Abstract: A type of eyewear has a pair of eyecup assemblies, one for each eye that sandwiches a lens between layers of resilient material and hard material to prevent the lenses from disengaging or popping out of the assembly. This sandwiching effect can be used in swim goggles or eyeglass frames including a chassis and a front retaining piece. Particularly relative to the swim goggles, the layers of each eyecup assembly include an eyecup, an inner eyecup retainer, and an outer cap releasably attached to the inner eyecup retainer. Each eyecup assembly has a nasal portion connected to a bridge strap and a temple portion connected to a head strap. The inside surface of the opening has an inner groove for receiving a lens, and the outside surface of the opening has an outer groove. With the eyeglass frames, the lenses are sandwiched between a chassis and a front retaining piece. A pin, screw, or clip further enhances this connection to secure the lenses, thus enabling the wear to resist impact.

Abstract: An airbag equipped garment and deployment system for a motorcycle rider includes an inflatable garment shaped member for encompassing an upper body of a motorcycle rider and a mass of compressed gas. The system includes a first sensor for detecting the separation of the rider from the motorcycle and a second sensor for detecting the tilt of the cycle and deploying the gas when the rider separates from the motorcycle or the tilt exceeds a pre-selected value. A separate sensor senses a collision for deployment of gas in the event of a collision while a separate sensor deactivates the system until the speed of the motorcycle has reached a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A garment assembly for a human body comprising a first garment element and a second garment element. The first garment element comprising a top end having a first neck opening, left and right lateral sides having left and right first arm openings respectively, a front side, a back side having an opening, and a bottom end. The second garment element comprising a top end having a second neck opening, left and right lateral sides having respective left and right second arm openings respectively, a front side having an opening, a back side, and a bottom end. When assembling the first and second garment elements on a human body, the first and second neck openings provide for the neck of the human body to be placed therethrough, the first garment element front side covers the front of the human body, the second garment element back side covers the back of the human body.

Abstract: A women's outer garment which is a backless, strapless, sleeveless article of clothing which may be used as a breast covering, without the use of a brassiere or other undergarment.

Abstract: The Invention is a mask. The mask comprises a mask body covering the head of a wearer and supported a perforated panel before the eyes of the wearer. The perforated panel features a multiplicity of small perforations cut, punched, burned or formed through the perforated panel through which the wearer may see.

Abstract: A shirt is described that uses a double layer of fabric, strategically located across its front to protect the torso of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hat with a shade panel that is constructed so as to achieve optimal optical efficiency. The shade panel is adapted to be attached to the crown of the hat via a flexible connecting member. The shade panel is moveable between a retracted position, in which the shade panel is positioned inside a cavity of the hat, and an extended position, in which the shade panel is positioned outside of the cavity of the hat, orienting the shade panel substantially vertically and in close proximity to a wearer's face.

Abstract: An impact absorbing, modular helmet that uses impact absorbing layers outside the hard casing of the helmet to prevent and/or reduce injury to the user is described. The protective layers on the outer side of the hard casing increase the time of impact and thereby reduces the intensity of the impact forces to reduce their injury potential. The outermost layer would preferably be made of lightweight yet rigid, durable material made of polymers, composites or metal alloys with a low friction coefficient. Subsequent layers may be made up of a polymer honeycombed structure and a uniformly consistent impact absorbing polymer material. These impact-absorbing layers may also be made and used as an independent, detachable, external protective cover that may be attached universally over hard casing helmets.

Abstract: Provided is a swim mask having a member to cover at least the nose. The swim mask further comprises a peripheral skirt formed of elastomeric material. A portion of the skirt between the lenses is thus flexible such that a person wears the swim mask will feel comfort on a portion on top of the nose and between the eyes by buffering pressing of the portion of the skirt between the lenses thereon. The invention can eliminate the discomfort caused by pressing a hard member on the portion on top of the nose and between the eyes. Moreover, the invention can decrease a distance between the lens and the eye so as to increase view of the wearer.

Abstract: A toilet cleaner dispenser system is centered above an overflow tube and configured to deliver cleanser solution directly to the overflow tube without a hose. A disposable cartridge containing a cleanser tablet is removably coupled to a dispenser housing. Refill water is directed to the housing through an inlet and brought into contact with the cleanser tablet to form a cleanser solution. The cleanser solution exits an outlet of the housing into a receptacle which directs the solution downwardly and directly into the overflow tube. Inlet and outlet water traps prevent fumes from escaping the housing.

Abstract: A touch free, automatic seat and lid actuating system for toilets includes at least one of an advantageous drive mechanism for raising and lowering the seat and lid, a clutch mechanism enabling manual operation of the seat and the lid, and an attachment system for removably attaching the seat and the lid. The drive mechanism includes a first drive for operating the seat and a second drive for operating the lid. The clutch mechanism includes a pin interfitting into a notch, and biased into the notch with a spring. The attachment mechanism allows the seat and/or lid to be locked on the toilet in a lowered position, and readily removable from the toilet in a raised position.

Abstract: A toilet overflow check system having a toilet bowl rim engagement member, a pivot adjustment upright member extending downward from the rim engagement member, an elongate pivot member having a proximate end portion and a distal end portion, a pivot member float mounted on the distal end portion of the elongate pivot member, and having a centrally located pivot point, and a pivot axle supported by the pivot adjustment upright member. The pivot axle pivotally supports the elongate pivot member at the pivot point, and there is a connecting cord secured to the proximate end portion of the elongate pivot member, the connecting cord being connected to the flap member of a flap valve of the toilet. In operation, upon the float rising upward with water approaching an overflow condition, the elongate pivot pulls the connecting cord, closing the toilet flap valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic suction fuse is mounted in a conventional debris collection trap of a swimming pool, spa or the like, to significantly reduce or eliminate any suction force on the bottom or side wall mounted drain of the swimming pool, spa or the like, as a result of the drain becoming essentially wholly covered by a body part of a person or other drain clogging article. Alternatively, the hydraulic suction fuse may be mounted in a compartment in line between the drain and a suction pump of a swimming pool, spa or the like. Thereby, a person captured by the suction force at the drain will be released and the person is free to move away from the drain essentially instantaneously upon contact with the drain. In one embodiment of the hydraulic suction fuse, the hydraulic suction fuse may be easily manually reset.

Abstract: A disposable spa apparatus has a flexible laminate from which liquid such as water may be emitted. The laminate is bonded to form channels, and may be connected to a pre-pressurized liquid supply. The apparatus may be used in the shower or bath, and may have a dispenser for dispensing additives into the liquid before it is emitted from the apparatus.

Abstract: A holder device may be attached to a water outlet tube which is extended from a wall, without drilling holes in the wall, and includes a housing having an inlet attached to the water outlet tube, and two or more outlet ports for attaching a shower head and a sprayer nozzle simultaneously. The housing includes an attaching device for attaching the sprayer nozzle to the housing. A controlling device may control the water to flow out through the outlet ports. The housing includes a casing having a chamber to receive a valve stem of the controlling device. The valve stem includes a passage for communicating the inlet with either or both of the outlet ports of the housing.

Abstract: A spa tub apparatus comprising a spa tub, a liner fitting within the spa tub for holding water in motion, and a jet unit having a housing attached to an inside surface of the liner. The liner is waterproof and conforms to the shape of the spa tub. The housing optionally forms a hook on the jet unit housing that is adapted to attach the jet unit to the inside surface of the liner when the jet unit is hooked onto the liner.

Abstract: A dual capacity sink has two basins divided by a divider which extends to a much lesser height than the peripheral walls of the sink. In one capacity the sink is capable of holding a volume of fluid, such as soap or rinse water, in one or both of the basins up to the top the divider. In this capacity, the basins can be used individually, for example, one to wash and one to rinse. In another capacity the sink is capable of holding a second volume of fluid using the two basins and also the available space in the sink above the divider. In this second capacity the sink effectively becomes a large single basin sink. There is sufficient fluid in the sink above the divider for submerging items that are larger than either of the basins individually. A method of washing items in such a sink is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stowable bed system for a mobile vehicle. The stowable bed system includes two operating rails, and a fixed upper box for receiving and stowing a vertically movable bed. The operating rails 109 are engaged to each of the sleeper side walls within the sleeper compartment of a vehicle. The fixed upper box is engaged to the upper ends of the operating rails near the top of the sleeper compartment. The vertically movable bed is engaged between and at each end to one of the operating rails. The movable bed may be moved upwards along the operating rails to be stowed under or within the fixed upper box. The movable bed is used for sleeping in the lower position along the operating rails.

Abstract: A patient care equipment support is transferable between a first device having a first tapered socket and a second device having a second tapered socket. The equipment support includes an equipment supporting portion configured to support patient care equipment and a post coupled to the equipment supporting portion and extending generally downwardly therefrom. The post has first and second tapered portions. The first tapered portion is configured for receipt in the first tapered socket and the second tapered portion being configured for receipt in the second tapered socke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the examination of persons, said device comprising a medical examination device (11) having an examination volume (12), a support (1) for a person to be examined, and displacing means (3) for displacing the support in a displacement direction in such a manner, that a person to be examined present on the support is displaced into and out of the examination volume. Said displacing means comprise a gearwheel (7), which is driven by driving means (5, 8) and is co-operating with a toothed rack (4) mounted to the support for displacing the toothed rack relative to the gear-wheel in the driven state of the gear-wheel. The displacing means comprise sub-displacing means (6, 9) for displacing the gear-wheel in its driven state in the displacement direction with a speed which is lower than the speed of support.

Abstract: An accessory has a substantially radiolucent frame, a floor-supported base, and a support structure extending between the base and one end of the frame. A second end of the frame is coupleable to a surgical table in a manner that permits the frame to articulate relative to the surgical table. The support structure is extendable and retractable to change the height at which the first end of the frame is supported above the base. The support structures is able to tilt front to rear and side to side relative to the base and the frame is able to tilt front to rear and side to side relative to the support structure. The frame is movable to a compact storage position having the second end of the frame supported on the base. A set of wheels are provided on the base to permit the accessory to be wheeled from one location to another.

Abstract: A composition which provides stain resistance and soil resistance to substrates comprising a copolymer of Formula 1 wherein D is at least one vinyl monomer selected from the group consisting of aryl olefin, vinyl ether, allyl ether, alpha olefin and diene; each M is independently H, NH4, Ca, Mg, Al, or a Group I metal; R is H, a C1-C16 alkyl group, or an arylalkyl group; Rf is a fully fluorinated straight or branched C2 to C20 aliphatic radical, or mixture thereof, which is optionally interrupted by at least one oxygen atom; x is 1 to about 10, or a mixture thereof; k and h are each independently a positive integer; i and j are each independently zero or a positive integer, provided that i and j are not both simultaneously zero; the molar ratio of k to (h+i+j) is from about 3:1 to about 1:3, and the molar ratio of h to (i+j) is from about 1:99 to about 22:78 is disclosed.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a washer having a tub that is supplied with water, and an activated oxygen generator for producing ionic species of oxygen in a gaseous stream of air, the gaseous stream of air being selectively introduced into the tub. An integrated controller is provided for controlling both the washer and the activated oxygen generator, thus coordinating operation of the washer and the activated oxygen generator.

Abstract: A method of determining static and dynamic imbalance conditions in a horizontal axis washing machine is disclosed. The method utilizes a number of algorithms to automatically determine the total load size, the magnitude of any static load imbalance, and the magnitude of any dynamic load imbalance for any given load in a given washing machine based on power measurements from the washing machine motor. Methods of obtaining the algorithms for the given washing machine are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for predicting an imbalance condition in a rotating device. The rotational imbalance prediction system (100) includes an accelerometer assembly (104), including at least one accelerometer (304), and a processor (306). The at least one accelerometer (304) provides acceleration measurements to the processor (306), the measurements describing the current acceleration of an orbit of the rotational device (102). The processor (306) receives the acceleration measurements and calculates an average radius of the orbit (202) to determine if the average radius is increasing, predictive of an imbalance condition. The processor (306) generates a signal in response to the prediction of an imbalance condition and transmits the signal to a motor control (308) or a remote alarm module (302). The system and method provides for countermeasures to be taken in response to the prediction of an imbalance condition, thereby eliminating the imbalance condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides xyloglucan conjugates useful as molecular anchors for attaching various functional chemical groups to cellulose or cellulosic materials. The functional groups in the xyloglucan conjugates can serve as dyes, fabric softeners, antimicrobial agents, and flame retardants and the like. Also provided are methods of preparing and using the xyloglucan conjugates of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anhydrous composition in the form of a film comprising at least one film-forming polymer and at least one direct dye, the total amount of direct dye being at least 3% by weight relative to the weight of the composition. The present disclosure also relates to a process for preparing such a composition, in which a precursor composition comprising, in a suitable solvent, a mixture comprising at least one direct dye and at least one film-forming polymer is applied to a support; and the solvent is then evaporated off. Further, the present disclosure relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers, which consists in placing the fibers and the composition in contact, in the presence of an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Agent for colouring keratin-containing fibres, in particular human hair, comprising: a) ascorbic acid; b) at least one cationic oxime-ester; and c) at least one reactive carbonyl compound, as well as method of colouring hair using this agent.

Abstract: A direct emulsion for bleaching keratin fibers, preferably human keratin fibers such as hair, having an inert phase containing of a nonoxygenated and nonperfluorinated liquid compound having a water-solubility at 25° C. of less than 1% and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, a bleaching method using this direct emulsion, as it is or in the form of a ready-to-use composition, and the use of this direct emulsion for bleaching keratin fibers. The direct emulsion in accordance with the invention makes it possible to rapidly obtain substantial lightening of keratin fibers while limiting the degradation of the keratin fibers and skin irritation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a washing brush for cleaning objects, having a rotatably mounted brush head which can be driven, via a gear mechanism, by a drive wheel, which drive wheel can be subjected to the action of pressurized cleaning liquid. In order to develop the washing brush such that a high torque can be imparted to the brush head at low speed, it is proposed according to the invention that the gear mechanism comprise two internally toothed hollow wheels oriented coaxially in relation to one another, one of the hollow wheels being mounted in a rotatable manner and the other hollow wheel being fixed, and at least one externally toothed coupling element, which is in operative connection with the drive wheel and simultaneously meshes with the two hollow wheels, the two hollow wheels having different numbers of teeth.

Abstract: An electric cleaning sweeper comprises a housing, including a detachable dirt tray placed inside the housing; and at least one openable wall located on the dirt tray wherein the openable wall is responsive to movement of a device located on the handle which can pick up the dirt tray and remove it off the housing to discharge the dust and debris while direct contact of the dirt tray by a human hand is avoided.

Abstract: A drain cleaner which is superior in portability and which makes it possible for a small number of people to perform drain cleaning operation on a broad floor. A drain cleaner (1) comprises a strip body (2), and a reel body (3) for winging or unwinding the strip body (2). The strip body (2) has a handle (4) at its front end (2a), the opposite edges (2b, 2b) thereof having attached thereto flexible members (20, 20) made of rubber having high adhesion to a floor or the like. Surrounding a puddle on a floor by the strip body (2) unwound from the reel body (3), one of two operators holds the handle (4) of the strip body (2) and the other holds the reel body (3). By pulling the strip body (2), the water in the puddle can be swept by the strip body (2).

Abstract: A polishing implement for polishing a shoe or the like, including a structure to be handheld provided with an absorbing fiber layer for forming a first polishing layer; and a sachet provided on or to be provided on the structure for containing the polishing product. According to the invention, the sachet includes a fiber layer impregnated with polishing product and, in closed condition, screened off by a protective layer while in opened condition, the impregnated fiber layer forms a second polishing layer for applying the polishing product to the shoe.

Abstract: The toothbrush of the present invention comprises an elongated handle having a head attached to one end. The head has a bristle-bearing face having longitudinal perimeter portions adjacent longitudinal edges and at least two perimetric, elastomeric massaging elements alternately arranged with groups of bristle tufts along each of the longitudinal perimeter portions. The brush can comprise further massaging elements which are not located along the longitudinal perimeter portions though the use of such additional elements is preferably minimised. The perimetric massaging elements have rotational symmetry through an angle of 120° or less, preferably being circular. The cross-sectional area proportion of elastomeric massaging elements to bristles on the brush head is less than 25%. Alternately there are four or fewer elastomeric massaging elements which are not perimetric massaging elements.

Abstract: A bristle brush has a head with a multiplicity of closely spaced recesses in one surface thereof and in which are disposed bristle tufts of U-shaped configuration which extend outwardly thereof. The tufts are comprised of multiple bristles and have a bight portion disposed adjacent the bottom of the recesses and vertically extending leg portions. Staples are disposed between the leg portions of the tufts and pressing the bight portions downwardly in the recesses. The staples have a body portion of generally rectangular cross section and of greater length than the diameter of the recesses. A multiplicity of ribs are provided on at least one side surface and extend transversely thereof. The ribs are spaced apart in the vertical direction a distance at least three times the width of the ribs, and the ribs are of substantially lesser height than the thickness of the body portion. At least some of the ribs are embedded in the material of the head about the recesses.

Abstract: A finger cover, such as a finger wipe that can fit onto a human finger, is provided with an improved seam structure. The cover includes a pocket member having an open end for the insertion of a finger. The pocket member is formed by a first panel attached to a second panel along a flush outwardly facing circumferential edge seam. The seam is less than about 1 millimeter (mm) in width and about 1 mm in height. Additional reinforcing weld points may be provided at various locations along the seam.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethyiene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: Windshield wiper device (400) for a motor vehicle with at least one wiper bearing (42) and a fastening element (44) that is connected to a vehicle body, wherein a decoupling element (43) for decoupling noise is arranged between the at least one wiper bearing (42) and the fastening element (44), wherein the decoupling element (43) and/or the wiper bearing (42) is detachably connected to the fastening element (44).

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning ducts of a heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a pod having a vacuum chamber therein, a drive motor located within the pod and configured to receive a removable drive shaft therein, and a conduit member located within the pod adjacent the drive motor. The conduit member has a vacuum inlet opening at an exterior wall of the pod and a drive shaft exit opening formed in the conduit member through which the removable drive shaft can extend. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a man-portable pod and a cart removably-coupleable to the man-portable pod. A method of manufacturing the apparatus and a method of cleaning an HVAC duct is also provided.

Abstract: A drying gantry for vehicle wash plants is proposed having at least one height-adjustable cross-beam to which a blower arrangement is attached for drying the surfaces of a vehicle over which the cross-beam moves. The blower arrangement is provided with a nozzle mouth arrangement forming a lower contour of the cross-beam, with the height position of the cross-beam being controllable depending on a desired distance between the lower contour of the cross-beam and the vehicle over which the cross-beam moves. The drying gantry is characterised in that the lower contour of the cross-beam in a region approximately corresponding to the middle of the vehicle width and on both lateral ends of the vehicle recedes towards the top, thus forming clear spaces.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for handling and moving a layer of articles, such as cased products. The system and apparatus comprise a hood enclosure having four side panels, and four interconnected corner member. The side walls and corner members interoperate to form an adjustable enclosure to pick the layer of articles. A vacuum generate is utilized to evacuate air from the hood enclosure to assist in lifting the layer of articles. The hood enclosure may utilize an array of vacuum cups to assist in the lifting of articles into the hood enclosure. The method is directed towards utilizing the hood layer end effector to move and hand articles.

Abstract: A self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner in which a cleaner body is pivotably mounted to a brush assembly is provided. The self-propelling apparatus includes a sensor unit having a wheel part that pivots in the opposite direction to a moving direction of the vacuum cleaner, a connection part connected with the wheel part and fixed to the brush assembly by one end thereof and a switch part turned on and off according to the connection part, and generating progression and retrogression signals according to pivoting motion of the wheel part, and an interception unit generating an interception signal when the cleaner body is in an upright posture, and a driving unit moving the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the progression and retrogression signals.

Abstract: A vacuum bag housing assembly for housing a vacuum bag within a vacuum cleaner including a vacuum bag housing, a mounting plate that receives a collar of the vacuum bag, and a plurality of linking members. Each of the plurality of linking levers includes a first end that is pivotally attached to the mounting plate and a second end that is pivotally attached to a fixed portion of the vacuum bag housing. The plurality of linking levers allows the mounting plate to swing between a down and out position and an up and in position within the vacuum bag housing.

Abstract: A portable, reusable cleansing system for mouth guards. The system comprises a case member for holding such mouth guard in one of an upper portion and a bottom portion thereof when such mouth guard is not in use. Such case member has a predetermined configuration, a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. There is a cleansing and sanitizing means that is disposed in an opposed one of such upper portion and such bottom portion of the case member for cleansing and sanitizing such mouth guard when such mouth guard is placed in the case member. An activating means is disposed one of on and in the case member for activating such cleansing and sanitizing means when such unsanitized mouth guard is placed in the case member. A power source is disposed in one of the upper portion and the bottom portion of the case member and externally for providing power to such cleansing and sanitizing means.

Abstract: A striker used between a vehicle component and a vehicle body member includes a homogenous polymeric striker body. The body includes a first portion having opposed first and second sides, and a raised mid-body between the first and second sides. A second portion is oriented at an angle with respect to the first portion. The second portion includes first and second mounting wings and a bumper receiving portion positioned between the mounting wings. A resilient bumper is engaged with the second portion extending partially over the inclined surface. The raised mid-body defines a substantially planar, inclined surface continuously increasing in elevation with respect to the first and second sides between a first portion free end and a first and second portion intersection. The second portion has at least one rectangular-shaped cavity created on a vehicle body engaging side adapted to non-rotatably receive a geometrically configured fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for sliding doors, particularly for sliding doors having glass panes, metal panels or plastic panels, comprised of a holding part, which is placed over an edge or corner of the pane/panel, whereby the holding part rests via a pair of walls against a front and rear side of the edge or of a corner of the pane/panel. At least one wall has a threaded hole for a flat screw. An elastic layer is provided at least between the end of the flat screw and the pane/panel. The flat screw may be threadably adjusted relative to the threaded hole from the outside while exerting a force that compresses the elastic layer, and a roller for a guide track is mounted on the flat screw in a manner enabling desirable rotation.

Abstract: A draw gear has a drawbar space formed in a rear part of a counterweight of a industrial vehicle. A drawbar is installed in the drawbar space. An upper section positioning portion is provided in the drawbar space for allowing the drawbar to be moved in a first direction in which the drawbar is drawn and also for positioning the drawbar in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A middle section positioning portion is provided in the drawbar space for allowing the drawbar to be moved in the second direction and also for positioning the drawbar in the first direction. A lower section positioning portion is provided in the drawbar space for positioning the drawbar at least in the second direction. An opening is formed at least on an upper side of the drawbar space for allowing the drawbar to be drawn out of the counterweight.

Abstract: Fitting for fastening a door wing, especially a door wing of a shower partition made of glass, plastic or similar material, with a hinge of two hinge leaves joined together by means of a keybolt, wherein each hinge leaf features a fastening plate and a hinge eyelet. The hinge features a detent mechanism with locking profiles which hold the door wing in the default swing position. The locking profiles are provided on each of the two hinge leaves. The locking profiles are provided on the keybolt.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a fixed member (20), two rolling elements (40), an elastic member (60), a rotational member (50) and a shaft (30). The fixed member has a flange (201) and a stop portion (202) thereof. Two first hollows (2022) are defined in the end part of the flange. Each rolling element has two rolling portions (402, 403). The rotational member includes a main portion (51) defined two hemisphere second hollows (511), and a middle portion (53) defining two receiving chambers (531) therein for receiving the rolling bodies. The first and second rolling portions of each rolling element are respectively received in the first hollow and the second hollow. The shaft extends through the fixed member, the elastic member and the rotational member. One end of the elastic member resists the rotational member and the other end of the elastic member is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (10) includes a shaft (400), a barrel portion (200), and a plurality of roll elements (300). The shaft has an outer screw thread (404) formed at one end thereof. The barrel portion has an inner screw thread (207) and a groove (210) formed in the inner surface thereof. The inner screw thread is threadingly engaged with the outer screw thread of the shaft. The roll elements are received in the groove of the barrel portion and are rotatable relative to the shaft and the barrel portion.