Invacare Variance Plus manual

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A good user manual

The rules should oblige the seller to give the purchaser an operating instrucion of Invacare Variance Plus, along with an item. The lack of an instruction or false information given to customer shall constitute grounds to apply for a complaint because of nonconformity of goods with the contract. In accordance with the law, a customer can receive an instruction in non-paper form; lately graphic and electronic forms of the manuals, as well as instructional videos have been majorly used. A necessary precondition for this is the unmistakable, legible character of an instruction.

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The term originates from the Latin word „instructio”, which means organizing. Therefore, in an instruction of Invacare Variance Plus one could find a process description. An instruction's purpose is to teach, to ease the start-up and an item's use or performance of certain activities. An instruction is a compilation of information about an item/a service, it is a clue.

Unfortunately, only a few customers devote their time to read an instruction of Invacare Variance Plus. A good user manual introduces us to a number of additional functionalities of the purchased item, and also helps us to avoid the formation of most of the defects.

What should a perfect user manual contain?

First and foremost, an user manual of Invacare Variance Plus should contain:
- informations concerning technical data of Invacare Variance Plus
- name of the manufacturer and a year of construction of the Invacare Variance Plus item
- rules of operation, control and maintenance of the Invacare Variance Plus item
- safety signs and mark certificates which confirm compatibility with appropriate standards

Why don't we read the manuals?

Usually it results from the lack of time and certainty about functionalities of purchased items. Unfortunately, networking and start-up of Invacare Variance Plus alone are not enough. An instruction contains a number of clues concerning respective functionalities, safety rules, maintenance methods (what means should be used), eventual defects of Invacare Variance Plus, and methods of problem resolution. Eventually, when one still can't find the answer to his problems, he will be directed to the Invacare service. Lately animated manuals and instructional videos are quite popular among customers. These kinds of user manuals are effective; they assure that a customer will familiarize himself with the whole material, and won't skip complicated, technical information of Invacare Variance Plus.

Why one should read the manuals?

It is mostly in the manuals where we will find the details concerning construction and possibility of the Invacare Variance Plus item, and its use of respective accessory, as well as information concerning all the functions and facilities.

After a successful purchase of an item one should find a moment and get to know with every part of an instruction. Currently the manuals are carefully prearranged and translated, so they could be fully understood by its users. The manuals will serve as an informational aid.

Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Inv acare ® V ariance Plus User adjustment manual[...]

  • Page 2

    1 Introduction Thank-you for purchasing a wheelchair from Invacare. This model offers you all the advantages and characteristics of a product 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 [...]

  • Page 3

    1 Note The information set out in this manual may be modified without prior notice. This manual contents copyright information. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied or reproduced without prior written agreement from your local INV ACARE office, see back page for addresses. The wheelchair user As a wheelchair manufact[...]

  • Page 4

    2 3 Index 1. Safety and operating limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/10 1.1 Reaching for an object from a wheelchair . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.2 T ransferring sideways to other seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1.3 T ilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1.4 T ilting, kerbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

  • Page 5

    2 3 1 - Safety and operating limits Stability and equilibrium T o ensure that the wheelchair remains stable and is manipulated correctly , you must always maintain good equilibrium. Y our wheelchair has been designed to remain stable for normal everyday use. Nearly everything you do from the wheelchair will have an effect on the centre of gravity .[...]

  • Page 6

    4 5 1.1 - Reaching for an object from a wheelchair ( Figure 2 ) The limitations on reaching out from a wheelchair shown on the following diagrams have been produced using a representative sample of wheelchair users: 91 men and 36 women. Note the dif ference between maximum stretch and reaching out in normal sitting position. Only the arms should ex[...]

  • Page 7

    4 5 Leaning forwards Position the swivelling castors as far forward as possible ( Figure 5 ) and lock the manual brakes. Do not lean out beyond the armest. ( Figure 6 ) T o support yourself and lean over T o reach towards an object, you support yourself and lean over , it is important to use the swivelling castors as a tool for maintaining stabilit[...]

  • Page 8

    6 7 1.2 - T ransferring sideways to other seats ( Figure 9 )  This may be done without assistance provided that you are sufficiently mobile and have a strong enough torso.  Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the seat to which you wish to move with the swivelling castors pointing towards it. Lock the wheels. Move the weight of you[...]

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    6 7 Lean your body forwards while holding the two armrests and lifting yourself to standing position. Then move to the place where you wish to sit, taking your weight on your arms and hands. ( Figure 10 ) W ARNING Never stand up on the foot rests when you are getting in or out of the wheelchair . ( Figure 1 1 ) 1.3 - Tilting (balancing on the rear [...]

  • Page 10

    8 9 1.4 - Tilting, kerbs METHOD 1 - ( Figure 12 ) The helper should tilt the wheelchair until the swivelling castors have passed over the kerb. Move the wheelchair forwards and lower the swivelling castors onto the pavement. Push the wheelchair until the rear wheels mount and pass the kerb. METHOD 2 - ( Figure 13 ) The helper should stand on the pa[...]

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    8 9 METHOD 3 - ( Figure 14 ) Kerbs, steps, platforms. As a general rule, if you are using the wheelchair without assistance, do not try to negotiate obstacles more than 30 mm high, unless your wheelchair is fitted with anti-tip wheels which minimise the risk of tipping up backwards. 1.5 - Stairs We recommend that you take very great care when takin[...]

  • Page 12

    10 1 1 1.6 - Slopes ( operating limits ) Slopes Do not attempt to go up or down slopes greater than 9%. Beyond this limit the wheelchair might fall over if your turn or move sideways. ( Figure 16 ) 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 [...]

  • Page 13

    10 1 1 2 - Use your wheelchair 2.1 - Folding and unfolding the wheelchair T o unfold : ( Figure 20 ) 1. 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 swivelling castor from the ground) and press on the tube supporting the seat upholstery until it i[...]

  • Page 14

    12 13 2.2 - Propelling the wheelchair T h e w h e e l s o f y o u r w h e e l c h a i r a r e f i t t e d w i t h h a n d r i m s . T h e s e s h o u l d b e a d j u s t e d s o t h a t y o u c a n g e t a g o o d g r i p w i t h y o u r h a n d s . V a r i o u s a c c e s s o r i e s m a y b e f i t t e d t o i m p r o v e t h e g r i p ( p l a s [...]

  • Page 15

    12 13 Checks to be made 1. General the wheelchair unfolds and folds easily   the wheelchair moves in a straight line (no resistance or drag)   2. Manual brakes the manual brakes do not touch the tyres when moving   the manual brakes are easy to operate   the joints are not worn and do not show signs of play   3. Cross [...]

  • Page 16

    14 15 4 - T ransport T ransporting the wheelchair Systems for anchoring the wheelchair in automobiles W ARNING Invacare wheelchairs are capable of being transported in vehicles with or without the occupant. We recommend securing it with a 4 point restraint system - two at the front, two at the rear . Select suitable fixing points on the chassis of [...]

  • Page 17

    14 15 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 parti[...]

  • Page 18

    16 17 7. Introduction Y our wheelchair is part of an extensive product range. Each wheelchair is specifically adapted to your requirements, this handbook will explain all the possible adjustments for this product range. 7.1 General description Y our wheelchair comprises of several main items whose names will be used throughout this handbook. Please[...]

  • Page 19

    16 17 Backrest fabric Rear wheels Rear wheel axle Handrim Folding frame Manual brakes Front wheel ( casters ) Liftup footplates Swingin, swingout footrest Seat fabric Armrest Direction tube Arm support Backrest 8 Adjustments 8.1 Seat elements 8.1.1 Different types of backrests Fixed-height backrest : 40 or 51 cm (Photo 1) - Comprises of two tubes w[...]

  • Page 20

    18 19 Backrest folding at mid-height (Photos 2 and 3) - Comprises of two tubes with handles either straight or bent at 10° and upholstery in which tension cannot be adjusted. Folding enables one to reduce the height of the backrest for easier transport. This folding operation can be carried out by the wheelchair user . - Use : In order to fold the[...]

  • Page 21

    18 19 8.1.2 Different types of seat Standard seat (Photo 5) - Y our wheelchair is equiped with a standard seat with vinyl or nylon upholstery . - No adjustment on this seat. Check that fixation screw A is located correctly , preventing the user to be injured. T oilet seat (Photo 6) - U se : A qu a li f ie d me di ca l or p ar a me d i c p er s on n[...]

  • Page 22

    20 21 Be careful not to pinch your fingers when removing, replacing, swinging away or adjusting any armrest. Swingaway full length, removable armrest - The full length armrest is comprised of tube supporting front locking and long armpad. - No adjustment on this armrest. Swingaway , adjustable height, removable armrests (Photo 9) - Adjustable heigh[...]

  • Page 23

    20 21 Remember that in order to preserve the interchangeability of wheels on wheelchairs fitted with quick release wheels, both tyres must be inflated to the same pressure. Whenever a tyre is flat, it may be necessary to remove the tyre from its rim. (photo 10) Force the air out the the inner tube by pressing valve A. Stretch the outer case on the [...]

  • Page 24

    22 23 8.4 Forks and Front wheels - The front castors either have a diameter of 8’’ x 1.3/8’’ (200 mm x 32 mm) or 8 ‘’ x 2’’ (200 mm x 50 mm) or 6’’ x 1.3/8’’ (150 mm x 32 mm) can be fitted with pneumatic or solid tyres. - Adjustment : Only the pneumatic tyre may require pressure verification. The pressure is shown on the sid[...]

  • Page 25

    22 23 8.6 Footrests (Photos 14 and 15) - Use : The footrests have thepossibility to be swung to the exterior and to the interior of the chair . T o take off the footrests, you simply pull them upwards. T o replace the footrests gently place the tube A into the support B and aling the footrests with the frame so that they lock into place. W arning :[...]

  • Page 26

    24 25 There are 2 types of footplates, fixed or adjustable, for both the footplates can be lifted / swung up to help the ease of a frontal transfert. - Height adjustment : Loosen the knob C, slide the footplate up or down until you have the correct height, retighten knob C making shure that knob enters correctly one of the holes found in the suppor[...]

  • Page 27

    24 25 - Use : The hub brakes can be used to slow down the chair by using the handle A and can be locked by using the ratchet B. - Adjustment : Turn screw C to increase or decrease the braking force. 8.12 Rear anti tippers (Photo 26) The anti-tip castors are intented to keep you from tipping backwards. T ipping may result from an inapropriate positi[...]

  • Page 28

    26 27 advisor . For locking buckle, put A into B. T o open it press C. - Adjustment : Buckle security belt is adjustable using the strap and part D. W arning : Do not allows the belt to get caught in any of the wheels. 8.14 T rays Swing away tray (Photo 29) The tray can be fixed on the pads of armrest . This should be done by distributor . - Use : [...]

  • Page 29

    26 27 The back brace helps you to keep the backrest upholste- ry tight to offer the maximum back support to the user . Note : When the back brace is in place the chair cannot be folded. Use : T o detach the back brace, loosen knob A, lift up the back brace, gently pull it towards you and lower it below the push handles. T o attach the back brace pu[...]

  • Page 30

    28 29 9. T echnical data 9.1 Wheelchair data Max. user weight: 120 kg Seat width : 38 / 41 / 43 / 46 / 50 cm Seat depth : 44 cm Seat height : 48 cm Rear wheels : 610 mm (24") pneumatic or 315 mm MCP tyres Front wheels : 200 mm (8") x 25 mm, solid rubber Parking brake : Adjustable at tubular rod assembly Seat backrest : Rigid, folding and [...]

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    MB2-G-02 UK 04/04 INV A C ARE ® INTERN A TION AL Belgium & Lux embourg : Autobaan 14 B-8210 Loppem Danmark : Sdr . Ringvej 39 DK-2605 Brøndb y German y , Austria, Switz erland & East Europe : Kleiststr aße 49 D-32457 Por ta W estfalica Italy : Via dei Pini, 62 36016 Thiene (VI) España : c/Areny s/n P oligon Industrial de Celrà E-17460 [...]