Invacare Duo Range User manual

INVACARE®INTERNATIONAL:
Belgium & Luxemburg: Autobaan 14 · B-8210 Loppem
Danmark: Sdr. Ringvej 39 · DK-2605 Brøndby
Deutschland, Österreich, Switzerland & East Europe: Kleiststraße 49 · D-32457 Porta Westfalica
España: c/ Areny · s/n Polígon Industrial de Celrà · E-17460 Celrà (Girona)
France: Route de St Roch (RD 36) · F-37230 Fondettes
Italia: Via dei Pini 62 · I-36016 Thiene (VI)
Nederland: Celsiusstraat 46 · NL-6716 BZ Ede
Norge: Grensesvingen 9 · N-0603 Oslo
Portugal: Rua Senhora de Campanhã 105 · P-4369-001 Porto
Sverige & Suomi: Fagerstagatan 9 · P.O. Box 66 · S-163 91 Spånga
United Kingdom & Eire: South Road · Bridgend Industrial Estate · Bridgend CF31 3PY · UK
Part No: 1441771 - GB - 0507
InvacareR Duo Range
User Guide

Introduction
You have just bought a manual wheelchair from our INVACARE
range.
This model offers you all the advantages and characteristics of
a wheelchair that has been designed especially to meet your
particular requirements.
Great care has been taken with this wheelchair throughout the
whole of its manufacturing process. The components have been
selected for their quality and inspections have been carried out so
that your wheelchair can provide you with full satisfaction.
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ii
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 advisers.
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 DUO 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 ARELOCATED IN THE
SEAT SADDLES BEFORE SITTING DOWN

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Table of contents
Page
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Note for wheelchair users. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Table of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1. Safety and operating limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1 Weight limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Reaching for an object from a wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Heat and Fire Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 Transferring to other seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6 Tilting the Wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.7 Kerbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.8 Stairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.9 Upward and downward slopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2. Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.1 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 Propelling the wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. Summary of safety instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. General description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5. Backrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6. Detachable Armrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7. Rear Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18
8. Castors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9. Manual Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10. Footrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
11. Backrest Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
12. Lap belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
13. Rountine Checks and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
14. Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26
15. Guarantee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
16. Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
17. Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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1-Safety and operating limits
Stability and equilibrium
To ensure that the wheelchair remains stable and is manipulated correctly,
you must always maintain good equilibrium. Many actions cause the user of
a wheelchair to reach out, lean over or move about within the wheelchair and
outside it. These actions will change your centre of gravity and weight
distribution of the wheelchair.
Your wheelchair has been designed to remain stable for normal everyday use
if it is used correctly taking the precautions recommended in this manual.
1.1 - Weight limit
The maximum user weight limit is 160kgs (25 Stone) for 20” to 24” wide
chairs.
127kgs (20 Stone) for up to 18” wide chairs.
This weight includes accessories such as a compact oxygen cylinder or other
equipment required by the user.
However, the wheelchair user's degree of activity is important. For example,
an active user weighing 75 kg may subject the wheelchair to more stress than
a user weighing 115 kg. We recommend very active wheelchair users to
choose an appropriate design of wheelchair. Your INVACARE approved
distributor will advise you on the best model.
1.2 - Reaching for an object from a wheelchair
The limitations on reaching out
from a wheelchair shown in figure
1 have been produced using a
representative sample of
wheelchair users.
Only the arms should extend
beyond the seat of the
wheelchair.
For safety reasons, the body and
head should remain within the
wheelbase.
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3
Position the castors to give the longest
possible wheel-base (Figure 2).
Lock the manual brakes on the rear wheels.
Leaning forwards
(Figures 3, 4 and 5):
Move the wheelchair as close as possible
to the object you wish to reach.
Only reach out to take what is within arm's
length in normal sitting position.
2
3
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4
Leaning backwards
(Figures 6 and 7)
Move the wheelchair as close as possible to object you wish to reach.
Only lean back for objects that are within arm's length in normal sitting
position.
Leaning to one side
(Figure 8)
This is the most dangerous manoeuvre as it is
easy to tip sideways.
To move up to the object and lean over, you
must use the castors as a means of keeping
the wheelchair stable and balanced. (Figure 2)
For your safety, it is essential to be in the
correct position.
Do not try to pick something up from the
floor if this would upset your balance.
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1.3 - Heat and Fire Warnings
Surfaces Affected by heat
The wheelchair is made from metal and plastic materials and, as with all
products made with such materials, it can absorb heat from the sun when
used outdoors or exposed to sunlight through windows etc.
This can result in the surfaces of the wheelchair becoming hot, so take care
in using it and touching the surfaces if it is left or used in such an
environment.
Fire and burning
The seat and backrest materials have been tested to ensure compliance
with ISO requirements for cigarette and match flame equivalent and are
non flammable but care must still be exercised if using cigarettes or other
smoking products, or sources of heat, not to drop them onto the seat and/or
backrest where they can become trapped between contacting/trap points on
the wheelchair.
1.4 Seat
- Your seat’s upholstery is screwed onto
the tops of the cross struts.
- 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.
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A
B

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1.5 - Transferring to other
seats
It is possible to move from and to a
manually propelled chair if the
following guidelines are followed.
INVACARE does not recommend
any particular method for
transferring: This is the
responsibility of a medical adviser
who should consider your level of
disability and type of wheelchair .
When transferring, either to get out of
or return to your wheelchair, make
sure:
That the gap between the two seats is as
small as possible. (Figures 10 and 11)
That the manual brakes on the rear
wheels are on to prevent the wheels
moving. (Figure 12)
Turn both castors towards the seat to
which you wish to move. Lift up the
footplates .
Do not stand on the footplates.
10
11
12
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If possible, fold back the footrest
supports to the side to clear the
passage. (Figure 14)
If possible, remove the armrests on the
side between the wheelchair and the
other seat (Figure 15).
NB
Never stand up on the footplates.
(Figure 16).
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15
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1.6 - Tilting (balancing on the rear wheels)
Tilting without help from a third person
Wheelchairs in the INVACARE range have been designed for use by
those who have mastered the technique of balancing on the rear wheels
without help from a third person. However, you should never exceed the
limitations of the wheelchair. Repeated shock on the castors caused by
tipping the wheelchair up yourself may affect the rigidity or settings of
your wheelchair. If your wheelchair is fitted with accessories, these may
affect the methods used for balancing on the rear wheels.
When you wish to learn a new technique, consult an experienced person
for advice in using your type of wheelchair.
Tilting with assistance from a third person:
The user should be sitting correctly and firmly in the chair or if unable to
support themselves, should be strapped in position to prevent him falling
out of the chair.
If a wheelchair user needs assistance in tilting the chair, the assistant must
know how to use his body correctly. Keep your back straight and bend at
the knee to tilt the wheelchair. Never exert too much force. The medical
team in charge of the user will advise you in the methods best suited to
your morphology. The INVACARE approved distributor will provide you with
information on the risks of using the wheelchair incorrectly if the wheelchair
has removeable parts such as armrests or leg rests. These must NEVER
be used as aids when lifting as they may inadvertently become detached
and cause injury .
To tilt the wheelchair, a third person
should grip the handles firmly. (Figure
17) Warn the user of the wheelchair
before tilting it and remind him/her to
lean backwards. Check that the user's
feet and hands are clear of all the
wheels. Place a foot on the foot step
tube and push smoothly until the
wheelchair is at the point of equilibrium.
At this stage, the helper will feel a
differ-ence in weight distribution which
usually occurs at an angle of about 30°.
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Lower the front of the wheelchair smoothly, holding the handles firmly. Use
your weight on the foot step tube to act as a counterweight. Do not lower the
wheelchair suddenly for the last few centimetres before returning to the
normal position. This might hurt the user.
1.7 - Kerbs or obstacles 30 to 50 mm high
Method 1 - Negotiating the obstacle forwards
(Figure 18)
The helper should tilt the wheelchair
until the castors have passed over
the kerb. Move the wheelchair
forwards and lower the castors
gently onto the pavement. Push the
wheelchair until the rear wheels
touch the kerb. Lift and push until the
rear wheels have mounted the kerb.
Do not just lift by the handles on the
backrest.
Method 2
(Figure 19)
The helper should stand on the pavement and turn the wheelchair until
the rear wheels are against the kerb. Tilt the wheelchair backwards to the
point of equilibrium and, in a continuous movement, pull the wheelchair
until the rear wheels mount the kerb
and pass onto the pavement. Do not
lower the castors to the ground until
you have pulled the backrest of the
wheelchair sufficiently far to clear the
kerb.
NB: Folding backs should always be
checked to ensure they are engaged.
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1.8 - Steps, stairs or obstacles over 50 mm high
We recommend that you take very great care when taking a wheelchair up
or down stairs. Two people are required for this.
ADVICE TO THIRD PERSONS
Make sure that you get hold of
fixed, non-removable parts only.
Use the following procedure for
going up stairs. (Figure 20):
Tilt the wheelchair to its point of
equilibrium. One helper (at the
back) holds the wheelchair up
against the first step, gripping the
handles firmly to lift.
The second helper, holding firmly a fixed part of the front frame, lifts
the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first helper
places one foot on the following step and repeats the operation.
The wheelchair must not be lowered until the last step has been
negotiated and until the chair is clear of the stairs.
Escalators
Do not use an escalator when moving a wheelchair from one floor to another.
This might cause serious injury.
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1.9 - Upward and downward slopes (operating limits)
Do not attempt to go up or down
slopes greater than 9% without
assistance. (Figure 21)
Always go straight up and down
slopes otherwise the wheelchair
might overturn. (Figure 22)
Upward slopes
Lean the upper part of the body forward
and push the chair forward with short
quick thrusts on the handrims to
maintain speed and control direction. If
you wish to take a rest, apply both
brakes when stopping. (Figure 23).
NB: The use of Anti Tippers is
recommended in traversing of upward
slopes.
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22
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Downward slopes
Lean backwards carefully and allow the
handrims to slide through your hands.
Be ready to react at any moment to
check the speed and direction by
keeping in close contact with the
handrims. The manual brakes should
not be used to slow you down. (Figure
24)
If you are going up or down a slope
avoid turning sharply and never try to
go up or down diagonally.
2. Use
2.1 - Folding and unfolding the wheelchair
Wheelchair with fabric upholstery.
To fold
Lift the footplates.
Release the backrest tensioner if necessary.
Using both hands, take the centre of the seat fabric at the front and back
edges and raise it. (Figure 25).
Or, tilt the wheelchair to one side and close it using the handles on the back
rest or the armrests. (Figure 26).
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25 26

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To unfold
(Figure 27)
Unfold the wheelchair by taking hold
of the armrest or the side of the chair
nearest to you, tip the chair sideways
(lifting the rear wheel and the caster
from the ground) and press on the
tube supporting the seat upholstery
until it is fully down. The seat
upholstery should be fully open .
NB
Ensure that the seat rails are fully engaged in in to the seat saddles.
To avoid injury, keep hands and fingers away from moving parts
(armrests, folding frame, footrest supports or leg rests, etc).
2.2 - Propelling the wheelchair
The wheels of your wheelchair are fitted with handrims. (Figure 28)
The qualified personnel will be able to advise you on the most
appropriate way of propelling yourself.
Various accessories may be fitted to improve the grip (plastic coatings,
studs).
Lean the upper part of the body
forward and push the chair forward
with short quick thrusts on the
handrims to maintain speed and
control direction.
Be ready to react at any moment to
check the speed and direction by
keeping in close contact with the
hand-rims.
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3. Summary
of instructions for use for improved safety
- Do not try to reach objects if you have to move forward on the seat
- Do not try to reach objects on the ground if you have to lean down beyond
the safety limits
- Do not lean too far back to reach objects behind you: you may tip over.
- Do not move your weight, or your sitting position in the direction in which
you wish to go: you may tip over.
- Always apply both manual brakes before trying to get out of or back into the
wheelchair.
- The manual brakes are not designed for slowing you down.
- Do not try to stop a moving wheelchair using the manual brakes.
- Do not tilt the wheelchair without assistance from a third person when
negotiating obstacles more than 30 mm high
- Do not use an escalator for moving a wheelchair from one floor to another.
(This may cause serious injury.)
- Do not use your wheelchair if the tyres are not inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the side.
- Do not over-inflate the tyres. Failure to comply with these instructions may
cause the tyre to burst and cause bodily injury.
- Carry out the regular checks recommended in this guide and by your
INVACARE approved retailer.
- Use your wheelchair with respect for other people
- Do not use your wheelchair as a transport seat in a vehicle. Unless it is not
practical for the user to be transferred (Refer to section 23 - Transport).
- Be Aware that the wheelchair materials can absorb heat from the sun and
the surfaces could become hot to the touch.
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and other smoking materials and keep them, and
other sources of heat, away from the seat and backrest materials.

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4. Description
Each wheelchair is specially designed to meet the requirements
of its user. This manual describes how to adjust the chairs in this
range, enabling you to find out how to adjust the wheelchair to
suit your needs.
General description
Your wheelchair has a number of main parts which will be
mentioned throughout this manual.
These parts are described below.
Support is provided by the backrest, seat and armrests.
The folding chassis comprises of the side frames and folding
cross brace.
This is the essential supporting framework of the wheelchair on
which all the other parts are mounted.
The rear wheel comprises of the wheel, axle and handrim.
The rear wheels provide contact with the ground and are driven by
turning the handrims.
The front castors comprise of the fork and wheels.
The front wheels provide contact with the ground and the rotating
forks steer the chair.
Manual brake
The manual brake is used to park the wheelchair.
Swing away footrest support and leg rest
These are connected to the chassis and can be swung away to make
transfer easier to and from the wheelchair.
The footplate assembly comprises of the adjustable tube and foot
plate. These support your feet.
The heel support strap or calf support strap
These two straps support your feet or legs in the best position.
These parts are illustrated on the following diagram.

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Backrest Armrest
Seat
Rear
Wheel
Front
Castor
Swingaway
Footrest
Support
Footplate
Manual
Brake
Handrim
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5. Folding Backrest
To fold the backrest of the wheelchair, stand behind
and simultaneously raise the levers situated at each
side of the backrest frame upright (Fig.30). With the
levers fully up, the backrest is free to fold at the hinge.
To raise the backrest, simply lift until it is upright and
check that the levers have automatically dropped
down into the locked position.
CAUTION - Ensure that the backrest locking
mechanism is located correctly before using your
wheelchair.
6. Detachable Armrests
The armrests can be removed for easier storage and sideways transfer from
the chair.
Their design also allows a tray (Optional extra) to be fitted.
To remove the armrests - rotate the armrest release lever (projecting outward
under the front of each armrest) upwards and at the same time lift the armrest
out of the sockets (Fig.31).
To replace the armrest - align the front and rear armrest tubes with their
respective sockets and press down on the front of the armrest until the
release lever locks firmly into place.
CAUTION - Ensure that the armrest lock mechanism is located correctly
before using your wheelchair.
Warning - Do not lift chair by armrests.
7. Rear wheels
Wheels
Figure 32
- 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 the qualified advisor.
Lever
30