阅读说明：本技术 便携式电子闪光灯携带箱和系统 (Portable electronic flash carrying case and system ) 是由 詹姆斯·R·塞勒凡 丹尼尔·约瑟夫·塞勒凡 于 2018-02-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于电子闪光灯或其它电子信号发射装置的携带箱以及相关系统和方法。(Carrying cases for electronic flashes or other electronic signal emitting devices and related systems and methods.)

1. A carrying case for an electronic flash comprising:

a box body having an exposed surface;

a plurality of flash holding positions on the exposed surface; and

a handle.

2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein each flash holding position comprises: at least one flash locator that guides placement of a flash at the flash holding position; and at least one releasable attachment member releasably holding the flash in place at the flash holding position.

3. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein the at least one flash locator comprises a cavity, depression, ridge, rib, bump, registration surface, guide member, or other structure or device configured to guide vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and rotational orientation of the flash when placed in the flash holding position.

4. The carrying case as set forth in claim 2 wherein the at least one releasable attachment member comprises a magnet, a hook, a pin, a fastener, an adhesive, a hook and loop material; velcro material, bayonet mounts, friction fit rims or other means for releasably holding the flash in place at the flash holding location.

5. The carrying case as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the flash-holding position holds the flash such that a flash positioned in the flash-holding position can emit light visible outside of the carrying case.

6. The carrying case as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the flash holding position is configured to hold a flash having a general shape selected from the group consisting of: rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, and star-shaped.

7. The carrying case as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the case body has an exposed front surface and an exposed rear surface.

8. The carrying case as set forth in any one of claim 7 wherein the flash holding position is located on only one of the front and rear surfaces.

9. The carrying case as set forth in any one of claims 7 wherein the flash holding position is located on both the front surface and the rear surface.

10. The carrying case as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a device and circuitry for charging a rechargeable flashlight when it is positioned in the flashlight holding position.

11. The carrying case as set forth in claim 10 wherein the device and circuitry for charging includes a power source that delivers current to case electrical contacts located at the flashlight holding position.

12. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 11 in combination with an electrically chargeable flashlight positionable on the case at the flashlight holding position, the electrically chargeable flashlight having flashlight charging electrical contacts engaging the case electrical contacts to deliver electrical current from the power source to the chargeable flashlight when the chargeable flashlight is positioned on the case at the flashlight holding position.

13. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 1 in combination with a flash attachable to and removable from a flash holding position, wherein the flash is automatically turned on or actuated upon removal from the flash holding position.

14. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 1 in combination with a flashlight that is attachable to and removable from a flashlight holding position, wherein the case further comprises a remote control for controlling the flashlight.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the remote controller comprises a radio transceiver in communication with the flash, a microcontroller, and a user interface.

16. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 1 in combination with a flashlight that is attachable to and removable from a flashlight holding location, wherein the case further comprises or contains a device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment of the flashlight.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the device operable to guide or facilitate deployment of the flash is selected from: an elongate member, an elongate member having flash position indicators at spaced apart locations thereon, an elongate member having a device for attaching or connecting a flash to it at spaced apart locations thereon, a light emitter that emits light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the flash is to be placed, a laser emitter that emits laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the flash is to be placed.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the device operable to guide or facilitate deployment comprises a winding apparatus and a tether.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the tether has a device for attaching the flashlight to the tether at spaced apart locations on the tether.

20. A method of signalling the location of a person who is holding a carrying case according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising:

causing at least one flash to be mounted in at least one of the flash-holding positions while the flash is emitting light to a location outside of the carrying case.

21. A system comprising a plurality of electronic flashes and a carrying case configured for carrying the flashes on or in the case, the system further comprising at least one element selected from:

a device operable to cause the flash to automatically turn on or become activated once removed from the case;

a device operable to deliver charge to the flash while the flash is positioned on or in the tank;

a device operable to facilitate deployment and/or retrieval of the flashlight; and

a device that can be used to remotely control the flash.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of electronics and traffic engineering and more particularly to a carrying device and portable flash system and method for marking dangerous or anticipated routes of travel on roadways and the like.

Background

Electronic flashes are sometimes used in various applications to warn drivers/pedestrians of hazards, to define construction areas or detours, to illuminate scrapped or parked vehicles, and for other purposes. Currently available electronic flashes include compact flashes that may be placed along roadways, on scrapped/parked vehicles, at delimitations, and the like, including flashing Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Examples of electronic flashes are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 7,088,222; 7,106,179, respectively; 8,154,424, respectively; 8,550,653, respectively; 8,564,456, respectively; 8,579,460, respectively; 9,288,088, respectively; 9,835,319, respectively; d510,289; d515,957; d515,958; d560,533; d654,387; d669,805; d778,752 and D778,753 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0113634; 2016/0186971, the entire disclosure of each such patent and application being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

This patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection in accordance with 37 CFR 1.71(e), and the owner of this patent document reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an electronic flash carrying case and system comprising a carrying case in combination with an electronic flash and associated devices for deploying, controlling and retrieving the electronic flash. Unless otherwise specified, the term "electronic flash" as used herein should be interpreted to include not only the specifically described light-emitting flash, but also signaling devices that emit signals other than light, such as sound or electronic signals or other signals that may be sensed by a human or device designed to receive such signals.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrying case for an electronic flash, comprising: a body having a front surface and a rear surface, a plurality of flash holding positions on the front surface and/or the rear surface; and a handle. Each flash holding position may include: at least one flash locator that guides placement of a flash at the flash holding position; and at least one releasable attachment member releasably holding the flash in place at the flash holding position. Such a flash locator may include, for example, cavities, recesses, ridges, ribs, bumps, registration surfaces, guide members, or other structures or devices configured to guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and/or rotational orientation of the flash when placed at the flash holding position. In some embodiments, the flash locator may include a connector for releasably attaching the flash to the case. In some embodiments, the flash may be caused to emit light while the flash is positioned in a flash holding position on the case. The flash holding position and/or locator and/or connector may be configured for use with electronic flashes of various sizes and/or shapes, such as a general shape selected from the following: rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, and star-shaped. In some embodiments, the flash may be positioned on only one side of the case, and in other embodiments the flash may be positioned on both sides of the case.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type summarized above, or other carrying case for an electronic flash, that includes apparatus and circuitry (e.g., a power cord for connecting the case to a power outlet, battery, etc.) that can be used to charge the rechargeable flash when it is positioned in the flash-holding position.

Still according to the invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type summarized above, or other carrying case for an electronic flashlight, which includes a switch device for causing the flashlight to automatically turn on or actuate upon removal from the case.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type summarized above, or other carrying case for an electronic flash, which includes a remote control which can be used to control the flash. Such a remote control may include a radio transceiver in communication with the flash, a microcontroller, and a user interface. In some embodiments, the flash may be controlled by a remote controller included in or on the case or alternatively by another device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, desktop, dedicated remote controller, or other device programmed to enable remote control of the flash.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type summarized above, or other carrying case for an electronic flash, which includes a device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment of the flash. Such devices that may be used to guide or facilitate the deployment of the flashlight may be selected, for example, from: an elongate member that is extendable, an elongate member having flash position indicators at spaced apart locations thereon, an elongate member having a device for attaching or connecting a flash to it at spaced apart locations thereon, a light emitter that emits light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the flash is to be placed, a laser emitter that emits laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the flash is to be placed, and the like. In embodiments where the apparatus comprises an elongate member or tether, the case may further comprise a winding device or other winding or collecting apparatus for winding or collecting the elongate member or tether for storage when the elongate member or tether is not in use.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of electronic flashes and a carrying case configured for carrying the flashes on or in the case, the system further comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a device that can be used to cause the flash to automatically turn on or become activated once removed from the case; a device operable to deliver charge to the flash while the flash is positioned on or in the case; devices that can be used to facilitate deployment and/or retrieval of the flashlight and devices that can be used to remotely control the flashlight. The case may be any suitable type of case, such as a case forming an enclosure within which the flashlight is carried, or a case having one or more exterior or exposed walls or surfaces on which the flashlight is carried.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, methods for using the carrying cases and systems disclosed herein are provided.

Still further aspects and details of the present invention will be understood after reading the detailed description and examples set forth below.

Drawings

The following detailed description and examples are provided to non-exhaustively describe some, but not necessarily all, examples or embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable flash lamp system of the present invention including a carrying case of the present invention in which the flash is mounted on the front and/or rear surface of the carrying case.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flash lamp system of the present invention including the carrying case of the present invention, wherein the flash is mounted on the front and/or rear surface of the carrying case.

Figure 3A is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3B is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 4A is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in figure 2.

Figure 4B is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in figure 2.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative form of the embodiment shown in fig. 1, which is suitable for carrying flashlights having a generally circular shape (e.g., circular, oval, star, etc.) rather than having flashlights having a generally rectangular shape (e.g., rectangular with rounded corners, square, etc.).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flash lamp system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flash lamp system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flash lamp system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a portable flash system of the present invention incorporating an optional flasher tether.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the portable flash lamp system of the present invention, comprising: a) an optional power source, b) an optional remote control, and c) an optional laser for projecting a line(s) onto an adjacent surface to direct subsequent placement of the flash.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the portable flash lamp system of the present invention that includes an optional switch device to automatically turn the flash on when it is removed from the carrying case and/or to automatically turn the flash off when it is reattached to the carrying case.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method for using the portable flash system of the present invention including an optional rechargeable power source and an optional switching device for automatically turning the flash on when it is removed from the carrying case and/or automatically turning the flash off when it is reattached to the carrying case.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description and the referenced drawings are intended to describe some, but not necessarily all examples or embodiments of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The contents of the detailed description and the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

The carrying case of the present invention may be configured to carry any suitable number of flashlights. For example, FIG. 1 shows a portable flashlight system 10 of the present invention in which a carrying case 12 may be used to carry up to ten (10) flashlights 14, while FIG. 2 shows a portable flashlight system 10a of the present invention in which a carrying case 12 may be used to carry up to six (6) flashlights. Other sizes and configurations may alternatively be used in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in the figures, each carrying case 12 may include a body (e.g., a flat planar body or any other suitable body configuration) having front and rear surfaces 21a, 12 b. A plurality of flash holding positions 18 are formed on the front surface 12a and/or the rear surface 12 b. The flash 14 may be mounted in a flash holding position 18. The tank 12 may have a handle 16.

In some embodiments, each flash holding position 18 may include flash locator(s) that guide placement of the flash 14 at that flash holding position 18. In the example shown, such flash locator(s) include shallow locator wells (e.g., cavities or recesses) defined by perimeter walls 20 that correspond to the perimeter configuration of flash 14, such that flash 14 will be inserted and become seated within each locator well in a particular position and rotational orientation. As an alternative to the locator well shown in these examples, various other types of strobe locator(s) may be used, such as: other cavities, other recesses, ridges, ribs, bumps, registration surfaces, guide members, or other structures or devices configured to guide or indicate the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and/or rotational orientation of the flash 14 when the flash 14 is placed at the flash holding position 18.

The case 12 further includes a releasable attachment member 22 for releasably holding the flash 14 in place at the flash holding position 18. In the example shown, the releasable attachment member 22 includes a magnet that interacts with a ferromagnetic region or other magnet located on the flash 14 to hold the flash 14 in place when the flash is positioned in the flash holding position 18. Any suitable type of releasable connector may be used as an alternative to the magnet. For example, the releasable attachment member 22 may include other magnets, hooks, pins, fasteners, adhesives, hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro), bayonet mounts, friction fit edges, or other devices for releasably holding the flash 14 in place at the flash holding location 18.

In some applications, the case 12 may be used to carry a flashlight 14 that is non-rechargeable, such as those powered by rechargeable alkaline batteries. However, in other applications, the case 12 may be used to carry a flashlight 14 having a rechargeable power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery). To facilitate recharging the rechargeable flashlight 14 when it is positioned in the flashlight holding position 18, some embodiments of the case may optionally include electrical contacts 24 and other circuitry/devices for charging the rechargeable flashlight 14 when it is installed in the flashlight holding position 18. In some such embodiments, the optional rechargeable circuit/device may include a power cord for connecting the case to a power outlet (e.g., a 9v or 12v power outlet, 110 and 240 AC power lines, etc.) that may be located in a building, garage, emergency vehicle, etc.

The examples shown in fig. 1-4B illustrate a flash holding position 18 and a substantially rectangular (i.e., rectangular with rounded corners) shape of the flash 14. However, the flash holding position 18 may be configured to accommodate any suitable shape of flash, including, for example, other generally rectangular shapes, square rounds (rounds), ellipses, ovals, polygons, stars, multilobes, and the like. For example, fig. 5 shows an alternative form of the embodiment seen in fig. 1, in which the flash holding position 18 is configured to hold a substantially circular flash (e.g., a flash having a circular body and small radial protrusions resulting in a star or star-shaped perimeter configuration). This is one of many possible shapes for the flash 14. Non-limiting examples of flashlights that may be used in combination with the carrying case 12 of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, the U.S. patent numbers 7,088,222 incorporated above; 7,106,179, respectively; 8,154,424, respectively; 8,550,653, respectively; 8,564,456, respectively; 8,579,460, respectively; 9,288,088, respectively; 9,835,319, respectively; d510,289; d515,957; d515,958; d560,533; d654,387; d669,805; d778,752 and D778,753 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0113634; 2016/0186971, respectively. Likewise, non-limiting examples of flashlamps that may be used in combination with carrying case 12 of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, LED flashlamps commercially available from Pi Variables, Inc. (Pi Variables, Inc., Tustin, California), Wagan Corporation, Hayward, California, Hayward, Aervoe, Nevada, Gardnerville, Nevada, and Powerflare Corporation, Menlo Park, California.

In addition to functioning as a carrying case 12 and/or recharging station, the carrying case 12 and system 10, 10a of the present invention may also be used to protect individuals (e.g., emergency response personnel, road maintenance workers, parked drivers, personnel deploying or collecting flashlights 14, etc.). Because the flash 14 is mounted on the outer surface of the case 12, the flash 14 may be allowed to continue emitting light while being mounted in the flash holding position 18 in some cases. This is different from storage boxes currently available for electronic or LED flashes, where the flash is placed inside the box and the box must be opened to allow insertion or removal of the flash. An advantage of this style of case 12, where the flashlight is positioned on an outer or exposed wall or surface of the case, is that the operator does not need to open the carrying case or place it on the ground or the trunk of the vehicle to deploy or retrieve the flashlight. More specifically, flashlights may be mounted on the exterior surface of the case 12 of the present invention while the operator continues to hold the case 12 and such flashlights may continue to emit light if desired. In this way, light will be emitted from the box 12 while the box 12 is being carried by an individual, thereby making it easier for oncoming traffic to see the individual's location.

In some cases, the flashlights 14 may be designed such that all of the flashlights 14 will shut down in response to the pressing of a single shut button on one flash or elsewhere (e.g., Pi-Lit sequential Road surface flashlights (Pi-Lit sequential Road surface flares) available from Pi Variables, Inc. of Taston, Calif. when such flashlights 14 are used, an individual collecting flashing flashlights 14 from an unfolded position along the Road may allow one or more flashlights 14 to continue to flash after they/it has been collected and placed in the flash holding position 18 on the box 12, thereby resulting in the flashlights 14 on the box 12 providing a clear indication of the position of the individual along the Road as the individual completes the flash collection process. after all of the flashlights have been collected and the individual has moved away from injury, the flashing lights 14 may then be turned off (individually or in concert, if possible) so that they no longer emit light when stored in the vehicle or other location.

Selectable automatic activation and/or deactivation of a flash

The flashlight can be programmed to turn on when removed from its magnetic attachment to the carrying case. As seen in the system 10f (with tether) shown in the example of fig. 9, the carrying case 12f (with tether) is substantially the same as the carrying case 12f shown in fig. 8, but item 102 represents a flashlight that is removed from the carrying case and turned on.

This can be achieved by removing the power supplied by the tank to the flash. An on-board rechargeable battery located in the carrying case will supply voltage to the enable pin of the voltage regulator. When this voltage is removed by removing the flash from the box, the enable pin will turn on power to the flash using its own power supply. When the flash is removed, the power off will trigger the flash to turn on. An alternative method is to trigger the flash to turn on by the presence of a magnet and the absence of a magnet. Another activation method may be implemented by using a magnetic proximity sensor. As the flash is removed from the carrying case, a sensor in the flash that is separate from a small magnet (e.g., rare earth) embedded in the carrying case will activate a hall effect sensor, reed switch, or other magnetic device upon separation of the flash from the case, and thus turn on the flash. An advantage of having the flashlight turned on once removed from the tank is that the operator (police, fire fighters, public companies, civilians, etc.) does not have to look for the button in the dark or on busy roads or other hazardous areas. Further, by turning on the flash once removed from the box, deployment can be performed more quickly.

Optional device for remote control of a flashlight

Using radio communication, the flashlight 14 equipped with a radio receiver attached to the carrying case may be remotely controlled using any suitable type of remote control device, including but not limited to a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device programmed to control the flashlight and/or a dedicated remote control, such as a handheld remote control, a remote control mounted on or in the case, a remote control located in an emergency vehicle, or the like. The use of software applications on mobile phones, tablets, etc. provides a method for updating including modifications and/or new features pushed to the operator over the cellular network. In some embodiments, firmware enhancements can be applied to the LED flash 14 using a mobile phone and carrying case combination.

In some cases, the necessary remote control devices and electronic circuitry can be incorporated directly into carrying case 12, such that the case itself becomes the remote control unit. For example, a microcontroller and radio transceiver incorporated into the plastic housing of the carrying case would be controlled by tactile momentary contact switches or capacitance sensitive switches located on the surface of the carrying case, voice commands, mechanical tapping or rotational gestures, and the like. The signal generated and sent by the carrying case will control the light flashing pattern, brightness, switch state, direction of pattern travel, simultaneous flashing and the orientation of the flashing and selection of LED flashing. This would provide the operator with an always available remote control system that is capable of operating various operating parameters of the flashlight from distances of 300 meters or more. Instead of placing a cellular module in each light, a single cellular communication device can be placed in the carrying case and this would then communicate with an unlimited number of flashlights 14 via a mesh network from one location limited only by internet availability. For example, the operator can control the flash 14 from a remote location via a cellular node located in the carrying case. Features that can be remotely controlled include, but are not limited to:

● select a particular blinking pattern (e.g., a fast blinking process, a slow blinking process, a group of flash blinking (e.g., 2 at a time), a blinking long light emission, a blinking short light emission, etc.);

● select which LEDs to flash (e.g., top or side LEDs);

● reverse or alternate sequence and blinking direction;

● turning on and off the flash 14 with or without retention of the previously set flashing mode;

● lock on a button or other control input on the flashlight 14 to avoid unwanted or accidental input by unauthorized persons or changes to settings by unauthorized persons; and/or

● perform a battery status check for each lamp.

In some embodiments, the device for remote control of the flashlight 14 may be integrated into the carrying case 12, or may be linked to a dedicated controller, such as a hand-held remote controller or remote console installed in an emergency vehicle or elsewhere. Fig. 10 shows one non-limiting example of a carrying case/flashlight system 10g, wherein the carrying case 12g includes an optional remote control 40 and other optional features discussed in other portions of this patent application. Carrying cases use charge carrying cases to carry "switches" between bluetooth, Zigbee (Zigbee), Wi-Fi, cellular, or other communication protocols; electronic radio transmitting flashes are capable of operating via many different radio communication protocols. The ubiquitous nature of mobile smartphones provides the smartphone application with the opportunity to control various operating parameters of a remote flash. However, because smart phone technology is currently limited to using bluetooth, cellular, or Wi-Fi to connect to local devices and the flash may be using zigbee or other protocols, a "converter" circuit board may be embedded in the carrying case to provide connection of the mobile phone to the flash lamp. This would then allow a simple user-friendly graphical user interface on the smartphone to be used as a control screen for flashing the flash. This increase will also allow control of the flashing light 14 from a distance via internet and cellular communication. Since there is always a carrying case when the flashlight is used, the necessary converter will always be in range.

In the example of fig. 10, the case 12g includes a remote control 40 integrated with the case that includes a radio transceiver and a microcontroller with a user interface. In the example shown in fig. 10, the user interface includes buttons 41 labeled "disable", "mode", "top/side", "reverse", "group", and "off", the buttons 41 having an indicator light 43, such as a small LED, next to each button. The remote control 40 integrated with the box shown in the example of FIG. 10 may use the following:

● -this function allows the operator to pause the flashing of flash 14 while maintaining its current sequence and other settings. When the button 41 marked "disabled" is pushed, the indicator 43 immediately adjacent to that button will illuminate and all flashes 14 will be controlled to stop flashing of the emitted light, but the flashes 14 will continue to communicate with the adjacent flash via radio and maintain their sequential order. Thereafter, depressing the button 41 again, labeled "inhibit", will cause the associated indicator 41 to be deactivated and the flash 14 will again begin to flash in the previously determined sequence according to the previously set mode and other programmed settings.

● mode-the button 41 labeled "mode" can be used to select a particular flash mode from a number of pre-programmed flash mode options stored in the microcontroller. The user may select the desired blinking pattern by pressing the "mode" button multiple times to correspond to the blinking pattern being selected. For example, a single press of the "mode" button 41 will cause the flash 14 to blink according to the pre-programmed mode #1, and the indicator 43 next to the "mode" button 41 will blink with a single blink to indicate that mode #1 is currently selected. Pressing the "mode" button 41 twice in succession will cause the flash 14 to blink according to the pre-programmed mode #2, and the indicator 43 immediately adjacent the "mode" button will periodically emit two blinks of light to indicate the current selection of mode # 2. Pressing the "mode" button 41 three times in succession will cause the flash 14 to blink according to the pre-programmed mode #3, and the indicator 43 immediately adjacent the "mode" button will periodically emit a burst of three light blinks to indicate the current selection of mode #3, and so on. Alternatively, each time the button is pressed a single time, it will be further in the selection, returning to the first (default) selection when the last selection is passed. In this example, the remote controller 40 may store up to 5 or more selectable blinking patterns, such as a fast blinking process (pattern # 1), a slow blinking process (pattern # 2), a blinking long light emission (pattern # 3), a blinking short light emission (pattern # 4), and a blinking of the flash 14 in pairs (pattern # 5). In some embodiments, one of the available modes may be a steady progress mode in which all flashes are illuminated continuously without flashing or blinking. Other selectable blinking patterns (e.g., long-short-long or long-short, etc.) may also be provided.

● top/side-in some embodiments, flash 14 may be capable of emitting light from the side(s) of flash 14, and flash 14 may be equipped with a sensor to or from the top of flash 14, and may contain a gravity-actuated switch or attitude sensor that is capable of automatically causing flash 14 to switch between a side-firing mode and a top-firing mode depending on whether the flash is in a horizontal or vertical position. Examples of such flashlights 14 are described in U.S. patent No. 9,835,319, incorporated above. When such a flashlight is used in conjunction with the case 12f of fig. 10, the user may use a button 41 labeled "top/side" to control whether the flashlight 14 is operating in a top-firing mode or a side-firing mode. For example, a single press of the "top/side" button 41 will cause the flash 14 to operate in an automatic mode based on input to each flash by its gravity-actuated switch or attitude sensor, and the indicator light 41 immediately adjacent the "top/side" button 41 will flash in a single flash to indicate that the flash is operating in an automatic or "default" mode. Pressing the "top/side" button 41 twice in succession will cause the flashes 14 to cause all controlled flashes 14 to operate in a side-firing mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "top/side" button will periodically flash two flashes of light to indicate that the side-firing mode is currently selected. Pressing the "top/side" button 41 three times in succession will cause the flashes to cause all controlled flashes 14 to flash in a top emission mode, and the indicator 43 immediately adjacent the "top/side" button will periodically emit a burst of three flashes of light to indicate that the flashes are operating in a top emission mode.

● reverse-the button 41 labeled "reverse" may be used to reverse the sequential order of controlled flash 14 flashes. For example, if a row or series of ten (10) flashes 14 are being controlled, the flashes 14 may automatically default to flashing in a sequential order starting with flash 1 and ending with flash 10. When operating under such default conditions, the indicator 41 immediately adjacent to the "reverse" button 43 will not be illuminated. However, pressing the "reverse" button will cause the flash to flash in reverse order starting with flash 10 and ending with flash 1, and the indicator light 41 immediately adjacent the "reverse" button 43 will be illuminated to indicate that flash 14 is flashing in reverse order.

● groups — in some applications, the flashlights may be deployed in different groups, and the remote controller 40 may be used to control more than one group of flashlights 14. The button 41 labeled "group" may be used to select a particular group of flashes 14 to be controlled. Each group may be set to perform differently and independently from the other group(s). There is no limit to the number of flashes 14 in any one group, even if there are multiple groups operating in close proximity. For example, the microcontroller of the remote controller 40 may be a number of different group ID selections, and the button 41 labeled "group" may be pressed a particular number of times to select a particular group of flash lights 14 for control. For example, pressing the "group" button 41 a single time will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the flash 14 of group ID #1, and the indicator 43 immediately adjacent to the "group" button 41 will flash in a single blink to indicate the current positive control group ID # 1. Pressing the "group" button 41 twice in succession will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the flash 14 of group ID #2, and the indicator 43 immediately adjacent the "mode" button will periodically emit two flashes of light to indicate that group #2 is currently being controlled, and so on.

● OFF-pressing the button 43 labeled "OFF" will turn off all of the strobe lights 14 being controlled at that time. This allows all of the flashlights 14 to be shut off from a safe position rather than requiring the user to shut off each flashlight 14 individually. In contrast to the use of the "inhibit" button 43 described above, pressing the "off" button 43 will cause all of the controlled flashes 14 to stop communicating with adjacent flashes and the previously identified sequence with the flashes 14 will be lost.

Optional device for assisting in the deployment and/or retrieval of a flashlight

The present invention also provides a flash carrying case that includes one or more devices for assisting in the deployment and/or retrieval of the flash 14.

For example, fig. 9 shows a flashlight system 10f (with tether) where the case 12f (with tether) contains a winding device 30 and an extendable/retractable tether 32 that can be used to facilitate deployment of the flashlight 14 in a straight row. The tether 32 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., cloth or a braided polymer band, wire, cable, etc.) and may have any suitable width and length (e.g., a length of about 150 feet). The winding device 30 may be mounted in or on any type of flashlight carrying case or may be attached as a separate unit. The winding device 30 may be rotated by a crank handle, electric motor, or other suitable mechanism, or alternatively spring loaded, such that the tether 32 can be pulled out and locked in an extended position for use, and thereafter retracted onto the winding device 30 after use by releasing the lock and allowing the spring-loaded winding of the winding device 30 to wind the tether 32.

As shown in fig. 9, flashing light position indicators 34 may be provided at spaced locations on the tether 32 to facilitate placement of the flashing lights 14 at desired intervals along a line defined by the extended tether 32. In some embodiments, such flash position indicators 34 may include markings that indicate the positions at which the flashes may be positioned to provide a certain desired spacing between flashes. In other embodiments, such as the example shown in fig. 9, the flash position indicator may include a connector (e.g., mechanical, magnetic, frictional, etc.) that actually connects or attaches the flash 14 to the tether 32. In the non-limiting example of fig. 9, the flash position indicator 34 includes a ferromagnetic member (e.g., a ferrite washer) positioned at a desired interval (e.g., every 10 feet), and the flash 14 has a magnet that will attach the flash to the ferromagnetic member. Magnets on the flashlight 14 may also be used to magnetically attach the flashlight to the carrying case 12f (with tether) or any other carrying case 12 in the manner described above. In some embodiments, the distance between the flash position indicators 34 may be variable. For example, the tether 32 may have color-coded connectors for connecting the ferrite washers to the tether at different pitch intervals. This would allow the operator to select the desired spacing interval (e.g., 3 meter spacing, 5 meter spacing, etc.) for a particular application.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the operator may withdraw and lock the tether 32 in an extended position on the road surface, and then attach the flash 14 to the flash position indicator 34, thereby causing the flash to be positioned at the desired interval in a substantially straight line. The flash 14 may then be used and controlled as described herein. After use, the flashlight 14 and tether 32 may be retrieved by alternately pulling the tether 32 with the attached flashlight 14 to the safe position with both hands. This allows the operator to retrieve the flashlights 14 without having to walk into the traffic stream again to pick them up. The flashlight may then be detached from the tether 32 and stored on the case 12f (with the tether), and the tether 32 may then be wound back to its stored position on the winding device 30.

In some applications, the tether may be unwound or pulled away from the winding device 30, and the flashlight 14 may be initially connected or attached to the tether 32 while in a safe position (such as a position obscured by a parked emergency or work vehicle). Thereafter, the tether 32 and attached tank 12f (with tether) may be held securely in a fixed position (e.g., by attaching the tank 12f (with tether) to the rear of a parked vehicle or other stationary object), or, if the proximal end of the tether 32 is not attached to the tank, the proximal end of the tether 32 may be attached directly to the vehicle or stationary object by any suitable connector, such as a hook, velcro, or the like. The operator may then grasp the free end (e.g., distal end) of the tether 32 and walk along the roadway (e.g., upstream toward the vehicle stream) while pulling the tether 32 and attached flashlight 14. As the operator walks toward the oncoming traffic stream, the flashlight 14 will be pulled to settle in the straight line designated by the tether 32. By design or by indication, a flashlight may be attached to only one side of the tether 32, as seen in the example of fig. 9. The sides of the tether 32 may have different colors in some embodiments to be easily recognized by the operator. Once the tether 32 is tightened by the operator, all of the flashlights 14 will be on the same side of the tether 32, and thus all of the flashlights 14 will be properly oriented so that oncoming traffic observes the light emitted from the flashlights 14 in the intended manner.

Another example, as shown in fig. 10 and 10A, is a laser emitter 44 for projecting laser light 46 onto a road or other surface to create an illuminated line or other pattern that can be used as a guide for placing the flash 14 in a straight row or other desired configuration. The laser transmitter 44 may be powered by a power source 42, such as a battery in the tank, or by a wired connection to the tank 12g located at a power outlet in a nearby vehicle or structure. Laser transmitter 44 may be turned on and off, or turned on and then automatically turned off after a timed period such as 10 minutes, for example.

In embodiments incorporating one or more of the above-described novel functional features, the flash carrying case may not be merely a passive device for mobility only, but may be an active device, providing charging of the flash, control/communication, location and/or optical alignment of the flash, assisted deployment, placement and/or retrieval of the flash, and/or automatic activation or actuation of the flash when removed from the case.

It should be understood that while the present invention has been described above with reference to certain examples or embodiments thereof, various additions, deletions, changes, and modifications may be made to those described examples and embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any element, step, component, part, ingredient, reactant, means, or portion of one embodiment or example can be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example, unless otherwise specified or unless doing so would render that embodiment or example unsuitable for its intended use. Likewise, where steps of a method or process have been described or listed in a particular order, the order of the steps may be changed unless otherwise specified or unless doing so would render the method or process unsuitable for its intended use. In addition, an element, step, component, part, ingredient, reactant, means, or portion of any invention or example described herein can be alternatively present or utilized without any other element, step, component, ingredient, reactant, means, or portion being present or substantially present, unless otherwise stated. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications and changes should be considered as equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and are included within the scope of the appended claims.