Abstract:
A device allowing engagement of a conventional keyed deadbolt lock tumbler assembly without use of a key is provided. The device is assembled around the tumbler assembly and is fitted into a standard:door lock cut-out. The device includes a rotatable ring extending substantially around the periphery of the device. At rest the rotatable ring is biased in an original starting position. Upon overcoming the bias, the rotatable ring is moved to a second engaging position. Upon release of the rotatable ring the ring is biased back to the original position, while at the same time the deadbolt remains engaged. The biasing back of the device prevents the lock from binding or jamming.

Description:
This is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/472,133 filed Oct. 31, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,261 which claims benefit of Ser. No. 60/007,104 filed Oct. 31, 1995. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to a keyless deadbolt lock engaging device for use in combination with a conventional deadbolt lock tumbler assembly, and pertains more particularly to a keyless engaging device which is biased to return to a position in which the device does not interfere with disengagement of the deadbolt by a key. The keyless engaging device of the present invention is an improvement over known locking devices as the biasing prevents the lock from binding up and thereby making disengagement of the deadbolt difficult. 
     Deadbolt locks have become common because of the added security which they provide. However, deadbolts have not become as convenient as other types of locks, for example automobile door locks and tubular style entryway door locks. These types of locks can be locked from the inside while exiting, thereby making it unnecessary to have the key in hand. 
     Several devices have been developed in an attempt to overcome the need for a key when engaging the deadbolt. However, each prior device has included one or more of the following design problems. 
     One of the most serious problems with prior deadbolt engaging devices is the tendency of the device to cause “binding” of the lock. Binding of the lock assembly not only makes disengagement of the lock becomes jammed. A lock could become jammed while someone is on the opposite side of the door from the device, therefor unable to manually manipulate the mechanism free. In addition, the force necessary to overcome binding of the lock accelerates wear of the internal mechanism. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,539,548 to Kendrick discloses a lock with a rotatable exterior ring. The ring is rotated to project the deadbolt, but cannot be retracted by a reverse rotation until the deadbolt is disengaged. Upon attempting to disengage the deadbolt with a key, the user would be hampered by the rotatable ring, which would bind up the deadbolt assembly. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,749 to Lin is another example of a device which creates a binding effect in the lock assembly. Further, as the Lin &#39;749 design allows the rotatable ring to move freely in either direction, the user could become confused and unsure as to whether the bolt has been fully engaged. 
     A similar design in U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,030 to Lin has other disadvantages in addition to lock binding. First, the device is not reversible to accommodate both right and left handed doors. Supplying duplicate mirror image parts therefore becomes necessary. 
     Second, the Lin &#39;030 device would allow water to enter and be trapped within the device, leading to corrosion and/or freezing of the mechanism. 
     Another disadvantage of prior devices is that some designs are dependent on the projection speed imparted by the user. In these designs, the deadbolt is often not fully projected, leaving the lock easily retracted without a key. 
     Still another disadvantage of prior devices is the complexity of the devices. The use of a large number of intricate parts makes these devices extremely complex and difficult to assemble, expensive to manufacture, and may require specialized tools. These locks may also require extensive hole cutting on the door to be fitted with the lock and device. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a keyless deadbolt lock engagement device which is biased to return the device to an original position to prevent binding of the lock. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a deadbolt engaging device from being jammed by incorrect rotation, and possibly trapping a person. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a deadbolt engaging device whose keyless operation has the same feel to the user as when using a key, without an odd or binding feeling. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a deadbolt engaging device which will not allow moisture to become trapped within the device, thereby preventing corrosion or freezing of the mechanism. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a deadbolt engaging device which does not depend on the rotation or projection speed by the user, thereby assuring complete engagement of the deadbolt at each use. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a design which is less susceptible to a blow from a hammer, a twisting force from a wrench or similar tool, or drilling of the lock, thereby increasing security. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device which fits in the standard deadbolt door cutout. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device which has the basic appearance of a conventional lock. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a device which is of simple construction, is relatively inexpensive, and has long lasting reliability. 
     It is another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is obvious in its operation, requires only one handed operation, and which has a positive stop to transmit to the operator that the bolt is fully projected. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is provided a keyless device for engagement of the deadbolt of a conventional lock assembly. 
     The device of the present invention allows simple one handed engagement of the deadbolt lock without the use of a key. The keyless engagement device is assembled around the conventional deadbolt lock tumbler assembly, and is fitted into the standard door cutout. The keyless device includes a rotatable ring extending substantially around the periphery of the device. At rest the rotatable ring is biased in an original starting position. Upon overcoming the bias, the rotatable ring is moved to a second or engaging position in which the deadbolt is projected into an engaged position. Upon release of the rotatable ring the ring is biased back to the original position, while at the same time the deadbolt remains engaged. The biasing back of the device prevents the lock from binding or jamming. 
     The device of the present invention accommodates doors that open in either direction, as the parts can be inserted into the lock as a whole in one of two possible directions. 
    
    
     
       These and other objects of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of the embodiments selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated utilizes a coiled spring and spring retaining ring as the biasing mechanism. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view along line  2 — 2  of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the device being in the deadbolt disengaged position. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view along line  3 — 3  of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the device being in the deadbolt disengaged position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view along line  4 — 4  of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the device being in the deadbolt engaged position. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view along line  5 — 5  of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the device being in the deadbolt engaged position. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view along line  6 — 6  of another preferred embodiment of the rotatable ring :of the present invention in the deadbolt disengaged position shown in FIG.  7 . The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view along line  7 — 7  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in the deadbolt disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view along line  9 — 9  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , in the deadbolt engaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view along line  10 — 10  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in the deadbolt engaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view along line  11 — 11  of another preferred embodiment of the rotatable ring of the present invention in the deadbolt disengaged position shown in FIG.  12 . The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view along line  12 — 12  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in the deadbolt disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.  11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view along line  14 — 14  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , in the deadbolt engaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view along line  15 — 15  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in the deadbolt engaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the rotatable ring of the present invention in the deadbolt disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view along line  17 — 17  of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 , in the deadbolt disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the biasing means of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the biasing means of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the biasing means of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the biasing means of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings there is shown a preferred embodiment for the keyless deadbolt lock engaging device of the present invention. Unless otherwise noted, the term “inside” refers to that part nearest the door when assembled, the term “outside” refers to that part furthest from the door when assembled. 
     The device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-5  is constructed to be assembled about a conventional deadbolt lock tumbler assembly  12  having a face plate  14 , threaded holes  16 ,  18  and an axial actuator  20 . 
     A body  22 , preferably constructed of zinc by a die casting process, includes an aperture  26  into which the tumbler assembly  12  is inserted, and an inner surface  24 . Body ring  22  further includes step projections  28  which may be integral to the body  22 . Step projections  28  prevent the lock tumbler from rotating within the present invention. A channel portion  36  includes shoulder grooves  32 ,  34 . A shoulder or rim  38  of a decreased diameter and outer ring surface  40  form bearing surfaces, shoulder  38  further including inner body surface  30 . 
     Encased within channel  36  is a spring ring  42 , preferably constructed of a nylon material by plastic injection molding, having a spring stop  44 , a cut or slice  46  and a notch  48 . 
     A return spring  50  is coiled about spring ring  42 , the return spring  50  being fitted onto spring ring  42  by way of cut  46 . A helical coiled compression spring illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . The return spring  50  is located between the notched portion  48  and the spring stop  44 . 
     The spring ring  42 , return spring  50  assembly is held in position by the shoulder grooves  32 ,  34 , as seen in FIG.  2 . Return spring  50  is compressed at one end by shoulder groove  32 , while the compression of the return spring  50  forces stop  44  against shoulder groove  34 . Surface  30  of rim  38  provides a contact surface for the section of spring ring  42  which is not sheathed by return spring  50 . 
     A rotatable ring  52 , preferably constructed of zinc by a die casting process, includes an inwardly projecting center projection  54 , which is assembled to rotate against the bearing surfaces  38 ,  40  of body  22 . The ring  52  includes an inwardly extending radial finger  56  which is restricted axially by inner rim  38  and rotationally by grooves  32 ,  34 . Radial finger  56  has projecting portions  58  and a catch  60  which fits notch  48  of spring ring  50 . 
     A radial actuator  62 , preferably cut from sheet steel, includes a center aperture or cutout  66  and an arm  64 . The aperture  62  accepts the lock tumbler axial actuator  20 . Arm  64  contacts the radial finger  56  of rotatable ring  52 . 
     A locator ring  70 , preferably constructed of zinc by a die casting process, includes a shoulder portion  72  which is accepted into the door lock hole. Outer ring surface  76  and a surface  78  act as bearing surfaces for rotatable ring  52 . The surface  78  of locator ring  70  fits against inner surface  24  of the body  22 . The entire assembly is clamped together with the locator ring  70  secured in the door cutout by two screws (not shown) on the door interior and tightened into two threaded holes  16 ,  18  of lock tumbler  12 . The body  22  and locator ring  70  together sandwich loosely the rotatable ring  52 , the radial actuator  62  and the spring ring  42 , return spring  50  assembly. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the deadbolt (not shown) in the unlocked or disengaged position. Radial finger  56  rests against shoulder groove  32 . The return spring  50  is under light compression and forced into an arc by spring ring  42  through its center and both are held stationary. Rotatable ring  52  is held in a stationery position as the radial finger  56  is connected to spring ring  42  by notch  48  and catch  60 . The rotatable ring  52  is freely rotatable between body  22  and locator ring  70 , but is constrained to rotate between shoulder grooves  32 ,  34  by radial finger  56 . The radial actuator  62  is in contact with radial finger  56 , and is also shown in the bolt retracted or disengaged position. 
     In order to engage the deadbolt, the user must rotate the rotatable ring  52  clockwise to overcome the bias of the spring ring  42  return spring  50  assembly, to reach the position as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As the rotatable ring  52  is turned, the radial finger  56  forces the radial actuator  62  to rotate the tumbler axial actuator  20 , thereby projecting the deadbolt into the locked, engaged position. The radial finger  56  pulls the spring ring  42 , through the interaction of catch  48  and notch  60 , around a circular path. The rotation causes the spring stop  44  to compress the return spring  50 . This causes the user to feel increasing resistance, or bias, through the rotatable ring  52 . Rotation of the rotatable ring  52  is limited to the position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  by shoulder groove  34 , which acts as a stop for the movement of radial finger  56 . Further, the user will “feel” that the tumbler mechanism  12  has projected the bolt, as is felt when using a key. 
     Upon release of the rotatable ring  52 , the compressed return spring  50  will force the spring ring  42  to rotate counter clockwise and pull rotatable ring  52  and radial finger  56  back to the original position (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) against shoulder groove  32 . The radial actuator  62  and tumbler axial actuator  20  remain in the bolt projected position. The biasing of the radial finger  56  away from the radial actuator  62  leaves the lock in position for disengagement of the bolt by a key without any contact or resulting binding effect from the device of the present invention. 
     The operation of the present invention is very similar to that of a conventional deadbolt lock, whether the lock is a double cylinder lock or of the type with a thumb turn on the interior. In either lock, a key must be utilized to open or lock the door from the outside. However, the present invention allows the door to be locked from the outside without use of a key. A fractional rotation of the rotatable ring  52  projects the bolt into engagement, after which the biasing resulting from the spring ring  42 /return spring  50  assembly causes the rotatable ring  52  to return to its original position. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a deadbolt disengaged position,  FIGS. 6-8 , and a deadbolt engaged position,  FIGS. 9-10 . The body  122  includes a base portion  128  and a face portion  130 , the body  122  completely covering and loosely surrounding the rotatable ring  152 . The inner surfaces  132 ,  134  of the body  122  form bearing surfaces for the outer surfaces  142 ,  144  of the rotatable ring  152 . 
     The rotatable ring  152  is loosely constrained in the axial direction by the body  122  and the locator ring  170 . The body  122  is clamped to and located by the locator ring  170  by two screws (not shown) in the lock tumbler assembly  112  as described for the embodiment disclosed above. 
     The body  122  includes two openings or apertures  146 ,  148  on the face portion  130 , through which two “ears” or rotator projections  150  of the rotatable ring  152  extend. The user grasps the projections  150  with a thumb and forefinger and turns. The arm  164  engages radial finger  156 , which is constructed and operates as disclosed above. Arm  164  and finger  156  act so as to force radial actuator  162  to engage, through axial actuator  120  of tumbler assembly  112 , the deadbolt. The deadbolt remains engaged, and cannot be disengaged by movement of the rotatable ring  152 . 
     The method of biasing to return the rotatable ring  152  is not illustrated in  FIGS. 6-10  for purposes of clarity, however, any of the methods disclosed herein can be applied to this embodiment. The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the deadbolt disengaged position in  FIGS. 11-13  and in the deadbolt engaged position in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     The body  222  includes a channeled shoulder portion  238  which substantially surrounds and provides bearing surfaces for rotatable ring.  252 . The rotatable ring  252  is also loosely constrained in the axial direction by the body  222  and locator ring  270 . The body  222  includes an opening or aperture  246  where the body  222  and the locator ring  270  join. The body  222  is clamped to and located by the locator ring by two outside screws (not shown) in the threaded holes  216 ,  218  of the lock tumbler  212 . 
     The rotatable ring  252  includes an “ear” or projection  250  which extends through aperture  246 , the aperture  246  limiting the movement of the projection  250  to 180 degrees or less. The user pushes the projection  250  which turns the rotatable ring  252 . The radial finger  256 , which is constructed and operates as disclosed above, forces radial actuator  262 , in combination with the axial actuator  220 , to engage the deadbolt. The deadbolt remains engaged, and cannot be disengaged by movement of the rotatable ring  252 . 
     The method of biasing to return the rotatable ring  252  is not illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15  for purposes of clarity, however, any of the methods disclosed herein can be applied to this embodiment. The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
     Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 16 , and  17 , which shows the deadbolt in a semi-projected, half locked state. In this embodiment, the body  322  and the locator ring  370  are constructed and operate in the same manner as described for the first preferred embodiment. The radial finger  356  of rotatable ring  352  interacts with bolt actuator  362  which has a paddle shaped surface  364 . The bolt actuator  362  is directly manipulated by one way contact with an axial extension  358  from the radial finger  356 . 
     The bolt actuator  362  fits in the bolt assembly  312  and accepts axial actuator  320  as is common practice in the industry. This configuration, as well as the other embodiments described herein, is fully reversible to work with right or left handed doors. 
     The method of biasing to return the rotatable ring  352  is not illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17  for purposes of clarity, however, any of the methods disclosed herein can be applied to this embodiment. The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment for the biased rotatable ring return mechanism, the device being shown in the deadbolt engaged position. The body  422 , rotatable ring  452 , radial actuator  462 , return spring  450 , as well as the locator ring (not shown) operate as described and illustrated for the first preferred embodiment. The spring ring  442  is designed as described for the first preferred embodiment, however, the spring ring  442  is assembled within the device as follows. 
     The return spring  450  is fitted onto the spring ring  442 , and fits and cooperates within the body  422  and rotatable ring  452  as described for the first preferred embodiment. However, the spring ring  442  is pushed by the radial finger  456  around a circular path, the rotation compressing return spring  450  between shoulder groove  432  and spring stop  444 . Upon release of the rotatable ring  452 , the return spring  450  rotates the rotatable ring  452  back to the original position. The deadbolt remains projected and cannot be disengaged by rotation of the rotatable ring  452 . The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the biased rotatable ring return mechanism. The body  522 , constructed as in the first preferred embodiment, further includes a body slot  546 . (Body slot  546 ′ is provided to allow the lock to be used with either a right or left handed door.) The radial finger  558  of rotatable ring  552  includes a radial finger slot  548 , and is adjacent to radial actuator  562 . 
     The return spring  450  is a torsional type and has two elongated members  542 ,  544 . One elongated member  544  extends down and is held in place from rotating by the body slot  546 . The other elongated member  542  extends at an angle and has a means to connect into radial finger slot  548 . The two elongated members  542 ,  544  join at a coiled member  540  that is generally held around axial actuator  520 . When the rotatable ring  552  is rotated to project the bolt, the radial finger slot  548  forces one elongated member  542  of return spring  550  to rotate and provide a torsional counter force while the other elongated member  544  remains stationery. 
     Upon release of the rotatable ring  552 , the return spring  550  rotates the rotatable ring  552  back to the original position. The deadbolt remains projected and cannot be disengaged by rotation of the rotatable ring  552 . The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the biased rotatable ring return mechanism. The device is shown in the deadbolt retracted, disengaged state. The rotatable ring  652  is constructed substantially around and in cooperating relation to the body  622  in the same way as described for the first preferred embodiment. The rotatable ring  652  includes a radial finger  658  extending inward and being adjacent to radial actuator  662 , the radial finger  658  having a radial finger slot  648 . The return spring  650  is of the coiled constant force type, as is known in the art is wound to a tension proper for the particular application. A spring wind retainer  646  is provided and has a means to wrap around a portion of the return spring  650  where tangs  642 ,  644  protrude to prevent it from unwinding. This allows removal and reinsertion into the body  622  without loss of tension, easily accommodating right and left handed doors. 
     Location blocks  632  are provided to locate, guide and support the return spring  650  into body  622 . Tang  642  is located in contact with location block  634  and tang  642  fits immovably into radial finger slot  648 . When rotatable ring  652  is rotated to engage the bolt, tang  642  is pulled in a circular direction with a constant force until the bolt is projected. 
     Upon release of the rotatable ring  652 , the return spring  650  rotates the rotatable ring  652  back to the original position. The deadbolt remains projected and cannot be disengaged by rotation of the rotatable ring  652 . The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the biased rotatable ring return mechanism, the device being shown with the deadbolt in a semi-projected position. The rotatable ring  752  is constructed substantially around and in cooperating relation to the body  722  in the same way as described for the first preferred embodiment. The rotatable ring  752  includes a radial finger  758  extending inward in contact with radial actuator  762 . 
     A return spring  750  is of the coiled extension type with end loops  742 ,  744 , as is known to those skilled in the art. Loop  742  of the return spring  750  is connected and held by a means around radial finger  758 . The other loop  744  is held in place by slot  746 . The coils of the return spring are held against and ride around a circular path on slide  748  by the tension of the return spring  750 . The slide  748  may be an integral part of body  722  or can be an additional part made of plastic, metal or any suitable material. The slide  748  could be held rigidly or loosely within the body in a slot or by other means. 
     When rotating the rotatable ring  752  to project the bolt, the radial finger  758  elongates return spring  750  with increasing tension until the bolt is projected. Upon release of the rotatable ring  752 , the return spring  750  pulls the rotatable ring  752  around to the original position. As in the other embodiments, this embodiment can be reversed for use with either right or left handed doors. 
     The material and methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment. 
     From the foregoing description those skilled in the art will appreciate that all of the objects of the present invention are realized. 
     The rotatable ring adds material thickness around the periphery of the device to greatly hinder efforts to access the mechanism by drilling. Further, the construction of the rotatable ring radial finger resists tampering of a twisting type, as the radial finger would tend to deform or break off, leaving the rotatable ring useless, as it would spin freely about the device and lock mechanism. In addition, the rotatable ring provides a moisture barrier which prevents corrosion or freezing of the assembly. 
     The device of the present invention further provides a spring ring/return spring assembly which functions to return the rotatable ring to its original resting position after the deadbolt is engaged. Returning the rotatable ring to its original position prevents any binding of the lock mechanism, as the radial finger is no longer in any contact with the radial actuator. 
     Any contact between the radial ringer and radial actuator would cause considerable binding of the radial finger along the extending arm. This is due to the offset rotation points of these two compenents. The radial actuator rotates about an axis considerably lower than the axis of rotation of the rotatable ring. The mechanical advantage gained by the radial finger from the rotatable ring acting on the extending arm makes this movement unnoticeable when projecting the bolt. If there is contact between the radial finger and the extending arm when a key is used to retract the bolt, then the great mechanical disadvantage from the key to this contact point makes the binding very pronounced and detrimental to the unlocking attempt. 
     Upon using a key to disengage the deadbolt, the lock will “behave” exactly as if the device of the present invention were not being used. 
     There is provided a body which houses and protects the lock tumbler. Additionally, the body houses and guides the movement of the spring ring/return spring assembly, and the radial actuator. The body provides bearing surfaces for the rotatable ring to ride on, and further inhibits lateral and axial motion of the rotatable ring. The thickness of the body makes it extremely difficult to drill through, and the profile of the body resists grasping the device with a wrench or other tool, thereby increasing security. 
     While specific embodiments have been shown and described, many variations are possible. The body, rotatable and locator rings may be constructed of any ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic, ceramic, composite or any other appropriately solid and strong material. These rings may be produced by other methods including other types of casting, injection molding, machining or any other appropriate method. 
     The spring ring can be constructed of another plastic material, or any of the materials and by any of the processes listed above. The radial actuator may be constructed of sheet steel by die cutting, laser cutting or other method, but may also be of a plastic material by injection or other molding, or any of the materials and by any of the processes listed above. 
     The return spring can be made of music wire, stainless steel or any other spring material and can be used in plated or unplated form. 
     While a preferred spring ring/return spring assembly has been illustrated to provide a means to return the rotatable ring to its original position, several modifications may be made. The spring ring could be constructed as only a partial circle of a cross section and fit inside the return spring. The spring ring could also be held rigidly or loosely by some other portion of the rotatable ring, or some portion of the base ring. 
     Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.