WO2003025694A1

WO2003025694A1 - A shift lever assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2003025694A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/001292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian John Byles; Haldum Halim Olguner; Neil Murray Williams
Original assignee: MTM Pty Ltd
Current assignee: MTM Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-09-20
Filing date: 2002-09-20
Publication date: 2003-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2004-03-20
Also published as: AUPR782301A0

Abstract

A shift lever assembly (10), including a base member (14), and a shift lever (12). The shift lever (12) is pivotally mounted to the base member (14). The assembly (10) includes a means (29) for biasing the shift lever (12) relative to the base member (14). The biasing means (29) is mounted on the shift lever (12).

Description

A SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a shift lever assembly for a vehicle automatic transmission.

The present invention particularly relates to a shift lever assembly for a vehicle through which a driver can select an automatic shift mode and a manual shift mode and is herein described in that context. However, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

Shift lever assemblies of the type mentioned in the previous paragraph generally include two shift lever shifting paths. The first shifting path is provided for the automatic shift mode, allowing for the pre-selection of any one of, for example, a park (P) position, a reverse (R) position, a neutral (N) position, and at least one drive range (D) position. The second shifting path is provided for the manual shift mode, and includes three positions in which the shift lever can adopt a neutral (or centre) position, an up-shift position and a down-shift position.

In the second shifting path (for the manual shift mode), the shift lever is shifted to the up-shift position from the neutral position to shift one gear up in the vehicle automatic transmission. Similarly, the shift lever is shifted from the neutral position to the down-shift position to shift one gear down.

The first and second shifting paths are generally arranged adjacent and parallel to one another. A changeover path generally connects the first and second shifting paths to one another.

Although existing shift lever assemblies function satisfactorily, they are generally of relatively complicated designs, which include a large number of components and, hence, involve relatively high production costs. Therefore, there is a demand for a simplified assembly which has a reduced number of components and which can be manufactured economically.

It would therefore be desirable to simplify the construction of shift lever assemblies, including reducing the number of components of such assemblies.

It would also be desirable to provide a shift lever assembly of lower production cost when compared to existing shift levers.

The above discussion of the background to the invention is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the filing date of the application.

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for biasing a shift lever relative to a base member of a shift lever assembly. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the base member via a shift lever pivot shaft. The biasing means is capable of mounting on the shift lever.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shift lever assembly. The assembly includes a base member, and a shift lever. The shift lever includes a pivot shaft, which is pivotally mounted to the base member. The shift lever assembly includes a means for biasing the shift lever relative to the base member, wherein the biasing means is mounted on the shift lever.

The biasing means enables the shift lever to be moved (in the manual transmission mode) by an operator from an initial position to either a fore or aft position relative to the base member, whereupon the biasing means biases the shift lever towards its initial position.

Preferably, the biasing means includes a torsion spring (or coiled spring), which is connected to the shift lever. Preferably, the torsion spring is self-retaining on the shift lever. This can be achieved by providing a lug on the shift lever for mounting the torsion spring, and by dimensioning the coils of the torsion spring appropriately relative to the lug, such that the torsion spring rigidly secures itself to (or around) the lug. This is advantageous because it obviates the need for a separate fastener to retain the biasing means on the shift lever, thereby reducing the overall number of assembly components.

Preferably, the torsion spring includes at least one, and preferably two, biasing arm(s) to bias the shift lever relative to the base member, in a desired form, the arms are in the form of the straightened end(s) of the torsion spring. The biasing arm(s) contacts a biasing surface provided on the base member.

The above arrangement has been described in the context of having a pivot shaft mounted to the shift lever. It is to be appreciated that, in an alternative configuration, the pivot shaft could be mounted to the base member and a pivot shaft housing could be provided on the shift lever. In such an arrangement pivoting of the shift lever would cause the pivot shaft housing to rotate about the stationary pivot shaft.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detent means for a shift lever assembly. The assembly includes a base member and a shift lever. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the base member. The detent means is provided for connecting to the base member and is contoured for at least partially defining a shift lever initial (or neutral) position.

According to_, a further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shift lever assembly including a base member and a shift lever. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the base member and can be moved by an operator from an initial position to at least one further position relative to the base member. The assembly includes a detent means. The detent means is connected to the base member and is contoured for at least partially defining the shift lever initial position. It is to be appreciated that the detent means could also define at least one further shift lever position.

In one form, the detent means could be integrally connected to the base member. This would reduce the number of separate assembly components, thereby reducing assembly time.

In a preferred form the detent means is resilient.

In a particularly desirable form, the detent means includes a leaf spring which biases the shift lever into the initial (or neutral) position.

Preferably, the detent means also enables the shift lever to move from the initial position to a fore position and an aft position. Furthermore, the detent means preferably provides a biasing force to the shift lever when the shift lever is moved by an operator from the initial position, such that the shift lever is biased towards the initial position.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an actuation means for pivotally attaching to a shift lever of a shift lever assembly. The shift lever includes a handle end and a pivot end. The actuation means is provided for pivotally connecting to the handle end of the shift lever. A plunger is provided for supporting on the lever for limited axial travel thereon. A resilient means is provided for biasing the plunger axially toward the pivot end. The actuation means enables an operator to move the plunger axially toward the handle end.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a shift lever for a shift lever assembly. The shift lever includes a handle end and a pivot end.

A plunger is supported on the lever for limited axial travel thereon. A resilient means biases the plunger axially toward the pivot end. The plunger includes an actuation means pivotally attached to the handle end of the lever. Actuation of the actuation means by an operator moves the plunger axially toward the handle end.

Movement of the plunger axially towards the handle end temporarily unlocks the assembly, enabling the operator to pivotally move the shift lever to a desired position.

Preferably, the shift lever is in the form of hollow tubular member, and the plunger is provided in the axial bore of the hollow shift lever.

Most desirably, the actuation means includes a button, which is pivotally connected to an operator handle provided on the handle end of the shift lever. In this arrangement, the button preferably has a cam profile that directly acts upon the plunger.

Preferably, the actuation means includes a spring, which is mounted around the plunger either in the handle or hollow shift lever.

An actuation means of the form contemplated above is desirable because it generally provides a reduction in the number of shift lever components required when compared to existing shift levers.

It is to be appreciated that the actuation means could instead enable an operator to move the plunger axially toward the pivot end of the shift lever, if desired.

Therefore, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an actuation means for pivotally attaching to a shift lever of a shift lever assembly. The shift lever includes a handle end and a pivot end. The actuation means is provided for pivotally connecting to the handle end of the shift lever. A plunger is provided for supporting on the lever for limited axial travel thereon. A resilient means is provided for biasing the plunger axially toward the handle end. The actuation means enables an operator to move the plunger axially toward the pivot end. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a shift lever for a shift lever assembly. The shift lever includes a handle end and a pivot end. A plunger is supported on the lever for limited axial travel thereon. A resilient means biases the plunger axially toward the handle end. The plunger includes an actuation means pivotally attached to the handle end of the lever. Actuation of the actuation means by an operator moves the plunger axially toward the pivot end.

According to yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided gear selection indicator means for a shift lever assembly. The gear selection indicator means includes a selection indicator, which is movable relative to a base member of the shift lever assembly, and an indicator actuator which is connected to a shift lever of the shift lever assembly. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the base member. An actuator receiving means is connected to and extends downwardly from the- selection indicator. The indicator actuator is located such that it is received by the actuator receiving means. Movement of the shift lever relative to the base member causes the indicator actuator to bias the actuator receiving means, thereby causing the selection indicator to move.

According to a further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shift lever assembly. The shift lever assembly includes a shift lever and a base member. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the base member. A gear selection indicator means is provided. The gear selection indicator means includes a selection indicator, which is movable relative to the base member, and an indicator actuator connected to the shift lever. An actuator receiving means is connected to and extends downwardly from the selection indicator. The indicator actuator is received by the actuator receiving means. Movement of the shift lever relative to the base member causes the indicator actuator to bias the actuator receiving means, thereby moving the selection indicator.

Preferably the actuator receiving means is in the form of one, or more preferably two, downwardly extending arms. The error in the movement of the selection indicator in accordance with the present invention is desirably reduced, when compared to existing arrangements, which generally include an indicator actuator having two upwardly extending arms, between which is received a downwardly extending actuator arm. This is because the stationary indicator cover (which has a slightly curved surface) has (for most applications) a greater radius than the radius of the shift lever (about the lever pivot shaft) at the corresponding height. Therefore, the inclusion of two downwardly extending arms ensures that the actuating means slidably engages the actuator, such that the engagement point (between the arms and the actuator) traces a line of constant offset distance from the lever pivot shaft.

Preferably, the base member includes an indicator cover including a selection indicator guide path, enabling an operator to readily ascertain which gear has been selected. - - — - ^• -- ^{• ■ •} - ^"-

Preferably, the stationary indicator cover is vertically adjustable relative to the base member, thereby allowing for the varying base member mounting heights encountered during installation of shift lever assemblies in vehicles. This enables the stationary indicator cover to be mounted at the desired height relative to the other components of the vehicle interior, irrespective of variations encountered in the vertical height of the base member relative to the other components of the vehicle interior.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shift lever assembly according to an embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the shift lever assembly shown in Figure 1 when in a partially disassembled state. Figure 4 is another perspective view of the assembly illustrated in Figure

3.

Figure 5 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the assembly when viewed from the direction illustrated in Figures 1 and 3.

Figure 6 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the assembly when viewed from the direction illustrated in Figures 2 and 4.

Figure 7 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the assembly illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a magnified perspective view of the assembly portion illustrated in Figures 3 and 7. Figures 9, 10 and 11 are side sectional views of the shift lever of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1

Figure 12 is another magnified perspective view of a portion of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a shift lever assembly 10.

The shift lever assembly 10 includes a shift lever 12 and a base member 14.

The base member 14 is secured to the floor (not illustrated) of a vehicle (not illustrated) by fasteners 16 inserted through mounting holes (not clearly illustrated).

A cable actuating portion 13 is connected to the shift lever 12. The actual cable connected to the cable actuating portion 13 has been omitted from the drawings.

The shift lever 12 is pivotally movable relative to the base member 14 by way of a first pivot shaft 18 and a second pivot shaft 19 (see Figure 3).

The first pivot shaft 18 extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and permits movement of the shift lever 12 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along either a shifting channel 24 for the automatic shift mode, or a shifting channel 26 for the manual transmission mode.

The second pivot shaft 19 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This enables the shift lever 12 to pivot in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the transverse channel 22, from the shifting channel 24, to the shifting channel 26.

The channels 22,24,26 are as defined in the cover plate 28. The cover plate 28 is mounted to the base member 14. The shift lever 12 extends upwardly through the aperture created in the cover plate 28 by the channels 22,24,26.

The shift lever 12 is situated in the shifting channel 24 when it is desired to preselect the driving positions. In this channel, and by means of pivoting movement of the shift lever 12 about the first pivot shaft 18, each of the driving positions: the park (P) position, the reverse (R) position, the neutral (N) position, and the drive (D) position are transmitted to the automatic transmission (not illustrated) and are engaged successively.

When the shift lever 12 is in the shifting channel 26 (the manual mode), shifting of the shift lever in the driving direction of the vehicle causes an up-shift by one gear in the automatic transmission. Subsequently, the shift lever 12 is set back into the neutral position of the shifting channel 26 by a biasing means 29, which includes a torsion spring 30. The torsion spring 30 is described in greater detail below with regard to Figure 5.

If the shift lever 12 is again moved in the driving direction of the vehicle a further up-shift by one gear in the automatic transmission will occur (unless the highest gear is already engaged), whereupon the action of the torsion spring 30 returns the shift lever 12 to the neutral position.

Shifting of the shift lever 12 in a direction opposite to the vehicle driving position (and when in the shifting channel 26) causes a down-shift by one gear of the automatic transmission, whereupon the action of the torsion spring 30 again returns the shift lever 12 to the neutral position.

The actual means by which movement of the shift lever 12 in either of the shift channels 24 and 26 is transmitted to the automatic transmission will not be further elaborated. However, it is to be appreciated that such means could include electrical and/or mechanical components.

The torsion spring 30 is fitted about a lug 20. The lug 20 is integrally connected to the shift lever 12. The coils 32 of the torsion spring 30 provide an interference fit with the lug 20 of the shift lever 12, such that the torsion spring 30 is self-retaining on the lug 20, and hence on the lever 12. This is desirable because it eliminates the need for a separate fastener to secure the torsion spring 30 to the shift lever 12. The torsion spring 30 includes a pair of actuating arms 34,36. When in the manual transmission mode (with the shift lever 12 in the shifting channel 26), the actuating arms 34,36 bias against a support 37, which is rigidly mounted to the base member 14. The actuating arms 34,36 are restrained by a stop 38 integrally formed on the shift lever 12.

Specific reference is now made to Figure 5. When the assembly 10 is in the manual transmission mode, the actuating arms 34,36 are located on either side of the support 37. In this position, when an operator up-shifts the shift lever 12 in the channel 26, the shift lever 12 is rotated from the neutral position in the counter-clockwise direction (in the illustration shown). This biases the biasing arm 34 against the support 37, causing the biasing arm 34 to deform slightly. The biasing arm 34 is resilient, such that once the operator has up-shifted the shift lever 12, the biasing arm 34 will rotate the shift lever 12 in the clockwise direction back to the neutral position.

The actuating arm 36 acts in a similar manner to the actuating arm 34 when an operator down-shifts the shift lever 12 in the channel 26, causing a clockwise rotation of the shift lever 12. A rib 39 is provided on the lug 20 of the shift lever 12. The rib 39 further assists in retaining the torsion spring 30 on the shift lever 12.

Reference is now particularly made to Figures 7 and 8. The channel 26 is at least partially defined by a detent means 40 into the neutral (or initial) position 42, and two further positions: the up-shift position 44, and the down-shift position 46.

The detent means 40 is in the form of a leaf spring. The leaf spring is an integral part of a component 41 connected to the base member 14. The leaf spring is integrally connected to the component 41 at connection points 48,50. The component 41 is snap-fitted to the base member 14. It is to be appreciated, however, that the component 41 could be connected to the base member 14 by any other suitable means including, for example, by screw threaded fasteners.

The detent means 40 contacts the shift lever 12 when the shift lever 12 is in the channel 26. The detent means 40 assists the operator during shifting of the shift lever 12 in the channel 26, because it provides a positive feel when up- shifting or down-shifting the shift lever 12. The detent means 40 is biased against the shift lever 12 in each of the neutral 42, up-shift 44 and down-shift 46 positions to also provide the operator with a solid (or robust) feel to the shift lever 12 when in the channel 26.

The detent means 40 also provides a safety aspect in the unlikely event of failure to the aforementioned biasing means 29. In normal operating circumstances, the biasing means 29 (including torsion spring 30) retains the shift lever 12 in the neutral position 42. However, if the biasing means 29 fails, then the detent means 40 retains the shift lever in the neutral position 42, thereby preventing the unwanted passive up-shifting or down-shifting of the shift lever 12.

The component 41 is made of a polymer such as poly-acetyl. This material provides the desirable qualities of low friction, anti-wear, anti-shock and lasting leaf spring resilience. Another advantage of using a detent means 40 of the form illustrated, is that it is integrally connected to the component 41 , which is snap-fitted to the base member 14. Thus, the overall number of assembly 10 components is thereby minimised.

A detailed illustration of the internal mechanism of the shift lever 12 is provided in Figures 9 to 11. The shift lever 12 includes a handle end 52 and a pivot end 54. An operator handle 56 is provided on the handle end 52 of the shift lever 12.

The shift lever 12 includes a hollow shaft 58. A plunger 60 extends longitudinally through the shaft 58. The plunger 60 has a cruciform cross- sectional shape. Figures 10 and 11 are of a slightly different section compared to Figure 9, thereby accounting for the different appearance of the plunger 60. A means for actuating theplunger 60 is provided in the form of a button 62. The button 62 is provided at (and contacts) the upper end of the plunger 60. The button 62 is pivotally connected to the handle 56 about a pivot axis 64 via connection apertures 66 provided in the button mounting bracket 67. Actuation of the button 62 is necessary when operating in the automatic mode (with the shift lever in channel 24), in order to move the shift lever 12 between the park (P), reverse (R), neutral (N), and drive (D) positions.

In the orientation illustrated, an operator actuates the plunger 60 by squeezing the button 62/handle 56 combination. This causes the button 62 to rotate in the clockwise position about the pivot axis 64. The button 62 contacts the sloping surface 74 of the plunger 60. Depressing the button 62 causes the plunger 60 (by way of the sloping surface 74) to move axially upwards, thereby enabling the shift lever 12 to unlock and move between the park (P), reverse (R), neutral (N), and drive (D) positions. A compression spring 68 extends between the button 62 and the handle 56 to return the button 62 to the position illustrated, upon removal of the operator actuation force. The compression spring 68 also takes up any free play between the button 62 and the plunger 60. A compression spring 70 is provided for biasing the plunger 60 axially downwards.

One particular advantage of the illustrated actuation means is that it provides a reduction in the number of shift lever 12 components when compared to existing shift levers.

A gear selection indicator means is illustrated in Figures 3, 7, 8 and 12. The gear selection indicator means includes an indicator actuator in the form of an upstanding pin 82. The upstanding pin 82 is connected to the shift lever 12, such that movement of the shift lever 12 causes a corresponding movement of the upstanding pin 82. The rounded end 84 of upstanding pin 82 is received by an actuator receiving means in the form of two downwardly extending (at least approximately) parallel arms 86,88. The arms 86,88 are connected to a selection indicator (not visible). The selection indicator is slidably mounted to the underside- of the cover plate 28 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, immediately below an indicator cover 90. The indicator cover 90 includes transparent park (P), reverse (R), neutral (N), and drive (D) position indicators, which are integrated into the surface of the cover plate 28. The selection indicator is visible to an operator through the transparent position indicators in the indicator cover 90.

Movement of the shift lever 12, as stated, causes a corresponding movement of the upstanding pin 82. In turn, this causes movement of the selection indicator relative to the indicator cover 90 by way of the arms 86,88. The gear selection indicator means provides the operator with a visible indication as to which gear the automatic transmission of the vehicle is in when operating in the automatic transmission mode.

The cover plate 28 is vertically adjustable relative to the base member 14.

This enables the cover plate 28 to be installed into a vehicle interior at the desired height relative to other interior fixtures, generally irrespective of the variations in the base member 14 mounting height that may encountered during installation. The gear selection indicator means is able to accommodate variations in base member 14 mounting height. This is because the downwardly extending arms 86,88 can accommodate the end 84 of the pin 82 at any position along their length, without affecting the ability of the indicator means 80 to function satisfactorily.

The above described shift lever assembly 10 provides a simplified construction, including a reduction in the number of components, when compared to a number of existing assemblies.

The present invention also provides a shift lever assembly 10 of lower production cost when compared to a number of existing assemblies.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

Claims

1. A means for biasing a shift lever relative to a base member of a shift lever assembly, in which the shift lever is pivotally mounted to the base member, wherein the biasing means includes a means for mounting the biasing means on the shift lever.

2. A shift lever assembly, including: a base member, and a shift lever, which is pivotally mounted to the base member, the shift lever assembly including a means for biasing the shift lever relative to the base member, wherein the biasing means is mounted on the shift lever.

3. A shift lever assembly according to claim 2, wherein the biasing means biases the shift lever towards an initial position relative to the base member following movement of the shift lever by an operator from the initial position to another position relative to the base member,

4. A shift lever assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the biasing means includes a torsion spring, which is mounted on the shift lever.

5. A shift lever assembly according to claim 4, including a lug provided on the shift lever for mounting the torsion spiring, and wherein the torsion spring is self- retaining about the lug.

6. A shift lever assembly according to claim 5, wherein the torsion spring includes at least one biasing arm for engagement with a contact surface provided on the base member, to bias the shift lever towards the initial position.

7. A detent means for a shift lever assembly, the assembly including a base member and a shift lever pivotally mounted to the base member, wherein the detent means is provided for connecting to the base member and is contoured for engagement with the shift lever to at least partially define at least one shift lever position relative to the base member.

8. A shift lever assembly including a base member, a shift lever pivotally mounted to the base member, enabling movement of the shift lever by an operator from an initial position to at least one further position relative to the base member, and a detent means connected to the base member, wherein the detent means is contoured for engagement with the shift lever to at least partially define a shift lever initial position relative to the base member.

9. A shift lever assembly according to claim 8, wherein the detent means defines at least one further shift lever position relative to the base member.

10. A shift lever assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the detent means is integrally connected to the base member.

11. A shift lever assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the detent means is resilient.

12. A shift lever assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the detent means includes a leaf spring.

13. A shift lever assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the shift lever is pivotal in a fore and aft direction relative to the base member, and wherein the detent means defines a shift lever initial position, a fore position and an aft position relative to the base member.

14. A shift lever assembly according to claim 13, wherein the detent means provides a biasing force to the shift lever when the shift lever is moved by an operator from the initial position to either of the fore and aft positions, such that the shift lever is biased to return to the initial position.

15. An actuation means for pivotally connecting to a shift lever of a shift lever assembly, the lever including a handle end and a pivot end, and the actuation means including: pivoting connection means for connection of the actuation means to the handle end of the shift lever, a plunger enabling limited axial displacement of the plunger relative to the lever, and a resilient means for biasing the plunger axially toward the pivot end of the shift lever, wherein actuation by an operator of the actuation means displaces the plunger axially toward the handle end of the shift lever.

16. A shift lever for a shift lever assembly, the shift lever including: a handle end and a pivot end, a plunger for-limited axial displacement relative to the lever, a resilient means for biasing the plunger axially toward the pivot end, and an actuation means pivotally attached to the handle end of the lever, wherein actuation of the actuation means by an operator displaces the plunger axially toward the handle end of the shift lever.

17. An actuation means for pivotally connecting to a shift lever of a shift lever assembly, the lever including a handle end and a pivot end, the actuation means including: pivoting connection means for connection of the actuation means to the handle end of the shift lever, a plunger enabling limited axial displacement of the plunger relative to the lever, and a resilient means for biasing the plunger axially toward the handle end of the shift lever, wherein the actuation by an operator of the actuation means displaces the plunger axially toward the pivot end of the shift lever.

18. A shift lever for a shift lever assembly, the shift lever including: a handle end and a pivot end, a plunger for limited axial displacement relative to the lever, a resilient means for biasing the plunger axially toward the handle end, and an actuation means pivotally attached to the handle end of the lever, wherein actuation of the actuation means by an operator displaces the plunger axially toward the pivot end of the shift lever.

19. A shift lever according to claim 16, wherein displacement of the plunger axially towards the handle end temporarily unlocks the assembly, enabling the operator to pivotally move the shift lever to a desired position.

20. A shift lever according to claim 18, wherein displacement of the plunger axially towards the pivot end temporarily unlocks the assembly, enabling the operator to pivotally move the shift lever to a desired position.

21. A shift lever according to any one of claims 16, 18, 19, or 20 wherein the shift lever is in the form of hollow tubular member, and the plunger is provided within the hollow shift lever.

22. A shift lever according to any one of claims 16 or 18 to 21 , wherein the actuation means includes a button, which is pivotally connected to an operator handle provided on the handle end of the shift lever, and wherein the button has a cam profile for actuating the plunger.

23. A shift lever according to claim 21 , or claim 22 when dependent on claim 21 , wherein the actuation means includes a spring, which is mounted within the hollow shift lever around the plunger.

24. A gear selection indicator means for a shift lever assembly having a shift lever pivotally mounted to a base member, the gear selection indicator means including: a selection indicator, which is movable relative to the base member, an indicator actuator which is connected to the shift lever, an actuator receiving means connected to and extending from the selection indicator, and the indicator actuator being located such that it is receivable by the actuator receiving means, wherein movement of the shift lever relative to the base member causes the indicator actuator to bias the actuator receiving means, thereby causing the selection indicator to move relative to the base member.

25. A shift lever assembly, including: a base member, a shift lever pivotally mounted to the base member, and a gear selection indicator means, the gear selection indicator means including: a selection indicator, which is movable relative to the base member, an indicator actuator connected to the shift lever, an actuator receiving means connected to and extending from the selection indicator, and the indicator actuator being receivable by the actuator receiving means, wherein movement of the shift lever relative to the base member causes the indicator actuator to bias the actuator receiving means, thereby moving the selection indicator relative to the base member.

26. A shift lever assembly according to claim 25, wherein the actuator receiving means includes two arms for receiving the actuator therebetween.

27. A shift lever assembly according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the base member includes an indicator cover including a selection indicator guide path, for enabling an operator to identify the position of the selection indicator, to identify which gear has been selected.

28. A shift lever assembly according to claim 27, wherein the indicator cover is vertically adjustable relative to the base member, thereby allowing for the varying base member mounting heights encountered during installation of shift lever assemblies in vehicles.

29. A means for biasing a shift lever relative to a base member of a shift lever assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated.

30. A shift lever assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated.

31. A detent means for a shift lever assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated.

32. An actuation means for pivotally connecting to a shift lever of a shift lever assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated.

33. A gear selection indicator means substantially as herein described and illustrated.