Patent ID: 7597023

Claim:
A shifter mechanism comprising, in combination: a detent profile having a plurality of gear positions; a shifter lever assembly movable relative to the detent profile and along a shift path; a detent lever pivotably secured to the shifter lever assembly and engaging the detent profile as the shifter lever assembly moves along the shift path; wherein the detent lever includes a cylindrical-shaped connecting portion operatively secured to the shifter lever assembly and an elongate arm portion extending from the connecting portion and having a free end engaging the detent profile; wherein the shifter lever assembly forms a cylindrically shaped cavity and a tubular-shaped pivot coaxial with and located within the cavity to form an annular-shaped space therebetween; wherein the tubular-shaped pivot extends into and engages the connecting portion so that the connecting portion pivots upon the tubular shaped pivot and the detent lever is pivotable relative to the shifter lever assembly; wherein the detent lever includes a retainer to axially secure the connecting portion within the cavity as the shifter lever assembly is moved through the gear positions; wherein the connecting portion, the lever portion, and the retainer are molded as a unitary one-piece component; and a torsion spring including a coiled portion located about the connecting portion of the detent lever, and operatively engaging the shifter lever assembly and the detent lever so that the torsion spring resiliently biases the free end of the elongate arm portion of the detent lever into engagement with the detent profile.