up/down kerbs or steps) without
the help of an assistant.
- Do not attempt to carry user and wheelchair up or down
stairs with only one attendant; this could cause serious
injury.
- Do not use the wheelchair unless it has the proper tyre
pressure (front = 250 KPa, Rear = 350 KPa)
- Do not overinate the tyres: this may cause the tyres to
explode and cause bodily harm.
- Do not expose the wheelchair to temperatures higher than
40°C.
- To avoid injury, keep your ngers away from mobile parts
(armrests, folding system, legrests/footrests), and maintain
good posture before lifting the wheelchair.
!
Avoid riding on wet areas as well as gravel, grass, etc.
(sand and sea water in particular as they damage ball bearings).
When using the wheelchair inside, we recommend using solid
tyre castors, especially when riding on carpet.

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B. DESCRIPTION OF YOUR WHEELCHAIR
1. PRESENTATION
1.1 Introduction
Your wheelchair has been factory set before you purchased
it. However, it must be specically 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 Atlas 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 or legrest: this
is the supporting 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 120 kg).
 The rear wheel consists of the wheel, axle and handrim.
The rear wheels ensure the rear stability and allow the
propulsion of the wheelchair using the handrims.

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17
 The castor consists of the front wheel and the fork. The
castors provide front contact with the ground and determine
the steering by the direction of the forks.
 The manual brake is a parking brake. The two manual
brakes are used to secure the wheelchair when stationary.
2. Adjustments
2.1 Seat elements
2.1.1 Padded seat upholstery
Provides comfortable support to the user.
 Standard padded seats are not adjustable; in the event that
they become slack, it is recommended to request your dealer
to replace them.
!
Make sure that the seat is properly positioned on the 2
seat rails to provide safety and comfort for the user.
Keep your ngers away from movable parts to prevent
injuries during folding and unfolding !
Seat
upholstery
Armrest
Backrest upholstery
Backrest
Footplate
Folding
frame
Rear wheel
Rear wheel axle
Handrim
Manual
brake
Front wheel
Armpad
Adjustable
footrest tube
Rear wheel
support
Swing away
footrest

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15
2.1.2 Backrest Options
Dismounting backrest: can be removed for transportation.
Unscrew both buttons (A) until you can pull up the
backrest canes, reverse the procedure to reinstall.
Make sure that the backrest cane preset hole and the plastic
wing-nut thread hole are well aligned and rmly tighten the
plastic wing-nut until they are in the locked position.
!
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 secure.
- Folding backrest (photos 2 and 2A) (Transit version only)
To save space during transport, operate lever (A) by pushing it
down and fold the top of the backrest.
To return to the initial position, bring the top back to the
vertical position; it locks automatically.
!
Always make sure that the backrest is properly locked
in place before the user settles down in the wheelchair to
prevent any injuries !
11A
AA
22A

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19
2.1.3 Backrest upholstery
The padded backrest provides excellent daily comfort for the
user who does not need specic 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 3) swing away during
transfers and can be removed during transport.
Operate lever (A) by pushing sideways and swivelling towards
the outside. To return to the initial position, swing the footrest
support back towards the inside and it will lock into position
automatically. To remove the footrest support, simply pull up
after unlocking the assembly.
To ret the footrest support, align the holes (B) on the side
mounting and press down, while still in the unlocked position.
- Elevating legrest (photo 4) swings away and can be removed
by operating lever (A) which unlocks the locking system.
To adjust the angle upwards, support the leg and lift the front
tube to the required position. To return legrest to the lowest
position, operate lever (B) by pulling up.
4
A
B
3
A
B

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17
- Footrests (photo 5): the footplate can be lifted during
transfers, footrests are height adjustable.
Loosen the bolt (A) to adjust to the desired height, rmly
tighten the bolt after adjustment.
Note : the standard footrest supports and legrests are moun-
ted 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 ngers away from movable parts during folding,
disassembling or adjustment to prevent injuries !
2.1.5 Armrests
To remove armrest (photo 6), push down the push pin (A) and
simply pull it up, reverse the procedure to reinsert making
sure that the push pin (B) is properly engaged in its housing.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall.
Note : the armrests are mounted in pairs on the wheelchair;
whenever you remove them, remember that you have a right
and a left side !
!
Never lift the wheelchair by the armrests !
Keep your ngers away from movable parts during folding,
disassembling or adjustment to prevent injuries !
2.2 Frame
2.2.1 Side frame
The side frames are designed to accommodate xation of
the front and rear wheels. No adjustment is required on side
frames.
7
A
B
7A
A
5
A
6
A
B

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21
2.2.2 Folding system
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.
2.2.3 Seat Height adjustment
The Atlas Lite allows 2 seat heights 50 cm (A) or 47,5 cm (B),
always delivered with 50 cm height (Photos 7-7A).
To adjust to 47,5 cm seat height, insert rear wheel quick re-
lease axle (see chapter 2.3.3 for detailed operation) into the
chassis bearing (B).
2.3 Rear wheels
2.3.1 24" Wheels
The 24" (610 mm) rear wheels are spoked wheels. They can
be delivered with pneumatic or solid tyres.
A at tyre (photo 8) must be removed in order to be
repaired.
Remove the rim assembly (tyre and inner tube), repair or
replace the inner tube, reinsert in the tyre and reposition the
assembly on the rim.
Comply with the ination pressure specied on the sidewall
of the tyre.
!
Never exceed the pressure specied on the sidewalls of
the tyre, otherwise, the tyre may explode and cause injuries !
 Pneumatic tyres wear out. In addition, the roughness of
the ground surface and driving have an impact on their longe-
vity. The pressure in the two tyres should be the same.
Replace them regularly to avoid trouble caused by puncture.
Please consult with your Dealer.
2.3.2 Handrims
They provide wheelchair propulsion. They are made of
anodized aluminium.
!
Handrims are constantly in contact with your hands.
Make sure that they are not damaged !
8