Patent Abstract:
A wire door striker has a wire and a striker plate. At least one leg of the wire may have a ledge near the end. The ledge engages the striker plate when the leg end is fit into an opening in the striker plate. The leg end may have a flat side below the ledge. The flat side fits into the opening in the striker plate and the ledge engages the striker plate. Also, methods of manufacturing a wire with a ledge are disclosed. One method involves flattening an end of the wire to create a flat side and a ledge. Another method involved using a die and a punch.

Full Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM/CROSS REFERENCE  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/557,175 filed on Mar. 29, 2004 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/598,359 filed on Aug. 2, 2004, which are hereby incorporated in their entireties for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to vehicle door strikers, and in particular, to a vehicle door striker having a bent wire.  
         [0003]     Various safety requirements, including those set by governmental agencies and vehicle manufacturers, dictate that striker and door latching systems resist opening in the event of a crash or other mishap so as to protect the occupants of the vehicle from injury. In fact, out of an extraordinary concern for safety, vehicle manufacturers typically set safety requirements more stringent than those which are governmentally imposed.  
         [0004]     Automobiles and other vehicles are generally equipped with a latch in the side of each door that engages a striker secured to the vehicle body door pillar at the edge of the door opening. The latch in the door typically includes a slot that opens toward the vehicle interior and extends through a cutout in the face plate of the door. This slot guides the latch over the striker as the vehicle door is closed. As the latch moves over the striker, a pivotally mounted fork bolt that is part of the latching mechanism “strikes” and engages the striker. The striker causes the fork bolt to rotate to a latched position wherein the fork bolt engages the striker to hold the door closed. The fork bolt is held in the latched position until it is released by actuation of a door handle or other mechanism.  
         [0005]     Many conventional door strikers have a bent wire that engages the latch in a vehicle door. One common type of door latch striker has a generally U-shaped bolt or wire. Examples of such door strikers  14  are shown in  FIG. 1  and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,271 to Taniguchi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,645 to Kobayashi; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,313 to Makamura. In manufacturing U-shaped bent wire door strikers  14 , a wire  15  is bent into a U-shape. The wire  15  is then assembled to the striker plate  17 . The wire  15  is secured to the bottom side of the striker plate  17  via peening, riveting, or other attachment means. The wire  15  may be heat-treated and/or equipped with preformed collars  19  before peening. Alternatively, collars  19  may be formed simultaneously on the top and bottom sides of the striker plate  17  during assembly by locally heating and “upsetting” the wire  15 . Typically, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the wire  15  has two substantially equal length legs  20  and  21  joined by a connector section  23 . The striker plate  17  has a mounting surface  17   a  for fastening the striker  14  to a door pillar, a top surface  17   c  including screw holes  17   b , and a wire receiving surface  17   d  including through holes to receive wire legs  20  and  21 . The wire receiving surface  17   c  is substantially parallel to the mounting surface  17   a  and is typically raised so that the riveted ends of the wire legs  20  and  21  do not protrude beyond the mounting surface  17   a . The connector section  23  is substantially parallel to the striker plate  17 . The connector section  23  may be flattened as shown to provide clearance inside the latch of the vehicle door.  
         [0006]     Improving the longitudinal and transverse strength of U-shaped bent wire door strikers  14  is very desirable but, due to the nature of existing designs, has not been found feasible without an undesirable increase in the size of the wire  15 . As shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , application of a transverse force T deforms the door striker  14 . In striker strength testing, peak strength is not reached until after the wire loop is considerably bent and deformed in the direction of the applied force (transverse or longitudinal) and just prior to the first point of fracture of the wire  15 . This deformation is shown in  FIG. 2   b  and  3  and the point at which peak strength is reached is demonstrated in the tests shown in  FIGS. 19-21 . Referring to prior art  FIG. 2   b , application of a transverse force T bends both legs  21  and  20 . However, leg  21  bears a greater amount of bending and stress from the force than leg  20 . As such leg  21  is bent at a large angle G while leg  20  is bent at a much less angle E. The result is that leg  21  fails prematurely at high stress point F. This load imbalance between the legs  20  and  21  becomes clear when the wire  15  is viewed as two rope-like cord lengths X and Y extending away from the area of force application as shown in  FIG. 2   b . Cord length Y is shorter than cord length X and as a result becomes straight and taught (bearing most of the load) while cord X remains relatively bent and un-taught as the transverse force is applied.  
         [0007]     Uneven loading of the legs  20  and  21  also occurs when a longitudinal force L is applied to the wire  15  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The force is concentrated around leg  21  and can cause failure of leg  21  before leg  20  due to the uneven loading by longitudinal force L.  
         [0008]     Another drawback of U-shaped bent wire door striker arises during vehicle collisions. Vehicle collisions can result in the wire  15  becoming trapped behind the latch frame  25  of the latch of a vehicle door. As shown in  FIG. 4   a , a door pillar  27  of a vehicle may be in close proximity to the latch frame  25 . The wire  15  of the striker may be positioned inside the latch frame  25 . As shown in  FIG. 4   b , a collision may impart a force I onto the latch frame  25 . The latch frame  25  may be pushed into the striker  14 , thereby trapping the wire  15  inside the latch frame  25  and jamming the door shut.  
         [0009]     One attempt to address this jamming problem is shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  shows a U-shaped bent wire striker  14  having a wire jog outside the latch plate  25  so as not to be trapped in the latch plate  25  during a collision. However, this design adds to the cord length X previously mentioned which creates greater unequal load between legs  20  and  21  and thus an even lower longitudinal and transverse strength.  
         [0010]     One attempt to improve strength without increasing the wire diameter involves using a generally L-shaped wire and L-shaped plate. An example of an L-shaped bent wire door striker  29  is shown in FIGS.  6 ( a )-( c ) and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,759 to Peterson et al. The L-shaped design has an improved transverse strength compared to the prior art U-shaped bent wire door striker. However, the L-shaped bent wire door strikers still do not share the longitudinal or transverse force equally between both legs  33  and  35 . Transverse force is applied to the L-shaped wire  31  along leg  33 . In addition, as shown in FIGS.  6 ( a )-( c ), L-shaped bent wire door strikers are difficult and costly to assemble. The L-shaped wire  31  must be angled into position ( FIG. 6 ( a )) and then peened P in two different directions (FIGS.  6  ( b )-( c )). Further, the L-shaped plate adds significantly more material to the striker plate increasing manufacturing cost.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention provides a bent wire striker that is cost-effective to manufacture, has a high strength, and overcomes certain of the deficiencies in the prior art.  
         [0012]     The present invention provides for a bent wire striker having a wire attached to a striker plate. The wire has two legs connected by a connector section. In one embodiment, the legs are of unequal lengths. In another embodiment, a leg of the wire has at least one jog in it. In yet another embodiment, the wire is attached to the striker plate at two attachment points with one of the attachment points raised with respect to the other attachment point. Alternatively, the attachment points may be at about the same level. In one embodiment, one wire leg has an angled portion which is connected in turn to a shortened connector section.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, a wire striker in accordance with the present invention includes a ledge or plurality of ledges on a wire of a striker. The ledge is provided at the end of the wire or the portion of the wire that engages the striker plate. The ledge, created by a flattened section, provides for increased transverse and longitudinal strength and acts as a shoulder so that the wire is prevented from pushing through the hole in the striker plate. The ledge may be provided in the wire via a number of manufacturing methods.  
         [0014]     The terms “striker plate,” “wire,” “attachment point,” “connector section,” “collars,” “cantilevered surface,” “raised portion,” “collar,” “ledge,” “die,” “punch,” and “angled portion” as used herein should not be interpreted as being limited to specific forms, shapes, numbers, or compositions. Rather, the components may have a wide variety of shapes and forms, may be provided in a wide variety of numbers, may be manufactured or configured in a variety of ways, and may be composed of a wide variety of materials depending on the particular needs of an application. In particular, the term “wire” is intended to include any elongated materials and should not be interpreted as being limited to a threadlike material having a circular or rounded cross-section. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art U-shaped bent wire door striker;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2   a  is a cross-sectional view of the door striker of  FIG. 1  shown with a door latch engaged thereto;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2   b  is a cross-sectional view of the door striker of  FIG. 2   a  with a transverse force T applied thereto;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the door striker of  FIG. 1  shown with a door latch engaged thereto with a longitudinal force L applied thereto;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of the door striker of  FIG. 1  shown engaged to a vehicle door latch prior to a collision;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view of the door striker of  FIG. 1  shown engaged to a vehicle door latch after a collision;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a prior art U-shaped bent wire door striker shown with a door latch engaged thereto;  
         [0022]     FIGS.  6 ( a )-( c ) are a perspective views of a prior art L-shaped bent wire door striker illustrating the steps of assembly;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9   a  is a cross-sectional view of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 8  shown with a door latch engaged thereto;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9   b  is a cross-sectional view of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 8 , with the configuration of the bent wire door striker after application of a transverse force T;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 8  shown engaged to a vehicle door latch;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 8  shown engaged to a vehicle door latch;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12   a  is a perspective view of a manufacturing step in accordance with one method of forming a wire of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12   b  is a perspective view of a manufacturing step in accordance with one method of forming a wire of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a manufacturing step in accordance with one method of forming a wire of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with the original position of the wire shown in phantom;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14   a  is a perspective view of a wire of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 14   b  is a cross-sectional view of the wire of  FIG. 14   a  taken along the plane  14   b - 14   b  in  FIG. 14   a;    
         [0034]      FIG. 15   a  is a perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with one method of assembling a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 15   b  is a perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with one method of assembling a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 15   c  is a perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with one method of assembling a wire of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 17   a  is a perspective view of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 17   b  is a perspective view of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 17   c  is a cross section of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 17   b , taken along the plane  17   c - 17   c  in  FIG. 17   b;    
         [0041]      FIGS. 18   a - 18   g  are perspective views of a bent wire in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention as varying amounts of transverse force are applied thereto;  
         [0042]      FIGS. 19   a - 19   e  are perspective views of a prior art U-shaped wire in accordance with a prior art door latch striker as varying amounts of transverse force are applied thereto;  
         [0043]      FIGS. 20   a - 20   e  are perspective views of a prior art U-shaped wire in accordance with a prior art door latch striker as varying amounts of transverse force are applied thereto;  
         [0044]      FIGS. 21   a - 21   d  are perspective view of a prior art L-shaped wire in accordance with a prior art door latch striker as varying amounts of transverse force are applied thereto;  
         [0045]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a bent wire striker in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a wire of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 22 ; and,  
         [0047]      FIG. 24  is a partial cross-sectional view of the bent wire striker of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]     Illustrative embodiments of a bent wire striker (identified generally as  40 ) in accordance with the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 7-18  and  22 - 24 . While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and herein are described in detail, certain illustrative embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments illustrated and described herein. Additionally, features illustrated and described with respect to one embodiment could be used in connection with other embodiments.  
         [0049]     The present invention provides for a bent wire striker  40 . The striker  40  has a striker plate  42  and a wire  44  attached thereto. The wire  44  may be formed to have two legs  50  and  52  joined by a connector section  54 . In one embodiment, attachment point  46  is raised higher than attachment point  48  on striker plate  42  so that legs  50  and  52  are different lengths. For example as shown in  FIGS. 7-17 , leg  52  is shorter than leg  50 .  
         [0050]     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7-14 , legs  50  and  52  are substantially parallel to one another when the wire  44  is attached to the striker plate  42 . Preferably, the wire  44  is attached to the striker plate  42  at two attachment points  46  and  48 . In embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7-11 ,  14  and  15 , the two attachment points  46  and  48  are at different heights compared to the surface  58  of the striker plate  42 . For example, attachment point  46  may be substantially higher compared to attachment point  48 . In embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7-11 , attachment point  46  is positioned on top of a cantilevered surface  60 . The cantilevered surface  60  is positioned on a raised portion  47  either attached to or formed from the striker plate  42 . The raised portion  47  may be any shape and is preferably cone shaped. Attachment point  48  may be incorporated into the surface  58  of the striker plate  42  or may be raised from the surface  58 .  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , space in a vehicle door latch mechanism  69  is rather limited. Specifically, the door pillar  70  and the latch frame plate  72  of the vehicle door latch mechanism  69  closely fit together.  FIG. 10  shows the cantilevered surface  60  and raised portion  47  of the striker plate  42 . The raised portion  47  extends above the radius R of the door pillar  70  of the vehicle door latch mechanism  69 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , this configuration allows leg  52  of the wire  44  to be positioned outside the latch frame  72 . As such, the wire  44  will not become trapped in the door latch mechanism  69  during a collision. The bent wire striker  40  is also compact enough to fit within the opening of the latch frame  72  with sufficient clearance.  
         [0052]     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , the wire  44  of the bent wire striker  40  is bent so as to have a jog  100  in leg  52 . The jog  100  operates to position a portion of the wire  44  further outside the latch frame  72  when the vehicle door is closed is clearance between the striker and the door pillar is further reduced from what is shown in  FIG. 10 . This positioning reduces the likelihood that the wire  44  will be trapped in the latch frame  72  during a collision. The present invention may also include a wire jog  100 , preferably used in connection with leg  52  to position the wire  44  further outside the latch frame  72 , leg  52  having an unequal and shorter length than leg  50 . In select embodiments, the jog  100  may have a variable radius. For example, in one embodiment, the jog  100  may have a parabolic radius. In another example shown in  FIG. 23 , the jog  100  transitions to leg  54  with two distinct radius, R 1  and R 2  respectively, that form an elliptical arc. Radius R 1  is greater than radius R 2 . This region of the wire bends under transverse or longitudinal strength testing and is an area of high stress. This difference in radius provides for a more gradual transition from the connector section  54  to the leg  52 , and reduces the stress concentration in the jog  100 . This same type of elliptical arc may also be used as a transition between leg  52  to connector section  54  to achieve the same benefit in any the other embodiments shown, such as but not limited to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9 . Other radius configurations could be used depending on the particular application. As shown in  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 24 , the striker plate  42  may also have a raised gusset  115  in between the attachment points  46  and  48  to minimize bending of the striker plate  42  during transverse or longitudinal strength testing as required. Gusset  115  may also be used for the same purpose in any of the other embodiments as well.  
         [0053]     Additional features may be provided on the bent wire striker  40 . For example, in embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7, 12 ,  15 , and  16 , collars  56  may be provided at the attachment points  46  and  48 . One possible series of steps for manufacturing a bent wire  44  with collars  56  is shown in  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b . A wire  44  is cold headed so as to form collars  56  thereon. This step utilizes a split die to release the wire  44  after the collars  56  are formed. During the cold heading, pressure from forming the collars  56  distorts the diameter of the wire  44  on either side of the collars  56 . Small seams are also created in the wire  44  where the die splits. The cold headed wire  44  is then placed into a bending die  66  as shown in  FIG. 12   a . As shown in  FIG. 12   b , a punch  64  travels in direction D, bending the wire  44  into the desired shape. Of course, other methods of manufacturing the wire  44  could be used. For example, if a round wire is not desired or necessary, the wire could be manufactured using a conventional stamping process with steel plate.  
         [0054]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a ledge  62  or ledges  62  may be formed into wire  44 . A ledge  62  may be formed into a wire of any wire striker, including prior art strikers, to enhance the strength characteristics. Embodiments of the bent wire striker  40  utilizing a ledge  62  are able to gradually bend with less concentrated stress as opposed to strikers utilizing collars  56 . Manufacturing the wire  44  with a ledge  62  is more economical since it eliminates the cold-heading operation needed to preform the collars prior to bending the wire. A wire  44  is placed into a machine with transferring capabilities. This machine flattens the ends of the wire  44  into a ledge  62 . The wire  44  is then bent as described above. As shown in  FIG. 13 , ledges  62  may also be formed while the wire  44  is being bent. In this process, wire  44  is provided onto a die  66 . A punch  44  travels in direction D, bending the wire  44 . The sides of the die  66  cam inward in direction C to flatten the ends  43  of the wire  44  into a ledge  62  or ledges  62 .  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , forming the ledges  62  flattens the wire  44  on a side  63 . The displaced material extends from the wire  44  on the other sides  65 . The resulting cross-section of the wire  44  with a ledge  62  is about equal to the initial round wire section, thereby maintaining the ultimate strength of the wire  44 . Further, maintaining roughly the same cross-section substantially reduces stress concentration at the attachment points  46 ,  48  between legs  50 ,  52  and the striker plate  42 . While a leg end  110  with ledge  62  may have two flat sides  63  opposite each other, any shape of leg end  110  may be used. For example, the leg end  110  may be square shaped (four flat sides  63 ), “D” shaped (one flat side  63 ), or “V” shaped (two angled flat sides  63 ). In one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , each leg  52  and  50  has a ledge  62 . The leg end  110  of leg  52  has two flat sides  63  opposite one another and a ledge  62 . The leg end  110  of leg  50  has a flat side  63  and a ledge  62 . In addition, the ledge  62  may take a variety of shapes and multiple ledges  62  may be provided. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the preferred shape of the ledge  62  is a radius to minimize stress concentration during longitudinal or transverse strength testing.  
         [0056]     When the striker  44  is tested for strength, a force is applied to the striker  44 . As shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , the wire  44  bends with application of a transverse force T thereto. As shown in  FIG. 9   b , the chord length X has been reduced compared to the prior art striker shown in  FIG. 2   b . The bent wire striker  40  with a wire  44  with unequal legs  50  and  52  allows the shorter leg  52  to bend at a steeper angle compared to the legs of prior art strikers and provides greater resistance to the applied transverse force T. The result is that the load of transverse force T is more equally shared between legs  50  and  52 . The sum total resistance to the transverse force T by both legs  50  and  52  combines to produce a significantly higher total strength and premature failure of leg  50  is avoided. When optimally proportioned, the chord lengths of the two legs  50  and  51  are such that both legs reach their maximum resistance to the force T at the same time. That is, the chords of the two legs (depending on the design of the wire the chords may include an angled portion  68  or a jog  100 ) become relatively straight and taught at the same time such that combining the maximum resistance of both legs achieves the highest strength for the assembly.  
         [0057]     The bent wire striker  40  has a greater transverse strength than prior art U-shaped and L-shaped wire strikers. Tests of the strength of various prior art striker wire forms and the bent wire shape of striker  40  in accordance with the present invention have been conducted to demonstrate the advantages of the invention. The tests were conducted using lead wire with a 0.125 inch diameter, elongation of 17%, and a tensile strength of 3600 psi. The measurements of the wire are indicated on  FIGS. 18   a ,  19   a ,  20   a , and  21   a . Transverse force was applied to the strikers by a 6.2 mm thick piece of metal intended to imitate a vehicle door latch. All wires were rigidly held at the attachment points so as to accurately compare the effect of the different configurations. Transverse force was measured with a hand held gauge with a 0-66 lbs scale.  
         [0058]      FIGS. 18   a - g  show a bent wire striker  40  with various amounts of transverse applied thereto. As shown in  FIG. 18   g , the bent wire  44  in a form in accordance with the present invention failed when 65 lbs of transverse force T was applied thereto.  
         [0059]      FIGS. 19   a - 19   e  show a U-shaped wire in accordance with a prior art door latch striker with various amounts of force applied thereto. As shown in  FIG. 19   e,  the U-shaped wire failed when 46 lbs of transverse force T was applied thereto.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 20   a - e  show a U-shaped wire in accordance with a prior art door latch striker with various amounts of force applied thereto. As shown in  FIG. 20   e , the U-shaped wire failed when 44 lbs of transverse force T was applied thereto.  
         [0061]      FIGS. 21   a - d  show a L-shaped wire in accordance with a prior art door latch striker with various amounts of force applied thereto. As shown in  FIG. 21   e,  the L-shaped wire failed when 50 lbs of transverse force T was applied thereto.  
         [0062]     Assembly of the bent wire striker  40  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 15   a - 15   c.  As shown in  FIG. 15   a , the bent wire  44  is inserted into the striker plate  42 . The ends  43  of the wire  44  extend beyond the striker plate  42  as shown in  FIG. 15   b . As shown in  FIG. 15   c , the ends  43  are peened or riveted P, thereby securing the wire  44  to the striker plate  42 . Of course, the wire  44  may be attached to the striker plate  42  in any number of ways, such as threaded engagement, bolting, or welding. A corrosion resistant coating may be applied to selected components of or the entire bent wire striker  40  either before or after assembly.  
         [0063]     The striker plate  42  may be many shapes or configurations. Examples of preferred embodiments of striker plates  42  are shown in  FIGS. 7, 8 ,  15 ,  16 , and  22 . In these embodiments, the striker plate  42  may be any shape or configuration provided that one of the wire-plate attachment points is raised higher than the other so as to shorten the wire chord length X as previously described. The striker plate  42  shown in  FIG. 17   a  or  FIG. 17   b  may be made of any shape or configuration and may or may not have wire-plate attachment points at different heights. The striker plate  42  may be formed of any metal or other material having sufficient strength and performance characteristics. Preferably, the striker plate  42  is formed of high strength low alloy steel such as non-heat treated HSLA 70X. The wire  44  may also be any shape or configuration to achieve a shortened chord length X, but preferably one leg  50  is longer than the other leg  52  as shown in  FIGS. 7, 8 ,  15 , and  16 . The striker shown in  FIGS. 17   a ,  17   b , and  17   c  uses a wire  44  including an angled portion  68  connecting to the horizontal section  54  shortening its length. In this embodiment, the wire  44  may also be any shape or configuration provided the connector section  54  is shortened to achieve a shortened chord length X as shown in  FIG. 17   c . Because connector section  54  is shortened, the striker plate shown in  FIG. 17   b  with a U-shaped extension  80  may be used to prevent the striker from being trapped in the latch during a collision. Preferably, the angled portion  68  connects leg  52  to the horizontal section  54  of the wire  44 . The length of the angled portion  68 , connector section  54 , leg  52 , and leg  50  and the angle of each relative to the other may vary so that certain or all parts of the wire  44  become taught when peak transverse load is applied to the wire  44 . Though not shown, it is also possible and within the scope of this embodiment to have angled portion  68  attach directly to the striker plate  42  at an angle and omit leg  52  entirely. The wire  44  may also be formed of any material, but is preferably formed of heat treated alloy steel such as Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grade 4037 or 8620.  
         [0064]     The features of the present invention may be used independently or in any combination as desired without departing from the present invention. For example, the bent wire striker  40  may be used in a host of applications not associated with doors. Such applications include without limitation trunk or hood latch strikers. In another example, traditional and prior art strikers, such as the U-shaped and L-shaped strikers, may use ledges as disclosed herein for improved strength in addition to or instead of collars. In yet another example, traditional and prior art strikers may have an attachment point, or multiple attachment points, located on a cantilevered surface or a raised portion. The cantilevered surface and/or raised portion, among other things, prevents the striker from becoming trapped in the latch of a vehicle door after a collision.  
         [0065]     The bent wire striker  40  of the present invention may have other applications aside from use in doors and vehicles and the invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations, using certain features or aspects of the several embodiments described herein and others known in the art. Thus, although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific features and embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter disclosed herein and set forth in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4