Patent ID: 8297145
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
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; and 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; said locking device including at least one plate having a predetermined length extending along said longitudinal axis and transverse to said pivot axis and having a first edge and a second edge spaced from each other with said first edge engaging said lever along said predetermined length and said second edge engaging said bracket along said predetermined length such that said first and second edges rotate relative to said longitudinal axis between an upright position increasing a locking force between said lever and said bracket when in said locked position for preventing movement of said column jacket and an angled position decreasing said locking force between said lever and said bracket when in said unlocked position for allowing movement of said column jacket.