GB2521856A

GB2521856A - Gearshift finisher

Info

Publication number: GB2521856A
Application number: GB1400138.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Tanner
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-01-06
Filing date: 2014-01-06
Publication date: 2015-07-08
Also published as: GB201400138D0; WO2015102098A1

Abstract

Gearshift finisher assembly 100 for positioning between gear selector plate and vehicle trim, having finisher 110 with means 126 for attaching to vehicle trim, finisher ring 150, and engagement mechanism 136/180/162 for engagement between finisher 110 and finisher ring 150, and allowing relative vertical movement. Engagement mechanism may comprise engagement formations 136/162, with receiving means and channel for sliding friction engagement, integral to finisher 110 and finisher ring 150, possibly engaging by intermediate fastener 180 e.g. spring clip. Engagement formations may alternately comprise projections (figure 10, 260/270) having teeth or serrations (figure 10, 252/254). Finisher 110 may attach, via push fit means 126 including posts, sockets, and clips, to vehicle trim panel, and may have aperture 112, where finisher ring 150 frames aperture 112 to receive a gear selector plate. A method of installation is also included.

Description

GEARSHIFT FINISHER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gearshift finishers, particularly those suitable for use around the gear selector lever and gear selector plate of automatic transmission (AlT) vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some vehicles have gear selector levers on their steering columns, particularly some NT vehicles where the lever may operate a switch that in turn controls the vehicle gearbox remotely via relays or other actuators. However, most vehicles, and the vast majority of cars, have a gear selector lever mounted centrally between, or just ahead of, the driver's seat and the adjacent front passenger seat.

Whilst some vehicles have a dashboard-mounted gear selector lever, the lever is most commonly mounted on the floor of the vehicle cabin, which includes a transmission tunnel or a similar structure, such as a console raised above the footwells of the cabin.

This position corresponds to the typical gearbox location of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive cars that have their engine and gearbox in line with a propeller shaft extending through a transmission tunnel to the rear differential. Whilst rear-wheel-drive cars are now less common than front-wheel-drive cars, in which the gearbox is usually on the end of a transversely-mounted engine (i.e., to one side of the engine bay), most gear selector levers remain in a familiar central location within the cabin. This is possible because a gear selector lever need not be connected directly to the gearbox that the lever controls: typically a linkage of cables or, more commonly, rods is used to connect the lever to the gearbox.

The gear selector lever of an AlT vehicle pivots between operational positions that typically include park, reverse, neutral, drive and low gear, known collectively by the abbreviation PRNDL. Movement of the lever takes place within a slot defined by a gear selector plate that surrounds the base of the lever. The gear selector plate may bear indicia such as the letters PRNDL appropriate to the operational positions of the lever. It may also have other functions, such as to support switches for selecting gearbox settings, traction control and so forth.

If the gear selector lever is attached to the gearbox, either directly or via a linkage, movement or vibration of the gearbox in use of the vehicle will be transmitted to the lever. There are also substantial manufacturing tolerances in the position of the gear selector lever with respect to its intended location, affected by the alignment of the gearbox and/or linkage with respect to the vehicle.

Conventional gearshift assemblies include gearshift levers directly linked to the vehicle and surrounded by trim elements, such as the centre console and gearshift finisher. The gearshift assembly will typically comprise the shift lever itself, the centre console and the finisher assembly which will have a top cover or gear selector plate. The gear selector plate is mounted within an aperture in the centre console.

Typically, the gear selector plate is accommodated within a hole in a surrounding trim moulding, such as a centre console moulding or a dashboard moulding. As the plate and the lever can move with respect to the vehicle structure due to movement or vibration of the gearbox and as manufacturing tolerances must be taken into account, it follows that the plate can adopt various positions with respect to the surrounding trim moulding. A gap must therefore be left between the gear selector plate and the trim moulding. This raises the need for a finisher to bridge the gap between the plate and the moulding, and the need for the finisher to accommodate movement of the plate within the hole in the moulding.

Manual-transmission vehicles usually employ a flexible gaiter around the base of the gear selector lever that bridges the gap between the lever and the surrounding trim moulding and that accommodates movement of the lever relative to the moulding. Such an arrangement does not suffer from the problems with which the present invention is concerned. However, manual-transmission vehicles are not excluded from the ambit of the invention because some of them employ a gear selector plate or other rigid structure around the lever that is floatingly mounted with respect to surrounding or adjacent trim panels.

Gear levers in AlT vehicles are typically provided with covers to compensate for existing tolerances or deviations in position between the opening of the gear shift assembly, the centre console and the gear lever itself.

GB 2,433,477 A describes a gearshift finisher assembly comprising a finisher that surrounds a gear selector plate, where the finisher is used to bridge a gap between the gear selector plate and a vehicle trim panel. The gearshift finisher assembly also comprises a retainer ring. The finisher is engaged with the retainer ring so as to permit longitudinal and lateral movement, but to prevent vertical relative movement.

There is still a need in the art for gearshift finisher assemblies that address the issues associated with manufacturing tolerances. In particular, there is a need to address manufacturing tolerances in parts that may move vertically relative to one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides gearshift finisher assemblies that compensate for manufacturing tolerances in and around a vehicle gearbox and the adjacent vehicle interior trim elements, helping to bridge the gap between a gear selector plate and the vehicle trim. In this way, the asthetics of the vehicle interior may be improved, especially in relation to the mounting of a gear selector plate. The gearshift finisher assembly may be easy to install and may be easily adjusted to meet desired asthetic standards. In particular, the gearshift finisher assembly of the invention allows for vertical (z) movement between a finisher and a finisher ring (or finisher trim element) in order to bridge a vertical gap between the finisher and gearbox so as to allow mounting of a gear selector plate at a desired vertical height and to avoid undesirable vertical gaps between components of the assembly. The invention also encompasses methods of mounting a gearshift finisher assembly to a vehicle and vehicles comprising the gearshift finisher assembly of the invention. Especially, the invention is directed to gearshift finisher assemblies for automatic transmission (AlT) vehicles.

In a first aspect, the invention resides in a gearshift finisher assembly for bridging a gap between a gear selector plate and an adjacent or surrounding vehicle trim panel, the finisher assembly comprising: a finisher, the finisher including attachment means for attachment to a trim panel of a vehicle; a finisher ring; and an engagement mechanism for engagement of the finisher with the finisher ring, in use, to permit vertical relative movement therebetween.

The gearshift finisher assembly of the present invention is advantageous in that it allows vertical movement of the finisher ring with respect to the finisher. This compensates for manufacturing tolerances and improves the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle interior.

The attachment means may be in any form so as to enable connection of the finisher to the vehicle console. For ease of vehicle assembly, it is desirable that the means for attachment of the finisher to the trim panel provides for a push-fit of the finisher to the trim panel. For example, posts or flanges on the finisher may be received within respective sockets associated with the trim panel, the posts and the sockets having complementary engaging formations. The formations on the posts may be defined by (sprung) clips attached to or integral with the posts. Preferably, a plurality of attachment means is arranged on the finisher (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6), preferably four! which are suitably located on opposite sides of the finisher. For example, the aftachment means may be located on the lateral (long) sides of the finisher and are suitably disposed on the underside of the finisher radially out from the central aperture.

The engagement mechanism may comprise engagement formations associated with the finisher and finisher ring for engagement with one another. The engagement formations may be integral to the finisher and/or the finisher ring and may be cooperative so as to engage directly with corresponding engagement formation in the finisher and finisher ring. Alternatively, the finisher may be engaged with the finisher ring via an intermediate fastener. The engagement mechanism allows relative vertical (z) movement between the finisher and finisher ring whilst they remain attached to one another. A sliding mechanism for attachment is therefore preferred.

Where an intermediate fastener is used the intermediate fastener is suitably adapted to be co-operable with I engage the finisher and the finisher ring; typically through different structures on the intermediate fastener. The intermediate fastener may be in any form that achieves this function.

For example, the intermediate fastener may be selected from the group consisting of: clips, fasteners and spring clips. Advantageously, that intermediate fastener may be a spring clip. The intermediate fastener (e.g. a spring clip) may have a sprung portion, for example, in the form of a resilient generally v-or u-shaped flange or projection, which can be received in a suitable receiving means (e.g. a recess or channel) in either the finisher or finisher ring, and which can be slid within the receiving means and engage therewith. In a preferred embodiment the receiving means is a channel and the sprung portion of the clip engages with the sides of the channel in a friction fit. In a preferred embodiment the channel is formed in the finisher and so in use the finisher can slide in the z-direction relative to the intermediate fastener. The intermediate fastener may also be provided with a locking formation for rigidly connected to the other of the finisher or finisher ring.

Preferably there is a plurality of engagement means I mechanisms (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) and preferably four. The engagement mechanisms may suitably be arranged at corresponding radial positions to the attachment means of the finisher. Other arrangements and number of engagements may of course be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the finisher of the assembly includes four attachment means and engagement mechanisms, and the finisher ring of the assembly includes four corresponding engagement mechanisms. The finisher and finisher ring are preferably symmetrical about a longitudinal axis.

The finisher may also include projections arranged so as to prevent the finisher ring from moving vertically downwards relative to the finisher past a predetermined desired vertical point when the finisher and finisher ring are engaged. The projections may depend downwardly from the underside of the finisher and have a stop' (e.g. a generally horizontal ledge or flange), which would engage I abut an edge of the finisher ring if moved downwardly relative to the finisher by the predetermined amount.

The finisher and finisher ring may be made of any suitable material, for example they may be made from a metal or a plastics material. Suitably the finisher and finisher ring are each of a moulded one-piece construction.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of mounting a gearshift finisher assembly to a vehicle with a gap between a gear selector plate and an adjacent or surrounding vehicle trim panel, the gearshift finisher assembly comprising: a finisher, the finisher including attachment means for attachment to a trim panel of a vehicle; a finisher ling; and an engagement mechanism for engagement of the finisher with the finisher ring, in use, to permit vertical relative movement therebetween; the method comprising: engaging the finisher with the finisher ring so as to permit vertical relative movement of the finisher with respect to the finisher ring; attaching the finisher to the trim panel; and attaching the gear selector plate to the finisher ring.

In a third aspect the invention encompasses vehicles comprising the gearshift finisher assembly of the invention. Particularly the invention relates to AlT vehicles.

In further aspects, the invention encompasses finishers and finisher rings as described herein for use in a gearshift finisher assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the assembled gearshift finisher assembly of the invention as it may appear in a vehicle; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the finisher for a gearshift assembly of the invention; Figure 3 shows a second perspective view of an embodiment of the finisher with cross sections A-A, B-B and C-C marked; Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are enlarged sectional views of the finisher of Figure 3 taken at sections A-A, B-B and C-C, respectively; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the finisher ring for a gearshift assembly of the invention; Figure 6A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an intermediate fastener for a gearshift assembly of the invention; Figure 63 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the intermediate fastener of Figure GA; Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the finisher assembly of the invention with cross sections D-D, E-E and F-F marked; Figures SA, SB and SC are enlarged sectional views of the finisher assembly of Figure 7 taken at sections D-D, E-E and F-F respectively; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled gearshift finisher assembly in a first arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled gearshift finisher assembly in a second arrangement according to the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 of the drawings shows an embodiment of the gearshift finisher assembly (100) according to the invention as it may appear mounted within a centre console (not shown) in a vehicle cabin, typically atop a transmission tunnel (also not shown). The gearshift finisher assembly 100 comprises a finisher 110 and a finisher ring (or finisher trim) 150, which sits within a central aperture 112 defined by the finisher 110. In use, a gear selector plate (not shown) is received within the aperture 112 to indicate the selected gear, and may be floatingly mounted on the finisher ring. The gearshift finisher assembly of the invention thus bridges the gap between the gear selector plate and the vehicle trim (not shown) to improve the interior asthetics of the vehicle. The finisher 110 includes a downwardly depending skirt portion 114 which provides a smooth contoured surface between the central aperture 112 and the vehicle trim and may have any desirable surface finish and appearance. The finisher assembly 100 is arranged so that at least a portion of the finisher ring 150 is visible in use, and in the depicted embodiment the visible upper surface of the finisher ring 150 has a chromed finish. However, any desirable surface finish and appearance is also possible. In accordance with the invention, the finisher ring 150 is engaged with the finisher 110 by an engagement mechanism (not shown in Figure 1) so as to permit vertical relative movement between the finisher 110 and the finisher ring 150 to accommodate manufacturing tolerances between the relative vertical heights of the vehicle console and trim elements and the underlying gearbox.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the finisher 110 of this embodiment is generally rectangular in plan, with a gradually narrowing width. In this embodiment the finisher 110 is generally hollow and has a banked cross-section defined by a downwardly depending skirt 114 having an upper surface 116 and a under (or lower) surface 118, which is inclined away from the top surface 120 that defines a smoothly-radiused central ridge. The outer wall extends downwardly and outwardly from the central ridge 120 to the surrounding trim moulding (not shown) of the console (also not shown). In this embodiment the skirt 114 inclines as a generally steeper angle to the horizontal at the forwards side 122 of the finisher 110 (as shown in Figure 3C) and the skirt inclines ata generally shallower angle to the horizontal at the rearwards side 124 of the finisher 110. However, the plan and profile of the skirt 114 can of course take any desirable shape according to the vehicle and vehicle console for which it is designed.

The finisher 110 includes integral attachment means / mechanisms 126 in the form of sprung clips for securing the finisher 110 to the trim panel of the vehicle. In this embodiment the sprung clips are formed within flanges 128 that depend downwardly from the under surface 118 of the finisher 110 to mate with corresponding cooperative receiving apertures in the vehicle trim / console (not shown). In this embodiment the finisher 110 has four attachment means 126 arranged symmetrically in pairs along the long sides of the finisher 110. Additional or alternative forms of attachment means 126 may also be used to connect the finisher 110 to the vehicle console. For example, as depicted the finisher 110 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of securing tabs 130 that depend downwardly from the under surface 118 of the finisher 110 at the forwards 122 and rearwards 124 sides of the finisher 110. The securing tabs 130 include a horizontal and/or upwardly depending ledge 132 which is received within a corresponding aperture / socket or under a surface of the console trim (not shown). In some embodiment the downwardly depending tabs are desirably resilient (or sprung) to aid in assembly of the finisher 110 to the console / trim of the vehicle. In addition, the finisher 110 of this embodiment includes locating formations (e.g. projections) 134 to further assist in correctly aligning and installing the finisher 110 in the vehicle.

The finisher 110 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of receiving means / formations 136 in the form of channels, which are arranged to receive an intermediate fastener 180 for securing the finisher ring 150 to the finisher 110 in such a way as to allow vertical adjustment therebetween. The channel 136 is defined by walls which form a generally rectangular cross-section that is dimensions to receive a sprung portion of an intermediate fastener 180 with a slidable friction fit.

The finisher 110 of this embodiment includes four such channels which are arranged symmetrically in pairs along the long sides of the finisher 110 and depend downwardly from the under surface 118 of the finisher. In this embodiment the channels 136 are located inwardly (towards the central aperture 112) of the attachment means 126 and are in radial alignment with the attachment means 126. However, in other embodiments the attachment means 126 and channels 136 may not be located at the same radial positions. The receiving formations 136 in other embodiments may also or alternatively be arranged on the short sides of the finisher 110.

Stops' 146 in the form of downwardly projecting tabs are provided around the periphery of the finisher 110. The downwardly projecting tabs 146 are provided with a horizontally arranged ledge 148 which engages an edge of the finisher ring to provide a vertical stop to prevent downward movement of the finisher ring beyond a predetermined amount.

According to the depicted embodiment there are four such stops arranged symmetrically in pairs across the longitudinal axis of the finisher 110.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a finisher ring 150 for use in conjunction with the finisher 110 of Figures ito 3 in a finisher assembly 100 of the invention. The finisher ring 150 is shaped so as to be at least partially received within the aperture 112 of the finisher 110, and itself defines a central aperture 152 which is slightly smaller than the aperture 112 and is generally shaped so as to surround and support a gear selector plate of a vehicle. The upper and internal surface 154 of the finisher ring 150 has a generally downwardly curved contour (as shown in Figure 7) which is visible in use. Thus, in this embodiment the surface 154 has a chromed finish.

The radial outer edge 156 of the chromed surface 154 abuts the radially inwardly-facing wall 144 of the finisher 110 in the assembly 100. A generally vertical wall 158 of the finisher ring 150 projects downwardly from the outer edge 156 and, in use, at least partially opposes the radially inwardly-facing wall 144 of the finisher 110. From the base of wall 158 of the finisher ring 150 is formed a radially extending skirt or flange 160 which at least partially under-hangs a portion of the under surface 118 of the finisher 110, as depicted in Figures 6 and 7, when engaged therewith.

The radially extending flange 160 is provided with a plurality of engagement mechanisms 162 in the form of tabs 162 for receiving a co-operable formation of an intermediate fastener 180 (as depicted in Figure 6). Four such tabs 162 are arranged generally upwardly I vertically disposed at the periphery of the upper surface of the flange 160, in use, to align with and oppose the engagement mechanisms 136 on the underside 118 of the finisher 110.

The flange 160 is further provided with a plurality of apertures 164 through which downwardly projecting members, e.g. stops' 146 of the finisher 110 may pass. For example, once assembled, tabs 146 of the finisher 110 extend through corresponding vertically aligned apertures 164 such that the ledges 148 lie vertically below the lower wall 166, 168 of the flange 160. As shown most clearly in Figure 8B, one upper edge 168 of the aperture 166 may have a downwardly inclined surface to urge the resilient tab / stop 146 of the finisher 110 inwards through the aperture 164 as the finisher ring 150 is moved upwards into engagement with the finisher 110. The finisher 110 and finisher ring are so arranged such that, once coupled to one another, a predetermined vertical downwards movement of the finisher ring 150 causes an edge 168 of the lower wall 166 of the finisher ring 150 to catch against the ledge 148 thus preventing further downwards movement of the finisher ring 150 relative to the finisher 110.

An embodiment of the intermediate fastener in the form of a spring clip 180 for use in a gearshift finisher assembly 100 of the invention is shown in Figures 6A and 6B. As described above, the intermediate fastener is arranged so as to be engagable with both the finisher 110 and the finisher ring 150.

As depicted, the spring clip 180 according to this embodiment has a central body 240 with a resilient spring formation 182 arranged to one side and a clip formation 230 arranged on the opposing side of the body 190. The resilient spring formation 182 comprises a generally downwardly projecting sheet 184 which inclines downwardly from a curved apex 186. The spring clip 180-in this embodiment -is formed from a flexible sheet metal and thus, the apex 186 and surface 184 form a resilient flange. The outermost edge of the surface 184 curves inwardly and downwardly at a ridge 188 and is arranged so that the outermost edge 190 of the spring formation 182 lies inwardly of the curved ridge 188. In this way, when the spring formation 182 is pushed upwardly into channel 136 of the finisher 110, the curved ridge 188 frictionally engages with the inner wall of the channel 136 rather than the edge 190. This arrangement allows the vertically alignment of the finisher 110 and finisher ring 150 to be more readily adjusted because the edge 190 does not catch on the channel 136. Thus, the intermediate fastener 180 allows the finisher ring 150 to float' up and down as required while maintaining a frictional contact with the finisher 110.

The clip formation 230, in this embodiment, is adapted to securely engage with a tab 162 of the finisher ring 150. The spring clip 180 is provided with a pair of wings 212 (curved flanges) that define a channel 214 therebetween. A rear wall of the channel 214 is defined by the central body 240 and a smaller front wall of the channel 214 is formed of opposing tabs 216 which curve inwards from the wings 212 to the body 240. A top edge portion 218 of each tab 216 is bent inwardly to breach the channel so as to contact a tab 136 of the finisher ring 150 that is inserted through the bottom lower opening of the channel. On assembly of the finisher ring 150 with the spring clip 180, insertion of the tab 136 past the edge portions 218 push the resilient tabs 216 outwardly to enlarge the channel 214. Once inserted within the channel 214 the resilient wings 212 and tabs 216 urge the edges 218 inwards against the tabs I projections 162 of the finisher ring 150 to frictionally engage the finisher ring 150. The tabs 216 and edges 218 are so arranged that downward movement of the finisher ring 150 is difficult because the tabs 162 catch against the edges 218, thus holding the finisher ring 150 securely.

An exploded view of an embodiment of the finisher assembly is shown in Figure 7, which comprises the finisher 110, finisher ring 150 and plurality of intermediate fasteners in the form of spring clips 180. It can be seen that the receiving means (channels) 136 of the finisher 110, the spring clip 180, and the receiving means (tabs) 162 of the finisher ring are vertically aligned for ease of assembly. Conveniently, the apparatus may be assembled by first locating the clip formation 230 of the spring clip 180 over each of the tabs 162. The spring formation 182 of each spring clip 180 can then be slid upwardly into the respectively arranged channels 136 provided in the lower surface 118 of the finisher 110. Thus, the finisher ring 150 is assembled with the finisher 110 from below.

The finisher 110 is then installed in a vehicle console by pushing the whole assembly downwards into the console so that the attachment means (clips) 126 engage with cooperative formations in the console.

Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show cross-sections 0-0, E-E and F-F through the finisher assembly of Figure 6. Figures 8A and SC show securing tabs 130 including horizontal and upwardly depending ledges 132 of the finisher 110 which are received within a corresponding aperture I socket or under a surface of the console trim (not shown) of the vehicle to aid in forming a secure installation. Figures SB and SC show apertures 164 in the flange 160 of the finisher ring 150. The section F-F depicted in Figure 8C further illustrates a downwardly projecting locating formations 134 disposed on the underside 118 of the finisher 110, which locates in the aperture 166 of the finisher ring 150 to aid in assembly and alignment of the finisher 110 and finisher ring 150.

Figures 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of the finisher assembly 200 of the present invention, in which the finisher 210 is engaged directly with the finisher ring 250 without the use of an intermediate fastener 280. In this embodiment, the engagement formations 250 of the finisher 210 and finisher ring 250 are co-operable with each other and are integrally formed. In the depicted embodiment the integral engagement formations 250 comprise a plurality of vertically arranged teeth or serrations (252, 254) arranged on each of the finisher 210 and finisher ring 250, respectively. The plurality of teeth 252, 254 are adapted to interdigitate with each other in the form of a zip of pair of linear cogs.

According to the depicted embodiment, the vertically aligned teeth 252 of the finisher 210 are arranged on a radially inner surface of a projection 260 which depends downwardly and radially inwardly of the central ridge 220. To this end, the projection 260 has a dog-leg' 262, which causes the vertically aligned teeth to under sail the edge of the finisher ring 250 in order to engage the vertically aligned teeth 254 of the finisher ring 250. The vertically aligned teeth 254 of the finisher ring 250 according to this embodiment are formed on a radially outer surface of a formation 270, 272 that projects downwardly from the underside of the finisher ring 250.

The formation 270, 272 connects to the underside of the finisher ring 250 at two locations to form a continuous loop. In this way, the teeth 254 are relatively rigidly arranged whereas the projection 260 providing the teeth 252 is relatively resilient. This arrangement aids in assembly of the finisher assembly 200 by allowing the teeth formation 254 of the finisher ring 250 to more readily slide past the teeth formation 252 of the finisher 210.

As can be seen from Figures 9 and 10, the vertical height of the finisher ring 250 relative to the finisher 210 may be readily adjusted using the engaging mechanism 250 by simply pushing the teeth 254 of the finisher ring 250 vertically upwards past the teeth formation 252 provided on the finisher 210. In this way, the vertical gap between the central console 350 of the vehicle and the gearbox 300 can be bridged by the finisher assembly (by adjustment of the vertical arrangement of the finisher 210 and finisher ring 250) in a desirable and aesthetically pleasing manner.

The inventive concept extends to a vehicle fitted with the gearshift finisher assembly 100, of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention also encompasses a method of mounting a gearshift finisher assembly to a vehicle with a gap between a gear selector plate and an adjacent or surrounding vehicle trim panel. The method may comprise engaging the finisher with the finisher ring so as to permit vertical relative movement of the finisher with respect to the finisher ring; attaching the finisher to the trim panel; and attaching the gear selector plate to the finisher ring.

Many variations are possible within the inventive concept. For example, the provision of a spring clip is an optional feature, albeit preferred: it is possible for the finisher ring to be held directly by projections integral with or attached to the finisher, with elastic deformation of one or both of the components permitting their assembly. Where attachment and/or engagement mechanisms are described, any convenient number may be used. In any embodiment of the invention a tape silencer strip, e.g. of resilient rubber may be inserted between the underside of the finisher and the opposing upper surface of the finisher ring to prevent vibrational noise.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A gearshift finisher assembly for bridging a gap between a gear selector plate and an adjacent or surrounding vehicle trim panel, the finisher assembly comprising: a finisher, the finisher including attachment means for attachment to a trim panel of a vehicle; and a finisher ring; and an engagement mechanism for engagement of the finisher with the finisher ring, in use, to permit vertical relative movement therebetween.
2. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 1, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises engagement formations associated with the finisher and finisher ring for engagement with one another.
3. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 2, wherein the engagement formations are integral to the finisher and/or the finisher ring.
4. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the engagement formations of the finisher and finisher ring are complementary and engage directly to one another.
5. The gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the finisher is engaged with the finisher ring via an intermediate fastener.
6. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 5, wherein the intermediate fastener is a spring clip arranged for sliding frictional engagement with the finisher and/or the finisher ring.
7. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the finisher comprises at least one receiving means arranged to receive the intermediate fastener.
8. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 7, wherein the receiving means of the finisher comprises a channel.
9. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 8, wherein the channel is adapted to slidingly receive a spring formation of the intermediate fastener so as to allow sliding frictional engagement therebetween.
10. The gearshift finisher assembly of any of Claims 5 to 9, wherein the finisher ring comprises at least one receiving means arranged to receive the intermediate fastener.
11. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 10, wherein the receiving means of the finisher ring comprises an upstanding member.
12. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 11, wherein the upstanding member is adapted to frictional engagement with a clip formation of the intermediate fastener so as to rigidly connect the finisher ring to the intermediate fastener.
13. The gearshift finisher assembly of any of Claims ito 4, wherein the engagement formations of the finisher and finisher ring comprise a complementary projections arranged for mutual engagement between the finisher and finisher ring, at least one of the finisher and/or finisher ring comprising more than one projection such that, in use, the finisher and finisher ring can be engaged in one of a plurality of vertical relative positions.
14. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 13, wherein the engagement formations of the finisher and finisher ring comprise a plurality of vertically arranged teeth or serrations on each of the finisher and finisher ring.
15. The gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim, which comprises a plurality of engagement mechanisms associated with the finisher and finisher ring.
16. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 16, wherein the attachment means of the finisher are disposed on an outer portion of the finisher for attachment to a trim panel of the vehicle.
17. The gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the finisher comprises a top surface defining an aperture arranged to surround the gear selector plate.
18. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 17, wherein the finisher ring is adapted to frame the aperture and to bridge a gap between the top surface of the finisher and the gearbox of the vehicle in use.
19. The gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the finisher ring is arranged to receive a gear selector plate, in use.
20. The gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the finisher ring is visible, in use, when the gearshift finisher assembly is attached to the trim panel.
21. The gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means of the finisher provides for a push-fit of the finisher to the trim panel.
22. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 21, wherein posts on the finisher are received within respective sockets associated with the trim panel, wherein the posts and the sockets have complementary engaging formations.
23. The gearshift finisher assembly of Claim 22, wherein the formations on the posts are defined by clips attached to the posts.
24. A gearshift finisher assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in any of Figures ito 11 of the accompanying drawings.
25. A vehicle fifted with the gearshift finisher assembly of any preceding claim.
26. A method of mounting a gearshift finisher assembly to a vehicle with a gap between a gear selector plate and an adjacent or surrounding vehicle trim panel, the gearshift finisher assembly comprising: a finisher, the finisher including attachment means for attachment to a trim panel of a vehicle; a finisher ring; and an engagement mechanism for engagement of the finisher with the finisher ring, in use, to permit vertical relative movement therebetween; the method comprising: engaging the finisher with the finisher ring so as to permit vertical relative movement of the finisher with respect to the finisher ring; attaching the finisher to the trim panel; and attaching the gear selector plate to the finisher ring.