Portable Case and System for a Portable Electronic Warning Light

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] The present invention generally relates to the fields of electronics and traffic engineering, and more particularly to portable devices, portable warning light systems and methods for indicating danger or an intended path of movement, such as on a road.

Background Art

[0002] Electronic warning lights are sometimes used for various purposes to warn drivers / pedestrians of danger, to demarcate construction areas or detours, to illuminate disabled or parked vehicles, and for other purposes. Currently available electronic warning lights include compact warning lights that can be placed along the road, on disabled / parked vehicles, at boundary points, etc., and incorporate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that light up. 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, D515,958, D560,533, D654,387, D669,805, D778,752, D778,753, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0113634 and 2016 / 0186971, and the entire disclosure of each such patent and application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

[0003] In accordance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.71(e), this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection, and the owner of this patent document retains all copyrights in any such material.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a portable case for an electronic flare, including a plurality of electronic flares, and a portable case and system of electronic flares in combination with associated devices for positioning, controlling, and retrieving the plurality of electronic flares. Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality of electronic flares" as used herein is construed to include not only warning lights that emit light, but also signaling devices that emit signals other than light, such as sounds or electronic or other signals that can be sensed by a human or a device configured to receive such signals.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable case for an electronic flare, 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 the placement of the warning light at the warning light holding position, and at least one removable attachment member for removably holding the warning light in a predetermined position at the warning light holding position. Such warning light locators may include, for example, cavities, recesses, ridges, ribs, bumps, alignment surfaces, guide members, or other structures or devices configured to guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and / or rotational orientation of the warning light when disposed at 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 made to emit light while disposed at the warning light holding position on the case. The warning light holding positions and / or locators and / or connectors may be configured to be used with electronic flares of various sizes and / or shapes, such as common shapes selected from rectangles, rounded rectangles, circles, ellipses, ovals, polygons, and stars. In some embodiments, the plurality of warning lights can be disposed on only one side of the case, and in other embodiments, the plurality of warning lights can be disposed 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] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there may be provided a portable case of the type described above, or another portable case for an electronic warning light including a device that can be used to guide or assist in the placement of warning lights. Such a device that can be used to guide or assist in the placement of warning lights may be, for example, an extendable elongated member, an elongated member having a plurality of warning light position indicators at spaced positions, an elongated member provided with a device for attaching or coupling a plurality of warning lights at a plurality of spaced positions, a plurality of light emitters that emit light to illuminate a line or pattern on the surface on which the plurality of warning lights are disposed, or a laser emitter that emits laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on the surface on which the plurality of warning lights are disposed, and may be selected from these. In embodiments where the device includes an elongated member or a tether, the case may further include a winding device or other winding device or collecting device for winding or collecting the elongated member or tether when not in use.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a system including a plurality of electronic warning lights and a portable case configured to carry the plurality of warning lights on or within the case. The system further includes at least one component selected from a device that can be used to automatically turn on or activate the plurality of warning lights when removed from the case, a device that can be used to deliver an electric charge to the plurality of warning lights while the plurality of warning lights are disposed on or within the case, a device that can be used to enable the placement and / or removal of the plurality of warning lights, and a device that can be used to remotely control the plurality of warning lights. The case can be any suitable type of case, such as a case that forms an enclosure for carrying the plurality of warning lights therein, or a case having one or more outer walls or exposed walls or surfaces for carrying the plurality of warning lights.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a method of using the portable case and system disclosed herein. Further aspects and details of the present invention will be understood by reading the detailed description and examples described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The following detailed description and examples are provided to illustrate some, but not necessarily all, embodiments or implementations of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

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[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 portable case of the present invention may be configured to carry any suitable number of warning lights. For example, FIG. 1 shows a portable warning light system 10 of the present invention in which the portable case 12 can be used to carry up to 10 warning lights 14, and FIG. 2 shows a portable warning light system 10a of the present invention in which the portable case 12 can be used to carry up to 6 warning lights. Other sizes and configurations may alternatively be used in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] As shown in the drawings, each portable case 12 may include a body (e.g., a flat planar body or any other suitable body configuration) having a front surface 21a and a rear surface 12b. A plurality of warning light holding positions 18 are formed on the front surface 12a and / or the rear surface 12b. The plurality of warning lights 14 can 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 that guide the placement of the warning light 14 at that warning light holding position 18. In the example 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, and the plurality of warning lights 14 are inserted and attached in each locator well in a specific position and rotational orientation. Instead of the plurality of locator wells shown in these examples, for example, one or more warning light locators such as 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 disposed in the warning light holding position 18 may be used.

[0017] Case 12 further includes a plurality of removable attachment members 22 that removably hold a plurality of warning lights 14 in a predetermined position at a plurality of warning light holding positions 18. In the illustrated example, the plurality of removable attachment members 22 include a plurality of magnets that interact with ferromagnetic regions or other magnets disposed on the plurality of warning lights 14 to hold them in a predetermined position when the plurality of warning lights 14 are positioned at the plurality of warning light holding positions 18. As an alternative to the plurality of magnets, any suitable type of removable connector may be used. For example, the plurality of removable attachment members 22 may include other magnets, hooks, pins, fasteners, adhesives, hook and loop materials (e.g., Velcro), bayonet fixtures, friction fit rims, or other devices that removably hold the plurality of warning lights 14 in a predetermined position at their warning light holding positions 18.

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

[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, multiple warning lights 14 may be configured such that pressing a single off button, either one of the multiple warning lights or elsewhere (e.g., Pi-Lit (registered trademark) Sequencing Road Surface Flare is available from Pi Variable, Inc. of Tustin, California), causes all of the multiple warning lights 14 to turn off. When such multiple warning lights 14 are used, an individual who is collecting the multiple warning lights 14 that are flashing from multiple positions along a road can continue to flash one or more of the multiple warning lights 14 after one or more of the multiple warning lights are collected and placed in one or more warning light holding positions 18 on case 12, such that when the individual has completed the warning light collection process, the multiple warning lights 14 on case 12 can clearly indicate the individual's position along the road. After all of the multiple warning lights are collected and the individual has moved to a location where there is no danger, the multiple warning lights 14 that are flashing are turned off (either individually or, if possible, all at once) so that they no longer emit light while being stored in a vehicle or elsewhere.

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

[0023] This can be achieved by removing the power supplied from the case to the plurality of warning lights. A built-in rechargeable battery within the portable case supplies voltage to the enable pin of the voltage regulator. When this voltage is removed by removing the plurality of warning lights from the case, the enable pin starts supplying power to the plurality of warning lights using its own battery power. When the plurality of warning lights are removed, the warning lights are turned on when power is lost. Another approach is to trigger the warning lights to turn on based on the presence and absence of a magnet. Another operating approach may be implemented using a magnetic proximity sensor. When the warning light is removed from the portable case, a sensor within the warning light that is separated from a small magnet (e.g., rare earth) embedded within the portable case activates a Hall effect sensor, reed switch, or other magnetic device due to the separation of the warning light from the case, turning on the warning light. The advantage of turning on the warning light when removed from the case is that an operator (police, fire, power company, civilian, etc.) does not need to search for a button while in the dark, on a congested road, or in other dangerous areas. Further, the placement can be made faster by turning on the warning light when removed from the case.

[0024] Optional device for remote control of a plurality of 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 a particular flashing pattern (e.g., a fast flashing sequence, a slow flashing sequence, warning lights flashing 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 state of each lamp.

[0026] In some embodiments, the device for remotely controlling the plurality of warning lights 14 may be integrated into the portable case 12, or may be 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 shows a non-limiting example of a portable case / warning light system 10g, and the portable case 12g includes an optional remote control device 40 and other optional features described in other sections of the specification. The portable case uses a rechargeable portable case to carry a "translator" between Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, cellular, or other communication protocols. The electronic wireless emission warning lights can operate via several different wireless communication protocols. The ubiquity of mobile smartphones provides an opportunity for smartphone applications to control various operating parameters of remote warning lights. However, current smartphone technology is limited to using Bluetooth, cellular, or Wi-Fi for connections to local devices, and the warning lights may use Zigbee or other protocols, and a "translator" circuit board is embedded in the portable case to connect the mobile phone to the flashing lamp. This enables a simple and user-friendly graphical user interface on the smartphone to be used as a control screen for the flashing warning lights. This addition will also enable the control of multiple remotely flashing warning lights 14 via the Internet and cellular communication. Since the portable case is always present during the use of the multiple warning lights, the required 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 plurality of warning lights 14 can emit light from one or more sides of the plurality of warning lights 14, and the plurality of warning lights 14 can include a plurality of sensors on or from the top surface of the plurality of warning lights 14. A gravity-actuated switch or an attitude sensor capable of automatically switching the warning light 14 between a side illumination mode and a top illumination mode according to whether the warning light is in a horizontal position or a vertical position can be incorporated. An example of such a warning light 14 is described in the above-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 9,835,319. When such a plurality of warning lights are used with the case 12f of FIG. 10, the user can use the button 41 labeled "Top / Side" to control whether the plurality of warning lights 14 are operating in the top emission mode or the side emission mode. For example, pressing the "Top / Side" button 41 once causes the plurality of warning lights 14 to operate in the automatic mode based on the input to each warning light from the gravity-actuated switch or the attitude sensor and the indicator light 41 next to "Top / Side", and the "Top / Side" button 41 blinks with a single flash to indicate that the plurality of warning lights are operating in the automatic mode or the "default" mode. Pressing the "Top / Side" button 41 continuously twice causes all of the plurality of controlled warning lights 14 to operate in the side emission mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "Top / Side" button irradiates with two periodic flashes to indicate that the side emission mode is currently selected. Pressing the "Top / Side" button 41 continuously three times causes all of the plurality of controlled warning lights 14 to operate in the top emission mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "Top / Side" button irradiates with a group of three periodic flashes to indicate that the plurality of warning lights have selected the top emission mode.

[0031] Inversion - The button 41 labeled "Inversion" may be used to reverse the order in which a plurality of controlled warning lights 14 blink. For example, when one row or a series of ten warning lights 14 are being controlled, they may be initially set to blink automatically in a sequential order starting with warning light "1" and ending with warning light "10". When operating in such an initial setting state, the indicator 41 next to the "Inversion" button 43 does not light up. However, when the "Inversion" button is pressed, the warning lights blink in a reversed order starting with warning light "10" and ending with warning light "1", and the indicator 41 next to the "Inversion" button 43 lights up to indicate that the warning lights 14 are blinking in the reversed order.

[0032] Group - In some applications, a plurality of 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 set to operate differently and independently from one or more other groups. The number of warning lights 14 within any group is not limited, even if multiple groups are operating in proximity. For example, the microcontroller of the remote controller 40 has a plurality of 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 causes the remote controller 40 to communicate with the warning lights 14 of group ID #1, and the indicator 43 next to the "Group" button 41 blinks once to indicate that group ID #1 is currently being controlled. Pressing the "Group" button 41 twice in succession causes the remote controller 40 to communicate with the warning lights 14 of group ID #2, and the indicator 43 next to the "Pattern" button blinks, for example, periodically twice to indicate that group ID #2 is currently being controlled.

[0033] When the button 43 labeled "Off" is pressed, all warning lights 14 that are being controlled at that time will turn off. This enables the user to turn off all warning lights 14 from a safe location, rather than requiring the user to individually turn off each warning light 14. In contrast to the use of the "Prohibit" button 43 described above, when the "Off" button 43 is pressed, all of the controlled warning lights 14 stop communicating with adjacent warning lights, and the previously identified sequence of the warning lights 14 is invalidated.

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

[0035] For example, FIG. 9 shows a warning light system 10f (with a tether), and a case 12f (with a tether) incorporates a reeling device 30 and a telescopic / retractable tether 32 that can be used to enable the placement of a plurality of linear warning lights 14. The tether 32 is made of any suitable material (e.g., cloth or woven polymer ribbon, cord, cable, etc.) and can be of any suitable width and length (e.g., about 150 feet in length). The reeling device 30 may be mounted within or on a portable case for any type of warning light, or alternatively, may be attached as a separate unit. The reeling device 30 may be rotatable by a hand crank, an electric motor, or other suitable mechanism, or alternatively, may be spring-loaded. The tether 32 is pulled out to an extended position and fixed for use, and then, after use, is pulled back onto the reeling device 30 by releasing the fixation and enabling the spring load of the reeling device 30 to wind it within 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, the operator pulls out and fixes the tether 32 to an extended position located on the road surface, then attaches the warning light 14 to the warning light position indicator 34, whereby a plurality of warning lights can be arranged substantially linearly at a desired interval. Then, the plurality of warning lights 14 may be used and controlled as described herein. After use, the plurality of warning lights 14 and the tether 32 can be retrieved by pulling the tether 32 with both hands to a safe place together with the plurality of attached warning lights 14. Thereby, the operator can retrieve the plurality of warning lights 14 without having to walk into traffic to pick up the plurality of warning lights 14 again. Then, the plurality of warning lights are removed from the tether 32 and stored in the case 12f (having the tether), and thereafter, the tether 32 can be wound back to its storage position on the winding device 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 an embodiment incorporating one or more of the novel functional features described above, the portable case for the warning light is not merely a passive device used for mobility purposes, but rather, it may be an active device that provides charging of the warning light, control / communication of the warning light, positioning and / or optical alignment of the warning light, assisted placement of the warning light, placement and / or retrieval, and / or automatic turning on or activation of the warning light when the warning light is removed from the case.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described with respect to some examples or embodiments of the present invention, it should be correctly recognized that 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 present invention. For example, any element, step, member, component, configuration, reactant, part, or portion of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example, unless otherwise specified or rendered inapplicable to its intended use. Also, if the steps of a method or process are described or enumerated in a particular order, that order may be changed, unless otherwise specified or rendered inapplicable to its intended purpose. Further, any element, step, member, component, configuration, reactant, part, or portion of any invention or example described in this specification may, if necessary, be present or utilized, or alternatively be available, in the absence or substantial absence of any other element, step, member, component, configuration, reactant, part, or portion. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications, and changes should be considered equivalent to the described examples and embodiments and be included within the scope of the following claims. The technical ideas included in the present disclosure are described below as appendices. [Appendix 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 blink 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] The translator circuit is configured to convert between a plurality of communication protocols selected from Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and cellular, the system according to appended note 10. [Appended note 12] The plurality of warning light holding positions are arranged on the outer surface of the portable case, the system according to appended note 1. [Appended note 13] The plurality of warning light holding positions hold the plurality of electronic warning lights arranged at the plurality of warning light holding positions so that the plurality of electronic warning lights emit light visible from the outside of the portable case, the system according to appended note 12. [Appended note 14] Each warning light holding position includes at least one warning light locator that guides the arrangement of the electronic warning light at the warning light holding position, and at least one attachment member that removably holds the electronic warning light at the warning light holding position, the system according to appended note 1. [Appended note 15] The plurality of warning light holding positions are configured to hold a plurality of electronic warning lights having a rectangular, rounded rectangular, circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, asterisk, or star shape, the system according to appended note 1. [Appended note 16] The plurality of electronic warning lights are configured to be attachable to the plurality of warning light holding positions and to be arranged at a position spaced apart from the portable case, the system according to appended note 1. [Appended note 17] The portable case is configured to transmit a plurality of remote control signals to the plurality of electronic warning lights arranged at a position spaced apart from the portable case, the system according to appended note 16. [Appended note 18] The plurality of electronic warning lights flash with different blinking patterns, and the plurality of remote control signals control the blinking patterns in which the plurality of electronic warning lights are flashing, the system according to appended note 17. [Appended note 19] The plurality of electronic warning lights selectively emit light from above the plurality of electronic warning lights or from the sides 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 above the plurality of electronic warning lights or from the sides of the plurality of electronic warning lights. The system according to Supplementary Note 17. [Supplementary Note 20] The plurality of electronic warning lights emit flashes in sequence, and the plurality of remote control signals reverse the order in which the plurality of electronic warning lights emit flashes. The system according to Supplementary Note 17. [Supplementary Note 21] The plurality of remote control signals turn the plurality of electronic warning lights on or off. The system according to Supplementary Note 17. [Supplementary Note 22] The plurality of electronic warning lights are powered by a plurality of batteries each of the plurality of electronic warning lights has, and the wireless communication device is configured to remotely check the state of the plurality of batteries that power the plurality of electronic warning lights. The system according to Supplementary Note 17.

Claims

1. A system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) comprising a portable case (12, 12f) for a plurality of electronic warning lights (14) in combination with a plurality of electronic warning lights (14) provided with a plurality of wireless receivers, wherein the portable case (12, 12f) is, a case body having an exposed outer front surface and an outer rear surface (12a, 12b), a plurality of warning light holding positions (18) provided on at least one of the exposed outer front surface and the outer rear surface, and a handle (16), wherein while at least one warning light is attached to at least one of the plurality of warning light holding positions and the at least one warning light irradiates light visible at a position outside the portable case, the handle, the exposed outer front surface and the outer rear surface, and the plurality of warning light holding positions are configured such that a user can carry the portable case while gripping the handle, each warning light holding position includes at least one of at least one warning light locator for guiding the arrangement of the warning light at the warning light holding position and a detachable attachment member for detachably holding the warning light in a predetermined position at the warning light holding position, the plurality of warning lights (14) are, configured such that the plurality of warning lights (14) have an upper surface and a bottom surface, are attachable to and detachable from the plurality of warning light holding positions (18), when attached to the plurality of warning light holding positions (18), the entire circumference of the upper surface of each warning light is completely exposed and visible at the warning light holding position outside the portable case, and when removed from the plurality of warning light holding positions (18), the plurality of warning lights (14) can be arranged on a road surface such that each warning light communicates wirelessly with adjacent warning lights, thereby causing the plurality of warning lights to emit signals in a specific pattern or sequence to warn oncoming traffic. A system characterized by the above.

2. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 1, wherein each warning light is capable of irradiating light from the upper surface.

3. The at least one warning light locator, when disposed at the warning light holding position (18), is a cavity, locator well, recess, ridge, rib, bump, alignment surface, guide member, and other configurations or devices configured to guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and rotational direction of the warning light (14). The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 1.

4. The at least one detachable attachment member includes a magnet, hook, pin, fastener, adhesive, hook and loop material, plug-in fixture, friction fit rim, or other device that removably holds the warning light (14) in a predetermined position at the warning light holding position (18). The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 1.

5. The plurality of warning lights (14) have a shape selected from a rectangle, rounded rectangle, circle, ellipse, oval, polygon, asterisk shape, and star shape. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The portable case (12, 12f) Further includes a laser emitter (44) that emits laser light (46) onto a road or other surface so as to generate an irradiation line or other pattern that can be used as a guide for arranging the warning lights (14) linearly or in a desired pattern. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The plurality of warning light holding positions (18) are disposed on either the exposed front surface (12a) or the exposed rear surface (12b) of the portable case. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 1.

8. The case (12, 12f) has an exposed front surface and a rear surface, The plurality of warning light holding positions (18) are disposed on both the exposed front surface (12a) and the exposed rear surface (12b). The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 6.

9. The plurality of warning lights (14) are rechargeable, The portable case (12, 12f) The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a device and circuitry for charging the plurality of rechargeable warning lights (14) when placed in the plurality of warning light holding positions (18).

10. The charging device and circuit include:

10. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) of claim 9, including a power source that provides current to case electrical contacts (24) located at the plurality of warning light holding locations (18).

11. The plurality of warning lights (14) are equipped with a plurality of wireless receivers; The carrying case (12, 12f) comprises:

2. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) of claim 1, further comprising a remote controller (40) for remotely controlling the plurality of warning lights (14) when the plurality of warning lights (14) is located away from the carrying case (12, 12f).

12. 12. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) of claim 11, wherein the remote controller (40) includes a wireless transceiver, a microcontroller, and a user interface, the wireless transceiver communicating with the plurality of warning lights (14).

13. The remote controller (40) a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other computing device programmed to control the plurality of warning lights; 12. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) of claim 11, including one of a handheld remote controller, a remote controller mounted on or in the case, or a dedicated remote control as a remote controller located in an emergency vehicle.

14. The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of warning lights (14) are automatically turned on or activated when removed from the plurality of warning light holding positions (18).

15. An apparatus that can be used to guide or assist in the placement of the plurality of warning lights (14) includes an elongated member, an elongated member having a plurality of warning light position indicators (34) at spaced positions, an elongated member provided with means for attaching or coupling a plurality of warning lights (14) at spaced positions, a plurality of light emitters that emit light to illuminate a line or pattern on the surface on which the plurality of warning lights (14) are disposed, a laser emitter that emits laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on the surface on which the plurality of warning lights (14) are disposed, a winding device (30) and a tether (32), and is selected from The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the tether (32) has means for attaching the plurality of warning lights (14) to the tether (32) at a plurality of spaced positions on the tether (32). **Claim 16** The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 11, wherein the portable case includes an apparatus that functions as a cellular node, whereby an operator can control the plurality of warning lights from a remote location via the cellular node located within the portable case. **Claim 17** The system (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g) according to claim 16, wherein an operator can remotely execute a battery state check for each warning light (14) via the cellular node disposed within the portable case.

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