Steering column lock assembly and method of operating the same

A method of operating a steering column lock assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a steering column including a gear portion and a rotatable shaft;
• providing an actuator and a lever arm operably attached to the steering column;
• translating the actuator with respect to the steering column;
• engaging the gear portion with the lever arm as a result of the translating;
• locking the steering column as a result of the engaging;
• biasing the lever arm toward the gear portion.

A steering column lack assembly comprising:

• a steering column including a gear portion and a rotatable shaft;
• an actuator and a lever arm operably attached to the steering column;
• means for supporting the actuator and the lever arm to the steering column;
• means for translating the actuator with respect to the steering column;
• means for engaging the gear portion with the lever arm as a result of a rotation of the shaft and the translation of the actuator;
• means for locking the steering column as a result of the engagement of the gear portion with the lever arm;
• and
• means for biasing the lever arm toward the gear portion.