Portable electronic flare carrying case and system

Abstract

To provide a carrying cases for electronic flares or other electronic signal emitting devices and related systems.SOLUTION: A carrying case 12 for electronic flares 14 comprises: a case body having an exposed surface; a plurality of flare holding positions 18 on the exposed surface; and a handle 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the fields of electronics and traffic engineering, and more particularly to a portable device, portable warning light system and method for indicating hazards or intended routes of travel on roads and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic warning lights are sometimes used in a variety of applications to warn drivers / pedestrians of hazards, demarcate construction areas or detours, illuminate disabled or parked vehicles, and for other purposes. Currently available electronic warning lights include compact warning lights that are placed along roads, on disabled / parked vehicles, at demarcation points, etc., and may incorporate illuminated light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Examples of electronic warning lights are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,088,222; 7,106,179; 8,154,424; 8,550,653; 8,564,456; 8,579,460; 9,288,088; 9,835,319; D510,289; D515,957; and D515,960. Nos. D58, D560,533, D654,387, D669,805, D778,752, and D778,753, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0113634 and 2016 / 0186971, the entire disclosures of each such patent and application being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.71(e), this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection, and the owner of this patent document retains all copyrights, if any. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an electronic warning light carrying case and system including a carrying case in combination with a plurality of electronic warning lights and associated devices for deploying, controlling, and retrieving the plurality of electronic warning lights. Unless otherwise specified, the term "electronic warning lights" as used herein is intended to specifically describe warning lights that emit light, but also to include signaling devices that emit signals other than light, such as sound or electronic or other signals that are detectable by a human or by a device configured to receive such signals.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a carrying case for an electronic warning light is provided, comprising: a body having a front and a rear surface; a plurality of warning light holding positions on the front and / or rear surface; and a handle. Each warning light holding position may include at least one warning light locator for guiding placement of the warning light in the warning light holding position; and at least one removable mounting member for removably holding the warning light in place in the warning light holding position. Such a warning light locator may include, for example, a cavity, recess, ridge, rib, bump, alignment surface, guide member, or other structure or device configured to guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and / or rotational orientation of the warning light when placed in the warning light holding position. In some embodiments, the warning light locator may include a connector for removably attaching the warning light to the case. In some embodiments, the warning light can be illuminated while placed in the warning light holding position on the case. The warning light holding position and / or locator and / or connector may be configured for use with electronic warning lights of various sizes and / or shapes, such as common shapes selected from rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, circular, oval, oval, polygonal, star, etc. In some embodiments, multiple warning lights may be positioned on only one side of the case, while in other embodiments, multiple warning lights may be positioned on both sides of the case.

[0006] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type described above, or other carrying case for an electronic warning light, which includes devices and circuitry (e.g., a power cord for connecting the case to a power outlet, a battery, etc.) usable to charge the rechargeable warning light when placed in the warning light holding position.

[0007] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type described above, or other carrying case for an electronic warning light, including a switching device for automatically turning on or activating the warning light when removed from the case.

[0008] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type described above, or a carrying case for an electronic warning light, including a remote controller for controlling the warning light. Such a remote controller may include a wireless transceiver for communicating with the warning light, a microcontroller, and a user interface. In some embodiments, the warning light may be controlled by a remote controller included in or on the case, or alternatively, by another device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, desktop computer, dedicated remote controller, or other device programmed to provide remote control of the warning light.

[0009] Further in accordance with the present invention, there may be provided a carrying case of the type described above, or other carrying case for an electronic warning light, that includes a device usable to guide or assist in the placement of the warning light. Such a device usable to guide or assist in the placement of the warning light may be selected from, for example, an extendable elongated member, an elongated member having a plurality of warning light position indicators at spaced apart positions, an elongated member with a device for mounting or coupling the plurality of warning lights at a plurality of spaced apart positions, a plurality of light emitters that emit light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the plurality of warning lights are to be positioned, or a laser emitter that emits laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the plurality of warning lights are to be positioned. In embodiments in which the device includes an elongated member or tether, the case may further include a winding or other winding or collecting device for winding or collecting the elongated member or tether for storage when not in use.

[0010] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of electronic warning lights and a carrying case configured to carry the plurality of warning lights on or within the case, the system further including at least one component selected from a device operable to automatically turn on or activate the plurality of warning lights when removed from the case, a device operable to deliver an electrical charge to the plurality of warning lights while the plurality of warning lights are disposed on or within the case, a device operable to enable deployment and / or retrieval of the plurality of warning lights, and a device operable to remotely control the plurality of warning lights. The case may be of any suitable type, such as a case forming an enclosure that carries the plurality of warning lights therein, or a case having one or more exterior or exposed walls or surfaces that carry the plurality of warning lights.

[0011] Further in accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods of using the carrying cases and systems disclosed herein. Further aspects and details of the present invention will be understood from the detailed description and examples set forth below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] The following detailed description and examples are presented to non-exhaustively illustrate some, but not necessarily all, examples or embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable warning light system of the present invention including a carrying case of the present invention, with multiple warning lights mounted on the front and / or rear of the carrying case. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable warning light system of the present invention including a carrying case of the present invention, wherein a plurality of warning lights are mounted on the front and / or rear of the carrying case. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3 is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 that is more suitable for carrying multiple warning lights having a generally rounded shape (e.g., circular, oval, star-shaped, asterisk-shaped, etc.) than warning lights having a generally rectangular shape (e.g., rectangular, rectangle with rounded corners, square, etc.). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable warning light system of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable warning light system of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable warning light system of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a portable warning light system of the present invention incorporating an optional warning light tether. [Figure 10]1 illustrates one embodiment of a portable warning light system of the present invention including a) an optional power source, b) an optional remote controller, and c) an optional laser that projects one or more straight lines onto an adjacent surface to guide subsequent placement of multiple warning lights. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a portable warning light system of the present invention including a) an optional power source, b) an optional remote controller, and c) an optional laser that projects one or more straight lines onto an adjacent surface to guide subsequent placement of multiple warning lights. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a portable warning light system of the present invention incorporating an optional switching device for automatically turning on the warning light when removed from the carrying case and / or turning off the warning light when reattached to the carrying case. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating several steps of a method of using the portable warning light system of the present invention incorporating an optional rechargeable power source and an optional switching device for automatically turning on the warning light when removed from the carrying case and / or turning off the warning light when the warning light is reinstalled in the carrying case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings to which it refers 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 this detailed description and the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0014] The carrying cases of the present invention may be configured to carry any suitable number of warning lights. For example, Figure 1 illustrates a portable warning light system 10 of the present invention in which the carrying case 12 is usable to carry up to ten warning lights 14, and Figure 2 illustrates a portable warning light system 10a of the present invention in which the carrying case 12 is usable to carry up to six warning lights. Other sizes and configurations may alternatively be used in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] As shown in the drawings, each carrying case 12 may include a body (e.g., a flat, planar body or any other suitable body configuration) having a front surface 21 a and a rear surface 12 b. A plurality of warning light holding positions 18 are formed on the front surface 12 a and / or rear surface 12 b. A plurality of warning lights 14 may be mounted in the plurality of warning light holding positions 18. The case 12 may have a handle 16.

[0016] In some embodiments, each warning light holding position 18 may include one or more warning light locators to guide the placement of the warning light 14 at that warning light holding position 18. In the examples shown, such warning light locators include a plurality of shallow locator wells (e.g., cavities or recesses) defined by a plurality of perimeter walls 20 corresponding to a plurality of perimeter configurations of the warning light 14, with the plurality of warning lights 14 inserted and mounted in specific positions and rotational orientations within each locator well. As an alternative to the plurality of locator wells shown in these examples, one or more warning light locators may be used, such as, for example, other cavities, other recesses, ridges, ribs, bumps, alignment surfaces, guide members, or other structures or devices configured to guide or indicate the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and / or rotational orientation of the warning light 14 when placed in the warning light holding position 18.

[0017] The case 12 further includes removable mounting members 22 that removably hold the warning lights 14 in place at the warning light holding positions 18. In the illustrated example, the removable mounting members 22 include magnets that interact with ferromagnetic regions or other magnets disposed on the warning lights 14 to hold the warning lights 14 in place when positioned at the warning light holding positions 18. As an alternative to magnets, any suitable type of removable connector may be used. For example, the removable mounting members 22 may include other magnets, hooks, pins, fasteners, adhesive, hook-and-loop material (e.g., Velcro), a bayonet fixture, a friction fit rim, or other device that removably holds the warning lights 14 in place at their warning light holding positions 18.

[0018] In some applications, the case 12 may be used to carry multiple warning lights 14 that are non-rechargeable, for example, powered by rechargeable alkaline batteries. However, in other applications, the case 12 may be used to carry multiple warning lights 14 that have a rechargeable power source (e.g., rechargeable batteries). To enable recharging of the multiple rechargeable warning lights 14 when placed in the multiple warning light holding position 18, some embodiments of the case may optionally incorporate electrical contacts 24 and other circuitry / devices for charging the multiple rechargeable warning lights 14 when mounted in the multiple warning light holding position 18. In some such embodiments, the optional recharging circuitry / devices may include a power cord for connecting the case to a power outlet (e.g., a 9V or 12V power outlet, 110-240 AC mains, etc.) for placement in a building, garage, emergency vehicle, etc.

[0019] The example shown in FIGS. 1-4B shows a plurality of warning light holding positions 18 and a plurality of warning lights 14 that are generally rectangular (i.e., rectangular with rounded corners). However, the plurality of warning light holding positions 18 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of warning lights of any suitable shape, including, for example, other generally rectangular, square, round, oval, oval, polygonal, star-shaped, asterisk-shaped, multi-lobar, etc. By way of example, FIG. 5 shows an alternative version of the embodiment seen in FIG. 1 in which the plurality of warning light holding positions 18 are configured to hold a plurality of warning lights that are generally circular (e.g., warning lights having a round body and small radial protrusions resulting in a star- or asterisk-like peripheral configuration). This is just one of many possible shapes for the plurality of warning lights 14. Non-limiting examples of warning lights that may be used in combination with the carrying case 12 of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, the warning lights disclosed in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,088,222, 7,106,179, 8,154,424, 8,550,653, 8,564,456, 8,579,460, 9,288,088, and 9,288,088. and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0113634 and 2016 / 0186971. Other non-limiting examples of warning lights that may be used in conjunction with the carrying case 12 of the present invention include, but are not limited to, LED warning lights commercially available from Pi Variables, Inc. of Tustin, California, Wagan Corporation of Hayward, California, Aervoe of Gardnerville, Nevada, and Powerflare Corporation of Menlo Park, California.

[0020] In addition to functioning as a carrying case 12 and / or charging station, the carrying case 12 and system 10, 10a of the present invention can also be used to protect individuals (e.g., emergency responders, road maintenance workers, stranded drivers, individuals deploying or retrieving warning lights 14, etc.). Because the multiple warning lights 14 are mounted on the exterior of the case 12, the multiple warning lights 14 may, in some cases, be enabled to continue emitting light when mounted in the multiple warning light holding position 18. This differs from currently available storage cases for electronic or LED warning lights, in which the multiple warning lights are located inside the case and must be opened to allow the multiple warning lights to be inserted or removed. An advantage of this style of case 12, in which the multiple warning lights are located on the exterior wall or an exposed wall or surface of the case, is that personnel do not need to open the carrying case or place it on the ground or in the trunk of a vehicle to deploy or retrieve the multiple warning lights. Rather, multiple warning lights may be mounted on the exterior of the case 12 of the present invention, and such multiple warning lights may continue to emit light, if desired, while the worker continues to hold the case 12. In this manner, light is emitted from the case 12 while the case 12 is being carried by an individual, thereby making the individual's location more visible to oncoming traffic.

[0021] In some examples, the multiple warning lights 14 may be configured to turn off all of the multiple warning lights 14 in response to pressing a single off button on one of the multiple warning lights or elsewhere (e.g., Pi-Lit® Sequencing Road Surface Flare available from Pi Variable, Inc. of Tustin, California). When such multiple warning lights 14 are used, an individual collecting the flashing multiple warning lights 14 from multiple locations along the roadway can continue to flash one or more of the multiple warning lights 14 after one or more of the multiple warning lights 14 have been collected and placed in one or more warning light holding locations 18 on the case 12, thereby allowing the multiple warning lights 14 on the case 12 to clearly indicate the individual's location along the roadway when the individual completes the warning light collection process. After all of the multiple warning lights have been collected and the individual has moved out of harm's way, the flashing multiple warning lights 14 are turned off (individually or, if possible, all at once) so that they no longer emit light while stowed in the vehicle or elsewhere.

[0022] Optional automatic activation and / or deactivation of multiple warning lights The warning lights can be programmed to illuminate when removed from their magnetic attachment to the carrying case. As seen in the example system 10f (with tether) shown in Figure 9, the carrying case 12f (with tether) is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 8, but item 102 indicates that the warning lights are removed from the carrying case and turned on.

[0023] This can be accomplished by removing the power supplied to the warning lights from the case. An internal rechargeable battery within the carrying case supplies voltage to the enable pin of the voltage regulator. When this voltage is removed by removing the warning lights from the case, the enable pin begins powering the warning lights using its own battery power. When the warning lights are removed, the loss of power turns the warning lights on. Another approach is to trigger the warning lights to turn on by the presence and absence of a magnet. Another activation approach may be implemented using a magnetic proximity sensor. When the warning light is removed from the carrying case, a sensor within the warning light, separated from a small magnet (e.g., rare earth) embedded in the carrying case, activates a Hall-effect sensor, reed switch, or other magnetic device, turning the warning light on due to the light's separation from the case. The advantage of turning on the warning light when removed from the case is that personnel (police, fire, utility, civilian, etc.) do not have to search for a button in the dark or while in a busy road or other dangerous area. Additionally, turning on the warning light when removed from the case allows for faster deployment.

[0024] Optional device for remote control of multiple warning lights Using wireless communication, the plurality of warning lights 14 equipped with a plurality of wireless receivers attached to the carrying case may be remotely controlled using any suitable type of remote control device, including, but not limited to, a cell phone as a handheld remote controller, a tablet computer, or other computing device programmed to control the plurality of warning lights, as well as dedicated remote controllers, remote controllers mounted on or within the case, remote controllers located in emergency vehicles, etc. The use of software applications on the cell phone, tablet, etc. provides a method for updates, including fixes and / or new features, to be pushed to personnel via the cellular network. In some embodiments, firmware improvements may be applied to the plurality of LED warning lights 14 using a cell phone and carrying case combination.

[0025] In some cases, the necessary remote controller equipment and electronic circuitry may be integrated directly into the carrying case 12, making the case itself a remote control unit. For example, a microcontroller and wireless transceiver integrated into the carrying case's plastic enclosure may be controlled by tactile momentary contact switches or capacitance-sensing switches located on the surface of the carrying case, voice commands, mechanical impacts, or rotational gestures. Multiple signals generated and transmitted by the carrying case can control the lamp's flash pattern, brightness, on / off state, pattern progression direction, simultaneous flashing, and flash direction and selection of flashing LEDs. This would provide an operator with an always-available remote control system capable of manipulating various operating parameters of the warning light from distances of over 300 meters. Rather than placing a cellular module within each lamp, a single cellular communication device is placed within the carrying case to communicate with an unlimited number of warning lights 14 via a mesh network from locations limited only by internet availability. For example, an operator could remotely control multiple warning lights 14 via a cellular node located within the carrying case. The features that can be remotely controlled include, but are not limited to: Selection of specific flashing patterns (e.g., rapid flashing progression, slow flashing progression, warning light flashes in groups (e.g., two at a time), long flashes per flash, short flashes per flash, etc.), Select which LEDs to flash (e.g. top or side LEDs), Reversing or alternating the sequence and direction of flashing, Turning multiple warning lights 14 on and off with or without saving previously set flashing patterns; Locking buttons or other control inputs on the multiple warning lights 14 to prevent unwanted or unintentional inputs or changes to settings by unauthorized personnel; and / or - Checking the battery status of each lamp.

[0026] In some embodiments, the device for remotely controlling the multiple warning lights 14 may be integrated into the carrying case 12 or linked to a dedicated control device, such as a handheld remote controller or a remote control console mounted on an emergency vehicle or the like. FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of a carrying case / warning light system 10g, in which the carrying case 12g includes an optional remote control device 40 and other optional features described elsewhere in this specification. The carrying case uses a charging carrying case to carry a “translator” between Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, cellular, or other communication protocols. Electronic wireless emitting warning lights can operate via several different wireless communication protocols. The ubiquity of mobile smartphones provides the opportunity for smartphone applications to control various operating parameters of warning lights from a distance. However, current smartphone technology is limited to using Bluetooth, cellular, or Wi-Fi to connect to local devices. Warning lights may use Zigbee or other protocols, and a “translator” circuit board is embedded in the carrying case to connect the mobile phone to the flashing light. This allows a simple, user-friendly graphical user interface on a smartphone to be used as the control screen for the flashing warning lights. This addition would also allow for remote control of the flashing multiple warning lights 14 via internet and cellular communications. When multiple warning lights are in use, the carrying case is always present, so the necessary translator is always within range.

[0027] In the example of Fig. 10, case 12g includes an integrated case remote control 40 that includes a wireless transceiver and a microcontroller with a user interface. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the user interface includes a number of buttons 41 labeled "Prohibit," "Pattern," "Top" / "Side," "Flip," "Group," and "Off," with indicator lights 43, such as small LEDs, next to each button. The integrated case remote control 40 shown in the example of Fig. 10 can be used as follows.

[0028] Inhibit - This function allows the operator to pause the flashing of the warning lights 14 while maintaining the current sequence and other settings. When the button 41 labeled "Inhibit" is pressed, the indicator 43 next to that button is illuminated and all warning lights 14 are controlled to stop flashing but continue to communicate wirelessly with adjacent warning lights 14 to maintain their sequence order. If the button 41 labeled "Inhibit" is then pressed again, the associated indicator 41 is turned off and the warning lights 14 once again begin flashing in the previously determined sequence according to the previously set pattern and other programmed settings.

[0029] Pattern—The button 41 labeled “Pattern” may be used to select a particular warning light flashing pattern from a number of preprogrammed flashing pattern options stored in the microcontroller. The user can select a desired flashing pattern by repeatedly pressing the “Pattern” button, corresponding to the selected flashing pattern. For example, pressing the “Pattern” button 41 once will cause the warning lights 14 to flash according to preprogrammed pattern #1, and the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button 41 will flash with a single flash, indicating that pattern #1 is currently selected. For example, pressing the “Pattern” button 41 twice in succession will cause the warning lights 14 to flash according to preprogrammed pattern #2, and the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button will periodically flash twice, indicating that pattern #2 is currently selected. For example, pressing the “Pattern” button 41 three times in succession will cause the warning lights 14 to flash according to preprogrammed pattern #3, and the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button will periodically flash three groups of flashes, indicating that pattern #3 is currently selected. Alternatively, a single press of the button advances through the options, wrapping around to the first (default) option when the final option is reached. In this example, the remote controller 40 may store five or more selectable flashing patterns, such as a rapid flashing progression (pattern #1), a slow flashing progression (pattern #2), a long flash per flash (pattern #3), a short flash per flash (pattern #4), and a pair of warning lights 14 flashing (pattern #5). In some embodiments, one of the available patterns may be a steady light pattern in which all of the multiple warning lights illuminate continuously without flickering or flashing. Other optional flashing patterns (e.g., long-short-long or long-long-short) may also be provided.

[0030] Top / Side—In some embodiments, the warning lights 14 can emit light from one or more sides of the warning lights 14, and the warning lights 14 can include sensors on or from the top of the warning lights 14, including a gravity-actuated switch or orientation sensor that can automatically switch the warning lights 14 between side-illumination and top-illumination modes depending on whether the warning lights are in a horizontal or vertical position. Examples of such warning lights 14 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,835,319, cited above. When such warning lights are used with the case 12f of FIG. 10, a user can use the button 41 labeled “Top / Side” to control whether the warning lights 14 are operating in top-illumination mode or side-illumination mode. For example, pressing the "Top / Side" button 41 once will operate the multiple warning lights 14 in automatic mode based on input from the gravity-activated switch or attitude sensor to each warning light and the indicator light 41 next to "Top / Side," and the "Top / Side" button 41 will flash with one light to indicate that the multiple warning lights are operating in automatic or "default" mode. Pressing the "Top / Side" button 41 twice in succession will operate all of the controlled multiple warning lights 14 in side-emitting mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "Top / Side" button will flash with two light bursts in a cycle to indicate that side-emitting mode is currently selected. Pressing the "Top / Side" button 41 three times in succession will operate all of the controlled multiple warning lights 14 in top-emitting mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "Top / Side" button will flash with three light bursts in a cycle to indicate that the multiple warning lights are in top-emitting mode.

[0031] REVERSE - The button 41 labeled "REVERSE" may be used to reverse the order in which the controlled warning lights 14 flash. For example, if a row or series of ten warning lights 14 are being controlled, the warning lights 14 may be initially configured to automatically flash in a sequential order beginning with warning light "1" and ending with warning light "10." When activated in this default state, the indicator 41 next to the "REVERSE" button 43 is not illuminated. However, pressing the "REVERSE" button causes the warning lights 14 to flash in a reversed order, beginning with warning light "10" and ending with warning light "1," and the indicator 41 next to the "REVERSE" button 43 is illuminated to indicate that the warning lights 14 are flashing in the reversed order.

[0032] Group—In some applications, multiple warning lights may be arranged in different groups, and the remote controller 40 may be used to control more than one group of warning lights 14. The button 41 labeled “Group” may be used to select a specific group of warning lights 14 to be controlled. Each group may be configured to perform differently and independently from one or more other groups. There is no limit to the number of warning lights 14 in any group, even if multiple groups operate in close proximity. For example, the microcontroller of the remote controller 40 may support multiple different group ID selections, and the button 41 labeled “Group” may be pressed a specific number of times to select a specific group of warning lights 14 for control. For example, pressing the “Group” button 41 once will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the warning lights 14 in group ID #1, and the indicator 43 next to the “Group” button 41 will flash once to indicate that group ID #1 is currently being controlled. When the "Group" button 41 is pressed twice in succession, the remote controller 40 communicates with the warning light 14 of group ID #2, and the indicator 43 next to the "Pattern" button, for example, flashes twice periodically to indicate that group ID #2 is currently being controlled.

[0033] OFF - Pressing the button 43 labeled "OFF" will turn off all currently controlled warning lights 14. This allows a user to safely turn off all warning lights 14 rather than requiring the user to individually turn off each warning light 14. In contrast to using the "Inhibit" button 43 described above, pressing the "OFF" button 43 will cause all of the controlled warning lights 14 to stop communicating with adjacent warning lights and will invalidate any previously identified sequence of warning lights 14.

[0034] Optional device for assisting in the placement and / or retrieval of multiple warning lights The present invention also provides a warning light carrying case that includes one or more devices to assist in the placement and / or retrieval of the warning light 14.

[0035] For example, FIG. 9 shows a warning light system 10f (with tether) in which a case 12f (with tether) incorporates a reeling device 30 and a retractable / extendable tether 32 that can be used to enable the placement of multiple warning lights 14 in a linear fashion. The tether 32 can be made of any suitable material (e.g., cloth or woven polymer ribbon, string, cable, etc.) and can be of any suitable width and length (e.g., approximately 150 feet long). The reeling device 30 can be mounted within or on the carrying case of any type of warning light, or attached as a separate unit. The reeling device 30 can be rotatable by a hand crank, electric motor, or other suitable mechanism, or alternatively, can be spring-loaded, such that the tether 32 is pulled out and secured to an extended position for use, and then retracted onto the reeling device 30 after use by releasing the lock and allowing the spring load of the reeling device 30 to reel in the tether 32.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9 , multiple warning light position indicators 34 may be provided at spaced locations on the tether 32 to allow for placement of the multiple warning lights 14 at desired intervals along a line defined by the extended tether 32. Such warning light position indicators 34, in some embodiments, may include multiple markings indicating multiple locations where the multiple warning lights are positioned to provide a specific desired spacing between the multiple warning lights. In other embodiments, such as the example shown in FIG. 9 , the multiple warning light position indicator may include multiple connectors (e.g., mechanical, magnetic, frictional, etc.) that actually couple or attach the multiple warning lights 14 to the tether 32. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 9 , the multiple warning light position indicators 34 include multiple ferromagnetic members (e.g., multiple ferrite washers) spaced at desired intervals (e.g., every 10 feet), and the multiple warning lights 14 have multiple magnets that attach the multiple warning lights to the multiple ferromagnetic members. The magnets on the warning lights 14 may also be used to magnetically attach the warning lights to the carrying case 12f (with tether) or other carrying case 12 in the manner described above. In some embodiments, the distance between the warning light position indicators 34 may be variable. For example, the tether 32 may have color-coded connectors for coupling ferrite washers to the tether at different intervals. This allows the operator to select the desired spacing (e.g., every 3 meters, every 5 meters, etc.) for a particular application.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , an operator can extend and secure the tether 32 to an extended position above the road surface and then attach the warning lights 14 to the warning light position indicator 34, thereby positioning the multiple warning lights in a generally straight line at a desired spacing. The multiple warning lights 14 may then be used and controlled as described herein. After use, the multiple warning lights 14 and tether 32 can be retrieved by pulling the tether 32 with both hands to a safe location, along with the multiple warning lights 14 attached. This allows the operator to retrieve the multiple warning lights 14 without having to walk toward traffic to pick them up again. The multiple warning lights 14 can then be detached from the tether 32 and stored in the case 12f (with the tether), after which the tether 32 can be rewound to its stored position on the reel 30.

[0038] In some applications, the tether may be unwound or reeled out from the reel 30, and the multiple warning lights 14 may initially be coupled or attached to the tether 32 while in a safe location, such as a position blocked by a parked emergency or work vehicle. The tether 32 and attached case 12f are then held securely in place (e.g., by attaching the case 12f to the rear of a parked vehicle or other stationary object), or, if the proximal end of the tether 32 is not attached to a case, the proximal end of the tether 32 is attached directly to the vehicle or stationary object by any suitable connector, such as a hook, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. A worker can then grasp the free (e.g., distal) end of the tether 32 and walk along the roadway (e.g., upstream toward traffic) while pulling the tether 32 and the attached multiple warning lights 14 together. As the worker walks toward oncoming traffic, the multiple warning lights 14 are unwound and come to rest in the straight line dictated by the tether 32. By configuration or instruction, multiple warning lights 14 may be attached to only one side of tether 32, as seen in the example of Figure 9. The sides of tether 32 may, in some embodiments, be different colors for easy identification by an operator. When tether 32 is tensioned by an operator, all warning lights 14 are on the same side of tether 32 and all warning lights 14 are properly oriented so that light from multiple warning lights 14 is emitted in the intended manner and observed by oncoming traffic.

[0039] Another example is a laser emitter 44 that emits a laser light 46 onto a road or other surface to create a line or other pattern that can be used as a guide for arranging multiple warning lights 14 in a line or other desired configuration, as shown in Figures 10 and 10A. The laser emitter 44 may be powered by a power source 42, such as a battery within the case, or by connecting the case 12g by wire to a power outlet located on a nearby vehicle or structure. The laser emitter 44 can be powered on and off, or can automatically power off after a period of time, such as 10 minutes.

[0040] In embodiments incorporating one or more of the novel functional features described above, the carrying case for the warning light may not be a passive device used solely for mobility, but rather may be an active device providing charging of the warning light, control / communication of the warning light, location and / or optical alignment of the warning light, assisted placement, placement and / or retrieval of the warning light, and / or automatic turning on or activation of the warning light when the warning light is removed from the case.

[0041] While the present invention has been described with respect to several examples or embodiments thereof, it should be appreciated that various additions, deletions, modifications, and alterations may be made to those described examples or embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, any element, step, member, component, structure, reactant, part, or portion of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example unless otherwise specified or unless it would render the embodiment or example unsuitable for its intended use. Also, when steps of a method or process are described or listed in a particular order, the order of such steps may be changed unless otherwise specified or unless it would render the method or process unsuitable for its intended purpose. Furthermore, any element, step, member, component, structure, reactant, part, or portion of any invention or example described herein may be present or utilized where necessary in the absence or substantially absence of any other element, step, member, component, structure, reactant, part, or portion, unless otherwise specified. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications and variations are to be considered equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. The technical ideas included in this disclosure are described below as appendices. [Appendix 1] 1. A system comprising: a plurality of electronic warning lights; a carrying case for the plurality of electronic warning lights, the carrying case including a case body, a plurality of warning light holding positions, and a wireless communication device; and a software application loadable onto a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device to provide internet or cellular communication between the mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device onto which the software application is loaded and the wireless communication device. [Appendix 2] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrying case further includes a remote control unit configured to control operation of a plurality of electronic warning lights located remotely from the carrying case. [Appendix 3] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of warning light holding positions of the carrying case include a plurality of electrical contacts that establish electrical connections with a plurality of electronic warning lights mounted in the plurality of warning light holding positions. [Appendix 4] 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the software application enables use of a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device to transmit information to the carrying case and to a plurality of electronic warning lights attached to the plurality of warning light holding locations. [Appendix 5] 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the information is selected from a firmware update and a remote control signal for controlling operation of the plurality of electronic warning lights. [Appendix 6] 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the carrying case is configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of electronic warning lights positioned remotely from the carrying case. [Appendix 7] 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the software application enables use of a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device to send information to the carrying case, which then transmits the information from the carrying case via wireless communication to a plurality of electronic warning lights located remotely from the carrying case. [Appendix 8] transmitting information to the carrying case and then transmitting the information from the carrying case by wireless communication to a plurality of electronic warning lights located remotely from the carrying case; Firmware updates and Selecting a specific blinking pattern, Choice of top or side flashing, Change the sequence or blinking direction, turning the plurality of electronic warning lights on and off with or without saving a previously set flashing pattern; locking buttons or other control inputs on said plurality of electronic warning lights to prevent unwanted or unintentional changes to settings by unauthorized persons; and and a remote control signal for one or more of: verifying the battery status of the plurality of electronic warning lights. [Appendix 9] The blinking patterns that can be selected are: 9. The system of claim 8, including one or more of a fast flashing progression, a slow flashing progression, a long light per flash, a short light per flash, a pair of flashing electronic warning lights, all of the plurality of electronic warning lights continuously lit without flickering or flashing, a long-short-long flashing pattern, and a long-long-short flashing pattern. [Appendix 10] 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights are configured for wireless communication, and the carrying case includes a translator circuit for enabling communication between a cellular network and the plurality of electronic warning lights located remotely from the carrying case. [Appendix 11] 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the translator circuitry is configured to translate between a plurality of communication protocols selected from Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, and cellular. [Appendix 12] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of warning light holding positions are disposed on an exterior surface of the carrying case. [Appendix 13] 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of warning light holding positions hold the plurality of electronic warning lights such that the plurality of electronic warning lights positioned in the plurality of warning light holding positions emit light that is visible from outside the carrying case. [Appendix 14] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each warning light holding location includes at least one warning light locator that guides placement of an electronic warning light at the warning light holding location, and at least one mounting member that removably holds the electronic warning light at the warning light holding location. [Appendix 15] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of warning light holding positions are configured to hold a plurality of electronic warning lights having a rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, asterisk, or star shape. [Appendix 16] 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights are configured to be attachable to the plurality of warning light holding positions and positionable at a distance from the carrying case. [Appendix 17] 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the carrying case is configured to transmit a plurality of remote control signals to the plurality of electronic warning lights located at a location remote from the carrying case. [Appendix 18] 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights flash in different flashing patterns, and the plurality of remote control signals control the flashing patterns in which the plurality of electronic warning lights flash. [Appendix 19] 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights selectively emit light from a top of the plurality of electronic warning lights or a side of the plurality of electronic warning lights, and the plurality of remote control signals control whether the plurality of electronic warning lights emit light from a top of the plurality of electronic warning lights or a side of the plurality of electronic warning lights. [Appendix 20] 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights emit flashing lights in sequence, and the plurality of remote control signals reverse the sequence in which the plurality of electronic warning lights emit flashing lights. [Appendix 21] 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of remote control signals turn the plurality of electronic warning lights on or off. [Appendix 22] 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights are powered by a plurality of batteries, each of which is associated with a respective one of the plurality of electronic warning lights, and wherein the wireless communication device is configured to remotely check a status of the plurality of batteries powering the plurality of electronic warning lights.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a plurality of electronic warning lights; and a carrying case configured to carry the plurality of electronic warning lights, the carrying case comprising a handle, a plurality of warning light holding positions, a plurality of detachable mounting members for removably holding the plurality of electronic warning lights in the plurality of warning light holding positions, and a device used to power the plurality of electronic warning lights while the plurality of electronic warning lights are mounted in the plurality of warning light holding positions; The carrying case has a configuration in which the plurality of warning light holding locations are disposed on at least one exterior surface of the carrying case.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights are capable of emitting light while attached to the plurality of warning light holding locations located on at least one exterior surface of the carrying case.

3. the plurality of electronic warning lights can emit light from above, 3. The system of claim 2, wherein when attached to the plurality of warning light holding positions located on at least one exterior surface of the carrying case, the bottom surfaces of the plurality of electronic warning lights are positioned in contact with the carrying case, and the top surfaces of the plurality of electronic warning lights are fully exposed so that light emitted from the top surfaces of the plurality of electronic warning lights is projected onto a plurality of visible positions outside the carrying case.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the handle is configured to allow a user to grasp the handle and carry the carrying case while light irradiating from the top surface of the plurality of electronic warning lights is projected onto a plurality of visible locations on the exterior of the carrying case.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of electronic warning lights can be turned on and / or off by a single on / off button.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each warning light holding location includes any one of cavities, recesses, ridges, ribs, bumps, alignment surfaces, guide members, and other structures or devices configured to guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and rotational orientation of the electronic warning light when placed in the warning light holding location.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting member comprises a magnet, hook, pin, fastener, adhesive, hook-and-loop material, bayonet fixture, friction-fit rim, or other device that removably holds the electronic warning light in place at the warning light holding location.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights have a shape selected from a rectangle, a rectangle with rounded corners, a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a polygon, an asterisk, and a star.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrying case further includes a laser emitter that emits a laser beam onto a road or other surface to create an illumination line or other pattern that can be used as a guide for arranging the plurality of electronic warning lights in a linear or desired pattern.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a remote controller for controlling the plurality of electronic warning lights.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the remote controller is located within the carrying case.

12. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote controller comprises a device selected from a handheld remote controller, an in-vehicle remote controller, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and other computing devices programmed to control the plurality of electronic warning lights.

13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the remote controller controls the plurality of electronic warning lights via wireless communication.

14. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote controller includes a cellular node that enables an operator to control the plurality of electronic warning lights from a remote location via the cellular node.

15. a wireless communication device that communicates with the remote controller; a software application loadable onto a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device to provide internet or cellular communication between the mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device onto which the software application is loaded and the wireless communication device in communication with the remote controller; 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the software application is configured to enable transmission of internet or cellular control signals to the wireless communication device, thereby enabling the remote controller to transmit wireless remote control signals to the plurality of electronic warning lights while the plurality of electronic warning lights are located away from the carrying case.

16. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the wireless communication device is operable to transmit information selected from setting or program changes, new features, and firmware updates to the plurality of electronic warning lights.

17. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the remote controller includes a translator circuit for translating between a plurality of communication protocols.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the translator circuitry is configured to translate between a plurality of communication protocols selected from a Bluetooth protocol, a Zigbee protocol, a WiFi protocol, a cellular protocol, a wireless protocol, and other communication protocols.

19. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights are configured to function as a mesh network.

20. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic warning lights are battery powered, and the battery charge status of each electronic warning light can be checked from a remote location.

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