Abstract: A ballistic resistant garment quick release system may include an outer shell configured to form a pocket into which ballistic resistant material is positioned. A cable channel is positioned along at least a portion of the ballistic resistant garment and a release cable is positioned within the cable channel. The release cable may move from a first position to a second position wherein the release cable is configured in the first position to engage a removable attachment strap and retain the removable attachment strap to the ballistic resistant garment and the release cable is configured in the second position to disengage from the removable attachment strap and thereby enable the removable attachment strap to disengage from the ballistic resistant garment. A fixed attachment strap is attached to the ballistic resistant garment and configured to mate with the removable attachment strap to retain the ballistic resistant garment on the user.

Abstract: A visor hat to be worn by user may include a band member and a visor member connected to the band member. The band member may be discontinuous and may be adapted to be adjustable to a plurality of sizes. The band member may include a detachable connection, and the band member may include a hook and loop. Only one end of the band member may include a hook and loop, and both ends of the band member may include a hook and loop. The visor hat may include a connection device, and the connection device may include a first support member. The connection device may include a second support member positioned in an opposed and spaced relationship to the first support member.

Abstract: A force attenuation system for a sports glove is disclosed. The force attenuation system includes a pair of foam layers surrounding a fluid-filled chamber. This configuration allows the force attenuation system to reduce forces that a hand experiences when catching a ball with the sports glove.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to an apparel article, such as an article of clothing, that includes a pre-worn piece as a design element integral with the article of clothing. The pre-worn piece may be, for example, a cut-out of an athletic jersey, a uniform, a shirt or the like, formed in a particular design pattern, that was worn by a member of a sports team such as a professional sports team. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for marketing an article or articles in a line of apparel, such as sporting goods apparel, with such pre-worn pieces affixed to the articles as integral design elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a garment with pockets may be provided for wearing around the waist when additional carrying space is needed. In some embodiments, the garment may be shaped similar to a long sleeve shirt, sweater, or the like, and may be tied around the waist. In some embodiments, the garment may have one or more layers. Further, the garment may have pockets, which are accessible when wearing the garment. In some embodiments, the pockets may be positioned on the extensions and/or the main portion. The garment may include patch pockets or pockets between the one or more layers. Some embodiments of a garment may be reversible. In addition, the garment may come in different sizes. In an embodiment, the garment may have reflective or iridescent strips, and may display logos, numbers, and/or names.

Abstract: A sports bib, in particular for cycling, having a pair of shorts, which can have either short or long legs, extending into a vest, which ends with a pair of straps. The bib is equipped with a zipper at the housing position of the anus and the genital organs. The zipper is provided with characteristics such as to not produce scrapes or rubbing at the genital areas and crotch on the user during movements and in particular while pedalling.

Abstract: The invention provides a waterproof moisture-permeable fabric for clothing which includes, on one side of a polyester fabric A, a waterproof moisture-permeable layer B including a colorless transparent polyester film stacked, and a white or gray resin C partially stacked, and clothing including the waterproof moisture-permeable fabric. Preferably, a moisture-permeable polymer resin D containing inorganic fine particles is stacked on the waterproof moisture-permeable layer B, and the white or gray resin C is partially stacked thereon.

Abstract: Exercise garment made from a thin, lightweight fabric that is free of lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury. The exercise garment may be a vest, jacket, shirt, pants, shorts, one-piece bodysuit or similar suitable garment. The exercise garment may be form-fitting for a man or woman and is suitable for a user to wear underneath other garments during exercise. An exercise garment of the present invention promotes weight reduction through increasing generation and retention of heat and perspiration by a user during exercise.

Abstract: A safety glove for use in the oil and natural gas extraction industries whereas a unique design on the dorsal portion of the glove is provided, the dorsal portion comprising a plurality of raised protective members extending substantially along the entire length of the finger and thumb portions of the glove.

Abstract: A first objective of the present invention is to provide a technology for improving the abrasion resistance of a fabric or a composite fabric for use in textile products such as clothing products and the like without impairing the appearance thereof, and further, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a technology for achieving both the abrasion resistance and the lightweightness of a fabric or a composite fabric without impairing the appearance and the texture thereof. By coating a surface of a fabric with polymer dots as an abrasion-resistant resin and causing the average maximum diameter of the polymer dots to be equal to or less than 0.5 mm, the abrasion resistance of the fabric can be improved without impairing the appearance of the fabric. Further, by causing the surface-coating amount of the polymer dots to range from 0.2 g/m2 to 3.0 g/m2, both the abrasion resistance and the lightweightness can be achieved.

Abstract: An adjustable belt having a U-shaped buckle attached to a buckle rod and a belt receptacle attached to the buckle rod, wherein the U-shaped buckle and the belt receptacle are rotatable with respect to each other. The belt receptacle has a latch member attached rotatably to the belt receptacle or to the buckle rod. The latch member has one or more spikes. One end of a belt is reversibly insertable into the belt receptacle and is retained therein by one or more spikes engaging one or more spike holes in the belt. The circumference of the belt is adjustable around the waist of a user by the extent of insertion of one end of the belt into the belt receptacle and by the extent of insertion of the other end of the belt into the U-shaped buckle. A variety of buckle designs can be used interchangeably with a variety of belt designs.

Abstract: Tights worn by juvenile dancers are provided with an embellishment on one of the legs to provide a visual cue and/or tactile cue which functions to assist the wearer in determining which leg is the right leg and which leg is the left leg. Thus, when the juvenile dancer is instructed to respond with their right or left leg, the embellished dance tight helps them to determine which leg to move. The embellishment (or a portion thereof) is provided on the front thigh area of one of the legs, preferably at the center of the thigh area or above. Locating the embellishment (or a portion thereof) at the middle of the thigh area (or above) advantageously allows the wearer to readily see the embellishment, with or without the aid of a mirror, without the need for the wearer to bend at the waist and without the need for the wearer to raise their foot. Alternatively, or in addition, the embellishment (or a portion thereof) may be provided at a knee area of one of the legs.

Abstract: A cover for an eyewear strap is provided. The cover may include a first member, a second member associated with the first member and movable toward and away from the first member, and a fastener connected to the first member and the second member for removably connecting the first member to the second member. The cover may be adapted to receive an eyewear strap between the first and second members when the first and second members are disconnected, and the cover may be securable to the eyewear strap when the first and second members are connected together.

Abstract: Fire retardant and heat resistant yarns and fabrics include a fabric or yarn comprised of oxidized polyacrylonitrile at least partially coated or encapsulated by a strengthening polymer material that helps the fabric or yarn shed liquids, gels, sparks, and molten metals. The polymer material includes one or more types of cured silicone polymer resin. A fluorochemical may be at least partially impregnated into the fabric or yarn prior to applying the strengthening polymer material in order to further enhance the shedding properties of the yarns or fabric. In one embodiment, the silicone polymer resin only coats or encapsulates the yarn, but does not form a continuous coating over the whole fabric, so that the treated fabric is still able to breath through pores and spaces between individual yarn strands that make up the fabric. The polymer material increases the strength, abrasion resistance, durability and shedding capability of the fire retardant heat resistant yarn or fabric.

Abstract: A toilet bowl assembly comprising a base fixed to a bowl, provided with a toilet seat and a device for aspirating air from the bowl. The base comprises an extension that has its upper part provided with a presence detection window directed to above the seat and forming an aspiration channel opening into the bowl. A circuit for controlling the function of the aspirating device with an infrared detector situated in the detection window to detect a presence on the seat and with an electric power supply for the circuit and the aspirating device.

Abstract: A device for spraying a fluid onto a wall of an enclosure (e.g. a toilet bowl) is disclosed. The device includes a fluid container, a fluid sprayer through which the fluid can be sprayed onto the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit, a pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid sprayer, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near an opening of the enclosure, and a controller in electrical communication with the pumping apparatus and the sensor. The controller activates the pumping apparatus for delivering fluid from the container to the fluid sprayer if the controller determines that an object is not near the sensor. The sensor can include a pyroelectric sensing element and a lens positioned such that a sensor footprint image is focused onto the pyroelectric sensing element.

Abstract: A pop-up stopper includes a main body having an inside provided with a receiving space and a periphery provided with a plurality of through holes, a control unit removably mounted on a top of the main body and including a top cap and a plurality of connecting members, and a bottom cap removably mounted on a bottom of the main body. Each of the connecting members includes at least one upper elastic plate having a protrusion and at least one lower elastic plate having a protrusion. Thus, the stopper has draining and straining functions to achieve a sanitary effect. In addition, the control unit and the bottom cap can be mounted on and detached from the main body easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user assembling and disassembling the stopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically maintaining the water level of a body of water, such as a pool, is described herein. The present invention comprises a float body contained within a float housing chamber and selectively coupled to a float valve, a ball check valve employed as a means for isolating the pressurized water in the circulation system of a body of water from the water in the float chamber and, after pump operation has ceased, allowing the passage of supply water from the float chamber of the apparatus of the circulation system of a body of water. Flexible conduits or tubing may be provided for ease of installation. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be conveniently located near the equipment of the circulation system for the body of water.

Abstract: One embodiment of a bathtub support accessory may include a wedge shaped body member and at least one fastener. The wedge shaped body member may include a first wall, a second wall, a top wall, and a pair of side walls. The first wall may include a first top end portion and a first bottom end portion. The second wall may include a second top end portion and a second bottom end portion. The second wall may be inclined towards the first wall. The top wall may extend arcuately between the first top end portion of the first wall and the second top end portion of the second wall. The wedge shaped body member may further include at least one lip extension configured between the first bottom end portion and the second bottom end portion. The at least one fastener releasably may attach the wedge shaped body member to a bottom surface of the bathtub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing-stall pan, related methods of use, and methods of fabrication.

Abstract: The faucet has a fitting body, which has a base (2) that is securable to a wash-stand or a building wall and a housing (3) that is detachably mounted on said base. The housing (3) has a housing (3) that has an outlet member (4) and a water outlet opening (5). An electrically operated valve (6) and a presence detector (7) are mounted on the base (2). The presence detector (7) is mounted in a receiving space (18) of the housing (3) on a holder (8) that has electric contacts (30, 31). The holder (8) is positioned so as to be mechanically and electrically detachable on a contact carrier (58) that is secured to the base (2) and has electric contacts (34, 35).

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an anatomical positioner on a patient care platform includes a clamping mechanism for allowing an operator to quickly and securely join the apparatus to the patient care platform. Guide rails are joined to the clamping mechanism. The guide rails extend away from the patient care platform. Slides slidably join to the guide rails to allow the operator to position the anatomical positioner to impart a force on a patient on the patient care platform. The slides include brakes for at least stopping movement in a direction away from the patient care platform, and brake releases for releasing the brakes. Supports join to the slides for supporting the anatomical positioner. The supports have restraints for allowing the operator to quickly secure and adjust the anatomical positioner, whereby the anatomical positioner is positioned by the operator to impart the force on the patient and locked in place.

Abstract: A bed having a purpose of transferring a care-requiring person lying in bed from the bed, the bed having a structure in which there are provided arranged a main bed and a position adjustment bed supported collectively movably up and down, and a suspending equipment below the main bed, and at a further lower position with an auxiliary bed which makes a swing movement, the main bed having a function of moving-away swing movement, the main bed and the position adjustment bed adjacent thereto each having a sheet with its one end fixed to the adjoining sides of the beds and the other end mounted to a sheet-fixing bar of a swing arm at the main bed side and the position adjustment bed side, the swing arms having a rotation axis near the adjoining parts of the beds.

Abstract: An inflatable device has non-pressurized ducts and channels formed within the body of the inflatable device when inflated, wherein the inflation pressure of the inflatable device is maintained when the interior of the ducts and channels are exposed to atmospheric pressures allowing fluid to flow through the ducts and channels at substantially lower pressure levels than the inflation pressure of the inflatable device. When used for heating or cooling, a plurality of non-pressurized channels and pressurized support columns can be located in substantial proximity to the surface of the inflatable device in contact with the object to be heated or cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support apparatus on which a patient can be supported in a comfortable and secure manner for the preparation for an examination and for the examination, in particular an endorectal biopsy. The support apparatus comprises a sliding apparatus connected to a bearing substructure and is supported in a displaceable manner on the sliding apparatus so that it can be moved partially beyond the substructure connected to the sliding apparatus. The support apparatus also comprises a cutout. The invention also relates to a patient support table comprising a connecting apparatus to connect the patient support table to the support apparatus and serving as a bearing substructure for the support apparatus. A medical device, in particular an MR device, is also disclosed comprising a patient tunnel and the patient support table that can be introduced into the patient tunnel.

Abstract: A hospital bed features a bed frame that is provided with a movable back rest and a movable head rest. A mechanism ensures that the head rest and the back rest can be moved by means of a single motor. Lifting of the back rest begins after the head rest has reached the maximum raised position.

Abstract: Non-traumatic articulated stretcher (1) comprising: a section (2) for housing a user along a longitudinal axis (3); means (4) for activating the stretcher (1) including means (6) for articulating the stretcher (1) that are operatively active on the housing section (2) to modify its operative conformation for supporting an outstretched user by varying the mutual orientation of two portions (7) of the housing section (2) connected by the articulating means (6), said articulating means (6) being off-centre with respect to the longitudinal axis (3) to facilitate the recovery of the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pillow inexpensively, in which a portion where the head of a user is rested is a hollow section which is evenly sloped and deformable bending of the neck or the tossing of the user. The pillow may have a sloped, a sloping partition enclosing stuffing and located inside a pillow casing where the head of a user is rested, the sloped partition extending from the top cloth to the bottom cloth. The height of the sloping partition is slightly less than the clearance between the top and bottom cloths. A portion enclosed by the sloping partition on the top cloth side is a size in which the head of the user fits. The sloping partition is spaced from the neck side cloth inside the pillow casing.

Abstract: A pillow includes an outer enclosure; an inner enclosure being received inside the outer enclosure and provided with an air valve; a fibrous material consisting of a plurality of fibers being filled in a space between the outer enclosure and the inner enclosure; and a core being received inside the inner enclosure. The fibers of the fibrous material function like a cushion, and the tiny air spaces existed among the fibers allow the pillow to provide a buffering effect, so that a user lying on back or on side can always comfortably rest his or her head on the pillow to enjoy good sleep quality.

Abstract: Elastic compressible and flexible spacing supports out of foam or similarily compressible material is described for the filling of mattress cores, upholstery and pillows which are connected to one another as rib- or tube-like structures arranged in rows standing uprightly or lying horizontally and fixed at least on one side to an elastically resilient deck plate or cover. These spacing supports avoid the stiffness of bulk foam and they are used in a variety of geometrical profiles. They make possible a foam saving factor of two to three, a zone variation and the implanting of additional springy elements and they yield a superventilation of the mattress cores. A roll packing of the cores or the finished mattresses is possible.

Abstract: A fluid bladder system has a conventional fluid bladder and a resilient member in the fluid bladder. The resilient member is of a size that it allows the fluid in the fluid bladder to be the principal support applied to the patient. The resilient member only applies a force to the patient only after the patient displaces the fluid in the fluid bladder so the resilient structure is the only entity that inhibits the patient from bottoming out.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle which defines a longitudinal axis and a shank mounted to the handle. The shank extends axially along said longitudinal axis and defines an engagement end opposite said handle. An impact element is mounted to the handle. The impact element defines a hitting surface wherein the hitting surface extends at least ½? from the handle.

Abstract: A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.

Abstract: A beam comprised of sub-components capable of extending or contracting in overall length is provided. The beam consists of a twin-beam structure that provides travel support for two end beam components that are movable with respect to one another to extend or contract the length of the resulting variable length beam. Extension or contraction of the variable length beam can be accomplished manually or, in a preferred embodiment, by means of a screw drive. The variable length beams facilitate the fabrication of reusable, adjustable width deck-forming panels used in the construction of cast-in-place bridge deck slabs supported by parallel structural beams.

Abstract: A circuit for varying the speed of a variable speed motor having a power source to provide a voltage to the motor and a diode as a means to provide a voltage drop within the circuit that is substantially independent of the amount of current to the motor. The invention may further comprise an electric toothbrush using the circuit.

Abstract: A dual mode floor scrubber with a square cleaning pad that can rotate in a first mode to achieve a scrubbing operation away from the walls, and reciprocate longitudinally in a second mode adjacent to a wall to remove the sediment next to the wall and corners.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a folding two-piece handle, the pivot designed to rotate the brush of the handle in relationship to rest of the handle, the pivot also designed to slide into a slot to lock the handle into the open upright position. The handle having a secondary slot and corresponding protrusion to further secure the handle in place.

Abstract: A brush includes a first tuft holder having at least one tuft, a second tuft holder having at least one tuft, a support structure having a handle to grasp and use the brush, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the brush between (1) a first condition where the first and second tuft holders are not movable with respect to each other; and, (2) a second condition where the first tuft holder is movable with respect to the second tuft holder, and wherein the first and second tuft holders remain attached to the support structure in the first and second conditions.

Abstract: A water-wiper apparatus has a handle having a height, width, and length with a substantially oval shape in cross-section orthogonal to the length, a major axis of the oval shape in the direction of the height, the handle formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, a first engagement interface along the length of the handle in a region bisected by the major axis, the engagement interface comprising a channel having a shape and a first width and an opening of a second width less than the first width to the outside of the handle, and a wiper blade of the length of the handle, formed of a flexible material and having a second engagement interface shaped to engage the first engagement interface, engaging the wiper blade with the handle, the wiper blade having a curved side in cross section from the handle to a tip end of a wiper leg away from the handle, the curve of the side having a radius of from one-half inch to one-and-one-half inches.

Abstract: A wiper system for a vehicle includes a frame supported by the vehicle and a wiper motor supported by the frame. The wiper system further includes a wiper arm coupled to the wiper motor and configured to be driven by the wiper motor to move in a reciprocating pattern. A water blocking member is wrapped around a portion of the frame to prevent water running along the frame from reaching the wiper motor. The blocking member is flexible and has separate free ends to enable assembly with the frame. A method of assembling the wiper system includes pressing the water blocker onto the frame at a location away from spaced apart ends of the frame.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) having a wiper strip (32) and a support element (30) at whose ends endcaps (12) are guided, said endcaps (12) at their end sides (28) facing the ends of the wiper blade (10) extending as far as a wiper lip (34) via the support element (30), wherein at least one endcap (12) has a lid (14) which is connected to the endcap (12) so as to be capable of pivoting about an articulation axis (18) transversely with respect to the wiper blade (10) and has a gudgeon (22) on its side facing the head strip (38), which gudgeon (22) penetrates the head strip (38) when the lid (14) is closed. It is proposed that the tip of the gudgeon (22) be secured by parts of the endcap (12) or of the lid (14) against contact both in the opened state of the lid (14) and in the closed state.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for receiving construction materials includes a base member, a pair of lateral sidewall members, a rear wall member, an elongated protruding member and an engagement structure. The pair of lateral sidewall members extends upwardly from a pair of lateral side portions of the base member. The rear wall member extends upwardly from a rear side portion of the base member. The base member, the pair of lateral sidewall members and the rear wall member configure a receptacle for receiving the construction materials. The elongated protruding member extends upwardly and outwardly at an angle from a front side portion of the base member, and is capable of scooping and collecting the construction materials from a ground surface into the receptacle. The engagement structure is mounted on a back side of the rear wall member for being detachably engaged with a power vehicle.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly (2) for an optical device (16) includes a shaft (14) configured for supporting the optical device within an enclosure (4) that is adapted for rotation about the shaft. At least one first sealing element (18) is disposed between the shaft and a mating surface of the enclosure for preventing fluid leakage therethrough. At least one optically transparent window (8) is mounted in association with the enclosure (4), and at least one cleaning element (9, 11) is coupled to the shaft for cleaning a surface of the window (8). The cleaning assembly may include a moisture barrier in the form of a pressure-influenced member (58) such as a bellows (40) having a body of expandable and retractable-volume for containing air that diffuses therein, while equalizing pressure on opposite sides of the barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner having a housing defining first and second ports. The vacuum cleaner also includes a cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a cap head to close the first port such that airflow is directed via a flow path to the second port, a sound-influencing material, the sound-influencing material removably held to the cap head and disposed within the flow path to reduce noise effected by the airflow. The flow path is configured to cause the airflow to pass through the sound-influencing material and the flow path to the second port. The sound-influencing material is removable to allow cleaning of the sound-influencing material. The sound-influencing material may include a reticulated foam roll disposed in the frame to diffuse the discharge airflow.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body; a dust separating apparatus fixed to the cleaner body; a first dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the dust separating apparatus to collect large particle dust; a second dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the first dust receptacle to collect fine particle dust; and a locking device having a first position in which the dust separating apparatus is closely contacted to the first and second dust receptacles, and a second position in which the dust separating apparatus is spaced apart from the first and second dust receptacles at a predetermined interval. The second dust receptacle is detached from the first dust receptacle at the second position, and is detached from the cleaner body after the first dust receptacle is disengaged from the cleaner body.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, such as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner, includes a component such as a separating apparatus, carried by a chassis. A catch is operable to release the component from the chassis. The component and the chassis can move with respect to each other. When the appliance is lifted there is relative movement, against the force of a resilient member, between the component and the chassis, so that the catch occupies a position that inhibits its release. Previous catches that inhibited from release when the appliance is lifted had a drawback in that slight relative movement between the component and the chassis when the appliance was resting on a surface tended to put the catch into the unreleasable position. The resilient member provides resistance to the catch moving into the locked position, thereby ensuring that the catch is inhibited from release only when the appliance is lifted from a surface.

Abstract: A cushioning device for opening and closing of sliding shutters, particularly of sliding shutters for furniture, to be applied as a single item to each shutter or sliding partition, in order to be able to cushion an end part of their opening and closing movement. The cushioning device includes a cushioning box applied with brackets for support and sliding of the individual shutter; this box being equipped with two opposing braking devices of a rotary type, whose toothed hub directly meshes with a rack fixed to the box, each braking device being joined to its own slider guided by the box and being joined at one end by an elastic device with its opposite end joined to the other slider, both sliders being equipped with a hook for activating and deactivating the corresponding action of the final section of travel to be cushioned.

Abstract: A folding apparatus (1) having transmitter and receiver cases (2, 10), a hinge mechanism (20) for pivotally connecting one end of the transmitter case and that of the receiver case to each other, and a hinge cover (C). The hinge mechanism is connected to corners (15a-16b) of the one end of the transmitter case and of that of the receiver case. The corners (15a-16b) are projected in the direction orthogonal to the one end of each of the transmitter and receiver cases, and the hinge mechanism is installed between the projected corners of the cases. The hinge cover has a pair of box-shaped cover members (7, 8), and a cross-section of each cover member taken in the direction orthogonal to the one end has an ellipse shape. The cover members are arranged so as to face to each other, covering and holding the hinge mechanism located between the projected corners of the transmitter and receiver cases.