Invacare Rea Assist User manual

Rea®Assist
Manual
English

2REA® ASSIST
Product description 3
NB 4
Delivery check 5
Daily performance check 5
Intended use 5
Parts of the wheelchair 6
Lifting the wheelchair 6
Standard equipment 7
Upholstery and frame colours 7
Accessories 7-8
Technical data 8
Assembly 9-10
Adjustments 11-21
Seat 11
Legrests/Footrests 12
Footplates/Calf pads 12
Central legrest 13-14
Backrest 15-16
Armrests 16
Seat unit
Carer-operated chair 17
Electrically operated chair 18
Charging the battery 18
Balance and stability 19
Carer-operated brakes 20
Push bar/Push handles brace 20
Anti-tip devices 21
Accessories
Headrest/Neckrest 21-22
Abduction cushion 23
Trunk support 23-25
Transport 26-27
Transport of wheelchairs in vehicle 28
Observations 29
Restraint methods 30
Safety instructions/propelling techniques 31-32
Guarantee 33
Recycling 34
Contents

3
REA® ASSIST
Rea®Assist is a wheelchair with many adjustment options and accessories.To
ensure that you benefit as much as possible from Rea®Assist , and in order
to do its options justice, the chair must be tested and adjusted by competent
personnel. We hope that you have also received instructions for using your
Rea®Assist in everyday life.
This manual includes a description of the parts of the chair, simple adjustment
options, how to use the Rea Assist safely and how to transport it.The manual
must be read thoroughly before the chair is used.
Also included in this manual is a description of how all accessories are fitted
and slightly more advanced settings.
As the Rea®Assist has many different components and accessories, the
appearance of the accessories you have for your chair may differ from those
shown.
The Rea®Assist’s wheels, seat frame, push handles and certain other compo-
nents subjected to strain are made of steel. Legrests and backrest shafts are
made of high quality aluminium.
Castor suspension and the jointed parted of the frame are made of polyamide
reinforced with fibreglass. The armrests are made of ABS plastic and steel.
The seatplate is made of vacuum formed ABS-plastic ande the backrest plate
is made of wood and the upper part of plastic. Plastic details are marked for
recycling. Seat and backrest cushions are made of polyether, and the uphol-
stery is made of washable plush or elastic polyurethane cloth.
The Rea®Assist is a carer-operated wheelchair with an angle-adjustable seat
unit.The angle of the backrest unit can be adjusted independently of the seat.
The controls for the seat and backrest angle adjustment are included on the
push handles.The Rea®Assist is available in two seat widths.The seat width,
seat depth, backrest height, armrest height, legrest height and legrest width of
each chair can be adjusted.
The rear wheels are 16” with carer-operated brakes and the castors are 140-
200 mm.The wheels can be pneumatic or semi solid. Brake handles are fitted
on the push handles.
The seat and backrest cushions have been ergonomically designed for the user.
They are to provide as much stability and comfort as possible, as well as good
pressure distribution.
Product description
Rea®Assist

4REA® ASSIST
This symbol means warning.
Here below a number of points affecting your personal safety are shown. Read
it carefully!
Invacare®is only responsible for product changes carried out by personnel
who we authorise.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, screws and nuts are properly tightened
– that all brakes and anti-tip devices function correctly
• Never lift the wheelchair by the detachable armrests, 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 extensively 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 drive wheels are securely attached.
• Drive wheels are not to be detached while the user is sitting in the chair.
• There is a risk of tipping and injury if the velcro straps on the backrest
become too slack.Always check the tension.
• Surfaces of the wheelchair like frame parts or upholstery, with long time
sun shining on them, can reach temperature > 41 degrees C.
• There is always an increased risk of trapping parts of your body when tilting
the wheelchair’s back and seat.
• When mounting accessories etc. be careful not to trap your fingers.
• The width of the seat should never be adjusted so much so that the inside
of the armrests press against the side of the pelvis.
• We recommend that the chair should be fitted with castor adapters when
the seat is located in its most forward position
NB!

5
REA® ASSIST
Check that all components match the delivery note. 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 sett-
lement has been reached.
Delivery check
Daily performance check
Check that the following parts are still currently assembled on the wheel-
chair:
• Wheels
• Backrest
• Anti-tip device
• Push handles
• Footrests
The Rea®Assist is a manual wheelchair, intended for users who have a low
level of activity and who sit in the chair for long periods.The comprehensive
comfort and stability provided by the backrest and the option of seat unit
and backrest angle adjustment provide the user with relaxed and comfortable
rest.
• Regarding both operation and manual adjustment of the seat unit the Rea®
Assist is intended for operation by the carer. The user can operate the
electrical angle adjustment.The user must, however, be fully aware of the
effects of changes made to the seating position.
• The Rea®Assist is mainly intended for indoor use. 140 mm castors are
recommended. 140-200 mm castors are recommended for outdoor use
of the wheelchair.
• The Rea®Assist must be used with its seat and backrest cushions.
• The max. user weight is 125 kg
• The service life of the chair depends on its application, the user’s degree of
activity as well as care and maintenance.
Intended use

6REA® ASSIST
6
9
2
8
7
11
1
4
3
5
10
12
Parts of the wheelchair
1. Frame, lower section
2. Seat frame
3. Backrest
4. Push handles
5. Seat
6. Rear wheel
7. Brake handle
8. Castors
9. Step tube/Anti-tip device
10. Armrests
11. Legrests
12. Tools (behind the back rest cushion)
Always lift the wheelchair by gripping the frame at the
points shown in the diagram. Never lift the wheelchair
by the removable armrests or the foot-rests. Ensure
that the backrest and push handles are securely in
place. Also read the chapter Safety instructions/Pro-
pelling techniques.

7
REA® ASSIST
The Rea®Assist has a wide range of accessories and options. Some of the accessories may not be
available in certain countries.
Backrest type Backrest plate
Backrest tension adjustable
Backrest cushion Laguna (lateral support)
Mistral 2 (waist support)
Passad 2 (shoulder support)
Shoulder High 05
Vicair Multifunctional
Backrest cover Cover Thin, 04
Cover, Lateral 05
Seat Standard
Seat cushions Tromb (positioning support)
Bris (preventive)
Vicair Multifunctional
Seat and Carer operated
backrest angle Electrically operated by carer/user adjustment
Legrests Angle adjustable
Fixed 80 degrees
Legrest amputee
Central legrest
Footrests Fixed footplate
Angle-adjustable and depth-adjustable
Foot plate extender
Heel strap
Armrests Height adjustable armrest
Hemiplegic
Autolock armrest
Castors 140–200 mm, pneumatic or solid, wide or narrow
Seat width
Seat depth
Backrest height
Upholstery
Frame colours
Standard equipment
Grey plush,TR32
Grey dartex,TR23
Pearl Grey
Accessories
40-50 cm, 45-55 cm
42-52 cm
62,5+20 cm without seat cushion
Upholstery and frame colours

8REA® ASSIST
Rear wheels 16", pneumatic or solid
Brakes Hand operated assistance brake
Others Several types of hand rim
Reflectors Kit
Table Tray
Pump
Cane holder
Headrest
Headrest with cheek support
Neckrest
Push bar
Push handles braced
Pelvic Belt
Abduction cushion
Incontinence cover
Trunk support
Technical data – Rea®Assist
40-50, 45-55 cm 42-52 cm 47 cm 62,5+20 cm
(without seat cushion)
22-31 cm
32-44 cm
41-53 cm
0°- 20° 61-70 cm
66-75 cm
109 cm 101,5 cm
34 kg Max 125 kg Transport weight 25 kg Tie down point**
** Our wheelchairs comply with ISO norm 7176-19 and have been tested in a basic configuration. The use in other configurations has not
been tested. See section "Test report from dynamic safety restraint test", for test configuration.Wheelchair users should however transfer
to the vehicle seat and use the vehicle installed restraint system whenever it is feasible.
Crashtested
0°- 30°

REA® ASSIST 9
1.
2.
3a.
A
B
C
1. Backrest
The backrest is fitted onto the wheelchair by
feeding the shafts (A) of the backrest onto the
tubes of the chair (B). Ensure that you push
the backrest down as far as possible. Secure
into place by tightening the knobs (C).
Secure the backrest pad using the Velcro strips.
Now check that the backrest is secured
firmly in position!
Assembly
2. Armrests
The armrests are fitted onto the wheelchair by
pushing them down into their attachments on the
edge of the chair seat.
3. Legrests/footrests
The wheelchair can be equipped with either
legrests or footrests.
3a Legrests
Attach the legrests by pushing the tube at the upper
part of the legrests down into the tubes on the
wheelchair.You must angle the legrests outwards
when inserting them.
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.
Lock the legrests by turning them inwards. The
legrests are automatically locked so there is no
risk of them coming off the wheelchair.

REA® ASSIST
10
3b. 3b Footrests
Attach the footrests by pushing the tube at the
upper part of the footrests down into the tubes
on the wheelchair. You must angle the footrests
outwards when inserting them.
Lock the footrests by turning them inwards.The
footrests are automatically locked so there is no
risk of them coming off the wheelchair.

REA® ASSIST 11
1.
2.
10 cm
A
3.
B
Adjustments
SEAT
The seat depth of the chair can easily be adjusted
to provide good support. The width between the
armrests and the height of the armrests can also be
adjusted.
1. Depth adjustment
Loosen the catches of the legrests and swing
them outwards towards the sides. Then loosen
the two screws (A) using an Allen key. Note that
the screws must only be loosened a few turns,
not unscrewed completely. Lift up the seat cush-
ion slightly. Take hold of the front edge of the
seat frame and pull the frame and cushion to the
new position.Then retighten both screws (A).To
retain the stability of the chair when the cushion
is moved forwards by a large amount, extension
tubes are available as an accessory to the castors
2. Seat depth
To obtain a precise setting for the seat depth,
there is a cm scale on the frontal seatplate ena-
bling you to set the correct seat depth easily.You
also get a reminder that the risk of tipping for-
wards increases if you increase the seat depth.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key.
3. Seat width adjustment of the width
between the armrests.
Loosen the Allen screw (B), pull the armrest to
the right position and then re-tighten the screw.
Note that the screw is placed under the seat
on the front of the tube by the right-hand
armrest and on the back of the tube by the
left-hand armrest.
Smaller width for seat pad
When the seat width is small, i.e. when the arm-
rest attachments are push in, we recommend a
seat cushion that is smaller than the one supplied
as standard.
Tools: 5 mm Allen Key

REA® ASSIST
12
3.
2.
1.
1–2.
A
B
A
C
A
D
B
C
1. Angle-adjustable footplates
Adjust the angle and the depth by loosening the
screw (A) at the footplate attachment with a 5
mm Allen key. Adjust the footplate to the correct
position and retighten the screw.
Do not place anything on the footplate when
the screw is loose.
Other pin positions can be used if there is
a risk that the user could injure themselves,
just adjust the footplate to a more suitable
position,
Tools: 5 mm Allen key.
Tools: 5 mm Allen Key
Tools: 5 mm Allen Key
FOOTPLATES/CALF PADS
LEGRESTS/FOOTRESTS
It is important to adjust the legrests, footrests, foot-
plates and calf pads to obtain a good seating posi-
tion.
1. Legrests height adjustment
Adjust the height of the legrests by loosening the
screw (A) one turn with an Allen key. Pull the
legrest until you have obtained the correct height
and the screw is caught by one of the recesses on
the legrest tube.Then retighten screw.
2. Legrests angle adjustment
The angle of the legrest is adjusted using the hand-
wheel (B).
Loosen the handwheel approx.one turn. The angle
can be set in intervals from 80° to 0°.Retighten the
handwheel when the correct angle is obtained.
The distance between the lowest part of the foot-
rest and the ground must be at least 40 mm.
3. Footrests height adjustment
Adjust the height in the same way as the legrests
above.
NOTE! Don't touch the upper screw (C).
The distance between the lowest part of the
footrest and the ground must be at least
40 mm.
2. Calf pads
The calf pads can be fitted in four different depth
positions.Swing the pad forwards.Unscrew screw
(B) using an 5 mmAllen key. Remove the large nut
(C) on the reverse side and place it in the other
attachment hole. Move the calf pad to the new
position and secure it into place with the screw.
The height of the calf pads can easily be adjusted
using the handwheel (D).
Tools: 5 mm Allen Key

REA® ASSIST 13
A
B
C
1. Adjust to the appropriate leg angle using knob
(A).
When adjusting the angle of the central legrest,
loosen the adjustment knob with one hand and
hold the foot plate with the other hand to avoid
trapping yours or anyone else’s fingers etc.
When the seat is tilted forwards on a chair
with a long legrest length and low seat height,
there is a risk of the legrest hitting the floor
and causing damage.
2. You can adjust the height of the legrest in
the following two ways:
Alternative 1: Loosen the Allen screw (B) using
a 5 mm Allen key on the front of the telescopic
tube, place the legrest in the desired position and
secure it into place using the Allen screw.
Alternative 2: Loosen the Allen screw (C) by
the legrest attachment as shown in the diagram.
Adjust to the desired height and then retighten
the screw.
CENTRAL LEGREST

REA® ASSIST
14
E
D
3. Loosen the rear screw (D) on the side of the
tube and adjust the legrest to the desired angle.
Retighten the screw. Repeat this procedure to
adjust the angle of the other legrest.
4. Loosen the frontal screw (E) on the side of the
tube to adjust the depth of the legrest.Tighten the
screw when you have found the desired depth.
Repeat this procedure to adjust the depth of the
other legrest.
5. The angle of the legrests can be adjusted upwards
if required.

REA® ASSIST 15
1.
2.
3.
A
A
B
BACKREST
Backrest plate
1. You can easily adjust the backrest plate (+ 10 cm)
by loosening the two upper screws (A) with a
5-mm Allen key. Set at the required height and
re-tighten.
2. The upper section has two height levels and is
as well removable,( for lower backrest cushions).
Loose screws (B) with an 5-mm Allen key and raise
it to its heighest position.For removal,remove the
screws (B).Then put the neckrest attachment back
in place and re-tighten the screws (B).
Tension adjustable
3. For raising the height (+12,5cm), loose screw (A)
and lift the backrest frame up.
Tools: 5 mm Allen key.

REA® ASSIST
16
4.
A
1.
A
2.
B
4. For shaping the form, loose the Velcro straps,
tighten first where you would like to have a firm
support and follow with the others. Check that
the cover/cushion do not "lock" the straps by the
Velco attachment.
Please ensure that the velcro straps are not too
loose, as this will result in your back coming
into contact with backrest bow (A), and could
result in injury.
Backrest cushions
The three backrest cushions support waist,shoulders
or latheral , and all of them fits on the backrest plate
and the tension adjustable back.
Note that they should as well as the covers for ten-
sion adjustable back cover the upper part of the
backrest tube.
ARMRESTS
1. Armrest height
Adjust the height of the armrests by turning the
allen screw (A), setting the required height and
then re-tightening the knob.
2. Armrest depth
You can also adjust the depth of the armrest pad.
Loosen the knob (B), set the pad in the required
position and re-tighten the knob.

REA® ASSIST 17
1.
2.
A
A
The wheelchair is equipped with carer-operated
controls. You can adjust the angle of the backrest
forwards or backwards and tilt the whole seat unit
including the backrest. These two functions can
either be controlled manually or electrically. Be care-
ful when adjusting the angle of the backrest so that
you do not trap your or the user’s fingers between
the backrest and the armrest.
1. Tilt adjustment
Tilt of the seat unit (seat and backrest) by pulling
the left-hand lever (A) upwards and keeping it
there whilst you tilt the seat unit to the required
position. Release the lever (A).
2. Backrest, angle adjustment
Adjust the angle of the backrest by pulling the
right-hand lever (A) upwards and keeping it there
whilst you push the backrest away from you or
pull it towards you until you have obtained the
required position. Release the lever (A).
Seat unit
CARER-OPERATED ANGLE ADJUSTMENT

REA® ASSIST
18
1. BC
2. CB
3.
1. Tilt adjustment
Tilt the seat unit (seat and backrest) by using
the lower part of the control panel. Press (B) to
adjust the angle of the seat unit backwards or
press (C) to adjust the angle forwards.
The hand control should only be used by
authorised personell.
The risk of trapping fingers, etc, is greater in
electric adjustments than in user-operated
adjustments. Bear in mind, for example, that
a child may get hold of the controls and get
trapped, or trap the user.
ELECTRICALLY OPERATED CHAIR
3. Charging the battery
If your wheelchair has electrical angle adjustment
the battery needs to be charged. If the angle ad-
justment function has been used during the day, it
is a good idea to leave the charger on overnight.
Charge the battery by plugging the battery charg-
er supplied with the chair into a wall socket.Then
connect the charger cable to the output on the
side of the control box. It takes about 12 hours
to charge a battery that has been used 50% of its
capacity.
Work on the handset should only be carried
out by properly trained personell.
2. Backrest angle adjustment
Adjust the angle of the backrest by using the upper
part of the control panel. Press (B) to adjust the
angle of the backrest forwards or press (C) to
adjust the angle backwards.
The risk of trapping fingers, etc., is greater in
electric adjustments than in user-operated
adjustment. Bear in mind, for example, that a
child may get hold of the control box,press the
controls and get trapped, or trap the user
The hand control should only be used by
authorised personnel..

REA® ASSIST 19
A
C
B
A
1.
2.
3.
GEDE F
BALANCE AND STABILITY
Each attachment can be adjusted in three positions:
I = the chair becomes easy to propell, less stable
II = middle position
III = the chair becomes stable, less easy to propel
Do not touch this
screw!!
Tools: 5 mm Allen Key
10 mm Fixed spanner
Tools: 5 mm Allen Key
13 mm Spanner
Circlip pliers
Check the stability with the user in the chair when
the chair has been adjusted. Adjust the angle of the
seat and backrest backwards to their maximum set-
ting. Check the risk of tipping. Re-adjust the balance
of the chair and/or anti-tip devices to obtain a chair
that is stable in all situations.
Bymovingtheseatingsection(seatplusbackrest)either
backwards or forwards,in relation to the lower frame
(and also in relation to the rear wheel and castors)
you also alter the chairs manoeuvrability and stability.
If the seating section is located in the forward posi-
tion (III) the chair is more stable (in regard to tipping
backwards), though slightly less manoeuvrable. How-
ever, the chair also becomes somewhat more sus-
ceptible to tipping forwards. This can be countered
by fitting extended (forwards) castor mountings.
If the seating section is located in the rear position
(I) the chair becomes more manoeuvrable, though
somewhat less stable (in regard to tipping backwards).
This can be countered by lowering the anti-tip de-
vice, with which the chair is fitted. Subsequently, you
have a wheelchair that is both manoeuvrable and safe.
If you want to alter the balance of the wheelchair
it is necessary to adjust the upper fittings (A), and
the lower(picture 2)The upper two are used to
move the chairs seating section forwards and back-
wards and the lower enable you to move the fit-
ting for the chairs angle adjustment mechanism.
It is important that all four fittings are adjusted and
secured in the same relative positions (table 3).
1. Adjust the upper attachment.
Take away the seatcushion, seat plate and legrests.
Put the chair on it's backrest.Adjust each of the
fittings in this way: Slacken the screw (B) on the
upper side of the fitting by a couple of turns, but
do not unscrew it completely. Unscrew screw (C)
and turn the fitting until the correct position (I, II
or III) is aligned with the screw hole in the frame
and then re-tighten screw (C). Then, re-tighten
screw (B).
2. Adjust the lower attachment.
Put the gas piston in poistion.To get right poisition
look in table (3). Put the distance (D) between
the gas piston and the attachment.Asselmble the
screw (F) and the washers (E).Tighten the nut (G).
NB – There is a greater risk of forward tip-
ping when the seat is extended to the front.

REA® ASSIST
20
A
1.
2.
3.
A
19 cm
1. Brake when the wheelchair is moving: squeeze
both brake handles upwards and the brake will
be applied.
2. Lock the brakes: squeeze the handle upwards and
move the lock catch (A) upwards. Then release
the handle.
3. Release the brakes: squeeze the handle upwards
and the lock catch will release automatically.
Incorrect setting or use of the brakes will
reduce the braking effect.
CARER-OPERATED BRAKES
Loosen the knobs (A). The height of the push-
handles braced/pushbar can be adjusted simply
by pulling the handles upwards or pushing them
downwards. Adjust it to the height that you require
and tighten it.
It is important that you do not mix up the
upper and lower knobs on the back of the
backrest. The lower knobs lock the backrest
to the chair, and if these are loosened by mis-
take, the safety of the chair may be jeopard-
ised!
The pushhandles braced/pushbar must not be
pulled up so that it protrudes more than 19
cm over the top edge of the attacthment.
Do not trap your fingers between the push
handles brace and the neckrest attachment. (If
you have tension adjustable.)
Do not touch these knobs!
PUSH HANDLES BRACED/PUSHBAR