Hi y'all, I'm coming here hoping for a little bit of advice.
I'm an industrial designer currently working for a new company that specializes in products to assist those with limited mobility, and I have a special interest in RA, as most of my family is severely affected by it (as no doubt I will be someday). Our goal is to remove the clinical nature from many arthritis assistance products, ideally to the point where they are indistinguishable from standard items on the shelves.
We've just finished our first set of products, including a more manageable perscription bottle (along the line of Target's new design), and a fully-automated, hands-free orange peeler; both of which should be rolling out across the country in the coming months. But now the question is, where do we go next?
That's where I hope you can help me out: what activities are made more difficult or impossible by your condition. Feel free to respond with absolutely anything, the wilder the better in some cases. Also if there are any products currently available that seem to be going in the right direction, but maybe not far enough (or are just plain unsightly to have around the house) please let me know.
Many thanks,
Kyle H.
The OneTouch can opener has been a lifesaver for me. Now I'd like something to open jars and bottles easier that doesn't cost a fortune.
How about an automatic toothbrush with a wider handle and automatic toothpaste dispensers (kinda like the automatic sinks in public restrooms). Make it to where any size tube would fit in so people don't have to change their preference in toothpaste. Do I get royalties? I think I'm gonna patent the toothpaste dispenser. You guys could make some big slip on hanldles that go over regular cutlery
Could you make a plastic gismo to open the gas cap of my VW Jetta? I envision something like a T handle wrench...
You can have my idea for free - just sell the thing for a modest price so everybody can afford one..
I have had to beg strangers for help. They might even sell mainstream - all those ladies that get there nails done - do not want to break them at the gas station!
[QUOTE=MrsAlexander]How about an automatic toothbrush with a wider handle and automatic toothpaste dispensers (kinda like the automatic sinks in public restrooms). Make it to where any size tube would fit in so people don't have to change their preference in toothpaste. Do I get royalties? I think I'm gonna patent the toothpaste dispenser. You fill it with toothpaste. Then, you turn that little black knob at the bottom in one direction and toothpaste comes right out on the bristles. A little window lets you see just how much is left.Could you make a plastic gismo to open the gas cap of my VW Jetta? I envision something like a T handle wrench...
You can have my idea for free - just sell the thing for a modest price so everybody can afford one..
I have had to beg strangers for help. They might even sell mainstream - all those ladies that get there nails done - do not want to break them at the gas station!
[/QUOTE]I dunno....I don't need big handles, but I know a lot of people do and if you
Kyle,
Do the bristles move on that one? It's hard to hold a manual toothbrush and apply the pressure needed to brush your teeth correctly. That little gizmo is pretty awesome! The things people come up with - wow!
[QUOTE=Gimpy-a-gogo]I dunno....I don't need big handles, but I know a lot of people do and if you[QUOTE=sgordon69]
The one thing that would make my life a lot easier is a hairbrush that has a longer handle which is slightly bent so I can reach the back of my head easier. I have limited mobility in my shoulders and that's a real chore that I still haven't been able to find a way around. Another thing is toenail clipper that have a longer handle. Much like the razor described here. I bought a pair of long handle clipper however the length is still not long enough.
the razor thing is already invented
http://www.sammonspreston.com/Supply/Product.asp?Leaf_Id=557 504
so is the hairbrush
http://www.sammonspreston.com/Supply/Product.asp?Leaf_Id=AA4 710
how about a smaller more easily portable gadget for "personal hygeine". They have existing toilet tissue holders but they are large and not exactly handy to take out in public with you. They are also awkward to use.
There has got to be a way to come up with a discreet and affordable item that assists people with limited reach deal with hygeine issues
Hi all, The hardest thing for me right now is to open the tops of the big gallon milk cartons. Maybe the regular manufacturers should think more about us being able to open their products.
I've change to handles on all of my doors (they are great)
When my hands are bad the keys on my keyboard are hard to push down? Could they be adjustable types? Less pressure, needed?
the power steering on my car used to be fine, now it seems hard for me to steer out of tight places. Could the steering wheel be different for us?
Shoes, are a constant problem, the bottoms of my feet are very sensitive. I cut holes in inner soles where I don't want the pressure.
the one touch can opener is wonderful, I don't have to ask for help. my husband cracks up everytime I use it.
People mentioned book holders, do books have to be so danged heavy?
Almost all of the electronic gadgets, cell phones, tv remotes, etc. have tiny, tiny little 'commands' , maybe we could use larger ones.
People don't like canes but will walk with the 'walking stick' someone invented.
I have trouble opening doors, but mostly because they are too heavy. automatic doors are great.
Supermarket push carts are very huge now, who needs all of that room for food most of the time?
We seem to modify everything we do, but I'll be paying closer attention to these things in the future.
Lynda
Wow. I'm getting so depressed reading these posts. This is my future?? I used to look forward to it.Not necessarily, Linncn---now there's Super Meds! One lady once told meMy mother bought these gadgets for me from QVC after I was diagnosed with RA. I've been able to open twist top bottles, pull tab cans and jars all by myself. These don't hurt my hands or require a lot of strength.
Look for OPENERS it's a set of 4 Mighty Hands Openers
tampons with a push button plunger. There I said it!
I so wished they woud make a tampon that after inserted you just push a button on the side and it push the plunger in for you.
See I am right handed, my right hand is the worse. My right index finger, which is the finger you use to push the plunger of the tampon, is deformed. It is hard to get the plunger to go all the way down to insert the tampon, and it causes sharp shooting pains in my finger and wastes a lot of tampons.
Ok, now ya'll have heard almost exactly what I wrote on my SS application. I kinda felt bad for my case manager, as I found out it was a guy... ahhh but it could have went into how it was to have S-E-X.
Oh maybe you can make something to help us with S-E-X?
Speaking of... I would like to find something that would allow me to apply pressure on my knees, while on all fours... Ok people get your mind out of the gutter
Ok sorry... it is lack of sleep and "mental issues"... I do have an imaginary friend
OMG, I just about spit out my hot coffee on that one. You are a killer.
As I said hopefully you and all of those recently diagnosed never need them but isn't it nice to know there are devices out there should the day come that you do need some help to maintain your independence
Joonie- I too nearly choked on my coffee
Some sort of adaptor to a toilet that helps clean one's bottom for those of us that have difficulty reaching behind.
In other words, I can't grab my ass with both hands!
Some things have already been invented if you can afford to buy a 00 toilet, but i'm speaking of the masses that are so broke from arthritis medicines that such a luxury is out of the question.
Is there an inexpensive lift for getting in and out of a bathtub or spa?
If you made the bottles which you spoke of at Target, Why are you on this site asking for more ideas. Kinda stupid line don't you think? Get off this site please.OMG leave it to Joonie to ask that question...
jj--Lets give him the benefit of the doubt that he is being honest in his questions, unless proved otherwise he sounds like he's being genuine.
Okay, so if you invent a Tampon Gun, you have to call it the Joonie Genie!
I wanna see this on that Greatest Invention television show!
HAHAHAHA Hillhoney that name is awesome!! Joonie you should go on that invention show! It'd vote for you *if thats what you do for that show, i have no idea*Hill......your icon creeps me out. Looks like something from a bad dream. Or a scary movie. Or the way I had to walk when I was all flared up!!pull on baby diapers not just training pants
a decent rack for the end of the bed to hold the sheets etc off your toes. the pillows take up too much room
bras that hook in front made for full figured women that DONT have a freaking wall of hooks down the front. come on I look like I'm buttoning up my grammas cardigan..
keyboards with keys set apart from each other. I'm always hitting adjacent keys
double handled coffee cups
I could go on and on
kathy--they do make the sheets holder thing. I like the idea about pull on diapers It's been mentioned before but I think it deserves another......bras for full figures that hook in the front and that don't look like I'm strapping on a vest to hold the bullets. Lindy yes definitly Lindy!!!Ok here are the requirements for what I think would be the best toothbrush for me.
The head of the brush must be the size of a kids toothbrush - most days cannot get my own finger between my teeth. I have 2 toothbrushes - one for days I can fit a regular size toothbrush in my mouth and a kid sized toothbrush for when I cannot get the adult size brush in my mouth, and then there is the dreaded cannot brush my teeth days where I cannot fit any size tooth brush in my mouth. Thank God for Listerine and hubby to open up the Listerine bottle!
The head of the toothbrush has spinning and moving bristles - the less we have to jar our wrists and fingers and hold the toothbrush the better.
The handle of the toothbrush should be resizeable - I was thinking something that might "deflate" with the pressure of the hand holding it, that way it will be at the right size for that persons hand on that certain day. Kinda when you sit on a cushion and it flattens to the weight of your body.
The button to turn on the toothbrush should be on the bottom of the handle so it can be "finger-free" - that way to turn it on they can hold the toothbrush up right and push it down on the counter and it turns on. But should not have to push down to hard, maybe make it have a "hair trigger" button.
The complete over all weight of the toothbrush should not weigh more than 6ozs - I am not sure if you can make a motorized toothbrush weighing less than the ones already on the market but would be great, as holding anything when your wrists are flared, and your grip is weak is a real task.
I think that is all... not sure got interrupted on my thought process.
I actually prefer a much smaller keyboard, my fingers have to travel less. I spilled water last week on mine and have been using the regular keyboard and its hurts my hands a LOT more but likely Will just called and said the new keyboard arrived at home today! Wow, I first want to say thank you for the tremendous response! Lots of great suggestions already.I do not like the one touch can opener!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It runs slow, sounds like the battery is about to die and barely makes it through opening a can of soup.....maybe I got a bad one but I sure wished someone would come up with a better idea, maybe one that it easier to attach for one thing, plugs into the wall for another and finally, one that will cut the can lid off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, and under .99 would be good.
jode