CN110770082A - Portable Electronic Flash Carrying Cases and Systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Carrying cases for electronic flashes or other electronic signal emitting devices and related systems and methods.

Description

Portable Electronic Flash Carrying Cases and Systems

Related applications

This PCT International Patent Application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/457,638, filed February 10, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to the fields of electronics and traffic engineering and more particularly to a portable device and portable flashing light system and method for marking a dangerous or expected route of travel on a roadway or the like.

Background technique

Electronic flashing lights are sometimes used in various applications to warn drivers/pedestrians of hazards, to define construction areas or detours, to illuminate disabled or parked vehicles, and for other purposes. Currently available electronic flashing lights include compact flashing lights that include blinking light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be placed along roadways, on scrapped/parked vehicles, at defined points, and the like.电子闪光灯的示例在美国专利号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；D 515,958；D 560,533；D 654,387；D 669,805；D 778,752和D 778,753以及are described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0113634; 2016/0186971, the entire disclosures of each such patent and application are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.71(e), this patent document contains material that is protected by copyright, and all copyrights are reserved by the owners of this patent document.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an electronic flash carrying case and system including a carrying case integrated with the electronic flash and associated equipment for deploying, controlling and retrieving the electronic flash. Unless otherwise specified, the term "electronic flash" as used herein should be construed to include not only the specifically described light-emitting flash, but also signals other than emitted light (such as audible or electronic signals or signals that can be manipulated by humans or designed other signals perceived by the device receiving such signals).

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

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

Still in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type summarized above, or other carrying case for an electronic flash, which includes a switch device for causing the flash to automatically turn on or actuate once removed from the case.

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

Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a carrying case of the type summarized above, or other carrying case for an electronic flash, which includes a device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment of the flash. Such a device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment of the flashlight may, for example, be selected from: an extendable elongated member, an elongated member having a flashlight position indicator at a spaced position thereon, having a flashlight position indicator for spaced thereon An elongated member of a device to which a flashlight is attached or connected at a location, a light emitter that emits light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface on which the flashlight is to be placed, a laser that emits a laser to illuminate the line on a surface on which the flashlight is to be placed or patterned laser emitters, etc. In embodiments where the device includes an elongated member or tether, the case may further include a winding device or other winding for winding or collecting the elongated member or tether for storage when the elongated member or tether is not in use or collection equipment.

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

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

Still other aspects and details of the invention will be understood upon reading the detailed description and examples set forth below.

Description of drawings

The following detailed description and examples are provided for the purpose of non-exhaustive description of some, but not necessarily all, examples or embodiments of the invention, and should not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable flashlight system of the present invention including a carrying case of the present invention, wherein the flashlight is mounted on the front and/or rear surfaces of the carrying case.

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

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

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

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

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

5 is a perspective view of an alternative form of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 suitable for carrying a flash having a generally circular shape (eg, circle, oval, star, asterisk, etc.) instead of Flashlights having a generally rectangular shape (eg, rectangle, rectangle with rounded corners, square, etc.).

6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flashlight system of the present invention.

7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flashlight system of the present invention.

8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable flashlight system of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates one embodiment of a portable flashlight system of the present invention incorporating an optional flashlight tether.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a portable flashlight system of the present invention comprising: a) an optional power supply, b) an optional remote control, and c) for projecting straight line(s) onto an adjacent surface for guidance Optional laser for subsequent placement of flash.

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

12 is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method for using the portable flashlight system of the present invention, the portable flashlight system including an optional rechargeable power supply and optional switching device for use in the flashlight from a portable The flash is automatically turned on when the case is removed and/or turned off when the flash is reattached to the carrying case.

Detailed ways

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 should be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The contents of this detailed description and drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

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

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

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

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

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

The examples shown in FIGS. 1-4B show the flash holding position 18 and the flash 14 in a generally rectangular (ie, rectangular with rounded corners) shape. However, the flash holding position 18 may be configured to accommodate any suitable shape of flash including, for example, other generally rectangular shapes, square rounds, ovals, ovals, polygons, stars, asterisks, many Leaf shape etc. For example, FIG. 5 shows an alternative to the embodiment seen in FIG. 1 in which the flash holding position 18 is configured to hold a generally circular flash (eg, having a circular body and resulting in a star or star) Flashlights with small radial protrusions configured around the horn-shaped perimeter). This is one of many possible shapes for flash 14 . Non-limiting examples of flashlights that may be used in combination with the carrying case 12 of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, US Patent Nos. 7,088,222; 7,106,179; 8,154,424; 8,550,653; 8,564,456; 8,579,460; D 515,957; D 515,958; D 560,533; D654,387; D 669,805; D 778,752 and D 778,753 and those described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0113634; Likewise, non-limiting examples of flashlights that may be used in combination with the carrying case 12 of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, those available from Pi Variables, Inc., Tustin, California, Calif. Wagan Corporation, Hayward, California; Aervoe, Gardnerville, Nevada, Nevada; Powerflare Corporation, Menlo Park, California Commercially available LED flash.

In addition to being used as a carrying case 12 and/or a recharging station, the carrying case 12 and system 10, 10a of the present invention may also be used to protect individuals (eg, emergency responders, road maintenance workers, stranded drivers, deployed or people who collect flashlights 14, etc.). Because the flash 14 is mounted on the outer surface of the case 12, the flash 14 may in some cases be allowed to continue to emit light when mounted in the flash holding position 18. This differs from storage cases currently available for electronic or LED flashes, where the flash is placed inside the case and the case must be opened to allow insertion or removal of the flash. An advantage of this style of case 12 (where the flash is positioned on the outside of the case or on an exposed wall or surface) is that the operator does not need to open the carrying case or place it on the ground or the trunk of the vehicle to deploy or retrieve the flash . Rather, flash lamps can be mounted on the outer surface of the case 12 of the present invention while the operator continues to hold the case 12 and such flash lamps can continue to emit light if desired. In this way, light will be emitted from the case 12 while the case 12 is being carried by the individual, thereby making it easier for oncoming traffic to see the location of the individual.

In some cases, the flashes 14 may be designed such that all of the flashes 14 will turn off in response to pressing a single off button on one flash or elsewhere (eg, available from Pi Variables, Inc., Tustin, CA). Obtained pi-Lit® Sequencing Road Surface Flare. When such a strobe 14 is used, an individual collecting strobe strobes 14 from deployed locations along the road may allow one or more strobes 14 to be They continue to flash after they/it has been collected and placed in the flash holding position 18 on the bin 12, thereby causing the flash 14 on the bin 12 to provide clarity of the individual's position along the road as the individual completes the flash collection process Indication. After all the flashes have been collected and the individual has moved to a position away from the injury, the flashing flashes 14 may then (individually or possibly in concert) be turned off so that they are when stored in the vehicle or other location No longer emits light.

Optional automatic activation and/or deactivation of flash

The flash can be programmed to turn on when removed from its magnetic attachment to the carrying case. As seen in system 10f (with tether) shown in the example of FIG. 9, carrying case 12f (with tether) is substantially the same as carrying case 12f shown in FIG. Removed and activated flash.

This can be achieved by removing the power supplied by the box to the flash. An on-board rechargeable battery located in the carrying case will supply voltage to the enable pin of the voltage regulator. When this voltage is removed by removing the flash from the box, the enable pin will turn on power to the flash by using its own power supply. When the flash is removed, a power failure will trigger the flash to turn on. The alternative is to trigger the flash to turn on by the presence and absence of a magnet. Another activation method can be implemented by using a magnetic proximity sensor. As the flash is removed from the carrying case, a sensor in the flash, separated from a small magnet (eg rare earth) embedded in the carrying case, will actuate a Hall effect sensor, reed switch or other magnetic device by virtue of the separation of the flash from the case , and therefore turn on the flash. The advantage of having the flash on once removed from the box is that the operator (police, firefighter, utility, civilian, etc.) does not have to look for the button in the dark or on busy roads or other dangerous areas. Additionally, deployment can be performed more quickly by turning on the flash once removed from the case.

Optional equipment for remote control of flash

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

In some cases, the necessary remote control equipment and electronic circuitry can be incorporated directly into the carrying case 12 so that the case itself becomes the remote control unit. For example, the microcontroller and radio transceiver contained into the plastic housing of the carrying case will be controlled by tactile momentary contact switches or capacitive sensitive switches, voice commands, mechanical taps or rotary gestures, etc. located on the surface of the carrying case. Signals generated and sent by the carry case will control the light blinking pattern, brightness, switch state, direction of pattern travel, simultaneous blinking and selection of orientation of blinks and LED blinking. This will provide the operator with an always-available remote control system capable of operating various operating parameters of the flash from a distance of 300 meters or more. Rather than placing a cellular module in each light, a single cellular communication device could be placed in the carrying case and this would then communicate with an unlimited number of flashes 14 via a mesh network from one location limited only by internet availability. For example, the operator can control the flash 14 from a remote location via a cellular node located in the carrying case. Features that can be remotely controlled include, but are not limited to:

select a specific flashing pattern (eg, fast flash progression, slow flash progression, flash group flashes (eg, 2 at a time), long firing per flash, short firing per flash, etc.);

● Choose which LEDs blink (eg top or side LEDs);

●Reverse or alternate sequence and blinking direction;

turning on and off the flash 14 with or without retaining the previously set flashing pattern;

locking buttons or other control inputs on the flash 14 to avoid unintended or accidental input by unauthorized persons or changes to settings by unauthorized persons; and/or

● Perform a battery status check for each lamp.

In some embodiments, a device for remote control of the flasher 14 may be integrated into the carrying case 12, or may be linked to a dedicated controller, such as a handheld remote or remote console mounted in an emergency vehicle or elsewhere. FIG. 10 shows one non-limiting example of a carrying case/flash system 10g, wherein the carrying case 12g includes an optional remote control 40 and other optional features discussed elsewhere in this patent application. Carrying Cases Charge carrying cases are used to carry "converters" between Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, cellular or other communication protocols; electronic radio transmitting flashes can operate via many different radio communication protocols. The ubiquitous nature of mobile smartphones provides smartphone applications with the opportunity to control various operating parameters of the remote flash. However, because smartphone technology is currently limited to using Bluetooth, cellular or Wi-Fi to connect to local devices and the flash may be using ZigBee or other protocols, a "converter" circuit board can be embedded in the carrying case to provide Connection of mobile phone to blinking light. This would then allow a simple user-friendly graphical user interface on the smartphone to be used as a control screen for flashing the flash. This addition will also allow the flashing flash 14 to be controlled from a distance via the Internet and cellular communications. Because the carrying case is always present when the flash is used, the necessary converters will always be within range.

In the example of FIG. 10, case 12g includes a remote control 40 integrated with the case that includes a radio transceiver and a microcontroller with a user interface. In the example shown in Figure 10, the user interface includes buttons 41 labeled "Disable", "Mode", "Top/Side", "Reverse", "Group", and "Off", which have buttons next to Indicator lights 43 such as small LEDs for each button. The box-integrated remote control 40 shown in the example of FIG. 10 can be used as follows:

• Disable - This function allows the operator to pause flashing of the flash 14 while maintaining its current sequence and other settings. When a button 41 marked "disabled" is pushed, the indicator 43 next to that button will illuminate and all flashers 14 are controlled to stop flashing the emitted light, but the flashers 14 will continue to communicate via radio with adjacent flashers communicate and maintain their sequential order. Thereafter, pressing the button 41 labeled "disable" again will cause the associated indicator 41 to turn off and the flash 14 will again begin flashing in the previously determined sequence according to the previously set mode and other programming settings.

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

Top/Side - In some embodiments, the flash 14 may be capable of emitting light from the side(s) of the flash 14, and the flash 14 may be equipped with sensors to or from the top of the flash 14, and may contain gravity sensors A moving switch or attitude sensor that can automatically cause the flash 14 to switch between side firing mode and top firing mode depending on whether the flash is in the horizontal or vertical position. An example of such a flash lamp 14 is described in US Patent No. 9,835,319, incorporated above. When such a flash is used in conjunction with the box 12f of Figure 10, the user may use the button 41 labeled "Top/Side" to control whether the flash 14 operates in a top firing mode or a side firing mode. For example, a single press of the "Top/Side" button 41 will cause the flashes 14 to operate in automatic mode based on input to each flash by its gravity-actuated switch or gesture sensor, and immediately adjacent to the "Top/Side" button 41 indication The flashlight 41 will flash with a single flash to indicate that the flash is operating in automatic or "default" mode. Pressing the "Top/Side" button 41 twice in succession will cause the flashes 14 to cause all controlled flashes 14 to operate in side firing mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "Top/Side" button will periodically fire two flashes of light to Indicates that side firing mode is currently selected. Pressing the "Top/Side" button 41 three times in succession will cause the flashes to cause all controlled flashes 14 to flash in top firing mode, and the indicator 43 next to the "Top/Side" button will periodically fire groups of three flashes of light to flash. Indicates that the flash is operating in top-firing mode.

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

• Groups - In some applications, the flashes may be deployed in different groups, and the remote control 40 may be used to control more than one group of flashes 14 . A button 41 labeled "Group" can be used to select a particular group of flashes 14 to be controlled. Each group can be set to perform differently and independently from the other group(s). There is no limit to the number of flashes 14 in any group, even if there are multiple groups operating in close proximity. For example, the microcontroller of the remote control 40 may be a number of different group ID selections, and the button 41 labeled "Group" may be pressed a certain number of times to select a particular group of flashes 14 for control. For example, pressing the "Group" button 41 a single time will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the flashlight 14 of Group ID #1, and the indicator 43 next to the "Group" button 41 will flash with a single flash to indicate that the group is currently being controlled ID#1. Pressing the "Group" button 41 twice in succession will cause the remote control 40 to communicate with the flash 14 of Group ID #2, and the indicator 43 next to the "Mode" button will periodically emit two flashes of light to indicate that it is currently controlling Group #2, and so on.

• OFF - Pressing the button 43 labeled "OFF" will turn off all flashlights 14 that are being controlled at this time. This allows all flashing lights 14 to be turned off from a safe position, rather than requiring the user to turn off each flashing light 14 individually. Contrary to the use of the "disable" button 43 described above, pressing the "off" button 43 will cause all of the controlled flashes 14 to stop communicating with adjacent flashes and the previously identified sequence with the flashes 14 will be lost.

Optional equipment for auxiliary flash deployment and/or retrieval

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

For example, FIG. 9 shows a flasher system 10f (with tether), wherein case 12f (with tether) contains reel 30 and extendable/retractable tether 32 that may be used to facilitate flash 14 in a straight Expand the row. Tether 32 may be made of any suitable material (eg, cloth or woven polymer tape, wire, cable, etc.) and may be of any suitable width and length (eg, approximately 150 feet in length). The winding device 30 may be mounted in or on any type of flash carrying case or may be attached as a stand-alone unit. The winding device 30 may be turned by a hand crank, electric motor, or other suitable mechanism, or alternatively be spring loaded, so that the tether 32 can be pulled out and locked in the extended position for use, and thereafter in use It is then retracted back onto the crimping device 30 by releasing the lock and allowing the spring-loaded winding tether 32 of the winding device 30 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , strobe position indicators 34 may be provided at spaced locations on tether 32 to facilitate placement of strobe lights 14 at desired intervals along a line defined by extending tether 32 . In some embodiments, such flash position indicators 34 may include markings that indicate where the flashes may be placed to provide a desired spacing between the flashes. In other embodiments, such as in the example shown in FIG. 9 , the flash position indicator may include a connector (eg, mechanical, magnetic, frictional) that actually connects or attaches the flash 14 to the tether 32 Wait). In the non-limiting example of FIG. 9 , the flash position indicator 34 includes ferromagnetic members (eg, ferrite washers) positioned at desired intervals (eg, every 10 feet), and the flash 14 has a feature that will enable the flash to be attached magnets to ferromagnetic components. The magnets on the flash 14 may also be used to magnetically attach the flash to the carrying case 12f (with a tether) or any other carrying case 12 in the manner described above. In some embodiments, the distance between the flash position indicators 34 may be variable. For example, tether 32 may have color-coded connectors for connecting the ferrite washers to the tether at different pitch intervals. This will allow the operator to select the desired pitch interval (eg, 3m pitch, 5m pitch, etc.) for a particular application.

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

In some applications, the tether may be unwound or pulled away from the take-up device 30, and the flasher 14 may be initially connected or attached to the tether while in a safe position, such as a position shaded by a parked emergency or work vehicle 32. Thereafter, tether 32 and attached case 12f (with tether) may be held securely in a fixed position (eg, by attaching case 12f (with tether) to the rear of a parked vehicle or other stationary object part), or, if the proximal end of the tether 32 is not attached to the case, the proximal end of the tether 32 may be attached directly to the vehicle or stationary object by any suitable connector such as a hook, velcro, etc. . The operator may then grasp the free end (eg, distal end) of tether 32 and walk along the roadway (eg, upstream toward the flow of traffic) while pulling tether 32 and the attached flasher 14 . As the operator walks toward oncoming traffic, the flasher 14 will be pulled to settle in the straight line designated by the tether 32 . By design or by indication, the flash can be attached to only one side of the tether 32, as seen in the example of FIG. 9 . In some embodiments the sides of tether 32 may have different colors for easy identification by the operator. Once the tether 32 is tensioned by the operator, all of the flashers 14 will be on the same side of the tether 32 and thus all of the flashers 14 will be properly oriented so that oncoming traffic sees the light emitted from the flashers 14 in the intended manner Light.

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

In embodiments incorporating one or more of the novel functional features described above, the flash carrying case may not only be a passive device for mobility only, but may be an active device, thereby providing Charging, control/communication, position and/or optical alignment of the flash, auxiliary deployment, placement and/or retrieval of the flash and/or automatic opening or actuation of the flash when the flash is removed from the case.

It should be understood that although the invention has been described above with reference to certain examples or embodiments of the invention, various changes may be made to those described examples and embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention. additions, deletions, changes and modifications. For example, any element, step, member, part, ingredient, reactant, component or portion of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or used with another embodiment or example, unless otherwise stated Specifying or not doing so would render the embodiment or example unsuitable for its intended use. Likewise, where the steps of a method or process have been described or listed in a particular order, the order of the steps may be changed unless otherwise specified or unless doing so would render the method or process unsuitable for its intended use. Additionally, any inventive or exemplified element, step, component, part, ingredient, reactant, component or section described herein may be absent or absent from any other element, step, component, component, component, reactant, component or section. Substantially absent is optionally present or utilized unless otherwise noted. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications and changes are to be considered as equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and are included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. A carrying case for an electronic flash, comprising: a box body with exposed surfaces; a plurality of flash holding positions on the exposed surface; and handle. 2. The carrying case of claim 1 , wherein each flash holding position comprises: at least one flash positioner that guides placement of the flash at the flash holding position; and at least one releasable attachment member that is located at the flash holding position. The flash holding position releasably holds the flash in place. 3. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein the at least one flash locator comprises a cavity, recess, ridge, rib, bump, registration surface, guide member, or is configured to be placed on the flash. Other structures or devices that guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning, and rotational orientation of the flashlight while it remains in position. 4. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein the at least one releasable attachment member comprises magnets, hooks, pins, fasteners, adhesives, Velcro material; Velcro material, bayonet securing A device, friction fit rim, or other device for releasably holding the flash in place at the flash holding position. 5. The carrying case of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flash holding position holds the flash so that the flash positioned in the flash holding position can be fired at the carrying case Externally visible light. 6. The carrying case of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flash holding position is configured to hold a flash having a general shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangle, a rectangle with rounded corners, a circle , oval, oval, polygon and star. 7. The carrying case of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the case body has an exposed front surface and an exposed rear surface. 8. The carrying case of any one of claim 7, wherein the flash holding position is located on only one of the front and rear surfaces. 9. The carrying case of any one of claim 7, wherein the flash holding position is located on both the front surface and the rear surface. 10. The carrying case of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising means and circuitry for charging a rechargeable flash when it is positioned in the flash holding position. 11. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein the device and circuitry for charging includes a power source that delivers electrical current to case electrical contacts at the flash holding location. 12. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 11 in combination with an electrically chargeable flash light capable of being positioned on the case at the flash holding position, the The electrically chargeable flash has a flash charging electrical contact that engages the case electrical contact to direct current from the case when the rechargeable flash is positioned on the case at the flash holding position. The power is delivered to the rechargeable flash. 13. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 1 in combination with a flash that is attachable to and removable from a flash holding position, wherein the flash once removed from the flash holding position. When the flash holding position is removed, it is automatically turned on or actuated. 14. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 1 in combination with a flash that is attachable to and removable from a flash holding position, wherein the case further comprises a A remote controller for controlling the flash. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the remote control includes a radio transceiver, a microcontroller and a user interface in communication with the flash. 16. A system comprising the carrying case of claim 1 in combination with a flash that is attachable to and removable from a flash holding position, wherein the case further comprises or contains A device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment of the flash. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment of the flashlight is selected from the group consisting of: an elongated member, an elongated member having flashlight position indicators at spaced locations thereon. Elongated member, elongated member having apparatus for attaching or connecting flashlights thereto at spaced locations thereon, light emitters that emit light to illuminate lines or patterns on the surface on which the flashlights are to be placed, emission A laser emitter that illuminates a line or pattern on the surface on which the flash is to be placed. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the device that can be used to guide or facilitate deployment includes a winding device and a tether. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the tether has means for attaching the flasher to the tether at spaced apart locations on the tether. 20. A method for signaling the location of a person holding a carrying case according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: At least one flashlight is caused to be mounted in at least one of the flashlight holding positions while the flashlight is emitting light to a location external to the carrying case. 21. A system comprising a plurality of electronic flashes and a carrying case configured to carry the flashes on or in the case, the system further comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of: : A device that can be used to cause the flasher to automatically turn on or become activated once removed from the case; a device that can be used to deliver an electric charge to the flash lamp when the flash lamp is positioned on or in the case; a device that can be used to facilitate deployment and/or retrieval of the flash; and A device that can be used to remotely control the flash.

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