The Wider Walker

THE PROBLEM:  Our child client was growing out of his walker, the one he loves, in width only. The manufacturer of this type of walker did not make a wider model, so I was asked to figure a way to make it wider, yet retain its strength.

THE SOLUTION: Using the help of a machinist, three roundbars were turned to fit the ID of the tubes and also the OD. We had to design the extension pieces so that clothing would not get caught on the extensions or bolts, so a curved head bolt and an acorn nut was used and the OD and ID were sized appropriatly for smoothness. The width was increased two inches which was just right for the client yet will allow him to get through the doorways at home. The round bars were inserted in the crossmembers in the middle where they were cut with a simple hacksaw.