VEHICLE WITH HANDS-FREE DOOR

• US 20080129446A1
• Filed: 12/04/2006
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Unicel Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Unicel Incorporated
• Inventors: Vader, Scott J.
• Application Number:
  US11/566,468
• Publication Number:
  US 20080129446A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.6
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/12 for back doors of vans E05B83/04, E05B83/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/01 Mechanical arrangements specially adapted for hands-free locking or unlocking handles with means for initiation of a hands-free locking or unlocking process E05B81/78
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00523 opening of different locks separately
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/63 Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

A system for hands-free vehicle door operation can selectively open a vehicle door on the approach of an operator. Thus, for example, with this system, a rear loading door of a delivery vehicle may open when the operator approaches so that the operator may enter the cargo bay when both hands are busy managing a load.

Claims

1. A method of hands-free door operation of a vehicle comprising:

opening a door upon sensing proximity of a key;

closing said door after ceasing to sense proximity of said key.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said sensing is wirelessly sensing.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said key is a wireless transmitter.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said opening is dependent upon receiving an indication door opening operations are active.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said sensing proximity of said key is sensing proximity to said door.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said opening occurs upon sensing proximity of said key to said door inside said vehicle and upon sensing proximity of said key to said door outside said vehicle.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein said door is a side door of a delivery vehicle.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising opening a second door upon sensing proximity of said key to said second door and closing said second door after ceasing to sense proximity of said key to said second door.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said closing said second door commences a pre-determined time after ceasing to sense proximity of said key.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said second door is a rear door of said vehicle.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising opening a cab-to-cargo bay door of said vehicle upon sensing said vehicle has been placed in park.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein each said opening is dependent upon receiving an indication door opening operations are active.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said indication door opening operations are active comprise a signal from a pressure switch under a driver'"'"'s seat of said vehicle.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said indication door opening operations are active comprise a signal indicating said vehicle is in park.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein opening said side door is further dependent upon receiving a side door opening mode indication.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising causing said vehicle to lie down after said receiving said side door opening mode indication.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein opening said rear door is further dependent upon receiving a rear door opening mode indication.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising causing said vehicle to kneel after said receiving said rear door opening mode indication.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein said closing commences a pre-determined time after ceasing to sense proximity of said key.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein if proximity of said key is sensed after ceasing to sense proximity of said key and said pre-determined time has not yet elapsed, refraining from closing said door after said pre-determined time has elapsed.

22. The system of claim 20 further comprising a timer and wherein said controller is for timing after ceasing to sense proximity of said key and operating said door motor to close said door after a pre-determined time after ceasing to sense proximity of said key.

21. A system for hands-free vehicle door opening, comprising:

a proximity sensor;

a door motor for operating a door;

a controller for receiving an input from said proximity sensor and for providing a control input to said door motor and for operating said door motor to open a door upon sensing proximity of a key and operating said door motor to close said door after ceasing to sense proximity of said key.