Automatic shift knob actuator

Abstract

A stick shift handle assembly has a stick shift handle and an actuator for releasing the stick shift handle for movement between a plurality of gear positions. The actuator has a housing. A sleeve is disposed between the actuator and the housing. The sleeve has a first co-efficient of friction lower than a second co-efficient of friction of the housing.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . A stick shift handle assembly comprising: 
 a stick shift handle movable along a first axis;    an actuator for releasing said stick shift handle for movement, said actuator movable along a second axis transverse to said first axis; and    a housing for said actuator wherein said actuator comprises a first member extending along said second axis and a second member extending along a third axis, said third axis transverse to said first axis and said second axis wherein said first member has a first sloped surface in contact with a second sloped surface of said second member.    
   
   
       10 . The stick shift handle assembly of  claim 9  wherein said first member is prevented from rotating about said second axis.  
   
   
       11 . The stick shift handle assembly of  claim 10  wherein said first member has a projection and said housing has a groove to receive said projection, said groove extending along said second axis.  
   
   
       12 . The stick shift handle assembly of  claim 9  wherein said housing has a first portion extending along said second axis and a second portion extending along said third axis.  
   
   
       13 . The stick shift handle assembly of  claim 9  including a shift lock mechanism for preventing movement between the plurality of gear positions along said first axis.  
   
   
       14 - 17 . (canceled)