Hate touching public-washroom door handles? Read this
February 7, 2011
Comments on this story
(0)
Debra Black
STAFF REPORTER
An invention out of the University of Minnesota may put an end to worrying about those pesky germs on public-washroom door handles.
The Toepener is a pedal designed to open a public washroom’s door with one’s foot rather than having to touch the door handle.
It is the brainchild of Max Arndt, a four-year university student at the Carson School of Management.
Arndt and his classmates were asked in the Entrepreneurship in Action class to come up with ideas for a new business product or service.
Arndt, 22, came up with the Toepener. He hated the idea of opening a public restroom door after he’d washed his hands, he told the Star in a phone interview.
It was such a simple idea but he figured it would have tremendous draw. He was right. His class was equally enthusiastic and it was chosen as the product the entrepreneurship class would attempt to market.
The product was launched in mid-January. Arndt said the company has sold close to 100 toepeners, which go for $50 each.
Some of the proceeds from the sales of the product will go back to the entrepreneurship program, Arndt said.
The students in the class are targeting local restaurants in Minneapolis as well as larger restaurant chains, office buildings and convenience stores. Arndt believes there could be world-wide interest.
“It’s one of those ideas that everyone we talk to says: ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ ” Arndt said.
The students have a website, a Facebook page and a Twitter account for more information on the product.
As for Arndt and the other students, after they graduate they have the option of buying the business or selling it off. Arndt hasn’t decided, but he’s going to keep pursuing it, he said.
Featured Sponsored Listings