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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle assembly tooling and more particularly to a tool for aligning a door striker to a vehicle body. 
     2. Discussion 
     Despite widespread use of striker positioning fixtures, variations in the various components which affect striker alignment have not eliminated the need to manually verify and adjust the alignment of a striker structure to a latch mechanism. Many of the tools currently in use are based on nominal dimensions and lack the capability to accurately adjust for normal manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Consequently, vehicle manufactures expend tremendous amounts of labor to measure the alignment between the striker and a latch mechanism, and to adjust the alignment of the striker when it is determined to be out of position. 
     To gage the alignment between a striker and a latch mechanism, a technician will repeatedly open and close a vehicle door to “feel” whether the striker is dragging on the latch mechanism. This process is heavily dependent upon the skill and experience to the technician and several iterations of unfastening, moving, refastening and rechecking are typically necessary to obtain satisfactory alignment. 
     Despite the effort that vehicle manufactures expand to achieve proper alignment between a striker and a latch mechanism, complaints regarding improperly aligned strikers are relatively frequent. Consequently, there remains a need in the art for tool for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism that provides more accurate results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one object of the present invention to provide a tool for coupling a striker to a structure in operative alignment with a latch mechanism. 
     It a more specific object of the present invention to provide a tool for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism which compensates for the variances in the manufacturing and assembly which affect striker alignment. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism. 
     A tool for coupling a striker to a first structure in operative alignment with a latch mechanism is provided. The tool includes a body locating portion and first and second locating portions. The body locating portion selectively couples the tool to a first structure, such as a vehicle body. The first location portion has a wedge member and a post member. The post member engages a latch ratchet in the latch mechanism and the tapered surfaces of the wedge member engage either the latch mechanism or the structure to which the latch mechanism is mounted. The second location portion includes a plate member, a positioning member and a positioning structure. The plate member has a first cavity which receives the positioning member. The plate member also has a slot which receives a leg member of the striker. The positioning structure is coupled to the plate member and slidable thereon along an axis parallel to the first cavity. The positioning structure adapted to contact a rear surface of the second structure. The positioning member disposed at least partially within the first cavity and coupled to the positioning structure such that axial movement of the positioning structure in a first axial direction causes positioning member to move an equal amount in an axial direction opposite the first axial direction. Contact between the positioning structure and the rear surface of the second structure causes the positioning member to move within the slot such that a tip of the positioning member defines a desired position of an outermost portion of the leg of the striker. A method for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism is also provided. 
    
    
     Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a rear view of a tool constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the door shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the striker shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a left side view of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a right side view of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the fixturing portion of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10A is a cut-away view illustrating a portion of the fixturing portion of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10B is a top view of a portion the fixturing portion shown in FIG. 10A; 
     FIG. 10C is a side view of the fixturing portion shown in FIG. 10B; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 1 in operative association with a latch mechanism; 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the controls portion of the tool of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of the tool of FIG. 1 in operative association with a vehicle door and vehicle body; 
     FIG. 14 is a top view of the tool of FIG. 1 in operative association with a vehicle body; 
     FIG. 15 is a partial section view of the tool of FIG. 1 as engaged to a striker structure; 
     FIG. 16 is a partial section view of the tool of FIG. 1 confining a striker structure to a desired location. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the assembly tool of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  10 . Tool  10  is shown to include a body locating portion  14 , a fixturing portion  16 , a seal load simulation portion  20  and a controls portion  26 . Briefly, body locating portion  14  is operable for securing tool  10  to a vehicle body, fixturing portion  16  is opertable for locating a striker structure relative to a latch mechanism, seal load simulation portion  20  simulates the load which a seal exerts on the perimeter of a door assembly and controls portion  26  is operable for actuationg body locating portion  14 , fixturing portion  16  and seal load simulation portion  20 . 
     An exemplary vehicle  30  is illustrated in FIG. 2 through 4, and is shown to include a vehicle body  32 , a vehicle door assembly  34  and a striker structure  36 . Vehicle body  32  defines a structure having a door aperture  38 . Door assembly  34  is shown to be pivotably coupled to vehicle body  32  through a pair of hinges (not shown) which permit door assembly  34  to be positioned between a closed position, wherein door assembly  34  closes a door aperture  38  in vehicle body  32 , and an open position, wherein door assembly clears door aperture  38 . Door assembly  34  includes a conventional door structure  40  and a conventional latch mechanism  42 . Door structure  40  includes an outer panel  44  and a rear member  46  having a latch aperture  48 . 
     Latch mechanism  42  includes a housing  50 , a striker chute  52  and a latch ratchet  54 . Striker chute  52  is fixedly coupled to housing  50  and operable for locating latch mechanism  42  to latch aperture  48 . Latch ratchet  54  includes a striker aperture  56  which conventionally includes a first portion  58  and a second portion  60 , the function of which will be discussed in further detail, below. Latch ratchet  54  is rotatably coupled to housing  50  and operable between a unlatched condition wherein the striker aperture  56  is aligned between the striker chute  52  as shown in FIG. 3, and a latched condition wherein the striker aperture has been rotated relative to the striker chute  52 . Latch mechanism  42  is aligned to latch aperture  48  and fixedly coupled to door structure  40  such that striker aperture  56  is aligned to latch aperture  48  and striker chute  52  when latch ratchet  54  is positioned in the unlatched condition. 
     Striker structure  36  is illustrated as having a striker member  62  and a mounting plate  64 . Striker member  62  is generally U-shaped and fixedly coupled to mounting plate  64  such that the legs  66  of striker member  62  extend perpendicularly outwardly from mounting plate  64 . Mounting plate  64  includes a pair of fastener apertures  68  which permit mounting plate to be coupled to vehicle body  32  through a pair of conventional fasteners  70 . When installed and properly aligned, leg  66   a  of striker member  62  is adapted to engage the second portion  60  of striker aperture  56 . 
     Body Locating Portion 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, and with additional reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, body locating portion  14  is operable for securing tool  10  to a vehicle body  32 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, body locating portion  14  includes an upper locating portion  132 , a spacer  133  and a lower locating portion  134 . Upper locating portion  132  includes a plate member  136 , an upper bumper structure  138  and an upper securing structure  140 . Upper bumper structure  138  is fixedly coupled to plate member  136  and includes a resilient bumper member  142  which is adapted to prevent tool  10  from scratching or marring the finish of vehicle body  32  when tool  10  is being used. 
     Upper securing structure  140  includes a suction cup member  146  which is conventional in construction and also fixedly coupled to plate member  136 . Suction cup member  146  is adapted to secure upper locating portion  132  to vehicle body  32  when upper securing structure  140  is placed proximate a predetermined portion of vehicle body  32  and vacuum pressure which exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure is applied to suction cup member  146 . Suction cup member  146  is coupled to controls portion  26  through a vacuum hose  148 . 
     Lower locating portion  134  includes a plate member  150 , a pair of lower bumper structures  152  and a lower securing structure  154 . Each of the lower bumper structures  152  are fixedly coupled to plate member  150  and include a resilient bumper member  156  which is adapted to prevent tool  10  from scratching or marring the finish of vehicle body  32  when tool  10  is being used. 
     Lower securing structure  154  includes a suction cup member  158  which is conventional in construction and also fixedly coupled to plate member  150 . Suction cup member  158  is adapted to secure lower locating portion  134  to vehicle body  32  when lower securing structure  154  is placed proximate a predetermined portion of vehicle body  32  and vacuum pressure which exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure is applied to suction cup member  158 . Suction cup member  158  is also coupled to controls portion  26  through vacuum hose  148 . 
     Spacer  133  is fixedly coupled to plate members  136  and  150 . Spacer  133  is operable for spacing plate member  136  apart from plate member  150  a predetermined distance to permit body locating portion  14  to conform to a desired portion of vehicle body  32 . 
     Fixturing Portion 
     In the particular embodiment illustrated fixturing portion  16  includes a bracket structure  210 , a bumper structure  212 , a backing plate  214 , a door location portion  216  and a latch locating portion  218 . Bracket structure  210  couples fixturing portion  16  and seal load simulation portion  20  to body locating portion  14 . Bracket structure  210  is generally L-shaped and formed from a suitable structural material such as aluminum. Bumper structure  212  is operable for spacing bracket structure  210  apart from rear member  46  a predetermined distance. Preferably, bumper structure  212  simulates a portion of vehicle body  32  when door assembly  34  is placed in the closed position. Bumper structure  212  is formed from a wear resistant plastic material, such as DELRIN®, which is adapted to prevent tool  10  from scratching or marring the finish of door structure  40  when tool  10  is being used. 
     Backing plate  214  is fixedly coupled to bracket structure  210  and serves as a foundation for the door and latch locating portions  216  and  218 . Backing plate  214  is preferably unitarily formed from a wear resistant plastic material, such as DELRIN®, which is adapted to prevent tool  10  from scratching or marring the finish of door structure  40  when tool  10  is being used. Backing plate  214  is an elongated member having a first portion  224  adapted for mounting door location portion  216  and a second portion  226  which is offset laterally from the first portion  224  and adapted for mounting latch locating portion  218 . 
     With additional reference to FIG. 7, first portion  224  includes a first cavity  230  in the rear surface  232  of backing plate  214 . Second portion  226  includes a second cavity  240  located in the outward end of backing plate  214 , a third cavity  244  located in the top surface  246  of backing plate  214 , a fourth cavity  248  located in the bottom surface  250  of backing plate  214 , a spring aperture  252 , a pair of fastener apertures  254 , a pair of magnet apertures  256  and a slotted aperture  258 . Slotted aperture  258  is adapted to receive the legs  66  of striker structure  36 . Third and fourth cavities  244  and  248  intersect second cavity  240 . Backing plate  214  also includes a plurality of pin apertures  260  and fastener apertures  262 . 
     Door location portion  216  includes a striker simulator  264  and a striker wedge  266 . Striker simulator  264  is identical to striker structure  36  and need not be discussed in detail. Briefly, striker simulator  264  includes a generally U-shaped striker member  268  and a mounting plate  270 . The legs  272  are fixedly coupled to mounting plate  270 . Mounting plate  270  includes a pair of fastener apertures  274 . Striker simulator  264  is mounted in first cavity  230  and fasteners  276  are inserted through apertures in backing plate  214 , striker simulator  264  and bracket structure  210 . Nuts  278  are threadably engaged to fasteners  276  to secure both backing plate  214  and striker simulator  264  to bracket structure  210 . 
     The cross-section of striker wedge  266  is generally shaped as a truncated triangle having a base  280  and a tip  282 . A U-shaped striker slot  284  extends from tip  282  toward base  280  and is sized to receive leg  272   b  of striker simulator  264 . Striker wedge  266  is fixedly coupled to backing plate  214  such that leg  272   b  of striker simulator  264  is partially disposed within striker slot  284 . The sides  286  of striker wedge  266  are adapted to engage striker chute  52  when striker simulator  264  is engaged to latch ratchet  54 . As such, striker wedge  266  is operable for limiting the rotation of tool  10  about latch mechanism  42  when striker simulator  264  is engaged to latch ratchet  54 . 
     Latch locating portion  218  includes a latch positioning mechanism  290  and a latch clamp  292 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, latch positioning mechanism  290  includes a positioning member  294 , a link member  296 , a pivot pin  330 , first and second coupling pins  332  and  356 , respectively, a link positioning structure  304 , a pair of positioning guides  306  and a stop mechanism  308 . Positioning member  294  is a cylindrical rod having a magnetic tip  310  at a first end and a link connecting portion  312  at a distal end. Magnetic tip  310  is machined to match the profile of leg  272   a . Link connecting portion  312  includes a link slot  314  extending along an axis parallel top surface  246  and a connector aperture  316  extending along an axis perpendicular to link slot  314 . Positioning member  294  is disposed at least partially within second cavity  240  and operable for adjusting the striker structure  36  in a cross-car direction as will be discussed in detail below. 
     Link member  296  is disposed within third cavity  244  and includes a pivot aperture  324  and first and second slotted pin apertures  326  and  328 , respectively. Pivot pin  330  extends through pivot aperture  324  and a pin aperture  260   a  in backing plate  214  and pivotably couples link member  296  to backing plate  214 . A first end of link member  296  is disposed in link slot  314  at the distal end of positioning member  294 . First coupling pin  332  extends through a pin slot  260   b  in backing plate  214 , the connector aperture  316  in positioning member  294  and first slotted pin aperture  326  to couple link member  296  and positioning member  294 . Rotation of link member  296  about pivot pin  330  is therefore operable for causing positioning member  294  to extend from or retract into second cavity  240 . The end distal the first end of link member  296  extends outwardly from third cavity  244  above top surface  246 . 
     In FIGS. 8 and 9, link positioning structure  304  includes an abutting member  340 , a bumper structure  342  and a handle member  344 . Abutting member  340  is generally flat and adapted to slide along the top surface  246  of backing plate  214 . Abutting member  340  includes a link positioning slot  348 , a link coupling aperture  350  and first and second guide slots  352  and  354 , respectively. Abutting member  340  is placed over third cavity  244  such that the distal end of link member  296  extends into link positioning slot  348 . Second coupling pin  356  is placed through link coupling aperture  350  and the second slotted pin aperture  328  to couple link member  296  to abutting member  340 . 
     Each of the positioning guides  306  includes a threaded stud  360 , a washer  362  and a locking nut  364 . Threaded studs  360  are placed through each of the link positioning slots  352  and  354  and threadably engaged to backing plate  214 . Washer  362  and locking nut  364  are employed to confine the vertical movement of abutting member  340  while permitting abutting member  340  to move freely in a cross-car direction. Movement of abutting member  340  in the cross-car direction therefore causes link member  296  to pivot about pivot pin  330 . 
     Bumper structure  342  includes a resilient bumper member  366  which is adapted to contact the rear surface  44   a  of outer panel  44  (shown in FIG.  2 ). Bumper structure  342  is adjustably coupled to link member  296  which permits the distance between the end of bumper member  366  to the centerline of the link coupling aperture  350  (indicated by dimension “d”). Handle member  344  is fixedly coupled to abutting member  340  and is adapted to permit an operator employing tool  10  to slide abutting member  340  along top surface  246  so that bumper member  366  contacts rear surface  44   a.    
     In FIGS. 9 and 10A, stop mechanism  308  is operable for restraining the movement of positioning member  294  in first cavity  230 . Stop mechanism  308  includes a cylinder assembly  370 , a resilient stop member  372 , a protective sleeve  374  and a pair of fasteners  376 . Cylinder assembly  370  is a conventional double-acting pneumatic cylinder, such as a 01-05 cylinder manufactured by Bimba Manufacturing Company, having a cylinder housing (not specifically shown), a piston (not specifically shown) and a rod  378 . Cylinder assembly  370  is coupled to controls portion  26  and maintained in a condition such that rod  378  is normally retracted. Resilient stop member  372  is coupled to the distal end of rod  378 . 
     Protective sleeve  374  includes a generally hollow body portion and a flange portion (not specifically shown). Cylinder assembly  370  is disposed within protective sleeve  374 . Fasteners  276  extend through the flange portion of protective sleeve  374  into bottom surface  250  to fixedly but removably couple cylinder assembly  370  and protective sleeve  374  to backing plate  214 . In coupling cylinder assembly  370  to backing plate  214 , cylinder assembly  370  is positioned such that rod  278  extends into fourth cavity  248 . Protective sleeve  374  prevents the housing of cylinder assembly  370  from moving in a direction away from backing plate  214 . Protective sleeve  374  is fabricated from a wear resistant plastic material, such as DELRIN®, which is adapted to prevent tool  10  from scratching or marring the finish of door structure  40  when tool  10  is being used. 
     Latch clamp  292  includes a first clamp structure  400 , a second clamp structure  402  and a pair of guides  406 . First clamp structure  400  includes a base portion  410 , first and second fork members  412  and  414  and a stop member  372 . Base portion  410  includes a pair of slotted guide apertures  420 , a pin aperture  422  and a slotted aperture  424 . First and second fork members  412  and  414  each extend generally perpendicularly outward from base portion  410 . Stop member  372  is a generally flat member which is fixedly but removably coupled to the distal ends of first and second fork members  412  and  414 . 
     Guides  406  are illustrated as being conventional shoulder screws  426 . Shoulder screws  426  are inserted through each of the slotted guide apertures  420  and threadably engaged to backing plate  214 . First coupling pin  332  extends through backing plate  214  and into pin aperture  422  to couple positioning member  294  and first clamp structure  400  together. Movement of link positioning structure  304  is therefore operable for moving positioning member  294  as well as first clamp structure  400 . The shoulder portions  426   a  of shoulder screws  426  are operable for guiding first clamp structure  400  along an axis parallel to positioning member  294 . 
     With additional reference to FIG. 8, second clamp structure  402  includes a clamp arm structure  430  with a clamp arm  432  and a pair of pin inserts  434 . Clamp arm structure  430  is pivotably coupled to first and second fork members  412  and  414  and positionable between a closed position and an open position. Clamp arm structure  430  is biased toward the open position by a compression spring  435 . Stop member  372  inhibits clamp arm structure  430  from pivoting away from backing plate  214  beyond a predetermined point. Each of the pin inserts  434  contacts a magnet  436  disposed within magnet apertures  256  when clamp arm structure  430  is placed in the closed position. Magnets  436  are operable for maintaining clamp arm structure  430  in the closed position. 
     With renewed reference to FIG. 6, the tip  440  of clamp arm structure  430  is sized to extend into slotted striker aperture  56  when clamp arm structure  430  is positioned in the closed position. Tip  440  is configured to push striker structure  36  toward the magnetic tip  310  of positioning member  294  when clamp arm structure  430  is closed and a striker structure  36  is disposed within slotted striker aperture  56 . 
     Seal Load Simulation Portion 
     In FIGS. 1 and 7, seal load simulation portion  20  includes a bumper structure  498  and a pneumatic cylinder assembly  500 , such as a F04-1 cylinder manufactured by Bimba Manufacturing Company, having a cylinder housing  502  and a rod  504 . Cylinder assembly  500  is normally maintained in a retracted condition wherein rod  504  is retracted within cylinder housing  502 . Cylinder housing  502  is coupled to bracket structure  210  and oriented such that bumper structure  498  contacts the rear surface  44   a  of outer panel  44  when rod  504  has been extended. Cylinder assembly  500  is operable for exterting a force on rear surface  44   a  which approximately simulates the load which would be generated through the compression of a resilient seal (not specifically shown) surrounding door aperture  38  when door assembly  34  is positioned in the closed position. 
     Controls Portion 
     Controls portion  26  is schematically illustrated in FIG. 16 as including an inlet port  600 , a handle assembly  602 , a vacuum pump  604 , first and second directional valves  606  and  608 , respectively, a vacuum switch  610  and a plurality of fluid conduits  612 . With additional reference to FIG. 1, handle assembly  602  includes a handle member  344  and a plurality of push-button actuated, spring-return directional valves  622   a ,  622   b  and  622   c . Each of the first and second directional valves  606  and  608  are 2 position, 4-way, detented, pilot-operated valves. 
     Tool Operation 
     An air line is coupled to tool  10  and provides compressed air to inlet port  600 . Conduits  612   a ,  612   b ,  612   c  and  612   d  direct the compressed air is directed to vacuum switch  610 , first and second directional valves  606  and  608  and push-button valves  622   b  and  622   c . The valve body of first directional valve  606  is positioned in a first valve position which provides a flow path to the return side of cylinder assembly  500 , causing the rod of cylinder assembly  500  to remain in a retracted state. Similarly, the valve body of the second directional valve  608  is positioned in a first valve position which provides a flow path to the return side of cylinder  370 , causing the rod of cylinder assembly  370  to remain in a retracted state. 
     Striker structure  36  is placed proximate vehicle body  32  and fasteners  70  are inserted through fastener apertures  68  and threadably engaged to vehicle body  32 . Fasteners  70  are not tightened to produce a clamping force at this point and thereby only loosely couple striker structure  36  to vehicle body  32  to permit tool  10  to position striker structure  36  in a desired manner. 
     In FIG. 11, tool  10  is placed against door assembly  34  and striker simulator  264  is engaged to latch mechanism  42  (i.e., the leg  272   a  of striker simulator  264  is engaged into the first portion  60  of latch ratchet  54  and the sides  286  of striker wedge  266  engage striker chute  52 ). Door assembly  34  is pivoted toward the closed position until the legs  66  of the striker structure  36  are received into the slotted aperture  258  and the suction cup members  146  and  158  contact vehicle body  32  as shown in FIG.  13 . 
     Push-button valve  622   b  is actuated and provides a flow path for the compressed air through conduit  612   e  to provide pilot pressure to first directional valve  606 . In response to the pilot pressure, the valve body of first directional valve  606  shifts into a second valve position permitting compressed air to flow to actuate vacuum pump  604  and exhausting the return side of cylinder assembly  500  to the atmosphere. 
     Once actuated, vacuum pump  604  is operable for generating negative pressure and tends to draw air from conduits  612   f  and  612   g . As suction cup members  146  and  158  are engaged to vehicle body  32 , air is inhibited from entering into conduit  612   f  causing the accumulation of negative pressure in conduits  612   f  and  612   g . After a predetermined amount of negative pressure has accumulated in conduit  612   g , vacuum switch  610  opens, releasing compressed air to conduits  612   h  and  612   i  to supply compressed air to push-button valve  622   a  and to the extend side of cylinder assembly  500 . The rod of cylinder assembly  500  extends in response thereto, causing bumper structure  498  to contact rear surface  44   a  and exert a simulated seal load. The simulated seal load is transmitted through tool  10  and door assembly  34  and simulates the load generated when door assembly  34  is placed in the closed position. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 15, positioning member  294  is not in contact with the leg  66   a  of striker structure  36 . Handle member  344  is moved in a direction away from vehicle  30  until bumper member  366  contacts rear surface  44   a , thereby causing abutting member  340  to rotate link member  296  about pivot pin  330  and move positioning member  294  in slotted aperture  258  to a desired positioning member location (i.e., the outermost position of the leg  66   a  of the striker structure  36 ). As latch clamp  292  is coupled to positioning member  294 , rotation of link member  296  about pivot pin  330  causes latch clamp  292  to move in the same direction and by an equivalent magnitude. Push-button valve  622   a  is next actuated to apply pilot pressure to second directional valve  608 . In response to the pilot pressure, the valve body of second directional valve  608  shifts into a second valve position permitting compressed air to flow to the extend side of cylinder assembly  370  and venting the return side of cylinder assembly  370  to atmosphere. The rod of cylinder assembly  370  extends in response thereto and causes stop member  372  to fixedly but releasably lock positioning member  294  in the desired positioning member location. 
     Latch mechanism  42  is next actuated to release striker simulator  264 . Door assembly  34  is rotated toward the open position to permit access to striker structure  36 . As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16, clamp arm structure  430  is next pivoted toward striker structure  36 . Tip  440  is contoured to contact striker structure  36  and push it toward the magnetic tip  310  of positioning member  294 . Magnets  436  bias clamp arm structure  430  toward the closed position, trapping striker structure  36  between magnetic tip  310  and tip  440 . A conventional fastening tool is then utilized to tighten fasteners  70 . 
     Push-button  622   c  may be actuated at any time and applies a pilot pressure to first and second directional valves  606  and  608  which causes their respective valve bodies to shift to their respective first valve positions. In response thereto, compressed air is provided to the return sides of cylinder assemblies  500  and  370 , the extend sides of cylinder assemblies  500  and  370  is vented to atmosphere, and vacuum pump  604  is vented to atmosphere. Suction cup members  146  and  158  release from vehicle body  32 . Clamp arm structure  430  is rotated away from striker structure  36  and handle member  344  is moved in a direction toward vehicle  30  to ready tool  10  for its next use. 
     While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the description of the appended claims.

Summary:
A tool for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism is provided. The tool includes a body locating portion and first and second locating portions. The body locating portion selectively couples the tool to a first structure, such as a vehicle body. The first location portion has a wedge member and a post member. The post member engages a latch ratchet in the latch mechanism and the tapered surfaces of the wedge member engage either the latch mechanism or the structure to which the latch mechanism is mounted. The second location portion includes a plate member, a positioning member and a positioning structure. The plate member has a first cavity which receives the positioning member. The plate member also has a slot which receives a member of the striker. The positioning structure is coupled to the plate member and slidable thereon along an axis parallel to the first cavity. The positioning structure adapted to contact a rear surface of the second structure. The positioning member disposed at least partially within the first cavity and coupled to the positioning structure such that axial movement of the positioning structure in a first axial direction causes positioning member to move an equal amount in an axial direction opposite the first axial direction. Contact between the positioning structure and the rear surface of the second structure causes the positioning member to move within the slot such that a tip of the positioning member defines a desired position of an outermost portion of the leg of the striker. A method for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism is also provided.