WO2018148587A1 - Mallette de transport de fusée éclairante électronique portable et système - Google Patents

Mallette de transport de fusée éclairante électronique portable et système Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018148587A1
WO2018148587A1 PCT/US2018/017683 US2018017683W WO2018148587A1 WO 2018148587 A1 WO2018148587 A1 WO 2018148587A1 US 2018017683 W US2018017683 W US 2018017683W WO 2018148587 A1 WO2018148587 A1 WO 2018148587A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flares
flare
carrying case
case
holding positions
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/017683
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James R. Selevan
Daniel Joseph SELEVAN
Original Assignee
Selevan James R
Selevan Daniel Joseph
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Selevan James R, Selevan Daniel Joseph filed Critical Selevan James R
Priority to EP18751574.7A priority Critical patent/EP3580094A4/fr
Priority to JP2019543284A priority patent/JP7214641B2/ja
Priority to CN201880024293.3A priority patent/CN110770082A/zh
Publication of WO2018148587A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018148587A1/fr
Priority to JP2023005832A priority patent/JP2023061934A/ja

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/576—Traffic lines
    • E01F9/582—Traffic lines illuminated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q7/00—Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/553—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members
    • E01F9/559—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members illuminated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L2/00—Systems of electric lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/06—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices, e.g. connectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/007—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages with provision for shipment or storage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2111/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2111/02—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for roads, paths or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2111/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
    • F21W2111/10—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for personal use, e.g. hand-held
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the fields of electronics and traffic engineering and more particularly to carrying apparatus and portable flare systems and methods for marking hazards or intended routes of travel on roadways and the like.
  • Electronic flares are sometimes used in various applications to warn drivers/pedestrians of hazards, demarcate construction zones or detours, illuminate disabled or parked vehicles, and for other purposes.
  • Currently available electronic flares include compact flares that may be placed along a roadway, on a disabled/parked vehicle, at a point of demarcation, etc. which incorporate flashing light emitting diodes (LEDs). Examples of electronic flares are described in United States Patent Nos.
  • the present invention provides electronic flare carrying cases and systems which comprise carrying cases in combination with electronic flares and associated apparatus for deploying, controlling and retrieving electronic flares.
  • electronic flares as used herein shall be interpreted to include not only light-emitting flares are specifically described, but also signaling devices that emit signals other than light, such as sounds or electronic signals or other signals perceivable by humans or by devices designed to receive such signals.
  • a carrying case for electronic flares comprising a body having a front surface and a rear surface, a plurality of flare holding positions on the front surface and/or rear surface; and a handle.
  • Each flare holding position may comprise at least one flare locator which guides placement of a flare at that flare holding position and at least one releasable attachment member which reieasably holds a flare in place at that flare holding position.
  • flare locators may comprise, for example, cavities, depressions, ridges, ribs, bumps, registry surfaces, guide members or other structures or devices configured to guide the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning and/or rotational orientation of the flare when placed at that flare holding position.
  • the flare locators may comprise connectors for reieasably attaching the flares to the case.
  • the flares may be caused to emit light while positioned in the flare holding positions on the case.
  • the flare holding positions and/or locators and or connectors may be configured for use with electronic flares of various sizes and/or shapes, such as general shapes selected from: rectangular, rectangular with rounded corner, round, oval, ovoid, polygonal and star-like. Sn some embodiments, flares may be positionable on only one side of the case and in other embodiments flares may be positionable on both sides of the case.
  • carrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases for electronic flares which include apparatus and circuitry (e.g., a power cord for connection of the case to a power outlet, a battery, etc.) useable for charging rechargeable flares when positioned in the flare holding locations.
  • apparatus and circuitry e.g., a power cord for connection of the case to a power outlet, a battery, etc.
  • carrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases for electronic flares which include switching apparatus for causing flares to automatically turn on or actuate upon removal from the case,
  • carrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases for electronic flares which include a remote controller for controlling flares.
  • a remote controller for controlling flares.
  • Such remote controller may comprise a radio transceiver which communicates with the flares, a microcontroller and a user interface.
  • the flares may be controllable by the 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 effect remote control of the flares.
  • carrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases for electronic flares which include apparatus useable to guide or facilitate deployment of the flares.
  • apparatus useable to guide or facilitate deployment of the flares may, for example, be selected from: extendable elongate members, elongate members with flare locations indicators at spaced-apart locations thereon, elongate members with apparatus for attaching or connecting flares thereto at spaced-apart locations thereon, light emitters that emit light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface where flares are to be placed, laser light emitters that emit laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface where flares are to be placed, etc.
  • the apparatus comprises an elongate member or tether
  • the case may further comprise a reeling device or other winding or gathering apparatus for winding or gathering the elongate member or tether for stowing when not in use.
  • a system comprising a plurality of electronic flares and a carrying case configured for carrying the flares on or in the case, said system further comprising at least one element selected from: apparatus useable for causing the flares to automatically turn on or become active upon removal from the case; apparatus useable for delivering electrical charge to the flares while the flares are positioned on or in the case: apparatus useable for facilitating deployment and/or retrieval of the flares and apparatus useable for remotely controlling the flares.
  • the case may be any suitable type of case, such as a case which forms an enclosure within which the flares are carried or a case which has one or more outer or exposed wails or surfaces on which the flares are carried,
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention comprising a carrying case of the present invention with flares mounted on front and/or rear surfaces of the carrying
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention comprising a carrying case of the present invention with flares mounted on front and/or rear surfaces of the carrying case.
  • Figure 3A is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3B is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 4A is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 4B is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 adapted for caring flares having generally round shapes (e.g., round, ovoid, star-like, asterisk-like, etc.) than flares having generally rectangular shapes (e.g., rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, square, etc.)
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 shows one embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention which incorporates an optional flare tether.
  • Figure 10 shows one embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention which incorporates; a) an optional power source, b) an optional remote control and c) an optional laser for projection of a straight iine(s) on an adjacent surface to guide subsequent placement of flares.
  • Figure 1 1 shows one embodiment of a portable flare system of the present invention which incorporates optional switching apparatus to automatically turn fares on when removed from the carrying case and/or turn flares off when reattached to the carrying case.
  • Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method for using a portable flare system of the present invention which incorporates an optional rechargeable power source and optiona! switching apparatus to automatically turn flares on when removed from the carrying case and/or turn flares off when reattached to the carrying case.
  • the carrying cases of the present invention may be configured to carry any suitable number of flares.
  • Figure 1 shows a portable flare system 10 of the present invention wherein the carrying case 12 is useable for carrying up to ten (10) flares 14
  • Figure 2 shows a portable flare system 10a of the present invention wherein the carrying case 12 is useable for carrying up to six (6) flares.
  • Other sizes and configuration may alternatively be used in accordance with this invention.
  • each carrying case 12 may comprise a body (e.g., a flat planar body or any other suitable body configuration) having front and rear surfaces 21 a, 12b, A plurality of flare holding positions18 are formed on the front surface 12a and/or rear surface 12b. Flares 14 are mountable in the flare holding positions 18.
  • the case 12 may have a handle 18.
  • each flare holding position 18 may comprise flare locator(s) which guide placement of a flare 14 at that flare holding position 18.
  • flare locator(s) comprise shallow locator wells (e.g., cavities or depressions) defined by perimeter walls 20 which correspond to the perimeter configurations of the flares 14 such that the flares 14 will insert and become seated, in specific positions and rotational orientations, within each locator well.
  • flare locator(s) may be used, such as; other cavities, other depressions, ridges, ribs, bumps, registry surfaces, guide members or other structures or devices that are configured to guide or dictate the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning and/or rotational orientation of the flares 14 when placed at that flare holding positions 18.
  • the case 12 further comprises reieasable attachment members 22 for releasably holding the flares 14 in place at the flare holding positions 18.
  • the reieasable attachment members 22 comprise magnets which interact with ferromagnetic regions or other magnets located on the flares 14 to hold the flares 14 in place when positioned in the flare holding positions 18. Any suitable types of reieasable connectors may be used as alternatives to magnets.
  • the reieasable attachment members 22 may comprise other magnets, hooks, pins, fasteners, adhesives, hook & loop material (e.g., Veicro), bayonet fixtures, friction fit rims or other apparatus for releasable holding of the flares 14 in place at that flare holding positions 18.
  • hook & loop material e.g., Veicro
  • bayonet fixtures e.g., friction fit rims or other apparatus for releasable holding of the flares 14 in place at that flare holding positions 18.
  • the cases 12 may be used to carry flares 14 that are non-rechargeable, such as those powered by changeable alkaline batteries. However, in other applications the cases 12 may be used to carry flares 14 that have rechargeable power sources (e.g., rechargeable batteries). To facilitate recharging of rechargeable flares 14 when positioned in the flare holding positions 18, some embodiments of the cases may optionally incorporate electrical contacts 24 and other circuitry/apparatus for charging rechargeable flares 14 when mounted in the flare holding positions 18.
  • rechargeable power sources e.g., rechargeable batteries
  • the optional recharging circuitry/apparatus may include a power cord for connecting the case to a power outlet (e.g., a 9v or 12v power outlet, 1 10-240 AC mains, etc.) as may be located in a building, garage, emergency vehicle, etc.
  • a power outlet e.g., a 9v or 12v power outlet, 1 10-240 AC mains, etc.
  • FIGS. 1 through 4B show flare holding positions 18 and flares 14 that are generally rectangular (i.e., rectangular with rounded comers) in shape.
  • the flare holding positions 18 may be constructed to accommodate flares of any suitable shape, including for example other generally rectangular shapes, square round, oval, ovoid, polygonal, star-like, asterisk-like, muiti-lobar, etc.
  • Figure 5 shows an alternative version of the embodiment seen in Figure 1 , wherein the flare holding positions 18 are configured to hold generally round flares (e.g., flares with round bodies and small radial projections resulting in a star- like or asterisk-like perimeter configuration.) This is but one of many possible shapes of the flares 14.
  • Non-limiting examples of flares that may be useable in combination with carrying cases 12 of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, those described in the above-incorporated United States 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; ⁇ 654,387; D669,805; D778,752 and D778.753 as well as United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/01 13634; 2016/0186971.
  • the carrying cases 12 and systems 10, 10a of the present invention may also be used for protection of individuals (e.g., emergency responders, roadway maintenance workers, stranded drivers, persons deploying or collecting the flares 14etc). Because the flares 14 are mounted on outer surfaces of the case 12, the flares 14 may in some instances be allowed to continue to emit light when mounted in the flare holding positions 18. This differs from storage cases currently available for electronic or LED flares wherein flares are placed inside of the case and the case must be opened to allow insertion or removal of the flares.
  • flares are positioned on outer or exposed walls or surfaces of the case, is that the operator need not open a carrying case or place it on the ground or the trunk of a vehicle to deploy or retrieve the flares. Rather, flares may be mounted on the outer surfaces of the case 12 of the present invention while the operator continues to hold the case 12 and such flares may, if desired, continue to emit light. In this manner, light will emanate from the case 12 while it is being carried by an individual, thereby making the individual's location more visible to oncoming traffic.
  • the flares 14 may be designed such that ail of the flares 14 will turn off in response to pushing of a single off button on one of the flares or elsewhere (e.g., the pi-Lit® Sequencing Road Surface Flare available from Pi Variable, Inc., Tustin, California).
  • a single off button on one of the flares or elsewhere e.g., the pi-Lit® Sequencing Road Surface Flare available from Pi Variable, Inc., Tustin, California.
  • an individual who is collecting the blinking flares 14 from deployed positions along a roadway may allow one or more of the flares 14 to continue to blink after they/it have/has been collected and placed in flare holding position(s) 18 on the case 12, thereby causing flare(s) 14 on the case 12 to providing a clear indication of that individual's position along the roadway as the individual completes the flare collection process.
  • the blinking flare(s) 14 may then be turned off (individually or in unison if possible) so that that they no longer emit light while stowed in a vehicle or other location.
  • the flares can be programmed to turn on when they are removed from the magnetic attachment to the carrying case.
  • a carrying case 12f (w/ tether) is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 8, but item 102 represents flare being removed from the carrying case and turning on.
  • 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 flare from the case the Enable pin will turn on the power to the flare using its own battery source. When the flare is removed, the loss of power would trigger the flare to turn on.
  • An alternative approach is for the presence of a magnet and absence of a magnet to trigger the flare to turn on.
  • Another activation approach may be implemented using a magnetic proximity sensor.
  • a, sensor in the flare separated from a small magnet (rare earth, for example) embedded in the carrying case would, by virtue of the flare's separation from the case, activate a Hall Effect sensor, reed switch, or other magnetic device and thus turn on the flare,
  • the benefit of having the flare turn on upon removal from the case is that the operator (police, fire, utility company, civilian, etc.) does not have to search for a button in the dark or while on a busy roadway or other dangerous area.
  • the flare turn on upon removal from the case deployment can be quicker.
  • flares 14 equipped with radio receivers that are attached to the carry case may be controlled remotely using any suitable type of remote control apparats including but not limited to a mobile phone, tablet computer or other computing device that is programmed to control the flares and or a dedicated remote control as a hand held remote controller, a remote controller that is mounted on or in the case, a remote controller that is positioned in an emergency vehicle, etc.
  • a software application on a mobile phone, tablet, etc. provides a method for updates including modifications and/or new features to be pushed to the operator over a cellular network.
  • firmware improvements can be applied to the LED flares 14 using the mobile phone and carrying case combination.
  • the necessary remote control apparatus and electronic circuity can be incorporated directly into the carrying case 12 such that the case itself becomes the remote control unit.
  • a microcontroller and radio transceiver incorporated into the plastic enclosure of the carrying case would be controlled by tactile momentary contact switches or capacitance sensitive switches located on the surface of the carrying case, voice commands, mechanical percussive or rotational gestures, etc.
  • Signals generated and transmitted by the carrying case could control lamp flash pattern, brightness, on-off state, direction of pattern march, simultaneous flashing, as well as orientation of flash and choice of LEDs flashing. This would provide the operator with an always available remote control system able to operate various operational parameters of the flare from a distance of 300 meters or greater.
  • a single cellular communication device can be placed in the carrying case and this would then communicate with an unlimited number of flares 14 via a mesh network from a location limited only by internet availability.
  • an operator can control the flares 14 from a remote location via the cellular node located in the carrying case.
  • Features that can be remotely controlled include, but are not limited to:
  • Choice of a particular flash pattern e.g., fast flashing progression, slow flashing progression, flares flashing in groups (e.g., 2 at a time), long light emission per flash, short light emission per flash, etc.);
  • LEDs to flash e.g., top or side LEDs
  • apparatus for remote control of the flares 14 may be integrated into the carrying case 12 or may be linked to a dedicated controller such as a hand-held remote controller or a remote control console mounted in an emergency vehicle or elsewhere.
  • Figure 10 shows one nonlimiting example of a carrying case /flare system 10g in which the carrying case 12 g includes an optional remote control device 40 as well as other optional features discussed in other sections of the patent application, the carrying case Using the charge carrying case to carry a "translator between Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, cellular, or other communications protocol: Electronic radio emitting flares can operate via a number of different radio communication protocols.
  • the case 12g includes a case-integrated remote control 40 comprising a radio transceiver and microcontroller having a user interface.
  • the user interface includes buttons 41 labeled "inhibit,” “pattern,” Top/Side,” “Reverse,” “Group” and “Off with an indicator light 43, such as a small LED, next to each button.
  • the case-integrated remote control 40 shown in the example of Figure 10 is useable as follows:
  • the button 41 labeled “Pattern” may be used to select a particular flare flashing pattern from a number of preprogrammed flashing pattern options stored in the microcontroller. A user may select the desired flashing pattern by depressing the "Pattern” button a number of times to correspond to the flashing pattern being selected. For example, pressing the "Pattern” button 41 a single time will cause the flares 14 to flash according to a pre-programmed Pattern # 1 and the indicator 43 next to the "Pattern” button 41 will blink in single flashes to indicate that Pattern #1 is currently selected.
  • Pressing the "Pattern” button 41 twice in succession will cause the flares 14 to flash according to a pre-programmed Pattern # 2 and the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button will periodically emit two flashes of light to indicate that Pattern #2 is currently selected.
  • Pressing the "Pattern” button 41 three times in succession will cause the flares 14 to flash according to a pre-programmed Pattern # 3 and the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button will periodically emit groups of three flashes of light to indicate that Pattern #3 is currently selected, and so on.
  • a single press of the button will step through the choices one at a time, returning to the first (default) choice when the last choice is passed by.
  • the remote controller 40 may store as many as 5 or more selectable flashing patterns, such as a fast flashing progression (Pattern #1 ), slow flashing progression (Pattern #2), long light emission per flash (Pattern #3), short light emission per flash (Pattern #4), and flares 14 flashing in pairs (Pattern #5).
  • one of the available patterns may be a steady-on pattern where ail of the flares illuminate continuously with no blinking or flashing.
  • other optional flashing patters e.g., long- short-long or long-long-short, etc. may be provided.
  • the flares 14 may be capable of emitting light, either from the side(s) of the flares 14 and the flares 14 may be equipped with sensors to or from the tops of the flares 14 and may incorporate gravity-actuated switches or attitude sensors that can automatically cause the flare 14 to switch between a side-emitting mode and a top-emitting mode depending on whether the flare is in a horizontal or vertical position. Examples of such flares 14 are described in above-incorporated United States Patent No, 9,835,319. When such flares are used in conjunction with the case 12f of Figure 10, the user may use the button 41 labeled "top/side" to control whether the flares 14 are operating in top-emitting mode or side- emitting mode.
  • pressing the "Top/Side” button 41 a single time will cause the flares 14 to operate in automatic mode based on input to each flare from its gravity-actuated switch or attitude sensor and the indicator light 41 next to the "Top/Side” button 41 will blink in single flashes to indicate that the flares are operating in automatic or "default” mode.
  • Pressing the "Top/Side” button 41 twice in succession will cause the flares 14 to cause ail of the controlled flares 14 to operate in side-emitting mode and the indicator 43 next to the "Top/Side” button will periodically emit two flashes of light to indicate that side-emitting mode is currently selected.
  • REVERSE-The button 41 labeled "Reverse” may be used to reverse the sequential order in which the controlled flares 14 flash. For example, if a row or series of ten (10) flares 14 is being controlled, the flares 14 may automatically default to flash in serial order beginning with Flare 1 and ending with Flare 10. When operating in such default condition the indicator 41 next to the "Reverse” button 43 will not be illuminated. However, depressing the "Reverse” button will cause the flares to blink in reverse order beginning with Flare 10 and ending with Flare 1 and the indicator light 41 next to the "Reverse” button 43 will illuminate to indicate that the flares 14 are flashing in reverse order.
  • flares may be deployed in different groups and the remote controller 40 may be used to control more than one group of flares 14.
  • the button 41 labeled "Group” may be used to select a particular group of flares 14 to be controlled. Each group may be set to perform differently and independently from other group(s). There is no limit to the number of flares 14 in any one group, even if there are multiple groups operating in close proximity.
  • the microcontroller of remote controller 40 may be a plurality of different Group ID choices and the button 41 labeled "Group” may be depressed a particular number of times to select a particular group of flares 14 for control.
  • pressing the "Group” button 41 a single time will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the flares 14 of Group ID # 1 and the indicator 43 next to the "Group” button 41 will blink in single flashes to indicate that Group ID # 1 is currently being controlled.
  • Pressing the "Group” button 41 twice in succession will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the flares 14 of Group ID # 2 and the indicator 43 next to the "Pattern” button will periodically emit two flashes of light to indicate that Group #2 is currently being controlled, and so on.
  • the present invention also provides flare carrying cases which include one or more apparatus for assisting in deployment and/or retrieval of the flares 14,
  • Figure 9 shows a flare system 10f (w/ tether) in which the case 12f (w/tether) incorporates a reeling device 30 and extendable/retractable tether 32 useable to facilitate deployment of the flares 14 in a straight row.
  • the tether 32 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., a cloth or woven polymer ribbon, string, cable, etc.) and may be of any suitable width and length (e.g., approximately 150 feet in length).
  • the reeling device 30 may be mounted in or on any type of flare carrying case or may be attached as a separate unit.
  • the reeling device 30 may be turnabie by a hand crank, electric motor or other suitable mechanism or, alternatively, be spring- loaded such that the tether 32 can be pulled out and locked in an extended position for use and, thereafter, retracted back onto the reeling device 30 after use by releasing the lock and allowing the spring load of the reeling device 30 to reel in the tether 32.
  • flare location indicators 34 may be provided at spaced-apart locations on the tether 32 to facilitate placement of flares 14 at desired intervals along the line demarcated by the extended tether 32.
  • Such flare location indicators 34 may, in some embodiments, comprise marks which indicate locations at which flares may be placed to provide a certain desired spacing between the flares.
  • the flare location indicators may comprise connectors (e.g., mechanical, magnetic, frictional, etc.) that actually connect or attach the flares 14 to the tether 32.
  • the flare location indicators 34 comprise ferromagnetic members (e.g., ferrite washers) positioned at desired intervals (e.g., every 10 feet for example) and the flares 14 have magnets which will attach the flares to the ferromagnetic members.
  • the magnets on the flares 14 may also be used to magnetically attach the flares to the carrying case 12f (w/ tether) or any other carrying case 12 in the manner described above.
  • the distance between flare location indicators 34 may be variable.
  • the tether 32 may have color coded connectors for connecting ferrite washers to the tether at different spacing intervals. This will allow for the operator to choose the desired spacing interval (e.g., 3-meter spacing, 5-meter spacing, etc) for the particular application.
  • an operator may extract and lock the tether 32 in an extended position lying upon a road surface and then attach the flare 14 to the flare location indicators 34 thereby causing the flares to be positioned at desired intervals in a substantially straight line.
  • the flares 14 may then be used and controlled as described herein.
  • the flares 14 and tether 32 may be retrieved by hand-over-hand pulling of the tether 32 with the attached flares 14 to a safe location. This allows the operator to retrieve the flares 14 without having to once again walk towards traffic to pick them up.
  • the flares may then be detached from the tether 32 and stowed on the case 12f (w/ tether) and the tether 32 may then be reeled back to its stowed position on the reeling device 30.
  • the tether may be unreeled or pulled off of the reeling device 30 and the flares 14 may initially be connected or attached to the tether 32 while at a safe location, such as a position shielded by a parked emergency or work vehicle.
  • the tether 32 and the attached case 12f may be firmly held in a fixed position (e.g., by attaching the case 12f (w/ tether) to the rear of the 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 may be attached directly to a vehicle or stationary object by any suitable connector such as a hook, Velcro, etc. An operator may then grasp the free (e.g., distal) end of the tether 32 and walk along the roadway (e.g., upstream towards traffic) while pulling the tether 32 and the attached flares 14 along.
  • any suitable connector such as a hook, Velcro, etc.
  • the flares 14 will be drawn to rest in a straight line dictated by the tether 32.
  • the flares may be attached to only one side of the tether 32 as seen in the example of Figure 9.
  • the sides of the tether 32 may in some embodiments be of different colors so as to be easily identified by the operator.
  • a laser emitter 44 to project laser light 46 onto a road or other surface to create an illuminated line or other pattern useable as a guide for placement of the flares 14 in a straight row or other desired configuration.
  • the laser emitter 44 may be powered by a power source 42 such as a battery within the case or by a wired connection of the case 12g to a power outlet located in a nearby vehicle or structure.
  • the laser emitter 44 may be turned on and off, or turned on and then automatically turn off after a timed period such as 10 minutes, for example.
  • the flare carrying case may be more than a passive device used solely for mobility, but rather may be an active device providing for charging of the flares, control/communication, positional and/or optical alignment of flares, assisted deployment, placement and/or retrieval of flares and/or automatic turning on or actuation of the flares as they are removed from the case .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Securing Globes, Refractors, Reflectors Or The Like (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des mallettes de transport pour fusées éclairantes électroniques ou d'autres dispositifs d'émission de signal électroniques, ainsi que des systèmes et procédés associés.
PCT/US2018/017683 2017-02-10 2018-02-09 Mallette de transport de fusée éclairante électronique portable et système WO2018148587A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18751574.7A EP3580094A4 (fr) 2017-02-10 2018-02-09 Mallette de transport de fusée éclairante électronique portable et système
JP2019543284A JP7214641B2 (ja) 2017-02-10 2018-02-09 ポータブル電子式警告灯の携帯用ケースおよびシステム
CN201880024293.3A CN110770082A (zh) 2017-02-10 2018-02-09 便携式电子闪光灯携带箱和系统
JP2023005832A JP2023061934A (ja) 2017-02-10 2023-01-18 ポータブル電子式警告灯の携帯用ケースおよびシステム

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201762457638P 2017-02-10 2017-02-10
US62/457,638 2017-02-10

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WO2018148587A1 true WO2018148587A1 (fr) 2018-08-16

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PCT/US2018/017683 WO2018148587A1 (fr) 2017-02-10 2018-02-09 Mallette de transport de fusée éclairante électronique portable et système

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JP (2) JP7214641B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN110770082A (fr)
WO (1) WO2018148587A1 (fr)

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EP4163534A1 (fr) * 2021-10-07 2023-04-12 Metallwarenfabrik Gemmingen GmbH Agencement comprenant une lampe d'insertion et un boîtier de phare manuel

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4163534A1 (fr) * 2021-10-07 2023-04-12 Metallwarenfabrik Gemmingen GmbH Agencement comprenant une lampe d'insertion et un boîtier de phare manuel

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Publication number Publication date
CN110770082A (zh) 2020-02-07
JP7214641B2 (ja) 2023-01-30
JP2020511710A (ja) 2020-04-16
JP2023061934A (ja) 2023-05-02
EP3580094A4 (fr) 2020-12-30
EP3580094A1 (fr) 2019-12-18

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