Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable case for housing a plurality of lights. The invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising a portable case and at least one light.

Background to the invention

Small portable lights, such as roadside hazard lights used in emergency response, are deployed in a number of locations, often remote, for purposes such as safety or location signalling. These lights are stored away when not in use and benefit from quick deployment. Such lights are often deployed at a number of points, mapping out an area of interest.

There is a need for a portable case to safely store such lights when not in use and to efficiently transport lights between locations. Standard light cases make it cumbersome to remove and place each light in their required location, with the user often having to choose between manually carrying a number of lights as they map out the area of interest or having to return to the case between deployment of each light.

As such, there is a need for a portable case which allows safe storage of the lights when not in use as well as easy accessibility of the lights during use for rapid deployment.

Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable case for housing a plurality of lights, the portable case comprising; a first body portion and a second body portion, each body portion comprising an internal surface comprising at least one light accommodation portion for accommodating a light and an opposing external surface; wherein the portable case further comprises a hinge mechanism connecting the first body portion to the second body portion; the hinge mechanism configured to allow the first body portion and the second body portion to move between a first position wherein the internal surface of the first body portion and the internal surface of the second body portion directly oppose one another, and a second

1 position wherein the external surface of the first body portion and the external surface of the second body portion directly oppose one another.

In this way there is provided a portable case for storing a plurality of lights. The closed configuration provides secure and safe storage of lights housed within the case. The open configuration allows the user to carry the case while simultaneously removing each light in turn as they map out an area of interest. As such, the user does not have to return to the case between deployment of each light or remove a plurality of lights from the case before mapping out the area of interest. As such, there is provided a case allowing for easy and rapid deployment of lights as well as safe storage when the lights are not in use.

Preferably, in the second position, the external surface of the first body portion and the external surface of the second body portion are in contact with one another. In this way, the case is compact when in the second position.

Preferably, the first body portion and the second body portion each comprise a curved surface and the hinge mechanism is located on the curved surfaces. Preferably, the curved surface of each of the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to remain in contact as the case is moved between the first position and the second position.

In this way, the first body portion and second body portion are guided smoothly between the first position and the second position.

Preferably, the case comprises a third position wherein the opposing external surfaces of the case are at a reflex angle and the central axis of the first body portion and the central axis of the second body portion are perpendicular. Preferably, the central axis of the at least one light accommodation portion on the first body portion is parallel to the central axis of first body portion. Preferably, the central axis of the at least one light accommodation portion on the second body portion is parallel to the central axis of second body portion. The third position is particularly advantageous wherein the case is to be placed on a surface, such as a floor, a table or the hood or boot of a vehicle.

Preferably, the case comprises a fourth position wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are planar. In this way, the case can be laid out flat. Preferably, the case is configured to be removably retained in the third position. In this way, the case can be securely placed in the third position without risk of the case accidently being placed in the first position or the fourth position, such as if the case is accidently knocked. The second

2 position, third position and fourth position allow a user access to the contents of the case, such as any lights accommodated within the case. The plurality of positions allow the user to configure the case in a position best suited to their location and application when deploying or returning lights to the case.

Preferably, the first body portion comprises a groove located at the perimeter of the internal surface and the second body portion comprises a ridge located at the perimeter of the internal surface, wherein the ridge is configured to be housed within the groove when the portable case is in the first position. Preferably, the groove extends along at least two sides of the internal surface of the first body portion and the ridge extends along at least two sides of the internal surface of the second body portion. More preferably, the groove extends along at least three sides of the internal surface of the first body portion and the ridge extends along at least three sides of the internal surface of the second body portion. In this way, the case can be securely retained in the first position. Additionally, the groove and ridge reduce the risk of dust or fluid entering the case when the case is in the first position.

Preferably, at least one light accommodation portion comprises a recess. More preferably, each of the at least one light accommodation portion comprises a recess. Preferably, each recess is substantially identical. Preferably, each recess extends at least a quarter of the depth of the light to be accommodated in the at least one light accommodation portion. In this way, when a light is accommodated in the at least one light accommodation portion the case can be placed in the first position without hindrance from the light. This allows a more compact case to be provided, with the recess providing additional clearance for the lights to be accommodated in the case. The shape of the light accommodation portion is not particularly limited, and is configured to accommodate the shape of the light used in the desired application.

Preferably, the portable case comprises a first retaining member for releasably retaining the case in the first position. For example, the first retaining member may comprise at least one; magnet, clip, clasp, hook, lock or fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the first retaining member is located on the internal surface of the first body portion and second body portion. Preferably, the first retaining member is located at one or more locations about the perimeter of the internal surface of the first body portion and second body portion.

Preferably, the case comprises a second retaining member for releasably retaining the portable case in the second position. For example, the second retaining member may comprise at least one; magnet, clip, clasp, hook, lock or fastener such as a hook and loop

3 fastener. Preferably, the second retaining member is located on the external opposing surface of the first body portion and second body portion. Preferably, the second retaining member is located at one or more locations about the perimeter of the opposing external surface of the first body portion and second body portion. Preferably, the second retaining member is planar to the opposing external surface of the first body portion and/or the opposing external surface of the second body portion. In this way, when the case is placed in the fourth position there are substantially no protrusions from the opposing external surface of the first body portion or the opposing external surface of the second body portion and the case can lie flat.

Preferably, the at least one light accommodation portion comprises a light retaining member for releasably retaining a light. For example, the light retaining member may comprise at least one; magnet, clip, latch or fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, a light may be screwed or rotated into the at least one light accommodation portion to retain the light within the at least one light accommodation portion. In this way, when the case is not in the first position, there is a recued risk of any lights accommodated in the case being accidently removed from the case.

Preferably, the portable case comprises a handle. Preferably, the handle is located on an opposing side of the case to the hinge mechanism. Preferably, the handle comprises a first folding handle member located on the first body portion and a second folding handle member located on the second body portion. Preferably, a portion of the first folding handle member and a portion of the second folding handle member are configured to engage one another. In some embodiments, the handle comprises the first retaining member and/or the second retaining member.

Preferably, the first folding handle member and the second folding handle member are configured to rotate at least 180 degrees. In this way, the first folding handle member and the second folding handle member may be folded down against the case, providing a more compact case. A rotation of at least 180 degrees allows the first folding handle member and the second folding handle member to be folded against the case when the case is in each of the first, second, third and fourth positions. Additionally, the handle is able to rotate when the case is being carried by the user, providing a more comfortable handle.

Preferably, the portable case comprises at least four light accommodation portions. More preferably, the portable case comprises at least eight light accommodation portions. In this

4 way, a reduced number of cases are required in an application wherein a plurality of lights require storage before and after deployment.

Preferably, the first body portion and the second body portion are substantially identical. In this way, the weight distribution of the case is improved and the case is more comfortable to carry. Preferably, the case is modular. In this way, a plurality of cases can be stored adjacent or stacked upon one another during storage and transportation. The position of the at least one light accommodation portion in the case is such that the number of lights housed in the case can be maximised.

Preferably, the portable case comprises charging means for charging at least one light accommodated by a light accommodation portion. Preferably, the portable case comprises a port configured to house a charging lead for charging at least one light accommodated by a light accommodation portion. Preferably, the port is not located on the internal surface of the first body portion or the internal surface of the second body portion. In this way, the port can be accessed when the case is in the first position.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts, the kit of parts comprising; the portable case of the first aspect of the invention, and at least one light, wherein the at least one light is configured to be accommodated within the at least one light accommodation portion of the portable case.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of the case of the first aspect of the present invention, in the second position;

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the case of Figure 1 , in the first position;

Figure 3 depicts perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the case of Figure 1 , in the first position;

Figure 4 depicts perspective view of the handle of the case of Figure 1, in the first position;

5 Figure 5 depicts a front view of the case of Figure 1 , in the fourth position;

Figure 6 depicts a back view of the case of Figure 1 , in the fourth position;

Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of the case of Figure 1, in the fourth position; and

Figure 8 depicts a perspective view of the case of Figure 1, in the third position.

With reference to Figures 1 and 8, there is illustrated a portable case 100 for housing a plurality of lights. The portable case 100 comprises a first body portion 101 , a second body portion 102 and a hinge mechanism 103 connecting the first body portion 101 to the second body portion 102.

The first body portion 101 comprises an internal surface 101a and an opposing external surface 101b and the second body portion 102 comprises an internal surface 102a and an opposing external surface 102b. Each internal surface 101a, 102a comprises five light accommodation portions 104 for accommodating a light 105, such that the case 100 comprises ten light accommodation portions 104 in total. As such, the case 100 is configured to accommodate up to ten lights 105.

The hinge mechanism 103 is configured to allow the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 to move between a first position, as shown in Figures 2-4, wherein the internal surface 101a of the first body portion 101 and the internal surface 102a of the second body portion 102 directly oppose one another and a second position, as shown in Figure 1 , wherein the external surface 101b of the first body portion 101 and the external surface 102b of the second body portion 102 directly oppose one another. In the second position, the external surface 101b of the first body portion 101 and the external surface 102b of the second body portion 102 are in contact with one another.

The first body portion 101 comprises a curved surface 101c, the second body portion 102 comprises a curved surface 102c and the hinge is located on the curved surfaces 101c, 102c. The hinge mechanism 103 comprises a hinge pivot member 106 located centrally on the curved surfaces 101c, 102c about which the first body portion 101 and second body portion 102 are configured to pivot. The curved surfaces 101c, 102c extend from either side of the hinge pivot member 106 along the length of the case 100. The curved surface 101c, 102c of

6 each of the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 are configured to remain in contact as the case 100 is moved between the first position and the second position.

The case 100 comprises a third position, shown in Figure 8, wherein the opposing external surfaces 101b, 102b of the case 100 are at a reflex angle and the central axis A1 of the first body portion 101 and the central axis A2 of the second body portion 102 are perpendicular. It is particularly advantageous for the case 100 to be placed in the third position when the user has limited space to set down the case 100 or when the user has the case placed on a flat surface, such as the ground or on top of a vehicle. The case 100 is configured to be removably retained in the third position.

The central axis B1 of the light accommodation portions 104 on the first body portion 101 are parallel to the central axis A1 of first body portion 101. The central axis B2 of the light accommodation portions 104 on the second body portion 102 are parallel to the central axis A2 of second body portion 102. In this way, the case 100 is configured such that the lights 105 sit planar to the body portions 101 , 102, reducing the protrusion of the lights 105 out of the case 100 when the lights 105 are accommodated in the light accommodation portions 104. In this way, the depth of the case 100 can be minimised.

The case 100 comprises a fourth position, as shown in Figures 5-7, wherein the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 are planar. The user can place the case 100 flat against a surface in the fourth position. The case 100 is configured to be removably retained in the fourth position.

The first body portion 101 comprises a groove 107 located at the perimeter of the internal surface 101a of the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 comprises a ridge 108 located at the perimeter of the internal surface 102a of the second body portion 102. The ridge 108 is configured to be housed within the groove 107 when the portable case 100 is in the first position. In this embodiment, the groove 107 and the ridge 108 both extend along three sides of the respective internal surfaces 101a, 102a, providing a barrier to prevent dust or fluid entering the case when the case is in the first position. The width and depth of both the groove107 and the ridge 108 is substantially constant along their length.

Each light accommodation portion 104 comprises a recess 109 and each recess 109 is substantially identical. The depth of each recess 109 is constant and each recess 109 is configured such that each light 105 can easily be removed and replaced in the light accommodation portion 104 without the user applying a conscious force. In this way, the lights

7 105 can be quickly removed and replaced in the case 100. Each light 105 is accommodated in the light accommodation portions 104 such that the case 100 can be placed in the first position without any light 105 preventing the internal surface 101 a of the first body portion 101 and the internal surface 102a of the second body portion 102 directly opposing one another.

The case further comprises a handle located on an opposing side of the case 100 to the hinge mechanism 103. The handle comprises a first folding handle member 116 located on the first body portion 101 and a second folding handle member 117 located on the second body portion 102. A portion of the first folding handle member 116 and a portion of the second folding handle member 117 are configured to engage one another, as shown in Figure 4. The first folding handle member 116 and the second folding handle member 117 are configured to rotate greater than 180 degrees. The first folding handle member 116 and the second folding handle 117 member may be folded flat against the case 100, as shown in Figure 4.

The second folding handle member 117 comprises an unfoldable portion 118 located at the base of the second folding handle member 117 and in contact with the second body portion 102. The unfoldable portion 118 extends the minimum height of the first folding handle member 116 when the first folding handle member 116 is folded against the first body portion 101. In this way, the first folding handle member 116 and a portion of the second folding handle member 117 are configured to engage one another when they are both folded towards one another. In this way, a compact case 100 can be provided when the handle is not in use. The height of the first folding handle member 116 and the second folding handle member 117 when they are in a non folded configuration, shown in Figure 1, is identical to improve ease and comfort of carrying of the case 100. The first folding handle member 116 and the second folding handle member 117 can be folded against the case 100 when the case 100 is in each or between the first, second, third and fourth positions.

The case 100 comprises a first retaining member 110 for releasably retaining the case 100 in the first position. The first retaining member 110 comprises a pair of magnets located on the internal surface 101a of the first body portion 101 and a pair of magnets located on the internal surface 102a of the second body portion 102. The first retaining member 110 is located at the end of each body portion 101 , 102 distal the hinge mechanism 103 and adjacent the handle. The first retaining member 110 is configured such that when the case 100 is in the first position the magnets of the first body portion 101 and second body portion 102 align and attract. The user must then provide a force to break the magnetic attraction in order to separate the magnets.

8 The case 100 further comprises a second retaining member 111 for releasably retaining the case 100 in the second position. The second retaining member 111 comprises a pair of magnets located on the opposing external surface 101b of the first body portion 101 and a pair of magnets located on the opposing external surface 102b of the second body portion 102. The second retaining member 111 is located at the two corners of each body portion 101, 102 distal the hinge mechanism 103. The second retaining member 111 is planar to and sits flat against the opposing external surface 101b of the first body portion 101 and the opposing external surface 102b of the second body portion 102. The second retaining member 111 is configured such that when the case 100 is in the second position the magnets of the first body portion 101 and second body portion 102 align and attract, retaining the case 100 in the second position.

The light accommodation portions 104 each comprise a light retaining member 112 comprising a magnet for releasably retaining the lights 105. In this way, the lights 105 will not fall from the case 100 when the case is in use, such as when the case is being moved between the first position and second position.

The case 100 comprises charging means for charging all lights 105 accommodated in the light accommodation portions 104 of the case 100. The charging means comprises a port 113 configured to house a charging lead such that when a light 105 is accommodated in a light accommodation portion 104 it is simultaneously charged. The port 113 is located on the exterior of the second body portion 102, such that the port 113 can be accessed when the case 100 is in the first position. Each light accommodation portion 104 comprises an electric member 114 to facilitate light 105 charging when the light 105 is accommodated in the light accommodation portion 104. In this way, a plurality of lights 105 can be charged simultaneously and without removal from their stored location within the case 100.

The first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 are substantially identical, improving the weight distribution of the case 100. In this embodiment, each body portion 101, 102 is symmetrical about their long and short axes. The light accommodation portions 104 are spaced such that when there is a light 105 accommodated in each light accommodation portion 104 the user is able to grip and remove each light 105 without difficulty.

The second position, third position and fourth position allow a user access to the contents, namely the lights 105, of the case 100. The case 100 can be moved smoothly between the first and second positions and may be held in any positions between there between. The

9 plurality of positions allow the user to configure the case 100 in a position best suited to their location and application when deploying or returning lights 105 to the case 100. For example, the user may carry the case 100 in the second position removing and deploying lights 105 in turn. Additionally, the user may carry the case 100 in the second position returning lights 105 in turn. In this way, the case 100 is portable and the user can easily access each light 105. This is particularly advantageous in applications when the case 100 is used in a dark or low visibility environment.

Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, there may be different shapes and/or relative dimensions of the features such as the case, handle and light accommodation portions. The invention is not limited to the specific example or structure illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the Figures could be used, for example.

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