Patent ID: 7509887

Claim:
An apparatus ( 8 ) comprising: a steering column assembly ( 10 ) defining a longitudinal axis ( 11 ) and adjustable along a tilting path ( 13 ) of adjustment; said steering column assembly ( 10 ) including a first member ( 14 ) defining a bore ( 66 ) and a second member ( 26 ) pivotably engaged with said first member ( 14 ) about a second rotational axis (C), with said second member ( 26 ) defining a slot ( 68 ) aligned with said bore ( 66 ) throughout pivoting movement of said second member ( 26 ) relative to said first member ( 14 ); and a locking device ( 36 ) associated with said steering column assembly ( 10 ) to selectively lock and unlock said steering column assembly ( 10 ) with respect to said tilting path ( 13 ) of adjustment, wherein said locking device ( 36 ) includes a lever arm ( 16 ) mounted to said steering column assembly ( 10 ) for rotation about a rotation axis (A) and a cam surface ( 80 , 86 , 88 , 90 , 92 , 94 ), said locking device ( 36 ) also including a lock member ( 64 ) including a cam follower surface ( 82 ) engaged with said cam surface ( 80 , 86 , 88 , 90 , 92 , 94 ) to move between locked and unlocked positions in response to said rotation, wherein said lock member ( 64 ) is spaced from said rotation axis (A) and spaced from said second rotational axis (C) along said longitudinal axis ( 11 ); wherein said lock member ( 64 ) includes a pin ( 64 ) defining said cam follower surface ( 82 ) and a locking portion ( 76 ) selectively insertable in said slot ( 68 ) in response to said rotation of said lever arm ( 16 ) about said rotation axis (A).