Foldable Durable Patient And Product Such As A Commode And Method Of Forming Same

Abstract

The present invention provides a commode comprising first and second side frames, each including front and rear legs interconnected at their respective first ends thereof by a handle. A rear cross brace interconnects the rear legs of the first and second side frames. A rear support tube assembly secures the rear cross brace to each rear leg. A portion of the rear support tube assembly encompasses an entire circumferential extent of both the rear cross brace and the rear leg without any seam. At least one of a commode seat and commode lid pivotally secured to the rear cross brace member.

1 . A method of manufacturing a commode comprising the steps of: 
 providing first and second side frames, each side frame including first and second legs having adjacent first ends interconnected by a handle;    providing a cross brace member;    molding a first polymer member over a first portion of one of the first and second legs of the first side frame and an end portion of the cross brace member;    molding a second polymer member over a first portion of one of the first and second legs of the second side frame and an opposing end portion of the cross brace member;    rotating the first polymer member relative to the first side frame after the polymer has cured; and    rotating the second polymer member relative to the second side frame after the polymer has cured.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of inserting the first and second side frames and the cross brace member in a mold press before the molding step.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of deforming the end portions of the cross brace member prior to the molding step.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the deforming step is completed in the mold press prior to the molding step and is responsive to one of closing of the mold press and movement of a piston associated with injection molding of the first and second polymer members.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the deforming step is separate from a mold press.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of incorporating a silicone in the polymer for lubricity.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the molding step includes introducing the polymer around an entire peripheral portion of the first and second legs of the first and second side frames and an entire peripheral portion of the cross bar member whereby a portion of the first and second legs of the first and second side frames and the cross bar member is entirely encapsulated by the polymer without a seam.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of molding a third polymer member around a second portion of one of the first and second legs of one of the first and second side frames whereby, after curing of the polymer, the third polymer member does not rotate relative to the respective side frame.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the molding step of the third polymer member includes the further step of deforming the second portion of one of the first and second legs of the respective side frame prior to molding.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of molding a fourth polymer member around a third portion of one of the first and second legs of one of the first and second side frames whereby, after curing of the polymer, the fourth polymer member does not rotate relative to the respective side frame.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the molding step of the fourth polymer member includes the further step of deforming the third portion of one of the first and second legs of the respective side frame prior to molding.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the further step of molding a portion of at least one of a commode seat and a commode lid over the cross bar member whereby, after curing of the polymer, the commode seat and the commode lid rotate relative to the cross bar member.  
   
   
       13 . A commode comprising: 
 first and second side frames having front and rear legs interconnected at their first ends by a mid-portion; and    a polymer member interconnecting each rear leg of each side frame to a cross brace member whereby, after curing of the polymer, the polymer member rotates relative to the respective rear leg.    
   
   
       14 . The commode of  claim 13  further including a second polymer member interconnecting the respective front leg to a front cross brace member.  
   
   
       15 . The commode of  claim 13  wherein each rear leg includes a polymer support member located below the polymer member for limiting longitudinal movement of the polymer member.  
   
   
       16 . The commode of  claim 13  further including at least one of a commode seat and a commode lid pivotally secured to the rear cross brace member.  
   
   
       17 . A commode comprising: 
 first and second side frames, each including front and rear legs interconnected at their respective first ends thereof by a handle;    a rear cross brace interconnecting the rear legs of the first and second side frames;    a rear support tube assembly securing the rear cross brace to each rear leg, a portion of the rear support tube assembly encompasses an entire circumferential extent of both the rear cross brace and the rear leg without any seam; and    at least one of a commode seat and commode lid pivotally secured to the rear cross brace member.    
   
   
       18 . The commode of  claim 17  further comprising a support member received over each rear leg of the first and second side frames, the support member limiting longitudinal movement of the rear support tube assembly.  
   
   
       19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . The commode of  claim 17  further comprising a front support tube assembly over each front leg of the first and second side frames for interconnecting the front legs to a front cross brace member, a portion of which encompassing the entire circumferential extent of the front leg without any seam.