Patent Publication Number: US-10767852-B1

Title: Portable storage case and lighting assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to a portable storage case and lighting assembly to selectively illuminate the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable storage cases, as their name implies, are generally provided for enclosing and facilitating the transport of one or more articles therein. Typical examples of portable storage cases may be adapted for one or more particular articles, such as a musical instrument or personal firearm. Generally, such cases include one or more solid (e.g., nonpermeable) walls that define an enclosed volume or chamber in which one or more articles may be stored. The walls may serve to protect the articles within the enclosed volume (e.g., from fluids, air, dirt, impact, etc.) as the portable case is moved or transported. 
     Although conventional portable storage cases offer number of advantages, certain long-standing drawbacks often remain an issue. For instance, it can often be difficult to see the contents of a portable storage case, even when the case is open. The sidewalls of the portable case may block light such that the enclosed volume of the portable storage case is less well-lit in the surrounding environment. Additionally or alternatively, a user may wish to open and view the contents of a portable storage case in a dim or poorly lit environment. As an example, a musician or instrument technician may wish to examine a specific instrument within a portable instrument case in a dimly lit backstage environment at a concert or performance (e.g., to ensure proper tuning of the instrument). As another example, an individual may wish to examine personal firearm at night without turning on the lights or fixtures of a given room (e.g., in order to covertly retrieve the firearm for self-defense). 
     In order to overcome these drawbacks, users have typically been forced to provide a flashlight or other light source that is independent storage case. However, this approach is generally cumbersome and can still fail to adequately illuminate an internal region of the portable storage case. In some cases, light fixtures have been secured to a portion of a portable storage case. Nonetheless, a user is generally still required to find and activate a switch for the light fixture, which can be inconvenient and require additional time. 
     As a result, it would be advantageous to provide a portable storage case or lighting assembly addressing one or more of the above identified issues. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a portable storage case is provided. The portable storage case may include a case body, a lid, a lighting assembly, and a nonmechanical field switch. The case body may define a storage chamber. The lid may be rotatably mounted to the case body to move between an open position and a closed position. The open position may permit access to the storage chamber. The closed position may restrict access to the storage chamber. The lighting assembly may be attached to one of the lid and the case body. The nonmechanical field switch may be in electrical communication with the lighting assembly to restrict activation of the lighting assembly in the closed position. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a portable storage case is provided. The portable storage case may include a case body, a lid, a lighting assembly, and a nonmechanical field switch. The case body may define a storage chamber. The lid may be rotatably mounted to the case body to move between an open position and a closed position. The open position may permit access to the storage chamber. The closed position may restrict access to the storage chamber. The lighting assembly may be attached to one of the lid and the case body. The nonmechanical field switch may include a magnetic reed switch attached to the lid in electrical communication with the lighting assembly to restrict activation of the lighting assembly in the closed position. 
     In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a portable storage case is provided. The portable storage case may include a case body, a lid, a plurality of lighting assemblies, and a nonmechanical field switch. The case body may define a storage chamber. The lid may be rotatably mounted to the case body to move between an open position and a closed position. The open position may permit access to the storage chamber. The closed position may restrict access to the storage chamber. The plurality of lighting assemblies may be attached to one of the lid and the case body. Each lighting assembly of the plurality of lighting assembles may be spaced apart from the other. The nonmechanical field switch may be in electrical communication with the lighting assembly to restrict activation of the lighting assembly in the closed position. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a portable storage case according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary portable storage case of  FIG. 1 , wherein a lid is shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  provides another perspective view of the exemplary portable storage case of  FIG. 1 , wherein a lid is shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  provides a magnified perspective view of a lighting assembly of the exemplary portable storage case of  FIG. 1 , wherein a lid is shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 5  provides a rear perspective view of a lighting assembly in isolation 
       according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  provides a cross-sectional schematic view of a portable storage case according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the lid is shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 7  provides a cross-sectional schematic view of the exemplary portable storage case of  FIG. 6 , wherein the lid is shown in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 through 3  provides various views of a portable storage case  100  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, portable storage case  100  generally includes a case body  110  defining a mutually-orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. 
     One or more walls (e.g., solid or nonpermeable walls through which the passage of air or water is not permitted) of case body  110  define, at least in part, a storage chamber  112  within which various articles may be received. In exemplary embodiments, case body  110  includes a sidewall  114  and a bottom wall  116  that together define a body volume  118  of storage chamber  112 . For instance, an inner or interior surface of bottom wall  116  may define one or more vertical extrema of storage chamber  112 , while in an inner or interior surface of sidewall  114  may define one or more horizontal extrema (i.e., in the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) of storage chamber  112 . A case opening  120  may further be defined by case body  110  (e.g., by sidewall  114 ) in fluid communication with body volume  118 . 
     In certain embodiments, an internal wall  122  extends from case body  110 . For instance, internal wall  122  may extend generally along the vertical direction V from sidewall  114  or bottom wall  116  (e.g., to separate a portion of body volume  118  or provide an additional, elevated support surface for articles within storage chamber  112 ). In some such embodiments, internal wall  122  extends above the case opening  120  (e.g., from bottom wall  116 ). An uppermost surface of internal wall  122  may thus be provided at a location that is higher than an uppermost surface of sidewall  114  along or relative to the vertical direction V. 
     In optional embodiments, case body  110  and storage chamber  112  are shaped according to a specific article be received or enclosed within portable storage case  100  (i.e., as a negative or complementary shape to the specific article). As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the specific article may be a musical instrument, such as a guitar. In this manner, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be described as a guitar case. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and may provide any suitable shape within case body  110  or storage chamber  112 . As an example, alternative embodiments may be shaped according to a personal firearm and may, thus, be described as a portable gun case. As another example, further alternative embodiments may be formed as a generic enclosure defining a storage chamber  112  that is shaped as a rectangular prism. Further embodiments may be provided as any other suitable shape. 
     In some embodiments, a lid  124  is rotatably mounted to case body  110  (e.g., by one or more hinges  126 — FIGS. 6 and 7 —defining an axis of rotation). In some embodiments, lid  124  includes a top wall  128  positioned above, for instance, body volume  118 . When assembled, lid  124  may selectively open and close storage chamber  112 . Specifically, lid  124  may move (e.g., by rotating about the axis of rotation) between an open position ( FIG. 2 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 1 ). In the open position, access to storage chamber  112  is generally permitted. For instance at least a portion of lid  124  may be spaced apart from case opening  120  such that a user may insert or remove articles from storage chamber  112  through case opening  120 . In the closed position, access to storage chamber  112  is restricted. For instance, top wall  128  of lid  124  may span across case opening  120  above body volume  118  and may contact (e.g., directly or indirectly) the upper surface of sidewall  114  such that articles are prevented from passing to or from storage chamber  112 . 
     In the closed position, lid  124  may define at least a portion of storage chamber  112  (e.g., above and over body volume  118 ). Thus, an inner or interior surface of lid  124  (e.g., at top wall  128 ) may define one or more vertical extrema of storage chamber  112  (e.g., opposite of bottom wall  116 ). In certain embodiments, the portion or volume of storage chamber  112  defined by lid  124  is less than the portion or volume of storage chamber  112  defined by case body  110  (e.g., body volume  118 ). Advantageously, case body  110  may securely hold or receive one or more stored articles therein while lid  124  is open (e.g., such that articles do not immediately spill out or slide from body volume  118  once lid  124  is moved to the open position). 
     In exemplary embodiments, lid  124  includes a peripheral rim  130  (e.g., extending from top wall  128 ). As shown, peripheral rim  130  may define one or more horizontal extrema of lid  124  (e.g., as would be defined in the closed position). Generally, peripheral rim  130  may extend toward case body  110 . Specifically, peripheral rim  130  may extend downward from top wall  128  and generally along the vertical direction V (e.g., in the closed position). In some such embodiments, peripheral rim  130  horizontally bounds the upper surface of sidewall  114  when closed. Thus, peripheral rim  130  may be radially outward of at least a portion of sidewall  114 . 
     Optional embodiments include one or more features for selectively maintaining lid  124  in the closed position or otherwise sealing lid  124  to case body  110 . For instance, one or more latches  134 , or other suitable mechanical fasteners, may be provided to selectively hold or lock lid  124  against case body  110  in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, one or more sealing O-rings or gaskets  132  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) may be provided between lid  124  and case body  110  seal the opening and prevent fluid from passing to/from storage chamber  112  in the closed position. For instance, a gasket  132  may be mounted on one of lid  124  (e.g., at peripheral rim  130 ) or case body  110  (e.g., at sidewall  114 ) the contact the other of lid  124  or case body  110  in the closed position. 
     Generally, one or more lighting assemblies  136  are attached to the lid  124  or case body  110  (i.e., one of lid  124  and case body  110 ) to selectively illuminate a portion of the portable storage case  100 . For instance, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 2 through 7 , lighting assemblies  136  are attached to lid  124 . Generally, lighting assembly  136  includes one or more light sources  138  (e.g., LEDs, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulbs, etc.) mounted to a support base  140  on (e.g., fixedly attached to) lid  124 . For instance, light source  138  may be mounted on and secured to support base  140  via one or more suitable adhesives, soldered connections, mechanical fasteners, etc. 
     Support base  140  may include, for instance, a board having an upper face  142  (e.g., on which light source  138  is mounted) and a lower face  144  (e.g., opposite of light source  138 ). From upper face  142  to lower face  144 , support base  140  may define one or more pairs of anchor apertures  146 ,  148  to receive a wire  150  (e.g., in electrical communication with light source  138 ). When assembled, wire  150  may be held or threaded through both a first anchor aperture  146  and a second anchor aperture  148  of a corresponding pair. Thus, a wire loop  152  may be formed (e.g., opposite the lower face  144 ). Moreover, an advantageously robust electrical and mechanical connection may be formed between wire  150  and light source  138  without requiring a discrete attachment element. 
     In some embodiments, support base  140  is attached to an inner or interior surface of portable storage case  100 . As an example, support base  140  (or lighting assembly  136  generally) may be fixedly attached (e.g., via a suitable adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc.) to top wall  128  or peripheral rim  130 . Notably, by attaching to peripheral rim  130 , lighting assembly  136  may avoid limiting the size or volume of available storage space within storage chamber  112  (e.g., in the closed position). Moreover, peripheral rim  130  may notably provide an angled support directing lighting assembly  136  towards body volume  118  (e.g., the open position). In additional or alternative embodiments, support base  140  is positioned on an opposite lateral side or edge from the axis of rotation. Advantageously, lighting assembly  136  may be held at an upper vertical extreme of lid  124  in the open position. 
     In embodiments wherein multiple lighting assemblies  136  are attached to lid  124  or case body  110 , one or more of the lighting assemblies  136  may be spaced part from each other horizontally (e.g., as would be defined in the closed position). In some embodiments, each lighting assembly  136  is horizontally spaced apart from one or more of the other lighting assemblies  136 . In additional or alternative embodiments, multiple lighting assemblies  136  may be spaced apart along, for instance, peripheral rim  130 . In other words, multiple lighting assemblies  136  may be mounted at discrete locations on peripheral rim  130 . Advantageously, the lighting assemblies  136  may illuminate multiple locations of body volume  118  (e.g., along the transverse direction T) without interfering with the available storage space within storage chamber  112  in the closed position. In certain embodiments, multiple lighting assemblies  136  are in electrical communication with each other (e.g., via one or more wires  150  or communications busses), such as in electrical series or parallel. 
     The light sources  138  may be provided as a single-color source configured to selectively emit only a single illumination color (e.g., only white light, only green light, only blue light, or only red light), as would be defined on the visible color spectrum. Alternatively, one or more of light sources  138  may be provided as a multicolor light source  138  configured to selectively emit a plurality of illumination colors (e.g., white light, green light, blue light, or red light), as would be defined on the visible color spectrum. For instance, light source  138  of a lighting assembly  136  may be a multicolor LED, which may selectively vary the color of light emitted therefrom. 
     Generally, a power source  154  (e.g., one or more direct current batteries) is provided in electrical communication with lighting assembly/assemblies  136 . For instance, a power source  154  may be provided on an electrical circuit (e.g., in electrical series or parallel) with one or more lighting assemblies  136  to selectively supply a voltage or electrical current thereto. In some embodiments, power source  154  is attached to the same lid  124  or case body  110  as lighting assemblies  136  (i.e., the one of lid  124  and case body  110 ). In the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 2 through 7 , power source  154  is mounted to top wall  128 . Advantageously, all electrical wires, busses, and signal paths to/from power source  154  and lighting assembly  136  may be isolated on lid  124  or case body  110 . All electrical connections with lighting assembly  136  or power source  154  may be limited to lid  124  or case body  110 . In other words, no wires may be required to pass between lid  124  and case body  110 . As an example, power source  154  may be attached to top wall  128 . 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, power source  154  is spaced apart from lighting assembly  136  (e.g., horizontally as would be defined in the closed position). For instance, in the illustrated embodiments, power source  154  is located at a portion of lid  124  that directly covers a headstock portion of body volume  118  (e.g., shaped to receive a headstock of a guitar), while one or more lighting assemblies  136  are located at peripheral rim  130 . 
     In some embodiments, a control board  156  including a user input  158  is attached to the same lid  124  or case body  110  as lighting assemblies  136  (i.e., the one of lid  124  and case body  110 ) in electrical communication with lighting assemblies  136  or power source  154 . For instance, power source  154  may be mounted on control board  156  in electrical communication therewith. Additionally or alternatively, control board  156 , with or without power source  154  may be attached to top wall  128  (e.g., at an inner or interior surface of top wall  128 ). 
     In additional or alternative embodiments, control board  156  is spaced apart from lighting assembly  136  (e.g., horizontally as would be defined in the closed position). For instance, in the illustrated embodiments, control board  156  is located at a portion of lid  124  that directly covers a headstock portion of body volume  118  (e.g., shaped to receive a headstock of a guitar), while one or more lighting assemblies  136  are located at peripheral rim  130 . 
     As illustrated, control board  156  may have an upper face  142  (e.g., on which user input  158  is mounted) and a lower face  144  (e.g., opposite of user input  158 ). From upper face  142  to lower face  144  support base  140  may define one or more pairs of anchor apertures  146 ,  148  to receive a wire  150  (e.g., in electrical communication with user input  158  or power source  154 ). When assembled, wire  150  may be held or threaded through both a first anchor aperture  146  and a second anchor aperture  148  of a corresponding pair. Thus, a wire loop  152  may be formed (e.g., opposite the upper face  142 ). Moreover, an advantageously robust electrical and mechanical connection may be formed between wire  150  and user input  158  or power source  154  without requiring a discrete attachment element. 
     Generally, control board  156  is configured to selectively direct the voltage or current from power source  154  to lighting assembly/assemblies  136 . A user input  158  (e.g., dial, button, toggle, etc.) may be included on control board  156  to control or adjust activation of a lighting assembly  136 . Specifically, user input  158  may be configured to adjust activation of lighting assembly  136 . For instance, by engaging user input  158 , a user may be able to select an illumination pattern, color, or intensity of emissions from lighting assembly  136 . In some such embodiments, user input  158  may be engaged to alternate between, for instance, a continuous activation pattern and a sequenced (e.g. flashing, strobing, or pulsating) pattern. In additional or alternative embodiments, user input  158  may be engaged to alternate between a plurality of predetermined illumination colors the emitted by lighting assembly  136 . In further additional or alternative embodiments, user input  158  may be engaged (e.g., as a dimmer switch) to selectively adjust the voltage transmitted to lighting assembly  136 , and thereby adjust the intensity of light emissions from lighting assembly  136 . 
     In certain embodiments, a nonmechanical field switch  160  is provided in electrical communication with lighting assembly  136 . For instance, nonmechanical field switch  160  may be provided along the same circuit as lighting assembly  136  and power source  154  or control board  156 . Generally, nonmechanical field switch  160  may be configured to restrict or prevent activation of lighting assembly  136  in the closed position. In other words, nonmechanical field switch  160  may generally operate to open the circuit between power source  154  and lighting assembly  136  (or otherwise prevent the voltage to lighting assembly  136 ) in the closed position of lid  124 . By contrast, in the open position, nonmechanical field switch  160  may close the circuit or otherwise permits the voltage to lighting assembly  136 . 
     Generally, nonmechanical field switch  160  may be provided as any suitable switch configured to detect or otherwise react to a nonmechanical field in the closed position of lid  124 . In exemplary embodiments, nonmechanical field switch  160  includes or is provided as a magnetic reed switch. A passive field element  162  such as a permanent magnet, may be provided on the portable storage case  100  to selectively engage magnetic reed switch in the closed position. In some such embodiments, nonmechanical field switch  160  is attached to one of lid  124  and case body while passive field element  162  is attached to an opposite of lid  124  case body  110 . In other words, nonmechanical field switch  160  may be attached to lid  124  while passive field element  162  is attached to case body  110 , and alternatively, nonmechanical field switch  160  may be attached to case body  110  while passive field element  162  is attached to lid  124 . Thus, nonmechanical field switch  160  may be brought into and out of engagement with passive field element  162  as lid  124  is rotated between the closed position and the open position. 
     In exemplary embodiments, nonmechanical field switch  160  is attached to lid  124  at peripheral rim  130  (e.g., on support base  140  with one or more light sources  138 ). In additional or alternative embodiments, passive field element  162  is mounted above body volume  118  opposite bottom wall  116 . For instance, passive field element  162  may be attached to a portion of internal wall  122  located above body volume  118  or, alternatively, directly to sidewall  114 . Optionally, passive field element  162  may be horizontally aligned with nonmechanical field switch  160  in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, passive field element  162  may be aligned along the circumference or periphery of case body  110 . Thus, in the closed position, nonmechanical field switch  160  and passive field element  162  may be held proximate to each other at a common vertical height or circumferential location (e.g., about opening  120 ). 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.