Gyral-linear actuator for encoder

A gyral-linear actuator for an encoder comprises an actuator housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a hollow. A control member extends from the first end of the actuator housing. A spring is positioned within the hollow of the actuator housing. Moreover, a coupler has an encoder connector and an extension that couples the control member to the encoder connector. Under this configuration, when the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder, and depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to actuators and in particular to actuators that are suitable for use with encoders.

Encoders are finding application in a variety of electronic devices, including processing devices typically used by musicians. In this regard, rotary encoders are particularly useful for digital processing devices including digital effect processors, modelers, and controllers, e.g., because the encoder is operated in a manner similar to a traditional potentiometer, which makes its use familiar to the typical musician.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a gyral-linear actuator for an encoder comprises an actuator housing, a control member, a spring, a coupler, and an encoder connector. The actuator housing has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a hollow. The control member extends from the first end of the actuator housing, and the spring is positioned within the hollow of the actuator housing. The coupler has an encoder connector and an extension that couples the control member to the encoder connector. Under this configuration, the control member preferably provides a tactile interface that facilitates user interaction with the encoder. When the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Likewise, depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder, thus operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

According to a further aspect, the gyral-linear actuator's housing may further comprise a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery. Hence, the gyral-linear actuator may be coupled to a female threaded portion of a musical instrument easily.

According to a further aspect, the control member may comprise a neck axially received by the body of the actuator housing and a head positioned on a first end of the neck.

According to a further aspect, the control member may include an inside surface having a receiver that receives a distal end of the extension. Preferably, the receiver may comprise a socket. Further preferably, the socket may comprise a milled cross pattern.

According to a further aspect, the gyral-linear actuator may further comprise a cap that seats over the first spring, the cap having an aperture therethrough. Additionally, the encoder connector of the coupler may be positioned outside of the cap and the extension may pass through the aperture of the cap.

According to a further aspect, the actuator housing may further comprise a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. The body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery and the cap may include a female threaded portion that threads onto the male threaded portion of the body of the actuator housing.

According to a further aspect, the extension of the coupler may comprise a primary shaft that connects to the control member. Additionally, the extension of the coupler may comprise a secondary shaft axially coupled to the primary shaft for relative axial movement therebetween. Preferably, the encoder connector is connected to the secondary shaft.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the primary shaft may have a hollow therein. The secondary shaft may be axially received in the hollow of the primary shaft. The primary shaft may have a male plug end that seats into a corresponding receptacle of the control member. Additionally, the primary shaft and the secondary shaft may have corresponding non-circular cross sections where the secondary shaft may be axially received in the hollow of the primary shaft. The encoder connector may be coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder. Rotation of the control member may cause corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Additionally, depression of the control member may cause corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

According to a further aspect, the gyral-linear actuator may further comprise a secondary spring positioned in the hollow of the primary shaft adjacent to the secondary shaft.

According to a further aspect, the primary shaft may have a hollow therein. The primary shaft may have at least one key slot on an inside surface adjacent to the hollow. The secondary shaft may have at least one key that mates with a corresponding key slot of the primary shaft when the secondary shaft is axially received in the hollow of the primary shaft.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a gyral-linear actuator for an encoder comprises an actuator housing, a control member, a spring, a cap, and a coupler. The actuator housing has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a hollow. The control member extends from the first end of the actuator housing. Moreover, the spring is positioned within the hollow of the actuator housing, and the cap seats over the spring (e.g., the cap couples to the second end of the actuator housing). The coupler has an encoder connector and an extension. The encoder connector can be positioned “outside” the cap opposite the actuator housing. In this configuration, the extension couples between the control member and the encoder connector. For instance, the extension can pass through an aperture of the cap and extend into the hollow of the actuator housing, where the extension couples to the control member. In this regard, when the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Moreover, depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder. In some embodiments, the control member is a button that is suitable for foot actuation of the switch function. Moreover, a user can grab and rotate the button, which correspondingly turns the rotary shaft of the encoder.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the actuator housing may further comprise a generally cylindrical body between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery.

According to a further aspect, the control member may comprise a neck axially received by the body of the actuator housing. Additionally, the control member may comprise a head positioned on a first end of the neck.

According to a further aspect, the control member may include an inside surface having a receiver that may receive a distal end of the extension. Additionally, the receiver may comprise a receptacle.

According to yet further aspects of the present disclosure, a gyral-linear actuator for an encoder comprises an actuator housing, a control member, a first spring, a primary shaft, a cap, and a shaft coupler. The actuator housing has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body between the first end and the second end, and a hollow that extends into the body from the second end thereof. The control member extends from the first end of the actuator housing. In this regard, the control member is rotatable within the actuator housing and is capable of axial movement within the body. The first spring is positioned within the hollow of the actuator housing, and the primary shaft is positioned within the first spring and within the hollow. Moreover, the primary shaft couples to the control member. The cap seats over the first spring. For instance, the cap can couple to the second end of the actuator housing, thus containing the first spring in the actuator housing between the control member and the cap. The shaft coupler has a secondary shaft that passes through an aperture of the cap and engages the primary shaft. The shaft coupler also includes an encoder connector at a distal end of the secondary shaft. When the gyral-linear actuator is connected to an encoder, the encoder connector couples to a rotary shaft of the encoder. Thus, in operation, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the primary shaft, which causes corresponding rotation of the secondary shaft, which causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder. Likewise, depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder via the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, thus operating a switch function of the rotary encoder. In some embodiments, a secondary spring is positioned in cooperation between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft.

According to further aspects, the body may comprise a male threaded portion on an outside periphery thereof. Further, the cap may comprise a cylindrical, knurled cap. Further, the aperture in the cap may be axially aligned with the body of the actuator housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A rotary encoder is a useful feature for electronic devices, including digital effect processors, modelers, and controllers. Such encoders provide even further usability and convenience when combined with a switch function. In this regard, a typical encoder includes an encoder shaft that can be rotated to generate encoder data. Moreover, the shaft can be pressed, e.g., in a direction orthogonal to a plane in which the encoder shaft is rotated, in order to operate a switch function. Unfortunately, encoders are currently provided as delicate electrical components that are not ruggedized. As such, a typical encoder is not suitable for harsh operating conditions such as using foot pressure to activate the switch of the encoder.

However, according to aspects of the present disclosure, a ruggedized actuator is provided as an encoder add-on, thus forming a ruggedized control. More particularly, the actuator herein extends the functionality of a typical rotary encoder, and in particular, a rotary encoder with a switch function, to a form that is usable in harsh environments that require ruggedized controls. A non-limiting example of a ruggedized application is to adapt an otherwise delicate encoder with a ruggedized actuator for use in a foot operable processing device. Such a device is used for instance, by musicians that require the ability to change settings of a processing device using foot switching while simultaneously playing an instrument, e.g., a keyboard, horn, percussion instrument, stringed musical instrument such as a guitar or bass, etc. A ruggedized actuator as described herein can also find application in industrial settings, e.g., on industrial controls, robots, industrial controllers, etc. Yet further, a ruggedized actuator as described herein can find application in industrial vehicles, consumer vehicles, various processing devices, etc., that require the use of an encoder.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular toFIG. 1, an example embodiment of a gyral-linear actuator10is illustrated in an exploded view. The gyral-linear actuator10provides a ruggedized actuator that is suitable for attachment to an encoder, thus forming a ruggedized control. In this regard, the gyral-linear actuator10includes an actuator housing12having a first end14, a second end16opposite the first end, and a hollow18. As illustrated, the actuator housing12can further comprise a generally cylindrical body20between the first end14and the second end16. The body20is illustrated as having a male threaded portion22on an outside periphery thereof. The male threaded portion22provides a convenient means to attach the gyral-linear actuator10to an equipment housing, e.g., using one or more nuts (not shown). Attachment of the actuator housing12rigidly and directly to an equipment housing provides a first force absorbing means that can transfer/distribute some force applied to the gyral-linear actuator10to the equipment housing thus isolating at least a portion of the applied force from a corresponding encoder.

In this regard, depending upon mounting requirements of the gyral-linear actuator10, not all the body20need include a threaded portion22. Moreover, in some embodiments, there may be no male threaded portion22.

The gyral-linear actuator10also comprises a control member24extending from the first end14of the actuator housing12. The control member24defines the portion of the gyral-linear actuator10for user interaction. For example, as will be described in greater detail herein. The control member24can be rotated relative to the body20(e.g., for rotational control of a corresponding encoder). The control member24may also be depressed relative to the body20(e.g., to control a switch function, where provided, on a corresponding encoder). As such, the control member24is also capable of axial movement relative to the body20. As such, the control member24may be configured in a manner that facilitates rotation and/or axial movement relative to the actuator housing12.

By way of example, the illustrated control member24includes a neck26axially received by the body20of the actuator housing12. The control member24is also illustrated as having a head28positioned on a first (distal) end of the neck26. In this regard, a user can actuate a switch by depressing the head28of the control member24, which axially moves the neck26into the body20. In some embodiments, the gyral-linear actuator10is ruggedized in a manner making the device suitable for operation by a foot of a user. In this example implementation, the head28is dimensioned so as to be comfortable to fit underneath a typical user's foot. The neck26provides a convenient way to position the head28, and optionally control a throw (i.e., maximum length of axial travel) of the control member24relative to the actuator housing12.

In some embodiments, the control member24can optionally include a shoulder, flange, washer, nut, or other suitable structure (not shown) that is positioned in the hollow18that forms an interference preventing the control member24from pushing through the first end14of the actuator housing12. Alternatively, the actuator housing12can “neck in” or include other feature that prevents the control member24from pushing through the first end14of the actuator housing12.

The gyral-linear actuator10also comprises a spring30within the hollow18of the actuator housing12. The spring30is illustrated as a conventional coil spring. However, other spring configurations and materials can be used. For instance, the spring30can be a resilient material, etc. The spring30provides the primary resistance to depression of the head28of the control member24, e.g., to activate a switch of a corresponding encoder. The spring30also provides a return force that biases the head28of the control member24away from the actuator housing12in a ready position to be actuated. For instance, an end of the spring30can engage the neck26(or other suitable abutment surface) of the control member24to bias the control member24relative to the actuator housing12. Stepping on the head28or otherwise axially moving the head28towards the actuator housing12compresses the spring30. When pressure is relieved from the head28of the control member24, the biasing force of the spring30returns the control member24to a ready state where the head28is axially returned to a position distal from the actuator housing12. In this regard, the specific parameters of the spring30are selected to account for a desired switch resistance, which is likely to be application dependent. In some embodiments, the spring30further ruggedizes the gyral-linear actuator10by setting a bias force to correspond to a force anticipated by foot pressure.

The gyral-linear actuator10still further includes a coupler32. The coupler32includes an extension34and an encoder connector36. The extension34is a generally elongate member that couples the control member24to the encoder connector36. The encoder connector36provides a connection to a corresponding rotary encoder. As such, the shape and configuration of the encoder connector36can vary, e.g., depending upon the geometry of the shaft of a select encoder that the gyral-linear actuator10attaches. For instance, the encoder connector36illustrated inFIG. 1includes a bell that forms a friction fit with an encoder shaft. In this regard, the encoder connector36can be integral with the extension34, or the encoder connector36can be attached, connected, or otherwise fixed to the extension34.

Referring toFIG. 2,FIG. 3, andFIG. 4generally, an example implementation of the gyral-linear actuator10is shown attached to an encoder to form a ruggedized control. Notably, the gyral-linear actuator10illustrated inFIG. 2-FIG. 4is presented for illustrative purposes, and can include any combination of features and/or structures described in the various embodiments of gyral-linear actuators described herein. As such, like structure is illustrated with like reference numbers except as otherwise noted.

For sake of illustration of operation,FIG. 2-FIG. 4collectively show a gyral-linear actuator10having an actuator housing12. The actuator housing12can include features analogous to that described with regard toFIG. 1. Moreover, the actuator housing12in this illustrated embodiment includes a keyway38along an outside periphery thereof (e.g., in an axial direction). The keyway38is not required, but provides a convenient way to lock the gyral-linear actuator10to a corresponding enclosure (e.g., using a corresponding key) so that the actuator housing12does not rotate or twist relative to the enclosure.

Analogous to that shown inFIG. 1, extending axially from a first end14of the actuator housing12is a control member24having a neck26and head28.

FIG. 2-FIG. 4also show an embodiment where the gyral-linear actuator10includes a cap40. The cap40is optional, e.g., the functionality of the cap40can be implemented in another means, such as the design of the actuator housing12itself. In general, the cap40threads onto the actuator housing12and provides an abutment surface for the spring (not shown—but analogous to the spring30ofFIG. 1). For instance, where the actuator housing12includes a male threaded portion22, the cap40can include a female threaded portion that threads onto the male threaded portion22of the body20of the actuator housing12. The cap40can also be implemented as a cylindrical, knurled cap40.

Thus, in an example embodiment, an inside surface of the cap40that covers over the second end16of the actuator housing12can be used to define an abutment surface so that the spring30(FIG. 1) is seated between the abutment surface of the cap40and the control member24. The cap40can also provide an external shoulder41for mounting the gyral-linear actuator10to a corresponding enclosure (not shown), e.g., when used in combination with a nut (not shown) that threads onto the actuator housing12.

Additionally, the cap40has an aperture42that extends therethrough. The aperture42is coaxially aligned with the coupler32, and provides a means for the extension34to pass from within the actuator housing12(where the extension34couples to the control member24), to a position outside the actuator housing12(where the extension34couples to the encoder connector36).

FIG. 2-FIG. 4further show the gyral-linear actuator10coupled to an encoder50. When the encoder connector36of the gyral-linear actuator10is coupled to a rotary encoder shaft52of the encoder50, rotation of the control member24causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector36so as to turn the rotary encoder shaft52of the encoder50. Likewise, depression of the control member24causes corresponding depression of the rotary encoder shaft52of the encoder50(e.g., via the coupler32including the extension34and the encoder connector36), thus operating a switch function of the rotary encoder50. Here, the “throw” of the switching function can be controlled in part, by the length of the neck26of the control member24, as the head28causes interference with the actuator housing12, thus limiting the axial travel of the control member. The spring30(FIG. 1) within the actuator housing12can also potentially limit the axial travel distance due to compression.

The spring30(not shown) provides a biasing force to default the control member24to an extended state distally displaced axially from the actuator housing12, thus corresponding to a retracted position of the coupler32. The spring30also sets the “stiffness” or resistance to the gyral-linear actuator10. As the head28of the control member24is depressed (axially moved towards the actuator housing12), the coupler32correspondingly moves axially downward. This axial movement operates the switch function of the encoder50. In this embodiment, the coupler32is fixedly connected to the control member24. As such, rotation of the head28and/or neck26cause corresponding rotation of the coupler32. As the coupler32rotates responsive to rotation of the control member24, the encoder connector36rotates the rotary encoder shaft52, thus operating the encoder50. Here, the encoder connector36may form a frictional connection to the rotary encoder shaft52, e.g., making the connection temporary/non-permanent. Moreover, the frictional mating of the encoder connector36to the rotary encoder shaft52ensures reliable operation as a switch and rotational encoder.

Referring toFIG. 5, another embodiment of a gyral-linear actuator10′ is illustrated according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, the gyral linear actuator ofFIG. 5includes components analogous to the gyral-linear actuator10ofFIG. 1-FIG. 4. As such, like structure is illustrated with like reference numbers, and operation is analogous unless otherwise discussed herein.

Analogous to that illustrated inFIG. 1, the gyral-linear actuator10′ includes an actuator housing12having a first end14, a second end16opposite the first end, and a hollow18. As illustrated, the actuator housing12further comprises a generally cylindrical body20between the first end14and the second end16. Moreover, the body20is illustrated as having a male threaded portion22on an outside periphery thereof.

The gyral-linear actuator10also comprises a control member24extending from the first end14of the actuator housing12. By way of example, the illustrated control member24includes a neck26axially received by the body20of the actuator housing12, and a head28at the distal end of the neck26. The control member24is configured for rotational movement relative to the actuator housing12, and for axial movement within the hollow18of the actuator housing12.

The gyral-linear actuator10′ also comprises a spring30within the hollow18of the actuator housing12. An optional cap40can be used to contain the spring30within the hollow18of the actuator housing12.

The above components of the gyral-linear actuator10′ are analogous to those like parts ofFIG. 1, and will thus not be discussed further.

Different from the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the gyral-linear actuator10′ includes a coupler32′. The coupler32′ is analogous to the coupler32ofFIG. 1, in that the coupler32′ includes an extension34and an encoder connector36. However, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the extension34of the coupler32′ comprises a primary shaft62that connects to the control member24. The extension34also comprises a secondary shaft64axially coupled to the primary shaft62for relative axial (but not rotational) movement therebetween. In this regard, the encoder connector36is connected to the secondary shaft64. Here the encoder connector36can be integral with the secondary shaft64, or the encoder connector36can connect as a separate component.

FIG. 5is an exploded view for illustrative purposes. In this regard, the cap40is schematically shown to the right of the secondary shaft64. In practice, the secondary shaft64may pass through the aperture42in the cap40such that a bell defining the encoder connector36is on one side of the cap40opposite the length of the secondary shaft64as described more fully herein.

In an example embodiment, the primary shaft62is a generally elongate shaft structure having a hollow66therein. The secondary shaft64is axially received in the hollow66of the primary shaft62. However, the generally elongate shaft need not be cylindrical. For instance, the primary shaft62can have any desired geometric cross-section (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, etc.). Analogously, the secondary shaft64is also a generally elongate shaft structure. However, the generally elongate shaft need not be cylindrical. For instance, the secondary shaft64can have any desired geometric cross-section (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, etc.). Moreover, the primary shaft62and the secondary shaft64need not have the same shape. For instance, as shown inFIG. 5(solely for illustrative, non-limiting purposes), the primary shaft62has a generally hexagonal cross-section, whereas the secondary shaft64has a generally “star pattern” cross-section due to the key arrangement.

As noted above, the primary shaft62axially moves relative to the secondary shaft64. In this regard, certain embodiments can include a feature such as a key68(or set of keys68) on the outside surface of the secondary shaft64that mate with corresponding key slot(s)70on an inside surface of the primary shaft62adjacent to the hollow66when the secondary shaft64is axially received in the hollow66of the primary shaft62. This arrangement allows axial movement of the primary shaft62relative to the secondary shaft64, while restricting rotational relative movement of the primary shaft62relative to the secondary shaft64. Thus, in some embodiments, the secondary shaft64has at least one key68, and correspondingly, the primary shaft62has at least one key slot. Each key of the secondary shaft64mates with a corresponding key slot of the primary shaft62when the secondary shaft64is axially received in the hollow66of the primary shaft62.

Also, in some embodiments (not shown), the second shaft64may axially receive the primary shaft62. Under such embodiments, a feature such as a key or set of keys can be provided on the outside surface of the primary shaft62that mate with corresponding key slots (not shown) on an inside surface of the second shaft64, e.g., analogous to that described above.

Thus, in some embodiments, the primary shaft62and the secondary shaft64have corresponding non-circular cross sections where the secondary shaft64is axially received in the hollow66of the primary shaft62. In other example implementations, the primary shaft62and/or the secondary shaft64can have a circular cross-section, e.g., so long as when the encoder connector is coupled to a rotary shaft of the encoder, rotation of the control member causes corresponding rotation of the encoder connector so as to turn the rotary shaft of the encoder, and depression of the control member causes corresponding depression of the rotary shaft of the encoder operating a switch function of the rotary encoder.

Moreover, in some embodiments, a secondary spring74is positioned between the primary shaft62and the secondary shaft64. For instance, the secondary spring74can be placed in the hollow66of the primary shaft62adjacent to the secondary shaft64(e.g., adjacent to a first end thereof). In this regard, the secondary shaft64may include a feature76such as a tip, nub, dome, etc., that provides a seat that receives an end of the secondary spring74. This configuration assists to prevent switch failure due to excess force, serving as a secondary dampener to the spring30. Moreover, the secondary spring74extends the linear action (axial) range making the gyral-linear actuator10compatible with different encoders by allowing for compensation in the variability of switch travel distance. As such, the gyral-linear actuator10′ includes adjustable features (including features that auto-adjust) for different applications.

Also shown inFIG. 5is an embodiment where the primary shaft62has a male plug end80that seats into a corresponding receptacle of the control member24. The male plug end80can also be implemented on the embodiment ofFIG. 1. Also, the plug/socket relationship can be reversed, where the control member24includes a male plug end that connects to a mating socket in the end of the coupler32.

As an example of assembly, the control member24is installed in actuator housing12. The control member24includes (e.g., via the neck26or some other suitable component), a feature that prevents the control member from pushing through the first end14of the actuator housing12. The spring30is dropped into the hollow18of the actuator housing12through the second end16. Then, the primary shaft62is dropped into the hollow18of the actuator housing12within the spring30such that the end80mates with a corresponding receptacle of the control member24. The cap40is then screwed onto the threaded portion22of the body20(or is otherwise attached to the body20) of the actuator housing12thus containing the spring30within the actuator housing12.

The secondary spring74is dropped through the aperture42of the cap40and into the hollow66of the primary shaft62. Then the secondary shaft64is passed through the aperture42of the cap40and is axially received into the hollow66of the primary shaft62seating the secondary spring74. Here, the shaft portion of the secondary shaft64extends through the aperture42in the cap40and the “bell” of secondary shaft64defining the encoder connector36extends axially past the cap40.

Referring toFIG. 6, a gyral-linear actuator10″ is illustrated according to further embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the gyral linear actuator10″ ofFIG. 6includes components analogous to the gyral-linear actuator10′ ofFIG. 5. As such, like structure is illustrated with like reference numbers, and operation is analogous unless otherwise discussed herein.

Here, in order to seat the coupler32into the actuator housing12, an insert82is installed into the hollow18at the second end16of the actuator housing12. The insert82engages the control member24and provides a socket for receiving the plug end80of the extension34(e.g., primary shaft62as shown). Here, the spring30is removed for clarity of illustrating the insert82. However, where desired, the spring30can be included.

Referring toFIG. 7, an example embodiment illustrates the primary shaft62axially receiving the secondary shaft64with the spring74engaged thereby. Here, compressing the secondary spring74moves the encoder connector36relatively closer to the plug end80of the primary shaft62, and the bias of the secondary spring74in a non-compressed state moves the encoder connector36relatively farther from the plug end80. This allows for adjustments to be made automatically to account for specific encoder requirements. Also, the keys68cooperate with corresponding slots70to prevent relative rotation of the primary shaft62relative to the secondary shaft64. Other mechanisms can be used to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Also shown inFIG. 7is an example configuration of the plug end80at the tip of the primary shaft62. As illustrated, the plug end80takes the form of a cross pattern.

Referring toFIG. 8, the control member24(or optional insert82) includes a receiver, implemented as a socket84. The socket84has a shape complimentary to the shape of the plug end80. For instance, the socket84can comprise a milled cross pattern. In this regard, a bottom surface of the control member24opposite the head28(e.g., bottom surface of the neck26) can include a receptacle forming the socket84. The socket84can be milled into the control member24, or otherwise formed. Alternatively, the insert82, where used, can include a molded or milled socket as described above.

Referring toFIG. 7andFIG. 8, when receiver receives a distal end of the extension34(e.g., the plug end80is received into the mating socket84), rotation of the head28of the control member24, causes corresponding rotation of the neck26. Because of the cross pattern of the plug and socket, the rotation of the neck26causes corresponding rotation of the coupler32.