Abstract: A retainer for use with a ball and socket joint includes a first portion that is adapted to be connected to a ball stud of a ball and socket joint and a second portion that is adapted to be engaged by a socket of the ball and socket joint. An intermediate portion connects the first and second portions together. A wear indicator is supported on one of the first and second portions. The wear indicator is adapted to be engaged by a portion of the ball and socket joint when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred within the ball and socket joint and to generate a signal in response to such engagement.

Abstract: A jewelry installation device comprising a clamping device for operatively supporting a spring ring for coupling ends of an article of jewelry together, comprises a support and a clamp supported by the support. The support may comprise a handle structured and configured to be grasped between the fingers and the palm of a user's hand so as to orient the clamp proximate the wrist of the user. The clamp is structured and configured to hold the spring ring of a chain bracelet in an open position and proximate the wrist of the user, rendering both hands of the user free to grasp and operate the spring ring and manipulate the jump ring of the chain (opposite the spring ring) to engage the jump ring with the spring ring. Upon opening the clamp, the spring ring is released and upon being released, the spring ring closes upon the jump ring, coupling the spring ring and jump ring together.

Abstract: An apparatus for positively positioning a seat on the rim of a toilet bowl to prevent the seat from accidently sliding off of the rim is disclosed. A first plurality of positioning members is attached to the upper surface of the rim, while a second plurality of positioning members is attached to the lower surface of the seat. The first and second pluralities of positioning members are formed having complementary male and female shapes and are located such that they engage one another when the seat is lowered onto the rim. When so engaged, the positioning members prevent the seat from sliding laterally relative to the rim. The male positioning members are preferably formed having the shape of a truncated cone, while the female positioning members are preferably formed having a complementary shaped recess. Adhesive tape may be used to attach the positioning members to the seat and the rim.

Abstract: A combined bottle cap and straw structure for a liquid containing bottle is disclosed. The cap includes a liner secured thereto which extends across a central region of the cap. In a first embodiment, a hollow cylindrical straw is formed integrally with the liner. A frangible region is formed at the junction between the liner and the straw. A relatively small aperture is formed through the frangible region to vent the interior of the straw to the interior of the bottle. When the cap is removed from the bottle, the straw remains attached to the cap for easy grasping. The straw can flexed relative to the cap to separate it from the liner along the frangible region. In a second embodiment, the liner is provided with an integral protrusion which extends into the open end of the bottle. The straw is formed separately from the liner, but is sized to be frictionally retained on the protrusion. The protrusion includes a relatively small groove to vent the interior of the straw portion to the interior of the bottle.

Abstract: An improved dental flossing device includes a generally cylindrical body portion and a curved end portion. The cylindrical body portion is hollow and includes means for mounting a spool of dental floss therein. Floss from the spool is fed through a first locking means formed within the cylindrical body to the curved end portion. The locking means consists of a cylindrical boss extending radially inwardly of the body portion which defines a through aperture. A movable member is received in the aperture therein. A passageway formed in the movable member receives the dental floss. The movable member is spring-biased such that the passageway formed therein is normally seated within the aperture formed in the boss so as to frictionally engage the dental floss and prevent movement therethrough.