Package handle

Wire bail handle attached to "ears" in metal paint can, used here for honey.

Package handles, or carriers, are used to help people use packaging. They are designed to simplify and to improve the ergonomics of lifting and carrying packages.[1][2][3][4] Handles on consumer packages add convenience and help facilitate use and pouring. The effect of handles on package material costs and the packaging line efficiencies are also critical. A handle can be defined as “an accessory attached to a container or part for the purpose of holding or carrying.”[5] Sometimes a handle can be used to hang a package for dispensing or use.

Handles can be built into a package, sometimes in the form of hand holes or hand holds. They can also be attached to a finished complete package after filling and closing, or even at the point of purchase.

The performance and design criteria for handles are often detailed in a contract or specification. For example handles for some US government containers are specified in Mil-Std-648.[6]

  1. ^ Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling (PDF), California Department of Industrial Relations, 2007, p. 32, retrieved April 2, 2019
  2. ^ Davis, K G (1998). "Reduction of spinal loading through the use of handles" (PDF). Ergonomics. 41 (8): 1155–1168. doi:10.1080/001401398186450. PMID 9715674. S2CID 35062317. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-02-27. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  3. ^ Wang, Mao-Jiun J. (Winter 2000). "The Effect of Handle Angle on MAWL, Wrist Posture, RPE, and Heart Rate". Human Factors. 42 (4): 553–565. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.1000.7796. doi:10.1518/001872000779698079. PMID 11324850. S2CID 7243355.
  4. ^ Shih, Yuh-CHuan (1997). "Phychophisical Evaluation of Diameter and Angle of Container Handles". International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 19: 347–344. Retrieved 12 February 2021.[dead link‍]
  5. ^ Soroka, W (2008). Glossary of Packaging Terminology. IoPP. p. 103. ISBN 978-1-930268-27-2.
  6. ^ MIL-STD-648D, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DESIGN CRITERIA STANDARD, SPECIALIZED SHIPPING CONTAINERS (PDF), 10 April 2008, pp. section 4.17, retrieved 26 April 2018