Bottle opener/assistance device
Bottle opener/assistance device
3D
Published 2019-03-20T17:53:30+00:00
On a more serious note
I am by no means a master inventor or designer. I am, however, motivated. Someone very special to me, my wife, suffers from both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. While they are still relatively in their early stages, it can still make something such as opening a juice bottle or soda bottle impossible by hand.
So I did what any husband would do - I threw ideas around in my head until something kinda stuck.
I wanted something that would give leverage but wouldn't require a lot of hand strength or movement. But I wanted something that would not only help my wife but potentially others as well.
The design you have here is a result of some thinking and muddling. It's by no means perfect but it is open-ended and allows for expandability. The attachments are made to be easily interchangeable and to allow for future functions. The long arm provides a considerable amount of leverage. The strap means that, once slipped on the arm, it is possible to open a bottle even if the hand using the device is completely disabled; all that is needed is for the adapter to be pressed on the cap and the arm turned to twist the cap open.
I have included two adapters thus far: one for a standard 64-ounce juice bottle and one for a standard soda bottle (which works with any US plastic soda bottle from the 12 oz to the 2-liter). I plan on making another adapter that can potentially slip on a variety of larger caps (say pickle jars!) but that will have to wait until I have some more time to design and test.
But for now, I want to make this available in case it helps anyone besides my wife.
I do not want this made available commercially - hence my license. You are free to share the model with attribution and please feel free to print it for someone in need but DO NOT CHARGE THEM MONEY. If you are not charitable enough to give a print of this away, then please don't waste your filament.
If you REALLY want to help me, check out my Proto-pasta affiliate link.
I recommend PLA for the lever and flexible filament for the cap adapters. The one for juice could afford to be a tad tighter and I might release another version of it. The one for soda fits nice and tight and will actually lift a full 20-oz bottle once it is nestled in. Please refer to the print settings for other recommendations.
What drew me to 3D printing was the idea that I could help fix things around the house. I never imagined someone close to me would be diagnosed with a debilitating disease. I never thought I would get much into 3D design. This is, by far, my most serious effort to design something useful thus far. I have no grand schemes or illusions that this will be some successful product but if it can help even one person in addition to my wife, then I will be ecstatic.
If you print this, please post your make and/or share your story. If you have questions or constructive criticism, please post a comment. If you are a troll, please kindly steer yourself away from here; I have no patience for those who mock others with difficulties.
God bless and do good!
| Date published | 20/03/2019 |
| Support Free | YES |