GB2435932A

GB2435932A - Fill level indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2435932A
Application number: GB0604718A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Crooks; Will Johnson
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-09
Filing date: 2006-03-09
Publication date: 2007-09-12
Also published as: GB0604718D0

Abstract

A liquid container 200 comprising a substantially tubular vessel 201 for containing liquid; a liquid fill level indicator 206, said fill level indicator 206 positioned integrally with said vessel 201 for indicating a fill level of said vessel, characterised in that said fill level indicator 206 comprises a first face 207 having a viewable surface arranged for viewing from a first viewing position substantially to one side of said vessel 201; and a second face 208, said second face 208 positioned transverse to said first face 207, said second face 208 arranged for viewing from a second viewing position substantially to a rear of said vessel 201. A handle 203 for holding said vessel 201 may be attached to said vessel 201.

Description

FILL LEVEL INDICATOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid vessels, particularly although not exclusively for domestic use.

Background to the Invention

There are many known examples of externally visible fill level indicators for liquid vessels such as electric kettles of the traditional type having a handle over the lid, and of the more modern jug kettle type, whereby a fill level indicator is present either at the rear of the kettle, or on the side of the kettle.

Examples of known jug kettles having a transparent fill level indicator visible on the side of the kettle at a position on the jug between the handle and the spout include the Morphy Richards 4310 Beech jug kettle, the Morphy Richards 43590 Compliments jug kettle, and the Morphy Richards 43068 titanium jug kettle. In these products, a transparent plastics fill level window is present on the side of the kettle at a position between the handle and the spout. The window is flush with the outer casing of the jug kettle so as to form a substantially continuous surface around the jug kettle. With the conventional jug kettles having a side fill level indicator, when filling a kettle, the person holds the handle of the jug kettle, positioning the spout underneath a tap. Because the person is positioned behind the kettle, and because the fill level indicator forms a continuous curved surface with the outer surface of the vessel wall, the fill level indicator is not readily viewable during a filling operation.

Another form of known jug kettle having a fill level indicator at the rear of the kettle is exemplified by the Morphy Richards 43057 Essentials titanium jug kettle which has a fill level indicator presented protruding from the general shape of the vessel, at the rear of the kettle either side of the handle. With this type of kettle, the fill level indicator is viewable from behind and to one side of the kettle, and P1606.spec when the kettle is not in use from directly behind the kettle. However, when the kettle is being filled and a person grasps the handle of the jug kettle, the fill level indicator is obscured from view, since a person filling the kettle is positioned behind the kettle, grasping the kettle with their right or left hand. The arm and hand of the person holding the kettle obscures the fill level indicator from view during a filling operation of the kettle, in which the kettle is generally titled forward.

This type of kettle is also exemplified by the Morphy Richards 43078 Thermicaer and 43079 Memphis jug kettles, a fill level indicator is positioned to one side of a rearwardly facing handle of the jug kettle. In these known kettles, the fill level indicator protrudes outwardly as a blister from the general shape of the vessel wall so that the fill level indicator is viewable from the rear and to one side of the kettle. When filling these kettles, part of the users hand may obscure the fill level indicator, although the fill level indicator is viewable from the side and from the rear of the kettle when the kettle is left standing.

In known traditional type kettles having a handle, a spout and a lid, where the handle extends over the top of the kettle and over the top of the lid, fill level indicators are known to be provided at the rear of the kettle underneath the handle. Examples of this type of kettle include the Morphy Richards models 43138 Memphis traditional, 43139 Cream traditional and 43136 polished traditional kettles.

In each of the known types of kettle, the fill level indicator has either a smooth externally visible transparent surface which may be curved in a rounded shape to follow the contours of the external wall of the vessel of the kettle, or in the case of fill level indicators which protrude outwardly from the contours of the surface of the vessel, the fill level indicator forms a "blister" shape, or other externally convex shape which protrudes outwardly from the contours and overall shape of the liquid vessel.

P1606 spec The inventors have identified that when filling a known kettle of the jug type, there are two inconveniences which face a user.

Firstly, for jug kettles having a side facing fill level indicator, it is difficult for a user to see the fill level from a position behind the kettle because the fill level indicator is designed to be viewed from one side of the kettle. This problem is compounded since light reflects off the smooth surface of the fill level indicator, making the fill level difficult to see.

Secondly, when filling the jug kettle of the type having a rear fill level window, because the users arm and hand obscure the fill level indicator, it is difficult to see the fill level of the kettle during a filling operation.

Thirdly, in general fill level indicators are graded to show the level of water in the kettle when the kettle is standing still and upright on its base, in a position for boiling water. When a kettle is being filled, it is generally titled forward, meaning that the water level showing on the fill level indicator is not representative of the true fill level.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided A liquid container comprising a substantially tubular vessel for containing liquid; a liquid fill level indicator, said fill level indicator positioned integrally with said vessel for indicating a fill level of said vessel, characterised in that said fill level indicator comprises a first face arranged for viewing from a first viewing position substantially to one side of said vessel; and P1606 spec a second face, said second face positioned transverse to said first face, said second face arranged for viewing from a second viewing position substantially to a rear of said vessel.

Preferably said fill level indicator is positioned wholly within an outer perimeter of said vessel.

Preferably said fill level indicator is positioned such that in use, a person holding said vessel by said handle may view a liquid fill level by inspection of said second face of said fill level indicator; and said person may view a fill level of said vessel from a side of said vessel, by inspection of said first face.

Said liquid container may comprise a spout for pouring liquid, and a handle for holding said liquid container, said spout being positioned at an opposite end of said vessel to said handle; and said liquid fill level indicator is positioned substantially midway between said spout and said handle.

Said vessel comprises a spout for pouring liquid, and a handle for holding said liquid container, said spout being positioned at an opposite end of said vessel to said handle; and said liquid fill level indicator is positioned so as to be intersected by a plane which bisects said vessel at a position substantially central to said vessel, said plane being substantially perpendicular to a second plane which bisects said vessel through said centre position, and which passes through said spout and said handle.

P1606 spec Said liquid container may comprise a spout for pouring liquid, and a handle for holding said liquid container, said spout being positioned at an opposite end of said vessel to said handle; and said liquid fill level indicator is positioned on a side wall of said vessel at a position within a radial angle of plus or minus 40 degrees from a plane which bisects said vessel and passes through a centre line of said vessel, said plane extending in a direction perpendicular to a second plane which bisects both said spout and said handle.

Said first face of said liquid fill level indicator may be positioned with respect to said second face, such that said first and second faces, in cut away section, describe a substantially "L" shaped member.

Said first face of said liquid fill level indicator may be positioned with respect to said second face, such that said first and second faces, in cut away section, describe a substantially "U" shaped member.

Said liquid fill level indicator may comprise a plurality of faces, and in cut away section, may describe a substantially "V" shape.

Said liquid fill level indicator may comprise a plurality of faces, and in cut away view, said fill level indicator may describe a substantially "W" shape.

An outer wall of said vessel may comprise a cut away channel, said cut away channel residing within an overall outer perimeter of said vessel wall.

Preferably a first fill level indicator face forms a substantially continuous surface with an outer wall of said vessel; and a second fill level indicator face extends inwardly towards a centre of said vessel, between said centre of said vessel and an outer perimeter of said vessel.

P1606 spec Preferably said first fill level indicator face is positioned within an overali outer perimeter of said vessel, within a recessed channel of said vessel; and said second fill level indicator face extends between an overall outer perimeter of said vessel and an interior of said vessel.

A forward edge of said first face of said fill level indicator adjoins an inner most edge of said second face of said fill level indicator, and a rearward edge of said first face of said fill level indicator adjoins an outer most edge of said second face of said fill level indicator.

Said fill level indicator may further comprise a third face, said third face positioned transverse to said second face and opposite said first face, said third face arranged for viewing from a position substantially from a front of said vessel.

Said first face, second face and third face may form a substantially channel shaped indent to an outer peripheral wall of said vessel.

Said second face and said third face may form a substantially channel shaped indent to an outer peripheral wall of said vessel; an outer wall of said vessel preferably comprises an aperture in which said fill level indicator is positioned; and said first face may be positioned relatively inwardly an outer perimeter of said vessel; said second face may be positioned between a rearmost edge of said first face and a rearmost edge of said aperture; and P1 606 spec said third face may be positioned between a forward edge of said first face and a forward edge of said aperture.

Said third face may have a greater surface area than said second face.

Said third face is positioned at an angle in the range 0 to 30 degrees relative to a plane which bisects said vessel in a direction transverse to a direction between a spout of said liquid container and a handle of said liquid container.

Said liquid fill level indicator may be formed of a substantially transparent material.

Said liquid fill level indicator may be formed of a substantially translucent material.

Said liquid container may comprise a jug, a jug kettle, or a coffeemaker.

The liquid container may further comprise: a set of fill level markings for marking levels of liquid fill within said vessel when the vessel is an upright position; and a second set of fill level markings for marking levels of liquid fill of said vessel when said vessel is tilted relative to an upright position by an angle within a range of 20 to 40 degrees from upright.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a water vessel comprising: a substantially tubular vessel closed off at a lower end for containing a liquid; P1606 spec a first set of fill level markings for marking levels of liquid fill of the water vessel when the water vessel is in an upright position; and a second set of fill level markings for marking fill levels of the water vessel when the water vessel is tilted to the upright within a range of 20 to 40 degrees from upright.

Said second set of markings may be arranged to indicate a fill level of the water vessel when the water vessel is tilted at an angle within the range 25 to 35 degrees from upright.

Other aspects of the invention are as described in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically a known jug kettle having a side facing water fill level indicator having a surface continous with an outer perimeter of a water vessel; Figure 2 illustrates schematically in perspective view from the rear and one side, a first liquid container having a first fill level indicator according to a first specific embodiment; Figure 3 illustrates schematically the first liquid container in cut away view from above; P1 606 spec Figure 4 illustrates schematically a second liquid container having a second fill level indicator according to a second specific embodiment;; Figure 5 illustrates schematically the second liquid container in cut away view from above; Figure 6 illustrates schematically a third liquid container having a third specific embodiment fill level indicator; Figure 7 illustrates schematically the third liquid container in cut away view from above; Figure 8 illustrates schematically the third liquid container tilted in a filling mode; Figure 9 illustrates schematically in isometric view a fill level indicator according to a fourth specific embodiment, capable of indicating a water vessel fill level with the water vessel both upright, and when tilted in a filling mode; Figure 10 illustrates schematically in side view, a further liquid container comprising a fifth fill level indicator according to a fifth specific embodiment; and Figure 11 illustrates schematically in view from the rear and to one side the liquid container of fig 10 and the fifth fill level indicator according to the fifth specific embodiment.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well P1606 spec known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Referring to figure 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically a known jug kettle 100 of the type having a side facing water fill level 101, in which the transparent side facing water window is contoured so as to form a smooth continuous outer surface, which is flush with an outer surface of a body 102 of a water vessel of the kettle. In the example shown, the water window is positioned slightly rearwardly of a center position of the kettle between a rear most point 103 of the water vessel and a foremost point 104 of the spout.

Referring to figure 2 herein, there is illustrated in perspective view from the rear and one side of a first liquid container in the form of an electric jug kettle according to a first specific embodiment. The kettle 200 comprises a tubular water vessel 201, a front portion of which is formed into a spout 202 for pouring water, and a handle 203 formed at a rearward portion of the vessel. The vessel is closed off at an upper end by a moveable lid 204. A lower end 205 of the vessel is closed off by a base which extends across the sides of the tubular water vessel 205. Within the base portion there is provided an electric heating element for heating water inside the vessel.

A fill level indicator 206 in the form of a transparent or translucent window is provided on one or both sides of the water vessel between the lid 204 and base and between the handle 203 and spout 202. The fill level indicator comprises an outer wall having a first face 207 and a second face 208 which is viewable by a user of the kettle from a position external of the kettle over a range of angles relative to the kettle, from a viewing position from forward and to one side of the kettle around through an arc of viewing positions to the rear of the kettle, such that when the user is standing directly behind the kettle so that a center line of the user's body coincides with a plane bisecting the kettle through a tip of the spout and a mid line of the handle, the user can still see the level of water in the kettle via the fill level indicator.

P1606 spec The rearwardly facing second face 208, the indented wall portion 214, the lower wall portion 213, and an upper wall portion (not shown in fig 2) are formed within an outer perimeter of the overall shape of the water vessel, such that the rear face of the fill level indicator and the indented wall portion form an indent to the overall outer wall shape of the substantially tubular vessel.

Referring to figure 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically in cut away view from above, the kettle of fig 2. The vessel wall 201 is formed of a relatively thin plastics material 201 from which the forward spout 202 is formed, and from which base portion 205 is formed in a single moulding. A heating element 300 is provided at the base of the vessel.

An outer perimeter of the vessel wall forms, when viewed in cross sectional view from above a substantially ovoid shape, within the perimeter of which the fill level indicator 206 is contained.

The fill level indicator 206 comprises first side face 207 which is presented substantially continuously with an outer surface of the vessel wall, and a second rearwardly facing face 208 which presents facing in a rearward direction of the kettle so as to be viewable from behind the kettle. In order to view the rearwardly facing face 208, as identified in portion 214 of the outer wall of the vessel extends within the overall outer perimeter of the substantially ovoid cross section of the vessel in a direction between the spout and the handle. The indented portion of the vessel wall may, in some embodiments, extend parallel to a plane drawn between a foremost extremity of the spout and a middle of the handle, the upright plane substantially bisecting the kettle midway between the outer most extremities to the left and the right and sides of the kettle. In other embodiments, a plane intersecting an indented portion 214 of the vessel wall may extend upright, and at an angle to a midline plane 301 of the kettle at an angle of up to degrees.

P1606 spec The laterally facing first face 301 of the fill level indicator is bounded by a forward facing edge 207, a lower edge 208 and an upper edge 209, each of which are substantially continuous with the outer surface of the vessel wall, and a rearward edge 210 which intersects with the rearwardly facing face 208 of the fill level indicator.

The rearwardly facing second face 208 comprises an outer most edge 210, which coincides with the rearmost edge of the first face; an inner edge 211 which abuts an inner indented wall portion 303 of the vessel; an upper edge, and a lower edge 212, the lower edge extending between the outer edge 210 and inner edge 211 of the second face and abutting a lower floor portion 213 of the vessel wall.

The fill level indicator 206 is contained within the perimeter of the substantially ovoid cross sectional shape of the vessel, when viewed from above.

Referring to fig 4 herein, there is illustrated in perspective view from the rear and one side, a second liquid container, in the form of a second electric jug kettle according to a second specific embodiment. The second kettle 400 comprises a tubular water vessel 401, a front portion of which is formed into a spout 402 for pouring water, and a handle 403 formed at a rearward portion of the vessel. The vessel is closed off at an upper end by a moveable lid 404. A lower end of the vessel is closed off by a base portion 405 which extends across the sides of the tubular water vessel at its lower end. Within the base portion there is provided an electric heating element for heating water inside the vessel.

A fill level indicator 406 is positioned on one side of the water vessel, within the shape of the overall outer shell of the vessel, such that the fill level indicator forms a concave indent to the outer wall of the vessel. The fill level indicator is substantially channel shaped having an inner transparent or translucent wall 407 having first and second upright edges, a lower substantially semi circular edge 409 and an upper substantially circular edge 410. The inner wall 407 adjoins the P1 606 spec surrounding wall 408 which extends between the edges of the inner wall, and the edges of an elongate channel shaped aperture 412 in the side wall of the water vessel.

The transparent or translucent surrounding connecting wall 408 has a front portion 413, and a rear portion (obscured from view in fig 4), such that when the kettle is viewed from the rear and to one side, the water fill level can be viewed both on the inner wall 407 and on the front wall 413 of the fill level indicator, and when the kettle is viewed from the front and to the one side, the water level can be viewed both on the inner wall 407 and on the rearmost wall of the water fill level indicator. When the kettle is viewed directly from the side, the water level can be viewed both on the inner wall, the front wall, and the rear wall.

Referring to fig 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically in cut away view from above, the second kettle of fig 5 herein. The vessel wall 401 is formed on a relatively thin plastics material from which the forward spout 402 and base portion 405 are also formed, in a single moulding portion. A heating element 500 is provided at the base of the vessel.

An outer perimeter of the vessel wall forms, when viewed in cross sectional view from above, a substantially ovoid shape, forming a tube, within an outer perimeter of which, the fill level indicator 406 is contained.

The water fill level indicator 406 is positioned on a side wall of the kettle between the spout 402 and the handle, and in a plane which bisects the kettle at a mid way position between the rearmost extremity of the handle and the foremost extremity of the spout 402, the bisecting plane also lying substantially centrally within the general overall tubular shape of the water vessel. The fill level indicator may be positioned within a range of angular positions with respect to the central bisecting plane which bisects the kettle front to rear, where the angle A as shown in figure 5 is in the range 0 degrees to 40 degrees.

P1 606.spec The front wall 413 and rear wall 501 of the fil I level indicator extend between the inner wall 407 of the fill level indicator, and the outer periphery 412 of the aperture in the side wall of the vessel into which the fill level indicator is fitted. An angle between the inner most window 407 of the fill level indicator and the front wall 402 of the fill level indicator may be in the range 0 degrees to 60 degrees.

The rear most wall 501 of the fill level indicator may also lay in a plane which is positioned at an angle between 0 and 60 degrees to a main plane of the inner wall 407 of the fill level indicator.

Referring to fig 6 herein, there is illustrated in perspective view from the rear and one side, a third liquid container in the form of a third electric jug kettle according to a third specific embodiment. The third kettle 600 comprises a tubular water vessel 601, a front portion of which is formed into a spout 602 for pouring water, and a handle 603 formed at a rearward portion of the vessel. The is vessel is closed off at an upper end by a moveable lid 604. A lower end of the vessel is closed off by a base portion 605 which extends across the sides of the tubular water vessel at its lower end. Within the base portion there is provided an electric heating element for heating water inside the vessel.

The vessel wall 601 is formed into a recessed cut away portion, within which is provided a water vessel inner wall 606 and a transparent or translucent water fill level indicator 607, such that the water fill level indicator is contained within an overall outer perimeter of the tubular water vessel 601. Relative to a plane bisecting the kettle substantially symmetrically, and passing through the spout and the handle, shown as plane 700 in fig 7, the fill level indicator can be viewed from a position within a range of handles B relative to a center position of the kettle, where the angle B is up to 140 degrees. The fill level indicator can be easily viewed from a position behind the kettle when filling the kettle by viewing the rearwardly presenting front wall of the fill level indicator. When viewed from above, the fill level indicator comprises a substantially "L" shaped wall, made from a single plastics moulding in which the shorter arm of the "L" extends between the outer perimeter of the vessel wall and a center point of the tubular P1606 spec vessel, and the longer arm of the "L" extends between the spout and the handle, and is continuous with the inner wall 606 of the water vessel.

The fill level indicator comprises a first outwardly facing face 608 and a second rearwardly facing front wall 609. The rearwardly facing front wall 609 extends between an outer perimeter of the vessel wall and an interior of the vessel. The inner wall 608 extends between the front of the kettle at which is positioned the spout, and the rear handle end of the kettle.

The recessed channel in the vessel wall is bounded by an upper edge 610, a lower edge 611, a rear edge 612 and a front edge 613. The fill level indicator is positioned within the upper, lower front and rear edges of the vessel wall, and within an overall outer perimeter of the vessel.

The inner wall of the vessel comprises a rear edge 613 which abuts a front edge of the inner wall 606; a front edge 614 which abuts the rearwardly facing front wall 609; an upper edge (not visible in fig 6) and a lower edge 615 which abuts a substantially horizontal extending floor portion 616 of the vessel wall.

As seen in fig 6, the inner wall 608 is marked with a series of markings which indicate a water fill level of the vessel, when in an upright standing position.

The front wall 609 of the fill level indicator is marked with a second set of markings, which indicate the fill level of the kettle when the kettle is tilted in a filling position, for example for filling under a tap in a sink, in which the body of the kettle is inclined with respect to the vertical. In this position, the fill level indicator of the front wall can be viewed from a user holding the kettle from a position behind the kettle so as to judge the fill level of the kettle during a filling operation.

Referring to fig 7 herein, there is illustrated schematically in cut away view from above, the third kettle of fig 7 herein. The vessel wall 601 is formed on a relatively thin plastics material from which the forward spout 602 and base portion P1606 spec 605 are also formed, in a single moulding portion. A heating element 700 is provided at the base of the vessel.

An outer perimeter of the vessel wall forms, when viewed in cross sectional view from above, a substantially ovoid shape, forming a tube, within an outer perimeter of which, the fill level indicator is contained.

Referring to fig 8 herein, there is illustrated the third embodiment kettle shown in figs 6 and 7 in a tilted attitude for filling under a tap. In the tilted attitude, a water level 800 within the kettle can be seen through the fill level indicator from behind the kettle. However, a first set of markings 801 on the face of a fill level indicator facing outwardlyto the side of the kettle, which are marked to show fill levels of the kettle when the kettle is in an upright position, do not coincide with the fill level of water when the kettle is in a tilted attitude. A second set of markings are placed on a second face of the fill level indicator to indicate the fill level in the tilted attitude. Typically, persons holding the kettle will normally tilt the kettle to approximately the same angle of tilt when filling the kettle, the angle of tilt being in the range 20 to 30 degrees from vertical.

Referring to fig 9 herein, there is illustrated schematically in isometric view a fill level indicator for a kettle having two sets of fill level markings. On a first face 900 there are provided fill levels for a minimum fill level, a two cup fill level, a four cup fill level, a six cup fill level, and a maximum fill level. On an adjacent second face, which faces in a different direction to the first face, the second face facing in a direction transverse to a direction in which the first face faces, there are provided a second set of fill level markings, which indicate that the fill level of the kettle when the kettle is tilted in an attitude to the vertical, in the range 20 to 40 degrees, indicating a minimum fill level, a two cup fill level, a four cup fill level, and a six cup fill level. There may also be provided in other embodiments, a maximum fill level indicator.

P1606 spec Referring to fig 10 herein, there is illustrated schematically in side view, a fourth liquid container in the form of a fourth jug kettle, comprising a fourth embodiment liquid fill level indicator. The fourth liquid container 1000 comprises a substantially tubular liquid containing vessel 1001 having a substantially dome upper shaped upper end 1002, the liquid vessel comprising a spout 1003 at a forward end; a handle 1004 at a rear end; and a liquid fill level indicator 1005 at a position substantially midway between said spout and said handle, and said fill level indicator being recessed within an outer wall of said vessel so as to be contained wholely within an outer perimeter of said vessel wall, said fill level indicator 1005 being positioned on a plane which bisects said dome shaped vessel substantially symmetrically and extends in a direction perpendicular to a main fore-aft direction of the liquid container, said fore-aft direction passing through said spout and said handle.

Said fill level indicator may be contained within a radial angle of plus or minus 15 degrees either side of said plane bisecting said vessel.

When viewed from one side, as shown in fig 10, said liquid fill level indicator presents an asymmetric window to the viewer. The fill level indicator comprises a substantially oval inner face 1006, surrounded by a substantially continuous outer face 107, the outer face 1007 presenting a second, rearwardly facing face 1008, and a third forwardly facing face, the second and third faces being substantially continuously joined at an upper end by an arched shaped asymmetric concave upper face 1009, and being joined at a lower end by a second arch faced concave joining face 1010. Both the inner face and the outer face may be formed of a transparent or translucent plastics material. The outer face 1007 extends between an outer periphery of the inner face 1006, and a periphery of an aperture in the vessel wall 1001, such that both the inner face and the outer face form a concave channel indent in the wall of the vessel and such that the fill level indicator resides wholly within an outer perimeter of the vessel wall.

P1606 spec A further fill level indicator, being a mirror image of the fourth fill level indicator may be provided alternatively, or in addition, on an opposite side of the vessel.

Referring to fig 11, there is illustrated schematically in view from one side and to the rear, the fourth liquid container of fig 10. When viewed from the rear and to one side, the rearward most facing face 1008 of the fill level indicator is clearly viewable, on a line of sight which intersects the outer perimeter of the vessel wall in a plane extending upright, parallel to a vertical center line of the vessel, and to one side of said center line, cuthng off a segment of the vessel.

In a previous embodiment, there has been specifically described fill level indicators, which in cut away cross sectional view from above have shapes resembling the letters "L", or "U". it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that other fill level indicator shapes are possible when viewed from above, in particular a substantially "V" shaped fill level indicator, in the form of a recessed "VI, groove which may be tapered at an upper and/or a lower end, so as to merge into an outer perimeter of said vessel wall.

In a yet further embodiment, a substantially "W" shaped fill level indicator when viewed in cut away view from above may be provided. The "W" shaped fill level indicator, which is recessed into a vessel wall so as to reside within an outer perimeter shell of the vessel, may be merged into the vessel wall at an upper end of the fill level indicator and/or at a lower end of the fill level indicator similarly as described herein before.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a fill level indicator herein has been described in specific embodiments which are electric kettles.

Each of the specific fill level indicators described herein may also be applied to other water vessels having a handle and a spout for example a coffee pot, a coffee maker jug, a jug, or like vessel.

P1606 spec

Claims

Claims: 1. A liquid container comprising a substantially tubular vessel

for containing liquid; a liquid fill level indicator, said fill level indicator positioned integrally wfth said vessel for indicating a fill level of said vessel, characterised in that said fill level indicator comprises a first face arranged for viewing from a first viewing position substantially to one side of said vessel; and a second face, said second face positioned transverse to said first face, said second face arranged for viewing from a second viewing position substantially to a rear of said vessel.

2. The liquid container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fill level indicator is positioned wholly within an outer perimeter of said vessel.

3. The liquid container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fill level indicator is positioned such that in use, a person holding said vessel by said handle may view a liquid fill level by inspection of said second face of said fill level indicator; and said person may view a fill level of said vessel from a side of said vessel, by inspection of said first face.

4. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid container comprises a spout for pouring liquid, and a handle P1 606.spec for holding said liquid container, said spout being positioned at an opposite end of said vessel to said handle; and said liquid fill level indicator is positioned substantially midway between said spout and said handle.

5. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vessel comprises a spout for pouring liquid, and a handle for holding said liquid container, said spout being positioned at an opposite end of said vessel to said handle; and said liquid fill level indicator is positioned so as to be intersected by a plane which bisects said vessel at a position substantially central to said vessel, said plane being substantially perpendicular to a second plane which bisects said vessel through said centre position, and which passes through said spout and said handle.

6. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vessel comprises a spout for pouring liquid, and a handle for holding said liquid container, said spout being positioned at an opposite end of said vessel to said handle; and said liquid fill level indicator is positioned on a side wall of said vessel at a position within a radial angle of plus or minus 40 degrees from a plane which bisects said vessel and passes through a centre line of said vessel, said plane extending in a direction perpendicular to a second plane which bisects both said spout and said handle.

7. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first face of said liquid fill level indicator is positioned with respect to said second face, such that said first and second faces, in cut away section, describe a substantially "L" shaped member.

P1606 spec -21 - 8. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first face of said liquid fill level indicator is positioned with respect to said second face, such that said first and second faces, in cut away section, describe a substantially "U" shaped member.

9. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid fill level indicator comprises a plurality of faces, and in cut away section, describes a substantially "V" shape.

10. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid fill level indicator comprises a plurality of faces, and in cut away view, said fill level indicator describes a substantially "W" shape.

11. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer wall of said vessel comprises a cut away channel, said cut away channel residing within an overall outer perimeter of said vessel wall.

12. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a first fill level indicator face forms a substantially continuous surface with an outer wall of said vessel; and a second fill level indicator face extends inwardly towards a centre of said vessel, between said centre of said vessel and an outer perimeter of said vessel.

13. The liquid container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said first fill level indicator face is positioned within an overall outer perimeter of said vessel, within a recessed channel of said vessel; and said second fill level indicator face extends between an overall outer perimeter of said vessel and an interior of said vessel.

P1606 spec 14. The liquid container as claimed in claim 13, wherein a forward edge of said first face of said fill level indicator adjoins an inner most edge of said second face of said fill level indicator.

s 15. The liquid container as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein a rearward edge of said first face of said fill level indicator adjoins an outer most edge of said second face of said fill level indicator.

16. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fill level indicator further comprises a third face, said third face positioned transverse to said second face and opposite said first face, said third face arranged for viewing from a position substantially from a front of said vessel.

17. The liquid container as claimed in claim 16, wherein said first face, second face and third face form a substantially channel shaped indent to an outer peripheral wall of said vessel.

18. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first face, said second face and said third face form a substantially channel shaped indent to an outer peripheral wall of said vessel; an outer wall of said vessel comprises an aperture in which said fill level indicator is positioned; and said first face is positioned relatively inwardly an outer perimeter of said vessel; said second face is positioned between a rearmost edge of said first face and a rearmost edge of said aperture; and said third face is positioned between a forward edge of said first face and a forward edge of said aperture.

P1606 spec 19. The liquid container as claimed in claim 18, wherein said third face has a greater surface area than said second face.

20. The liquid container as claimed in claim 18, wherein said third face is positioned at an angle in the range 0 to 30 degrees relative to a plane which bisects said vessel in a direction transverse to a direction between a spout of said liquid container and a handle of said liquid container.

21. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid fill level indicator is formed of a substantially transparent material.

22. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid fill level indicator is formed of a substantially translucent material.

23. A liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a jug.

24. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a jug kettle.

25. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a coffee maker.

26. The liquid container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a set of fill level markings for marking levels of liquid fill within said vessel when the vessel is an upright position; and P1606 spec a second set of fill level markings for marking levels of liquid fill of said vessel when said vessel is tilted relative to an upright position by an angle within a range of 20 to 40 degrees from upright.

27. A water vessel comprising: a substantially tubular vessel closed off at a lower end for containing a liquid; a first set of fill level markings for marking levels of liquid fill of the water vessel when the water vessel is in an upright position; and a second set of fill level markings for marking fill levels of the water vessel when the water vessel is tilted to the upright within a range of 20 to 40 degrees from upright.

29. The water vessel as claimed in claims 28, wherein said second set of markings are arranged to indicate a fill level of the water vessel when the water vessel is tilted at an angle within the range 25 to 35 degrees from upright.

P1606 spec