Water level sensor, trailer using same and method of using trailer

A sensor, comprising:

• a hollow tube having first and second ends;
• a cap secured at said first end;
• said second end being substantially open to allow fluid to enter the tube;
• a floatation element slidably arranged within said tube;
• means at said second end for preventing the floatation element from leaving said tube;
• first and second contacts arranged within said tube at said first end, wherein said first contact is a deflectable contact of a U-shaped clip comprises two asymmetric legs and said second contact is aligned with an extension of said first contact;
• a plunger arranged between said contacts and said flotation element;
• said first and second contacts being spaced axially from each other and arranged in alignment with said floatation element so that when said floatation element moves toward said first end, the plunger presses against said first contact and said first contact is depressed against said second contact to complete a circuit therebetween;
• and
• a fluid exhaust means provided in said tube adjacent said contact switch.

A boat trailer, comprising:

• a portable frame for supporting a boat;
• and
• a float sensor secured to said boat trailer at a location so that the float sensor activates an indication when said boat trailer is lowered into a body of water to a predetermined depth;
• said float sensor comprises:
• a hollow tube having first and second ends;
• a cap secured at said first end;
• said second end being substantially open to allow fluid to enter the tube;
• a floatation element slidably arranged within said tube;
• means at said second end for preventing the floatation element from leaving said tube;
• a contact switch arranged within said tube between said cap and said floatation element;
• and
• a fluid exhaust means provided in said tube adjacent said contact switch;
• a plug arranged within said tube between said fluid exhaust means and said contact switch, said plug including a bore extending axially through said plug;
• said plug defining a chamber in said tube between said plug and said cap;
• a plunger having a head at one end thereof and a stem at a second end thereof, said plunger extending through said bore so that the head of the plunger is in the chamber and the stem of the plunger extends from the plug away from said chamber;
• said contact switch being mounted within said chamber in alignment with the head of said plunger so that when said floatation element floats toward said first end of said tube, said floatation element engages said plunger stem causing said plunger to trip said contact switch.