Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The disclosed subject matter relates to apparatus for adjusting relative orientations of components, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for adjusting physical components in a manufacturing or assembly context, such as with regard to enhancing alignment of a vehicle door relative to other components, such as those defining a door opening, those related to door closure (e.g., a striker), etc. 
         [0002]    Many types of vehicles, such as those that travel on land, through water, by air, etc., define doors or door openings to allow ingress and egress of vehicle occupants. Some such vehicles include a single door, while others may include multiple doors. The doors can be configured to be opened and closed so that when they are opened, an occupant can enter and exit the vehicle, while when they are closed, the occupant is confined within the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Certain manufacturing tolerances may be relevant to fitting or installing vehicle doors within the associated door opening or with regard to other components, such as those relevant to door closure (e.g., door striker), etc. For example, a door opening may be defined by a certain structure into which the door must be fit with a sufficient tolerance to enable the door to be secured. It may also be beneficial for this tolerance to be sufficient to impede or prevent air, water, debris, etc. from penetrating a gap formed between the door and components defining the door opening (e.g., door frame), which could then travel into an interior of the vehicle. Still further, the door may need to be in a specific position to enable the door to be secured in place, such as by latching with components disposed on the vehicle body. 
         [0004]    However, it may be difficult to fit or otherwise install vehicle doors in the door opening relative to the door frame while satisfying appropriate tolerances, especially in the context of mass production, e.g., a vehicle assembly line. For example, after the doors have been assembled and attached to the door frame at the door openings, gaps defined around the door periphery and the door frame may be checked to determine whether or not they satisfy the appropriate tolerances. 
         [0005]    This tolerance checking may be relevant or beneficial at various stages of the manufacturing or assembly processes, such as after completion of the vehicle assembly process and at final checkout, i.e., a step in the process where final adjusting and fine tuning (fit and finish) of the vehicle occurs. If the tolerances are not met, such as where the height of the door is off, then the door can be manually adjusted up or down by pulling or pushing, which results in deforming a part of an attachment mechanism of the door to satisfy the tolerances. For example, a technician may pull the door with their arms to lower the door relative to the door frame, or alternatively pull up on the door with their leg and back muscles to raise the door relative to the door frame. 
         [0006]    However, the aforementioned operation of manually adjusting the door can be inconvenient and difficult, and also may even be inaccurate. In addition, these movements may create awkward stresses on the technician&#39;s body, leading to potential injuries. 
         [0007]    Thus it may be beneficial to provide methods and apparatus that address at least one of the above issues. For example, it may be beneficial to provide methods and apparatus to reduce or eliminate the awkward movements, stresses, etc. on the technician&#39;s body disclosed above. Instead of a technician using back and arm muscles, it may be beneficial to provide an apparatus that enables this operation to be performed by using the technician&#39;s leg muscles to perform this raising and/or lowering of the door relative to the door frame. As one exemplary embodiment, pedals can be used that are configured to be pushed with the technician&#39;s foot, such as where pushing one pedal raises the door relative to the door frame, and pushing another pedal pulls the door downwardly to lower the door relative to the door frame. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one exemplary operation, the apparatus disclosed above (such as a door adjust apparatus) may be used when a vehicle is disposed at a location in the manufacturing/assembly process where a final weld adjust is performed. A determination can be made as to whether the door is in or out of specification, i.e., whether the tolerances between the door and the door frame are acceptable. If the door is determined to be out of specification, then the technician can connect the door adjust apparatus to the vehicle door, such as by closing the door on a simulated door component (i.e., door striker) of the apparatus. The technician may then press the appropriate pedal of the apparatus with the technician&#39;s foot to either raise or lower the door relative to the door frame. The apparatus can be configured to enable the technician to raise or lower the door by a desired amount, such as by pushing the relevant pedal a certain amount, number of times, with a certain amount of force, etc. 
         [0009]    Some embodiments are therefore directed to an adjuster for adjusting a position of a vehicle door relative to other vehicle components. The vehicle can include a striker that is configured to communicate with and be held by a latch of the door to enable the door to be held in a fully closed position. The vehicle can also include a release mechanism that enables the striker to be released from the latch to thereby enable the door to be released from the fully closed position and maneuvered into an open position. The adjuster can include a bar that is configured to be held by the vehicle door latch so as to form a rigid connection between the bar and the vehicle door. The bar can also be configured to be released from the vehicle door latch upon actuation of the vehicle release mechanism. A frame can be supported by a surface that is static relative to the vehicle. An actuator can connect the frame to the bar. The actuator can be configured to enable the vehicle door to be manually raised or lowered by a predetermined distance that facilitates the vehicle door adopting a position that provides enhanced communication between the vehicle door latch and the vehicle striker. 
         [0010]    Some other embodiments are directed to a method of manufacturing an adjuster for adjusting a position of a vehicle door relative to other vehicle components. The vehicle can include a striker that is configured to communicate with and be held by a latch of the door to enable the door to be held in a fully closed position. The vehicle can also include a release mechanism that enables the striker to be released from the latch to thereby enable the door to be released from the fully closed position and maneuvered into an open position. The method of manufacturing can include: configuring a bar to be held by the vehicle door latch so as to form a rigid connection between the bar and the vehicle door, the bar also being configured to be released from the vehicle door latch upon actuation of the vehicle release mechanism; connecting the bar to a frame with an actuator; and configuring the actuator to enable the vehicle door to be manually raised or lowered by a predetermined distance that facilitates the vehicle door adopting a position that provides enhanced communication between the vehicle door latch and the vehicle striker. 
         [0011]    Still other embodiments are directed to a method of adjusting a position of a vehicle door relative to other vehicle components. The vehicle can include a striker that is configured to communicate with and be held by a latch of the door to enable the door to be held in a fully closed position. The vehicle can also include a release mechanism that enables the striker to be released from the latch to thereby enable the door to be released from the fully closed position and maneuvered into an open position. The method can include: opening the vehicle door; moving an adjuster to be proximate the open vehicle door and so as to be supported on a surface that is static relative to the vehicle door; maneuvering a bar of the adjuster so as to be held by the vehicle door latch so as to form a rigid connection between the bar and the vehicle door; manually operating an actuator of the adjuster so as to raise or lower the bar to thereby enable the vehicle door to be raised and lowered by a predetermined distance that facilitates the vehicle door adopting a position that provides enhanced communication between the vehicle door latch and the vehicle striker; and actuating the vehicle release mechanism so that the bar is released from the vehicle door latch after the vehicle door has been positioned to achieve enhanced communication between the vehicle door latch and the vehicle striker. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method, given by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle door adjuster in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in use with an exemplary vehicle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary connection pin of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 2  engaged with an exemplary latch slot of the vehicle door. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the exemplary connection pin of  FIG. 2  at a higher position on the vehicle door adjuster in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the exemplary connection pin of  FIG. 2  at a lower position on the vehicle door adjuster in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary frame of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary guide block of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary adjusting rod of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the exemplary adjusting rod of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary lowering pedal of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary raising pedal of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary caster assembly of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a lower portion of an alternative embodiment of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in use with the exemplary vehicle. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary rear striker of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 17  engaged with the exemplary latch slot of the vehicle door. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary front door extension in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the exemplary rear door extension of  FIG. 17  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows. 
         [0034]    Certain embodiments of a vehicle door adjuster  10  are disclosed below, and  FIGS. 1-16  illustrate some of these embodiments. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover many different embodiments and structures for determining whether certain vehicular components are placed at acceptable relative positions upon assembly. 
       I. Overall Features of Exemplary Vehicle Door Adjuster 
       [0035]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle door adjuster  10  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , and in more detail in  FIG. 15 , the vehicle door adjuster  10  includes caster assemblies  20  at a bottom portion of the vehicle door adjuster  10  that contact a surface on which the vehicle door adjuster  10  is supported, such as the ground. In the present embodiment, one of the caster assemblies  20  is positioned at each of four corners of the bottom portion of the vehicle door adjuster  10 . However, other embodiments can include any number of caster assemblies  20 , such as five, three, two, or even no caster assemblies  20 . In the instance where no caster assemblies  20  are included, alternative support assemblies such as feet may be added. 
         [0037]    The caster assemblies  20  support the vehicle door adjuster  10 , and allow the vehicle door adjuster  10  to be easily moved along a surface, such as the ground. As indicated above, other structures may be used to perform support and movement operations of the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0038]    Each of the caster assemblies  20  contacts the ground surface via a wheel  26  retained within the corresponding caster assembly  20 . Each wheel  26  in the exemplary embodiment is cylindrical in shape, and retained via a wheel axle  28  inserted through a center of the wheel  26 . However, other types of wheels  26 , such as spheres or balls can also be used. Additionally, grooves matched to an outer surface of the wheel  26  can be used instead of a wheel axle  28  to retain each wheel  20 , such as in a ball bearing-type setup. 
         [0039]    The wheels  26  serve to provide low rolling resistance when moving the vehicle door adjuster  10  along a surface, such as the ground. As indicated above, other structures may be used to achieve low rolling resistance when moving the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0040]    Each wheel  26  is retained within a caster housing  24  of the corresponding caster assembly  20 . The caster housing  24  surrounds a portion of the wheel  26  and defines holes in opposing sides through which the wheel axle  28  in inserted. The wheel axle  28  passes through a center of the wheel  26  to hold the wheel  26  in place. However, a type of caster housing  24  that does not require the wheel axle  28  can alternatively be used, such as a housing with grooves to retain the wheel  26 , as in the aforementioned ball bearing-type setup. 
         [0041]    Each caster housing  24  serves to retain the wheel  26  within the corresponding caster assembly  20  and facilitate rotation of the wheel  26 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to retain and facilitate rotation of the wheels  26 . 
         [0042]    A caster assembly shaft  22  is attached to a top side of each caster housing  24 . The caster assembly shaft  22  extends upward and away from the ground surface. The caster assembly shaft  22  in the exemplary embodiment is cylindrical in shape, but can also be other shapes such as a rectangular prism. The caster assembly  20  can also lack a caster assembly shaft  22  altogether. When included, each caster assembly shaft  22  can be attached to a center of the top side of the caster housing  24 . Alternatively, each caster assembly shaft  22  can be attached at any other position of the caster housing  24 . The caster assembly shaft  22  can be attached to the caster housing  24  via welding, through use of adhesives, or attachment fixtures such as screws and bolts, etc. 
         [0043]    Upper portions of each caster assembly shaft  22  can be attached to a frame  40 , such as to enable rotation, which is described below. The caster assembly shafts  22  are inserted into recesses in a frame  40 , which secures attachment between the caster assembly shafts  22  and the frame  40  while allowing the caster assemblies  20  to pivot about the caster assembly shafts  22 . The caster assembly shafts  22  can be press-fitted into the recesses in the frame  40 , or may alternatively be attached through use of attachment fixtures, such as screws and bolts, etc. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the caster assembly shafts  22  can be rigidly fixed to the frame  40  and unable to rotate. Rigidly fixed caster assembly shafts  22  may be attached to the frame  40  via welding, through use of adhesives, or attachment fixtures such as screws and bolts, etc. Furthermore, an embodiment may have some rotatably attached caster assembly shafts  22  and some rigidly fixed caster assembly shafts  22 . 
         [0045]    Additionally, the upper portions of each caster assembly shaft  22  are slideably inserted into the recesses in the frame  40 , such that the caster assembly shafts  22  can move up and down within a vertical space defined by each recess. The caster assembly shafts  22  can be slid up into the corresponding recesses to fill the vertical space, thereby bringing the frame  40  closer to the wheels  26 . Consequently, such movement of the caster assembly shafts  22  within the recesses of the frame  40  brings the vehicle door adjuster  10  closer to a surface such as the ground. Conversely, the caster assembly shafts  22  can be slid down within the corresponding recesses to open up the vertical space, thereby moving the frame  40  farther from the wheels  26 . Consequently, such movement of the caster assembly shafts  22  within the recesses of the frame  40  moves the vehicle door adjuster  10  farther from a surface such as the ground. The movement of each caster assembly shaft  22  within the corresponding recesses of the frame  40  is facilitated by a caster spring  30 , which is described below. 
         [0046]    Alternatively, the caster assembly shafts  22  can be telescoping so that a top portion slides into a recess within a bottom portion of each caster assembly shaft  22 . The bottom portion can likewise be configured to slide into the top portion of each caster assembly shaft  22  to maintain the telescoping function. 
         [0047]    The caster assembly shafts  22  support the frame  40  on the corresponding caster assemblies  20 , and permit the caster assemblies  20  to rotate. By supporting the frame  40 , the caster assembly shafts  22  elevate the frame  40  above a surface, such as the ground. Furthermore, the caster assembly shafts  22  allow the vehicle door adjuster  10  to be moved more easily because the caster assemblies  20  can be rotated to guide the vehicle door adjuster  10  along a surface such as the ground. As indicated above, other structures may be used to support the caster assemblies  20  on the frame  40 , and to permit the caster assemblies  20  to rotate. 
         [0048]    Additionally, because the caster assembly shafts  22  are slideably inserted within recesses in the frame  40 , the vehicle door adjuster  10  can be brought closer to or moved farther away from a surface such as the ground. The vehicle door adjuster  10  being brought closer to the ground allows grounding extensions  42  and  44  to contact the ground and stabilize the vehicle door adjuster  10 , as detailed below. When the vehicle door adjuster  10  is moved farther away from the ground, the frame  40  moves away from the ground and the grounding extensions  42  and  44  cannot contact the ground, permitting the vehicle door adjuster  10  to be transported freely. As indicated above, other structures may be used to move the vehicle door adjuster  10  closer to and farther away from a surface such as the ground. 
         [0049]    The caster spring  30  can extend around the caster assembly shaft  22  approximately the length of (and so as to be coaxial with) the caster assembly shaft  22 . The caster spring  30  contacts the top side of the caster housing  24  at one end, and contacts a bottom side of the frame  40 , which will be described below, at the other end. An elastic member, such as a rubber stoppers can alternatively be used instead of the caster spring  30 . Furthermore, some embodiments do not include any spring or elastic member. 
         [0050]    Each caster spring  30  serves to bias the caster assembly shaft  22  within the corresponding caster assembly  20  to extend farther from a bottom of the frame  40  and therefore push the frame  40  farther away from the ground. By moving the frame  40  farther away from the ground, the caster springs  30  facilitate a loss of contact between the grounding extensions  42  and  44  to thereby enable the vehicle door adjuster  10  to be freely transported along the ground. As indicated above, other structures may be used to bias relative positions of the caster assembly shafts  22  within corresponding recesses of the frame  40 . 
         [0051]    In the present embodiment, the frame  40  of the vehicle door adjuster  10  is attached to tops of the caster assembly shafts  22 . The frame  40  can be metal, plastic, or an alloy or composite. The frame  40  has a rectangular perimeter, however the perimeter can also be circular, triangular or otherwise polygonal. The frame  40  can be attached to the caster assembly shafts  22  by welding, use of adhesives or attachment fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The caster assembly shafts  22  are attached at each of the four corners of the frame  40 , however the caster assembly shafts  22  can be attached to any parts of the frame. 
         [0052]    The frame  40  serves to provide overall structure and support for the vehicle door adjuster  10 . As indicated above, other configurations may be used to achieve structure and support of the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0053]    Grounding extensions  42  and  44  are attached to a bottom side of the frame  40  and extend towards a surface, such as the ground. The grounding extensions  42  and  44  are attached to the frame  40  by welding, use of adhesives or attachment fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The grounding extensions  42  and  44  have flat bottoms extending along sides of the frame  40  and are attached to the frame  40  by two legs. The flat bottoms of the grounding extensions  42  and  44  each have a width equal to a width of the sides of the frame  40 . Alternatively the flat bottoms of the grounding extensions  42  and  44  can be wider or thinner than the sides of the frame  40 . The grounding extensions  42  and  44  are positioned on opposing sides of the frame  40 , but can be positioned along any portion of the frame  40 . 
         [0054]    The grounding extensions  42  and  44  serve to provide stability for the vehicle door adjuster  10  during use. As indicated above, other structures may be used to achieve stability of the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0055]    The frame  40  also has a pedal crossbar  46  and a rod crossbar  48 , each extending through an interior of the frame  40  to connect opposing sides of the frame  40 . The pedal crossbar  46  and the rod crossbar  48  are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another, while being perpendicular to the frame  40  at the connection points. The pedal crossbar  46  and the rod crossbar  48  extend perpendicular to the grounding extensions  42  and  44 , however the pedal crossbar  46  and the rod crossbar  48  can also extend parallel to the grounding extensions  42  and  44 . The pedal crossbar  46  and the rod crossbar  48  may be formed from metal, plastic, or another alloy or composite and can be attached to the frame  40  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. 
         [0056]    A pedal post  50  is attached to a center of a top side of the pedal crossbar  46 . The pedal post  50  is rectangular in cross section, but may also be formed as a cylinder or otherwise. The pedal post  50  extends upwards away from the ground surface and is attached to the pedal crossbar  46  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The pedal post  50  can be formed from metal, plastic, or any another alloy or composite. The pedal post  50  also has a post pin  52  extending through a hole in the pedal post  50  parallel to the pedal crossbar  46 . 
         [0057]    The pedal crossbar  46 , rod crossbar  48  and pedal post  50  serve to connect operative elements of the vehicle door adjuster  10  to the frame  40 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to connect operative elements of the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0058]    Also as shown in more detail in  FIG. 9 , an adjusting rod guide extension  132  is attached to a center of a top side of the rod crossbar  48 . The adjusting rod guide extension  132  is cylindrical, but may also be formed with a rectangular or otherwise polygonal cross section. The adjusting rod guide extension  132  extends upward from the rod crossbar  48  and is attached by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The adjusting rod guide extension  132  is formed from metal, plastic, or another alloy or composite. In the present embodiment, the adjusting rod guide extension  132  extends to a height less than that of a height of the pedal post  50 , however the adjusting rod guide extension  132  can also extend to the same height as the pedal post  50 , or even a greater height. 
         [0059]    The adjusting rod guide extension  132  serves to provide support for and align an adjusting rod  130  that is described below. As indicated above, other structures may be used to provide support for and align the adjusting rod  130  along a path of movement of the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0060]    An end of the aforementioned post pin  52  is rotatably connected to a raising pedal  60 , while another end of the post pin  52  is rotatably connected to a lowering pedal  80 . In this manner, the post pin  52  rotatably connects both the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  to the pedal post  50 . However, the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  can also be connected to the post pin  52  via separate and distinct members. 
         [0061]    The post pin  52  serves to connect the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  to the frame  40 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to connect the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80 . 
         [0062]    As shown in more detail in  FIG. 14 , the raising pedal  60  includes a raising pedal platform  64  attached to an end of a raising beam  62 . The raising pedal platform  64  can be attached to the raising beam  62  by welding, use of adhesives or attachment fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. In the present embodiment, the raising pedal platform  64  is rectangular, however the raising pedal platform  64  can also be circular or otherwise polygonal. Furthermore, some embodiments do not include any raising pedal platform  64 . The raising beam  62  also has a raising post slot  66  through which the post pin  52  is inserted to rotatably connect the raising pedal  60  and the pedal post  50 . The raising post slot  66  is formed at an intermediate portion of the raising beam  62 . The raising beam  62  includes an adjusting rod hole  68  at an end opposite the raising pedal platform  64  through which a base pin  70  extends to rotatably connect the raising beam  62  to the adjusting rod  130  that will be described below. 
         [0063]    The raising pedal  60  allows a user to raise the adjusting rod  130  and consequently raise a vehicle door. As indicated above, other structures may be used to raise the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0064]    As shown in more detail in  FIG. 13 , the lowering pedal  80  includes a lowering pedal platform  84  attached to an end of a lowering beam  82 . The lowering pedal platform  84  can be attached to the lowering beam  82  by welding, use of adhesives or attachment fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. In the present embodiment, the lowering pedal platform  84  is rectangular, however the lowering pedal platform  84  can also be circular or otherwise polygonal. Furthermore, some embodiments do not include any lowering pedal platform  84 . The lowering beam  82  also has a lowering post hole  86  through which the post pin  52  is inserted to rotatably connect the lowering pedal  80  and the pedal post  50 . The lowering post hole  66  is formed at an intermediate portion of the lowering beam  82 . The lowering beam  82  also includes an intermediate hook  88  and an end hook  90 , which are connected to opposing ends of a cable  150  that will be described below. 
         [0065]    The lowering pedal  80  allows a user to lower the adjusting rod  130  by pulling down on a cable  150  connected to the adjusting rod  130 , thereby lowering a vehicle door. As indicated above, other structures may be used to lower the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0066]    The intermediate hook  88  is attached to a top surface of the lowering beam  82  at an intermediate position between the lowering pedal platform  84  and the post pin  52 . The intermediate hook  88  can be attached to the lowering beam  82  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. Alternatively, the intermediate hook  88  can be formed as an eyelet, an open-ended hook, a slit or hole in the lowering beam  82 , or another attachment structure. 
         [0067]    The intermediate hook  88  serves to attach an end of the cable  150  to an intermediate portion of the lowering pedal  80 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to attach the cable  150  to the intermediate portion the lowering pedal  80 . 
         [0068]    The end hook  90  is attached to a bottom surface of the lowering beam  82  at an end opposite the lowering pedal platform  84 . The end hook  90  can be attached to the lowering beam  82  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. Additionally, the end hook  90  can be formed as an eyelet, an open-ended hook, a slit or hole in the lowering beam  82 , or another attachment structure. 
         [0069]    The end hook  90  serves to attach another end of the cable  150  to an end portion of the lowering pedal  80 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to attach the cable  150  to the end portion of the lowering pedal  80 . 
         [0070]    The present embodiment also has a post brace  100  and a frame brace  106  extending from the pedal post  50  and the frame  40 , respectively. Alternative embodiments may have more or fewer braces, and braces may extend from other locations of the frame  40 . 
         [0071]    The post brace  100  is attached to a top of the pedal post  50  and extends upward to connect to a side of a guide block  112  by a first pin  114 . The guide block  112  is centered above the rod crossbar  48 , and is also connected to the frame  40  via the frame brace  106 . The frame brace  106  is attached to a perimeter section of the frame  40  and extends upward to connect to an opposing side of the guide block  112  via a second pin  116 . The post brace  100  and frame brace  106  connect to opposing sides of the guide block  112 . The post brace  100  and frame brace  106  can, however, connect to the same side of the guide block  112  in an alternative embodiment. 
         [0072]    The post brace  100  and the frame brace  106  serve to support the guide block  112  and thereby facilitate controlled movement of the adjusting rod  130 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to support the guide block  112  and control adjusting rod  130  movement. 
         [0073]    Also as shown in more detail in  FIG. 10 , the guide block  112  has two halves  118  and  120  joined together via the first pin  114  and the second pin  116 , with ends of the post brace  100  and the frame brace  106  sandwiched between the two halves  118  and  120  at the respective pins  114 ,  116 . Because of this joinder, the two halves  118  and  120  of the guide block  112  are spaced apart by a gap equivalent to a thickness of the ends of the post brace  100  and the frame brace  106  that are sandwiched between the two halves  118  and  120 . The two halves  118  and  120  may also be joined together by a greater or fewer number of pins, or by another mechanism such as adhesion or welding. The two halves  118  and  120  of the guide block  112  have contoured inner surfaces that define a hole extending through a center of the guide block  112  to facilitate the passing through of the adjusting rod  130 . The contoured inner surfaces of the two halves  118  and  120  can be substantially semi-cylindrical or otherwise concave. 
         [0074]    The guide block  112  serves to guide the adjusting rod  130  as the adjusting rod  130  moves up and down via actuation of the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to guide movement of the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0075]    The aforementioned adjusting rod  130  is cylindrical and extends from the rod crossbar  48  to a point above the guide block  112  at a top portion of the vehicle door adjuster  10 , with an intermediate portion of the adjusting rod  130  passing through the hole through the center of the guide block  112 . A base of the adjusting rod  130  is hollow and surrounds a portion of the adjusting rod guide extension  132  at the center of the rod crossbar  48 . A rod spring  134  extends around an exposed portion of the adjusting rod guide extension  132  that is not surrounded by the adjusting rod  130 . An end of the rod spring  134  abuts the top surface of the rod crossbar  48 , while an opposite end of the rod spring  134  abuts a base of the adjusting rod  130 . An elastic member other than the rod spring  134  may be used, such as a rubber stopper. Further, some embodiments do not include any spring or elastic member. 
         [0076]    As shown in more detail in  FIG. 11 , the adjusting rod  130  also includes the base pin  70  extending perpendicular from the base of the adjusting rod  130  and through the adjusting rod hole  68  of the raising beam  62 . The base pin  70  is cylindrical and rotatably connects the adjusting rod  130  to the raising beam  62 . 
         [0077]    The adjusting rod  130  serves to transfer movement of the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  to movement of a vehicle door. As indicated above, other structures may be used to transfer user input to movement of the vehicle door. 
         [0078]    As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the adjusting rod  130  has a first guide  136  and a second guide  138  extending along opposing sides of the adjusting rod  130 . The first guide  136  and the second guide  138  are formed as ridges along a length of the adjusting rod  130 , and are slideably engaged with the gap formed between the two halves  118  and  120  of the guide block  112 . The first guide  136  and the second guide  138  of the present embodiment do not extend the entire length of the adjusting rod  130 , however they may be configured to do so. 
         [0079]    A rod hook  140  is disposed proximate a distal end of the adjusting rod  130  opposite the base. The cable  150  is passed through the rod hook  140 . The rod hook  140  can be formed as an eyelet, an open-ended hook, a slit or hole in the adjusting rod  130 , or another attachment structure. 
         [0080]    The first guide  136  and the second guide  138  serve to align and guide movement of the adjusting rod  130  in up and down directions through the guide block  112 . The rod hook  140  serves to connect the cable  150  to the adjusting rod  130  so that pulling down on the cable  150  moves the adjusting rod  130  down. As indicated above, other structures may be used to guide and move the adjusting rod  130  up and down. 
         [0081]    The adjusting rod  130  also has a pair of extension holes  144  extending through a center of the top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . The pair of extension holes  144  includes an upper extension hole  144  and a lower extension hole  144  at relative positions along the adjusting rod  130 . A distance separating the pair of extension holes  144  is approximately defined by a difference in height between a rear door latch and a front door latch of the vehicle  190 . There can also be just one extension hole, or a number in excess of two such as three, four, five, etc. with varying separation distances. Additionally, the pair of extension holes  144  can extend perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the adjusting rod  130 , and can be oriented to align with an elongated portion of the rod hook  140 . 
         [0082]    An connection pin  142  is inserted through either the upper or lower extension hole  144  and protrudes so as to be engageable with a latch protrusion (not shown) of a vehicle door, as described below. The connection pin  142  is substantially cylindrical, and is formed so as to be retained within the pair of extension holes  144 . Therefore, the connection pin  142  may be a spring pin or may have locking clips to keep the spring pin  142  in place. 
         [0083]    The aforementioned cable  150  can be woven metal or metal alloys, or alternatively may be made of rope or other fibrous materials. The cable  150  is passed through the rod hook  140  and attached to the intermediate hook  88  of the lowering beam  82  at an end of the cable  150 . The other end of the cable  150  is passed around the rod crossbar  48  and attached to the end hook  90  of the lowering beam  82 . Specifically, the other end of the cable  150  passes below the frame  40  through a space between the rod crossbar  48  and a front end of the perimeter of the frame  40 , and is then looped around an underside of the rod crossbar  48  so as to pass above the frame  40  through a space between the rod crossbar  48  and the pedal crossbar  46 , the other end of the cable  150  ultimately terminating at the end hook  90  to which it is attached. The other end of the cable  150  may alternatively be looped around different components of the frame  40  before being attached to the end hook  90 , such as the pedal crossbar  46 . 
         [0084]    Because the cable  150  is connected to the lowering pedal  80  and the adjusting rod  130 , the cable  150  serves to lower the adjusting rod  130  by transferring movement of the lowering pedal  80 . As indicated above, other structures may be used transfer movement of the lowering pedal  80  to the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0085]    As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 2-5 , the connection pin  142  can be removably inserted into the upper or lower extension holes  144  at the top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0086]    The connection pin  142  serves to engage the adjusting rod  130  with the vehicle door so that movement of the adjusting rod  130  moves the vehicle door up or down. However, other structures may be used to engage the adjusting rod  130  with the vehicle door. 
       II. Vehicle Door Adjuster with Vehicle Door 
       [0087]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in use with an exemplary vehicle.  FIG. 2  particularly illustrates an embodiment of the vehicle door adjuster  10 , made in accordance with the principles of the disclosed subject matter, in use with a vehicle  190 . As shown, the vehicle  190  has a rear door  192  that is in an open position. The rear door  192  includes a latch slot  194  configured to engage with a vehicle striker (not shown) when the rear door  192  is closed. When the rear door  192  is in the open position, the latch slot  194  is free to engage with the connection pin  142  of the vehicle door adjuster  10 , as described below. 
         [0088]    In operation, the vehicle door adjuster  10  is moved along the surface on which it is supported to a position adjacent the rear door  192 . The vehicle door adjuster  10  can be moved manually or automatically, and can be rolled, slid, or carried. 
         [0089]    Properly positioning the vehicle door adjuster  10  serves to allow alignment of the connection pin  142  with the latch slot  194 , and makes it easier to adjust the rear door  192 , and in particular requires less force for the adjustment. As indicated above, other structures may be used to align the connection pin  142  to the latch slot  194 , and facilitate adjustment of the rear door  192 . 
         [0090]    Once properly positioned, the vehicle door adjuster  10  can be pressed toward the surface on which it is supported so that the grounding extensions  42  and  44  contact the surface. The pressing force must overcome the resistance of the caster springs  30  included in each caster assembly  20  in order for the vehicle door adjuster  10  to lower towards the surface. As the caster springs  30  are compressed, each caster assembly shaft  22  slides into corresponding vertical recesses of the frame  40 , thereby bringing the vehicle door adjuster  10  closer to the surface. The vehicle door adjuster  10  can be pressed toward the surface by manual or automatic force exerted downward on the frame  40 , grounding extensions  42  and  44 , or any other structural component. In an embodiment that does not include caster assemblies  20 , the vehicle door adjuster  10  is not pressed toward the surface and instead contacts the surface via feet or another static component. 
         [0091]    Pressing the vehicle door adjuster  10  toward the surface on which it is supported serves to stabilize and support the vehicle door adjuster  10  while being operated. As indicated above, other structures may be used to stabilize and support the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0092]    While the vehicle door adjuster  10  is pressed toward the surface, the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  can then each be pressed (such as by the user&#39;s foot) separately to modulate an appropriate height of the adjusting rod  130  to the extent necessary to vertically align the connection pin  142  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . An initial height of the connection pin  142  determines whether the adjusting rod  130  needs to be moved up or down to align the connection pin  142  with the latch slot  194 , and consequently, whether the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  is pressed. Alternatively, the adjusting rod  130  can be moved up or down directly without pressing on either the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  because the vehicle door adjuster  10  is not yet attached to the rear door  192 . 
         [0093]    Adjusting a height of the adjusting rod  130  serves to align the connection pin  142  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  before the vehicle door adjuster  10  is engaged with the rear door  192 . As indicated above, other mechanisms may be used to vertically align the connection pin  142  with the latch slot  194 . 
         [0094]    Once aligned at an appropriate height, the connection pin  142  and the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  are engaged. The connection pin  142  is inserted into the latch slot  194  and the latch protrusion engages with the connection pin  142 . The connection pin  142  and the latch slot  194  are therein secured together such that movement of one corresponds to movement of the other. 
         [0095]    Engaging the connection pin  142  of the adjusting rod  130  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  serves to physically connect the vehicle door adjuster  10  to the rear door  192 , thereby allowing a transfer of force between the two. As indicated above, other structures may be used to engage the adjusting rod  130  with the rear door  192 . 
         [0096]    Once the connection pin  142  and the rear door  192  are engaged, the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  can then each be pressed (such as by the user&#39;s foot) separately to raise or lower the adjusting rod  130  to simultaneously raise or lower the rear door  192 . The rear door  192  is raised or lowered a distance corresponding to that which the adjusting rod  130  is raised or lowered by operation of the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80 . 
         [0097]    After adjusting the rear door  192  to a desirable height, the connection pin  142  can be disengaged from the latch slot  194 . Pulling a door handle of the rear door  192  releases the latch protrusion from the connection pin  142 , freeing the connection pin  142 . 
         [0098]    The vehicle door adjuster  10  is then moved along the surface on which it is supported away from the rear door  192  of the vehicle  190 . With the vehicle door adjuster  10  out of the way and a height of the rear door  192  having been appropriately adjusted, the rear door  192  can be closed correctly so as to prevent potential wind noise or water leaks and achieve fit and finish standards 
       III. Rear Striker with Rear Door Latch Slot 
       [0099]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary connection pin of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 2  engaged with an exemplary latch slot of the vehicle door. 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the connection pin  142  is vertically aligned with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . The connection pin  142  extends into the latch slot  194  and engages with the latch protrusion (not shown) within an interior of the latch slot  194 . Top and bottom sides of the connection pin  142  abut against upper and lower portions of the latch slot  194  in the engaged state. When the connection pin  142  is moved up or down by virtue of the adjusting rod  130  being moved up or down, the connection pin  142  pushes up or down on the latch slot  194  and thereby moves the rear door  192 . 
         [0101]    The connection pin  142  serves to engage the vehicle door adjuster  10  with the rear door  192  of the vehicle  190 , and enables subsequent adjustment of the rear door  192 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to engage and adjust the rear door  192 . 
       IV. Upper and Lower Connection Pin Positions 
       [0102]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the exemplary connection pin of  FIG. 2  at a higher position on the vehicle door adjuster in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0103]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connection pin  142  of the present embodiment is inserted through the upper extension hole  144  of the top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . The upper extension hole  144  is aligned with and positioned above the lower extension hole  144 , which is described below. As discussed, this difference in height of the pair of extension holes  144  is due to the fact that the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  is higher than the latch slot of the front door (not shown), and the connection pin  142  therefore must be positioned higher on the adjusting rod  130  when engaging with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . However, the pair of extension holes  144  may be replaced by a single extension hole, and the extension hole that aligns with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  may in fact be lower on the adjusting rod  130  than the extension hole that aligns with the latch slot of the front door. 
         [0104]    The connection pin  142  serves to configure the adjusting rod  130  so that the vehicle door adjuster  10  may interact with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . As indicated, other structures may be used to configure the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the exemplary connection pin of  FIG. 2  at a lower position on the vehicle door adjuster in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0106]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the connection pin  142  of the present embodiment is inserted through the lower extension hole  144  of the top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . The lower extension hole  144  is aligned with and positioned below the upper extension hole  144 , which is described above. This difference in height of the pair of extension holes  144  is due to the fact that a latch slot of a front door is lower than the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 , and the connection pin  142  therefore does not need to be positioned as high on the adjusting rod  130  when engaging with the latch slot of the front door. However, the pair of extension holes  144  may in fact be replaced by a single extension hole, and the extension hole that aligns with the latch slot of the front door may in fact be higher on the adjusting rod  130  than the extension hole that aligns with the latch slot of the rear door. 
         [0107]    The connection pin  142  serves to configure the adjusting rod  130  so that the vehicle door adjuster  10  may interact with the latch slot of the front door. As indicated, other structures may be used to configure the adjusting rod  130 . 
       V. Vehicle Door Adjuster with Raising Pedal 
       [0108]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0109]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the vehicle door adjuster  10  includes the raising pedal  60  attached to the pedal post  50  by the post pin  52  inserted through the raising beam  62 . Specifically, the post pin  52  is inserted through the raising post slot  66  in the raising beam  62 . As shown in more detail in  FIG. 14 , the raising post slot  66  has an oblong shape so that the raising beam  62  can slide horizontally back and forth around the post pin  52  as the raising beam  62  pivots up and down. This horizontal back and forth movement of the raising beam  62  around the post pin  52  is due to the fact that the raising beam  62  is rotatably attached to the adjusting rod  130  at the adjusting rod hole  68 . Actuation of the raising pedal  60  moves the adjusting rod  130  upward, thereby forcing the raising pedal platform  64  of the raising pedal  60  to slide closer to the pedal post  50 . As the raising pedal  60  slides closer to the pedal post  50 , the post pin  52  slides back towards the raising pedal platform  64  within the raising post slot  66  relative to the raising pedal  60 . This configuration resolves inconsistencies between the up and down movement of the adjusting rod  130  and the arcuate movement of the raising pedal  60 . The raising post slot  66  can also be shaped as a circular hole while the adjusting rod hole  68  is oblong shaped, or any other configuration made to accommodate for the differences in movement. 
         [0110]    The raising post slot  66  serves to allow the raising pedal  60  and the adjusting rod  130  to be smoothly connected and operated. As indicated above, other configurations may be used to facilitate smooth movement of the raising pedal  60  and the adjusting rod  130 . 
       VI. Methods of Operation 
       [0111]    As shown in the figures, the vehicle door adjuster  10  can be configured to adjust either a front or rear vehicle door. Before adjusting a vehicle door, the connection pin  142  is inserted into the correct extension hole  144  of adjusting rod  130 . In this case, the connection pin  142  must be inserted into the upper extension hole  144  of the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0112]    The vehicle door adjuster is moved to a position adjacent to the vehicle  190  at an open door such as the rear door  192 . At this point, the frame  40  may be pressed down toward the ground surface so that the grounding extensions  42  and  44  contact the ground. This stabilizes the vehicle door adjuster  10  and will permit operation of the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80 . 
         [0113]    Then, either the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  is pressed to raise or lower the adjusting rod  130  and the attached connection pin  142 . In raising or lowering the connection pin  142 , the goal is to vertically align the connection pin  142  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . If the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  has been pressed to the extent that the connection pin  142  has moved too far up or down past the latch slot  194 , the other pedal can be pressed to bring the connection pin  142  back into alignment. 
         [0114]    Once the connection pin  142  is vertically aligned with the latch slot  194 , they are engaged. To engage, the connection pin  142  slides into the latch slot  194 , and a latch protrusion (not shown) engages with the connection pin  142 . This engagement locks the vehicle door adjuster  10  and the rear door  192  together. 
         [0115]    After the vehicle door adjuster  10  and the rear door  192  have been engaged, either the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  are pressed to move the rear door  192  up or down. Because the connection pin  142  connects the adjusting rod  130  and the rear door  192 , any movement of the adjusting rod  130  by the pedals will transfer to movement of the rear door  192 . Both the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  may be used to intermittently raise and lower the rear door  192  until the correct position has been achieved. 
         [0116]    At this point, the vehicle door adjuster  10  can be disengaged from the rear door  192  by pulling open the handle of the rear door  192  and releasing the latch protrusion. The vehicle door adjuster  10  may then be moved away from the vehicle  190  and out of the way. 
         [0117]    The methods and apparatus disclosed above are beneficial for various reasons, for example, the adjuster utilizes structure similar to that found on the vehicle by including a connection pin that interacts with the door latch in a similar way as a vehicle striker bar. Because the vehicle door has a latch that is already configured to interact with the vehicle striker, no adjustments are necessary to facilitate the vehicle door interacting with the connection pin of the adjuster. Additionally, the adjuster incorporates improved ergonomics for technicians and other users for adjusting vehicle doors, particularly due to the mechanical advantage that the adjuster provides. Also, the adjuster facilitates more accurate adjustment of the vehicle door because the actuator can be more precisely operated than a direct force application on the vehicle door. Finally, the structure of the adjuster is such that the apparatus is easy to transport to various locations including those along an assembly line or amidst manufacturing operations. 
       VII. Alternative Embodiments of FIGS.  17 - 20   
       [0118]      FIGS. 17-20  show an alternative embodiment of the exemplary vehicle door adjuster  10  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0119]    As shown in the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 17-20 , the connection pin  142  is inserted through the extension hole  144  to lock together the adjusting rod  130  and either a front door extension  160  or a rear door extension  180 . The extension hole  144  of the adjusting rod  130  overlaps with corresponding holes in the front door extension  160  and the rear door extension  180  so that the connection pin  142  is likewise insertable. There can also be more than one extension hole  144  extending through the adjusting rod  130 , and the positioning of the extension hole or holes  144  may vary. 
         [0120]    The extension hole  144  and the connection pin  142  serve to lock together the adjusting rod  130  and the front and rear door extensions  160  and  180 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to lock together the adjusting rod  130  and the front and rear door extensions  160  and  180 . 
         [0121]    As shown in detail in  FIGS. 17-20 , the front door extension  160  and the rear door extension  180  may each be removably attached to the top end of the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0122]    The front door extension  160  has a front striker  164  attached to a side of a top portion of a front rod  162 . The front rod  162  is cylindrical in shape, but can also be rectangular or otherwise polygonal in cross section. A base of the front rod  162  is configured to attach to the top end of the adjusting rod  130  by being threaded, tapered, or otherwise insertable. The front striker  164  can be attached to the front rod  162  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The front striker  164  includes a front striker plate  166  attached perpendicular to a front striker bar  168 , a back side of the front striker plate  166  being attached to the front rod  162 . The front striker bar  168  may also be attached to the front striker plate  166  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The front striker bar  168  defines an open space between itself and the front striker plate  166  through which the latch protrusion (not shown) of a vehicle door is inserted, as described below. The front striker bar  168  can be U-shaped, semicircular, or another shape defining an open space within a perimeter. 
         [0123]    The rear door extension  180  has a rear striker  184  attached to a side of a top portion of a rear rod  182 . The rear rod  182  is cylindrical in shape, but can also be rectangular or otherwise polygonal in cross section. A base of the rear rod  182  is configured to attach to the top end of the adjusting rod  130  by being threaded, tapered, or otherwise insertable. The rear striker  184  can be attached to the rear rod  182  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The rear striker  184  includes a rear striker plate  186  attached perpendicular to a rear striker bar  188 , a back side of the rear striker plate  186  being attached to the rear rod  182 . The rear striker bar  188  may also be attached to the rear striker plate  186  by welding, use of adhesives or fixtures such as screws or bolts, etc. The rear striker bar  188  defines an open space between itself and the rear striker plate  186  through which the latch protrusion of the vehicle door is inserted, as described below. The rear striker bar  188  can be U-shaped, semicircular, or another shape defining an open space within a perimeter. 
         [0124]    The front door extension  160  and the rear door extension  180  serve to extend the adjusting rod  130  to engage the vehicle door so that movement of the adjusting rod  130  moves the vehicle door up or down. As indicated above, other structures may be used to extend the adjusting rod  130  and engage the vehicle door. 
         [0125]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 1  in use with the exemplary vehicle. 
         [0126]      FIG. 17  particularly illustrates an alternate embodiment of the vehicle door adjuster  10 , made in accordance with the principles of the disclosed subject matter, in use with a vehicle  190 . As shown, the vehicle  190  has a rear door  192  that is in an open position. The rear door  192  includes a latch slot  194  configured to engage with a vehicle striker (not shown) when the rear door  192  is closed. When the rear door  192  is in the open position, the latch slot  194  is free to engage with the rear striker  184  of the vehicle door adjuster  10 , as described below. 
         [0127]    In operation, the vehicle door adjuster  10  is moved along the surface on which it is supported to a position adjacent the rear door  192 . The vehicle door adjuster  10  can be moved manually or automatically, and can be rolled, slid, or carried. 
         [0128]    Properly positioning the vehicle door adjuster  10  serves to allow alignment of the rear striker  184  with the latch slot  194 , and makes it easier to adjust the rear door  192 , and in particular requires less force for the adjustment. As indicated above, other structures may be used to align the rear striker  184  to the latch slot  194 , and facilitate adjustment of the rear door  192 . 
         [0129]    Once properly positioned, the vehicle door adjuster  10  can be pressed toward the surface on which it is supported so that the grounding extensions  42  and  44  contact the surface. The pressing force must overcome the resistance of the caster springs  30  included in each caster assembly  20  in order for the vehicle door adjuster  10  to lower towards the surface. As the caster springs  30  are compressed, each caster assembly shaft  22  slides into corresponding vertical recesses of the frame  40 , thereby bringing the vehicle door adjuster  10  closer to the surface. The vehicle door adjuster  10  can be pressed toward the surface by manual or automatic force exerted downward on the frame  40 , grounding extensions  42  and  44 , or any other structural component. In an embodiment that does not include caster assemblies  20 , the vehicle door adjuster  10  is not pressed toward the surface and instead contacts the surface via feet or another static component. 
         [0130]    Pressing the vehicle door adjuster  10  toward the surface on which it is supported serves to stabilize and support the vehicle door adjuster  10  while being operated. As indicated above, other structures may be used to stabilize and support the vehicle door adjuster  10 . 
         [0131]    While the vehicle door adjuster  10  is pressed toward the surface, the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  can then each be pressed (such as by the user&#39;s foot) separately to modulate an appropriate height of the adjusting rod  130  to the extent necessary to vertically align the rear striker  184  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . An initial height of the rear striker  184  determines whether the adjusting rod  130  needs to be moved up or down to align the rear striker  184  with the latch slot  194 , and consequently, whether the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  is pressed. Alternatively, the adjusting rod  130  can be moved up or down directly without pressing on either the raising pedal  60  or the lowering pedal  80  because the vehicle door adjuster  10  is not yet attached to the rear door  192 . 
         [0132]    Adjusting a height of the adjusting rod  130  serves to align the rear striker  184  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  before the vehicle door adjuster  10  is engaged with the rear door  192 . As indicated above, other mechanisms may be used to vertically align the rear striker  184  with the latch slot  194 . 
         [0133]    Once aligned at an appropriate height, the rear striker  184  and the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  are engaged. The rear striker bar  188  of the rear striker  184  is inserted into the latch slot  194  and the latch protrusion engages with the open space defined between the rear striker bar  188  and the rear striker plate  186 . The rear striker  184  and the latch slot  194  are therein secured together such that movement of one corresponds to movement of the other. 
         [0134]    Engaging the rear striker  184  of the adjusting rod  130  with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  serves to physically connect the vehicle door adjuster  10  to the rear door  192 , thereby allowing a transfer of force between the two. As indicated above, other structures may be used to engage the adjusting rod  130  with the rear door  192 . 
         [0135]    Once the rear striker  184  and the rear door  192  are engaged, the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80  can then each be pressed (such as by the user&#39;s foot) separately to raise or lower the adjusting rod  130  to simultaneously raise or lower the rear door  192 . The rear door  192  is raised or lowered a distance corresponding to that which the adjusting rod  130  is raised or lowered by operation of the raising pedal  60  and the lowering pedal  80 . 
         [0136]    After adjusting the rear door  192  to a desirable height, the rear striker  184  can be disengaged from the latch slot  194 . Pulling a door handle of the rear door  192  releases the latch protrusion from the open space between the rear striker bar  188  and the rear striker plate  186 , freeing the rear striker  184 . 
         [0137]    The vehicle door adjuster  10  is then moved along the surface on which it is supported away from the rear door  192  of the vehicle  190 . With the vehicle door adjuster  10  out of the way and a height of the rear door  192  having been appropriately adjusted, the rear door  192  can be closed correctly. 
         [0138]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary rear striker of the vehicle door adjuster of  FIG. 17  engaged with the exemplary latch slot of the vehicle door. 
         [0139]    As shown in  FIG. 18 , the rear striker bar  188  of the rear striker  184  is vertically aligned with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . The rear striker bar  188  extends into the latch slot  194  and engages with the latch protrusion (not shown) within an interior of the latch slot  194 . Top and bottom sides of the rear striker bar  188  abut against upper and lower portions of the latch slot  194  in the engaged state. When the rear striker bar  188  is moved up or down by virtue of the adjusting rod  130  being moved up or down, the rear striker bar  188  pushes up or down on the latch slot  194  and thereby moves the rear door  192 . 
         [0140]    The rear striker bar  188  serves to engage the vehicle door adjuster  10  with the rear door  192  of the vehicle  190 , and enables subsequent adjustment of the rear door  192 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to engage and adjust the rear door  192 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary front door extension in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0142]    As shown in  FIG. 19 , the front door extension  160  of the present embodiment includes the front rod  162  attached to the front striker  164 . The front rod  162  has a length shorter than that of the rear rod  182 , which is described below. This difference in length is due to the fact that a latch slot of a front door is lower than the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 , and the front striker  164  therefore does not need to extend as high above the adjusting rod  130 . However, the front rod  162  can also be equal in length to the rear rod  182 , or even longer. 
         [0143]    Additionally, a bottom portion of the front rod  162  is tapered so that it may be inserted into a top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . The taper ensures the front rod  162  and the adjusting rod  130  will be firmly connected to one another. The front rod  162  may also be threaded at the bottom portion so that it can be screwed into the top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . Furthermore, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 12 , a hole can be provided extending through a center of the front rod  162  that overlaps with an extension hole  144  extending through the adjusting rod  130  when the front rod  162  is inserted therein. An connection pin  142  is then inserted through both overlapping holes to lock together the front rod  162  and the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0144]    The front door extension  160  serves to raise the reach of the adjusting rod  130  by an length extension so that the vehicle door adjuster  10  may interact with the latch slot of the front door. As indicated above, other structures may be used to extend the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0145]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the exemplary rear door extension of  FIG. 17  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0146]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , the rear door extension  180  of the present embodiment includes the rear rod  182  attached to the rear striker  184 . The rear rod  182  has a length longer than that of the front rod  162 . This is because the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192  is higher than the latch slot of the front door, and the rear striker  184  therefore must extend higher above the adjusting rod  130 . However, the rear rod  182  can also be equal in length to the front rod  162 , or even shorter. 
         [0147]    Additionally, a bottom portion of the rear rod  182  is tapered so that it may be inserted into a top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . The taper ensures that the rear rod  182  and the adjusting rod  130  will be firmly connected to one another. The rear rod  182  may also be threaded at the bottom portion so that it can be screwed into the top portion of the adjusting rod  130 . Furthermore, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 12 , a hole can be provided extending through a center of the rear rod  182  that overlaps with the extension hole  144  extending through the adjusting rod  130  when the rear rod  182  is inserted. The connection pin  142  is then inserted through both overlapping holes to lock together the rear rod  182  and the adjusting rod  130 . 
         [0148]    The rear door extension  180  serves to raise the reach of the adjusting rod  130  by a length extension so that the vehicle door adjuster  10  may interact with the latch slot  194  of the rear door  192 . As indicated above, other structures may be used to extend the adjusting rod  130 . 
       VIII. Alternative Embodiments 
       [0149]    While certain embodiments of the invention are described above, and  FIGS. 1-16  disclose the best mode for practicing the various inventive aspects, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied and configured in many different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0150]    In the disclosed embodiments, the invention is applied to vehicle doors. However, the invention could be applied or modified to adjust other components of vehicles such as body panels. In fact, the invention can even have applications outside of vehicles. 
         [0151]    As disclosed above, embodiments are intended to be used with any type of vehicle. The power source of the vehicle can be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The power source configured as an internal combustion engine or a hybrid power source can have the engine output axis oriented in the longitudinal direction or in the traverse direction of the vehicle. The engine can be mounted forward of the front axles, rearward of the rear axles, or intermediate the front and rear axles. 
         [0152]    In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the vehicle door adjuster includes pedals to be foot-operated. However, any mechanism can be used to conveniently raise and lower the vehicle door adjuster attachment that raises or lowers a vehicle door, such as hand-operated levers. 
         [0153]    Additionally, the vehicle door adjuster includes a latch striker to engage a latch slot in the vehicle door, whereby force on the vehicle door adjuster pedals can be transferred to force on the vehicle door. However, the vehicle door adjuster can also be connected to the vehicle door by any structure other than the latch slot. 
         [0154]    In embodiments disclosed in the context of  FIGS. 1-16 , the vehicle door adjuster is configured to transfer force in a vertical direction to the vehicle door. However, the vehicle door adjuster may also be configured to transfer force horizontally, adjusting the vehicle door in a side to side manner. Further, the vehicle door adjuster may be oriented to transfer force in any direction, thereby adjusting the vehicle door in any direction. 
         [0155]    Embodiments are also intended to include or otherwise cover methods of using and methods of manufacturing any or all of the elements disclosed above. The methods of manufacturing include or otherwise cover processors and computer programs implemented by processors used to design various elements of the vehicle door adjuster disclosed above. 
         [0156]    While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. All related art references discussed in the above Background section are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technology Category: b