Action³ User Guide V4 March 2005

Foreword The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some information is submitted under copyright – all rights reserved. Any information in this document cannot be photocopied or duplicated without prior written authorization by Invacare. As the European and world leader manufacturer of wheelchairs, Invacare endeavours to supply a wide range of wheelchairs to meet all the needs of the user in everyday life. However, final selection of the wheelchair rests solely with the user and his/her qualified health advisor. Proper and efficient 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 traffic 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 benefits and features to meet your needs. Only quality components were selected for your wheelchair based upon rigorous inspections during the entire manufacturing process. This manual describes the operating limits of your wheelchair, maintenance operations and adjustments that you or your assistant can make. However, all the repairs (except for inner tubes) as well as some adjustments, require specific technical training and, therefore, must be performed by your distributor. The I n v a c a r e Action³ 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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TABLE OF CONTENTS B. DESCRIPTION OF YOUR CHAIR

A. GENERAL GUIDELINES Page

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1. Safety and operating limits 1.1. Reaching an object from the chair 1.2. Transferring to other lateral seats 1.3. Tilting 1.4. Tilting, road-kerbs 1.5 Stairs 1.6 Slopes

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2. Operating instructions 2.1 Folding and Unfolding the wheelchair 2.2 Operating the Wheelchair

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3. Safety inspection and maintenance 3.1. Performance control 3.2. General inspection

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4. Transportation

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5. Warranty

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6. Summary

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1. General 1.1. Introduction 1.2. General description

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2. Adjustments 2.1. Seat elements 2.1.1 Seat upholstery 2.1.2 Backrest type 2.1.3 Backrest upholstery 2.1.4 Hangers & footplates 2.1.5 Armrests 2.2. Folding frame 2.2.1 Side frame 2.2.2 Folding mechanism 2.2.3 Steering tube 2.3. Rear wheel 2.3.1 24" & 22" wheels 2.3.2 Handrims 2.4. Castors 2.4.1 8" & 6" wheels 2.4.2 Front fork 2.5. Brakes 2.5.1 Manual brake 2.5.2 Hub brakes 2.6. Options & accessories 2.6.1 Seat options 2.6.2 Propulsion options 2.6.3 Safety options 2.6.4 Accessories

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3 Technical specification and equipment 3.1. Standard wheelchair specifications 3.2. Tools for adjustments and regular maintenance (Not supplied) 3.3 Dimensions

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A GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Safety and operating limits For a safe operation of your wheelchair, the following parameters 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 a fall. To improve your safety when you move a lot or you transfer your weight from one place to another, we recommend using seat belts. - Weight distribution (figure 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 wheelchair.

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- Weight Limit The maximum recommended weight of the user is 125kg. 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 life style. 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. (figure 2). - The body and head should remain within the boundaries of the seat. (figure 3).

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1.1.1 Leaning forward

1.1.2 Leaning backward

Do not extend your chest over the armrest (figure 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. An accurate alignment of the wheels is essential for your safety (figure 5).

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. In any case, do not lean backwards because you may cause the chair to tip (figures 6 and 7).

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1.2 Sideways transferring to other seats This may be done without assistance provided that you are sufficiently 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 (figure 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 sufficiently strong and mobile, you can transfer forward to another seat. Fold the footplate up and push the footrest/legrest to the side, bend your body forward leaning on the two armrests and lift yourself up; then shift your

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body towards the place where you want to sit while distributing your weight to the arms and hands (figure 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 in any case as support for transfers. - Never stand on the footrests when you are getting in or out of the wheelchair (figure 10).

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1.3 Tilting (balancing on the rear wheels)

1.4 Tilting, Kerbs

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 your knees during this operation). To tilt the wheelchair, the attendant must firmly grab the handles making sure both are properly fixed. 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 user 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 firmly holding the handles.

To get on the pavement : - Method 1 (figure 11) The attendant positions the wheelchair in front of the pavement facing forward. Attendant tilts the wheelchair backwards until the castors reach the pavement; 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 (figure 12) In this case, the attendant stays on the pavement 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.

! 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, even if it is several centimetres from the ground, as this may result in injury of the user.

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To get off the pavement : The attendant positions the wheelchair facing forward on the pavement and tilts it backwards until it is balanced, then he/she pushes the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels touch the road after getting over the obstacle; then, he / she gradually lowers the castors to the ground.

The wheelchair must not be lowered until the last step has been passed and the chair is clear of the stairs.

1.5 Stairways

- 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.

Because this is a difficult movement, we recommend using two attendants, one in front of the wheelchair and one behind the wheelchair. To climb stairways (figure 13) : After tilting the wheelchair to the point of equilibrium, one assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step grasping the handles firmly to lift.. The second assistant, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs, while holding firmly a fixed part of the frame, and holds it while the first assistant takes a step and repeats the operation.

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To descend stairways : Same operation as above, however, in reverse order.

! Warning :

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 (figure 14).

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Upward slopes (figure 15) :

2. Operating instructions

Lean the upper body forward and move the wheelchair forward with short quick pushes on the hand rims to maintain speed and direction control. If you want to rest, apply both brakes when stopping.

2.1 Unfolding and Folding the wheelchair 2.1.1 Unfolding the wheelchair (figure 18) :

Downward slopes (figure 16) : Lean backward cautiosly and let the hand rims slide in your hands. Be ready to react at any moment to control speed and direction.

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! Warning : - Avoid turning suddenly and never try to climb and descend a ramp diagonally (figure 17).

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- With one hand, grab the armrest or the seat support tube on one side of the wheelchair and slightly tilt it towards 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-2.1.4). You can now sit down in the wheelchair.

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2.1.2 Folding the chair (figures 19 and 20) :

2.2 Wheelchair propulsion

- 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.

Wheelchair propulsion is provided by the handrims mounted on the wheels. The handrims can be adjusted based upon your height to allow you to hold them properly, and various accessories can be added to improve the grip (antislip plastic coated, capstan spigot kit, etc.) Qualified medical and paramedical staff will be able to provide you with advice regarding the propulsion which is best adapted to your disability.

! Warning :

- Fold the wheelchair while keeping the seat upholstery upwards to avoid damage by the folding system.

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3. Safety inspection and maintenance

3.2 General inspection

3.1 Performance control

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. Regular maintenance allows the identification and replacement of defective and worn parts, which improves the daily operation of your wheelchair.

As the user, you will be the first to notice the possible operational defects of your wheelchair. The following table indicates the easiest troubleshooting symptoms to identify and the preliminary inspection that you can perform.

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In the event that the symptoms 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).

The wheelchair swerves to the right

The wheelchair swerves to the left

The wheelchair turns or moves slowly

The castors lift

Creaking and clinking

Play 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 adjustment on the fork angle

Make sure that the 2 castors come in contact with the ground at the same time

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 play. c. Folding system Check the folding system for worn or distorted parts. d. Skirtguard/armrest upholstery Make sure that all the fittings are properly tightened. e. Armrests Make sure that the armrests are firmly attached, but easy to remove.

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 broken. 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 fittings are well tightened. m. Pneumatic and solid tyres Check the pressure of the pneumatic tyres (value indicated on the side) check the wear of the solid tyre tread. n. Maintenance Do not use any product to clean parts except for the upholstery which can be washed with soap and water only. Make sure you dry the wheelchair if it is wet (e.g. after washing it or going out in the rain). Avoid riding on wet areas as well as gravel, grass, etc. (warning: sand and sea water particularly damage ball bearings).

When using the wheelchair inside, we recommend using solid tyre castors, especially when riding on carpet. Do not expose the wheelchair to a temperature higher than 40°C (e.g. in a vehicle). 4. Transportation Transport of wheelchairs in vehicles The Invacare® Action3 has been tested for safety in collisions according to ISO-7176-19:2001, Invacare® Action3 can be used for transport in vehicles that have been specially adapted for this purpose. The wheelchair must be securely fastened in the vehicle according to the methods described on the following pages. Remember that the best solution is always to move the user from the wheelchair into a normal car seat. 4.1 Test report from dynamic safety restraint test (ISO-7176-19) Test no : P500846A (fixed backrest) & P5000846B (recliner backrest), Customer : Invacare Rea AB, Date : 2005-01-21 Testing to be carried out Pulse specification : ISO-7176-19 Wheelchair Manufacturer : Invacare France Opération SAS Model : Action3 Weight : 14.5 kg (fixed) 16,5 kg (recliner) Configuration : Forward facing

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Safety restraint device Manufacturer : Unwin Safety Systems Model : 4 Pt WWR/ATF/K/R Attachment device : Unwin Low Profile Rail User safety belt : Manufacturer: Unwin Safety Systems Model : 3 Pt WWR/HD/ATF/K/R Test dummy : Hybrid III Weight : 76.5 kg

Test configuration

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Chassis : Height 46 cm Backrest : Fixed/Recliner Seat : sling type Armrest : Height adjustable Legrest : Sxing in/swing out Rear wheel : 24" pneumatic Castor : 8" x 1/4" solid Accessories : Heel strap Tested : 2005-01-21 The safety restraint devices used in this test must be approved according to ISO-10542. We have chosen to work with Unwin, a well-known quality manufacturer of safety restraint devices for wheelchairs. 4.2 Observations before transport of wheelchairs in vehicles • We recommend that wheelchair users should transfer to the seat of the vehicle and use the installed restraint system of the vehicle whenever feasible.

• The wheelchairs are tested in a basic configuration. The use in other configurations has not been tested. See user manual, section «Test report from dynamic safety restraint test», for test configuration. • Auxiliary wheelchair equipment is either secured to the wheelchair or removed from the wheelchair and secured in the vehicle during transit. (i.e. table trays). • Alterations or substitutions are not to be made to points of the wheelchair or to structural and frame parts without the written consent of Invacare® . • A wheelchair-anchored pelvic belt must be fitted across the wheelchair occupant in addition to the lap and diagonal and restraint (3-point belt). • Belt restraints are not to be held away from the body by wheelchair components or parts such as armrests, postural restraints, wheels, etc. (Picture 22) • The wheelchair must be securely fastened in the vehicle with an ISO 10542-2 approved 4-point belt system, according to the methods described in the manual. • The occupied wheelchair must be tied down in an forwardfacing configuration, with the parking brake applied. • The test dummy weight is 75 kg, according to ISO 7176-19, although the chairs are approved for users up to 125 kg. • The wheelchair backrest should be positioned as close as possible to 90 degrees. • If possible, a headrest should be used during transit, in order to reduce the risk of neck unjury. The headrest should be placed as high as possible. Please observe that even if these products and recommendations are provided in order to increase security and safety,

injury to vehicle occupants still might occur in the event of a collision or other accidents and no guarantee is given in this respect. Correct and Incorrect placements of belt (picture 21) 4.3 Restraint methods (picture 22)

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A. Frontal restraints with straps 1. Connect the frontal straps around the frontal part of the frame. 2. Release brakes and tension front straps by pulling the wheelchair backwards from the rear. 3. Re-apply wheelchair brakes. B. Rear restraints 1. Attach the snap hooks on the rear straps to the frame just above the rear wheel attachments. 2. Tighten the straps.

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C. Fastening of pelvic belt and safety belt 1. Check that the pelvic belt on the wheelchair is correctly fastened. 2. Fasten the 3-point safety belt over the user. If pelvic belt on the wheelchair is missing we recommend that the user should transfer to the seat of the vehicle, if possible. The safety belt should not be kept from the user’s body by the parts of the wheel chair. D. Pelvic belt 1. The pelvic belt is mounted on the backrest brackets (picture 23).

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5. Summary of warranty terms 5.1 Standard Invacare terms and conditions

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This is to certify that your manual wheelchair is warranted by Invacare for a period of 2 years for the frame and crossbars, all others parts one year, subject to the following conditions : - Only wheelchairs purchased at the displayed price recommended by Invacare are covered by the Invacare warranty. - If a defect or fault is discovered the supplier / dealer from whom the appliance was purchased should be notified immediately. - 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. - The Purchaser’s statutory rights under the Consumer Protection Act are not affected. 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 : 125 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 floor by reaching 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 in any case to slow down the wheelchair or as support during transfers. - Do not tilt the wheelchair (down kerbs or steps) without using an assistant. - Do not carry in the stairways or escalator, user sited in the wheelchair whith only one attendant; this may cause serious injury. - Do not use the wheelchair unless it has the proper tyre pressure as indicated on the side wall of the tyre. - Do not overinflate the tyres : this may cause the tyres to explode and cause bodily harm. - Do not expose the wheelchair to a temperature higher than 40°C. - To avoid injury, keep your fingers away from mobile parts (armrests, folding system, legrests/footrests), and maintain good posture before lifting the wheelchair.

1.2 General description (see photo)

B. DESCRIPTION OF YOUR WHEELCHAIR 1. PRESENTATION 1.1 Introduction Your wheelchair has been factory set before you purchased it. However, it must be specifically 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 Action3 wheelchair may be equipped with all of the components or options which are described in the following pages.

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 125 kg). 

! 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 !

The steering tube is the connection between frame and castors ; it allows the adjustment of the seat angle. 

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. They are mounted on the multiple adjustment wheel support brackets. 

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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 staionary.

2. Adjustments 2.1 Seat 2.1.1 Seat upholstery

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• Nylon upholstery seat with or without Velcro fastener : the Velcro fasteners are required for the proper positioning of the cushion (photo 1) ; please make sure that the cushion is properly positioned on the seat.

Armpad

Backrest upholstery

Armrest

Backrest

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Rear wheel

Rear wheel support

Swing away legrest

Rear wheel axle

- Standard seats

Adjustable footrest tube

• Padded seat : it provides comfortable support to the user.  Standard seats are not adjustable; in the event that they become slack, it is recommended to request your dealer to replace them.

! Always use upholstery equipped with Velcro fasteners when you have a cushion in order to prevent sliding.  Invacare provides a wide range of seat cushions adapted to your needs. Please contact your dealer.

Handrim Manual brake

Footplate Folding frame Steering tube

Front wheel

Swing away footrest

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- Rigid seats :

2.1.2 Type of backrests

• Comfort and toilet seats (photo 2) : they are removable allowing the folding of the wheelchair, simply lift the seat and put it away, then take hold of the 2 seat rails and pull them upwards. Repeat the operation in reverse order to unfold the wheelchair (see § 2.1.1).

- Fixed backrests :

 The upholstery and casing of the two seats will wear, please contact your dealer for possible replacement.

! Make sure that the seat is properly positioned on the 2

seat rails to provide safety and comfort for the user. Keep your fingers away from movable parts to prevent injuries during folding and unfolding !

• Fixed backrest of 0° and 7°; these two backrests do not require adjustments, they can be equipped with padded backrest or tension-adjustable backrest (optional, see § 2.1.3). The 7° version can be optionally equipped with height adjustable push handles which provide better comfort for the attendant. - Folding backrest (photo 3 and 4) 43 or 51 cm backrest height. • To save space during transport, operate lever (A) by pulling or pushing it and fold the top of the backrest. To return to the initial position, bring the top in 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 ! A

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- Reclining backrest 0° - 30° - 43 or 51 cm backrest height. Angle can be adjusted very easily which provides a comfortable rest position : Simultaneously pull the levers (A) to provides the same angle on both sides, release the levers when you reach the desired angle.(Photo 5) 

Mechanical version

There are 4 angles position by step of 10°.

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! It is recommended that this operation be performed only by the attendant. Always make sure that the backrest is locked in place to ensure perfect safety for the user. Keep away fingers from moving parts (levers, cylinders, mechanisms, etc.) to prevent injuries ! Avoid operating levers (A) (photo 6) during a sideways transfer, for example, in order to prevent destabilising the user’s position !

Note : Push on the backrest canes before operating the levers, this is to release the auto-locked security system.(Photo 5A).

To ensure safety for the user, when backrest is reclined, we recommend to use anti-tippers (available as an option).

Gas strut version (0° to 30° continuously (Photo 6).

 Maintenance of reclining backrest mechanism varies with use. Please contact your Dealer. Based upon the development of your disability, you can 3 choose an Action backrest that meets your needs. Please consult with your Dealer.

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Pneumatic jacks provides help to raised the user by the attendant, always operated with the user sited in the wheelchair.

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A 5

5A

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6A