CARGO CARRIER SENSOR SYSTEM

• US 20080238643A1
• Filed: 03/25/2008
• Published: 10/02/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Peter F. Malen
• Original Assignee: Peter F. Malen
• Inventors: Malen, Peter F.
• Application Number:
  US12/054,942
• Publication Number:
  US 20080238643A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/438
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 9/04 Carriers associated with vehicle roof B60R9/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A cargo carrier sensor system including a sensor configured for wireless communication with an associated indicator. The sensor can be attached to rooftop cargo and/or an associated cargo carrier. A detection signal is generated and transmitted by the sensor. When the sensor detects the presence of an obstacle, the sensor transmits a corresponding obstacle signal to the indicator. In response to the obstacle signal, the indicator generates a corresponding warning that is perceptible by an operator of the vehicle upon which the rooftop cargo is positioned.

Claims

1. A cargo carrier sensor system, comprising:

a sensor including;

a detection signal generation circuit;

an input signal reception circuit configured to receive an input signal that comprises a reflected portion of a detection signal; and

an obstacle signal generation circuit connected with the input signal reception circuit;

a wireless communication interface connected with the obstacle signal generation circuit; and

means for selectively locating the sensor, the means for selectively locating the sensor enabling the sensor to be desirably located with respect to a vehicle cargo carrier.

2. The cargo carrier sensor system as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for selectively locating the sensor enables the sensor to be placed in a desired position with respect to cargo located on a vehicle rooftop.

3. The cargo carrier sensor system as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for selectively locating the sensor enables the sensor to be placed in a first desired location and subsequently relocated to a second desired location.

4. The cargo carrier sensor system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to be programmed by a user.

5. The cargo carrier sensor system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured for wireless communication with another component.

6. The cargo carrier sensor system as recited in claim 1, wherein a sensitivity of the sensor is adjustable.

7. The cargo carrier sensor system as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for selectively locating the sensor comprises a housing.

8. The cargo carrier system as recited in claim 7, wherein the housing is configured to be attached to cargo or a cargo carrier with one or more fasteners.

9. The cargo carrier system as recited in claim 7, wherein the means for selectively locating the sensor further comprises one or more adjustable elements attached at least indirectly to the housing, one or more of the adjustable elements being configured to be removably attached to a cargo carrier or cargo.

10. A cargo transportation system, comprising:

a cargo carrier configured to be attached proximate a roof of a motor vehicle; and

a sensor attached proximate one end of the cargo carrier, the sensor comprising;

a detection signal generation circuit;

an input signal reception circuit configured to receive an input signal that comprises a reflected portion of a detection signal;

an obstacle signal generation circuit connected with the input signal reception circuit; and

a wireless communication interface connected with the obstacle signal generation circuit.

11. The cargo transportation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the sensor is movable with respect to the cargo carrier.

12. The cargo carrier transportation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the cargo carrier is configured to be removably attached proximate a roof of a motor vehicle.

13. The cargo carrier system as recited in claim 10, further comprising a housing within which a portion of the sensor is disposed.

14. The cargo carrier system as recited in claim 13, wherein the housing is removably attachable to the cargo carrier.

15. The cargo carrier system as recited in claim 13, wherein the housing is movable relative to the cargo carrier.

16. A sensor system, comprising:

a sensor;

means for selectively locating the sensor, the means for selectively locating the sensor enabling the sensor to be desirably located with respect to a vehicle cargo carrier;

a remote indicator configured for wireless communication with the sensor;

a user interface configured for communication with the sensor;

17. A vehicle, comprising:

a body at least partially defining a rooftop;

a cargo carrier mounted proximate the rooftop of the vehicle; and

the sensor system as recited in claim 16, the sensor being attached at least indirectly to the cargo carrier.

18. The vehicle as recited in claim 17, wherein the sensor is movable relative to the vehicle.

19. The sensor system as recited in claim 16, wherein the sensor is programmable by way of the user interface.

20. The sensor system as recited in claim 16, wherein the remote indicator is responsive to an obstacle signal generated by the sensor such that generation of the obstacle signal corresponds to generation of an indication by the remote indicator, the indication being perceptible by a vehicle operator.