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12 COMPONENTS & OPTIONS WARNINGS
Postural Support Device or Lap Belts
Warning
— The lap belt, which is required equipment, is intended for use
ONLY
as a positioning aid for
simple positioning needs, such as posterior pelvic tilt.
This belt will not be sufficient for persons with more involved positioning needs. Only your health care
advisor can determine the proper positioning products for your situation. If used improperly, lap belts
can cause severe injury or even death. If your health care advisor has instructed you to use lap belts, make
sure they instruct you on the proper usage of such belts, and such professional should supervise your use
of such belts to ensure you can use them safely.
1 Belts must fit snugly in order to work properly. However, they must not be so snug they interfere with
your breathing. Your health care advisor should be able to slide his or her open hand flat between the
belt and your body.
2 Make sure you do not slide down in your chair while wearing a belt. If this should happen, you may
suffer chest compression or be suffocated due to pressure from the belt.
3 Do not use a positioning or seat belt unless you are capable of removing the belts easily in an
emergency. If you cannot do this, consult with your health care advisor for other options to help with
your posture.
4 There are devices that help to keep you from sliding down in the seat of your wheelchair, such as a
pelvic wedge. Consult with your health care advisor to find out if you need to use such a device in
conjunction with lap belts to mitigate the risks described above.
5
NEVER
use lap belts as a motor vehicle restraint. These types of belts are NOT intended to protect the
wheelchair rider from the forces involved in a vehicle accident, and they may, in fact, cause you to be
injured. PDG requires wheelchair users to ALWAYS transfer to appropriate motor vehicle seating when
traveling in a motor vehicle.
Note to Attendants/Assistants
— NEVER use postural support (lap belt) as a patient restraint (a restraint
requires a doctor’s order) or on a wheelchair user who is comatose or agitated.
Anti-Tip Tubes (Optional)
Anti-tip tubes can help keep your chair from tipping over backward in most normal conditions. See Figure
19.16 for anti-tip tubes adjustability.
1 PDG recommends use of anti-tip tubes:
a UNLESS you are a skilled rider of this chair and are sure you are not at risk to tip over.
b Each time you modify or adjust your chair. The change may make it easier to tip backward. Use
anti-tip tubes until you adapt to the change, and are sure you are not at risk to tip over.
2 When locked in place (in the “down” position) anti-tip tubes should be BETWEEN 1 1/2 to 2 inches off
the ground.
a If set too HIGH, they may not prevent a tip-over.
b If set too LOW, they may “hang up” on obstacles you can expect in normal use. If this occurs, you
may fall or your chair may tip over.
3 Keep Anti-Tip Tubes Locked In Place UNLESS:
a You have an attendant; or
Backrest Height
The backrest height is adjusted after removing the upholstery.
To adjust back height
1 Remove the back upholstery.
2 Using a 3mm Allen key, loosen the socket head cap screws on the
clamp.
3 Position the backrest tubes to the desired height and ensure they
are at equal distance on each side for maximum comfort and
safety.
4 Re-tighten the screws.
Warning
— Never attempt to adjust the backrest with the wheelchair occupied.
Footrest Height
The height of the footrest is adjustable and should be adjusted to
suit the occupant’s needs. PDG recommends that the footrest be a
minimum 2” off the ground. (See Figure 19.14) Prior to adjusting the
footrest, seat cushion selection and positioning, as well as backrest
selection and adjustments must be made.
To adjust footrest height
1 Using a 3mm Allen key loosen the socket head cap screws on the
clamp. (See Figure 19.15)
2 Position the footrest to the desired height and ensure it is level to
the ground.
3 Re-tighten the bolts.
Warning
— Never attempt to adjust the footrest with the wheelchair
occupied.
Anti-Tip Tubes (Optional)
Your Elevation may be purchased with anti-tip tubes designed to
prevent the chair from tipping over backward in most normal
conditions.
To install the anti-tip tubes:
1 Press and hold the release button on the anti-tip tube.
(See Figure 19.16)
2 Insert the anti-tip into the receiver.
3 Rotate the anti-tip until it locks into place in the downward
position (the release button should remain outside the receiver).
4 Press the height adjust button and adjust the extension tube until
the anti-tip wheels are between 1 ½” to 2” off the ground.
Backrest
Backrest Tube
Backrest Clamp
3mm Allen key
Figure 19.13
Backrest height adjustment.
2” (50.8mm)
Minimum
Figure 19.14
Minimum footrest height.
Lower Frame
Calf Strap
Footrest Clamp
3mm Allen key
Footrest
Figure 19.15
Footrest height adjustment.
Receiver
Release
Button
Extension Tube
Height
Adjustment
Buttons
Figure 19.16
Height adjustable anti-tip tubes
in the downward position.
