Patent Description:
Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to incorporate into a modular storage system. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices and/or containers may provide varying functions, such as being adapted to provide light. <CIT>discloses a battery-operated lighting unit, in particular an LED lighting unit, with a base body, a battery interface, a surface radiator and a joint unit. The joint unit is intended to mount the surface radiator on the base body so that it can pivot about at least two axes. <CIT> discloses a hand-tool storage device, in particular a hand-tool case or a hand-tool box, comprising at least one main body unit and at least one gripping unit arranged on at least one main body element of the main body unit. The hand-tool storage device has at least one lighting unit, which is arranged on the gripping unit.

According to the invention there is provided a stackable lighting unit and a container assembly, as defined by the appended claims.

Referring generally to the figures, an embodiment of a stackable lighting device, container or unit is shown. One or more of the devices are configured to selectively couple and decouple with storage units. The stackable device couples with storage units and includes one or more lighting panels that can be used to illuminate nearby objects and surfaces. In one embodiment the lighting unit has multiple lighting panels that are each pivotal with respect to the housing, and an interface to receive power from a power tool battery.

<FIG> depict a stackable device, shown as lighting unit <NUM>. Lighting unit <NUM> includes primary light panel <NUM>, which pivots with respect to housing <NUM> about axis <NUM>. Left-side light panel <NUM> pivots with respect to housing <NUM> about axis <NUM>, and right-side light panel <NUM> pivots with respect to housing <NUM> about axis <NUM>. Primary light panel <NUM>, left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> each actuate between a retracted position (<FIG>) and an open position (<FIG>). When primary light panel <NUM> is in the retracted position, primary light panel <NUM> is pivoted against or near back surface <NUM> defined by back panel <NUM>. Similarly, when left-side light panel <NUM> is in the retracted position, left-side light panel <NUM> is pivoted against or near left-side surface <NUM> defined by left-side panel <NUM>, and right-side light panel <NUM> is in the retracted position, right-side light panel <NUM> is pivoted against or near right-side surface <NUM> defined by right-side panel <NUM>.

To extract primary light panel <NUM> from the retracted position, a user can interface with tab <NUM>, which protrudes from primary light panel <NUM> above back panel <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, left-side light panel <NUM> pivots with respect to housing <NUM> about axis <NUM> and is also rotatable about axis <NUM> (<FIG>). Similarly, right-side light panel <NUM> pivots with respect to housing <NUM> about axis <NUM> and also rotates about axis <NUM> (<FIG>). In a specific embodiment, left-side light panel <NUM> pivots about axis <NUM> and rotates about axis <NUM>, which are perpendicular to each other. In a specific embodiment, right-side light panel <NUM> pivots about axis <NUM> and rotates about axis <NUM>, which are perpendicular to each other.

In a specific embodiment, axis <NUM> that left-side light panel <NUM> rotates about is parallel to axis <NUM> that right-side light panel <NUM> rotates about, and both axis <NUM> and axis <NUM> are perpendicular to axis <NUM> that primary light panel <NUM> rotates about.

Lighting unit <NUM> includes a top panel <NUM> that defines top surface <NUM>. Top surface <NUM> comprises one or more coupling components <NUM>, shown as recesses with two ledges that overhang the recesses. Coupling components <NUM> interface with corresponding coupling components on a bottom surface of another unit, such as a storage unit, to couple lighting unit <NUM> to the storage unit. For example, coupling components <NUM> interface with a storage unit that includes coupling components <NUM> (e.g., like shown in <FIG>).

Front panel <NUM> defines front surface <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Handle <NUM> protrudes from housing <NUM> and can be used to carry and/or move lighting unit <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, door <NUM> encloses electrical interface <NUM>, shown as a plug, personal electronic device interface <NUM>, shown as a USB-compatible plug, and compartment <NUM>, which is dimensioned to store a cellular phone being charged via personal electronic device interface <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, depicted are various aspects of lighting unit <NUM>. <FIG> depict lighting unit <NUM> with top panel <NUM> removed. <FIG> depicts the left-side of lighting unit <NUM>, including door <NUM>. Door <NUM> actuates between a closed position in which battery interface <NUM> is enclosed, and an open position in battery interface <NUM> is accessible. In a specific embodiment battery interface <NUM> is configured to interface with a rechargeable battery for personal power tools (e.g., a battery for a wireless drill).

In one or more embodiments the light panels of lighting unit may be illuminated in various combinations as a result of one of a plurality of modes being selected. For exemplary purposes only, in a first mode all three of primary light panel <NUM>, left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> emit light, in a second mode only primary light panel <NUM> emits light and left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> emit light, and in a third mode only left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> emit light while primary light panel <NUM> does not emit light.

<FIG> depicts various aspects of lighting unit <NUM>, including a plurality of coupling components <NUM>. Coupling components <NUM> are configured to interface with the top surface of other units, such as storage units, that include coupling components <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts lighting unit <NUM>. Lighting unit <NUM> is functionally similar to lighting unit <NUM> except as described herein. Lighting unit <NUM> includes recess <NUM> from which projections <NUM> extend. In a specific embodiment, projections <NUM> are configured to receive a power cord that is wrapped around projections <NUM>.

In a specific embodiment, the panel in left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> that emits light is <NUM> wide and <NUM> tall, from the perspective of left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> being in the retracted position. In a specific embodiment the panel in primary light panel <NUM> that emits light is <NUM> wide and <NUM> tall, from the perspective of primary light panel <NUM> being in the retracted position. In a specific embodiment the power tool battery and the sidewalls of the battery compartment are <NUM> apart, and the bottom of the power tool battery and the bottom of the battery compartment is <NUM> apart. In a specific embodiment the panels of primary light panel <NUM>, left-side light panel <NUM> and right-side light panel <NUM> that emit light include a heat sink (e.g., a <NUM> aluminium alloy) behind the light-emitters (e.g., LEDs), a reflector behind the light-emitters (e.g., PC ABS), and a lens in front of the light-emitters.

In various embodiments of lighting unit <NUM>, the lights, shown as light panels, are selected from the group consisting of an area light (e.g., a light that illuminates <NUM> degrees), a flood light (e.g., a light that illuminates <NUM> degrees) and a focused light, such as a task-focused light (e.g., a light that is focused to an angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees). In a specific embodiment of lighting unit <NUM>, lighting unit <NUM> includes one area light and one task-focused light. In another specific embodiment of lighting unit <NUM>, lighting unit <NUM> includes one task-focused light and one light selected from the group consisting of an area light and a flood light.

<FIG> illustrate a modular storage system <NUM> including a light <NUM> according to one embodiment. The lights <NUM> of <FIG> illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system <NUM>. The light <NUM> may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storage system <NUM> is stationary. In the illustrated embodiment, the light <NUM> is configured to emit <NUM> lumens but other or additional embodiment may emit more or less lumens. The light <NUM> according to the embodiment in <FIG> has one or more light-emitting diode (LED) locations that are built into the modular storage system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a modular storage system <NUM> including a light according to another embodiment. The lights of <FIG> illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system <NUM>. The light may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storage system <NUM> is stationary. In the illustrated embodiment, the light is configured to emit <NUM> lumens, but other or additional embodiment may emit more or less lumens. The light <NUM> according to the embodiment of <FIG> has one or more light panels <NUM> that are housed on the sides of the modular storage system, are foldable (e.g., moveable or pivotable) relative to the movable storage system <NUM>, are useable while being transported or while stationary, and are integrated in the full system.

<FIG> illustrate a modular storage system <NUM> including a light according to another embodiment. The light of <FIG> can illuminate <NUM> degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beam angle of between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. As shown in <FIG>, the light includes one or more panels <NUM> (e.g., three panels) that are foldable (e.g., pivotable) and rotatable relative to the modular storage system <NUM>. For example, turning to <FIG> in particular, there is a first pivot point to spin each of the light panels <NUM> degrees and is created by attaching a spindle <NUM> to the light head and having it protrude down and out of the bottom. Moreover, a threaded part of the spindle <NUM> is compressed by a threaded washer to create a resistance force when spinning. Also, an up and down fold is created with, for example, wave washers being compressed and mounted to the side of the light.

<FIG> illustrates a modular storage system <NUM> including a light according to another embodiment. The light of <FIG> can illuminate <NUM> degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beam angle of between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. As shown in <FIG>, the light is a dome luminaire that provides task lighting. The dome luminaire is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the modular storage system.

<FIG> illustrates a modular storage system <NUM> including a light according to another embodiment. The light of <FIG> can illuminate <NUM> degrees as an area light or can be a task focused light and have a beam angle of <NUM> degrees. As shown in <FIG>, the light is a main panel <NUM> that is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the modular storage system, and the auxiliary panels fold off (e.g., pivot from) of the main panel.

<FIG> illustrates a modular storage system <NUM> including a light according to another embodiment. The light of <FIG> can be transported with the modular storage system <NUM> and can be integrated into any configuration and location on the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the light is stored on (e.g., coupled to) the top of the modular storage system <NUM>, but in other embodiments, the light may be stored on (e.g., coupled to) other locations of the modular storage system. The light may have cleats on the bottom and top of the light allow users to store the light in any configuration of the modular storage system. Alternatively, cleats on the bottom and top of the light allow users to store the light in any configuration of the modular storage system and the light can function/illuminate an area from any of those locations. It is within the scope of this application that in one or more embodiments a user interface (UI) and a battery of the modular storage system are accessible in any location on the modular storage system.

<FIG> illustrate a modular storage system <NUM> in which a light functions both on and off the modular storage system. Moreover, the light is capable of attaching to multiple different surfaces or objects by a coupling mechanism. As shown in <FIG>, the light includes a coupling mechanism that is a clamp, which couples the light to another different surface or object. The clamp <NUM> functions with one or more biasing mechanisms (e.g., springs) that compress as the clamp is pulled away from the light. Once the clamp <NUM> is around the surface or object, the clamp is released such that it retracts and catches on the surface object thereby holding the light in place. In other or alternative embodiments (<FIG>), the coupling mechanism may include magnets <NUM> that couple the light to metal surfaces or objects. Additionally or alternatively, the light may include a handle that allows the user to carry or transport the light on the job site.

The lights shown and described herein in <FIG> have a color temperature of <NUM> and a color rendering index (CRI) of at least <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>+). Moreover, the lights shown and described herein in <FIG> can output at least <NUM> lumens with a four hour runtime with a <NUM> amp hour battery pack. Additionally, the lights shown and described herein in <FIG> can output at least <NUM> lumen while in a path lighting flood mode with a ten hour runtime with a <NUM> hour battery pack. The lights shown and described herein in <FIG> also have a beam angle for area lighting of <NUM> degrees and task lighting of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. The lights, the modular storage system, or both have an integrated charging system to charge direct current (DC) batteries from an alternative current (AC) power source. The system is efficient as well (e.g., LED driver, optic, LED). The light is durable in harsh weather conditions and is still able to operate on the job site. The light has an indoor storage/ outdoor use product rating. That is, the battery is sealed in a compartment with a gasket. The light is IP54 rated. The lights shown and described herein in <FIG> have thermal dissipation of respective engines thereof with heat sinking.

<FIG> illustrates a modular storage system <NUM> including stackable containers <NUM>, which are movable by one or more wheels.

<FIG> illustrate lights <NUM> for use with the modular storage system of <FIG>. The lights have a battery platform. Also, the lights have stacking mechanisms on either or both of the top and the bottom such that that lights can be stacked on one or more of the containers of the modular storage system. In a specific embodiment, the lights consume at least half a width stack. The lights are useable while coupled to the modular storage system. All functions (e.g., the battery, controls, lighting, etc.) of the lights are accessible while coupled to the modular storage system.

The lights are also usable while not coupled to the modular storage system. The lights are capable of emitting light in <NUM> degrees. The lights are capable of being powered by direct current (DC), alternating current (AC) or both. The lights are easily transportable as well.

With respect to <FIG>, the lights are positionable on the modular storage system. As shown in <FIG>, the lights illuminate the path in front of a user while moving the modular storage system. The lights may also be oriented to illuminate a desired area when the modular storage system is stationary. The user has the ability to control light output direction. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, the lights are also capable of being coupled to another object such as a pipe, stud, beam, ladder or other object.

<FIG> illustrates a light for use with a modular storage system according to another embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the light <NUM> has a head or panel <NUM> that is movable relative to the modular storage system. That is the head may be pivotable, rotatable, or both relative to the modular storage system.

<FIG> illustrates a light <NUM> for use with a modular storage system according to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the light <NUM> is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container. The light <NUM> may be positioned in a lid of the container <NUM> for example. Accordingly, the light <NUM> may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the container <NUM> and may be used as a stand. Additionally or alternatively, the light <NUM> be positioned on a support that is movable (e.g., slideable, pivotable, rotatable) relative to the container. The support may be a telescoping support that is movable relative to the container. Alternatively or additionally, the light <NUM> may be movable (e.g., slideable, pivotable, rotatable) relative to the support and may also be pivotable or rotatable relative to the container. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the container <NUM> may also provide storage space. The storage space may be inside the container <NUM> or outside the container <NUM>. Moreover, the light <NUM> may include a main panel <NUM> and auxiliary panels <NUM> that are coupled and foldable relative to the main panel <NUM>. The main panel <NUM> and auxiliary panels <NUM> may each be movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable) to adjust the direction of the light. Regardless of the construction of the light <NUM>, the light <NUM> is compact, emits light <NUM> degrees, illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light <NUM> may be constructed as a tower light or a task light.

<FIG> illustrates a light <NUM> according to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> the light <NUM> is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container <NUM>. In particular, in a first position the light <NUM> is adjacent the container <NUM> and in a second position the light <NUM> is spaced apart from the container <NUM> by a support. In the second position, the light <NUM> is movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable) relative to the container <NUM> about the support. In the illustrated embodiment the light <NUM> may be pivotable or rotatable in two directions (e.g., about two axes). The light <NUM> may be a single panel with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or multiple panels with LEDs. The multiple LED panels may be movable or foldable relative to one another. Additionally or alternatively, lights <NUM> may be incorporated in a housing of the container <NUM>. The container <NUM> includes a coupling mechanism (e.g., magnets) such that the container <NUM>, with the light <NUM> can be coupled to an object (e.g., beam or post). Moreover, the light <NUM> is compact, emits light <NUM> degrees, illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light <NUM> may be constructed as a tower light or a task light.

<FIG> illustrates a light <NUM> according to another embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the light <NUM> includes first and second light panels, which include LEDs <NUM>, and that are movable (e.g., foldable) relative to one another. The light <NUM> also has a handle <NUM> to make it transportable. The light <NUM> is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled to a container. The container includes a coupling mechanism (e.g., magnets <NUM>) such that the container, with the light, can be coupled to an object (e.g., beam or post). Moreover, the light <NUM> is compact, emits light <NUM> degrees, illuminates the path of the user, and provides storage for small accessories and hand tools. Moreover, the light <NUM> may be constructed as a tower light or a task light. In a specific embodiment the light <NUM> is powered by battery <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a hand-held light for use with the modular storage system. In one aspect, the light <NUM> is positioned or incorporated within an elongate body. The elongate body is movably coupled to a housing, which receives a power source (e.g., battery pack). In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate body is hingedly coupled to the housing. The housing may be removably coupled to a container of the modular storage system and therefore the light may be movable or pivotable to the container. The elongate body may be formed from or include frosted glass.

In another aspect of <FIG>, the light <NUM> is movably coupled to a housing, which is removably coupled to a container of the modular storage system. The lights <NUM> may be coupled to a support, which extends from the housing. Moreover, the lights <NUM> may be movable (e.g., pivotable or rotatable) about the supports. In the illustrated embodiment, the lights <NUM> are pivotable about two axes. Additionally or alternatively, the light <NUM> may be movable or pivotable within the housing about axis <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, light <NUM> and/or battery pack <NUM> may be stacked on one or more boxes <NUM>.

In another aspect of <FIG>, the lights <NUM> are movably (e.g., pivotably or rotatably) coupled to the power source or battery pack <NUM>. In this aspect, each of the lights <NUM> moves (e.g., pivots) to an opposite side of the battery pack. Moreover, the lights <NUM> may be rotatable about their own axes. The lights <NUM> and battery pack <NUM> can be selectively placed in slots in the container. That is, the battery pack <NUM> can be placed in one slot, while the lights <NUM> may be placed in adjacent slots. The user can alter the configuration of the lights <NUM> by manipulating or placing the battery pack <NUM> and lights <NUM> in various slots in the container. The lights <NUM> may be coupled to the same surface of the battery pack <NUM> or opposite surfaces of the battery pack.

In each aspect of <FIG> the lights <NUM> are couplable and movable (e.g., pivotable, rotatable) relative to a container of the modular support system, but are also configured to be hand-held. Moreover, the light <NUM> may have LEDs <NUM> on a single surface or multiple surfaces. Also, the container may have a housing with lights positioned within the housing. Accordingly, the light may provide path illumination or task illumination.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A stackable lighting unit (<NUM>) configured to couple to a stackable storage unit, the stackable lighting unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a bottom surface defined by the housing (<NUM>), the bottom surface comprising coupling components (<NUM>) that detachably couple the bottom surface of the stackable lighting unit (<NUM>) to a top surface of the stackable storage unit; and
a first light (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) pivotally coupled to the housing (<NUM>), the first light (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) pivotally rotating about a first rotational axis (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with respect to the housing (<NUM>).