Rev. 0
Rev. 0
page
26
page
7
5 ESCALATORS
DO NOT
use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
6 TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM OTHER SEATS
Warning
— BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the
wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce gap
distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are
transferring onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged
to help prevent wheels from moving.
Caution
— When transferring, position yourself as far back as
possible in the seat. This will prevent damaged upholstery and
the possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.
Note
— This activity may be performed independently
provided you have adequate mobility and upper body
strength.
1 Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side the seat to which you are transferring, with the
front casters pointing toward it. See Figure 6.1. Engage wheel locks. Shift body weight into seat with
transfer.
2 During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at
all possible.
7 PERCENTAGE OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Warning
— DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to
move forward in the seat or pick them up from the floor by
reaching down between your knees.
Many activities require the user to reach, bend and transfer
in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause
a change to the normal balance, the center of gravity, and
the weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine
and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending,
reaching and transferring activities in several combinations
in the presence of a qualified health professional BEFORE
attempting active use of the wheelchair. See Figure 7.1.
8 FUNCTIONAL REACH FROM WHEELCHAIR
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching,
leaning, bending forward, it is important to use the front
casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.
See Figure 8.1.
Figure 6.1
Transferring to and from other seats.
Figure 7.1
Centre of gravity location.
Figure 8.1
Forward reach in wheelchair.
Rigid-Articulating Side Guards
The optional rigid-articulating side guards allow for superior uplift and stability when in elevated
seat positions. These side guards can be placed in three seat depth locations depending on personal
preference. Additionally, when folding the backrest down, the articulating side guards will also collapse
allowing for a decreased chair size when available storage space is minimal.
The rigid-articulating side guards must be attached to the backrest pivot as shown in Figure 19.19. The
rear and lifting straps must also be firmly attached before use.
Gas Spring Assembly
The gas springs on Elevation are selected and positioned at the factory for the weight of the user and
allow for ease of seat height adjustment. By pushing lightly on the wheels and/or wheelchair frame,
the occupant can sit higher, and by pulling lightly down one can sit lower with minimal effort. The gas
spring release lever, actuators, and cables must be properly adjusted and maintained by the dealer for
comfortable and safe usage. The sealed, gas strut component does not have any serviceable parts; do not
attempt to service.
If you are experiencing problems with your chair’s gas spring assemblies, take it to a dealer for
maintenance. DO NOT attempt to service the gas spring assembly yourself. Gas springs must be replaced
by a dealer.
User Mass (Ages 12 and up)
Strut
65 – 89 lbs
29 – 40 kg
150 N
90 – 139 lbs
41 – 63 kg
200 N
140 – 199 lbs
64 – 90 kg
300 N
200 – 250 lbs
91 – 113 kg
400 N
Table 19.1
User mass & corresponding strut.