Fill-level indicator for liquid containers
View Patent ↗A removable fill-level indicator device for use with a liquid container is disclosed. The device includes a stop member configured to rest on a portion of an opening of the container and a recessed portion that permits introduction of liquid into the container while the device is in place. A buoyant member is positioned below the stop member and is operatively coupled to the stop member. As liquid is introduced into the container, the buoyant member rises in response to the increasing liquid level and causes upward movement of the stop member to provide a visible indication that a predetermined fill level has been reached. The device is removable, reusable, and does not require modification of the container. The stop member and recessed portion are configured so as not to substantially restrict liquid flow during filling.
1 . A removable fill-level indicator device for a liquid container, comprising:
a stop member configured to rest on a rim of an opening of the container,
a buoyant member positioned below the stop member and operatively coupled to the stop member; and
a recessed portion associated with the stop member, the recessed portion being configured to permit introduction of liquid into the container through the opening; and
wherein the recessed portion comprises a plurality of elements extending downwards from the stop member and laterally towards each other, the plurality of elements operatively coupled to the buoyant member,
wherein the buoyant member is configured to rise in response to a rising liquid level within the container and cause an upward movement of the stop member to provide a visible indication that the liquid has reached a predetermined fill level, and wherein the stop member and recessed portion are dimensioned to permit liquid to flow into the container during a filling operation,
wherein the recessed portion extends downward from the stop member and is configured to receive a pouring aid,
wherein the recessed portion provides clearance that allows liquid to be introduced into the container while the fill-level indicator device remains positioned in place,
wherein the recessed portion, in combination with the stop member and the buoyant member, is dimensioned to permit fluid flow into the container during the filling operation, and
wherein the upward movement of the stop member causes at least a portion of the stop member to rise above the rim of the container opening.
2 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising an elongated member extending between the stop member and the buoyant member.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the stop member, recessed portion, and buoyant member are formed as a single integral component.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive a funnel during filling.