Patent ID: 7047836

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: first and second plates extending generally parallel to each other and movable relative to each other; a locking mechanism for preventing movement between said first and second plates, said locking mechanism having a first position applying a force to urge said first and second plates toward each other to prevent movement between said first and second plates, said locking mechanism having a second position to permit relative movement between said first and second plates; and a surface treatment on one of said first and second plates between said first and second plates, said surface treatment resisting relative movement between said first and second plates when said locking mechanism is in said first position, said surface treatment lubricating relative movement between said first and second plates when said locking mechanism is in said second position; said first plate being connected with a support that supports a steering column member for rotation about a longitudinal axis of said steering column member, said first plate and said support being movable relative to said second plate.