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diff --git a/7428-h/7428-h.htm b/7428-h/7428-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f6f6b33 --- /dev/null +++ b/7428-h/7428-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1360 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Consumer Viewpoint, by + Mildred Maddocks. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + // --> + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Consumer Viewpoint, by Mildred Maddocks + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Consumer Viewpoint + +Author: Mildred Maddocks + +Posting Date: April 7, 2014 [EBook #7428] +Release Date: February, 2005 +First Posted: April 29, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONSUMER VIEWPOINT *** + + + + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, David Garcia, Charles Franks +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h1> + The Consumer Viewpoint + </h1> + <center> + <b>covering vital phases of manufacturing and selling + household devices <br> + <br> + by Mildred Maddocks, Director GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE + <br> + Department of Household Engineering</b> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + It has been Good Housekeeping's privilege to build up, as a + source for reader service, many departments that are unique + and noteworthy in the extent to which they have gone in + measuring consumer needs and consumer viewpoint. + </p> + <p> + In the following pages are presented some observations made + by one of these departments as the result of years of + research and investigation in the field of household + appliances. + </p> + <p> + Generally speaking, most man-made devices are man-used. Here + is an industry whose products are man-made, but woman-used. + It is this fundamental condition that has placed the + merchandising and selling problems of the industry absolutely + in a class by themselves and has made them of peculiar + importance and significance. + </p> + <p> + It is hoped that the material given herein may be of real + service to those whose interest lies in knowing more about + one of our most rapidly growing and least understood + industries and also to those who would better understand the + basic element in all manufacturing and selling. + </p> + <p> + <i>C. Henry Hathaway</i> + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + FOREWORD + </h2> + <p> + The manufacture of home devices to be used by women in + household work is of comparatively recent development, the + growth of the industry has been so rapid that many + manufacturers are still groping to establish standards that + will meet the new and uncertain conditions under which their + product must be used. + </p> + <p> + Dealers in household equipment as well as manufacturers are + still uncertain as to what constitutes the selling value of + an article, because it has been impossible to predicate the + conditions, the care and skill with which each device would + be used after it was marketed. It is comparatively easy for + designer and factory manager to guard against known + conditions of use. The dishwashing machine for a hotel or + restaurant service can be built to perform with satisfactory + efficiency. Its operating purposes and costs are known, the + skill of its operators is more or less established, and the + materials can be so selected to result in a satisfactory life + of the machine. + </p> + <p> + It is a different story when the manufacturer's product is to + be used in the typical American home. Household equipment of + every type must be made so that it will prove adaptable to + different service conditions, with regard to both homes and + actual users. An even more important consideration is + intermittent use that must be met successfully by all home + devices. It is the unusual home in which washing is done more + than once or twice a week. The balance of the time the + machine must stand idle. And this is true of practically + every other type of labor saving device. It represents the + most difficult of conditions a factory product has to face. + </p> + <p> + In dealing in the following pages with this most important + subject it must be understood that Good Housekeeping + Institute is offering valuable facts that have been + established through fifteen years of experience in testing + household equipment, and is further utilizing the viewpoint + of thousands of consumers and dealers who have come for a + conference with us either in person or by letter. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + POINTS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BY MANUFACTURERS. + </h2> + <p> + It is not too much to say that in general the manufacturer + wants to produce the article that the woman wants to buy. In + many cases the reason he does not accomplish it is due to the + fact that he does not divide his expenditures wisely. He + neglects to pay the price for the highest grade skill in + designing and he markets his product too quickly. + </p> + <p> + The importance of developing a specific design cannot be + overestimated. No machine on the market, of any type, is one + hundred per cent perfect and none on the market should, + therefore, be taken as a standard to be met by the new + manufacturer. It is a patchwork, only, that is obtained by + one common method used to obtain a newly designed machine. + Namely, the manufacturer purchases every type of machine, + already marketed to perform a given work, and adapts one part + from one machine, another part from a second machine and + perhaps still another part from a third machine. Such a + design must always be a compromise, and it is seldom possible + to obtain the original working efficiency of the several + parts in the new machine because of the necessary + compromises. + </p> + <p> + A second point that the manufacturer is apt to overlook is + the importance of including the most minute of details in his + general high standard of manufacture. For instance, he elects + to use copper for a water container, but forgets to provide + that every bolt and rivet and screw, no matter how small, + shall be of a rust-resisting metal. The small part capable of + rusting is as much an eyesore to the purchaser and in certain + conditions can do as great damage as though the manufacturer + had not spent the major sum to insure his rust-resisting + container. + </p> + <p> + And a third point: sometimes a manufacturer neglects to make + certain of a perfection of detail in the factory that will + produce one hundred per cent. of uniformity in his product. + Thus vacuum cleaner manufacturers, merely by installing an + equipment that would measure for them, under actual + conditions of service, the correct air displacement of the + particular machine tested, could eliminate any possibility of + lack of uniformity in their product. Further, it would take + no more time for the inspection than is at present accorded + to the routine reading of current consumption. Yet up to this + time we know of no vacuum cleaner factory that has installed + this comparatively simple and inexpensive equipment. + </p> + <p> + When attempting to market a product to women, factory faults + are of far greater importance than when marketing a product + for the use of men. The latter understand the difficulties of + factory production and accept the occasional defective + product as a routine. They expect it to be credited. They + expect prompt correction on the part of the manufacturer or + dealer, and, once adjusted, with them the matter usually + ends. Not so with the average woman purchaser. First of all, + and last of all, she remembers that something was the matter + with the machine for which she paid her money. Oftentimes + only the most drastic and unusual service on the part of the + manufacturer will take away the sting that was left in her + mind by the original transaction. In club, church, or in + confidential chat at home, somewhere she leaves the + impression that there is still something the matter or she + would not have gotten a poor machine. The advertising value, + therefore, of a uniformity of product cannot be + overestimated. No amount of costly after-service will + compensate for the lack of it. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + THE VALUE OF PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY THE DEALER. + </h2> + <p> + A manufacturer sometimes fails to satisfy the woman consumer + because he is attempting to satisfy a dealer's demand for + "flashy" rather than practical selling points and, therefore, + loses sight of the value to him of a perfect functioning of + his device. Exclusive points of design that can be used for a + spectacular demonstration have been up to this time perhaps + the strongest of selling aids; but manufacturers and dealers + alike are beginning to realize that they have an element of + danger. Thus, the confetti test for vacuum cleaners was an + unfortunate misuse of the machine. It has never convinced the + woman purchaser that it would accomplish the more trying task + of removing "grimed-in" soil, even while it fascinated her as + a spectator and even while she left as a purchaser. She + doubted her own machine because of the unconvincing test. + </p> + <p> + It was only a short time ago that in one of the trade papers + dealing with household equipment there appeared an editorial + endorsement, and an exceedingly strong one at that, of a + certain dealer display which had attracted great crowds on + both sidewalk and street before the dealer's window. The + crowd had been drawn by the display of a number of different + washing machines grouped around a central machine which was + absorbing the "limelight." It had a swinging wringer and the + wringer was revolving at so rapid a rate it became plain that + any woman who stepped in the way of that particular type of + wringer was doomed to a severe blow if not a fall. The idea + of the dealer in using such a display was of the + "stop-look-listen" variety, and he obtained all he could + desire of this variety of interest. But he had not + safeguarded the interest of <i>any</i> washing machine in his + window. For women have a certain reluctance toward machinery + in motion and he failed to reckon with them as the purchasers + of his washing machines. Would she buy one in order to use + the swinging wringer as an obvious menace to herself and to + her household? No. + </p> + <p> + In selecting an Iron, the woman looks for: + </p> + <p> + 1. A weight of household iron that is around six pounds. + </p> + <p> + 2. A general design that is easy to handle, of good balance + and with comfortable large handle grip. + </p> + <p> + 3. A thin sheet metal hood; weight in hood decreases ironing + efficiency. + </p> + <p> + 4. A correct relation between the weight of the storage heat + mass above the heating element, and the weight of the sole + plate beneath the heating element. Upon this relation depends + good ironing results. + </p> + <p> + (<i>If heating element should be inset in sole plate with + one-fourth inch margin, a direct heat connection between the + two masses of metal could be secured at a consequent + reduction of heat loss.</i>) + </p> + <p> + 5. Cord connections to slip in and out easily. + </p> + <p> + 6. Switch in plug connection or on cord. + </p> + <p> + 7. Plug connection so heat insulated as to prevent conduction + of heat, and overheating of cord at connections. + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly if there was a prospective woman purchaser in + that group in front of the window she left to become one of + the hundreds of women who still are asking themselves the + question "is a washing machine safe?" + </p> + <p> + It is not difficult to see how quickly this particular kind + of demonstration becomes a boomerang to the manufacturer. It + is as true of every type of spectacular appeal. The time has + surely come to discontinue all such practices and to sell + appliances: because they will do the work more quickly, more + easily, or more cheaply, because they are so built that they + will prove durable, and therefore, a satisfactory investment; + and finally, because they are the only logical solution of + comfortable, well-ordered present day family life. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + WHAT THE PURCHASER LOOKS FOR + </h2> + <p> + It has been amply proved that women are not especially + interested in fine points of design unless that interest is + implanted by competitive statements of the salesmen. They are + not especially interested in form or color or detail, but + they are supremely interested in dealer assurance that the + machine is solidly built; that it will accomplish the work; + and that its purchase will save them money, time or labor, + perhaps all three. Let the appliance itself impress them with + the strength of the materials used, the cleanness of its + design and the perfection of work performed, and the sale is + made. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + COST IS CONSIDERED + </h2> + <p> + The question of cost considered only from the woman's + standpoint of expenditure is more difficult to discuss. In + the case of small equipment priced under or around five + dollars it is easy to make large sales upon the time or + labor-saving qualities the devices may have. But repeat sales + are affected by the quality of construction and materials + used. + </p> + <p> + In all higher priced equipment the question of strength and + quality seems uppermost in her mind, but a difference in + price between two makes or two models of same manufacture, + often results in the sale of the higher priced, because she + has enjoyed the opportunity of discrimination. + </p> + <p> + There seems to be no question that the woman purchaser is + willing to pay <i>any added sum required to make construction + better or convenience greater</i>—always provided that + the salesman convinces her she is obtaining the quality she + is paying for. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + In selecting a Vacuum Cleaner, the woman looks for: + </p> + <p> + 1. A design that will prove efficient at low upkeep cost over + a period of time. + </p> + <p> + 2. If motor driven brush type [Footnote: Her selection may + include either motor driven brush type or air type machine, + since properly designed, either will care for all kinds of + soil, including thread and lint.], there must be correct + relation between air suction power and brush sweeping action. + </p> + <p> + 3. As light a construction as is consistent with quality. + </p> + <p> + 4. If air type, a narrow floor nozzle so designed as to clean + by small amount of air at high velocity. + </p> + <p> + 5. If air and brush (geared to wheels) type, a broader nozzle + with inset brush is permissible provided care is exercised in + design to prevent air leakage. This type cleans by a larger + volume of air with correspondingly lower velocity. + </p> + <p> + 6. Durable construction, either aluminum or steel casings, an + assembly that secures tight joints and seams that won't leak + air. + </p> + <p> + 7. Easy operation—weight of appliance not so important + if weight is easily handled. + </p> + <p> + 8. Convenient switch; handle designed long enough for + comfortable operation at woman's height. + </p> + <p> + 9. Bag, double seamed; strong, tight connections; easily + emptied; durable material, preferably of cotton flannel type. + </p> + <p> + 10. Winding posts for cord to be strong and conveniently + placed. + </p> + <p> + 11. Convenience in connecting attachments. + </p> + <p> + 12. Elimination of noise, in so far as this is possible. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + Instead, then, of attempting merely to learn the dealer's + demand for selling points, put part of your effort into + learning the demands of the user of the machine. Consumer + suggestion or demands are apt to come only after a period of + use. Obvious ones are sometimes reported by the dealer, but + very often they never come to the manufacturer through the + reports of the trade in time to be of service. It took a + period of years for the dealer to realize the importance of + enclosed moving parts. It finally came to him through the + reaction developed by women using the machines. In the same + way the manufacture and marketing of both gas and electric + ranges, which has been uniformly efficient, has overlooked + one very important detail. The broiler grids are often so + placed that the steak is an inch and a half away from the + flame instead of one-half inch. With such a broiler, perfect + broiling is impossible. Again a kitchen cabinet may be made + of high grade materials but the hardware proves too light to + stand the constant closing and opening. Such a kitchen + cabinet is handicapped in any neighborhood because constant + use makes the minor annoyance a cumulative one, which reacts + directly upon the manufacturer's product. + </p> + <p> + The vacuum cleaner that is easily sold on the dealer's floor + because it looks big and imposing oftentimes discloses its + poor efficiency only after from four to six months of use. + This is due to the fact that from time immemorial women have + ordained a period devoted to housecleaning twice a year. And + it is at this crucial time that they discover if the routine + care of rugs and carpets by their vacuum cleaner has + accomplished a work satisfactory to them. This conclusion is + well borne out by a conversation we had with a large dealer + in vacuum cleaners from the west coast. He freely told us of + handling two vacuum cleaners, one a comparatively inexpensive + and absolutely inefficient machine (as we had proved by + test), the other a more expensive and a thoroughly efficient + machine. He claimed that the first proved only a feeder for + the second, since when the woman, after a longer or shorter + period of use, realized that the first machine would not do + the work, she returned to buy the more expensive and better + machine. And the average time was six months! Now this dealer + could have selected a machine no higher in price than his + less expensive model which would have done good work and + thoroughly satisfied the user. We leave you to draw your own + conclusions as to the fate of the manufacturer's product in + the first place, and the dealer's selling methods in the + second place. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + In selecting a Washing Machine, the woman looks for: + </p> + <p> + 1. Compact, trim appearance with all machine parts covered. + </p> + <p> + 2. Plain outlines. + </p> + <p> + 3. Swinging wringer with safety release. + </p> + <p> + 4. Pump attached to machine to rapidly drain off water when + drain connection is not practical. + </p> + <p> + 5. Metal tub exterior painted (easy to keep clean). + </p> + <p> + 6. A waterproof finish on a wood tub. + </p> + <p> + 7. Switch control of motor, clutch control of tub and + wringer. + </p> + <p> + 8. Height that will obviate stooping. + </p> + <p> + 9. Design to insure efficiency. + </p> + <p> + 10. Motor and switch insulation. + </p> + <p> + 11. Materials and workmanship that insure durability. + </p> + <p> + 12. A water outlet that allows rapid running off of water. + </p> + <p> + 13. Threaded outlet to allow for connection. 14. All handles + and levers to be easy to grasp and to turn by wet hands. + </p> + <p> + 15. Tub body slightly off the level to allow for draining. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + It is easy to sell a refrigerator that has a sightly + appearance, that is equipped with a sanitary seamless lining + and that is marked with a price that spells to the woman good + workmanship. But it is only actual use in storing food that + develops the fact that the insulation is of sufficient + quantity and is assembled with high grade construction, or + that cheap material and workmanship have been substituted. + The service that can be obtained from the appliance after it + is marketed is of the utmost importance for the manufacturer + to learn. <i>It is peculiarly impossible to sell and "forget" + any product sold to women.</i> + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + THE WOMAN'S VIEWPOINT ON MATERIALS USED IN CONSTRUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + Undoubtedly a phase of manufacturing that acutely interests + the average manufacturer deals with the selection of the + materials that are to be used in the construction of his + product. Too often the person who selects these materials + fails to take into account the fact that women are almost + fanatically intolerant of two things, rust and discoloration. + It may be but one bolt that can rust, but women under our + observation have utterly condemned a washing machine for + which they paid from $125 to $165 because of this one bolt + alone. We have heard them further condemn a machine because + of the difficulty of keeping it polished. + </p> + <p> + It is not purpose, we are convinced, but it must be + carelessness on the part of that manufacturer who allows the + use of a rusting screw here or a bolt there when the rest of + the equipment is safeguarded against such conditions. In one + specific instance a single part of a machine intended to be + used in connection with water was made up of five different + metals. Each one of these metals had its own different + reaction towards hard water in the presence of soap. That + this manufacturer had intended no slight toward his product + was indicated by the fact that the largest section of this + part was constructed of the most expensive material. He + probably fully believed that he had made that particular part + of rustproof material but it was the selection of defective + small parts that offset any advantage due to his use of fine + materials for the major part of the machine. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + THE RELATION OF SECTIONAL SELLING TO MATERIALS USED. + </h2> + <p> + Because a great deal of household equipment that is of + interest to women must be used as a water container, the + effect of water of varying degrees of hardness upon the + several metals is of interest. Most metals have some + electrolytic action. There are throughout the country water + supplies of every known degree of hardness. There are water + supplies whose hardness can be corrected and there are + supplies of the type known as "permanent" hardness. In actual + practice the salts in these hard waters react with soap of + any variety to form a sticky gray precipitate. This + precipitate is increased in quantity in direct proportion to + the activity of the metal. Therefore, the material selected + for the tub and cylinder of a washing machine, for the + container of the dishwashing machine, or for the tea kettle + that demands constant contact with water should be given the + careful attention that its importance demands. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + In selecting a Refrigerator, the woman looks for: + </p> + <p> + 1. Seamless lining. + </p> + <p> + 2. Compartment beneath ice high enough to hold quart milk + bottles. + </p> + <p> + 3. Generous insulation. + </p> + <p> + 4. A selection of wood and treatment of it that will prevent + warping. + </p> + <p> + 5. Heavy hardware. + </p> + <p> + 6. Positive-closing, lever locks. + </p> + <p> + 7. Plain unpanelled trim—high leg base. + </p> + <p> + 8. Dull, rather than highly finished wood. + </p> + <p> + 9. Easily accessible drain. + </p> + <p> + 10. Adjustable shelves. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + A universal metal that can withstand any and all attacks of + these several waters is difficult if not impossible to + locate. In our judgment there is no perfect metal. Copper + comes the nearest to it and yet copper must be tinned, and + there is some slight consumer reaction against its use, in + large containers, because they claim copper must be scoured + in order to be sightly. However, enamel paint on the outside + of such a container, leaving only a fair sized name-plate to + be burnished, would overcome this objection. + </p> + <p> + Galvanized iron, zinc, nickel, all have a disadvantage of + inducing electrolytic action (producing whitish precipitate) + and that should be taken into account in your selection of + metals. In sections save those in which waters are of the + "permanent hard" variety, this disadvantage can be overcome + by including directions that the machine should not be + scoured. Flush with rinsing water only. With such care, the + whitish deposit acts as a film over the metal, and, once the + latter is completely covered, reduces the precipitation. But + in the presence of extremely hard waters, the quantity is so + great that the precipitate snows a tendency to deposit on the + linen itself, instead of being thrown solely to the sides of + tub, cylinder, or suction cup. Once this does get on the + fabric, it has all the sticky characteristics of chewing gum. + </p> + <p> + Bronze or brass rather than steel or iron should be used for + any bearings that come in contact with water. Only thus can + you fully safeguard against rust. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + LITTLE THINGS THAT OFTEN PROVE GREAT. + </h2> + <p> + Safety demands that every equipment involving an electric + motor be so fully insulated from the machine frame by + water-proof fittings and insulated shaft couplings, etc., + that a maximum of safety can be assured. It is indeed + remarkable that this is not more often cared for in the + original design. In one short period, at least three machines + were forced into the disapproval group in the Department of + Household Engineering of Good Housekeeping Institute with + such lack of insulation as one of the causes. + </p> + <p> + It is thus clear that consumer needs, in this great + classification of merchandise (household appliances) as + reflected by consumer attitude are often ill-defined and + extremely difficult for the manufacturer to interpret. + Therefore, as a recognition of this condition, the basic + purpose running throughout all of the testing work at Good + Housekeeping Institute is to test every device so as to + duplicate the conditions under which the device will be used + by the ultimate consumer, be she intelligent or + unintelligent. It has furthermore been the Institute's + special province to express to each manufacturer the trend of + consumer demand as seen, not only through the Institute's use + of appliances, but through the thousands of consumers who + report their experiences. + </p> + <p> + It is an interesting and surprising fact that mechanical + tests develop data which often interpret the results obtained + under practical usage of the equipment, and the results + obtained under the practical usage quite as often define the + value of the mechanical data. Any effort a manufacturer may + make to develop these two angles of testing will more than + offset any money cost that may be added to the factory + overhead. Complete testing of this character will also save + ultimate consumer reactions against the completed + manufactured product. It is not enough, as so many + manufacturers have done, to place the appliance in a variety + of homes and take the consequent "say-so." It must be + remembered that it is only possible to compare an appliance + when you have something to compare it with, and that + something must be an appliance designed to do similar work. + How many instances are there where manufacturers allow their + products to go out without comparative information of this + kind, just because such information is so extremely difficult + to get? + </p> + <p> + To all interested in or concerned with this great industry, + there is one thing to be remembered above all + else—study and test not only the mechanical + construction and perfection of your product but know from + every conceivable angle what the user or consumer is going to + demand of it. If this be done, and done thoroughly, and + exhaustively, you will build the appliance of the best + materials obtainable, because it must wear well; of the most + efficient design, because it must operate smoothly; and you + cannot fail to so build it that it will do its work + completely and well because you will have the measure of + these values within the experience of your own investigation. + </p> + <p> + The results of this care in manufacture will promptly be + reflected when marketing your product in at least three + ways,—first, increase of sales and repeat sales; + second, a lowered overhead cost for servicing, repairing, and + replacing defective machines, and third, a fairer and lower + price to the consumer because it is based on the cost of her + machine only since she is not burdened with a share of her + neighbor's repairs in your "overhead." + </p> + <p> + There is perhaps no household device operated by electricity + that is more complicated in its oiling system than the + old-fashioned sewing machine and yet the manufacturer managed + to train the housewife to ninety per cent. efficiency in + caring for the machine. Therefore, well defined and specified + places for oiling should be provided for, and decalcomaniac + or otherwise permanent directions placed on all enclosed + gearings, in order that the user may continually have before + her the correct places marked for oiling. It is not enough to + supply a circular of directions: she loses it promptly as has + been proved over and over again. All important service + directions must be permanent. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + SOME NEEDS OF THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE. + </h2> + <p> + It is largely because there has not been a consumer demand + that was well defined that we find few equipments designed + with attention to the proper working heights. Moreover, we + are convinced that it is a decidedly difficult question to + settle. However, it is possible to group most exertions that + women must practice into two classes: those that involve + upper arm muscles, as work at a sink, range, washtub, or + washing machine, etc., and secondly, exertions that involve + the muscles of the forearm, as the mixing, stirring, and + beating involved in cookery processes. + </p> + <p> + In the first case any variations in a woman's height makes + comparatively little difference. A range of heights from five + feet to six feet would be served equally well by a similar + height of equipment. This makes it possible to lay down the + rule that sinks should be designed and plumbers should + provide for piping them at a height of thirty-five inches + from the bottom of the sink to the floor. Ranges should be + thirty-four inches in height to the working top, and both + washing machines and tubs should be thirty-eight inches to + their rims. This enables all work to be done with straight + unstrained back. + </p> + <p> + Where the forearm muscle is involved, however, it becomes a + far more delicate question. The distance between work-table + top and elbow must be the control on designing. For that + reason it is not possible to establish a constant and ideal + height for kitchen cabinets and working table surfaces, + although in general most of these have been from one to two + inches too low. "Adjustable in height" seems to be the only + answer to this phase of the problem. Some one, sometime, will + undoubtedly design a well made table (we have already seen + one of poor construction) that will have strong, as well as + adjustable leg support. Some one, sometime, will build a good + refrigerator (as we have seen a poor one) constructed with + the sanitary, high leg-base of the present day office desk. + It will obviate stooping and it will enable one to get the + refrigerator pan without groping provided there can be no + drain. It will further allow for a refrigerator pan large + enough to prevent the common accident of overflowing. Again, + sometime, we believe the manufacturer of kitchen cabinets + will see a picture of kitchens built with four, straight, + clean walls and completely equipped with the pantry on one + wall, consisting of kitchen cabinet and side units for + storage cabinets, each one of these side cabinets to be only + fourteen inches deep. + </p> + <p> + The time will come—it is almost here—when the + demand from women for the high sink we have already indicated + is going to be strong enough so that the Plumber's standards + for cutting pipe will be changed to meet her demand. It is + difficult to realize, but it is nevertheless true, that every + woman who wishes a properly placed sink in her kitchen or + pantry has to overcome the inertia of the plumber not only + because of his conservative unwillingness to do this unusual + task, but because he is put to the extra expense and trouble + of getting "specials" in pipe length, due to the fact that + the plumbing trade, as yet, has not recognized an at least + partially developed consumer demand. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Consumer Viewpoint, by Mildred Maddocks + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONSUMER VIEWPOINT *** + +***** This file should be named 7428-h.htm or 7428-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/4/2/7428/ + +Produced by Joshua Hutchinson, David Garcia, Charles Franks +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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