Mobile Workshop

Abstract

A mobile workshop has container (24,26, fig 2) that can be mounted on a flat bed of an electric vehicle (12-18, fig 1) (e.g. LEV, eLCV, cargo bike), the container having an opening with a door that ca

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a mobile workshop. More particularly the invention relates to a mobile workshop for a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV). BACKGROUND The installation and maintenance of infrastructure and other technologies requires bringing specialised tools to a worksite and a space in which to carry out the work required on site. For example, communications infrastructure often requires splicing of optical fibres, requiring splicing tools and a workspace. Traditionally technicians have used a conventional van to both carry the necessary tools and to act as a base for carrying out necessary work. However, this approach has several disadvantages. Firstly, conventional vans are traditionally powered by petrol and diesel engines and thus are polluting. Secondly, vans may not be able to access the worksite, for example if there is no parking, if there are access restrictions due to vehicle size or if the site is on a pedestrianised area. Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) are light, electrically powered vehicles used to travel relatively short distances. Rules regarding mass, speed and power of LEVs vary from country to country. For example, LEVs may include electrically powered vehicles with an authorised maximum mass (total mass of the vehicle in running order, including the operator and possible goods or passengers) of 556 kg, for transporting goods or several passengers. Examples include large eCargo bikes. In many countries, LEVs have a maximum construction speed, for example 25km / h. In the UK, the maximum power of LEVs with pedal assistance (electric (cargo) bikes) is 250 Watts. Electric light commercial vehicles (eLCV) are a category of electric vehicles specifically designed for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or providing services. Electric cargo bikes (eCargo bikes) are electric bikes with a large storage space, designed specifically for carrying cargo. Electric cargo bikes include quadracycles (quad bikes) - with four wheels, and tricycles - with three wheels. In the UK, electric cargo bikes can be ridden in cycle lanes. Electric cargo bikes have the rider's area, with seat, steering and pedals, and a cargo receiving area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aspect of the present invention provides a mobile workshop for mounting onto a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the mobile housing comprising: a container comprising a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite ends thereby defining an interior space, wherein the first side comprises an opening to provide access to the interior space; one or more work platform provided within the interior space, the one or more work platform having a horizontal work surface and being configured to be moveable between a retracted position, in which it is fully housed within the interior space, and an extended position in which at least a portion extends out of the interior space via the opening; one or more doors to provide a closure for the opening, the door being movable between a closed position in which the one or more doors cover the opening and an open position in which the opening is uncovered by the one or more doors, wherein the one or more doors are configured such that in the open position the space directly in front of the opening is not obstructed by the one or more doors; and securing means to secure the one or more doors in the open position. The location of one or more doors in their open position enables the one or more work platforms to move into their extended positions without obstruction. Furthermore, this location of the one or more doors enables a person using the mobile workshop to access the interior space via the opening and / or work at the one or more work platforms without obstruction. The space in front of the opening forms a working area in which a person can work at the mobile workshop. This working area may be enclosed by barriers, for safety of the person at work and the public. The interior space provides storage for the specialised tools, whilst the work platform provides a suitable workspace. The LEV / eLCV provides an environmentally friendly manner of transporting the mobile workshop, which can enter difficult to access locations which conventional vans would not be able to access. The mobile workshop may comprise: a second container, wherein the second container comprises a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite ends thereby defining a second interior space, wherein the first side comprises a second opening to provide access to the second interior space; and a second one or more door configured to provide a closure for the second opening, the second one or more door being movable between a closed position in which the second door covers the second opening and an open position in which the second door is remote from the second opening, optionally wherein the second door is configured such that it pivots about a vertical axis. The second container may be taller than the first container. The extra height of the second container provides sufficient storage for the barriers and sandbags. The position of the second container between a rider's area of the LEV I eLCV and the first container ensures that it is located in a stable position between at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel of the LEV / eLCV. This stable location enables the second container to have an increased height without destabilizing the vehicle. The first container, positioned towards the rear of the bike has a lower height for stability. The one or more doors may comprise a single door. In one embodiment, the one or more door may comprise an upwards opening door. This is also known as an overhead door. The one or more door may be configured such that in the open position it forms a canopy over the working area. The one or more door may be attached to the container via a first pivot connection. The pivot connection may be attached to the container at the top of the opening. Examples of a suitable pivot connection include heavy-duty pivot hinges and continuous hinges (also known as piano hinges). The one or more door may comprise a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is attached to the container via a first pivot connection and wherein the second section is connected to the first section via a second pivot connection. The one or more doors may be configured such that in the open position, the second section is substantially horizontal and thereby acts as a canopy. The one or more doors may be configured such that in the open position, the first section is substantially vertical. In the open position, the first section may extend upwards from the container, so that the second pivot connection is higher than the first pivot connection. This arrangement ensures that in the open position, the first second section is positioned at a height above the top of the container. This arrangement provides sufficient height of the canopy to accommodate a person standing below it. An actuator may be provided to control movement of the first section of the door between the open and closed positions. The actuator may hold the first section of the door in the open position. The actuator may comprise an electrical actuator, such as a linear actuator. The one or more door may comprise a door stay to control its movement and / or hold it in the open position. Examples of suitable door stays include mechanical stays, spring-loaded hinges, friction hinges, counterbalance mechanisms, telescopic stays, hydraulic stays, and chain stays. In one embodiment, the door stay comprises a gas strut. The position of the second section with respect to the first section is controlled by gravity and a physical stop which restricts the relative angle between first and second sections in the open position. The mobile workshop may comprise an awning mounted on the one or more door. The awning may be configured to be retractable between an extended position which extends outside the area of the one or more door and a retracted position which does not. The awning may comprise a flexible material, for example a plastics material, wherein in the retracted position the awning fabric is rolled around a central roller tube. The roller tube may be mounted to the door, preferably the second section. The awning may be provided with supporting arms, which extend to hold the fabric taut when the awning is in the extended position, and fold inwards towards the roller tube as the awning retracts. The awning may be extended or retracted manually using a hand crank or automatically using an electric motor. In another embodiment, the one or more door may comprise one or more sidewards opening door. A side opening door swings open horizontally. The one or more doors may comprise two sidewards opening doors, wherein in the open positions, the sidewards opening doors may be positioned such that they lie adjacent a surface of the mobile workshop. In the open positions, the sidewards opening doors may be positioned such that they are in contact with surfaces of the mobile workshop. The sidewards opening doors may be configured such that the angle between the open and closed positions is substantially 180 degrees or greater. This arrangement ensures that the working area is unencumbered. The one or more sidewards opening door may comprise a first door, wherein the first door is a side-hinged door having a hinge connection between the first door and the container in the region of the first end of the container. The first door may be configured such that the angle between the open and closed positions is 180 degrees. The mobile workshop may comprise first and second containers, wherein the second door is configured so that in the open position it lies flat against the first side of the second container. The first door may comprise a bi-fold door. A bi-fold door comprises two or more panels which are hinged together along their vertical edges. These panels fold against each other when opened. The one or more sidewards opening doors may comprise a second door, comprising a side-hinged door having a hinge connection between the second door and the container in the region of the second end. The angle between the open position and closed position of second door may be 270°. In the open position, the second door may lie adjacent to the second end. In the open position, the second door may be in contact with the second end. The second door may comprise a single panel. The second door may be configured such that the internal surface of the door comprises a streetwork sign. The streetwork sign alerts pedestrians that the mobile workshop is a work site. Lighting means may be provided at the one or more door. The lighting means may be configured to illuminate the working area when the one or more door is in the open position. For example, the lighting may comprise LED lights. The mobile workshop may include a power source, for example a battery. The power source may be used to power electrical components of the mobile workshop, such as lighting, door actuators and tools housed within the mobile workshop. Alternatively, the mobile workshop may use the battery of the LEV or eLCV as a power source. The one or more work platform may move between the extended position and the retracted position via a sliding mechanism. Examples of suitable sliding mechanisms include a linear rail system, telescopic slides, roller track system, cantilever slides, rack and pinion systems, hydraulic or pneumatic slide systems. One or more drawers may be provided in the interior space. The one or more drawers may comprise one or more drawer above the one or more work platform and / or one or more drawer below the one or more work platform. A vertical divider may be provided in the interior space to divide the container into first and second compartments. Both first and second compartments are accessed by the opening. Each of the first and second compartments is provided with a work platform. Alternatively, only one of the first and second compartments may be provided with a work platform. The one or more drawers may comprise one or more drawer in the first compartment and / or one or more drawer in the second compartment. Each of the first and second compartments may be provided with one or more drawers. Drawers may be provided above and below the work platform The light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) may comprise a cargo receiving bed, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel and a driver's area. The rider's area may comprise a seat, pedals and steering means. The mobile workshop may be mounted on the cargo receiving bed. The LEV or eLCV may be selected from a vehicle having a mass of less than 1760kg, a vehicle having a mass of less than 1305kg and a vehicle having a mass of less than 100 kg. The LEV or eLCV may be provided with two, three or four wheels. The first end may be located towards the driver's seat and the second end may be located remote from the driver's seat. The mobile workshop may comprise first and second containers, wherein the second container is located between the driver's seat and the first container. At last a portion of the container may be located between the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel. The mobile workshop may comprise first and second containers, wherein the second container is located between the at least one front wheel and the at least one second wheel. A vertical divider may be provided in the interior space to divide the container into first and second compartments, wherein each compartment is provided with a work platform and one or more drawers. The first compartment may comprise a drawer directly below the work platform, the drawer comprising one or more of a fusion splicer, splice cleaver, splicing machine battery and spice testers. The position of the drawer directly below the work platform of the first compartment has the advantage that the heavy contents of the drawer are well positioned for being moved to the work platform in the second compartment. The first compartment may comprise a void at the base of the compartment, wherein the void provides a storage for heavy items. Another aspect of the invention provides a mobile workshop for mounting onto a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the mobile housing comprising: a container comprising a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite ends thereby defining an interior space, wherein the first side comprises an opening to provide access to the interior space; a work platform provided within the interior space, the work platform having a horizontal work surface and being configured to be moveable between a retracted position, in which it is fully housed within the interior space, and an extended position in which at least a portion extends out of the interior space via the opening; a door configured to provide a closure for the opening, the door being movable between a closed position in which the door covers the opening and an open position in which the door is remote from the opening, wherein the door is configured such that in the open position it forms a canopy over a working area formed directly in front of the first side. A further aspect of the present invention provides a mobile workshop for mounting onto a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the mobile housing comprising: a container comprising a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite ends thereby defining an interior space, wherein the first side comprises an opening to provide access to the interior space; a work platform provided within the interior space, the work platform having a horizontal work surface and being configured to be moveable between a retracted position, in which it is fully housed within the interior space, and an extended position in which at least a portion extends out of the interior space via the opening; two sidewards opening doors configured to provide a closure for the opening, the two doors being movable between closed positions in which the doors cover the opening and open positions in which the doors are remote from the opening, wherein the doors are configured such that in the open positions the space directly in front of the opening is not obstructed by the doors. Securing means may be provided to secure each of the sidewards opening doors in the open positions. For example, the securing means may comprise a mechanical stay. A further aspect of the present invention provides a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) comprising: a vehicle body, comprising a cargo receiving bed; at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel; a driver's area; and a mobile workshop mounted on the cargo receiving bed. The second container may be located between the driver's area and the container. This ensures that the second container, which contains heavy items, is located at the centre of the vehicle. The first compartment may be located between the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel. This ensures that the heavy items housed in the first compartments will not destabilize the vehicle. A further aspect provides a mobile workshop for mounting onto a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the mobile housing comprising a container comprising a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite 7 ends thereby defining an interior space, wherein the first side comprises an opening to provide access to the interior space. The mobile workshop may comprise a work platform provided within the interior space, the work platform having a horizontal work surface and being configured to be moveable between a retracted position, in which it is fully housed within the interior space, and an extended position in which at least a portion extends out of the interior space via the opening. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile workshop mounted on a light electric vehicle according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a side view of the mobile workshop of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mobile workshop according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop of Figure 3, showing a different configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop of Figure 3, showing a further configuration; Figure 6 is a side view showing the mobile workshop of figure 3, showing a further configuration; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop of Figure 3, showing a further configuration; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to a further embodiment; Figure 9 is a top view of the mobile workshop of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a different configuration; Figure 11 is a top view of the mobile workshop of Figure 10 Figure 12 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration; Figure 14 is a top view of the mobile workshop of Figure 14 Figure 15 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration; Figure 16 is a top view of the mobile workshop of Figure 15; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8, showing the inside of the mobile workshop; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration; Figure 20 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration; and Figure 21 is a perspective view of the mobile workshop according to Figure 8 in a further configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figs 1 and 2 show a light electric vehicle (LEV) in the form of a four-wheeled electric cargo bike 10. The electric cargo bike has a vehicle body 12 in the form of a chassis, with two front wheels 14 and two rear wheels 16. A rider's area 18 towards the front of the bike is 9 provided with a seat, pedals and steering means, for example a handlebar. A cargo receiving area 20, in the form of a flat bed, is located behind the rider's area. The vehicle body has a strong frame, such as a steel frame, to make it strong enough to hold the weight of the desired cargo. A mobile workshop 22 is mounted on the cargo receiving area 20 of the electric cargo bike. The mobile workshop is designed for carrying out site-work at difficult to access locations, for example fibre optic installation. This often takes place in areas with poor access and parking, making traditional vehicular access challenging. The mobile workshop provides storage for the required tools and a workspace to carry out the necessary tasks. The mobile workshop is shown in more details in Figs 2-7 which illustrate a first embodiment and Figs 8-21 which illustrate a second embodiment. The first and second embodiments have different door constructions, with other features of the embodiments being the same. As shown in Fig 3, the mobile workshop 22 is provided with two containers. A first container 24 acts as a workshop, including storage for all tools and equipment necessary for carrying out the required task and work platforms on which to carry out the task. The first container 24 has a top 48, bottom 50, first and second opposite sides 52,54 and first and second opposite ends 56,58 which define an interior space. The first side 52 has an opening 60 to allow access to the interior space. One or more doors 62 are provided to form a closure for the opening. The second container 26 provides storage for tall and bulky equipment that is used for initial setup of the work site, such as barriers, sandbags and tools to open the lids of access chamber (also known as key 5s). The mobile workshop is arranged to split the equipment between the first and second containers, which has the advantage of both efficiency and safety. Once the bike has been parked, the worksite is set up using the equipment from the second container. The more expensive equipment is kept in the first container, which is locked to keep this equipment secure during set-up. When the worksite is safe and secure, the first container can be opened allowing access to the work platform and tools. As shown in Fig 4, the second container 26 has a top 28, bottom 30, first and second opposite sides 32,34 and first and second opposite ends 36,38, which define an interior space. The first side has an opening 40, providing access to the interior space. The second container has two storage shelves 42,44 within the interior space. The lower shelf 44 is for safety barriers and sandbags, and the upper shelf 42 if for Key 5s and more sandbags. The safety barriers are used to define a working area beside the mobile workshop, arranged in front of the first sides of the first and second containers. The barriers are kept in position with the sandbags. A door 46 provides a closure to the opening 40 and moves between a closed position which blocks the opening and an open position in which the door is positioned away from the opening. The door is side-hinged and the angle between the open and closed positions is about 180°, so that in the open position the door is adjacent the rider's area of the bike. In addition to rotation, the door may move outwardly, i.e. away from the first side, on opening. A lock, for example a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) key lock, is provided for security. In a first embodiment of the mobile workshop illustrated in Figs 3-7, the door 62 of the first container 24 is an upwards opening door. The door 62 is moveable between a closed position (shown in Figs 3-4) in which it covers the opening 60 and an open position (shown in Figs 5-6) in which the opening 60 is uncovered. The door 62 has two panels with a horizontal join between them. Each panel has upper and lower edges and two side edges. Each panel has an inner side, which in the closed position forms an interior surface, and an opposite outer side. The first panel 64 is joined to the first container 24 via a first pivot connection. The pivot connection is attached to the first container at a location on the first side 52 above the opening 60 and attached to the first panel 64 along its upper edge. The lower edge of the first panel 64 is connected to the upper edge of the second panel 66 via a second pivot connection. The first and second panels are oblong and are dimensioned so that the length parallel to the upper and lower edges is equal or longer than the width of the opening. The side edges of the first and second panels are dimensioned so that the combination of the first and second panels is equal or greater than the height of the opening. In the closed position (shown in Figs 3-4), the first and second panels are situated in the same plane, forming a continuous and secure barrier to the opening. In the open position (shown in Figs 5-6), the first panel is substantially vertical, and the second panel is substantially horizontal. The door thereby forms a canopy over the working area, providing protection from the weather. In addition, the raised canopy gives clear unobstructed access around the bike. The position between the first panel relative to the first container is controlled by an actuator, such as an electric powered linear actuator (not shown). The actuator holds the first panel in the open position, although a mechanical stay could alternatively be used. As the first panel opens, the second panel folds with gravity, with its angle relative to the first panel being restricted by stops, in the form of two 90° brackets. Lighting (not shown) is provided on the inner side of the door, so that in the open position, the working area is lit from above. The lighting may be provided on either the first or second panels. As illustrated in Fig 7, an awning is provided on the door to provide extended weather protection to the working area. The awning is retractable and is mounted to the inner side of the second panel, so that when the awning is retracted and the door closed, it will be housed within the interior space of the container. In its extended position, it extends past the second panel of the door to extend the canopy over the working area. Any suitable awning may be used. In another embodiment, shown in Figs 8-21 the first container 24 has two sidewards opening doors, a first door 70 and a second door 72. The first door 70 is a side-hinged door having a hinge connection between the first door and the first container. The hinge connection is attached to the first container at the first side adjacent to the first end. The first door 70 is a bi-fold door made up of two panels 74,76 joined by a vertical hinge. Each panel has top and bottom edges, and opposite side edges. Each panel has an inner side, which in the closed position forms an interior surface, and an opposite outer side. In the closed position (shown in Fig 12), the two panels lie in the same plane with their adjacent side edges abutting, forming a continuous and secure barrier against the first side of the first container. To open the first door, the two panels are first folded, with the inner sides of the panels abutting each other, into a position 90° from the closed position (shown in Figs 13-14). The first door is then further rotated through 90° into the open position (shown in Figs 15-16). In the closed position, the outer side of the first panel 74 abuts door 46 of the second container. The angle between the open and closed positions is 180 degrees. The first door is secured in its open position by a mechanical stay. The second door 72 is a side-hinged door having a hinge connection between the second door and the first container. The hinge connection is located on the first side of the first container, adjacent the second end. The second door 72 has a single panel having top and bottom edges, and opposite side edges. Each panel has an inner side, which in the closed position forms an interior surface, and an opposite outer side. In the closed position (shown in Figs 8-9), the second door lies against the first side of the container. In the open position (shown in Figs 10-11), the second door is positioned so that the outer side abuts the second end of the container. The angle between the open position and closed position of second door is 270°. The inner side of the second door is provided with a streetwork sign, such as "work in progress". This sign will be hidden when the second door is closed, but displayed at the second end of the vehicle when the door is in its open position. The second door is secured in its open position by a mechanical stay. The interior of the first container is shown in Figs 17-21. The interior space is divided into right and left hand sides 74,76 by a vertical divider 78. A work platform 80,82 is provided in each side (shown in Fig 21). Each work platform has a sliding mechanism, enabling it to slide between a retracted position within the interior space and an extended position, in which it extends out through the opening. The work platforms can be extended and retracted independently of each other. They are configured to be locked in both the extended and retracted positions. The work platforms are designed to be at the optimum working height, catering for a broad range of technician heights. Upper drawers 84,86 are provided in each of the left and right sides of the first container. The upper drawers are positioned towards the top of the first container, above the work platforms. A recess is provided between each upper drawer 84,86 and each work platform 80,82, thereby maximising the working space available. Middle drawers 88,90 are provided in each of the left and right sides of the first container, directly below the work platforms. Between the middle drawers 88,90 and the bottom 50 of the first container are voids 92,94 which may optionally be filled by a further drawer. The bottom right hand side void 94 is provided with a drawer containing site safety equipment, for example a first aid kit and an automated external defibrillator (AED), and other low-cost bulky items. This location is selected for this equipment because access is available to this drawer even when the work-platform above it is extended, ensuring quick access to first aid equipment in an emergency. The middle RHS drawer 90 (shown in Fig 18) is obstructed when the work platform is open. It is therefore used as storage for infrequently used components, such as consumables. The upper RHS drawer 86 (shown in Fig 19) is easily accessible whilst the work-platforms are in use. The drawer contains the non-consumable tools used in the splicing process. The drawer contains a foam insert layer which cut-outs for each tool to make storage efficient. The height of the drawer is designed so that the technicians do not need to frequently bend over to retrieve items. The upper LHS drawer 84 has ease of access which is not blocked which the work-platform is in use. The height of the drawer is designed so that the technicians do not need to frequently bend over to retrieve items. This drawer is used to store frequently used consumable parts. The middle LHS drawer 88 (shown in Fig 20) is a lockable drawer and is used to keep the most expensive equipment safe during transit and when working on site. Foam cuts outs are used to keep critical machinery safe during transit. This drawer is used to container a fusion splicer, splice cleaver, splicing machine batteries and splice testers. These are the 5 most expensive parts of equipment which will be carried. This drawer is positioned just below the LHS platform, so that the splicer can be lifted out and placed on the RHS work platform. The positioning allows for minimal lifting of heavy equipment. The bottom LHS void 92 is reserved for storage of heavy and large consumable items using in some splicing jobs. The parts are positioned to the left-hand side as this distributes their 10 weight between both axles on the bike. The even weight distribution on the bike avoids excessive loading one bike axle, improving riding performance and helping to prevent punctures to the wheels.

Claims

1. A mobile workshop for mounting onto a light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the mobile housing comprising:a container comprising a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite ends thereby defining an interior space, wherein the first side comprises an opening to provide access to the interior space;one or more work platform provided within the interior space, the one or more work platform having a horizontal work surface and being configured to be moveable between a retracted position, in which it is fully housed within the interior space, and an extended position in which at least a portion extends out of the interior space via the opening;one or more doors to provide a closure for the opening, the door being movable between a closed position in which the one or more doors cover the opening and an open position in which the opening is uncovered by the one or more doors, wherein the one or more doors are configured such that in the open position the space directly in front of the opening is not obstructed by the one or more doors; andsecuring means to secure the one or more doors in the open position.

2. A mobile workshop according to claim 1, further comprising:a second container, wherein the second container comprises a top, bottom, first and second opposite sides and first and second opposite ends thereby defining a second interior space, wherein the first side comprises a second opening to provide access to the second interior space; anda second one or more door configured to provide a closure for the second opening, the second one or more door being movable between a closed position in which the second door covers the second opening and an open position in which the second door is remote from the second opening, optionally wherein the second door is configured such that it pivots about a vertical axis.

3. A mobile workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the second container is taller than the first container.

4. A mobile workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more doors comprise a single door.

5. A mobile workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more door comprises an upwards opening door which is configured such that in the open position atleast a portion of the one or more doors forms a canopy over the space directly in front of the opening.

6. A mobile workshop according to claim 5, wherein the one or more door comprises a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is attached to the container via a first pivot connection and wherein the second section is connected to the first section via a second pivot connection.

7. A mobile workshop according to claim 6, wherein the one or more door is configured such that in the open position, the second section is substantially horizontal and thereby acts as a canopy.

8. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 6-7, comprising an actuator to control movement of the first section of the door between the open and closed positions.

9. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the position of the second section with respect to the first section is controlled by gravity and a physical stop which restricts the relative angle between first and second sections in the open position.

10. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 5-9, comprising an awning mounted on the one or more door, wherein the awning is retractable between an extended position which extends outside the area of the one or more door and a retracted position which does not.

11. A mobile workshop according to any of claim 1-4, wherein the one or more door comprises one or more sidewards opening doors.

12. A mobile workshop according to claim 11, wherein the one or more doors comprises two sidewards opening doors, and wherein in the open positions, at least one of the one or more doors lies adjacent to a surface of the mobile workshop.

13. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the one or more sidewards opening doors are configured such that the angle between the open and closed positions is substantially equal to or greater than about 180°, and optionally wherein the angle between the open and closed positions of one door is substantially equal to or greater than about 270°.

14. A mobile workshop according to claim 13, wherein the one or more doors comprises a first door and a second door, wherein the angle between the open and closed positions of the first door is equal to or greater than about 180°, and wherein the angle between the open and closed positions of the second door is equal to or greater than about 270°.

15. A mobile workshop according to claim 14, wherein the first door comprises a bi-fold door.

16. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 14-15, wherein the second door has an inner side which in the closed position forms an interior surface, wherein the inner side comprises a streetwork sign which is displayed when the second door is in its open position.

17. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 5-10, wherein lighting means are provided at the one or more door.

18. A mobile workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more drawers are provided in the interior space.

19. A mobile workshop according to claim 18, wherein the one or more drawers are located above and / or below the work platform.

20. A mobile workshop according to any preceding claim, comprising a vertical divider provided in the interior space to divide the container into first and second compartments, wherein each compartment is provided with a work platform and one or more drawers.

21. A mobile workshop according to claim 20, wherein the first compartment comprises a drawer directly below the work platform, the drawer comprising one or more of a fusion splicer, splice cleaver, splicing machine battery and spice testers.

22. A mobile workshop according to any of claims 20 or 21, wherein the first compartment comprises a void at the base of the compartment, wherein the void provides storage for heavy items.

23. A light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) comprising:a vehicle body, comprising a cargo receiving bed;at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel;a driver's area; anda mobile workshop according to any of claims 1-23 mounted on the cargo receiving bed.

24. A light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) according to claim 23 when dependent on claims 2-3, wherein the second container is located between the driver's area and the container.

25. A light electric vehicle (LEV) or electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) according to any of claims 23-24, when dependent on claims 20-22, wherein the first compartment is located between the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel.19

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