US 12,258,032 B2
System and method for cargo load height observation
Patrick Penland, Gainesville, GA (US); and Gerard Biagi, Gainesville, GA (US)
Assigned to Cottrell, Inc., Gainesville, GA (US)
Filed by Cottrell, Inc., Gainesville, GA (US)
Filed on Oct. 7, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/962,029.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/253,005, filed on Oct. 6, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0105738 A1, Apr. 6, 2023
Int. Cl. B60W 50/14 (2020.01); B60P 3/07 (2006.01); B60W 40/12 (2012.01); B60P 3/08 (2006.01)
CPC B60W 50/14 (2013.01) [B60P 3/07 (2013.01); B60W 40/12 (2013.01); B60P 3/08 (2013.01); B60W 2050/143 (2013.01); B60W 2050/146 (2013.01); B60Y 2400/3015 (2013.01); B60Y 2400/408 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for height observation on a car hauler comprised of a head ramp and articulating trailer, the system comprising:
a first telescoping tube assembly mounted in association with the head ramp of the car hauler, wherein the car hauler is configured to transport a payload comprised of one or more vehicles;
a first sensor mounted in association with the first telescoping tube assembly, whereby extension and retraction of the first telescoping tube assembly operates to adjust a position of the first sensor;
a second telescoping tube assembly mounted in association with the articulating trailer of the car hauler; and
a second sensor mounted in association with the second telescoping tube assembly, whereby extension and retraction of the second telescoping tube assembly operates to adjust a position of the second sensor;
a user interface in communication with the first telescoping tube assembly and the first sensor, and in communication with the second telescoping tube assembly and the second sensor; and
a monitoring component in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor;
wherein when the first telescoping tube assembly is extended such that the first sensor is aligned with a first predetermined height, an output of the sensor displayed on the monitor provides indication of any one or more of the vehicles residing in the head ramp of the car hauler exceeding the first predetermined height; and
wherein when the second telescoping tube assembly is extended such that the second sensor is aligned with a second predetermined height, an output of the sensor displayed on the monitor provides indication of any one or more of the vehicles residing in the articulating trailer of the car hauler exceeding the second predetermined height; and
wherein each of the first sensor and second sensor is one of a camera, a time of flight (“TOF”) laser, a light detection and ranging scanner (“LIDAR”), and an infrared transmitter/receiver.