Patent attributes
A steering column (10) according to the invention includes a steering column jacket (12) having an engaging surface (14). The steering column jacket (12) is operable to at least partially encircle a steering shaft (16) in a vehicle. The steering column (10) also includes a tilt housing (18) engaged with the steering column jacket (12) for tilting movement about a tilt axis (20) between a plurality of tilt positions. The steering column (10) also includes a locking member (22) pivotally supported at a pivot end (24) by the tilt housing (18). The locking member (22) extends to a distal locking end (26) moveable outwardly from the tilt axis (20) along a first arcuate path (28) to a locked position contacting the engaging surface (14) and inwardly towards the tilt axis (20) along the first arcuate path (28) to an unlocked position spaced from the engaging surface (14). The steering column (10) also includes a lever (30) pivotally supported by the tilt housing (18) for movement along a second arcuate path (32) between a locking position and an adjusting position. The lever (30) and the locking member (22) are disposed in cam-cam follower relationship such that the locking member (22) moves from the unlocked position to the locked position in response to movement of the lever (30) from the adjusting position to the locked position. The locking position of the lever (30) being disposed along the first arcuate path (28) to positively block the locking end (26) from moving along the first arcuate path (28).
