Patent Publication Number: US-2020299997-A1

Title: Closure striker installation jig and method of using the same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Trunk lids and vehicle tailgates are commonly secured in a closed position using a latch and a striker. The striker may be coupled to a body of the vehicle, for example, using threaded fasteners. Jigs configured to hold the striker in place relative to the body while the threaded fasteners are tightened during assembly of the vehicle are known. Furthermore, some known jigs include a magnet to ease assembly by holding the jig and the striker together. However, the strength of the magnets currently used is limited, due to difficulties overcoming the magnetic attraction during removal of the jig after the striker is fastened to the body. 
     SUMMARY 
     Examples of the disclosure facilitate proper installation of a closure striker and ergonomic operation of an installation jig. 
     In one aspect, a closure striker installation jig is provided herein. The closure striker installation jig includes a jig body including a striker opening and at least one fastener opening defined therein. The closure striker installation jig also includes at least one magnet embedded at least partially within the jig body and a handle rotatably coupled to the body at a hinge point and including a grip and at least one handle extension. The grip is positioned on an opposite side of the hinge point as the at least one handle extension. 
     In another aspect, a method of coupling a vehicle closure striker to a vehicle body using a closure striker installation jig is provided herein. The method includes positioning the closure striker within a striker opening defined within the installation jig, aligning the installation jig and the vehicle body, tightening at least one fastener configured to couple the closure striker together with the vehicle body, and lifting a handle of the installation jig to separate the installation jig from the striker and the vehicle body. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear view of an exemplary vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure striker that may be included in the vehicle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure striker installation jig that may be used to install the closure striker shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the closure striker installation jig shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the closure striker installation jig shown in  FIG. 3  positioned on the vehicle shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a method of coupling a closure striker to a vehicle body using a closure striker installation jig, for example, the closure striker installation jig shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Although specific features may be shown in some of the drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the examples described herein, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a closure striker installation jig, and more specifically, to a closure striker installation jig that facilitates proper installation of a closure striker in an ergonomic manner. The exemplary embodiment of the closure striker installation jig includes magnets to hold the striker to the jig, and also to hold the jig to the vehicle body. The exemplary embodiment of the closure striker installation jig also includes a handle having handle extensions configured to separate the jig from the striker and from the vehicle body without excessive pull force. The exemplary embodiment of the closure striker installation jig also includes alignment features to ensure proper placement of the striker with respect to the vehicle body. 
       FIG. 1  is a rear view of an exemplary vehicle  100 . Vehicle  100  includes a vehicle body  108 , rear tires  110  and  112 , and a rear bumper  114 . Vehicle body  108  may be formed from a plurality of panels, for example, a first panel  130 , a second panel  132 , a third panel  134 , and a fourth panel  136 . Vehicle  100  also includes a rear tailgate opening  120  defined within vehicle body  108 . More specifically, rear tailgate opening  120  may be defined by, for example, first panel  130 , second panel  132 , third panel  134 , and fourth panel  136 . Furthermore, vehicle  100  includes a closure striker  140  and a latch (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Although illustrated as a crossover/sport utility-type vehicle that includes a tailgate, the apparatus and methods described herein are also applicable to vehicles that include a trunk lid and/or other type of closure that utilizes a closure striker. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure striker, for example, closure striker  140  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment, closure striker  140  includes a base portion  150  and a striker rod  152  extending substantially perpendicularly from base portion  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, striker rod  152  has a generally C-shape or U-shape. Furthermore, a first fastener opening  154  and a second fastener opening  156  are defined within base portion  150  and are configured to receive fasteners for coupling closure striker  140  to vehicle  100 . For example, screws and/or bolts may be inserted through first and second fastener openings  154  and  156  and tightened with respect to vehicle body  108  to couple closure striker  140  together with vehicle body  108 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a closure striker installation jig  200  that may be used to install a closure striker, for example, closure striker  140  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the exemplary embodiment, closure striker installation jig  200  includes a jig body  220  and a handle  230 . Jig body  220  includes a first surface  232  and a second surface  234 . In the exemplary embodiment, jig body  220  includes a first fastener access opening  240 , a second fastener access opening  242 , and a striker rod opening  244  defined therein. Striker rod opening  244  is configured to receive striker rod  152  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Striker rod opening  244  surrounds striker rod  152 , which is one aspect of jig  200  that facilitates accurate and repeatable positioning of closure striker  140  on vehicle body  108 . 
     First fastener access opening  240  is configured such that a fastener (e.g., a screw) can be inserted through opening  240 , into first fastener opening  154  and a corresponding threaded opening within vehicle body  108 , and such that a tightening tool (e.g., screwdriver/DC tool) has access to a head of the fastener and is able to tighten the fastener. Second fastener access opening  242  is configured such that a fastener can be inserted through opening  242 , into second fastener opening  156  and a corresponding threaded opening with vehicle body  108 , and such that a tightening tool has access to a head of the fastener and is able to tighten the fastener. In alternative embodiments, the fasteners are self-drilling screws. In these embodiments, the fasteners are inserted through openings  240  and  242 , and a tightening tool is used to rotate the fasteners, causing the fasteners to drill into, and mate with, vehicle body  108 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, handle  230  is rotatably coupled to jig body  220  at a hinge point  250 . More specifically, handle  230  may be rotatably coupled to jig body  220  by a first pin  252  and a second pin  254 , allowing handle  230  to rotate with respect to jig body  220  around an axis  256 . Furthermore, handle  230  may also include a grip  260  and at least one handle extension, for example, a first handle extension  262  and a second handle extension  264 . In the exemplary embodiment, grip  260  is positioned on an opposite side of hinge point  250  as handle extensions  262  and  264 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of closure striker installation jig  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, closure striker installation jig  200  also includes at least one magnet embedded at least partially within jig body  220 . In the illustrated embodiment, jig body  220  includes a plurality of magnets embedded therein, for example, a first magnet  280 , a second magnet  282 , a third magnet  284 , a fourth magnet  286 , a fifth magnet  288 , a sixth magnet  290 , a seventh magnet  292 , and an eighth magnet  294 . The plurality of magnets may be embedded completely within jig body  220 . Alternatively, the plurality of magnets may be embedded partially within jig body  220  with one surface exposed and flush with second surface  234  of jig body  220 . Furthermore, the plurality of magnets may be embedded partially within jig body  220  and extending partially from second surface  234  of jig body  220 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of magnets may be divided into a first set of magnets and a second set of magnets. For example, the first set of magnets includes first magnet  280 , second magnet  282 , third magnet  284 , and fourth magnet  286  of the plurality of magnets. Furthermore, the second set of magnets includes fifth magnet  288 , sixth magnet  290 , seventh magnet  292 , and eighth magnet  294  of the plurality of magnets. The first set of magnets is configured to removably couple closure striker  140  together with jig  200 . Moreover, the second set of magnets is configured to removably couple jig  200  together with vehicle body  108 . In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of magnets are rare earth magnets that provide a strong hold between jig  200  and closure striker  140  and also between jig  200  and vehicle body  108 . 
     A magnetic attraction between a magnet and a magnetic surface that is too strong to be removed by a user by merely pulling the magnet and magnetic surface apart (i.e., either impossible for an average person to pull apart or that would cause an ergonomic concern if required to pull apart repeatedly) in some instances may be overcome by sliding the magnet toward an end of the surface. However, since opening  244  surrounds striker rod  152 , sliding jig  200  after the fasteners are tightened is not possible. Moreover, the strength of magnetic attraction caused by some magnets may also preclude a sliding motion. Jig  200 , and more specifically, handle  230 , is configured to enable an average user to overcome a strong magnetic attraction between jig  200  and vehicle body  108 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, grip  260  is positioned a first distance  300  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) from hinge point  250 , and an end  310  of handle extension  262  is a second distance  312  from hinge point  250 . Furthermore, an end  314  of handle extension  264  is also second distance  312  from hinge point  250 . First distance  300  is longer than second distance  312 . Moreover, in at least some embodiments, a second surface  316  (i.e., surface positioned adjacent to vehicle body  108  during installation of closure striker  140 ) of handle extensions  262  and  264  is curved. More specifically, the curved surface prevents denting and/or otherwise damaging vehicle body  108  by facilitating sliding of handle extension  262  with respect to vehicle body  108  when jig  200  is being separated from vehicle body  108 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, grip  260  is configured to be pulled by a user after the fasteners that couple striker  140  to vehicle body  108  are tightened. Pulling grip  260  causes rotation of handle  230  around hinge point  250 , further causing handle extensions  262  and  264  to press against vehicle body  108 . Handle extensions  262  and  264  pressing against vehicle body  108  causes second surface  234  of jig body  220  to separate from vehicle body  108 . In other words, the force applied by the user to handle  230  causes handle extensions  262  and  264  to press against vehicle body  108  with enough force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the plurality of magnets and striker  140 /vehicle body  108 . Handle  230  (e.g., a beam) and pins  252  and  254  (e.g., a fulcrum) act as a lever. Since first distance  300  is longer than second distance  312 , the force applied by handle extensions  262  and  264  on vehicle body  108  may be multiple times greater than the force applied by the user to grip  260 . The difference in force is dependent upon a ratio of distance  300  to distance  312 . For example, the ratio of distance  300  to distance  312  may be approximately 3:1. Alternatively, the ratio of distance  300  to distance  312  may be approximately 4:1 or any other ratio that allows jig  200  to function as described herein. This increase in force caused by the design of jig  200  is desirable since strong magnets are also desirable in order to securely position closure striker  140  during installation. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of closure striker installation jig  200  positioned on vehicle  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, jig  200  includes a plurality of alignment features to ensure closure striker  140  is properly positioned with respect to jig  200 , and that jig  200  is properly positioned with respect to vehicle body  108 . Furthermore, the user may slightly lift handle  230  to disengage jig  200  from vehicle body  108  to adjust the positioning of jig  200  with respect to vehicle body  108  if initially improperly aligned. When closure striker  140  is properly aligned with respect to jig  200  and jig  200  is properly positioned with respect to vehicle body  108 , closure striker  140  will be installed in the desired position on vehicle body  108 . For example, jig  200  may include a first alignment flange  350  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) at least one of coupled to, and included within, jig body  220  for aligning closure striker  140  with respect to jig  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, first alignment flange  350  extends substantially perpendicularly from second surface  234  of jig body  220 . Furthermore, first alignment flange  350  has a profile substantially similar to a profile of at least a portion of an outer edge of base portion  150  of closure striker  140 . 
     Jig  200  may also include a second alignment flange  360  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) at least one of coupled to, and included within, jig body  220  for aligning closure striker installation jig  200  with vehicle body  108 . Second alignment flange  360  extends substantially perpendicularly from second surface  234  of jig body  220  and includes a first surface  362  configured for positioning against a predefined portion of vehicle body  108 . 
     Jig  200  may also include at least one visual alignment indicia, for example, at least one of arrows  370 ,  372 ,  374 , and  376  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 ). Arrows  370 ,  372 ,  374 , and  376  indicate to a user the proper orientation of handle  230  with respect to jig body  220  and of closure striker installation jig  200  with respect to vehicle body  108  during installation of closure striker  140  onto vehicle body  108 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart  400  of a method  410  of coupling a vehicle closure striker to a vehicle body using a closure striker installation jig, for example, closure striker installation jig  200  shown in  FIG. 3 . In the exemplary embodiment, method  410  includes positioning  412  a closure striker, for example, closure striker  140 , within a striker opening, for example, striker opening  244 , defined within jig  200 . As described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-6 , jig  200  includes first alignment flange  350 . In the exemplary embodiment, positioning  412  closure striker  140  within striker opening  244  further includes positioning first alignment flange  350  adjacent to an outer edge of base portion  150  of closure striker  140 . 
     Method  410  also includes aligning  414  jig  200  and vehicle body  108  and tightening  416  at least one fastener configured to couple closure striker  140  together with vehicle body  108 . As described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-6 , installation jig  200  further includes second alignment flange  360  and aligning  414  the jig  200  and vehicle body  108  includes positioning second alignment flange  360  adjacent to a predefined surface of vehicle body  108 . 
     Method  410  also includes lifting  418  a handle, for example, handle  230 , of jig  200  to separate jig  200  from closure striker  140  and vehicle body  108 . For example, lifting  418  handle  230  causes rotation of handle  230  around a hinge point, for example, hinge point  250 , further causing at least one handle extension, for example, handle extension  262 , to press against vehicle body  108 , which separates second surface  234  of jig  200  from vehicle body  108 . As described above, jig  200  includes embedded magnets configured to removably couple closure striker  140  together with jig  200  and jig  200  together with vehicle body  108 , and wherein lifting handle  230  and causing handle extension  262  to press against vehicle body  108  overcomes the magnetic attraction between jig  200  and vehicle body  108 . 
     An example vehicle body, closure striker, and closure striker installation jig are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The exemplary closure striker installation jig includes embedded magnets to secure the jig, and therefore the corresponding closure striker, in a desired position with respect to the vehicle body while the closure striker is coupled to the vehicle body with fasteners. Furthermore, the exemplary closure striker installation jig includes a handle having handle extensions and configured to act as a lever to facilitate ergonomic and efficient separation of the closure striker installation jig from the closure striker and the vehicle body. Examples described herein include alignment features configured to ensure proper positioning of the closure striker installation jig and/or proper use of the closure striker installation jig. Proper use of the closure striker installation jig ensures accurate and repeatable placement of the closure striker on the vehicle body. Furthermore, examples described herein include features to prevent the jig from damaging the vehicle body when being separated from the vehicle body after the closure striker is coupled to the vehicle body with the fasteners. 
     Having described aspects of the disclosure in terms of various examples with their associated operations, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. That is, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific examples described herein, and all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     Components of the systems and/or operations of the methods described herein may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or operations described herein. Moreover, the methods described herein may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed, and the order of execution or performance of the operations described herein is not essential unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be executed or performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of the disclosure. Although specific features of various examples of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     When introducing elements of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. References to an “embodiment” or an “example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments or examples that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be elements other than the listed elements. The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.” 
     The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.