Abstract: A retainer subassembly for a master link of a chain includes a cover plate, a pair of snap rings and a strap plate. The cover plate includes a pair of stepped recesses terminating in openings adjacent the outer face of the cover plate for receiving the spaced pins of a master link. Snap rings having radially inwardly extending and axially outwardly inclined tangs are disposed in the recesses. A strap plate overlies the inside face of the cover plate. To apply the retainer subassembly to the master link, the holes through the retainer subassembly are aligned with the pins and the retainer subassembly is pushed onto the pins. Once the flanges of the snap rings pass the ends of the pins, the flanges resiliently snap into the annular grooves of the pins retaining the retainer subassembly on the master link.

Abstract: A unitary construction hand-holdable device for tieing an inflated balloon includes projecting spaced-apart first and second prongs, and defines an opening providing finger access to the region rearward and beneath the prongs. An inflated balloon is held beneath the device, and the balloon neck is stretched to pass over both prongs and is then pulled down, below the device. The neck is then crossed over itself and a knot is formed in the region generally below the access opening. After tieing, the knotted balloon is slid off on the prongs. The device may be used to tie elastic materials other than balloons.