LIGHTING APPARATUS

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for providing illumination and a method of use thereof.

Description of the Prior Art

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

It is known to provide portable lighting equipment, such as torches, which are capable of being transported and providing illumination. Typically such torches operate using a bulb running from a low voltage direct current source, such as a battery. It is also known to provide for charging mechanisms to allow torch batteries to be recharged if required.

US2004012268 describes a portable power converter comprising input means to receive low voltage DC input and a voltage converter means for converting the low voltage DC input into high DC voltage output, allowing this to be supplied to an appliance.

Summary of the Present Invention

In a first broad form the present invention provides apparatus for providing illumination, the apparatus including: a) a housing defining an internal cavity, the housing including at least one recess; b) an internal power supply positioned in the internal cavity; c) at least one lighting module, the lighting module being removably mounted to the at least one recess; d) a cable retraction system positioned in the internal cavity, the cable retraction system including a cable for supplying power to the at least one lighting module from at least one of the internal and the external power supply, the cable retraction system allowing

the cable to be extended from the housing upon removal of the at least one lighting module from the at least one recess; and e) a control system for selectively activating the at least one lighting module.

Typically the cable retraction system includes: a) a cable spool rotatably mounted to the housing to allow cable to be wound thereon; and, b) a spring for urging the cable spool so as to cause the cable spool to rotate and wind the cable thereon.

Typically the cable retraction system includes: a) a spring spool for mounting the spring, the spring being wound round the spring spool in a retracted position; and, b) a retraction spool coupled to the cable spool, the spring being coupled to the retraction spool to thereby unwind the spring from the spring spool when cable is unwound from the cable spool.

Typically the cable retraction system includes: a) a brake for selectively preventing rotation of the cable spool; and, b) a retraction button for selectively deactivating the brake.

Typically the apparatus includes at least one control button for providing input commands to the control system.

Typically the apparatus includes an input for connecting the apparatus to an external power supply.

Typically the control system includes: a) a switching unit coupled to: i) the internal power supply; ii) the at least one lighting module; and, iii) an input for connecting the apparatus to an external power supply; and, b) a controller for controlling the switching unit to at least one of:

i) selectively activate the at least one lighting module using at least one of the internal power supply and the external power supply; and, ii) charge the internal power supply using the external power supply.

Typically the controller is for: a) monitoring at least one of the internal power supply and an external power supply coupled to the input; and, b) controlling the switching unit in accordance with results of the monitoring.

Typically the control system is for at least one of: a) controlling charging of the internal power source using an external power source; b) selectively activating a lighting module in accordance with input commands; c) deactivating a lighting module after it has been active for a predetermined time period; d) activating a lighting module in the event that an external power source fails; e) deactivating a lighting module in the event that the power supplied by an external power source falls below a predetermined threshold.

Typically at least one of the internal power supply and an external power supply are for supplying a low voltage direct current and wherein the lighting module includes a lighting element requiring a high voltage alternating current, and wherein control system includes at least one of a converter or inverter for converting low voltage direct current into high voltage alternating current.

Typically the housing includes: a) a base; b) at least two side members coupled to the base, each side member including a recess for receiving a respective lighting module; and, c) at least two end caps.

Typically the lighting module includes two internal walls for dividing the internal cavity into a central cavity containing the internal power source and at least part of the cable retracting

- A -

mechanisms, and two end cavities, at least one of the end cavities containing the control system.

Typically the lighting module includes: a) a base containing a light fitting for receiving a lighting element; and, b) a lens coupled to the base.

Typically the lighting module includes: a) at least one aperture; and, b) at least one strap coupled to the lighting module at a first end, the strap having a connector at a second opposing end, the connector being for selectively engaging the aperture to thereby couple the second end to the lighting module.

Typically the lighting module includes a first strap coupled to the base and a second strap coupled to the lens.

Typically the lighting module defines a lighting module axis, and wherein radiation from a lighting element is emitted from the lighting module in at least a direction perpendicular to the lighting module axis.

Typically the apparatus includes: a) two lighting modules; b) two recesses, each recess being adapted to retain a respective lighting module; and, c) two cable retraction systems.

Typically the apparatus includes a first indicator coupled to the control system, the first indicator being for indicating the status of at least one power supply.

Typically the apparatus includes two first indicators for indicating the status of the internal power supply and an external power supply respectively.

Typically the apparatus includes a second indicator coupled to the control system, the second indicator being for indicating the status of the at least one lighting element.

In a second broad form the present invention provides a method of operating apparatus for providing illumination, the apparatus including: a) a housing defining an internal cavity, the housing including at least one recess; b) an internal power supply positioned in the internal cavity; c) at least one lighting module, the lighting module being removably mounted to the at least one recess; d) a cable retraction system positioned in the internal cavity, the cable retraction system including a cable for supplying power to the at least one lighting module from at least one of the internal and the external power supply, the cable retraction system allowing the cable to be extended from the housing upon removal of the at least one lighting module from the at least one recess; and e) a control system, the method including, in the control system, selectively activating the at least one lighting module in accordance with input commands.

In a third broad form the present invention provides apparatus for providing illumination, the apparatus including: a) a housing defining an internal cavity; b) an internal power supply positioned in the internal cavity; c) an input for connecting the apparatus to an external power supply; d) at least one lighting module; and, e) a control system for selectively activating the at least one lighting module using the internal power supply in the event that the external power supply fails.

In a fourth broad form the present invention provides a method of operating apparatus for providing illumination, the apparatus including: a) a housing defining an internal cavity; b) an internal power supply positioned in the internal cavity; c) an input for connecting the apparatus to an external power supply; d) at least one lighting module; and, e) a control system, the method including, in the control system, selectively activating the at least one lighting module using the internal power supply in the event that the external power supply fails.

In a fifth broad form the present invention provides a lighting module including: a) a base containing a light fitting for receiving a lighting element; b) a cable extending from the light fitting to thereby couple the light fitting to a power source in use; and, c) a lens selectively mountable to the base, the lens and base cooperating to provide a sealed cavity containing the lighting element in use.

Typically the lens and lighting element extend from the base in a direction parallel to a lighting module axis.

Typically radiation from the lighting element is emitted from the lighting module in at least a direction perpendicular to the lighting module axis.

Typically the lighting module includes: a) at least one aperture; and, b) at least one strap coupled to the lighting module at a first end, the strap having a connector at a second opposing end, the connector being for selectively engaging the aperture to thereby couple the second end to the lighting module.

Typically the lighting module includes a first strap coupled to the base and a second strap coupled to the lens.

Typically the lens is selectively mountable to the base via a screw fitting.

Typically the cavity is waterproof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure IA is a schematic perspective of an example of lighting apparatus; Figure IB is a second schematic perspective view of the lighting apparatus of Figure IA; Figure 1C is a schematic end view of the lighting apparatus of Figure IA; Figure ID is a schematic side view of the lighting apparatus of Figure IA;

Figure IE is a schematic bottom view of the lighting apparatus of Figure IA;

Figure IF is a schematic plan view of the lighting apparatus of Figure IA;

Figure IG is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the lighting apparatus of Figure IA;

Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a cable retraction system; Figure 2B is a schematic end view of the spools of the cable retraction apparatus of Figure

2A;

Figure 2C is a schematic view of a braking system for use with the cable retraction system of

Figure 2A;

Figures 2D to 2F are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the braking system of Figure 2C;

Figure 3 A is a schematic perspective view of a lighting module;

Figure 3B is a schematic side view of an example of the lighting module of Figure 3 A;

Figure 3C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the lighting module of Figure 3 A;

Figure 3D is an exploded view schematic of the lighting apparatus of Figure 3 A; Figure 3E is an schematic perspective view of the strap of the lighting module of Figure 3 A;

Figure 3F is an schematic perspective view of the strap of Figure 3E coupled to the lighting module;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a control system;

Figure 5 A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a second example of cable retraction system;

Figure 5B is a first schematic end view of the spools of the cable retraction apparatus of

Figure 5A;

Figure 5C is a second schematic end view of the spools of the cable retraction apparatus of

Figure 5A; Figure 5D is a schematic cross sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 5C;

Figure 6A is a schematic side view of a second example of a housing for a lighting apparatus;

Figure 6B is a schematic perspective side view of a the housing of Figure 6 A.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

An example of a lighting system will now be described with reference to Figures IA to IG.

As shown the lighting system 100 is formed from a housing 110 having two lighting modules 120 provided therein. The lighting modules are removably mounted to the housing 110 and electrically coupled to the housing via a retractable cable, allowing the lighting modules 120 to be removed from the housing 110 and positioned remotely thereto.

In one example, the housing 110 is formed from two side members 111, and two end caps 114, 115, coupled to a base 112.

In this example, the side members 111 are shaped so as to define a handle 113, which in one example is configured to be used by both left- and right-handed users, and is positioned over the centre of gravity of the housing 110 to allow for easy balanced carrying.

Each side member 111 also typically defines a recess 116 for retaining the lighting modules 120 therein. The recess can be formed from a soft material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) allowing the lighting modules 120 to be easily pressed into and held securely in the recess 116.

A control button 1 17 is typically provided in each of the side members 111 to allow operation of the respective lighting module 120 to be controlled. The control buttons 117 can be formed from moulded silicon containing a corresponding indicator such as a light emitting diode, as will be described in more detail below.

A cable retraction button 118 is also typically provided in each side member 111 , to control retraction of cabling, as will also be explained in more detail below.

The side members 111 and end caps 114, 115 cooperate to define an internal cavity. In one example, the internal cavity is divided by internal walls 130, 131 to define a central cavity 132 and respective end cavities 133, 134, although this is not essential.

In this example, the central cavity 132 can contain an internal power supply 140, such as a battery, as well as cable retraction systems 150. Access to the internal cavity 132 can be provided either by allowing removal of the base 112, or by providing an access panel as part of the housing 110. The central cavity 132 can also be used for storage of additional loose peripheral components, as required.

The end cavities 133, 134 may be used for example to house a control system or the like. In one example, the housing 110 includes an input in the form of an input socket 135, which allows an external power supply to be coupled to the control electronics provided in the end cavity 133, as will be explained in more detail below. By appropriate configuration of the end caps 114, 115 and the internal walls 130, 131, the end cavities 133, 134 can be sealed, to thereby prevent ingress of water, dust or other contaminants. This helps to ensure reliable operation, as well as to protect any control electronics provided therein.

An example of one of the retracting systems 150 will now be described in more detail with respect to Figures 2 A and 2B.

In this example, the cable retraction system 150 includes a cable spool 200 around which a cable 201 may be wound. The cable spool 200 is rotatably mounted to an axle 202, which is in turn coupled to an axle support member 203 and an axle support portion 205 of a respective internal wall 130, 131. The axle 202 may be held in position using any suitable mounting. This can include for example a groove provided on the axle, which cooperates with corresponding projections 204, 206 provided on the axle support member 203 and the axle support portion 205 respectively. However, it will be appreciated that this is for the purpose of example only, and any axle retaining mechanism may be used.

In use, the position of the cable retraction spool 200 is typically controlled via respective biasing means 207, 208, which are adapted to cooperate with corresponding portions of the axle support member 203 and the internal wall 130 (not shown for clarity purposes only), thereby restricting movement of the cable spool 200 in a direction parallel to an axis of the axle 202.

A retraction spool 209 is coupled to the cable spool 200 such that rotation of the retraction spool 209 causes corresponding rotation of the cable spool 200. This is performed to allow retraction of the cable 201, as will be described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the retraction spool 209 may be integral with the cable spool 200, or alternatively can be formed from a separate interconnected spool.

A spring spool 210 is coupled to a mounting 211, which forms part of the internal wall 130, via bearings 212, to thereby allow rotational movement of the spring spool.

In use, a spring 213 is coupled to the spring spool 210, so that in the retracted position, the spring is entirely wound around the spring spool 210. The spring 213 is then coupled to the retraction spool 209.

In use, when one of the lighting modules 120 is detached from the corresponding recess 116, and pulled away from the housing 110, this causes the cable 201 to be deployed from the housing 110. In particular, the cable 201 unwinds from the cable spool 200, causing corresponding rotation of both the cable spool 200 and the retraction spool 209. This in turn, unwinds the spring 213 from the spring spool 211.

It will be appreciated that as the spring 213 is unwound from the spring spool 211, this generates a restoring force that attempts to retract the spring 213 into it's retracted position, with the spring 213 fully wound around the spring spool 211. If unchecked, this would in turn causes corresponding rotation of the retraction spool 209 and hence the cable spool 200, thereby causing automatic retraction of the cable 201.

In use, a braking system may be used to control retraction of the cable 201. This may be achieved in any one of a number of manners depending on the preferred implementation. Thus, for example, one of the spools 200, 209, 211 could be coupled to a ratchet mechanism, or the like, which prevents retraction of the cable 201 until the cable retraction button 118 is depressed, or the cable 201 jerked outward.

An alternative braking mechanism will now be described with reference to Figure 2C.

In this example, the control mechanism is formed from a brake wheel 220, having an axle 228 mounted in an aperture 221 of a lever 222. The lever 222 is pivotally mounted to the internal wall 130 at 223. The lever 222 also includes a second aperture 224 having a pin 225 mounted therein. In use, the retraction control button 118 is coupled to an arm 226, which in turn cooperates with the pin 225, such that depression of the retraction control button 118 causes movement of the lever 222. A brake pad 227 is also provided as part of the internal

wall 130, to thereby prevent rotation of the brake wheel 220, if the brake wheel 220 engages the brake pad 227.

An example of the operation of the control mechanism will now be described with reference to Figures 2D to 2F.

Initially, if the cable 201 is partially retracted from the housing 110 and then released, action of the spring 213 will apply a rotational force to the cable spool 200 in the direction of arrow 230, as shown in Figure 2D. This in turn causes the cable spool 200 to engage the brake wheel 220, and urge the brake wheel 220 in the direction of arrow 231. This movement causes the brake wheel 220 to engage the brake pad 227, and prevent further rotation of the cable spool 200, thereby halting retraction of the cable 201.

In the event that the user wishes to withdraw further cable 201 from the housing 110, then the user applies tension to the cable 201, causing the cable to unwind from the cable spool 200, thereby causing the cable spool 200 to rotate in the direction of arrow 232 in Figure 2E. The cable spool 200 engages the brake wheel 220, thereby urging the brake wheel 220 in the direction of the arrow 233. The brake wheel axle 228 is able to move within the aperture 221, thereby allowing movement of the brake wheel 220 in the direction of arrow 233, so that the brake wheel 220 disengages from the cable spool 200 and the brake pad 227, allowing further cable to be deployed.

Assuming the user has deployed sufficient cable 201, the user will release the tension on the cable 201, causing the spring 213 to attempt to retract the cable 201, thereby re-engaging the brake wheel 220, as described above with respect to Figure 2D.

In the event that the user wishes to retract the cable 201 into the housing 110, the user can simply depress the cable retraction button 118, causing the arm 226 to move in the direction of arrow 234. This in turn causes the lever 222 to rotate about the pivot 223, thereby disengaging the brake wheel 220 from the cable spool 200, thereby allowing rotation of the cable spool 200 in the direction of arrow 235 under action of the spring 213, so as to cause cable retraction.

It will be appreciated that this arrangement allows the lighting modules 120 to be removed from the housing 110 and positioned at a desired distance away from the housing 110 as allowed by the cable 201. However, upon depression of the cable retraction button 118, the brake wheel 220 is released, thereby causing retraction of the cable 201.

It will be appreciated that the above described arrangement provides a uniform spooling moment when retracting the cable. A constant-force spring may also be used for the purposes of satisfying this requirement.

In addition to the features outlined above, cable guide rollers may be provided to ensure a smooth and even winding of the cable 201 on the cable spool 200. Additionally, a wiping foam or brushing material may be used to prevent the accumulation of foreign material and/or water from the surface of the cable during retraction.

An example of one of the lighting modules 120 will now be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3F.

In this example, each lighting module is formed from a lens 300 coupled to a base 310, to form an elongate housing defining an axis 350. The base 310 is connected to the cable 201 to allow electrical power to be supplied from the housing 110 to a lighting element 340 provided in the lighting module.

The lighting element may be in any one of a number of forms depending on the preferred implementation, and may include for example, an incandescent bulb, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), or the like. In one example, as will be described in more detail below, the lighting element 340 is a compact fluorescent lamp.

To provide access to the lighting element, the base 310 typically includes a threaded portion 311, which cooperates with a corresponding threaded portion 301 of the lens 300, to thereby allow the lens 300 to be unscrewed from the base 310. By appropriate configuration, this allows the lighting module to be sealed, to thereby prevent ingress of water, dust or other contaminants, thereby helping to ensure reliable operation. To improve sealing, a rubber over-mould seal may be provided on the base 310. In one example, the base 310 and lens 300 can also include markings to indicate the correct direction to unscrew the lens.

The base 310 typically houses a light fitting 312 to allow the lighting element to be mounted therein. It will be appreciated that any suitable form of light fitting 312 may therefore be used depending on the preferred implementation, and the nature of the lighting element used. Thus, for example, the light fitting could be a bayonet or Edison screw-fit type light fitting. In any event, the light fitting 312 is electrically connected to the cable 211 utilising appropriate connections, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

The base 310 may also include a removable base member 313 coupled to the base 310 via an appropriate screw fitting, snap fitting or the like. Removal of the base member 313 can be used to allow access to the inside of the base 310, and in particular to the light fitting 312.

The base 310 may also include a grip to allow easy holding of the lighting module 120 by a user.

The lens 300 is typically injection moulded from an impact resistant transparent or translucent material, such as a polycarbonate, or the like, to allow radiation to be emitted from the lighting element 340 in a direction perpendicular to the axis 350. This allows the lighting module 120 to be used to provide illumination over a wide area, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

In addition to this, the lighting module 120 may include a lens cap 320 mounted to the lens 300. The lens cap 320 can be in the form of a focussing lens to thereby focus radiation emitted from the lighting module in a direction parallel to the axis 350. This allows the lighting module to project a beam of radiation in a direction parallel to the axis 350, thereby allowing it to be used in a manner similar to a torch. Alternatively, the lens cap 320 may be opaque to prevent radiation being emitted in a direction parallel to the axis 350.

The lighting module 120 may also include straps 330, 332, which can be used to allow the lighting module to be attached to a suitable support. The straps are typically fixed to the lens 300 or the base 31 Oat one end, through the use of a suitable anchor, and having an attachment ring 331, 333 provided at the other end. The attachment rings 331, 333 are adapted to be selectively coupled to apertures 334, 335, or corresponding apertures provided on a reverse side of the lighting module 120 (not shown). Accordingly, this allows the straps 330, 332 to

be wrapped round an external object, with the attachment rings 331, 333 being selectively coupled to different ones of the apertures 334, 335, to hold the lighting module 120 against the object. This supporting mechanism can be further enhanced by using elasticised material for the straps 330, 332, which can assist in retaining the lighting module in place.

An example of the strap 332 is shown in more detail in Figure 3E. In this example, the anchor 337 is formed from a moulded plastic member that attaches to the lens 300 using any suitable technique, such as a snap fitting, or the like. In one example, this allows the anchor 337 to couple the attachment ring 333 to the lens 300, and an example of this is shown in Figure 3F. In this arrangement, the strap 332 can be positioned to extend around the lens 300 with the attachment ring 331 positioned adjacent the aperture 335. The anchor can then be inserted into the aperture 335, through the attachment ring 333, thereby retaining the attachment ring in position. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable strap and mounting arrangement may be used.

It will be appreciated from the above, that the lighting modules 120 can therefore be removed from the housing 110, and coupled to any suitable objects, to thereby act as a light source.

In one example, lighting modules 120 may be coupled to an independent power source, thereby allowing lighting modules 120 to be used independently of the housing 110. This can be achieved in any suitable manner and may include for example, providing a connector on the cable 201. Alternatively, the lighting modules may be provided separately to the housing 110.

An example of a modified internal wall 130, 131 incorporating a modified retracting system 150 will now be described in more detail with respect to Figures 5 A to 5D. In this example, similar reference numerals will be used to designate similar features to those outlined above with respect to Figures 2A to 2F.

In this example, the cable retraction system 150 again includes a cable spool 200 around which a cable 201 may be wound. In this example, the cable spool 200 is rotatably mounted to an axle 502, which is formed from a shaped part a respective internal wall 130, 131. The axle 502 includes an end clip 502A for retaining the cable spool 200 in position.

A retraction spool 209 is coupled to the cable spool 200 such that rotation of the retraction spool 209 causes corresponding rotation of the cable spool 200, allowing retraction of the cable 201. A spring spool 210 is coupled to a mounting 211, which forms part of the internal wall 130, via bearings 212, to thereby allow rotational movement of the spring spool. A spring 213 is coupled to the spring spool 210, so that in the retracted position, the spring is entirely wound around the spring spool 210. The spring 213 is then coupled to the retraction spool 209.

As in the examples of Figures 2A to 2F, when one of the lighting modules 120 is detached from the corresponding recess 116, and pulled away from the housing 110, this causes the cable 201 to unwind from the cable spool 200, allowing the cable 201 to be deployed from the housing 110. During this process the spring 213 is unwound from the spring spool 211, generating a restoring force that urges the cable spool 200 back into the retracted position, thereby retracting the cable 201.

To prevent unwanted retraction a braking mechanism is provided including a brake wheel 520, having an axle 528 mounted in an aperture 521 of a lever 522. The lever 522 is pivotally mounted to the internal wall 130 at 523. In use, the retraction control button 118 is coupled to a pin 525, such that depression of the retraction control button 118 causes pivotal movement of the lever 522, in the direction of arrow 530. A braking member 527, formed by a shaped portion of the internal wall is also provided. A spring 529 is coupled to the lever 522 and is biased against stops 530, so that the lever is urged in a direction opposite to that of the arrow 531. In this position, the brake wheel 520 is in contact with the spool 200, and is biased against the braking member 527.

If the cable 201 is partially retracted from the housing 110 and then released, action of the spring 213 will apply a rotational force to the cable spool 200 in the direction of arrow 532, as shown in Figure 5C. This in turn causes the cable spool 200 to engage the brake wheel 520, and urge the brake wheel 520 into engagement with the brake pad 527, and prevent further rotation of the cable spool 200, thereby halting retraction of the cable 201.

In the event that the user wishes to withdraw further cable 201 from the housing 110, then the user applies tension to the cable 201, causing the cable to unwind from the cable spool 200,

thereby causing the cable spool 200 to rotate in a reverse direction to that of the arrow 532. The cable spool 200 urges the brake wheel 520, with the brake wheel axle 228 moving within the aperture 521, so that the brake wheel 520 disengages from the brake pad 527, allowing further cable to be deployed.

Assuming the user has deployed sufficient cable 201 the user will release the tension on the cable 201, causing the spring 513 to attempt to retract the cable 201, thereby re-engaging the brake wheel 520, as described above.

In the event that the user wishes to retract the cable 201 into the housing 110, the user can simply depress the cable retraction button 118, causing the lever 522 to rotate about the pivot 223, thereby disengaging the brake wheel 220 from the cable spool 200, thereby allowing rotation of the cable spool 200 in an opposite direction to the arrow 532, under action of the spring 213, so as to cause cable retraction.

It will be appreciated that this arrangement is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 2A to 2F, and that similar variations may also be implemented, such as using a constant-force spring, cable guide rollers, a wiping foam or brushing material, or the like.

An example of minor variations in the external housing are shown in Figures 6A and 6B. In these examples, the housing is generally the same as the housing with reference to Figures IA to IG, and will not therefore be described in detail.

In this example however, the housing includes shoulder carry strap clips 601, 602 to allow a shoulder strap to be attached to the unit. Additionally, in this example, the input socket 135 is moved to one of the end caps 114, 115, and is provided with a removable sealing plug 610, allowing the socket to be sealed in a water resistant manner. This coupled with gasket seals provided between any adjoining portions of the housing, this allows the housing to be water resistant, which is particularly suited for outdoor use.

An example of a control system for controlling operation of the lighting modules 120 will now be described with reference to Figure 4.

In this example, the control system includes a controller 400 coupled to the control buttons 117 and a switching unit 420. The switching unit 420 is coupled to the lighting modules 120, as well as the internal power supply 140, and an external power supply 410. The controller 400 may also be coupled directly to the internal and external power supplies 140, 410, to allow monitoring of their operation.

The controller 400 may also be coupled to indicators 440, 450, such as LEDs, allowing an indication of operating modes, or power supply status to be provided.

In one example, the indicators 440 include two SMD tri-colour LEDs respectively used to indicate battery status and the power supply being utilised. Thus, for example, when a lighting module 120 is activated, the indicator LEDs 440 can be illuminate as appropriate, so that in the lighting module 120 is operating on internal battery power, a first LED is illuminated, with this being turned off once both lighting modules 120 are turned off. If the lighting apparatus is connected to an external power supply, a second LEDs 440 can be illuminated until the external power source is removed.

Additionally, colour coding can be used as follows:

• Internal battery status indicator

• Constant green colour shall indicate that the internal battery is fully charged.

• Constant yellow colour shall indicate that the internal battery charge is low.

• Constant red shall indicate that the internal battery needs to be recharged. • Pulsing green shall indicate that the internal battery charge is being charged.

• External power source indicator

• Constant green colour indicates that the lighting apparatus is using connected to external power

• Constant red colour indicates that the lighting apparatus is not connected to external power.

The indicators 450 can be used to indicate the status of the lighting modules 120. In one example, the indicators 450 are LEDs incorporated into each of the control buttons 117, with

the indicators 450 being illuminated when the corresponding lighting module 120 is used, as well as to indicate an operating mode, as will be described in more detail below.

In one example, the lighting modules 120 utilise high voltage alternating current, such as 120V AC, or 240V AC, to thereby allow compact fluorescent lamps to be used as the lighting elements. Typically however, the internal and external power supplies 140, 410 are low voltage direct current, such as 10-15V DC. Consequently, an optional converter or inverter 430 may also be required to allow the low voltage direct current to be converted into higher voltage alternating current as required.

In one example, the internal power supply is typically in the form of an internal 12V battery, such as a 12A/H Sealed Lead Acid battery. The external power supply 410 is typically provided by way of the input socket 135, which in one example is adapted to receive an external 12V DC power input using a suitable plug. The external 12VDC power might be supplied from a mains-powered plug pack, an alligator clip attached to an external 12V battery or an automotive cigarette lighter socket.

In use the controller 400 operates in accordance with input commands provided by the control buttons 117 to control the switching unit 420. This allows the lighting modules 120, and the internal and external power supplies 140, 410 to be selectively interconnected, thereby allowing power to be provided to the lighting modules 120.

Additionally, the switching unit 420 may allow the internal and external power supplies 140, 410 to be interconnected to allow charging of the internal power supply 140 from the external power supply 410. In one example, this can be achieved by way of a battery charger capable of trickle charging a 12V DC battery within a certain period of time.

It will be appreciated from this that the controller 400 may be formed from any suitable processing system, but is typically formed from a micrologic controller, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. It will be appreciated that using a controller of this form allows a range of functionality to be pre-programmed into the lighting apparatus, including, for example:

• selectively activating the lighting modules 120;

• switching a power supply for the lighting modules between either the internal power supply 140 or the external power supply 410;

• switching the lighting apparatus between different operating modes; and,

• causing recharging of the internal power supply 140 from the external power supply 410.

Selection of modes may be achieved using any one of a number of techniques, such as by holding the control buttons 117 down for a set time period, or pressing both control buttons simultaneously.

A number of example operating modes will now be described.

Default Mode

In this mode, the controller 400 can be configured to activate the lighting modules 120 upon selection of a corresponding control button 117. The lighting module 120 can be turned off by momentary pressing the lighting module 120 control button 117 a second time.

During this process, the corresponding indicator 450, in the form of an LED incorporated into the control button 117 will also illuminate and in one example, this can remain illuminated for a set time period after the lighting modules have been deactivated, for example, to allow the control buttons 117 to be easily located in a darkened environment.

In the event that an external power supply 410 is available this will be used as a primary power supply, whilst also charging the internal power supply 140. In this example, in the event that the primary external power supply 410 becomes insufficient and there is remaining charge in the internal battery 140, then the internal battery 140 will become the primary power supply.

External Battery Mode

If the lighting apparatus is connected to an external power supply in the form of a battery, the controller 400 can monitor the external power voltage. If the external power voltage gradually decreases below a predetermined threshold the controller can automatically turn off the lighting modules 120 and the battery charger to avoid flattening the external battery.

Sleep Mode

In sleep mode, the controller 400 deactivates the lighting modules 120 after a predetermined time period. It will be appreciated that this is useful in scenarios such as camping where it is desirable to have light available whilst an individual is going to bed, and having this light automatically deactivated after a set time.

Sleep mode can be activated by continuously pressing a control button 117 for 2 seconds when turning on the lighting module 120. In this mode, the indicator LED 450 will pulse or flash to indicate sleep mode is selected. When the control button 117 is pressed to turn off the lighting module 120, the lighting module 120 will stay illuminated for 5 minutes before automatically turning off.

In another example, time periods can also be selected by depressing the control buttons 117 a given number of times once the sleep mode is activated. Thus, for example, a single press could result in a 5 minute sleep mode, whereas two presses could result in a half hour sleep mode. It will be appreciated that other suitable time intervals may be provided.

Emergency Lighting Mode

In emergency lighting mode, the lighting apparatus is permanently coupled to an external power supply 410, such as the mains electricity supply. In the event that the external power supply fails, the controller 400 automatically activates one or more of the lighting modules 120 to provide emergency lighting. This can be useful in emergency situations such as hurricanes or the like, in that, when the mains power fails, lighting is automatically provided by the lighting apparatus.

If a lighting module 120 is automatically turned on when external power supply rapidly drops to zero, it can be turned off after a set time limit, such as 5 minutes. This allows individuals sufficient time to either turn on the other light module, or attempt to restore the external power supply (for example if a fuse has blown), whilst avoiding unnecessarily draining the internal power supply 140.

In one example, the housing 110 and lighting modules are manufactured from materials capable of withstanding UV degradation, as well as to ensure operation following storage in

conditions such as between -10°C and +80°C, 50OhPa to lOlόhPa and 10% to 95% relative humidity. The housing can also provide protection against dust and moisture, by providing, for example, an overall IP rating for the lighting apparatus shall be IP20. In addition to this, the internal cavity 132 can have an IP rating IP54, whilst the lighting modules can have an IP rating of IP66.

The lighting apparatus and lighting module 120 typically provide protection against vibration, shock and impact, as well as resistance to oil and chemical attack, fire or the like. In general, items that in normal operation or failure might provide a source of fire ignition shall be self extinguishing and shall be sufficiently protected (enclosed) so that during a failure condition all assemblies are designed to limit surface temperature to prevent adjacent material or equipment from igniting.

In the above examples, two lighting modules 120 are described, each having a corresponding cable retraction system 150, which are therefore provided at respective ends of the internal cavity 132. However, it will be appreciated that this is for the purpose of example only, and that in practice one or more lighting modules may be provided. Additionally, the above described apparatus provides a range of functionality that can be implemented in conjunction, as described above, but which can also be implemented independently. Thus for example, it will be appreciated that the operational modes described above could be implemented in a lighting apparatus that does not include detachable lighting modules as described.

In any event, it will be appreciated that the above described lighting apparatus provides a portable lighting system that makes use of one or more lighting modules 120. In one example, two lighting modules 120 are provided, although it will be appreciated that this is not essential, and other numbers may be used, depending on the preferred implementation.

The lighting modules 120 may be activated whilst coupled to the housing 110. Alternatively, the lighting modules can be extended from the housing 110 on retractable cables, which in one example are up to 10 metres long, thereby allowing the lighting modules to be positioned up to 20 metres apart.

The lighting apparatus typically incorporates an internal power supply such as a rechargeable 12V battery, allowing illumination to be provided when other power supplies are not available. Additionally however, the lighting apparatus can be connected to an external power supply, to allow illumination to be provided, as well as to allow the internal power supply to be recharged.

It will be appreciated that this makes the lighting apparatus suitable for use in the consumer outdoor recreation market, including camping, 4WD, fishing, and hunting markets. The lighting apparatus can also be used as emergency lighting for households during periods of failure of electricity supply.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.