User Thickness Preferences for Plastic Rope Box Handles

Abstract

In the design of inexpensive boxes for ammunition or similarly heavy items, one of the pertinent problem areas is the choice of diameter and surface of rope or plastic rope handles. The plastic rope box handles considered in this experimental field study were .1875, .25, .375, .5, and .75 in. outside diameter. Two materials, polypropylene (rough surfaced) and polyethylene (smooth surfaced) were investigated. In terms of user preference and comfort the smallest acceptable and/or tolerable handle diameter is .375 in., the most desirable handle diameter is .5 in., and there is no difference in user preference between rough and smooth surfaces.