The Retractable Reacher
By Williams, Elisha; Casey, Meg; Zariwny, Andrea; Warren, Alyssa; Oldfield, Christine; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Paper discusses the design and development of a modified reaching device, which was created to address the limitations of current reaching device standards. Current designs have bulky handles and hard plastic triggers, which require excessive gripping strength. Not all reaching devices have locking mechanisms for their pinchers, and some are very heavy. The purpose of modifying the standard reaching device was to decrease the physical demands that a reaching device places on the user by enhancing the ergonomic value of the design. The authors designed the modified reaching device according to the measurements and strength of an 80-year-old woman. The handle was redesigned to accommodate a wide variety of hand sizes. The handle was also tapered at the top to provide for easier access to the lever. The pinchers were designed to open to 90 degrees, and to pivot 360 degrees to allow the user to adjust the pincher to their preferred angle. The reaching device also includes a removable forearm support that was designed to decrease the stress on the small joints of the wrist and hand. The authors contend that the device shows great promise for people who are older or who have disabilities such as arthritis and stroke that cause a marked decrease in strength and range of motion.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
