Sunrise Medical Introduces Folding Option to Popular Pediatric Wheelchair

FRESNO, Calif. (May 24, 2016)—Today, Sunrise Medical announced the Zippie IRIS (Intelligent-Rotation-in-Space) wheelchair is now available with a folding option providing compact portability. With its pediatric-specific design, the Zippie IRIS offers a superior combination of positioning, maneuverability and now with the patented XLOCK folding crossbrace, folds into a compact size for convenient transport.

The Zippie IRIS, available with 40- or 55-degree rotation ranges, offers the greatest tilt range of any pediatric rotation-in-space wheelchair. The patented IRIS technology rocker arm design creates a smooth, easy-to-control tilting motion that keeps the child comfortable, secure and properly positioned, and allows for the shortest possible wheelbase.

Christy Clover, Sunrise Medical Associate Product Manager, Pediatrics, said the addition of a folding crossbrace is a significant design breakthrough for the Zippie IRIS.

“Now, with the addition of XLOCK, parents and caregivers who previously had to choose between rotation-in-space technology and the convenience and portability of a folding crossbrace can experience the benefits of both worlds,” said Clover.

In addition to providing the greatest range of tilt available, the Zippie IRIS features a compact wheelbase for easy caregiver maneuverability, a foot release tilt actuator for hands-free tilting without exposed cables, and an angle-adjustable stroller handle to fit varying caregiver heights and enable pushing from a tilted position. The available MONO Backrest System provides limitless seating and position capabilities, and with up to four inches of built-in depth growth and two inches of built-in width growth with the XLOCK frame or optional width-adjustable strut tubes, the IRIS grows with the child.

Parents can rest assured the Zippie IRIS will adapt to the changing needs of their child for years to come with the True Fit Growth Program. Under the program, the original Zippie IRIS owner qualifies for one free growth kit within five years, including all parts and components needed to adjust the seat width and depth of the wheelchair. Also new to the Zippie IRIS is the Z-finity System for lower extremity positioning. As children grow and their needs change, the Z-finity System can be adjusted between .5 inches above the seat pan to 21 inches below the seat pan to ensure proper support for the legs and feet at all times. Its rotating hardware allows infinite adjustment of the footrests’ angle and placement to achieve optimal positioning of the feet, ankles and knees.

For safe bus and motor vehicle transit, the Zippie IRIS is approved for use as an occupant’s seat in a motor vehicle when used with an approved wheelchair tie down and occupant restraint system in accordance with SAE (12249).

For more information, visit the Zippie IRIS website, sunrisemedical.com.