Abstract:
An apparatus includes a housing including an AC power input and a power tool battery port adapted to receive a power tool battery pack. A light body includes an illumination portion operable to emit light. The illumination portion is movably coupled to the housing such that the illumination portion is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the housing blocks the emitted light. A circuit includes a battery charger portion. The circuit is operable when AC power is available at the AC power input to direct AC power from the AC power input to the battery charger portion and from the battery charger portion to the power tool battery port to charge the power tool battery pack and to direct AC power to the illumination portion to emit the light. When AC power is not available, the circuit directs power from the power tool battery pack to the illumination portion to emit the light.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/393,258 filed Mar. 30, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,652, which claims priority to prior-filed, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/667,147, filed Mar. 31, 2005, the entire contents of each are hereby fully incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to electrical components, such as lighting units, and, more particularly, to a lighting unit, a battery charger, etc. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Lighting units, such as, for example, floodlights, are used on many job sites. A floodlight generally provides a wide area of illumination for the job site. A floodlight is typically supported on a surface during use (though it may be carried by a user at times). In contrast, a flashlight generally provides a comparably small area of illumination and is typically carried by a user during use (though it may be supported on a surface at times). 
         [0004]    Many cordless products (e.g., cordless power tools, equipment, etc.) are also used on the job site. A battery charger (e.g., a power tool battery charger) and a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, as a single unit provides multiple functions in a single product. 
         [0005]    Power outages may occur on a job site, and the sudden loss of visibility, due to the loss of an AC-powered light may cause a hindrance to work or movement around the job site. A lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, which is selectively powered by AC power or by DC power (e.g., a battery pack, a power tool battery pack, etc.) may provide alternate lighting when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.). 
         [0006]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may generally include a light portion and a battery charging circuit for charging a power tool battery pack. The battery charging circuit may provide a trickle charge or a normal charge mode for the power tool battery pack, and the battery pack to be charged may selectively power the lighting unit. The lighting unit may include a status indicator for indicating, for example, the status of one or more batteries to be charged by the charging circuit. 
         [0007]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, an electrical component, such as, for example, a battery charger, includes a light, such as, for example, a floodlight, for illuminating a work area. 
         [0008]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may generally include a light portion which may selectively be powered by an AC power source or by a DC power source. A power tool battery pack may provide the DC power source to selectively power the light portion. The DC power source may supply power to the light portion when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.). 
         [0009]    In such constructions, the lighting unit may include a battery support portion on which a battery is supported. In some constructions, the battery may be releasably locked to the battery support portion. 
         [0010]    In such constructions, the lighting unit may include a power selector to select the power mode to power the light portion. The power mode selector may include a controller which controls the selection of a power mode for the lighting unit between an AC power mode and a DC power mode. The controller may automatically select the DC power mode when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.). The controller may selectively control charging of one or more battery packs connected to a charging circuit. 
         [0011]    In some constructions, the lighting unit may include a pass-through plug or outlet on a portion of the lighting unit (e.g., on the base housing, on the AC power cord, etc.). 
         [0012]    In some constructions, the lighting unit may include a battery-powered flashlight providing the light portion which is selectively powered by the DC power source. The lighting unit may include a charging assembly for charging the battery in the battery-powered flashlight. The flashlight may be removable from the lighting unit. 
         [0013]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may generally include a light portion having a high-watt light source, which is powered by an AC power source, and a low-watt light source, which is powered by a DC power source. The high-watt light source may include a halogen light source. The low-watt light source may be powered by the DC power source when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.). 
         [0014]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may generally include a light portion including a LED light source, and the LED light source may be selectively powered by an AC power source or by a DC power source. The LED light source may be a relatively low-watt light source which may be powered by a DC power source (e.g., a power tool battery pack) for a relatively long time. 
         [0015]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may generally include a light portion including a light source and a light housing and a base portion including a base housing. The light housing may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the base housing between a closed position, in which the light source is at least partially covered by the base housing, and an open position. The lighting unit may include a light source supported on a head which is pivotable relative to a housing (e.g., the light housing, the base housing, etc.). The head may be pivotable about a single axis or about multiple axes. 
         [0016]    In such constructions, the lighting unit may include a position fixing arrangement, such as a detent arrangement, for releasably holding the light housing in a selected position relative to the base housing. The lighting unit may include a locking assembly for releasably holding the light housing in a selected position (e.g., in a closed position) relative to the base housing. 
         [0017]    A handle may be provided to carry the lighting unit to, from and around a worksite. The handle may provide a protective structure to protect a portion of the lighting unit, such as, for example, the light portion, a battery charger portion, a battery, etc. The lighting unit may include a separate protective structure, such as a protective bar, for protecting a portion of the lighting unit. 
         [0018]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may be constructed to be a heavy-duty, durable lighting unit for use on a job site. The lighting unit may be constructed to withstand impacts which may occur on a job site. In some constructions, the lighting unit may include another electrical component such as, for example, an audio component. In some constructions, the lighting unit may include an internal power source, such as, for example, a generator, a supply battery, etc. 
         [0019]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may be selectively mounted or supported on various surfaces, such as, for example, supported on a horizontal work surface, hung from a substantially vertical wall or support, supported on a separate frame or stand, etc. The lighting unit may include a telescoping support assembly for adjusting the height of a light portion relative to a housing (e.g., a light housing, a base housing, a separate frame or stand, etc.). 
         [0020]    In such constructions, the lighting unit may include connecting structure for releasably connecting the lighting unit to a support. Such connecting structure may be similar to a Clip-Lok™ system provided for power tools, accessories, etc. 
         [0021]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a lighting unit, such as, for example, a floodlight, may include a storage compartment for storing tools, extra bulbs for the light portion, etc. 
         [0022]    In one construction, the invention provides an apparatus that includes a housing including an AC power input and a power tool battery port adapted to receive a power tool battery pack. A light body includes an illumination portion operable to emit light. The illumination portion is movably coupled to the housing such that the illumination portion is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the housing blocks the emitted light. A circuit includes a battery charger portion. The circuit is operable when AC power is available at the AC power input to direct AC power from the AC power input to the battery charger portion and from the battery charger portion to the power tool battery port to charge the power tool battery pack and to direct AC power to the illumination portion to emit the light. When AC power is not available, the circuit directs power from the power tool battery pack to the illumination portion to emit the light. 
         [0023]    In another construction, the invention provides an apparatus that includes a frame, a light body movably supported by the frame, and a power tool battery port coupled to the frame and configured to receive a power tool battery pack. The power tool battery pack is operable to deliver a flow of DC power. An illumination portion is operable to emit light. The illumination portion is coupled to the light body and is movable to a closed position wherein the illumination portion is substantially covered by at least one of the light body and the frame to block the emitted light. A circuit is coupled to the illumination portion and includes an AC input portion that selectively receives an AC power from an external AC power source. The circuit includes a battery charger portion and is operable to direct AC power, when available to the battery charger portion to charge the power tool battery pack and to direct AC power to the illumination portion to emit the light, and to direct the flow of DC power from the power tool battery pack to the illumination portion to emit light when the AC power is not available. 
         [0024]    In yet another construction, the invention provides an apparatus that includes a base housing including at least one wall that defines a pocket, a light body movably supported by the base housing, and a power tool battery port coupled to the base housing and configured to receive a power tool battery pack. The power tool battery pack is operable to deliver a flow of DC power. An illumination portion is operable to emit light. The illumination portion is coupled to the light body and is movable to a closed position wherein the illumination portion is substantially disposed within the pocket to protect the illumination portion from impacts. A circuit is coupled to the illumination portion and includes an AC input portion that selectively receives an AC power from an external AC power source. The circuit includes a battery charger portion and is operable to direct AC power, when available to the battery charger portion to charge the power tool battery pack and to direct AC power to the illumination portion to emit the light, and to direct the flow of DC power from the power tool battery pack to the illumination portion to emit light when the AC power is not available. 
         [0025]    One or more independent features and independent advantages are set forth in the following detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lighting unit, illustrating a light portion in an open condition. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lighting unit shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the light portion in a closed condition. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the lighting unit shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the light portion in the closed condition. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another construction of a lighting unit, illustrating the light portion in a first open condition. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the lighting unit shown in  FIG. 4 , illustrating the light portion in a second open condition. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the lighting unit shown in  FIG. 4 , illustrating the light portion in a closed condition. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is another alternate construction of a lighting unit, illustrating a lighting unit supported on a stand. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is schematic diagram of an electrical circuit for a lighting unit. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a battery support portion of a lighting unit. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 10A-10C  are views of the battery support portion shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
       [0036]    Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited it its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practices or carried out in various ways. In addition, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0037]    The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected”, “coupled” and variations thereof herein are used broadly to encompass direct and indirect connections and couplings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a lighting unit  10  embodying one or more independent aspects of the invention. In some independent aspects and in some constructions, the lighting unit  10  is a floodlight. In some independent aspects and in some constructions, the lighting unit  10  includes a battery charging circuit for charging a battery such as, for example, a power tool battery pack B. In some constructions and in some independent aspects, the lighting unit  10  is selectively powered by an AC power source (e.g., line power) or by a DC power source (e.g., the battery pack B). 
         [0039]    In some constructions, the lighting unit  10  is constructed to be a heavy-duty, durable lighting unit  10  for use on a job site. The lighting unit  10  may be constructed to withstand impacts which may occur on a job site. 
         [0040]    In the illustrated construction, the battery pack B is a slide-on power tool battery pack having a voltage of between 9.6V and 40V. A similar battery pack is illustrated and described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/720,027, filed Nov. 20, 2003; Ser. No. 10/721,800, filed Nov. 24, 2003; and Ser. No. 10/719,680, filed Nov. 20, 2003; the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0041]    The lighting unit  10  generally includes a light portion  14  supported by a base portion  18 . The light portion  14  includes a light housing  22  supporting a light assembly, illuminating portion or light source  26 . In the illustrated construction, the light housing  22  is movably supported relative to the base portion  18 . In the illustrated construction, the light housing  22  is pivotable relative to the base portion  18  between an open position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a closed position (shown in  FIGS. 2-3 ). 
         [0042]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, the light source  26  is selectively powered by one power source (e.g., an AC power source (line power)) or by another power source (e.g., a DC power source (a battery pack B)). The light source  26  may be powered by the DC power source when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.). 
         [0043]    In some constructions, such as the illustrated construction, the light portion  26  includes a single type of light source which is selectively powered by both an AC power source and a DC power source. Such a light source  26  may be a LED light source or lighting element, which is a relatively low-watt light source. Such a low-watt light source may be powered for some time by a single charge of a battery pack B. 
         [0044]    In other constructions, the light source  26  may include a high-watt light source or lighting element (e.g., a halogen light source) which is powered by a high-capacity power source (e.g., line power) and a separate low-watt light source or lighting element (e.g., a LED light source) which is powered by a lower-capacity power source (e.g., a battery pack B). 
         [0045]    In some constructions, the low-watt light source and the DC power source may be provided by a battery-powered flashlight (not shown). The lighting unit  10  may include a charging assembly for charging the battery in the battery-powered flashlight. The flashlight may be powered when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.) and may be removable from the lighting unit  10 . 
         [0046]    In still other constructions, the light source  26  may include a single high-watt light source (e.g., a halogen light source) which may be powered by both an AC power source and a DC power source. In such constructions, the DC power source (e.g., a battery pack B) may only be able to supply power to the high-watt light source for a relatively short period of time before the battery pack B is discharged. 
         [0047]    The light housing  22  includes a head portion  30 , which supports the light source  26 , and an arm portion  34 , which is movably connected to the base portion  18 . A pivot assembly  38  pivotably connects the arm portion  34  to the base portion  18 . In the illustrated construction, the pivot assembly  38  provides relative movement between the arm portion  34  and the base portion  18  about a single generally horizontal axis. In other constructions (not shown), the pivot assembly  38  may provide relative movement between the arm portion  34  and the base portion  18  about multiple axes (e.g., a first generally horizontal axis, a second generally horizontal axis and/or a generally vertical axis, etc.). 
         [0048]    In the illustrated construction, the head portion  30  is fixed to and movable with the arm portion  34 . In other constructions (not shown), the head portion  30  may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the arm portion  34  to further adjust the orientation of the light source  26  relative to the base portion  18 . In such constructions, the head portion  30  may be pivotable relative to the arm portion  34  about a single axis (e.g., horizontal, vertical, etc.) or about multiple axes (e.g., horizontal and vertical, multiple horizontal, etc.). 
         [0049]    The base portion  18  includes a base housing  42  which, in the illustrated construction, is supported on a surface such as, for example, a work surface, a floor, etc. While, in the illustrated construction, the housing  42  is illustrated supported on a substantially horizontal surface, in other constructions, the housing  42  may be supported on a substantially vertical surface (e.g., hung from a wall or support S (as shown in  FIG. 5 )) or on a separate stand (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) which is supported on a surface. 
         [0050]    In the illustrated construction, at least the housing  42  is constructed to be durable and to withstand impacts which may occur on a job site. The housing  42  may be blow-molded and may include structure and materials to improve durability while maintaining an acceptable weight. The material and construction of the housing  42  may also provide heat resistance and/or heat dissipation for electrical components internal to the housing  42  (e.g., an electrical circuit, a battery charging circuit, etc.) and for other electrical components which may be positioned in proximity to the housing  42  (e.g., the light source  26  (when positioned in a closed position), the battery B, etc.). 
         [0051]    The base portion  18  provides a sufficient base (e.g., area, weight, etc.) to support the lighting unit  10  in a stable condition when the light portion  14  is in an open position. In the illustrated construction, the base portion  18  includes a battery section  46  on which one or more batteries or battery packs B are supportable for use as a DC power source for the light source  26  and/or for charging. 
         [0052]    A base arm  50  extends upwardly from the base portion  18 . The arm portion  34  is pivotably connected to the base arm  50 . In the illustrated construction, the base arm  50  is between adjacent battery packs B. 
         [0053]    A section  54  extends forwardly of the battery support section  46 . The section  54  provides a recessed area into which at least a portion of the light housing  22  and the light source  26  is positionable in the closed position (see  FIGS. 2-3 ). The section  54  covers at least a portion of the light housing  22  and the light source  26  in the closed position. The section  54  may provide protection to at least a portion of the light source  26  in the closed position, for example, protecting the light source  30  from impacts during transport of the lighting unit  10  to, from and around a job site. The section  54  may be formed of impact resistant material and/or have an impact resistant structure (e.g., honeycomb cross-section). The section  54  may also be formed of heat resistant material and/or have a heat resistant structure (e.g., air flow passages) to resist and/or dissipate any heat generated by, for example, the light source  26 . 
         [0054]    A handle  58  is connected to the lighting unit  10  and may be used to move the lighting unit  10  to, from and around the job site. In the illustrated construction, the handle  58  is connected to the light housing  22  and may be used to move the light housing  22  relative to the base housing  22 . 
         [0055]    The handle  58  may also provide a protective structure for a portion of the lighting unit  10 , such as, for example, the light assembly  30 , a battery B connected to the lighting unit  10 , the battery support section  46 , etc. In other constructions (not shown) a separate protective structure such as, for example, a protective bar or wall may be provided. Such protective structure is described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/291,868, filed Nov. 8, 2002; Ser. No. 10/289,621, Nov. 7, 2002; and Ser. No. 10/840,703, filed May 6, 2004; the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0056]    A position fixing arrangement (not shown) may be provided between the light housing  22  and the base portion  18  to hold the light housing  22  is a selected position relative to the base portion  18 . Such a position fixing arrangement may include detent arrangement (not shown) including a projection (not shown) on one of the light housing  22  and the base housing  42  which is engageable in a recess (not shown) on the other of the light housing  22  and the base housing  42  corresponding to a selected position of the light housing  22  relative to the base housing  42  to retain the light housing  22  in that selected position. A plurality of recesses (not shown) each of which correspond to a selected position of the light housing  22  relative to the base housing  42  (e.g., a closed position, a first open position, a second open position between the closed position and the first open position, etc.) may be provided, and the projection may be engaged in one of the recesses to retain the light housing  22  in the selected position relative to the base housing  42 . 
         [0057]    A biasing member (not shown) may be provided to bias the projection into an engaged position with a selected recess. The force of the biasing member may be overcome by a user applying force to a portion of the lighting unit  10  (e.g., to the light housing  22 ) to move the light housing  22  relative to the base housing  42  from a selected position. 
         [0058]    In other constructions, an actuator (not shown) may be provided to move the projection out of engagement with a selected recess. Such an actuator may be a knob, a lever, etc. which is operable by a user to enable the user to move the projection out of engagement with the selected recess to then allow the user to move the light housing  22  relative to the base housing  42 . 
         [0059]    A locking arrangement (not shown) may be provided to lock (e.g., by positive engagement, by frictional engagement, by combination positive/frictional engagement, etc.) the light housing  22  in a position relative to the base housing  42 , such as, for example, in a closed position, in an open position). The locking arrangement may include inter-engaging locking members (not shown but similar to the members of the detent arrangement) which are positively engageable to retain the light housing  22  in the selected position relative to the base housing  22 . The locking arrangement may include one or more frictional or clamping locking members (not shown) which provide a frictional or clamping force to retain the light housing  22  in the selected position relative to the base housing  42 . An actuator may be provided to disengage the locking member(s) to allow movement of the light housing  22  relative to the base housing  42  from the locked position. 
         [0060]    In some constructions, the lighting unit  10  may include another electrical component (not shown) such as, for example, an audio component. In some constructions, the lighting unit  10  may include an internal power source (not shown), such as, for example, a generator, a supply battery, etc. In some constructions, the lighting unit  10  may include a storage compartment (not shown) for storing tools, extra bulbs for the light portion, etc. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the lighting unit  10  includes an electrical circuit  62 . A portion  66  of the electrical circuit is supported by the base housing  42 . An operational electrical circuit or light electrical circuit portion  70  is supported by the light housing  26 . A power cord  74  is electrically connected and may provide power to the electrical circuit  66 . The power cord  74  may connect the electrical circuit to an AC power source (e.g., line power). The lighting unit  10  may include a pass-through outlet (not shown but similar to outlet  110 ) on a portion of the lighting unit  10  (e.g., on the base housing  42 , on the AC power cord  74 , etc.). 
         [0062]    In some independent aspects and in some constructions, the electrical circuit  62  includes a charging circuit  78  which is operable to charge one or more batteries, such as, for example, a battery pack B. The charging circuit may be any charging circuit which is suitable for charging the associated battery, such as a battery pack B. Suitable charging circuits are described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,343, issued Apr. 24, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,035, issued Sep. 24, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,926, issued Aug. 12, 2003; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/638,712, filed Aug. 11, 2003, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Other suitable charging circuits are described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/291,868; 10/289,621; and 10/840,703; mentioned above. 
         [0063]    As shown in FIGS.  9  and  10 A- 10 C, a port  82  is provided to connect the battery pack B to the lighting unit  10 . In the illustrated construction, two ports  82  are provided on the battery section  46  of the base housing  42 . In the illustrated construction, each port  82  is operable to support an associated battery pack B on the lighting unit  10  and to electrically connect the associated battery pack B to the electrical circuit  62 . In some constructions, such as the illustrated construction, each port  82  electrically connects the associated battery pack B to the charging circuit  78  such that each battery pack B is chargeable by the charging circuit  78 . In some constructions, such as the illustrated construction, each port  82  electrically connects the associated battery pack B to the light electrical circuit portion  70  such that each battery pack B may selectively supply power to the light source  26 . 
         [0064]    Each battery pack B is removably connectable to the associated port  82 . The battery pack B and the port  82  include complementary structure for mechanically connecting the battery pack B to the port  82  and for electrically connecting the battery pack B to the electrical circuit  66  of the lighting unit  10 . Each port  82  may be similar to the port described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/291,868; 10/289,621; and 10/840,703, mentioned above. 
         [0065]    In some constructions, the battery pack B may be removably locked to the port  82  so that the battery pack B will be retained on the port  82  absent some action by the user. For example, the battery pack B and the port  82  may include inter-engaging locking members (not shown) which retain the battery B on the port  82  and an actuator (not shown) which is engageable by the user to disengage the locking members. Such locking members and actuator may similar to the locking members and actuators provided by the battery pack B and a power tool. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some constructions, the electrical circuit  62  of the lighting unit  10  includes a controller  86 . In some constructions, such as the illustrated construction, the controller  86  is operable to control charging of the battery pack(s) B. The controller  86  may communicate with the battery pack(s) B to determine the state of charge or other information from the battery pack B. The controller  86  may then operates to control the charging circuit  78  to charge the battery pack(s) B. 
         [0067]    In some constructions, such as the illustrated construction, the controller  86  is operable control a power selection mode for the lighting unit  10 . If the lighting unit  10  is connected to an AC power source (e.g., line power) and to a DC power source (e.g., a battery pack B), the controller  58  may select the appropriate power source for powering the lighting unit  10  and/or the light source  26 . 
         [0068]    For example, when the AC power source is unavailable (e.g., due to a power outage, due to an interruption in the supply of AC power, in an emergency situation, etc.), the controller  86  may operate to select the DC power mode so that power is supplied from the DC power source (e.g., the battery pack(s) B) to the electrical circuit  66  and/or to the light electrical circuit portion  70  and to the light source  26 . If more than one battery pack B is provided, the controller  86  may determine from which battery pack B power is to be supplied and/or whether more than one battery pack B is selected to supply power. 
         [0069]    An indicator  88  is provided for communicating the status of at least a portion of the lighting unit  10  to a user. In some constructions, such as the illustrated construction, the indicator  88  may indicate the charging status, the charging mode, etc. of the charging circuit  78 . In some constructions, the indicator  88  may indicate to the user the state of charge of or other information from each battery pack B. In some constructions, the indicator  88  may indicate the power mode (e.g., “Power Off”, AC power, DC power, etc.) of the lighting unit  10 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 3-6  illustrate an alternative construction for a lighting unit  10 A. Common elements are identified by the same reference number “A”. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the light housing  22 A may be movable between several positions relative to the base housing  42 A. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the light housing  22 A may be positioned in an intermediate open position in which the base housing  42 A is supported on a substantially horizontal surface (e.g., a work surface, the floor, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the light housing  22 A may be positioned in a fully-opened position in which the base housing  42 A is supported by or connected to a substantially vertical surface (e.g., hung on a wall or support S). As shown in  FIG. 6 , the light housing  22 A may be moved to a closed position relative to the base housing  42 A. 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , in the illustrated construction, the handle  58 A provides the arm portion  34 A. The arm portion  34 A may provide a protective structure for a portion of the lighting unit  10 A, such as, for example, the light source  26 A, the battery B, etc. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the lighting unit  10 A includes connecting structure  90  for selectively connecting the lighting unit  10 A to a support. In the illustrated construction, the connecting structure  90  includes one or more openings  94  defined by the base housing  42 A which are engageable with projections  96  on a support. The connecting structure  90  may be similar to that described and illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/389,070, filed Mar. 14, 2002, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0074]      FIG. 7  illustrates another alternative construction of a lighting unit  10 B. Common elements are identified by the same reference number “B”. 
         [0075]    In the illustrated construction, the lighting unit  10 B includes a pair of lighting units, such as lighting units  10 A, which are connected to a frame  98 . The frame  98  may be adjustable to adjust the height, position, orientation, etc. of the lighting units  10 A. 
         [0076]    The lighting unit  10 B includes an electrical circuit  102 . The electrical circuit  102  includes a power cord  106  for connecting the electrical circuit  102  to a power source (e.g., an AC power source, such as line power) and outlets  110  for connecting the power cord  74 A of each lighting unit  10 A to the power source. Additional pass-through outlets  110  may be provided to connect other electrical equipment (e.g., a radio, a battery charger, a corded power tool, etc.) to the power source. 
         [0077]    Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.