WO2018184069A1

WO2018184069A1 - Door opening alert system

Info

Publication number: WO2018184069A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Egan
Original assignee: Peter Egan
Priority date: 2017-04-05
Filing date: 2018-04-05
Publication date: 2018-10-11

Abstract

A door opening alert system, configured to be fitted to a vehicle having at least one door handle, comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and at least one warning device operatively coupled to the switching circuit; wherein, the warning device activates when the switching circuit detects the approach of the hand or finger to the door handle.

Description

DOOR OPENING ALERT SYSTEM

[0001 ] This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent

Application No. 2017901239 filed on 5 April 2017, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an alert system. The invention is suitable for reminding vehicle occupants to look out for cyclists prior to opening a vehicle door, and it will be convenient to describe the invention in relation to that exemplary, but non-limiting, application.

Background of Invention

[0003] One of the biggest risks to cyclists is vehicle doors being opened into their path. The cyclist may swerve out further into the road or collide with the vehicle door, often with serious consequences.

[0004] Various reminders have been devised for vehicle occupants to look out for cyclists before opening the vehicle door. These include simple warning stickers reminding occupants of potential presence of cyclists and prompting them to visually check before opening the door. However, these devices, and all similar aide-memoire, cannot completely overcome human inattentiveness, or visibility problems due to visual obstruction from vehicle bodywork or pillars.

[0005] Technology can intervene during this inattentive phase and several electronic warning systems have been developed. Such warning systems attempt to avoid such collisions by generally providing a warning light at the rear of the vehicle, with a switching device wired to the door handle mechanism. When the door handle is pulled, the warning light turns on at the same time, so as to warn approaching cyclists that occupants in the vehicle want to get out. However, occupants often open vehicle doors simultaneously when pulling the door handle, with the door potentially pushed into the path of the cyclist with very little warning.

[0006] Other warning systems, have the switching device wired to the seatbelt latch release or door locking mechanism. Similarly to above, when the seatbelt latch is released, or the door unlocked, the warning light turns on at the same time, so as to warn approaching cyclists that occupants in the vehicle want to get out. However, occupants often release seatbelts for comfort, or unlock doors while stationary and get out of the vehicle a considerable time later. This can result in too early of a warning, or no warning at all.

[0007] Another disadvantage of these systems is they typically need to be wired into the vehicle, rely on external power supplies, and are complicated and expensive to retrofit to existing vehicles. They also generally do not remind occupants to look out for cyclists with a prominent visual, tactile or auditory reminder. It would be desirable to provide an alert system where occupants are reminded to look out for cyclists, prior to the door handle being pulled.

[0008] It would also be desirable to provide an alert system that is simpler to retrofit to existing vehicles than is currently the case.

[0009] It would also be desirable to provide an alert system that ameliorates or overcomes one or more disadvantages or inconvenience of known door opening warning systems.

[0010] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that the document or matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Summary of Invention

[001 1 ] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door opening alert system, configured to be fitted to a vehicle having at least one door handle, comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and at least one warning device operatively coupled to the switching circuit; wherein, the warning device activates when the switching circuit detects the approach of the hand or finger to the door handle.

[0012] The switching circuit may be at least in part disposed on the detection device.

[0013] The warning device may include at least one of a warning sound generator, a warning light generator, and a vibrator.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the system may further include at least one auxiliary warning device. The auxiliary warning device may be disposed on at least one side view mirror of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the auxiliary warning device may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the switching circuit further includes a wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the auxiliary warning device. The wireless transmitter may include at least one of a radio transmitter, and a diffused infrared transmitter.

[0016] The switching circuit may include a mechanical switch for determining movement of the flap and is configured to activate the warning device when the flap moved away from the closed position. In one or more embodiments, the mechanical switch includes at least one of a magnetic switch, a toggle switch, a tilt-switch, and a pressure switch.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control process of door opening alert system, for a vehicle having at least one door handle, the process comprising: constantly monitoring at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and activating at least one warning device when the switching circuit indicates the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle. [0018] The control process may further comprise activating an auxiliary warning device when the switching circuit indicates the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door opening alert kit, for a vehicle having at least one door handle, comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and at least one warning device operatively coupled to the switching circuit; the switching circuit at least in part disposed on the detection device; at least one auxiliary warning device; the switching circuit further including a wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the auxiliary warning device; wherein, the warning device and the auxiliary warning device activates when the switching circuit detects the approach of the hand or finger to the door handle.

[0020] The warning device may include at least one of a warning sound generator, a warning light generator, and a vibrator.

[0021 ] In one or more embodiments, the kit may further include at least one bracket adapted to mount the auxiliary warning device to the side vison mirror of the vehicle. The kit may further include a bracket adapted to mount the auxiliary warning device to the rear window of the vehicle.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door opening alert system, configured to be fitted to a vehicle having at least one door handle, comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and at least one warning device operatively coupled to the switching circuit; wherein the switching circuit includes a mechanical switch for determining movement of the flap and is configured to activate the warning device when the flap is moved away from the closed position.

[0023] The mechanical switch may include at least one of a magnetic switch, a toggle switch, a tilt-switch, and a pressure switch.

[0024] In a particular form of the invention, the flap includes a hinge. The hinge may be further configured to pivot about an axis transverse the movement of the flap between the closed position and the open position. The hinge may include a flexible or living hinge.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the flap may further include a spring return means used to bias the flap towards the closed position. In another embodiment, gravity biases the flap towards the closed position.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] The invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a control process of an exemplary embodiment of an alert system;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an alert system;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary alternative embodiment of an alert system including an auxiliary warning device;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a view from within a vehicle incorporating the exemplary embodiment of the alert system of FIG. 3;

[0031 ] FIG. 5a is a close-up perspective view of a door handle assembly from within a vehicle incorporating another exemplary alternative embodiment of an alert system in a closed position;

[0032] FIG. 5b is the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5a in an open position. [0033] FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b;

[0034] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle incorporating an auxiliary warning device;

[0035] FIG. 7b is a close-up perspective view of the auxiliary warning device and bracket of FIG. 7a.

Detailed Description

[0036] Referring firstly to FIG. 1 , there is shown a flowchart illustrating the operation of an alert system. The process begins at start block S5 and proceeds to block S10 where at least one switching circuit detects the approach of a hand or finger. If no hand or finger is detected at condition S15, the flowchart returns over line 16 to block S10. If at block S10 a hand or finger is detected, the process proceeds over line 17 to block S20 where a warning device is activated for a period of time over line 18. Once this time has elapsed the process terminates at block S25.

[0037] The term "detect" or "detected", as used herein, describes the

determination of a hand or finger approaching the door handle. In the present invention, a detection device will commonly include the ability to respond to a hand or finger approaching the door handle and is not limited to devices or the like that do not require physical detection.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a simplified schematic diagram of a detection device 5. The detection device 5 includes a power supply 10, a switching circuit 15, all electrically connected as shown. Connected to the switching circuit 15 is a warning device 20 including one or more of a warning sound generator 25, a warning light 30 and a vibrator 35. These components cooperate to detect the approach of a hand or finger and activate the warning device 20 as shown in FIG. 1 . The warning device 20 is conventional, and those skilled in the art will recognize suitable components for providing the stated functions, for example: a piezoelectric audio signalling device or a recorded voice warning device for the warning sound generator 25; a light emitting diode (LED) for the warning light 30; and an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor for the vibrator 35. The warning light 30 may include a single LED, according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, a plurality of LEDs may be employed as the light source. Other light sources may be employed along with various light pipes, lenses, panels and flashing lighting configurations. Similarly, the power supply 10 for supplying electrical power to these and other components is conventional and may include a removable battery, for example, a single A27 12V battery.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the switching circuit 15 components are disposed on the detection device 5, and it will be appreciated that this may be provided in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly fastened to the detection device 5. For this purpose, the detection device 5 may comprise a PCB substrate itself, mechanically supporting the components, for example, FR-4 glass epoxy.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the switching circuit 15 includes a proximity switch 16 that provides an activation field to sense contact or close proximity of a hand or finger. The proximity switch 16 is described as a capacitive switch, according to one embodiment. Here, the activation field is a capacitive field and the hand or finger has electrical characteristics that cause a change in the activation field such that it activates the warning device 20 as should be evident to those skilled in the art. However, it should also be appreciated that additional or alternative proximity switches can be used, such as those, but not limited to including, inductive sensors, resistive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, optical sensors,

temperature sensors, the like, or a combination of these sensors, which may be particularly suitable for users wearing gloves on their hands and fingers.

[0041 ] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a simplified block diagram of a detection device 5 communicating with an auxiliary warning device 45. In this embodiment, the detection device 5 includes a wireless transmitter 40 electrically connected to the switching circuit 5. The auxiliary warning device 45 includes a power supply 50 and a wireless receiver 55, all electrically connected as shown. The wireless transmitter 40 sends a signal 41 to the auxiliary warning device 45 when the switching circuit 15 detects the approach of a hand or finger. The auxiliary warning device 45 receives the signal 41 at the wireless receiver 55 which continuously polls for the signal 41 . Connected to the wireless receiver 55 is a warning device 60 including a warning sound generator 70 and a warning light 65. As discussed with regard to the warning device 20, the warning device 60 is conventional, and those skilled in the art will recognize suitable components for providing the stated functions, for example: a piezoelectric audio signalling device or a recorded voice warning device for the warning sound generator 70; and an LED or plurality of LEDs for the warning light 65. Other light sources may be employed along with various light pipes, lenses, panels and flashing lighting configurations. Similarly, the power supply 50 for supplying electrical power to these and other components is conventional and may include removable batteries, for example, three AA type batteries electrically connected in series. As will be appreciated, the power requirement for the auxiliary warning device 45 differs from that of the detection device 5, particularly with regard to the wireless receiver 55 continuously polling for the signal 41 , and a switch (not shown) may be provided to turn the device off so as to conserve power when not in use.

[0042] The wireless transmitter 40 and wireless receiver 55 is described as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter-receiver pair, according to one embodiment. Here, the signal 41 is an RF signal sent by the transmitter 40 in bursts of pulses to the receiver 55 over a carrier frequency, and after any required decoding and/or amplification, activates the warning device 60 as should be evident to those skilled in the art. It should be appreciated that additional or alternative wireless transmitter- receiver pairs can be used, such as, diffused infrared transmitter-receiver pairs. The remaining elements shown in FIG. 3 are identical to FIG. 2 and so share the same references. The terms "signal", "data", and "information" may be used

interchangeably herein and may refer to digital or analog forms.

[0043] It should also be appreciated that control circuity may be employed for controlling the warning device 20 based on contact with or close proximity of a hand or finger to the switching circuit 15. The control circuitry may employ a microcontroller or other circuitry for continuously monitoring contact or close proximity of the hand or finger and controlling activation and deactivation of the warning device 20

accordingly. In one embodiment, when the hand or finger is indicative of approaching the door handle, electrical power is supplied to the wireless transmitter 40 and warning device 20 to subsequently activate the warning lights 30 and 65. When the hand or finger is in a position indicative of not approaching the door handle, electrical power is not supplied to the wireless transmitter 40 and warning device 20. In an embodiment where a plurality of detection devices 5 and auxiliary warning devices 45 are employed, the control circuitry may vary the warning light 65 sequence based on where they are disposed within a vehicle. This may be achieved by encoding the signal 41 with information specific to the location of the auxiliary warning device 45 as should be evident to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view from within a vehicle incorporating an exemplary embodiment of the alert system of FIG. 3, with the rest of the vehicle interior rendered invisible. The auxiliary warning device 45 is disposed on at least one side view mirror 76 with the detection device 5 disposed in a grip recess 85 formed in a door handle 80 on a vehicle door 75. Although the auxiliary warning device 45 is shown as being attached to one side view mirror 76, the auxiliary warning device 45 is not limited to being attached to a single side vison mirror 76 and may be used on both driver side and passenger side rear view mirrors.

[0045] The auxiliary warning device 45 is provided in a housing 46 and removably attached to the side view mirror 76 such that it is generally viewable by occupants of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the side view mirror 76 is chosen as being in the occupant's line of sight without obstructing the field of view. The housing 46 is provided with a panel 47 that is backlit by the warning light 65 and generally distinct from other vehicle displays. Preferably, the panel 47 is adapted to display illuminated indicia such as an illuminated icon of a bicycle or the like. In one form the indicia is not visible until backlit by the warning light 65. The auxiliary warning device 45 may be attached to the side view mirror 76 by an adhesive or double sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape (not shown). The housing 46 may be in part removable from the side view mirror 76 to allow for servicing, for example, to change the batteries, without having to re-adhere the housing 46 to the side view mirror 76.

[0046] The detection device 5 is attached to the grip recess 85 formed in the door handle 80 by an adhesive or double sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape (not shown). In this embodiment, the grip recess 85 is chosen so as not to disrupt the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that the detection device can be positioned on or near the door handle 80 itself. [0047] Referring now to FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, there is shown a close-up

perspective view of a door handle assembly 81 from within a vehicle incorporating another embodiment of an alert system. Fitted to the top of the door handle assembly 81 is a detection device 5, which includes a switching circuit 15, and a flap 100 configured to move between a closed position, as is best shown with reference to FIG. 5a, and an open position, as is best shown with reference to FIG. 5b. In the closed position, the flap 100 partially encloses a grip recess 85 formed in the door handle assembly 81 , preventing a door handle 80 from being pulled by an occupant without first raising the flap 100. Conversely, in the open position, the flap 100 reveals the grip recess 85 allowing the door handle 80 to be pulled by the occupant. However, it should be appreciated that the open position may only partially reveal the grip recess 85, and to that end, encompass positions where the flap 100 is first moved away from the closed position and any intervening positions between the closed position and positions allowing the door handle 80 to be pulled by the occupant. In this embodiment, the flap 100 includes a living hinge 90 and a mounting flange 95 for attachment to the top of the door handle assembly 81 . Here, gravity biases the flap 100 towards the closed position. In another embodiment, the flap 100 may be attached to the side, or bottom of the door handle assembly 81 , where a spring return means may be used to bias the flap towards the closed position. It will be appreciated that the spring return means may be provided by virtue of the resiliency of the material used to form the flap 100, for example, a resilient thermoplastic material sufficiently flexible to interchange between the open and closed positions. The flap may also be provided with a damping device to produce a soft or delayed closing action regardless of how hard or fast the flap is opened by a user, and those skilled in the art will recognize suitable components for providing the stated functions, for example a resiliently deformable piston pressurized against a cylinder wall creating a dampening stroke. The flap may also be covered in leather or other suitable

material(s) (not shown) to provide a less mechanical appearance by disguising the flap with the material.

[0048] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the flap 100 provides a prominent tactile reminder to look out for cyclists, prior to the door handle being pulled. It is also possible to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle 80 with a simple mechanical switch, thereby simplifying the cost and assembly of the switching circuit 15, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a rear plan view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b. However, here, the hinge 90 is shown as a conventional hinge secured to the flap 100 centre and pivotally connected to the mounting flange 95 by a pivot pin or pivot screw 91 . The flap 100 is also provided with a pivot pin or pivot screw 92 also allowing the flap 100 to pivot about an axis transverse to the movement of the flap between the closed position and the open position. Advantageously, this allows the mounting flange 95 to be mounted in the grip recess where it can be rotated by a user to stay level or at a desired angle with respect to the door handle. Providing a second axis of rotation also allows the flap 100 to have a variety of mounting options or configurations near the door handle making it suitable for use on irregular surfaces.

[0050] The switching circuit 15 is shown as a PCB assembly, including a battery 10, tilt switch 105, and warning device 20. The PCB may further include other components, such as capacitors, resistors, and diodes. The tilt switch 105 is operatively coupled to the warning device 20 and configured to have a first switch position when the flap 100 is closed and a second switch position when the flap is open or partially open. The warning device 20 is activated when the tilt switch 105 is in the second position so as to activate the warning device 20 when the flap 100 is in the open or partially open position. When the flap 100 is moved to the closed position, the tilt switch 105 deactivates the warning device 20. It should be appreciated that other mechanical switches may be employed to activate the warning device 20, such as, but not limited to, attitude switches, magnetic switches, toggle switches, and pressure sensitive switches.

[0051 ] It should also be appreciated that control circuity may be employed for controlling the warning device 20 based on the position of the tilt switch 105. The control circuitry may employ a microcontroller or other circuitry for continuously monitoring the position of the tilt switch and controlling activation and deactivation of the warning device 20. The tilt switch 105 switches between an open position and a closed position based on the angular orientation of the switch. In one embodiment, when the tilt switch is in the open position indicative of providing access to the door handle or nearing to providing access to the door handle, electrical power is supplied to the warning device 20 to activate a warning light. When the tilt switch is in the closed position indicative of not providing access to the door handle, electrical power is not supplied to the warning light.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 7a, there is shown the rear of a vehicle 1 15, with two rearward facing auxiliary warning devices 45 attached to the interior side of a rear window 1 10 such that they are generally viewable by a cyclist approaching the vehicle from behind. In this embodiment, the higher portion of the rear window is chosen as being in the cyclist's line of sight without obstructing the field of view from within the vehicle 1 15. In one embodiment, the auxiliary warning devices 45 are attached to the window 1 10 with brackets, as shown in FIG. 7b.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7b, there is shown an auxiliary warning device 45 removably attached to a bracket 120. In one embodiment, the bracket 120 includes a universal ball joint 130, the function of which permits flexible yet substantially secure manual adjustment of the auxiliary warning device 45 to any desired angle. The bracket 120 is attached to the rear window 1 10 by an adhesive or double sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape 125. The remaining elements shown in FIG. 7b are identical to FIG. 4 and so share the same references.

[0054] It is envisaged that at least one detection device 5, at least one auxiliary warning device 45, and at least one bracket 120 may be marketed as a kit. In one embodiment, the kit may include four detection devices 5, one for each door handle; four auxiliary warning devices 45, two for attachment to each side view mirror, i.e. driver side and passenger side, and two for attachment to each side of a rear window; the kit may also be supplied with brackets 120 and adhesive tape 125.

[0055] For the purposes of description herein, the terms "side", "top", "bottom" and derivatives thereof shall related to the door handle assembly and detection device of FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b.

[0056] The present invention provides a number of advantages and improvements over prior art approaches to warning cyclists an occupant of a parked vehicle is about to open a door. More particularly, the door opening alert system provides a detection device arranged so that is cannot be readily avoided by a person attempting to access the door handle. Therefore, the vehicle occupant is reminded to look out for cyclists, before the door handle is grasped by the occupant. This causes the warning device to be activated at the appropriate time, i.e. immediately before the vehicle door is opened, allowing sufficient time for the occupant to make a head check for any hazards. Moreover, an auxiliary device disposed on the rear windscreen provides warning to approaching cyclists at the appropriate time, i.e. immediately before the vehicle door is opened, allowing sufficient time for the cyclist to adjust stopped or direction to avoid collision. Finally, it is a distinct advantage of the door opening alert system of the present invention that is can be simply an inexpensively retrofitted to existing vehicles in many different combinations.

[0057] Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

[0058] While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternative, modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such

alternative, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A door opening alert system, configured to be fitted to a vehicle having at least one door handle, comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and at least one warning device operatively coupled to the switching circuit; wherein, the warning device activates when the switching circuit detects the approach of the hand or finger to the door handle.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the switching circuit is at least in part disposed on the detection device.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning device includes at least one of a warning sound generator, a warning light generator, and a vibrator.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further including at least one auxiliary warning device.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary warning device is

disposed on at least one side view mirror of the vehicle.

6. A system according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary warning device is

disposed at the rear of the vehicle.

7. A system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the switching circuit further includes a wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the auxiliary warning device.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the wireless transmitter includes at least one of a radio transmitter, and a diffused infrared transmitter.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the switching circuit includes a mechanical switch for determining movement of the flap and is configured to activate the warning device when the flap is moved away from the closed position.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical switch includes at least one of a magnetic switch, a toggle switch, a tilt-switch, and a pressure switch.

1 1 . A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flap includes a hinge.

12. A system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the hinge is further configured to pivot about an axis transverse the movement of the flap between the closed position and the open position.

13. A system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the hinge includes a flexible or living hinge.

14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the flap further

includes a spring return means used to bias the flap towards the closed position.

15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein gravity biases the flap towards the closed position.

16. A control process of door opening alert system, for a vehicle having at least one door handle, the process comprising: constantly monitoring at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and activating at least one warning device when the switching circuit indicates the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle.

17. A control process according to claim 16, further comprising activating an

auxiliary warning device when the switching circuit indicates the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle.

18. A door opening alert kit, for a vehicle having at least one door handle,

comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device including a switching circuit configured to detect the approach of a hand or finger to the door handle, the detection device being removably positioned near the door handle and including a flap configured to move between a closed position, that at least partially encloses a grip recess formed in the door handle, and an open position that reveals the grip recess; and at least one warning device operatively coupled to the switching circuit; the switching circuit at least in part disposed on the detection device; at least one auxiliary warning device; the switching circuit further including a wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the auxiliary warning device; wherein, the warning device and the auxiliary warning device activates when the switching circuit detects the approach of the hand or finger to the door handle.

19. A kit according to claim 18, wherein the warning device includes at least one of a warning sound generator, a warning light generator, and a vibrator.

20. A kit according to claim 18 or 19, further including at least one bracket adapted to mount the auxiliary warning device to the side vison mirror of the vehicle.

21 . A kit according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further including a bracket

adapted to mount the auxiliary warning device to the rear window of the vehicle.