Foldable Durable Product, Such as a Patient Aid Device or Walker, and Method of Forming Same

摘要

A method of manufacturing a patient aid device, such as a walker (W), includes the steps of molding a polymer or plastic connector ( 60 ) over first and second metal structural members ( 22 , CB) to maintain the structural members in a first geometrical relationship. After the plastic has cured, the method includes the step of rotating the first structural member or front leg ( 22 ) relative to the plastic connector ( 60 ) to form an integral hinge without any seam in the plastic. The resultant walker includes front legs ( 22 ) hinged via the connectors ( 60 ) at opposite ends of the front cross brace (CB). The front leg ( 22 ) and rear leg ( 24 ) of each side frame (SF 1 , SF 2 ) of the walker are interconnected by a lower cross brace ( 40 ) that has plastic preferably molded about the entire periphery of each leg.