Patent ID: 8523227

Claim:
A machine, comprising: a base disposed on the machine; a steering column pivotably coupled to the base at one end; at least one column plate having a pinned end forming a pin opening and a slotted end forming a slot, wherein the pinned end is pivotably coupled to the steering column with a column pin extending through the pin opening and a pin hole formed in the steering column; at least one base plate having a pinned end forming a pin opening and a slotted end forming a slot, wherein the pinned end is pivotably coupled to the base with a base pin extending through the pin opening and a pin hole formed in the base; wherein the at least one column plate contacts the at least one base plate such that the respective slots in the at least one base plate and the at least one column plate intersect to form an opening therethrough; a locking pin disposed to fit in the opening and configured to push the at least one column plate against the at least one base plate creating a friction force between the at least one column plate and the at least one base plate that prevents the steering column from moving relative to the machine; and a column bracket disposed on the steering column that secures the locking pin relative to the steering column; wherein the steering column is movable with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the machine when the locking pin is in an unlocked position, and wherein the steering column is not movable relative to the machine when the locking pin is in a locked position.