Patent ID: 7942076
Filing Date: 2011-05-17
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising: a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a tilting direction; a bracket coupled to said column jacket; at least one pivot shaft defining a pivot axis extending transverse to said longitudinal axis with said pivot shaft coupled to said bracket along said pivot axis; a lever extending along said longitudinal axis and mounted to said pivot shaft with said lever rotatable about said pivot axis between a set position for preventing movement of said column jacket in at least one of said telescoping and tilting directions and an adjustable position for allowing movement of said column jacket in at least one of said telescoping and tilting directions; a locking device engaging said lever and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of said lever between said set and adjustable positions, respectively; and a restrictor encircling said bracket, said column jacket, said lever and said locking device, said restrictor having a first side section and a second side section spaced from each other, said first and second side sections contacting said locking device for resisting against an outwardly radial force produced by said locking device when in said locked position to prevent movement of said column jacket in at least one of said telescoping and tilting directions.