Patent ID: 7469615

Claim:
An steering column assembly ( 10 , 72 , 100 ) comprising: a steering column member ( 12 , 12 b ) disposed for movement along a path ( 13 , 13 a ); a bracket ( 14 , 14 a ) disposed along said path ( 13 , 13 a ); a snap-fit lock ( 17 , 17 a ) disposed between said steering column member ( 12 , 12 b ) and said bracket ( 14 , 14 a ) and preventing movement of said steering column member ( 12 , 12 b ) relative to said bracket ( 14 , 14 a ) along said path ( 13 , 13 a ) in response to an impact force acting on said steering column member ( 12 , 12 b ) up to a predetermined level of force and wherein snap-fit lock ( 17 , 17 a ) disengages in response to an impact force acting on said steering column member ( 12 , 12 b ) greater than said predetermined level of force.