Patent ID: 6318925
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: B60K,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for securably connecting an escutcheon to a shifter base of a motor vehicle, comprising:first and second extensions extending outwardly from said shifter base;said escutcheon having first and second holes corresponding to said first and second extensions extending from said shifter base; andat least one tab formed in said shifter base for biasing said escutcheon into engagement with one of said first and second extensions;said at least one tab providing spring support for holding said escutcheon rigidly against said shifter base;said at least one tab includinga spring portion operable to resiliently deflect away from said escutcheon in response to engagement of said escutcheon with said shifter base in the course of initiating detachable engagement of said escutcheon with said shifter base, with said spring portion deflecting in a first direction generally aligned with a direction of escutcheon movement initiating said engagement, andan escutcheon biasing portion operable to resiliently urge said escutcheon in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction and toward and into biasing engagement with said one of said extensions and restrain said escutcheon from rattling; andsaid escutcheon being operable to be urged against said shifter base and sequentially causesaid escutcheon to engage said one of said extensions and permit said escutcheon to move over said one of said extensions,said escutcheon to engage and resiliently deflect said spring portion of said at least one tab generally in said first direction away from said escutcheon,said one of said extensions to be received by said escutcheon, andsaid escutcheon biasing portion of said one of said tabs to engage said escutcheon and resiliently bias said escutcheon in said direction directly generally opposite to said first direction and into rattle restraining engagement with said one of said extensions.