Patent ID: 8881618

Claim:
A lock for an adjustable steering column configured to lock the adjustable steering column against adjustment in a rake or telescope direction, the lock comprising: a rotatable locking lever configured to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and a locked position; a lock plate configured to be secured to the adjustable steering column and comprising a plurality of plate lock teeth extending in a sliding direction and a first slot extending along a first axis; a slider comprising a plurality of slider lock teeth extending in the sliding direction, the slider teeth configured to be received between respective plate lock teeth, and a second slot extending along a second axis, the second axis angled relative to the first axis; a lock bolt, rotatable with the locking lever, extending through the first slot and second slot, the lock bolt having a retaining mechanism fastened on one end thereof; and a cam positioned on the lock bolt configured to apply or release a compressive force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever, such that in the locked position the compressive force is applied to the slider and the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth thereby securing the slider against movement in the sliding direction relative to the lock plate, and in the unlocked position, the compressive force is released from the slider and the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and positioned between the plate lock teeth thereby allowing the slider to move relative to the lock plate in the sliding direction.