□ With transport package □ Without transport package Supplier: This manual must be given to the rider of this wheelchair Rider: Before using this wheelchair read this entire manual and save for future reference Gizmo Folding Tilt By Freedom Designs, Inc. OPERATING MANUAL FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC. 2241 Madera Rd., Simi Valley, CA 93065 (800)331-8551 (805) 582-0077 FAX (888) 582-1509 www.freedomdesign.
Warning! DO NOT OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST READING AND UNDERSTANDING THIS MANUAL. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS, CONTACT A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT—OTHERWISE INJURY OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT. THE INITIAL SET UP OF THIS WHEELCHAIR MUST BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN. PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL MUST BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Freedom Designs, Inc. Gizmo wheelchair. The Gizmo combines state-of-the-art technology with durability and functionality to meet all of your changing needs. This Operating Manual will provide you with a detailed guide for proper assembly as well as instructions on the care of your new Gizmo wheelchair. Please follow the instructions carefully, paying special attention to the Safety Precaution section.
Table of Contents Page # Introduction Table of Contents General Warnings Weight Limit Every Wheelchair is Different Reduction of Risk of an Accident Safety Checklist Adjustments Environmental Conditions Terrain Street Use Motor Vehicle Safety Transport Option Assistance Warnings: Falls & Tip-Overs Center of Balance Dressing or Changing Clothes Wheelies Obstacles Reaching or Leaning Moving Backward Ramps, Slopes & Side Hills Transfer Curbs and Steps Stairs and Escalators Warnings: For Safe Use Transport Use
Page # Quick Release Axles Rear Wheels Rear Wheel Locks Modified Seating Systems Upholstery Fabric Initial Inspection Checklist Specifications Features Unfolding the Gizmo Folding the Gizmo Main Frame 1. Latch Style Swing Away Hangers 2. Pop-up Hangers 3. Flip-up Individual Footplates 4. Angle Adjustable Footboard 5. Quick Release Axles 6. Flip Back & “T”- Armrests 7. Casters 8. Push to Lock Wheel Lock 9. Wheel Lock Options 10. Hub Lock 11. Folding Back 12. Tilt Operation Gizmo Adjustments 1. Backposts 2.
General Warnings Warnings & Caution statements included in this manual describe conditions and unsafe practices which might result in bodily injury or property damage. Read this entire manual before assembly or operation of this wheelchair. If you do not understand any of the instructions in this manual, call your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer. Note: Where they apply, you will also find “Warnings” in other sections of this manual. Heed all warnings in this section.
Adjustments 1. If you modify or adjust this chair, it may increases the risk of a tip-over UNLESS you make other changes as well. 2. Before any adjustments or modifications are made to your chair, consult your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer. 3. Do not remove the anti-tippers at any time. Removal may cause the chair to tip over. 4. Unauthorized modifications or use of parts not supplied or approved by Freedom Designs, Inc. may damage the chair structure.
Motor Vehicle Safety As identified on the front cover of this user manual, identify whether your chair has been manufactured with the Transport Option installed. W A R N I N G ! If your chair is not equipped with the Transport Option: Gizmo wheelchairs do not meet federal standards for motor vehicle seating. 1. NEVER let anyone sit in this chair while in a moving vehicle. a. ALWAYS move the rider to an approved vehicle seat. b. ALWAYS secure the rider with proper motor vehicle restraints 2.
WARNING: FALLS & TIP-OVERS W A R N I N G ! Center of Balance The point where this chair will tip forward, back or to the side depends on its center of balance and stability. How your chair is setup, the options you select and the changes you make affect the risk of fall or tip-over. 1. The Most Important Adjustments Are: a. The position of the rear wheels. The more you move the rear wheels forward, the more likely your chair will tip over backward. 2. The Center of Balance is Also Affected By: a.
W A R N I N G ! Obstacles Obstacles and road hazards (such as potholes and broken pavement), can damage your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over or loss of control. To avoid these risks: 1. Keep a lookout for danger—scan the area well ahead of your chair as you ride. 2. Make sure the floor area where you live and work are level and free of obstacles. 3. Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms. 4. Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop off at the bottom of the ramp. 5.
If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others. Moving Backward Use extra care when you move backward. Your chair is not stable when you propel yourself rearward. You may lose control or tip over if one of the rear wheels hits and object and stops rolling. 1. Propel your chair slowly and smoothly. 2. If your chair has anti-tip tubes, make sure to lock them in place. 3.
W A R N I N G ! Transfer It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be aware that there is a point during transfer when the wheelchair seat is not below you. To Avoid a Fall: 1. Work with your health care advisor to learn safe methods. a. Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a transfer. b. Have someone help you until you know how to do a safe transfer on your own. 2. Lock rear wheels before you transfer.
Stairs and Escalators 1. NEVER use this chair on stairs UNLESS you have someone to help you. Doing so is likely to cause a fall or tip-over. 2. Persons who help you should read and follow the warnings “For Attendants”, (page 6) and the “For Safe Use”, (pages 11—13). 3. NEVER use this chair on an escalator, even with an attendant. If you do, a fall or tip-over is likely.
W A R N I N G ! Descending a Curb or Single Step Follow these steps to help a rider descend a curb or single step going down BACKWARD: 1. Stay at the rear of the chair. 2. Several feet before you reach the edge of the curb or step, turn the chair around and pull it backward. 3. While looking over your shoulder, carefully step back until you are off the curb or stair and standing on the lower level. 4. Pull the chair toward you until the rear wheels reach the edge of the curb or step.
Maintenance 1. Inspect and maintain this chair strictly per chart on page 41. 2. If you detect a problem, make sure to service or repair the chair before use. 3. At least once a year, have a complete inspection, safety check and service of your chair made by an authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer. If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
Armrests Armrests detach and will not bear weight of this chair. 1. NEVER lift this chair by the armrests. They may come loose or break. 2. Lift this chair only by non-detachable parts of the frame. If you fail to heed these warnings, damage to your chair, a fall, tip-over or loss of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others. W A R N I N G ! Cushions & Sling Seats 1. Freedom Designs, Inc. sling seats and standard foam cushions are not designed for the relief of pressure. 2.
W A R N I N G ! Positioning Belts Use of positioning belts ONLY to help support the rider’s posture. Improper use of these belts may cause severe injury to or death of the rider. 1. Make sure the rider does not slide down in the wheelchair seat. If this occurs, the rider may suffer chest compression or suffocate due to pressure from the belts. 2. The belts must be snug, but must not be so tight that they interfere with breathing. You should be able to slide your 2 fingers between the belt and the rider. 3.
Rear Wheels A change in setup of the rear wheels will affect the center of balance of your chair. 1. The farther you move the rear axles FORWARD, the more likely it is that your chair will tip over backward. 2. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find the best rear axle setup for your chair. 3. Adjust the rear wheel locks after you make any change to the rear axles. a. If you fail to do so, the locks may not work. b. Make sure lock arms embed in tires at least 1/4” when locked.
Initial Inspection Checklist The Gizmo is shipped in the following fashion: 1. The main tires, with footplates (Refer to manual). frame with backposts, casters, quick release axles, armrests*, or footboard and anti-tip tubes. the Unfold instructions in this 2. Solid Seat & Back Insert**. 3. Optional armrests would be attached to the backposts or solid seat insert. *Armrest might be optional, dependent upon frame. **Solid Seat & Back Insert are optional. When Unpacking: 1.
Gizmo Specifications Standard or Reverse Frame Configuration: 19” - 27”* Overall Width Overall Depth (not including anti-tip tubes) 35”* Overall Height (with backpost folded, not including tires) (not including wheels) 9” 13” 28” Frame Length—Regular Short 19”, Med 22”, Tall 25” Backpost Height Seat Width 10” - 18” Seat Depth 4” - 22” Frame Weight 20 lbs (not including wheels & hangers) Latch Style Swing Away—75º & 90º Pop Up Removable—75º & 90º Front Rigging Swing Away/Flip-up/Removable
Gizmo Features 1 22 10 9 11 8 12 13 14 15 2 3 4 5 6 7 21 16 17 18 19 1. Headrest (optional) 12. Backpost Adjustment Plate 2. Wheel Lock 13. Backpost Release Trigger 3. Caster Fork 14. 12” Mag Wheel 4. Caster Wheel 15. Anti-tip Tubes 5. Flip-up Footplates 16. Folding Crossbraces 6. Height Adjustable Hanger Clamp 17. Lifting / Folding Strap 7. Swing Away Hanger (pop-up or latch style) 18. Rear Axle Plate 8. Solid Seat (optional) 19. Axle Height Adjustment Plate 9.
Unfolding the Gizmo For ease of transporting and lifting, the Gizmo can be easily unfolded and folded. Always engage the wheel locks by pushing forward or pulling back on the levers before unfolding the chair. (see pages 32-33). 1. Unfolding is accomplished by applying even downward pressure on the cross braces. The cross braces will lock into place. Note: The cross braces need to be opened to their maximum point where the stops rest in the notches of the cross brace and lock into place. 2.
Gizmo Unfolding the Continued………… 4. Attach Swing Away Hangers (See pages 25-28) Note: The Gizmo can be folded and unfolded while the footrest hangers are attached. (See pages 27-28). 5. Flip down the footplates or attach the footboard and place in the “down” position. (See pages 27-31) 6. Turn both anti-tip tubes to the rearward position.
Folding the Gizmo Always engage the wheel locks by pushing forward or pulling back on the levers before unfolding the Gizmo . (see page 32). 1. Flip the individual footplates or remove the footboard. (See pages 27-29). Note: The Gizmo can be folded and unfolded while the footrest hangers are attached. See pages 27-28. 2. Remove the swing away hangers. (See pages 25-26) 3. Flip back the armrests to the upright position.
Folding the Gizmo continued………... 4. Pull up on the trigger mechanism for the backposts and push the backposts to the flat position over the seat rails. 5. Rotate the anti-tip tubes inward as shown until they “click” into place. 5. Pull up on nylon cross brace strap. Note: Use the provided nylon strap to fold the chair. Be careful not to place your fingers between the folding crossbrace.
Folding the Gizmo continued………... 6. Disengage wheel lock, push the quick release axle button and pull wheel off of the frame. Freedom Designs, Inc.
Main Frame Latch Style Swing Away Hangers The Gizmo frames ship standard with swing-away hangers in 75° or 90° 1. To swing away the hanger, place your hand on the hanger release lever. 2. Pull back on the lever towards the chair. This will enable the hanger to swing away for ease of transfer. 3. To remove the hanger, lift the hanger upward until the pivot saddle is out of it’s receiver on the frame. 4. To attach the hanger, insert the pivot bushing into the frame receiver tube, at an angle as shown.
Main Frame continued….. Pop-Up Removable Hangers The Gizmo frames my be shipped with optional pop-up hangers in 75° or 90°. 75° Hanger 90° Hanger 1. To remove the hanger, place your hand on the hanger release lever. 2. Pull back on the lever towards the chair. This will enable the hanger to pop-up and swing away for ease of transfer. 3. To remove the hanger, lift the hanger upward until the pivot saddle is out of it’s receiver on the frame. 4.
Main Frame continued….. Flip-up Individual Footplates The Gizmo is shipped with individual flip-up footplates attached or a solid footboard unattached. Adjustment of the individual flip-up footplates are as follows: 1. The individual footplates easily flip by lifting underneath the footplate to flip up or push down on the footplate to flip down. 2. To adjust the height of the footplate : Remove the hex head screws on the side of the hanger. Seat the footplate at the desired height.
Main Frame continued….. Flip-up Individual Aluminum Footplates with Angle Adjustment Angle Adjustable Footboard 1. To attach the footboard to the frame, place the footboard clamps on the frame. Set the clamps at the desired height. Insert the receiver into the clamps and tighten the 2 hex head screws on each side. Freedom Designs, Inc.
Main Frame continued….. Angle Adjustable Footboard……. 2. To remove the footboard for transfer, unscrew the knob assemblies underneath the receivers. Lift the footboard upward, out of the receivers. 3. To attach the footboard after transfer, align the footboard fittings into the receivers. Turn the knobs on each side to tighten. 4. To change the angle of the footboard, use an allen wrench and loosen the flat head screws on the top of the footboard.
Main Frame continued….. Angle Adjustable Footboard……. 5. To change the height of the footboard on the frame, loosen the 2 hex head screws on the footboard frame clamps. Set the desired height and tighten. The lowest point of the footrest plate should be at least 2 1/2” from the ground to ensure the proper clearance. Warning: In all footplate and hanger adjustments, be sure that all screws are tightened securely for your safety.
Main Frame continued….. Flip Back Arm The Gizmo is shipped with flip back armrest as standard equipment. The flip back armrests are non removable and are available in either locking or non locking. Locking Flip Back Arm To flip the arm back, push the trigger mechanism forward as shown and lift arm upward. Optional “T” Arm To remove the “T” arm, push lever toward the center post and lift arm out of receiver socket.
Main Frame continued….. Casters The Gizmo comes shipped with either 3” polyurethane casters with a 3” caster fork or 5”, 6”, 7” pneumatic casters with 6” caster fork. Push or Pull to Lock Wheel Locks The Gizmo comes standard with push to lock or pull to lock wheel locks. To lock wheels in place: 1. Grasp the lever of the wheel lock with your hand. 2. Pull or push the lever back or forward to release the wheel lock. CAUTION Always set the wheel locks when entering or leaving the wheelchair.
Main Frame continued….. Wheel lock Options The Gizmo also offers wheel lock options of: rear mount pull to lock, rear mount push to lock, wheel lock extensions and hub locks. Hub Lock* 1. To lock the wheels, push the Hub Lock lever (as shown). This will lock the wheels in place. 2. To unlock the wheel, pull the Hub Lock lever. This will unlock the wheels and allow them to roll. *Patent Pending unlock Folding Back lock The Gizmo come standard with a folding back. 1.
Main Frame continued….. Tilt 1. To activate the tilt on the Gizmo, squeeze both tilt handles at the same time. 2. When the angle of tilt is in the desired position, release the handles. The tilt will lock into place. 3. To bring the Gizmo seat and back frame toward the upright position (out of tilt), squeeze the tilt handles and hold as you rotate the seat and back frame forward. 4. Release the handles when the forward tilt position has been achieved. Freedom Designs, Inc.
Gizmo Adjustments Backpost Adjustment The angle and depth of the backposts may be adjusted by repositioning the backpost pivot plate in the pre-drilled holes on the frame. Flip Arm / Locking Arm To adjust height of armrests, loosen and remove the bolts and nuts holding the arm to the backpost tube. Align holes in arm with holes in backpost tube at desired height. Reassemble with bolts and nuts. “T” Arm To adjust the height of the “T” arm, rotate lever outward.
Gizmo Adjustments continued……….. Caster Fork Adjustment Interchanging casters can easily be done with dual hole caster forks. Currently, 3”, 5” , 6” and 7” casters are available for use. A smaller fork is used with the 3” caster only. To adjust, loosen the bolt and remove the caster. Change the caster and/or position the caster upward or downward in pre-drilled holes on the caster fork. Replace the bolt and tighten securely. To change the angle of the caster, consult your healthcare dealer.
Gizmo Adjustments continued……….. Rear Axle Adjustment The position of the rear axle is the most critical adjustment on the Gizmo wheelchair. The center of gravity and the seat height position are all determined by the axle adjustment. Warning: Your healthcare professional should assist you in adjusting the axle position. Position of the axle will be based on your abilities and limitations. 1. Center of gravity adjustment may be accomplished by moving the rear axle plate forward or backward on the frame. 2.
Reverse Configuration The Gizmo frame can be ordered from the factory in standard configuration with the large wheels mounted at the back or in reverse configuration with the large wheels in front. Through adjustment holes on the frame and axle plates, the wheels and casters can be easily adjusted. Reverse Configuration Kit The Gizmo has an optional Reverse Configuration Kit which includes caster mount plates, anti-tip assemblies with clamps and all necessary hardware.
Cleaning It is important, for optimum performance, to clean and maintain your Gizmo. We recommend that the frame finish be cleaned with mild soap and water. Maintenance 1. In order to operate the Gizmo properly and safely, routine maintenance will extend the life and efficiency of your wheelchair. Safety Inspection Checklist Follow these maintenance procedures for the optimum performance of your Gizmo wheelchair. 1. Check to see that the wheelchair rolls straight. 2.
Troubleshooting All Gizmo wheelchairs leave the factory inspected and adjusted for immediate use, (aside from the unfolding procedure). This troubleshooting chart offers some suggestions regarding the use of your wheelchair. Some areas may require more investigation to find the most suitable solution for a specific problem. A complete inspection, safety check and servicing should be made by an authorized dealer at least once a year.
Summary Congratulations on your Gizmo purchase. Following is a brief summary to refer to if you have any questions. Remember: the entire Operating Manual should be read before your new chair is used. For any questions, please call your authorized Freedom Designs, Inc. dealer or Freedom Designs, Inc. customer service at 1-800-331-8551. (Always lock the push to lock/pull to lock wheel locks before adjusting the wheelchair). Unfolding the Gizmo: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Freedom Designs, Inc. Limited Warranty PLEASE NOTE: THE WARRANTY BELOW HAS BEEN DRAFTED TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW APPLICABLE TO PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AFTER JULY 4, 1975. THIS WARRANTY IS EXTENDED ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER/USER WHO PURCHASES THIS PRODUCT WHEN NEW AND UNUSED DIRECTLY FROM FREEDOM DESIGNS OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR. THIS WARRANTY GIVES SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
