The "Buttoner"

The "Buttoner" - open-source assistive technology working model by the Vanderbilt University community

The challenge

Chelsea and Alicia are self-proclaimed fashionistas and want a tool that assists them with dressing themselves, which is something they view as critical to having a normal life. They would prefer to have the full independence to dress themselves.

Who it helps

Alicia is a woman with cerebral palsy who has dexterity issues with her hands, including shaking and finger articulation. Chelsea is quadraplegic who also has hand dexterity issues, she suffers from strength related issues with more limited movement.

How it works

A tool that allows for buttoning shirts and zipping pants would liberate themselves from external aid and enable them to be more in-touch with their fashionable side.

A handheld tool that uses a slider mechanism to lasso a fishing line loop around a button. The user would then be able to pull any button size through the buttonhole and easily release. On the tool’s other end, a hook would aid with zippering.

Tools needed

Fusion 360

Measurement tool

Digital caliber

Leveler

Clamps

Hammer

set of needles

Hot glue gun

FDM Printer

Laser Cutter

Project details

The build files for The "Buttoner" are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Related projects

Browse all TOM projects · Search projects · TOM communities · Makeathons and events