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 (SF1, SF2) of the walker are interconnected by a lower cross brace (40) that has plastic preferably molded about the entire periphery of each leg.