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Understanding the use of tools for opening packaging

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Abstract

Various tools are available to improve the accessibility or ‘openability’ of packaging for those that may have potential difficulty. In this paper, the authors undertake an assessment of some of the common tools that have been designed to aid the aged in opening common packaging items with the aim of understanding their effectiveness. The study used a purpose built torque testing device embedded in a standard glass jar and asked participants to twist the lid of the device both unaided and with a tool and the maximum torque produced was noted. The study indicated that whilst some tools are effective, most however offer little or no benefit, as they do not overcome issues such as loss of dexterity and strength amongst the aged population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Centred Engineering, Art and Design Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 2NU, UK

    A. Yoxall & J. Langley

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Engineered Packaging, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK

    J. Luxmoore, R. Janson, J. C. Taylor & J. Rowson

Authors
  1. A. Yoxall
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  2. J. Langley
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  3. J. Luxmoore
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  4. R. Janson
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  5. J. C. Taylor
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  6. J. Rowson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Yoxall.

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Yoxall, A., Langley, J., Luxmoore, J. et al. Understanding the use of tools for opening packaging. Univ Access Inf Soc 9, 273–281 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-009-0174-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-009-0174-z

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