Abstract: A paddle is for corporal discipline. The paddle includes a handle, and a paddle portion having a base, and an elongate flat member extending from the base. The elongate flat member is to be used for striking a subject to be disciplined in the corporal discipline. The paddle also includes a hinge device comprising a first arm coupled to the handle, a second arm coupled to the base, a pivoting hinge coupled between the first arm and the second arm and configured to switch the paddle portion between a locked state where the paddle portion and the handle are substantially parallel and a folded state where the paddle portion and the handle freely move, and a settable feature. The settable feature selectively changes a threshold pivoting force of the pivoting hinge for causing the paddle portion to switch from the locked state to the folded state.

Abstract: A paddle is for corporal discipline. The paddle includes a handle, and a paddle portion having a base, and an elongate flat member extending from the base. The elongate flat member is to be used for striking a subject to be disciplined in the corporal discipline. The paddle also includes a hinge device comprising a first arm coupled to the handle, a second arm coupled to the base, a pivoting hinge coupled between the first arm and the second arm and configured to switch the paddle portion between a locked state where the paddle portion and the handle are substantially parallel and a folded state where the paddle portion and the handle freely move, and a settable feature. The settable feature selectively changes a threshold pivoting force of the pivoting hinge for causing the paddle portion to switch from the locked state to the folded state.