Invacare Blade Plus User manual

User Manual
English
Invacare Blade+

2Invacare Blade+
©Invacare
Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of
this publication are updated at the time of printing. As part of
the ongoing improvement of the products, Invacare reserves
the right to modify existing models at any time.
Any use of this publication, or parts thereof, as well as any
reproduction of images, must have the written consent of
Invacare.

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Invacare Blade+
Contents
1. General 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION 4
1.2 SYMBOLS 4
1.3 COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 4
1.4 WARRANTY 4
1.5 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY 4
1.6 CUSTOMER SERVICE 4
1.7 ACCIDENTS/NEAR ACCIDENT 5
1.8 INTENDED USE 5
1.9 SERVICE LIFE 5
2. Safety 6
2.1 LIFTING THE WHEELCHAIR 6
2.2 DAILY PERFORMANCE CHECK 6
2.3 SPECIFIC RISKS 6
2.4 WHEELCHAIR OVERVIEW 7
3. Technical data 8
3.1 DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 8
3.2 COLOURS 9
3.3 EQUIPMENT 9
3.4 CONFORMANCE TABLE 10
3.5 IDENTIFICATION LABEL 11
4. Set-up and installation12
4.1 DELIVERY CHECK 12
4.2 ASSEMBLY 12
4.2.1 Backrest 12
4.2.2 Armrests 12
4.2.3 Rear wheels 12
4.2.3 Swing-away footrests 13
5. Components and their
adjustments 14
5.1 BACKREST 14
5.1.1 Backrest extension (option) 14
5.2 SEAT 15
5.2.1 Seat cushion 15
5.3 ARMRESTS 16
5.4 FOOTRESTS 17
5.4.1 Swing-away footrest supports 17
5.4.2 Footrest supports for outrigged chassis 17
5.5 REAR WHEELS 18
5.5.1 Tyre pressure 18
5.6 AXLES 19
5.7 BRAKES 19
5.7.1 User brake 19
5.8 CASTORS 20
5.9 ACCESSORIES 21
5.9.1 Rear anti-tippers 21
5.9.2 Tipping levers 21
5.9.3 Pelvic belt 22
5.9.4 Recliner backrest 22
5.9.5 Hub brakes 23
6. Using the wheelchair 24
6.1 MOVE TO/FROM THE WHEELCHAIR 24
6.2 STRETCHING AND LEANING 24
6.3 PROPELLING UP A SLOPE 24
6.4 PROPELLING DOWN A SLOPE 25
6.5 CLIMBING A KERB 25
6.6 KERBS – ALTERNATIVE METHOD 26
6.7 ESCALATORS AND STAIRS 26
7. Transport 27
7.1 TRANSPORTING WHEELCHAIRS WITH
USERS IN VEHICLES 27
7.2 RESTRAINT METHODS 29
Swing-away foot rests 29
Outrigged castors 29
8. Maintenance 30
8.1 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 30
8.2 CLEANING 31
9. After use 32

4Invacare Blade+
1. General
1.1 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 contin-
ued high performance and long service life of your
wheelchair.
Whenever you need special advice and assistance, or
if there is any problem with your wheelchair, 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.
1.2 SYMBOLS
This symbol means warning and is used in
the user manual for important information to
prevent injuries and material damage
1.5 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 negelectful treatment
- use of unsuitable spares
1.3 COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
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 with-
out prior written agreement from INVACARE or its
appointed representative.
1.4 WARRANTY
Contractual guarantee
This is to certify that your Blade + wheelchair is
warranted by Invacare, for a period of 5 years for
the frame and crossbars and 24 months for all other
parts. This warranty is subject to the following
conditions:
1. Only Invacare wheelchairs purchased at full price
are warranted against defective workmanship
and materials.
2. If a defect or fault is discovered the supplier from
whom the appliance was purchased/obtained
should be notified immediately.
3. The manufacturer will not accept responsibility
for damage caused by misuse or the non-
observance of the intructions set out in the User
Manual.
4. During the period of the warranty, any parts
that have become defective due to faulty
workmanship or materials, will be renewed
or repaired free of charge by the Invacare
supplier.
5. The warranty will be forfeited should any
unauthorised alteration be made to the
equipment.
6. The purchaser’s statutory rights under the
Consumer Protection Act are not affected.
1.6 CUSTOMER SERVICE
For contact details please refer to the last page of
this publication where you will find addresses to the
European sales companies.

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Invacare Blade+
1.8 INTENDED USE
INVACARE BLADE +
1.7 ACCIDENTS/NEAR ACCIDENTS
Please inform your Invacare office immediately of any
accidents or near-accidents that have been caused by
this wheelchair and that have led to, or could have
led to, personal injury. The relevant authority must
also be contacted and reported to.
Indoor and outdoor configurable wheelchair offered
with various options compliant with EN 12184:1999
Section 5 Class B.
The Blade Plus manual wheelchair has been designed
to provide mobility and comfort for persons with
impaired mobility.
The wheelchair has been designed to be used
either/or by a seated user/carer/attendant on both
indoor and outdoor environments.
The wheelchair has, in its standard format, been desig-
ned to accomodate users who weigh up to a maximum
of 90 kg, have all limbs intact and have sufficient upper
body strenght to maintain a safe position within the
wheelchair without the addition of supporting aids.
Adaptions from standard wheelchair format are
available to accomodate users who do not meet the
above criteria, but these will only be considered after
a suitable assessment of the risk has been carried
out by a qualified person. For example: A user with
either a full or a partial amputation or other condition
which affects the centre of gravity will need to have a
stability evaluation to minimize the risk of inadvertant
tipping.
The wheelchair should only be used in accordance
with the safety advice given within this user guide.
Failure to follow the recommended advice could lead
to personal injury.
No claims are made that the product will medically
inprove the circumstances or condition of the user.
1.9 SERVICE LIFE
INVACARE BLADE +
We assume that our wheelchairs will be in use daily.
For this reason the whole equipment is subject to an
almost continuous stress and consequently, natural
wear and tear. Taking this into consideration and
provided that the wheelchair is maintained properly,
the lifetime of the Invacare Blade+ is approximately
5 years. If the wheelchair is used less frequently, e.g.
if you use it inside your apartment only, and if it is
maintained perfectly, the service life may increase
accordingly.

6Invacare Blade+
2. Safety
Always lift the wheelchair by grabbing the frame at
the points shown in the picture.
Never lift the wheelchair by the removable armrests
or the footrests. Ensure that the backrest and push
handles are securely in place. Also read the chapter
Safety instructions/Propelling techniques.
2.1 LIFTING THE WHEELCHAIR
Below you will find a number of
points affecting your personal
safety. Read them carefully!
Invacare is only responsible for product changes car-
ried out by trained personnel We reserve the right
to make any changes to equipment and specifications
without prior notice.
Failure to comply with instructions given may result
in personal injury and/or product damage.
• Check each of the following before using the
wheelchair:
– that all parts are attached securely to the
frame
– that all wheels, knobs, screws and nuts are
properly tightened
– that all brakes and anti-tip devices function
correctly
• Never lift the wheelchair by the detachable arm-
rests, footrests, backbrace or by the adjustable
push handles.
• Always apply the brake before getting into or out
of the chair.
• Never stand on the footplates when getting into or
out of the chair, because of the risk of tipping.
• Changing the seat angle gives an increased risk of
tipping over.
• The handrims may become hot due to friction,
which may cause injury to your hands.
• Use the anti-tip device
• Remember that the effectiveness of the carer-
operated brake is reduced in wet and slippery
conditions, as well as when on a slope.
• Be careful to ensure that the rearwheels are
securely attached.
• Surfaces of the wheelchair like frame parts or
upholstery can, after long exposure to the sun,
reach temperatures over 41°C which may cause
discomfort or burns.
• When mounting accessories etc. be careful not to
trap your fingers.
• There is always an increased risk of trapping parts
of your body when tilting the wheelchair’s back
and seat.
Check that the following parts are correctly fitted
on the wheelchair:
• Wheels
• Backrest
• Anti-tip device
• Push handles
• Footrests
• Brakes
• Armrests
• Lap belt
• Seat/back upholstery
2.2 DAILY PERFORMANCE CHECK
2.3 SPECIFIC RISKS

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Invacare Blade+
2.4 WHEELCHAIR OVERVIEW
Transit version:
1. Transit wheel
2. Castor
3. Footrest
4. Outrigged frame
5. Seat
6. Armrest
7. Backrest
8. Push handles
9. Backrest folding mechanism
Self propel version:
1. Rear wheel
2. Handrim
3. Spoke guard
4. Castor
5. Swing-away fottrests
6. Brake
7. Seat
8. Armrest
9. Backrest
10. Push handles
11. Backrest folding mechanism
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
5
6
78
9
10
9
3
4
11

8Invacare Blade+
3. Technical data
3.1 DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Seat width
Legrest length
Seat depth Seat height
Total width
Backrest height
Total height
Armrest height
Total length
Weight Maximum user
weight
Seat width inches 10" 11" 12" 13" 14" 15"
Seat width cm 25.5cm 28cm 30.5cm 33cm 33.5cm 38cm
Seat depth inches 9" 10" 11" 12" 13" 14" 15"
Seat depth cm 23cm 25.5cm 28cm 30.5cm 33cm 35.5cm 38cm
Seat to Ground height inches 18"
Seat to Ground height cm 45.7cm
Backrest height inches 16½"
Backrest height cm 42cm
Armrest height Adjustable inches 3½" 4½ 5½ 6½ 7½ 8½
Armrest height Adjustable cm 9cm 11.5cm 14cm 16.5cm 19cm 21.5cm
Legrest length 15 - 28cm
Total width Swingaway inches 17" 18" 19" 20" 21" 22"
Total width Swingaway cm 43cm 46cm 48cm 51cm 53cm 56cm
Total width Outrigged inches 18½" 19½" 20½" 21½" 22½" 23½"
Total width Outrigged cm 47cm 49.5cm 52cm 54cm 57cm 60cm
Total height 62 - 94cm
Total length 89 - 94cm
Weight 13.5 - 15kg
Max user. weight 90kg
Folded width
Maximum
incline

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Invacare Blade+
3.2 UPHOLSTERY AND FRAME COLOURS
Upholstery type and Backrest cover
Black Canvas
Frame colours
Black, metallic red, metallic blue, metallic purple
3.3 EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
Invacare offers the Blade Plus wheelchair in various defined optional types. Please refer to the Invacare Ltd
prescription forms or contact the Invacare cumstomer service for further information.
Backrest
Folding
Fixed
Vertical back with adjustable push handles
0-30° reclining back
Seat cushions
Standard 5 cm
Flotech lite
Legrests
Swing-away
Outrigged
Height, backward, forward and rotational adjustment footplates
Multi-adjustable Rea Adapt style footplate
Armrests
Detachable with adjustable height
Castors
12,5*2,5 cm solid
12,5*4,5 solid
Rear wheels
12,5, 20, 22’’ solid or pneumatic
Brake
Push to lock brakes
Extended push to lock brakes
Attendant drumbrake
Others
Spoke guard
Anti-tip device
Table Tray fixation
Pelvic belt
Sideguard
Tipping lever
Capstan handrim

10 Invacare Blade+
3.4 CONFORMANCE TABLE WIDTH/DEPTH
10''/25,5 cm 11''/28 cm 12''/30,5 cm 13''/33 cm 14''/35,5 cm 15''/38 cm
9''/23 cm Y Y Y Y N N
10''/25,5 cm Y Y Y Y N N
11''/28 cm Y Y Y Y N N
12''/30,5 cm Y Y Y Y Y Y
13''/33 cm N N Y Y Y Y
14''/35,5 cm N N Y Y Y Y
15''/38 cm N N Y Y Y Y
WIDTH
HEIGHT

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Invacare Blade+
3.5 IDENTIFICATION LABEL
INVACARE International SARL
Manufacturing date
Model
Serial No.
Max. user weight
Maximum incline
Unladen weight
Total weight
Location of the identification/serial
label on the wheelchair

12 Invacare Blade+
4. Set-up and installation
4.1 DELIVERY CHECK
Any transport damage must be reported immediately
to the transport company. Remember to keep the
packaging until the transport company has checked
the goods and a settlement has been reached.
4.2 ASSEMBLY
When you receive your wheelchair, you must fit the
backrest, armrests and legrests onto the chair. The
assembly is simple and does not require any tools.
When delivered, you might need to put the backrest in
place. Raise the top part of the backrest to an upright
position and make sure that the locking mechanisms
(A) are secure.
Now check that the backrest is secured firmly
in position!
4.2.1 Backrest
4.2.2 Armrests
The armrests can be removed for easier storage and
allow sideways transfer from the chair. They can also
be adjusted in height to suit the individuals preference,
see page 16.
A
Attach the rear wheels by pressing button (A) in the
centre of the hub whilst simultaneously sliding the
axle into the rear wheel position attachment of the
positioning plate.
It is very important that you check that the
locking pin (B) has actually locked the wheel
into position when the centre button has been
released. Take hold of the wheels and try to
detach them. This should NOT be possible.
4.2.3 Rear wheels
A
B

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Invacare Blade+
Place the footrests on the holders (A) on the outside
of the frame. Turn inwards and activate the spring
mechanism (B).
4.2.3 Swing-away footrests
A
B

14 Invacare Blade+
5. Components and their adjustments
5.1 BACKREST
The backrest extension has two uprights (B) and a
backrest extension upholstery. The locating pegs
should only be fitted to the push handles of the
backrest by a qualified technician.
When refitting, make sure that it is firmly fixed onto
the locations fitted to the backrest tubes. Raise the
head rest assembly to remove it from the tubes of
the recliner backrest.
The backrest can be folded at the middle by means of
a locking mechanism and can be operated by either
the user or an attendant.
- Use: To fold the backrest, pull both black plastic
locking levers (A) downwards and fold the top part
of the backrest to the back and then down. Carry
out these operations in the reverse order to return
the backrest to its normal position, making sure that
the locking mechanisms (A) are secure.
5.1.1 Backrest extension (option)
B
A

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Invacare Blade+
Your seat upholstery is screwed onto the seat tubes
of the folding cross brace.
Adjustment: This model requires no adjustment.
Just check regularly that the screws (A) are tight.
If the washers (B) are loose, these screws should
be tightened. If the problem continues, contact
your INVACARE retailer and ask him to change the
mounting for safety reasons.
5.2 SEAT
5.2.1 Seat cushion
Seat cushion
The seat cushion is placed on the upholstery and
must be removed when folding the chair.
AB

16 Invacare Blade+
5.3 ARMRESTS
The armrests can be removed for easier storage
and allow sideways transfer from the chair. They
can also be adjusted in height to suit the individuals
preference.
To adjust the height, the armrest lever (A) is lifted
up which allows the armrest to slide up and down,
within the armrest block (B). The armrest has an
adjustment collar (C) that works both as a stop for
the armrest and as a memory for the height used. It
can be adjusted by loosening the screw. When the
desired height has been achieved, lower the armrest
lever and push down/pull up the armrest until the
armrest drops into place.
To make sure that this has happened try to pull up/
push down the armrest, if it is located the armrest
should be “locked in”, and the lever should be in its
down position.
ABC

17
Invacare Blade+
The footrest supports can be swung away to the
outside/rear of the chair to free the front of the
wheelchair making it easier for the user to transfer
to another seat. They can also be removed.
Use: To swing the support to the outside, press the
release mechanism lever. Rotate the support carefully
to the outside of the wheelchair.
To return the support, repeat the operations in the
reverse order. Check that the release mechanism has
automatically locked.
To remove the support, swing the assembly away
from the chair, release the spring mechanism and lift
the support away from the chair.
Adjustment: Loosen the screws (A), adjust to the
required height and re-tighten screws.
NB: The footrest supports are fitted in pairs to the
wheelchair. When adjusting or removing, remember
that there is one support for the right hand side and
another for the left hand side.
5.4 FOOTRESTS
Independent footplates for footrest supports
The footplate assemblies comprise of an adjustment
tube and footplate and are intended solely as a foot
support when you are sitting in the wheelchair and
should not be used for standing. Each footplate assem-
bly can be adjusted in height. The footplates can be
pivoted to an upright position to aid front transfers.
Adjusting the footrests on the supports: Release the
nut, position the footplate assembly at the required
height in the footrest support tube, tighten the nut
to secure.
5.4.1 Swing-away footrest supports 5.4.2 Footrest supports for outrigged chassis
A
A

18 Invacare Blade+
The pressure is shown on the tyre and must never be
exceeded. Remember that the tyre pressure on both
wheels should be the same to ensure perfect steering.
In case of a puncture, the tyre has to be removed from
the rim. Press the valve to let all the remaining air out
of the inner tube. Pull the tyre off the rim. Repair or
replace the inner tube. Put the tyre back on the rim.
Inflate the tyre to the required pressure.
- NB: It may be necessary to use one or two tyre
removal tools (not supplied).
The rear wheels are positioned on rear wheel mounting blocks which determine the rearward stability. This
position should only be adjusted by a qualified technician on the advise of a qualified advisor.
The rear wheels have a diameter of either 12,5’’, 20’’, or 22’’. They are equipped with spokes and handrims (not
12,5’’). They can have pneumatic tyres or solid tyres and can be connected to the side frame by means of a fixed
axle or a quick release axle.
The risk of tipping increases when the rear
wheels moved forward. Compensate by mounting an anti-tip device on the wheelchair.
Do not remove the handrims! They provide stability to the wheel and the entire wheelchair.
5.5 REAR WHEELS
5.5.1 Tyre pressure

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Invacare Blade+
The axles link the back wheels to the chassis. They
are fixed or quick releasing.
Quick release wheels
Removal: Push on the quick release button head with
your finger and pull the wheel towards the outside of
the chair. For illustration see page 12.
Assembly: Push on the quick release button head
with your finger and locate axle though the axle
bush, making sure that the axles are secured (no axial
movement).
Fixed wheels
No adjusment is required, however, check on a weekly
basis that the axle / nut are secure.
5.6 AXLES
The manual brakes are used to immobilise the wheel-
chair in a stationary position. They are not intended for
slowing down and should not be used when the whe-
elchair is moving. They should be applied together.
Use: The brakes are operated by moving the brake
handle (A) towards the front of the wheelchair. When
the brakes are applied, the wheelchair should resist
movement.
Adjustment: It may be necessary to adjust the brakes
after repairing a puncture or because of wear on the
pneumatic or solid tyre. Slacken clamp screws and
adjust the brake assembly to achieve adequate braking.
Tighten the clamp screws firmly after adjustment.
NB: The brakes are fitted in pairs to the wheelchair.
When adjusting or removing, remember that there
is one brake for the right hand side and another for
the left hand side.
Brake extension
The brakes may be equipped with a handle extension
to assist attendants/user who have insufficient strength
or difficulty in reaching the standard brake handles.
5.7 BRAKES
5.7.1 User brake

20 Invacare Blade+
The front wheels have a diameter of 125mm. For the
different types of castors available, please refer to
the prescription form. No adjustment is necessary
for the castors.
Forks
The fork connects the chassis and the wheel.
Adjustment: The forks do not require adjustment.
Check that the fork rotates freely.
5.8 CASTORS