Patent Publication Number: US-11035529-B2

Title: Electronic twist flare

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/798,030 filed Jan. 29, 2019; the entire contents of Patent Application No. 62/798,030 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates to devices used for signaling in emergencies. More particularly, this application provides an electronic flare with multi-mode functionality, capable of being used in many situations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Warning devices are often used in emergencies. A warning device may indicate the location of an accident to emergency personnel or warn others to stay away from the location. For example, a car crash victim may use a warning device to signal their location to emergency personnel, while emergency personnel may use a warning device to warn other drivers to keep away. 
     Traditionally, warning devices have been pyrotechnic flares. Pyrotechnic flares are extremely dangerous due to their ease of ignition and high temperatures reached, often burning their users. Due to their high temperature, pyrotechnic flares may also start fires, especially at the site of an accident with spilled oil or gas, or in a wooded area. Pyrotechnic flares are often a costly requirement for boat safety regulations, as they must be replaced whenever they expire (roughly every four years). An additional challenge with flares for boating use is the requirement to keep them in dry conditions to ensure that they function properly. Any amount of moisture may make a pyrotechnic flare non-functional. Furthermore, upon expiration, pyrotechnic flares must be disposed of, thereby posing a safety concern and an environmental hazard. The lifetime of pyrotechnic flares is often too short to last the span of an emergency, which requires the use of numerous and expensive pyrotechnic flares. Furthermore, pyrotechnic flares can only emit one colour of light in a steady fashion, and may be confused with an ordinary light or firework. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one broad aspect of the teachings herein, there is provided an electronic flare comprising a long tubular housing; a light module that is disposed along a portion of the housing, the light module comprising at least one light source for emitting light according to a lighting mode; a power source for providing power to the light module; a circuit board that is disposed within the housing and is electrically coupled to the power source and light module, the circuit board including a controller for providing power to the light module according to the selected lighting mode when the electronic flare is activated; and a switch having an external switch portion and an internal switch portion coupled to one another, the external switch portion being disposed along an outer portion of the housing and the internal switch portion being operatively coupled to the circuit board, the external switch portion being rotatably movable by a user to one or more positions where each position is associated with a different lighting mode allowing the user to select the lighting mode. 
     In at least one embodiment, the lighting modes comprise a first mode where the light module is deactivated and an at least one additional lighting mode in which the light module is activated. 
     In at least one embodiment, the at least one additional lighting mode comprises at least one of a second lighting mode where the light module emits a steady light, a third lighting mode where the light module emits a flashing light and a third lighting mode where the light module emits light according to a Morse code pattern. 
     In at least one embodiment, the lighting provided during a given lighting mode is programmable by a user by providing lighting instructions to the controller. 
     In at least one embodiment, the light module comprises: a light source containment member that provides a housing for the light module; at least one light source contact holder for supporting the at least one light source; and at least one light source contact member that is electrically connectable to the at least one light source and the circuit board for providing power to the at least one light source depending on the selected lighting mode. 
     In at least one embodiment, the light module is removably attachable to the housing allowing the light module to be replaced when any of the light sources are damaged or allowing the light module to be replaced with another light module having light sources that emit light of a different color. 
     In at least one embodiment, the external switch portion has a rough surface allowing the user to more easily grip and actuate the switch. 
     In at least one embodiment, the internal switch portion is a rotary switch and the circuit board comprises a plurality of electrical contacts that are physically located at different positions that correspond to the different positions that the rotary switch is movable to so that during use the user can rotate the external switch portion which in turn rotates the rotary switch to select one of the lighting modes. 
     In at least one embodiment, the internal switch portion is a rotary switch with an internal surface that includes different optical markers that are spaced apart and correspond to different lighting modes, the circuit board comprises an optical detector for detecting the optical markers and during use the rotary switch is rotated by rotation of the external switch portion to allow one of the optical markers to be detected by the optical detector to allow the user to select the lighting mode associated with the detected optical marker. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises a tactile feedback mechanism to provide the user with tactile feedback when the external switch portion is rotated to different positions. 
     In at least one embodiment, the internal switch portion is a rotary switch and the tactile feedback mechanism comprises a resilient member that is adapted to exert an outwardly radial force on different slots in an internal surface of the rotary switch where each slot corresponds to a lighting mode and actuation of the rotary switch to change from a given lighting mode to another lighting mode results in deflection of the resilient member that provides the tactile feedback to the user. 
     In at least one embodiment, the resilient member comprises a spring and the tactile feedback mechanism comprises a ball bearing that is at an end of the spring and is disposed within the slot corresponding to the given lighting mode and during actuation, the spring is compressed when the rotary switch is rotated until the ball bearing is moved to another slot corresponding to a different lighting mode at which point the spring is adapted to move from a contracted to an extended position to provide the tactile feedback to the user. 
     In at least one embodiment, the resilient member comprises a spring and the tactile feedback mechanism comprises two ball bearings that are at opposite ends of the spring and are disposed within the a pair of slots that correspond to the given lighting mode and during actuation, the spring is compressed when the rotary switch is rotated until the ball bearings are moved to another pair of slots that correspond to a different lighting mode at which point the spring is adapted to move from a contracted to an extended position to provide the tactile feedback to the user. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises an activation block having a recess, the activation block being coupled to the external switch portion such that rotation of the external switch portion rotates the activation block; and the internal switch portion is a rotary switch that has a protrusion that corresponds to the recess of the activation block, the rotary switch protrusion being coupled to the activation block recess such that the rotary switch is adapted to rotate upon rotation of the activation block. 
     In at least one embodiment, the internal switch portion comprises at least one light transmitter coupled to the circuit board; a vane assembly comprising a support block coupled to the housing; at least one phototransistor that is associated with the at least one light transmitter, the at least one phototransistor being configured for receiving light from the at least one phototransistor light source; and a vane that is rotatably coupled to the support block and coupled to the external switch portion, the vane having a light vent, the vane being adapted to rotate when the external switch portion is rotated to allow transmitted light from the at least one light transmitter to be detected by the associated at least one phototransistor when the vane is therebetween and the vane being adapted to block the light otherwise, wherein the controller is adapted to switch the lighting mode when the associated at least one light transmitter transitions between detecting and not detecting the transmitted light from the at least one light phototransmitter. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises a first lighting mode when the at least one phototransistor detects the transmitted light and a second lighting mode when the at least one phototransistor does not detect the transmitted light. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises a first light phototransistor for detecting light from a first light transmitter and a second phototransistor for detecting light from a second light transmitter and the controller is configured to enter select different lighting modes depending on whether one or both of the phototransistors detect transmitted light. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller is further configured to use any one of a binary code and a gray code to change between the lighting modes depending on which of the phototransistors detect transmitted light. 
     In at least one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine time durations during which the light vane is in a particular position during a sequence of rotations of the vane and the controller is configured to select a lighting mode based on the determined time durations and changes in rotation direction for the sequence of rotations has at least a first lighting position and a second lighting position. 
     In at least one embodiment, the power source is a battery disposed at an end of the electronic flare. 
     In these embodiments, the battery is rechargeable and an end cap that is adjacent to the battery comprises electrical contacts to facilitate direct electrical charging or charging occurs through wireless induction. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare comprises sealing elements disposed along different physical and/or removable sections of the housing to seal keep fluids from entering the housing. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare comprises an alternate activation mechanism including a button that is actuated by a user to select one of the lighting modes. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare comprises an alternate activation mechanism including an impact switch that is actuated by a user by exerting an external impact force on the housing to select one of the lighting modes. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises a photosensor that is electrically coupled to the circuit board and is adapted to sense ambient light, and when the photosensor is exposed to a low amount of ambient light the controller is configured to increase power to the light module to increase an amount of emitted light when the light module is activated and when the photosensor is exposed to a high amount of ambient light the controller is configured to decrease power to the light module to decrease an amount of emitted light when the light module is activated. 
     In at least one embodiment, an end cap is shaped to receive a removably attachable mount that has a pointed end for allowing the electronic flare to be mounted on a soft surface. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises a removably attachable mount that has at least one clamp that is coupled to a stand, the at least one clamp being sized to receive the housing and couple the mount to the housing to maintain the electronic flare at an upright position on a surface. 
     In at least one embodiment, the stand is pivotally coupled to the lamp allowed an angle between the housing of the electronic flare and the surface to be adjusted. 
     In accordance with another broad aspect of the teachings herein, there is provided an electronic flare kit comprising an electronic flare that comprises a long tubular housing; a light module that is disposed along a portion of the housing, the light module comprising at least one light source for emitting light according to a lighting mode; a power source for providing power to the light module; a circuit board that is disposed within the housing and is electrically coupled to the power source and light module, the circuit board including a controller for providing power to the light module according to the selected lighting mode when the electronic flare is activated; and a switch having an external switch portion and an internal switch portion that is coupled to the external switch portion, the external switch portion being disposed along an outer portion of the housing and the internal switch portion being operatively coupled to the circuit board, the external switch portion being rotatably movable by a user to one or more positions where each position is associated with a different lighting mode allowing the user to select the lighting mode. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare comprises an end cap shaped to receive a removably attachable mount that has a pointed end for allowing the electronic flare to be mounted on a soft surface. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare further comprises a removably attachable mount that has at least one clamp that is coupled to a stand, the at least one clamp being sized to receive the housing and couple the mount to the housing to maintain the electronic flare at an upright position on a surface. 
     In at least one embodiment, the stand is pivotally coupled to the clamp to allow an angle between the housing of the electronic flare and the surface to be adjusted. 
     In at least one embodiment, the kit further comprises at least one additional lighting module that is removably attachable to the housing, the additional lighting module having a different light color when illuminated. 
     In at least one embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions describing how the electronic flare is operated by a user. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of an electronic flare in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show a top view, a side view, a bottom view and a sectional view, respectively, of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2E  shows an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 2D . 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of a base of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  shows a top view of an activation block of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  shows a sectional side view of the activation block of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5C  shows an upside down side view of the activation block of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5D  shows an upside down side sectional view of the activation block of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5E  shows a bottom view of the activation block of the electronic flare of FIG. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  show a side view, a perspective view, and a sectional view, respectively, of an example embodiment of a light module that can be used with the electronic flare of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 7  shows various example embodiments of mounts and LED modules for the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  show a side view, a sectional view and a bottom view of the bottom end cap of the electronic flare of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9A  shows a top view of an example support with a tactile feedback mechanism in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 9B  shows a side view of the support of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  shows a sectional view of the support of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9D  shows a sectional view of the support of  FIG. 9C . 
         FIG. 9E  shows a bottom view of the support of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective bottom sectional view of a support with a tactile feedback mechanism, where the support is located within the body of an electronic flare in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an example of an alternative embodiment of an electronic flare in accordance with another aspect of the teachings herein. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  show a side view and a sectional view, respectively, of the electronic flare of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a side view and a sectional view, respectively, of an inner tube of the electronic flare of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13C  shows a side view of a twist switch of the electronic flare of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective sectional view of the electronic flare of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15A  shows a side view of an example of an alternative embodiment of an electronic flare in accordance with another aspect of the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 15B  shows a side sectional view of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  shows an enlarged sectional view of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a vane assembly and circuit board of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 17A  shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a vane support of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 17B  shows a top view of the vane support of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIGS. 17C to 17F  show side views of the vane support of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17G  shows a bottom view of the vane support of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 18A  shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a vane of the vane assembly of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18B  shows a front view of the vane of  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18C  shows a top view of the vane of  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18D  shows a side view of the vane of  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of the vane assembly of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIGS. 20A to 20C  show top views of the vane assembly of  FIG. 16  with the vane in different positions. 
         FIGS. 21A to 21C  show sectional views of the vane assembly of  FIG. 16  with the vane in different positions. 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  show sectional views of the vane assembly of  FIG. 16  situated in the alternative embodiment of the electronic flare of  FIGS. 15A-15C . 
         FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of a portion of the circuit board and the vane assembly of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective and partial cutout view of a portion of the circuit board and the vane assembly of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of a portion of the circuit board and the vane assembly of  FIG. 23  with the vane removed. 
         FIG. 26  shows a sectional view of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIGS. 27A to 27E  show the stages of assembly of the electronic flare of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIGS. 28A to 28D  show the circuit board and the vane assembly of  FIG. 16  with the containment tube removed. 
     
    
    
     Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various systems, devices or methods will be described below to provide an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described herein limits any claimed subject matter and any claimed subject matter may cover systems, devices or methods that differ from those described herein. The claimed subject matter is not limited to systems, devices or methods having all of the features of any one process or device described below or to features common to multiple or all of the systems, devices or methods described herein. It is possible that a system, device or method described herein is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is disclosed in a system, device or method described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document. 
     Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     It should also be noted that the terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanical, electrical or communicative connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two or more elements or devices can be directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, electrical signal or a mechanical element depending on the particular context. 
     It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof. 
     It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies. 
     Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about” which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed, such as 10%, for example. 
     In accordance with the teachings herein, at least one embodiment is provided for an electronic flare. The electronic flare has a housing that contains a power source, a circuit board, and an actuation mechanism. The electronic flare also comprises a light module that is generally disposed at an end of the housing. In some embodiments, the light module is removably attachable to the housing. Actuating the actuation mechanism activates the light module, which then emits light. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an electronic flare  100 . The electronic flare  100  includes a top end cap  102 , a bottom end cap  104 , a twist switch  106 , a light module  108 , an outer tube  110  and a light source contact holder  112 . A top view of the top end cap  102  is shown in  FIG. 2A . A bottom view of the bottom end cap  104  is shown in  FIG. 2C . 
     The top end cap  102  is disposed above an upper surface of the light module  108 . A bottom surface of the light module  108  is disposed above an upper surface of the light source contact holder  112 . A bottom surface of the light source contact holder  112  is disposed above an upper surface of the twist switch  106 . The bottom surface of the twist switch  106  is disposed above an upper surface of the outer tube  110 . A bottom surface of the outer tube is disposed above an upper surface of the bottom end cap  104 . The twist switch  106  generally includes an external switch portion  107 , which is tubular and rotatable by a user and may be referred to as a handle, and an internal switch portion which is coupled to the external switch portion  107  and is rotatable when the external switch portion  107  is rotated. The internal switch portion generally comprises a rotary switch such as rotary switch  122 . 
     The electronic flare  100  also has an inner tube  142  as shown in  FIG. 2D . A bottom end of the inner tube  142  is adjacent an inner portion of the bottom end cap  104 . The inner tube  142  extends along an inner surface of the outer tube  110  and an inner surface of the external switch portion  107  so that a top end of the inner tube is adjacent a bottom portion of the light source contact holder  112  such that the light module  108  is coupled with the inner tube  142 . The bottom end cap  104  is coupled with the outer tube  110  and the inner tube  142 . 
     When the electronic flare  100  is assembled, it may be sealed to prevent water from entering the interior of the electronic flare  100  through using various elements such as seals. For example, as seen in  FIGS. 2D and 2E , there may be a seal  160  between the top end cap  102  and a light source containment tube  144 . There may also be a seal  162  between the light source contact holder  112  and the light source containment tube  144 . There may also be a seal  164  between the light source contact holder  112  and the inner tube  142 . There may also be a seal  166  between an activation block  126  and the inner tube  142 . Finally, there may also be a seal  168  between the bottom end cap  104  and the inner tube  142 . The seals may be O-rings or other suitable elements. In other embodiments, some of the above noted seals may not be used. 
     The twist switch  106  has a knurled (i.e. ribbed) surface to allow a user to grip the electronic flare  100  more securely. The knurled surface provides ease of use for a user in actuating the electronic flare  100  either when the user is barehanded or while the user is wearing gloves. The knurled surface may cover the entire external switch portion  107  or just a portion of the external switch portion  107  such as having ribs extending vertically along certain circumferential portions of the external switch portion  107  with smooth surfaces in between. 
     Alternatively, in some embodiments, the external switch portion  107  does not have a knurled surface, but it is made of a non-slip material. In other embodiments, the external switch portion  107  may have a knurled surface that is made of a non-slip material for additional grip. In some embodiments, the external switch portion  107  has a rough surface for additional grip. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the electronic flare  100 .  FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the electronic flare  100  with the light module  108  removed.  FIGS. 6A-6C  shows an exploded view of the light module  108  of the electronic flare  100 . 
     When the bottom end cap  104  is decoupled from the inner tube  142  and the outer tube  110 , a power source  114  may be inserted into the inner tube  142 . After the power source  114  has been inserted into the inner tube  142 , the bottom end cap  104  may be removably coupled to the inner tube  142  and the outer tube  110 . In some embodiments, the power source  114  may be one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the power source  114  may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the power source  114  may be integrated into the electronic flare and may not be removable. 
     The electronic flare  100  also includes a circuit board  118  that is disposed within the inner tube  142 . A first end of the circuit board  118  is held in place by making a friction fit with a slot in a first support  116 . A second end of the circuit board  118  is held in place by making a friction fit with a slot in a second support  120 . At least a portion of the first support  116  is coupled to and makes contact with the inner tube  142  such that the first support  116  is prevented from moving. The first support  116  also supports the circuit board  118  such that the circuit board  118  is electrically connected to the power source  114 . At least a portion of the second support  120  is coupled to, and makes contact with, the inner tube  142  such that the second support  120  is prevented from moving. The second support  120  allows portions of the rotary switch  122  to make an electrical connection with the circuit board  118 . 
     The electronic flare  100  includes an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a rotary switch  122 , the activation block  126 , a first washer  138 , a second washer  140 , and the external switch portion  107  of the twist switch  106 . The rotary switch  122  is also supported by the second support  120 , allowing the rotary switch  122  to rotate while maintaining the same horizontal orientation. An upper portion of the rotary switch  122  is a rotary member  148  that extends through an aperture of the first washer  138  and into a recess  158  of the activation block  126  such that the rotary switch  122  is operably connected to the activation block  126 . The second washer  140  surrounds a bottom portion of the activation block  126  to assist with rotation. A coupling member  146  (i.e. tab or post) extends through an aperture of the inner tube  142  and couples the activation block  126  to the external switch portion  107 . Accordingly, various components of the actuation mechanism couple the external switch portion  107  to the rotary switch  122 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5E  shows the activation block  126  from various views. The rotary member  148  has a roughly cylindrical body with a flat edge on one part of the cylinder. The recess  158  has a non-cylindrical shape with flat edge that receives an end of the rotary member  148  that is shaped similarly. Accordingly, rotation of the activation block  126  rotates the rotary switch  122 . Rotating the external switch portion  107  rotates the rotary member  148  and the activation block  126 , which in turn rotates rotary switch  122 . Rotating the rotary switch  122  allows a portion of the rotary switch  122  to come into contact with certain portions of the circuit board  118 . 
     To allow the external switch portion  107  to rotate around the inner tube  142 , the inner tube  142  has a groove or slot partially around its circumference to provide coupling member  146  with a path that it may travel along. A first location dowel  124  and a second location dowel  125  couple the external switch portion  107  to the inner tube  142 . Inner tube  142  has a corresponding groove or slot to accommodate both the first location dowel  124  and the second location dowel  125 , allowing the external switch portion  107  to rotate partially around inner tube  142 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , the light module  108  includes the top end cap  102 . At least one light source  136  is electrically connected to the top end cap  102 . In this example embodiment, the light module  108  contains a plurality of light sources  136 , with one light source  136  being located along each side of the hexagonal-shaped end cap  102 . The light sources  136  can be light emitting diodes (LEDs) or any other suitable electronic device that emits light. A light source containment tube  144  surrounds the plurality of light sources  136 . The light source containment tube  144  has an inner portion  144   b  and an outer portion  144   c . The inner portion  144   b  includes apertures  144   a  that are sized to allow light from the light sources  136  to pass therethrough. The outer portion  144   c  covers the inner portion  144   b , thereby covering the apertures  144   a . The inner portion  144   b , outer portion  144   c , and apertures  144   a  may collectively be referred to as the light source containment tube  144 . The light source containment tube  144  is coupled to the top end cap  102  and the light source contact holder  112 . In this example embodiment, the light source containment tube  144  has a coupling aperture  144   d  for receiving a screw  144   p  that engages a grooved aperture  102   a  in the top end cap  102 . The light source contact holder  112  has a central post with a channel  112   c  and the end cap  102  has an aligned channel  102   c . A pin  102   p  is placed through the channel  112   c  of the end cap  102  and engages the channel  112   c  of the light source contact holder  112  in a friction fit manner to hold these two pieces together. As shown in  FIGS. 2E, 3 and 4 , the inner tube  142  has a threaded portion  142   t  to match the grooves  112   g  of the light source contact holder  112 , allowing the light source contact holder  112  to be removably coupled to the inner tube  142 . 
     An inner light source contact ring  132  and an outer light source contact ring  134  are held by the light source contact holder  112 . The inner light source contact ring  132  and the outer light source contact ring  134  both have vertical shafts that engage and are electrically connected to the at least one light source  136  and a dual contact pin  130 . The dual contact pin  130  is in electrical connection with a contact pin  128  (see  FIG. 2D ). The contact pin  128  is in electrical connection with the activation block  126  and therefore is in electrical connection with rotary switch  122 . The inner tube  142  is used to close the circuit loop. 
     The light source containment tube  144  of the electronic flare  100  is transparent, allowing light emitted from the plurality of light sources  136  to project outwardly therethrough. In some embodiments, the plurality of light source  136  may generate light in one or more colours. For example, the plurality of light source  136  may generate a single color of light including, but not limited to, green, blue, red, yellow, or orange. In another example, the plurality of light source  136  may comprise a plurality of colours, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources  136  is a different colour than another of the plurality of light sources  136 . In another example, the plurality of light source  136  may emit infrared light. 
     In some embodiments, the light source containment tube  144  of the electronic flare  100  is tinted such that light emitted from the plurality of light sources  136  may project outwardly therethrough. In some embodiments, the light source containment tube  144  may be tinted in one or more colours. For example, the light source containment tube  144  may be tinted with a single colour including, but not limited to, green, blue, red, yellow, or orange. In another example, the light source containment tube  144  may be tinted in a plurality of colours. In such embodiments, one side of the light source containment tube  144  may be tinted a first colour, and another side of the light source containment tube  144  may be tinted a second colour, thereby allowing two colours of light to be emitted from the electronic flare  100 . 
     The light module  108  is removably attachable with the electronic flare  100 . The modular nature of the light module  108  allows a user to quickly and easily replace the light module  108 . The user may need to replace the light module  108  if any of the at least one light sources  136  malfunction or burns out. In other situations, a user may wish to change the colour of light emitted by the electronic flare  100 , and may do so by swapping out one light module for another light module with a different coloured light source. 
     When the external switch portion  107  is rotated in a first direction, the rotary switch  122  comes into electrical contact with the circuit board  118 . This rotation completes the electrical circuit between the power source  114  and the at least light source  136 . Once this electrical circuit is complete, the at least one light source  136  is activated and emits light. When the external switch portion  107  is rotated in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the electrical contact between the circuit board  118  and the rotary switch  122  is broken, thereby breaking the electrical connection to the at least one light source  136 . When the electrical connection to the at least one light source  136  is broken, the at least one light source  136  is deactivated and no longer emits light. 
     The rotary switch  122  has a plurality of electrical rotary contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  (see  FIG. 2E ). In other embodiments, there is at least one electrical rotary contact including one, two or more than four electrical rotary contacts. For each electrical rotary contact, there is an associated mode of operation for the electronic flare  100  where the electronic flare  100  emits different light patterns. This can be implemented by each rotary contact making contact with a different input on the circuit board  118  to therefore provide different inputs to a processor or controller on the circuit board  118  which accesses a given location of memory that corresponds to the lighting mode where accessed memory location includes data on the light pattern to be emitted during the lighting mode. 
     For example, starting from a deactivated mode where there is no electrical contact between the circuit board  118  and the rotary switch  122 , the twist switch  106  is rotated in a first direction, connecting the first electrical rotary contact  150  to the circuit board  118 . This first connection allows the electronic flare  100  to enter a first lighting mode. When the twist switch  106  is further rotated in the first direction, the second electrical rotary contact  152  connects with the circuit board  118 , thereby allowing the electronic flare  100  to enter a second lighting mode. Further rotating the external switch portion  107  in the first direction connects the third electrical rotary contact  154  with the circuit board  118 , thereby allowing the electronic flare  100  to enter a third lighting mode. When in the third lighting mode, the external switch portion  107  may be rotated in a second direction allowing the second electrical rotary contact  152  to connect with the circuit board  118 , which reenters the electronic flare  100  into the second lighting mode. Further rotation in the second direction allows the electronic flare  100  to enter the first lighting mode, and further rotation still allows the electronic flare  100  to enter into a deactivated mode where no light is emitted by the electronic flare  100 . 
     In some embodiments, when the electronic flare  100  is in the deactivated mode, the external switch portion  107  may be rotated in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction to reach the next lighting mode. For example, when in the deactivated mode, if the external switch portion  107  is rotated in a clockwise direction, the electronic flare  100  may enter the first lighting mode, but rotation in a counterclockwise direction may enter the electronic flare  100  into the third lighting mode when there are three rotary switch contacts. 
     There may be as many lighting modes as electrical rotary contacts  150 ,  152  and  154  on the rotary switch  122 . Each lighting mode allows the electronic flare  100  to emit light in a different manner. Some common modes may include, but are not limited to, at least one of an off lighting mode (where no rotary electrical contacts are electrically connected to the circuit board  118 , a steady-on lighting mode where light is constantly emitted by the electronic flare  100 , a strobe lighting mode where the light is emitted in pulses, a Morse code lighting mode where the light is emitted according to a predefined Morse code message such as help, and a user programmable lighting mode. 
     In some embodiments, each lighting mode allows the electronic flare  100  to emit light at a different intensity level (i.e. a different amount of brightness). For example, a first lighting mode may emit light at 100% brightness, a second lighting mode may emit light at 75% brightness, and a third lighting mode may emit light at 50% brightness. In some embodiments, each lighting mode may allow the electronic flare  100  to emit light in a different colour. For example, a first lighting mode may emit a first colour of light, a second lighting mode may emit a second colour of light, and a third lighting mode may emit a third colour of light. The colour of light may include, but is not limited to, green, blue, red, yellow, or orange. In some of these embodiments, the different light intensities and/or different colors may be user programmable through software. Alternatively, in other embodiments these different lighting modes will be pre-programmed at the time of manufacture. 
     The off lighting mode will typically be when the electronic flare  100  is in the deactivated mode. However, between lighting modes, the rotary switch  122  may lose electrical contact with the circuit board  118 , such that no light is emitted by the electronic flare  100  but this intermediary state is not considered the off lighting mode. 
     The steady-on lighting mode allows the electronic flare  100  to continuously emit light through its at least one light source  136 . The strobe lighting mode allows the electronic flare  100  to emit light through its at least one light source  136  in some alternating flashing pattern, which may be set to be, for example, a rapid flashing pattern, a slow flashing pattern, or some combination of a rapid and slow flashing pattern. 
     The Morse code lighting mode allows the electronic flare  100  to emit light through its at least one light source  136  according to some predefined Morse code pattern. For example, this Morse code pattern may be in the form of the letters ‘SOS’ in Morse code, which is a universal distress signal. SOS in Morse code is denoted as . . . - - - . . ., or short short short, long long long, short short short. Accordingly, when the Morse code lighting mode is programmed to emit the Morse code for SOS, the at least one light source  136  will emit light in the pattern of three long flashes, three rapid flashes, and three long flashes. This pattern will then repeat itself. It should be understood that the Morse code lighting mode may be predefined to emit light in other Morse code patterns, and is not limited to the SOS Morse code pattern. 
     The user programmable lighting mode allows the user of the electronic flare  100  to preprogram a customized pattern. In the user programmable lighting mode, the at least one light source  136  will emit flashes of light in a pattern chosen by the user. For example, this mode may allow the user to preprogram the electronic flare  100  to emit light in a different Morse code pattern. In an embodiment with a user programmable mode, the electronic flare  100  may have a user input connected to the circuit board  118 . The user input may accept a data transfer device, such as a USB cable, that allows the user to connect to the circuit board  118  to a computer (not shown) that has an electronic flare application program and that allows the user to define and transfer a lighting code to the circuit board  118 . In some embodiments, the electronic flare  100  may include a communication unit (not shown) having a wireless receiver for receiving the user input. For example, the electronic flare  100  may include one or more of a Bluetooth receiver, a Wifi receiver, or a Near Field Communication receiver in the communication unit for receiving user input. The user input may wirelessly communicate with a computer or mobile device by way of an electronic flare software application that allows the user to define and transfer a lighting code to the circuit board  118 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lighting modes of the electronic flare  100  may be pre-programmed. 
     In another embodiment with a user programmable lighting mode, a data transfer device may not be required. In such an embodiment, there may be a user input integrated into the electronic flare  100 . For example, there may be a button on the side of the electronic flare  100  that allows the user to enter a programming mode in which a lighting sequence can be entered by pressing the button in a particular pattern. This lighting sequence is then stored in memory on the circuit board  118 . After programming, when a user manipulates the twist switch  106  to enter the electronic flare  100  into the user programmable lighting mode, the at least one light source  136  emits light in a pattern that was specified by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare  100  may have a mount for supporting the electronic flare  100  in an upright or angled position. Some examples of mounts include, but are not limited to, at least one of a flotation mount, a spike mount, a hinged mount, a rigid mount, a bracketed mount, a magnetic mount, a hooked mount, and a buckled mount. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , shown therein is an example of a mount  200 . Mount  200  may be attached to electronic flare  100  by a first clamp  202  and a second clamp  204 . The clamps  202  and  204  are semi-circular with a gap to receive the electronic flare  100 . The clamps  202  and  204  are connected by a longitudinal member  206 . The longitudinal member  206  may also be referred to as rod  206 . To attach the mount  200  to the electronic flare  100 , each end of the semi-circle of clamps  202  and  204  may be pulled apart, allowing the electronic flare  100  to be placed against the inside of the clamps  202  and  204 . Releasing the clamps  202  and  204  allows the clamps to tighten around the outer tube  110  of the electronic flare  100 . 
     The mount  200  has a first end and a second end. The first and second ends have clamps  204  and  202  respectively that have a U or horseshoe shape with tips that are flexible such that they can wrap around the body of the electronic flare  100 , i.e. at the twist switch  106  and the outer tube  110 , to releasably attach the mount  200  to the electronic flare  100 . The mount  200  has a first arm  208  and a second arm  210  that are flexible. Arms  208  and  210  each have a proximal end near the clamp  204  and a distal end opposite the proximal end. Proximal ends of arms  208  and  210  are coupled to the first end of the mount  200 . In this case, there are channels through the first end of the mount  200  which the proximal ends of the arms  208  and  210  extend through such that they are joined by a cross member  211 . In this example embodiment, the arms  208  and  210  and the cross member  211  are formed by a single piece of material. The distal ends of arms  208  and  210  are coupled to gripping members  212  and  214 , respectively. The gripping members  212  and  214  are pivotally coupled to a portion of legs  216  and  218 , respectively. Proximal ends of the legs  216  and  218  are coupled to the second end of the mount  200 . Distal ends of the legs  216  and  218  have caps for engaging with a surface upon which the electronic flare  100  is to stand. The longitudinal member  206  of mount  200  is coupled between the first and second ends of the mount  200  using a screw, a pin or another fastening element. 
     When the legs  216  and  218  are in a first position that is furthest away from the longitudinal member  206 , the electronic flare  100  is in a substantially upright position. When the legs  216  and  218  are moved to a second position that is closer to the longitudinal member  206 , the electronic flare  100  is in an angled position. When the legs  216  and  218  are moved to be substantially adjacent to the longitudinal member  206 , the mount  200  is in a closed position and is not used to hold the electronic flare  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the gripping members  212  and  214  may be rigidly connected to the legs  216  and  218 . In such an embodiment, the arms  208  and  210  may be slidably connected to the mount  200 . Pushing on cross-member  211  allows the arms  208  and  210  to slide through the mount  200 . Due to the rigid connection between the gripping members  212 ,  214 , and the legs  216 ,  218 , when a force is applied to the cross-member  211 , arms  208  and  210  slide through mount  200 , and the legs  216  and  218  extend outwardly from the mount  200 . When the legs  216  and  218  are extended, the mount  200  allows the electronic flare  100  to rest on a surface in a desired orientation. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7 , shown therein is another embodiment of a mount  300  with a support  304 . Mount  300  has a hinge  302  that allows the mount  300  to couple to a clamp similar to clamp  202  or clamp  204 , but with a hinge receptor. Once the mount  300  is coupled to the electronic flare  100  by placing the clamp  204  around a portion of the cylindrical body of the electronic flare  100 , perhaps at the external switch portion  107  of the twist switch  106  or the outer tube  110 , the support  304  maintains the electronic flare  100  at an angle when the electronic flare  100  and the bottom of the mount  300  are placed on a surface. Moving the hinge  302  changes the angle of the electronic flare  100  relative to the surface that it is placed on. 
     In some embodiments, there is a mount that does not have a pivot means to change the angle at which the electronic flare  100  is mounted on a surface. For example,  FIG. 7  also shows a mount  400  with a clamp  402 . The clamp  402  operates in the same manner as clamps  202  and  204  described above. The mount  300  has a support  404  that is connected to and is integral with the clamp  402 . When the mount  400  is coupled to the electronic flare  100 , the support  404  maintains the electronic flare  100  at an angle when the electronic flare  100  is placed on a surface. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare  100  has a mount that does not require a clamp. For example,  FIG. 7  also shows a mount  500 . The mount  500  has a coupling member  502  that couples the mount  500  to the bottom end cap  104  of the electronic flare  100 . The coupling member  502  has a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the bottom end cap  104 , which allows the coupling member  502  to be releasably connected to the electronic flare  100  by a friction fit. The mount  500  has at least one web  504  that narrows in width from the coupling member  502  to an end point  506 . The mount  500  resembles a spike. When the mount  500  is coupled to the electronic flare  100 , the end point  506  may be inserted into a soft surface such as grass or mud. The mount  500  maintains the electronic flare  100  in a substantially upright position when the mount  500  is inserted into a surface. The mount  500  allows the electronic flare  100  to be dropped from a distance, such as from a helicopter, into a surface below that the user wishes to mark with the electronic flare  100 . In this case, the electronic flare  100  may be dropped after a particular lighting mode is selected by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the mount  500  does not have a spike, but instead has a flat plate that attaches to the bottom of end cap  104 . The flat plate has a larger surface area than the end cap  104 . Such a plate allows the electronic flare  100  to be placed on a flat surface and support the electronic flare  100  in a substantially upright position. The plate may have any shape that is capable of supporting the electronic flare  100 , including, but not limited to, a square, circle, or triangle. 
     In another embodiment, the electronic flare  100  may have a flotation mount. The flotation mount may couple to the electronic flare  100 . When placed in water, the flotation mount may keep the electronic flare  100  in a substantially upright position such that the light module  108  is kept above water. 
     In some embodiments, the flotation mount is an external mount that is attached to the outer tube  110  of the electronic flare  100 . Due to the weight of the power source  114  at the bottom of the electronic flare  100 , the flotation mount allows the electronic flare  100  to float in a substantially upright position, with the light source containment tube  144  residing above the water level. In other embodiments, the flotation mount is an internal mount located within the electronic flare  100 . The internal flotation mount may compensate for the weight distribution of the electronic flare  100 , keeping the electronic flare  100  in a substantially upright position and allowing the light source containment tube  144  to reside above the water level. 
     The method of attaching the mount to the electronic flare need not be limited to clamps. Any attachment mechanism may be used including, but not limited to, straps, Velcro, screws, or magnets, for example. 
     In some embodiments, a mount may replace the bottom end cap. For example, similar to the mount  500 , a spiked mount may directly couple to the inner tube  142  and outer tube  110  of the electronic flare, rather than coupling to the bottom end cap. In such embodiments, a bottom end cap is not needed to seal the bottom of the electronic flare. 
     In some embodiments, a mount may have a buckle that receives a strap. The strap may be of such a length that it may be wrapped around a tree or a post while supporting the electronic flare. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a mount may have a buckle that clips to a receiving buckle attached to another object. For example, the mount may be clipped to a backpack or a jacket. 
     In some embodiments, a mount may have hooks that enable the electronic flare to be hung from an object. For example, the mount may have one or more small hooks that may be hung from a backpack or a jacket, supporting the electronic flare. 
     As described above, in some embodiments, the power source may be at least one rechargeable battery. In such embodiments, the bottom end cap  104  may be a charging mount with electrical contacts that allow the rechargeable battery to be electrically connected to a charger. The charging mount may use any technology capable of recharging the power source of the electronic flare  100 . For example,  FIGS. 8A-8C  show an example embodiment of a bottom end cap  600  with an accommodation  602 , a recess  604  and a battery holder. The accommodation  602  and the recess  604  may accept a charging bracket or prong (not shown). The at least one rechargeable battery rests on the battery holder  606  of the charging mount  104 . An insert of the charging bracket makes electrical contact with the at least one rechargeable battery. When the charging bracket is coupled to a power supply and the electronic flare, the at least one rechargeable battery may be charged. The power supply to the charging bracket may be any suitable power source such as, but not limited to, a power outlet, a USB power connection, a charging port in a vehicle, or a separate charger, for example. 
     Accordingly, the at least one rechargeable battery may be charged through direct electrical contact. Alternatively in other embodiments, the at least one rechargeable battery may be charged through wireless induction, or both direct electrical contact and wireless induction. 
     In some embodiments, a charging station may be used to charge multiple electronic flares. The charging station may be capable of charging multiple electronic flares at the same time. The charging station may charge the electronic flares using direct electrical contact, wireless induction, or both. This charging station may be used in emergency service vehicles as they may use several electronic flares at a time and always need them to be charged. The charging station may come with mounting brackets to be attached to a wall or within a vehicle such as a firetruck or tow truck. 
     In some embodiments, a mount may be used to attach an electronic flare to another surface or object. For example, the mount may have a corresponding mount receptor or bracket with one end that is releasably couplable to the bottom end cap  104  of the electronic flare  100  and another end that is fixable to some other surface. The mount receptor may be fixed to any surface such as, but not limited to, the side of a boat, a car, and a construction sign, for example. The end of the mount receptor that is fixable to the other surface may be magnetic or it may have an adhesive with a non-stick top layer that can be peeled off to allow the mount to be adhered to a surface. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare may have tactile feedback. The tactile feedback may be a click or a vibration felt by a user as they actuate the external switch portion  107  to select a lighting mode of operation for the electronic flare. As each lighting mode is entered, there is tactile feedback for the user notifying them that a new lighting mode has been entered. For example, referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9E , shown therein is an example embodiment of a first support  700  that includes a first accommodation  702  and a second accommodation  704 . In this case, turning the external switch portion  107  of the electronic flare may provide tactile feedback via the first support  700  of a circuit board  718 . The first support  700  is somewhat similar to the support  116  for supporting the circuit board  118 . However, the first support  700  has two semi-circular holes passing through, due to a unibody embodiment of the electronic flare, while first support  116  only has a single hole passing through it. 
     The accommodations  702  and  704  provide recesses along a first outer ring  701  in the first support  700  that is adjacent to and supports a bottom surface of the circuit board  718 . The first support  700  has a central plate  706  that extends across the diameter of the first outer ring  701 , connecting at opposite sides of an inner edge of the first outer ring  701 . The central plate  706  is adjacent to and supports a bottom surface of the circuit board  718 .  FIG. 9C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the support  700 . A power source recess  708  provides an accommodation for the power source  114 , as previously described. A locator recess  710  provides an accommodation for a location dowel  722 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The location dowel  722  couples the first support  700  to an external switch portion  727  and an inner tube  728 . The external switch portion  727  is an external part of the twist switch  726  and is rotatable around the inner tube  728 . When the external switch portion  727  is rotated, a path  724  allows the location dowel  722  to rotate around the inside of the external switch portion  727 . An inner tube locator recess  736  accommodates the location dowel  722 . Rotating the external switch portion  727  does not rotate the inner tube  728 . The path  724  provides a maximum degree of rotation of the external switch portion  727  since the location dowel  722  will stop the rotation of the external switch portion  727  when the location dowel  722  reaches either end of path  724 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a groove  712  in the first support  700  provides accommodation for two ball bearings  714 ,  715 , and a spring  716 . The spring  716  is located between the two ball bearings  714  and  715 . The spring  716  exerts an outward radial force on the ball bearings  714  and  715  such that the ball bearings  714  and  715  are pushed through a first inner tube bearing hole  738  and a second inner tube bearing hole  740 , respectively, against the inside of twist switch  726 . The external switch portion  727  has at least four slots  730 ,  731 ,  732 , and  733  that accommodate the ball bearings  714  and  715 . Each of the four slots  730 - 734  correspond to one of the lighting modes described earlier. 
     The ball bearings  714  and  715  are pushed by the spring  716  into slots  730  and  731 . When the external switch portion  727  is rotated, the ball bearings  714  and  715  are pushed by the external switch portion  727  out of the slots  730  and  731 . Continued rotation of the external switch portion  727  pushes the ball bearings  714  and  715  into slots  732  and  733 . The slots  730 ,  731 ,  732 , and  733  correspond to the different lighting modes of the electronic flare  100  as described above. For example, when the electronic flare  100  is deactivated, the ball bearings  714  and  715  may reside in slots  730  and  731  respectively. When the external switch portion  727  is rotated and the ball bearings  714  and  715  move to slots  732  and  733 , respectively, and the electronic flare  100  enters the first lighting mode. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare has more than one lighting mode. As seen in  FIG. 10 , there is a second pair of slots  734  and  735  that correspond to a second lighting mode of the electronic flare as described above. For each lighting mode of the electronic flare, there are two corresponding slots to accommodate the ball bearings  714  and  715 . 
     When the ball bearings  714  and  715  enter a new pair of slots, the spring  716  pushes the bearings  714  and  715  against the twist switch  726 . Due to the force exerted by the spring  716 , when the bearings  714  and  715  contact the external switch portion  727 , the user will feel a click or vibration. 
     It should be noted that the tactile feedback mechanism may include any device capable of exerting force on one or more objects that contact the twist switch as it is actuated. For example, instead of a spring, the tactile mechanism may include a rubber insert that is compressed by the ball bearings as the external switch portion  727  is rotated. In other embodiments, the spring may be made of a metal leaf spring. In other embodiments, there may be a metal rod with a spring on both ends, which contacts the ball bearings and forces the ball bearings against the inside wall of the twist switch. 
     In some embodiments, only a single ball bearing may be used. In such embodiments, the first support may have a wall on one side of the groove, and an opening for receiving a ball bearing on the other. The force-exerting device, such as a spring, pushes on the wall with one end and pushes on the ball bearing with the other end to ensure the ball bearing contacts the inside wall of the twist switch. Accordingly, in such embodiments there is one groove for each lighting mode. 
     The tactile feedback mechanism may also be implemented such that it adds a physical resistance to the twisting motion of the twist switch when it is actuated to place the electronic flare into a particular lighting mode. In such embodiments, in order to rotate the twist switch  726 , a user must use sufficient rotational force such that, for example, the ball bearings  714  and  715  compress the spring  716  as the ball bearings  714  and  715  move out of their respective slots. For example, the spring  716  may have a larger spring constant. Once the ball bearings  714  and  715  have compressed the spring  716 , the external switch portion  727  is free to rotate to a new position. In other words, the tactile feedback mechanism may act as a temporary locking mechanism to hold the external switch portion  727  in place, because a certain amount of force is required to compress the spring  716 . The tactile feedback mechanism therefore may make it more difficult for a user to switch between modes accidentally, as a greater amount of force is required to move the ball bearings between slots. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare may have a light module that is removable from the electronic flare while in other embodiments the light module will be removable. Referring now to  FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B , shown therein is an example of an alternative embodiment of an electronic flare  800 . The electronic flare  800  has a top end cap  802  and a bottom end cap  804 , similar to the top end cap  102  and bottom end cap  104  of the electronic flare  100  described previously. The bottom end cap  804  is removably coupled to a first end of an inner tube  828  and an external switch portion  827  of a twist switch  826 . The top end cap  802  is removably coupled to a second end of the inner tube  828 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , shown therein is the inner tube  828 .  FIG. 13C  shows the external switch portion  827 . The inner tube  828  extends substantially the entire length of the electronic flare  800 . The inner tube  828  is mostly cylindrical with a constant inner diameter, and a region of increased external diameter  829  between the external switch portion  827  and a light source containment tube  852 . The external switch portion  827  rests on the outside of the inner tube  828  between the bottom end cap  804  and the region of increased external diameter  829  of the inner tube  828 . The light source containment tube  852  rests on the outside of the inner tube  828  between the region of increased external diameter  829  of the inner tube  828  and the top end cap  802 . 
     The top end cap  802  is removably coupled to the inner tube  828 . When the bottom end cap  804  is removed, the power source  114 , as described above, may be inserted into the inner tube  828 . The bottom end cap  804  is then coupled to the electronic flare  800 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12B . 
     The first support  700 , as described previously, supports the power source  114  and a circuit board  808 , while also providing a tactile feedback mechanism. The first support  700  is coupled to the external switch portion  827  and the inner tube  828  by a location dowel (not shown). The location dowel passes through an inner tube dowel hole  836  and into a path (not shown) in the external switch portion  827 . The location dowel operates with the corresponding path in the same manner as the location dowel  722  and the path  724  described previously. 
     As described previously, the first support  700  has two ball bearings  714  and  715  and a spring  716  to provide tactile feedback to a user as the external switch portion  827  is rotated. The ball bearings  714  and  715  are forced by the spring  716  through inner tube bearing holes  838  and  840  against the inner wall of the external switch portion  827 . The external switch portion  827  has at least two slots to accommodate the ball bearings  714  and  715 . Referring now to  FIG. 13C , shown therein are three slots,  830 ,  832 , and  834 , which accommodate ball bearing  714 . The corresponding slots for ball bearing  715  are not shown. As described previously, there may be as many slot pairs as lighting modes of the electronic flare  800 . Therefore, each lighting mode corresponds to a different slot pair. The tactile feedback mechanism provides tactile feedback in the same manner as described previously. 
     The power source  114  is electrically connectable to the first support  700 , which is electrically connected to the circuit board  808 . On its non-power source end, the circuit board  808  is coupled and electrically connected to a second support  822 . The second support  822  is coupled and electrically connected to at least one light source support  810 , which supports at least one light source  812 . Each of the light source supports  810  that are used resembles a rectangular prism that extends upwards from the second support  822 . The electronic flare  800  has a plurality of light sources  812  and a plurality of light source supports  810 , with one light source support  810  for each light source  812 . Collectively, the plurality of light sources  812  and the plurality of light source supports  810  may be referred to as the light assembly  811 . The light sources can be similarly implemented as the light sources  136 . When the power source  114  has sufficient charge and the electronic flare  800  is twisted out of its deactivated mode, the at least one light source  812  emits light according to the lighting mode it is in. 
     The electronic flare  800  may have at least as many lighting modes as described for the electronic flare  100 ; however, the mechanism for changing lighting modes is different. Referring now to  FIG. 14 , shown therein is a cross-sectional perspective view of the electronic flare  800 , which has a sensor  842  that is electrically connected and coupled to the circuit board  808 . The external switch portion  827  has at least three markers  846 ,  848 , and  850  which may be referred to as the internal switch portion in this embodiment. Each of the markers  846 ,  848 , and  850  correspond to a mode of the electronic flare  800 . The sensor  842  has an optical beam  844  that is used to detect one of the markers  846 ,  848 , and  850  by detecting the reflected light from one of these markers based on which of the markers  846 ,  848  and  850  is aligned with the optical beam  844 . Accordingly, the markers  846 ,  848  and  850  may include reflective material. In some embodiments, the markers  846 ,  848 , and  850  are indents in the external switch portion  827  where the indents can reflect light and may include reflective material. The detection of one of the markers  846 ,  848 , and  850  by the sensor  842  therefore indicates the current position of the twist switch  826 , which is associated with one of the lighting modes. Therefore, the optical marker  846 ,  848 , and  850  that is detected by the sensor  842  is used by a controller (not shown) on the circuit board  808  to select the correct lighting mode for the electronic flare  800 . A user can rotate the external switch portion  827 , which rotates the one of the markers  846 ,  848 , and  850  (i.e. the internal switch portion) to be aligned with the optical beam  844 , which in turn is used to change the lighting mode for the electronic flare  800 . In this example embodiment, the markers  846 ,  848  and  850  can be considered as being the internal switch portion which is coupled to the external switch portion  827 . 
     The light source containment tube  852  is coupled to the inner tube  828  and the top end cap  802 . The light source containment tube  852  at least partially covers the at least one light source  812 . To allow light emitted from the at least one light source  812  to pass outside of the inner tube  828 , there is at least one light hole or aperture  824  in the inner tube  828 . The inner tube  828  generally has a plurality of light holes  824  that is the same as the number of light sources  812 . The light source containment tube  852  is coupled to the inner tube  828  such that light emitted from the at least one light source  812  can pass through the inner tube  828  and light source containment tube  852 . Alternatively, instead of using light holes  824 , transparent material, such as a transparent plastic or glass, may be used at these locations. 
     In some alternative embodiments, an electronic flare  800   a  which has a different mechanical assembly that may be used to change the lighting modes. For example, referring now to  FIGS. 15A to 28D , shown therein is an electronic flare  800   a  with a vane assembly  900 . The vane assembly  900  uses the same twist switch design as described previously, but includes a vane support  902  instead of the first support  700 . Rather than using the sensor  842 , the optical markers  846 - 850 , and the optical beam  844  to change the lighting modes, the vane assembly  900  instead uses an interruptive photo sensor system as the internal switch portion. The interruptive photo sensor system makes use of a light source/phototransistor pairing, where the phototransistor determines if the light source is being interrupted by the vane assembly  900 . As shown in  FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 16 , the vane assembly  900  includes the vane support  902  and a vane  950 . The vane  950  can be considered as being an internal switch portion that is coupled to the external switch portion  827 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17A to 17G , shown therein are various views of an example embodiment of a vane support  902 . The vane support  902  has a first top surface  901 , a second top surface  903 , and a circuit board slot  904  separating the first and second top surfaces  901  and  903 . The first and second top surfaces  901  and  903  are semicircular cylindrical sections with the surface  903  having a raised portion. The circuit board slot  904  may accommodate the circuit board  808 . The vane support  902  has a bottom ring  905  and a cylindrical sidewall  907  between the first and second top surfaces  901 ,  903  to the bottom ring  905 . A recess in the sidewall  907  extends inwardly from the bottom ring  905  to form a power source support  916 . The power source support  916  may be used to position the power source  114  within the vane support  902 . The vane support  902  has a power source contact region  920  that may be used to electrically couple the power source  114  to the vane  950 . 
     A recess in the second top surface  903  forms a vane tip slot  910 . The vane tip slot  910  extends between a first end stop  906  and a second end stop  908  and may provide an accommodation for the vane  950 . The vane support  902  includes a vane spring support  912 . A vane spring slot  914  extends from an inner wall  909  of the vane spring support  912  to the sidewall  907 , without passing through the sidewall  907 . A vane spring  913  (see  FIGS. 21A-21C ) may be positioned in the vane spring slot  914 . The vane spring  913  may provide an outward force on the vane  950  such that the vane  950  contacts the external switch portion  827 . The vane support  902  has a vane recess  922  that extends into the vane spring slot  914  from the inner wall  909 . The vane recess  922  may be used to accommodate the vane  950  and provide a region for the vane spring  913  to contact the vane  950 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22A and 22B , the vane support  902  is shown to accommodate the tactile feedback mechanism described previously. Specifically, the vane support  902  includes the groove  712  in the vane support  902 , which provides accommodation for the two ball bearings  714 ,  715 , and the spring  716  (see  FIG. 22A ). The spring  716  is located between the two ball bearings  714  and  715 . The spring  716  exerts an outward radial force on the ball bearings  714  and  715  such that the ball bearings  714  and  715  are pushed through the first inner tube bearing hole  738  and the second inner tube bearing hole  740 , respectively, against the inside of the external switch portion  827 . The external switch portion  827  has at least four slots  730 ,  731 ,  732 , and  733  that accommodate the ball bearings  714  and  715  and correspond to one of the lighting modes described earlier. 
     The sidewall  907  includes a dowel recess  918  that may accommodate a location dowel  919 . The location dowel  919  may be used to couple the vane support  902  to the electronic flare  800 , similar to how the location dowel  722  couples the first support  700  to the twist switch  826  and the inner tube  728 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18A to 18D , shown therein is an example embodiment of a vane  950 . The vane  950  has a front face  952 , a rear face  954 , and a sidewall  956  extending between the front face  952  and the rear face  954 . The vane  950  has a vane shaft  958  that extends past both the rear face  954  and the front face  952  and may be used to couple the vane  950  to the circuit board  808  and to the vane support  902 , respectively. The circuit board  808  may have a vane slot  959  for accommodating the vane shaft  958 . The vane support  902  may accommodate one end of the vane shaft  958  in the vane recess  922  (see  FIG. 17C ). The front face  952  has a circuit board contact pad  960 . The circuit board contact pad  960  allows the circuit board  808  to electrically couple to the vane  950 . 
     The vane  950  has a vane mid-portion  966  and a vane tip  964  extending outwardly from the vane mid-portion  966 . The vane tip  964  has a twist switch contact region  968 . The twist switch contact region  968  may be used to couple the vane tip  964  to a twist switch vane recess  970  in the external switch portion  827  such that rotation of the external switch portion  827  causes the vane  950  to rotate. In some embodiments, the twist switch contact region  968  may be a narrowed region of the vane tip  964 . In other embodiments, the twist switch contact region  968  may include a small boss or bump  969  (see  FIGS. 20A-20C ) or a dimple. The bump  969  may be used to improve the contact between the twist switch contact region  968  and the external switch portion  827 . For example, if the thickness of the external switch portion  827  is smaller, the twist switch contact region  968  may need to be smaller to ensure that the twist switch contact region  968  does not pass through the external switch portion  827 . To improve the contact of the smaller twist switch contact region  968 , the bump  969  may be used to increase the surface area of contact. The assembled vane assembly  900  is shown in  FIG. 19 . Various cross-sectional views of the vane assembly  900  are illustrated in  FIGS. 20A to 20C, 21A to 21C, and 22A to 22B . 
     Rotation of the external switch portion  827  may cause the electronic flare  800  to change lighting modes, as described above; however, the method of switching lighting modes is different with the vane assembly  900 . Referring now to  FIGS. 23 to 25 , shown therein is an example embodiment of an interruptive photo sensor system. The circuit board  808  may be electrically coupled to the vane  950  at the circuit board contact pad  960  using a circuit board power source coupler  980 . The circuit board power source coupler  980  has a first vane spring contact  981  and a second vane spring contact  983 . When the vane spring contacts  981 ,  983  are in contact with the circuit board contact pad  960  (see  FIGS. 20B-20C ), electricity may flow from the power source  114 , through the vane  950 , through the circuit board power source coupler  980 , into the circuit board  808 , thereby providing power to the circuit board. To complete the circuit with the power source  114 , a first inner tube contact  982  and a second inner tube contact  984  couple to the inner tube  828 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . The inner tube contacts  982  and  984  may be spring contact that are biased towards the inner tube  828 , to improve the electrical contact with the inner tube  828 . Power from the power source  114  may connect to the circuit board  808  through a diode (not shown). Connecting through a diode may protect the circuit board  808  from damage in the event that the power source is incorrectly inserted. 
     At a first position, the vane  950  is oriented such that the circuit board contact pad  960  and the circuit board power source coupler  980  are not coupled (e.g.  FIGS. 20A and 21A ). Since the circuit board  808  and power source  114  are not electrically coupled, the electronic flare is in an off state. 
     When the external switch portion  827  is rotated to a second position, the vane  950  is oriented such that the circuit board contact pad  960  and the circuit board power source coupler  980  are electrically coupled (e.g.  FIGS. 20B and 21B ). When the circuit board contact pad  960  and the circuit board power source coupler  980  are coupled, a light transmitter  986  generates light, and the light is transmitted to a phototransistor  988 , which then detects the light. The vane  950  has a light vent  962  (e.g. notch). The light vent  962  allows the light from the light transmitter  986  to reach the phototransistor  988  when in the vane  950  is in the second position. When the controller determines that light is detected by the phototransistor  988 , the controller controls the electronic flare  800  to enter another lighting mode. 
     When twist switch  826  is rotated to a third position, the light vent  962  is rotated such that the light from the light transmitter  986  can no longer reach the phototransistor  988 , interrupting the light transmission to the phototransistor  988  (e.g.  FIGS. 20C and 21C ). When the light transmission is interrupted, a signal is sent to the controller and the lighting mode is changed. 
     The use of a mechanical switch (i.e. the vane) may help reduce power drain on the power source  114  when the electronic flare  800  is in the off position because the power source  114  is disconnected from the circuit board  808 . In some embodiments, rather than emitting continuous light from the light transmitter  986 , the controller may cause the light transmitter  986  to pulse its light transmission. Pulsing the light transmission may help reduce power drain on the power source  114 . For example, the light transmitter  986  may transmit light every other half of a second. In such embodiments, the phototransistor  988  can signal the controller when there has been a delay greater than a half of a second, indicating that the switch has been twisted, and the controller may change the lighting mode. 
     In some embodiments, the vane assembly  900  may allow the electronic flare  800  to operate in more than two lighting modes. For example, the controller may be programmed to measure the duration of time that the vane  950  spends in each position. Depending on the time spent in each position, more sequences or other operating functions may be triggered. For example if the twist switch  826  were quickly rotated to the third position and back to the second position, a different lighting mode may be triggered compared to just rotating the twist switch to the third position or to the second position. This mechanism may be extended to three, four, or more quick movements to change between a larger number of lighting modes. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare  800  may have a plurality of light transmitter/phototransistor pairs. The plurality of lighting pairs may allow the controller to detect more vane positions and operate in more lighting modes through use of a binary or gray code. For example, there may be a first transmitter/phototransistor pair and a second transmitter/phototransistor pair. When the light that is transmitted between both transmitter/phototransistor pairs are covered by the vane (i.e. representing 0 0), the electronic flare  800  may be in a first lighting mode. When the light between only the first transmitter/phototransistor pair is covered (i.e. representing 0 1), the electronic flare  800  may be in a second lighting mode. When the light between only the second transmitter/phototransistor pair is covered (i.e. representing 1 0), the electronic flare  800  may be in a third lighting mode. When the light between both the transmitter/phototransistor pairs are uncovered, e.g. not blocked, (i.e. representing 1 1), the electronic flare  800  may be in a fourth lighting mode. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare  800  may use a switching power supply inductor to regulate the higher voltage of the power source  114  down to the lower voltage needed by the at least one light source  812 . For example, referring to  FIG. 16 , shown therein is a switching power supply inductor  992 . The power supply inductor  992  reduces the voltage transmitted to the at least one light source  812  from the power source  114 . This power switching allows the at least one light source  812  to operate until the power source  114  is fully discharged, resulting in longer operating time. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27A to 27E , shown therein is the electronic flare  800  with the vane assembly  900  at various stages of assembly. In  FIG. 27A , the vane spring  913  has been inserted into the vane support  902 . In  FIG. 27B , the circuit board  808  and light assembly  811  have been inserted into the vane support  902 . In  FIG. 27C , the vane  950  has been fitted into position in the vane support  902  and the circuit board  808 . In  FIG. 27D , the spring  716  and the ball bearings  714  and  715  are positioned in the vane support  902 . In  FIG. 27E , the external switch portion  827  and inner tube  828  are placed over the circuit board  808  and the vane support  902 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare  800  may have an ambient light sensor. For example, referring to  FIGS. 28A to 28D , shown therein is a portion of the electronic flare  800  with an ambient light sensor  990  (e.g. a photosensor  990 ). The ambient light sensor  990  may be electrically coupled to the circuit board  808  and may be adapted to sense ambient light. When the photosensor  990  is exposed to a low amount of ambient light, the controller may be configured to decrease power to the at least one light source  812  to decrease an amount of emitted light when the light module is activated. Decreasing the amount of emitted light may result in longer operating time. When the photosensor  990  is exposed to a high amount of ambient light, the controller may be configured to increase power to the at least one light source  812  to increase an amount of emitted light when the light module is activated. Increasing the amount of emitted light may improve the visibility of the electronic flare during the daytime or when the flare is exposed to another light source. 
     In some example embodiments of the electronic flare  100 , the length of the electronic flare  100  may be approximately 200 mm. In some example embodiments of the electronic flare  100 , the length of the electronic flare  100  may be longer than 200 mm while in some other example embodiments the length of the electronic flare  100  may be shorter than 200 mm such as about 165 mm or 150 mm, for example. In some embodiments, the diameter of the electronic flare  100  may be approximately 25 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the twist switch  106  may be approximately 85 mm. 
     In some example embodiments of the electronic flare  800 , the length of the electronic flare  800  may be approximately 160 mm and in some cases longer. In some embodiments, the diameter of the electronic flare  800  may be approximately 30 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the twist switch  826  may be approximately 95 mm. 
     Please note that the above dimensions are provided as examples and other values may be used for the length and diameter for other embodiments. 
     In some alternative embodiments of the electronic flare  100 ,  800  the tactile mechanism may be incorporated into the second support  120 ,  822  on the upper end of the circuit board  118 ,  808 . In such embodiments, the second support  120 ,  822  has an accommodation for the ball bearing and spring. 
     In some alternative embodiments of the electronic flare  100 ,  800  there may be at least one ridge along the exterior of the inner tube  142 ,  828  such that the rotation of the twist switch  106 ,  826  over the at least one ridge produces a click or vibration. The at least one ridge may be positioned such that the click or vibration felt by the user corresponds to the electronic flare entering one of the lighting modes. Another ridge may be positioned such that the vibration felt by the user corresponds to another lighting mode. There may be as many ridges as the electronic flare has lighting modes, such that rotation of the twist switch  106 ,  826  to activate any lighting mode produces tactile feedback. 
     In some alternative embodiments of the electronic flare  100 ,  800  the tactile feedback may be haptic. The haptic feedback may be provided by a haptic motor that is coupled to the twist switch  106 ,  826  such that rotation of the twist switch  106 ,  826  activates the haptic motor, which generates a click or a vibration that is felt by the user. As with the embodiments with the at least one ridge on the exterior of the inner tube  142 ,  828 , there may be as many clicks or vibrations as there are different lighting modes of the electronic flare, such that rotation of the twist switch  106 ,  826  to place the electronic flare into a different lighting mode results in a different haptic feedback (i.e. different intensities of the click or different intensities and/or frequencies of the vibration for different lighting modes). 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare  100  may have a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the light module may be partially encompassed by the twist switch  106  or the outer tube  110  such that any light that is emitted by the light module is not visible. Also in the retracted position, the light module is protected from the external environment since it is covered and has a locking mechanism that is engaged. When a twisting action is applied to the electronic flare, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the light module slides out into the extended position. Alternatively, in these embodiments, the electronic flare may contain a spring connected to a release button such that when the release button is pressed, the electronic flare extends from the retracted position to the extended position in which the length of the electronic flare is increased. In either of these embodiments when the light module  108  is in the extended position, the light module  108  is no longer encompassed by the external switch portion  107  or the outer tube  110 , and any light that is emitted by the light module  108  is visible. When the user no longer needs to use the electronic flare, the user may then push the light module  108  into the electronic flare housing, engaging the release switch, returning the electronic flare to the retracted position and turning the electronic flare off. The electronic flare may also have an optical sensor electrically connected to the circuit board that may determine when the electronic flare is in the retracted position or the extended position. When in the retracted position, the controller on the circuit board may turn the light module off. When in the extended position, the controller on the circuit board may turn the light module on. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the electronic flare may have at least one additional light source apart from the light sources in the light module. The at least one additional light source may be embedded into the external switch portion  107  or the outer tube  110 . When the electronic flare is in an activated state, the at least one additional light source may emit light. The at least one additional light source may indicate to the user that the electronic flare is in an activated state. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the light module may be activated by an alternative method other than the actuation mechanism described above. For example, the electronic flare may be activated by experiencing an impact that is sensed by a force sensor. The electronic flare may be activated by an impact to any part of the electronic flare that can be sensed by the force sensor. For example, striking the electronic flare against a hard surface, such as the ground or the palm of a user&#39;s hand, will enter the electronic flare into an impact mode and activate the light module. Activation by impact is beneficial for single-handed operation such as by emergency service personnel who are typically holding other necessary tools in the other hand. As another example, the electronic flare may be dropped from an airborne position and when it impacts a ground surface this is detected by the force sensor and the electronic flare is then activated to emit a light. 
     In some embodiments, the light module may be activated by a water sensor. The water sensor may detect when the electronic flare is submersed in water. For example, a user may throw the electronic flare off a boat and have the light module activate upon submersion. 
     In some embodiments, there may be more than one impact mode. To switch between impact modes, a user may provide an impact to the electronic flare more than once. Each impact that is given to the electronic flare may change the lighting mode of the electronic flare. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic flare may have a photosensor. The photosensor may be connected to the outer tube  110  and may be in communication with the circuit board. The controller on the circuit board may determine the amount of ambient light by using the photosensor. When there is a high amount of ambient light, the controller may dim or reduce the amount of light that is emitted by the light source of the electronic flare. As the amount of ambient light decreases, the controller may automatically increase the amount of light emitted by the light source of the electronic flare. For example, during the day, when there is sufficient light, the electronic flare may decrease in brightness in order to preserve battery life. During the night, when there is an absence of light, the electronic flare may increase in brightness to improve visibility. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the electronic flare may have more than one activation method, such as at least two of a twist switch, a button, an impact sensor, and a sensor that detects being submersed in water. More than one activation mechanism allows a user to activate the electronic flare and select a particular lighting mode in the event that the user does not have the ability to use two hands to twist the electronic flare. For example, the user can use one hand to actuate the button or to provide an impact to the electronic flare. 
     In at least some embodiments, the electronic flare may have a heat resistance by employing materials and/or coatings that have been developed to withstand heat that may be experienced in a fire. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, in at least some embodiments, the electronic flare may be waterproof by using gaskets and sealing materials so that the electronic flare is waterproof up to a certain water depth that may be experienced during water rescue situations. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, in some embodiments, the electronic flare may be made of durable materials and have certain internal components that are shock resistant so that the electronic flare is able to withstand a certain amount of force and not break if the electronic flare were dropped from a certain height such as from a helicopter or from an upper floor of a building. 
     The following are a series of examples intended to illustrate the possible uses and benefits of an electronic flare as disclosed herein. The size and weight of the electronic twist flare facilitates its use in many scenarios, as it can fit in a cargo pant pocket or a small compartment, and is easily transportable. For example, the size and weight of the electronic flare can be varied to facilitate specific needs, customer specific requirements and uses in certain situations. The following examples are not intended to limit the applicant&#39;s teachings in any way. 
     In one example, flares are often used at the sites of automobile accidents. Pyrotechnic flares provide a bright light to which emergency personnel are drawn. However, pyrotechnic flares are dangerous. A user must ignite the flare, which then burns at a high temperature and may cause the user to burn themselves or their clothing shortly after the flare is lit. Further, automobile accidents often result in spilled flammable liquids such as oil and gas. The use of pyrotechnic flares may ignite the flammable liquids and increase the risk of harm to the accident victim. In addition, pyrotechnic flares have a limited lifespan. A pyrotechnic flare may burn out before emergency personnel can locate the victim of an automobile accident. Once the victim of the automobile accident has been rescued, the emergency personnel may need to purchase additional pyrotechnic flares to replace those used during the emergency. 
     However, an electronic flare, in accordance with one of the embodiments described herein, may be used to guide emergency personnel to the site of the accident victim. The electronic flare may be placed at any position around the site of the accident, without fear that the flare will ignite the flammable liquids. In addition, the electronic flare may have a lifespan that is significantly greater than the lifespan of a pyrotechnic flare. For example, testing has shown that a pyrotechnic flare may be able to burn from about 15 to 30 minutes on average. In contrast, the electronic flares described herein can operate consecutively for a time span that is much longer such as 22 hours, for example, as evidenced by testing conducted by the inventors. Further, if the power source of the electronic flare is depleted, it may be replaced with a new power source. In contrast, pyrotechnic flares are single-use. In contrast, with the electronic flare, a user merely has to replace the power source or recharge the battery, thereby allowing for multiples uses. 
     In another example, an electronic flare according to at least one of the embodiments described herein may provide benefits in marine use. Many jurisdictions have regulations that require boats to have emergency flares located onboard. Pyrotechnic flares may expire after a few years, and need to be replaced in order to adhere to the marine regulations. An electronic flare, as described herein, need not be replaced. A user can merely recharge or replace the power source, thereby saving the user the cost of purchasing additional pyrotechnic flares. 
     During marine use, a user may attach a flotation mount to an electronic flare, as described herein, to prevent the electronic flare from sinking. Even if the boat sinks, the electronic flare will remain above the water surface, increasing the likelihood of rescue. Additionally, as described above, an electronic flare reduces the risk of igniting flammable liquids. At the site of a boat accident, there is often oil and gas that floats on the surface of the water. The use of a pyrotechnic flare may ignite these liquids, causing further harm to the victim. An electronic flare may be able to float on the surface of the water without causing additional harm to the victim. 
     In another example, an electronic flare in accordance with at least one of the embodiments described herein may be used at the site of a forest fire. Unlike a pyrotechnic flare, the electronic flare may be used without causing additional fires. Additionally, the electronic flare may be programmed to change the colour of emitted light depending on the circumstances. For example, when being used in a forest fire situation, the electronic flare may be programmed to use a colour that maximizes visibility within the fire. 
     In another example, an electronic flare in accordance with at least one of the embodiments described herein may be used during military operations. A pyrotechnic flare only emits light of a single colour. A user of an electronic flare may change the colour of the light as needed. For example, an infrared LED may be used for military operations to provide infrared light to users with night-vision goggles, which may increase the chance of the operation&#39;s success. 
     In another example, one or more of the electronic flares described herein may be used to replace or aid the use of safety triangles that people use to indicate that a car or transport vehicle has broken down. The light from the electronic flare may be adjusted to make drivers of vehicles aware well in advance of a stopped car or truck that is on the side of the road. Often drivers have to be very close to a broken down vehicle before they see these conventional triangles during the day or their headlights reflect off these conventional triangles at night. This problem can be avoided using the electronic flares described in accordance with the teachings herein. 
     In another aspect, an electronic flare kit may be provided that comprises one of the electronic flares described herein where the electronic flare comprises a long tubular housing; a light module that is disposed along a portion of the housing, the light module comprising at least one light source for emitting light according to a lighting mode; a power source for providing power to the light module; a circuit board that is disposed within the housing and is electrically coupled to the power source and light module, the circuit board including a controller for providing power to the light module according to the selected lighting mode when the electronic flare is activated; and a switch having an external switch portion and an internal switch portion that is coupled to the external switch portion, the external switch portion being disposed along an outer portion of the housing and the internal switch portion being operatively coupled to the circuit board, the external switch portion being rotatably movable by a user to one or more positions where each position is associated with a different lighting mode allowing the user to select the lighting mode. 
     In at least one embodiment, the kit may further comprise at least one additional lighting module that is removably attachable to the housing of the electronic flare, the additional lighting module having a different light color when illuminated. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare of the kit may further comprise an end cap shaped to receive a removably attachable mount that has a pointed end for allowing the electronic flare to be mounted on a soft surface. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare of the kit may further comprise a removably attachable mount that has at least one clamp that is coupled to a stand, the at least one clamp being sized to receive the housing and couple the mount to the housing to maintain the electronic flare at an upright position on a surface. 
     In at least one embodiment, the electronic flare of the kit may have a stand that is pivotally coupled to the clamp to allow an angle between the housing of the electronic flare and the surface to be adjusted. 
     In at least one embodiment, the kit may further comprise instructions describing how the electronic flare is operated by a user. Alternatively, instructions in the kit may not be included as the electronic flare and the various parts of the kit are self-explanatory. In another alternative, the instructions may be provided on a website. 
     While the applicant&#39;s teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant&#39;s teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the applicant&#39;s teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.