IP Library Granted Patent US 12698894
Granted Patent B2
US 12698894 · App. 19/075,427 · Granted Aug 4, 2026

Storage unit with light-emitting components

Inventors: Lea M. Plato (Shorewood, WI); Zachary J. Self (Nashotah, WI); Michael A. Matthews (Milwaukee, WI); San Sang Chan (Kowloon, HK); Matthew Asher (Kowloon, HK)
Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
F21V33/0084F21L2/00F21L4/04F21S6/006H02J7/751F21Y2115/10H04B1/3888
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12698894
App. No.
19/075,427
Granted
Aug 4, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A device or unit with a lighting component is provided. The device includes coupling components that couple the device to stackable storage unit containers. In one embodiment, the device includes a battery interface to couple to a battery for power tools. In one embodiment, the device includes three lights that are pivotally coupled to the housing between a retracted position in which the lights are disposed against sidewalls of the housing, and an open position in which the lights are pivoted above the top panel of the housing.

Claims (32)

1 . A lighting unit configured to couple to a stackable container, the lighting unit comprising:

a housing;

a top panel coupled to the housing;

a plurality of coupling components that extend from the housing and couple the housing to a stackable container; and

a light coupled to the housing, the light pivotable with respect to the housing about a first axis;

wherein each of the plurality of coupling components comprise:

a recess; and

a first ledge and a second ledge that overhang the recess.

2 . The lighting unit of claim 1 , wherein the light is rotatable with respect to the housing about a second axis.

3 . The lighting unit of claim 2 , wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

4 . The lighting unit of claim 1 , wherein the top panel comprises a top surface, and wherein the top surface comprises the coupling component.

5 . The lighting unit of claim 4 , wherein the stackable container further comprises:

a second housing;

a storage compartment defined within the second housing; and

a bottom surface defined by the second housing, the bottom surface comprising a second coupling component;

wherein lighting unit and the stackable container are coupled together via the coupling component of the lighting unit and the second coupling component of the stackable container.

6 . The lighting unit of claim 1 , further comprising a battery interface configured to interface with a rechargeable battery.

7 . The lighting unit of claim 1 , wherein the light is movable between an open position and a retracted position in which the light is positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the housing.

8 . The lighting unit of claim 1 , wherein, when the light is moved into an open position, the light moves away from the plurality of coupling components.

9 . A modular storage system comprising:

a housing;

a top panel coupled to the housing;

a plurality of couplers extending from the housing; and

a light coupled to the housing, wherein the light is a dome light; and

a stackable container, the stackable container comprising:

a second housing;

a storage compartment defined within the second housing; and

a second plurality of coupling components;

wherein housing and the stackable container are coupled together via the plurality of coupling components and the second plurality of coupling component of the stackable container.

10 . The modular storage system of claim 9 , wherein the light is configured to emit a light such that illumination is 360 degrees relative to the light.

11 . The modular storage system of claim 9 , wherein the second plurality of coupling components are positioned on an upper surface of the second housing.

12 . The modular storage system of claim 9 , wherein the light is positioned along the top panel.