Abstract: An optically transparent container includes a base, a sidewall extending from the base and having indicia formed as recesses. The recesses are emergent upon an exterior surface of the container and the base includes a sealed compartment. A lighting mechanism housed within the compartment, includes a battery for activating at least one diode disposed beneath a lowermost extremity of the sidewall. A switch mechanism positioned within the compartment includes a touch-sensitive switch for energizing the at least one diode for a predetermined time period when the container is touched. The at least one diode is de-energized when one of the predetermined time period expires and the container is touched subsequently. The at least one light-emitting diode is formed in an orientation which is other than parallel to a bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: A drinking glass which provides an appealing illuminated effect has a side wall portion containing recessed wedge-shaped indicia. Light emitting diodes, positioned at the bottom of the side wall portion direct light upwardly in a manner to be reflected outwardly by virtue of the angled facets of the wedge-shaped recesses. A battery for activating the diodes is positioned in a sealable compartment in the base of the glass. A mercury-type tilt switch causes the diodes to be illuminated when the glass is in upright orientation, and causes the diodes to be deactivated when the glass is upside down.