Insulated container with built-in illumination
Disclosed is an illuminated cooler with a light source positioned below an expected top level of contents of the cooler. A light source is preferably between two and six inches below an expected top level of contents. Most preferably, the cooler will comprise multiple lights arranged at varying heights within the cooler or a single light that provides light sources at a range of heights. The cooler may also comprise a switch to activate the lights when the cooler is opened, an ambient light sensor, and a processor.
1. An illuminated insulated container comprising:
a tub with an inner wall and an outer wall;
a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall;
an insulating material occupying at least a portion of the space; and
lights positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall and configured to provide illumination within the tub.
2. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the first light source comprises a light-emitting diode.
3. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the first light source comprises a strip of light-emitting diodes.
4. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the insulated container further comprises a second light positioned between 2 inches and 6 inches below the first light.
5. The illuminated insulated container of claim 4 wherein the first and second lights are provided by a strip of light-emitting diodes that extends along a vertical segment of the wall.
6. The illuminated insulated container of claim 4 wherein the first and second lights are provided by a light panel that extends along a vertical segment of the wall.
7. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 further comprising:
a lid configured to selectively cover the opening; and a switch configured to illuminate the light when the lid is not covering the opening.
8. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 further comprising a second light positioned on the bottom or at an intersection of the wall at the bottom.
9. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the light is positioned between ½ and 6 inches below the expected top layer of items.
10. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the light is positioned between 2 and 5 inches below the expected top layer of items.
11. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the inner wall comprises a transparent or translucent material.
12. The illuminated insulated container of claim 1 wherein the insulating material comprises a polymer foam.