Percentage Of Weight Distribution - Invacare Compass XE Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

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.
The seat height, seat depth, back angle, seating system, size/position of the rear
wheels, size/position of the front casters, as well as the user condition directly relate
to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combination of the nine
may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments MUST be
performed by a qualified technician.
RECLINERS ONLY: Before using ANY recline position of this wheelchair, make
sure the rear wheels are in the MOST REARWARD position in the Extended Multi-
Position axle plate to maintain the stability of the wheelchair. DO NOT change the
handling/maneuverability of the wheelchair by moving the rear wheels to ANY of
the forward positions. Moving the rear wheels to ANY of the forward positions
WILL change the center of gravity of the wheelchair, making the wheelchair less
stable.
RECLINERS ONLY: NEVER use the rear two recliner bracket mounting holes when
using the recliner option. Using the rear two recliner bracket mounting holes WILL
make the wheelchair less stable, possibly causing injury.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.1.
Many activities require the wheelchair
owner to reach, bend and transfer in and
CENTER OF
out of the wheelchair. These movements
GRAVITY
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
UNOCCUPIED OCCUPIED
health professional before attempting
active use of the wheelchair.
FIGURE 2.1 Percentage of Weight
Distribution
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.
Adjusting the Wheelbase for Stability
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.2 on page 23.
Lengthening the Wheelbase ‐ will increase stability and maintain standard
maneuverability of the wheelchair.
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Compass™XE and Allegro® Part No 1127114