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| Company: Delta Industries
Name of product:
Smart Handle Pro™ Ergonomic Plunger
Product evaluation number: #021
Date of evaluation: December 14, 2002
Product materials (according to manufacturer): Aluminum shaft with wall thickness .045 inches and plastic external thread, handle ribbed vinyl, red rubber plunger.
Type of product: Toilet plunger
Description of product: Product is designed to function as a toilet plunger while providing a secure grip that places the hand in neutral position, which results in increased applied force. The handle length is designed to keep the user in the upright position and out of the back-splash zone.
Instrumentation used in evaluation: Starrett Model 120A 0-6" Dial Calipers, Cal Date 01/10/02 Chatillon CSD 100 S/N D 35542 Dynamometer, Cal Date 03/15/02 Standard metal tape measure, English units
Measurements: Handle:
Shaft:
Working Height:
Force to operate device: 25 lbs.
Weight: 2 pounds
Findings: All measurements fall within the anatomical range and strength capabilities of the anthropometric data for the U.S. Industrial Population from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male.
Assessment: The aluminum handle is a lighter weight material than wood or plastic, and the rigidity of the metal provides for a more efficient transfer of force to the desired target. Due to the extended handle length, the user is able to maintain an upright posture, which is inherently more stable than a stooped or bent posture. Remaining upright, rather than bending, decreases the stress to the spine, both in the lumbar area and in the neck area by preventing the neck extension required to see the task while in a bent posture. This allows the user better concentration and visual acuity. The upright posture also allows the user to apply a greater compressive force to the plunger by using his or her body weight behind the compression, as opposed to simply using the muscles of the arms. By keeping the user’s hand in neutral position, the extrinsic muscles of the hand are used more than the intrinsic muscles of the hand, which decreases the stress on the carpal tunnel. Keeping the hand and wrist in the neutral position also decreases the stress on other components of the wrist such as the carpometacarpal joints, the trifibrocartilage complex and the first compartment complex (involved in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.) Also, with the hands and wrists in neutral position, both ulnar and radial deviation are eliminated, which eliminates arthritis pain. By keeping the work close to the center of gravity, the reach envelope is diminished, which decreases the strain on the shoulders and lower back.
Does product have Ergonaut approval?
Evaluators: Michael C. Gladden, EdD, CPE, CEM Steve Davis, CEM
Expiration: This evaluation entitles Delta Industries International, Inc. to use the Ergonauts Official Seal of Approval™. This privilege expires on 12/31/05. |
