Open automotive door alert

• US 20050231337A1
• Filed: 04/19/2004
• Published: 10/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Tourneur, Kevin M., Morris, Gayle
• Granted Patent: US 7,068,160 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/426.280
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/324 for signalling that a door is open or intended to be opened
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling

Abstract

An open door alert system for a vehicle causes an exterior light of the vehicle to flash if one or more vehicle doors are open. A sensor determines if the door, such as a sliding door of a van or minivan, is open. If the door is open, the exterior light flashes on and off to alert drivers of other vehicles that passengers may be entering or exiting the vehicle. Additionally, an interior vehicle light flashes concurrently with the exterior light to alert the driver that the door is open.

Claims

1. An open door alert system for a vehicle comprising:

a sensor that determines if a door is open;

a controller responsive to the sensor to activate a vehicle exterior mounted light to flash when the door is open.

2. The open door alert system of claim 1 wherein the door is a sliding door.

3. The open door alert system of claim 1 wherein the exterior light is operable to function as a warning light.

4. The open door alert system of claim 1 wherein the exterior light comprises an exterior turn signal indicator.

5. The open door alert system of claim 1 further comprising an interior vehicle light activated to flash by the controller when the door is open.

6. The open door alert system of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle speed sensor, wherein the controller communicates with the vehicle speed sensor and activates the exterior light if the door is open and a vehicle speed is below a threshold.

7. The open door alert system of claim 1 wherein the controller activates the exterior light for a predetermined time period.

8. The open door alert system of claim 1 wherein the controller deactivates the exterior light if the door is closed.

9. A method for indicating an open door in a vehicle comprising:

determining if a door is open; and

flashing a vehicle exterior light if the door is open.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the flashing causes the vehicle exterior light to function as a warning light.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the flashing occurs for a predetermined time period.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising terminating the flashing after a predetermined time period.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising terminating the flashing if the door is closed.