Abstract: An adjustable tree stand utilizes a receptacle for receiving and securing the bole of a Christmas tree. The receptacle includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an upper, radially outwardly extending collar, a bottom wall including an integrally formed, upwardly extending pointed projection for engaging the bottom of the bole of a Christmas tree, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending, vertical ribs integrally formed with the sidewall, at least one of the ribs having a radially outwardly extending convex portion extending from below the upper collar to the bottom of the sidewall including a plurality of teeth extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the outwardly extending convex portion. The receptacle is adapted to a base including a truncated, substantially hemispherical interior sidewall for receiving the receptacle, the sidewall having upper and lower edges.

Abstract: A primarily radial load ball bearing includes an assembly of outer and inner race rings having confronting raceways for a plurality of balls, and a unitary ball separator fabricated of a moldable material such as nylon. The separator is a ring-shaped member having an annular base and annularly spaced fingers projecting axially from the base to provide annularly spaced ball pockets. The separator is configured to be received between the races to separate and space the bearing balls in the bearing. The wall surfaces of the ball pockets may be spherical or may be cylindrical generated about radial axes of the separator. The effective diameter of the pocket wall surfaces is larger than that of the balls to provide a clearance space; and the wall surfaces are provided with projections of several configurations which define ball engaging surfaces having an effective diameter still slightly larger than that of the balls to provide minimal clearance with the balls.