Concept DesignsMobility

Open Twist Tops with the Easy Turn Cap

ETC Easy Turn Cap
Image: {a href=”http://www.coroflot.com/ian101burns/Bottle-cap-re-design” target=”_blank”}Ian Burns{/a}

One of the biggest dilemmas of everyday life for people who have difficulty using their hands is openingĀ  twist tops. Conditions like arthritis make the gripping and twisting motion a difficult task. A look down any kitchen supply aisle will have different gadgets available to help make opening tops easier. Another potential alternative is the ETC (Easy Turn Cap) by Ian Burns, a product design graduate from Ireland.

ETC Easy Turn Cap
Image: {a href=”http://www.coroflot.com/ian101burns/Bottle-cap-re-design” target=”_blank”}Ian Burns{/a}

Like a Duck
ETC is shaped liked the webbed foot of a duck and made of high density polyethylene. The shape fits well with a hand palm and fingers. Giving a larger surface for ergonomic gripping makes for easier opening. On the bottom is a circle opening that can go over the cap to open or go over the bottle opening itself.

ETC Easy Turn Cap
Image: {a href=”http://www.coroflot.com/ian101burns/Bottle-cap-re-design” target=”_blank”}Ian Burns{/a}

Suggestions
ETC would require some gripping and strength so it wouldn’t be for people who have severe hand limitations. There are a few suggestions I would make to the design.The shape could be a bit more curvy and ergonomic in the hand palm area. Something like a computer mouse shape would work. Also a hole that went all the way through would help with poking out a bottle cap that might get stuck after opening. A flap at the top could then be added to close the hole when ETC is being used as a lid. To see more more of Ian Burns’s portfolio visit this website.