Vehicle striker mounted latch preload device

A vehicle striker for latching with a latch assembly on a vehicle, the vehicle striker comprising:

• a base plate configured to connect to one of a fixed body on a vehicle and a moveable body on the vehicle;
• a U-shaped striker extending from the base plate;
• and
• a latch preload device comprising:
• a collar configured to engage a U-shaped striker bar;
• first and second opposing cantilevered leaf springs supported by the collar, wherein the first and second cantilevered leaf springs are configured to engage contact surfaces on a base plate of a latch assembly in a latched position, such that the base plate compresses the first and second cantilevered leaf springs to apply a load force;
• and
• first and second opposing gripper arms extending from terminal ends of the first and second opposing cantilevered leaf springs and configured to engage and grip the U-shaped striker bar on a side.

A vehicle comprising:

• a closure door;
• a door well;
• a latch assembly located on the closure door;
• a U-shaped striker located on the door well;
• and
• a latch preload device for mounting on a striker on a vehicle, the latch preload device comprising:
• a collar configured to engage the striker;
• first and second opposing cantilevered leaf springs supported by the collar, wherein the first and second cantilevered leaf springs are configured to engage contact surfaces on a base plate of a latch assembly in a latched position, such that the base plate compresses the first and second cantilevered leaf springs to apply a load force;
• and
• first and second opposing gripper arms extending from terminal ends of the first and second opposing cantilevered leaf springs and configured to engage and grip the striker, wherein the first and second cantilevered leaf springs are connected via a C-shaped portion.