Invacare Blade Plus User manual

User Guide
Blade +
Invacare
R

Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Blade + manual wheelchair- we are certain that you
will be delighted with it. Just to make doubly sure you really gain the full
benefits from your remarkable new INVACARE wheelchair and to ensure
many years of trouble free performance, this manual gives you essential
information concerning Safety, Handling and Operation, together with some
helpful tips. Please read it carefully before trying out your new Blade +, so
that you may truly enjoy your new independence.
We recommend to have your wheelchair inspected and serviced by an
authorised INVACARE dealer at least once a year. It is in your best interests,
not only to ensure your personal safety, but also the continued high
performance and long service life of your chair.
Whenever you need special advice and assistance, or if there is any problem
with your chair, do not hesitate to contact the local INVACARE dealer. He is
just a phone call away and has all the equipment and knowhow required to
provide you with expert professional service.

1
Note for wheelchair users
INVACARE provides a wide range of wheelchairs to meet the requirements
of users. However, the decision on the type of model to be prescribed rests
exclusively with qualified advisors.
INVACARE or its appointed representative shall not be held responsible if a
wheelchair is used that is unsuitable for the users level of disability, if the
wheelchair itself is incorrectly used or if a problem arises due to poor
maintenance.
The information set out in this manual may be modified without prior notice.
This manual contains copyright information. All rights are reserved. No part
of this document may be photocopied or reproduced without prior written
agreement from INVACARE or its appointed representative.
This manual gives details of all the options of the Blade + range
of wheelchairs. It describes the options, operation and
adjustments that may be required. However, your INVACARE
retailer will be able to give you further information and
demonstrations.
SAFETY NOTICE
PLEASE ENSURE THE WHEELCHAIR IS
FULLY OPENED AND THE SEAT RAILS ARE
LOCATED IN THE SEAT SADDLES BEFORE SITTING DOWN

2
Table of contents
Page
Note for wheelchair users. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Table of contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. Safety and operating limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.1 Weight limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 Reaching for an object from a wheelchair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Transferring to other seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Tilting the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.5 Kerbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.6 Stairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.7 Upward and downward slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2. Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2 Propelling the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3. Summary of safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. General description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5. Backrests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6. Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7. The various types of armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3
Table of contents cont.
8. Folding chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9. Rear wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
10. Castors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11. Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
12. Footrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
13. Backrest Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
14. Rear Anti-tippers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
15. Transit kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
16. Safety belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
17. Spoke guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
18. Tipping Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
19. Adjusting Recliner Backrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
20. Hub Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
21. Routine Checks and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
22. Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
23. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
24. Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
25. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30