Patent Publication Number: US-11655618-B2

Title: Hydrant nozzle cap spacer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/807,928, filed Mar. 3, 2020, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to fire hydrants. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a spacer for a hydrant nozzle cap. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fire hydrants are commonly connected to fluid systems, such as municipal water infrastructure systems and water mains, through standpipes. A leak detection system may be provided for detecting leaks in the fluid system and can be attached to a nozzle cap, and the nozzle cap be attached to a nozzle of the fire hydrant. Leak detection systems often comprise an antenna, which should be appropriately oriented for ideal transmission and reception of signal. A gasket may be positioned between the nozzle cap and the fire hydrant to adjust the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap relative to the fire hydrant, thus adjusting the orientation of the antenna. 
     In some fire hydrants, such as some wet barrel hydrants, a leak path might be provided in the nozzle cap to allow water or air to leak out the nozzle cap, relieving pressure between the nozzle and the nozzle cap when the nozzle is closed after use. In some aspects, the leakage of water out of the nozzle cap can indicate that a valve within the nozzle is not fully closed. However, a gasket for sealing the nozzle cap with the nozzle can resiliently deform into the leak path, blocking water from draining out of the nozzle cap and preventing the pressure therein from being reduced. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description. 
     Disclosed is a nozzle cap spacer for a hydrant nozzle cap comprising a spacer body defining an outer body edge; and a resilient first spacer spring arm extending from the outer body edge, wherein the first spacer spring arm is biased away from the spacer body in an extended orientation. 
     Also disclosed is a spaced nozzle cap assembly comprising a nozzle cap comprising a cap body, the cap body comprising a bore sidewall defining a threaded bore; and a nozzle cap spacer comprising a spacer body and a spacer spring arm extending from the spacer body, the nozzle cap spacer received within the threaded bore, the spacer spring arm engaging the bore sidewall. 
     Also disclosed is a method for adjusting a rotational indexing of a nozzle cap, the method comprising providing a nozzle cap and nozzle connector, the nozzle cap defining a threaded bore; inserting a nozzle cap spacer into the threaded bore to adjust a rotational indexing of the nozzle cap relative to the nozzle connector; and connecting the nozzle cap to the nozzle connector. 
     Additionally, disclosed is a nozzle cap spacer for a hydrant nozzle cap comprising a spacer body defining an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge defining an opening formed through a center of the spacer body; and a leak path notch formed in the spacer body, the leak path notch extending radially inward from the outer edge of the spacer body. 
     A spaced nozzle cap assembly is also disclosed, the spaced nozzle cap assembly comprising a nozzle cap comprising a cap body, the cap body comprising a bore sidewall defining a bore, the bore sidewall further defining a leak channel; and a nozzle cap spacer received within the bore and defining an outer edge, a leak path notch extending into the nozzle cap spacer at the outer edge, the leak path notch aligned with the leak channel. 
     Also disclosed is a nozzle cap spacer for a hydrant nozzle cap comprising a substantially planar spacer body defining an outer body edge; and a resilient spacer spring arm extending from the outer body edge at a proximal arm end, the spacer spring arm configurable in an extended orientation and a compressed orientation, the spacer spring arm biased to the extended orientation; wherein, in the extended orientation, the nozzle cap spacer defines a substantially oblong shape, and in the compressed orientation, the nozzle cap spacer defines a substantially circular shape 
     Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity. 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a hydrant assembly comprising a nozzle cap connected to a nozzle of a fire hydrant, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view of the nozzle cap of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of a nozzle cap spacer for use with the nozzle cap of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a top perspective view of the nozzle cap spacer of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a rear exploded view of a nozzle connector of the nozzle of  FIG.  1    and a spaced nozzle cap assembly comprising the nozzle cap of  FIG.  1    and the nozzle cap spacer of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is a rear perspective view of the spaced nozzle cap assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the spaced nozzle cap assembly of  FIG.  5    engaged with the nozzle connector of  FIG.  5    taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8    is a front exploded view of nozzle connector of  FIG.  5    and the spaced nozzle cap assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the spaced nozzle cap assembly comprises the nozzle cap of  FIG.  1    and a pair of the nozzle cap spacers of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  9    is a top perspective view of the pair of nozzle cap spacers of  FIG.  8    stacked together. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the spaced nozzle cap assembly of  FIG.  8    engaged with the nozzle connector of  FIG.  5    taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  11    is a rear exploded view of the nozzle connector of  FIG.  1    and the spaced nozzle cap assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof. 
     As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. 
     Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods. 
     Disclosed in the present application is a nozzle cap spacer for a hydrant nozzle cap and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the nozzle cap spacer can define a spacer body and one or more spacer spring arms extending outwardly therefrom. The nozzle cap spacer can be configured to be generally received between a hydrant nozzle cap and a hydrant nozzle to adjust the rotational indexing of the hydrant nozzle cap relative to the hydrant nozzle. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed nozzle cap spacer is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a hydrant assembly  100  comprising a fire hydrant  110  and a nozzle cap  150 , in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. Example aspects of the fire hydrant  110  can be a wet barrel hydrant, as shown; however, in other aspects, the fire hydrant  110  can be any other type of hydrant known in the art, such as, for example, a dry barrel hydrant. The fire hydrant  110  can comprise a barrel  120 , one or more nozzles  140   a,b , and, in some aspects, a hydrant cap  180 , as shown. In other aspects, no hydrant cap  180  is present and the barrel  120  can be closed at a top barrel end  122  of the barrel  120 . In a wet barrel hydrant, water can be housed within the barrel  120  at all times, even when the fire hydrant  110  is not in use. Each of the nozzles  140   a,b  can have its own independent valve (not shown) to prevent or allow water flow to the respective nozzle  140   a,b . In a dry barrel hydrant, the barrel  120  can be drained of water when the fire hydrant  110  is not in use, and the valve for preventing or allowing water flow to the nozzles  140   a,b  can be housed below ground, such that water will not freeze in the barrel  120  in cold conditions. The barrel  120  can define a top barrel end  122  and a bottom barrel end  124  disposed opposite from the top barrel end  122 . The barrel  120  can be substantially tubular and can define a barrel axis  101  extending from the top barrel end  122  to the bottom barrel end  124 . In the present aspect, the barrel axis  101  can be substantially vertically aligned. 
     The barrel  120  can comprise a base flange  128  disposed at the bottom barrel end  124 . The base flange  128  can be fastened to a standpipe flange  199  of a standpipe  198  of a fluid system (not shown), such as a water main, for example and without limitation. Example aspects of the standpipe  198  can be formed from a metal material, such as, for example, iron or steel. Other aspects of the standpipe  198  can be formed from any other suitable material known in the art. The base flange  128  of the barrel  120  can be fastened to the standpipe flange  199  by a plurality of fasteners (not shown), for example, or by any other suitable connection method known in the art. A cap flange  182  of the hydrant cap  180  can be attached to the top barrel end  122  of the barrel  120  with a plurality of fasteners (not shown), by threaded engagement, or my any other suitable connection method known in the art. In other aspects, the cap flange  182  can be fastened to the top barrel end  122  and/or the base flange  128  can be fastened to the standpipe flange  199  by any other suitable fasteners known in the art, including but not limited to, adhesives, welding, or any suitable mechanical fasteners. Example aspects of the barrel  120  can comprise an first operation nut  184   a , or “op nut”, positioned opposite the nozzle  140   a  and nozzle cap  150 , which can be rotated to open and close a first valve (not shown) mounted in the nozzle  140   a  in order to respectively supply or cut off pressurized water flow through the nozzle  140   a  from the barrel  120 . Furthermore, as shown, example aspects of the barrel  120  can further comprise a second operation nut  184   b  positioned opposite the nozzle  140   b , which can be operated to open and close a second valve (not shown) mounted in the nozzle  140   b.    
     According to example aspects, the nozzle cap  150  can be screwed onto the nozzle  140   a  to seal the nozzle  140   a  in a sealed orientation. Furthermore, in some aspects, a hose cap  160  can be screwed onto the nozzle  140   b  to seal the nozzle  140   b  in a sealed orientation. With the nozzle cap  150  sealing the nozzle  140   a , pressurized water from the fluid system cannot escape through the nozzle  140   a  when the main valve (not shown) is in an open position. As shown, the nozzle cap  150  can define a cap nut  152  that can be turned, such as with a wrench or another suitable tool, to tighten or loosen the nozzle cap  150  on the nozzle  140   a . In example aspects, the fire hydrant  110  can be formed from a metal material, such as, for example, iron, and the nozzle  140   a  can be formed from a metal material such as iron. In other aspects, however, the fire hydrant  110  and/or the nozzle  140   a  can be formed from any other suitable material or combination of materials known in the art. 
     In example aspects, the nozzle cap  150  can comprise a leak detection system (not shown). For example, the nozzle cap  150  may comprise a vibration sensor which can be configured to detect leaks within the fluid system by monitoring vibrations travelling up the standpipe  198  and through the fire hydrant  110  when the nozzle cap  150  is mounted on the nozzle  140   a . Vibration patterns within the fluid system can indicate the presence of leaks within the fluid system. According to example aspects, the nozzle cap  150  can further comprise an antenna  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ). The antenna  700  can be configured to transmit a signal outwards from the nozzle cap  150  to convey whether leaks have been identified within the fluid system. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective rear view of the nozzle cap  150  of the fire hydrant  110  of  FIG.  1   . The nozzle cap  150  can comprise a cap body  210  and a cap cover  280 . Example aspects of the cap cover  280  can be formed from a metal material, such as for example, ductile iron. The cap body  210  can define a first body end  212  and a second body end  214  disposed opposite from the first body end  212 . The cap body  210  can further comprise an inner housing  230  and an outer module, such as an outer housing  240 . According to example aspects, the inner housing  230  and/or outer housing  240  can be formed from a substantially rigid material. For example, the inner housing  230  can be formed from a metal material, such as, for example, ductile iron, and the outer housing  240  can be formed from a plastic material. Example aspects of the plastic material of the outer housing  240  can be a glass-filled plastic material to provide an improved acoustic performance for the leak detection system. The cap cover  280  can be attached to the first body end  212  of the cap body  210  at the outer housing  240 . The inner housing  230  of the cap body  210  can define a threaded bore  216  extending into the cap body  210  from the second body end  214  to an inner wall  220  of the cap body  210 . The threaded bore  216  can define a cap axis  201  of the cap body  210 , and the cap axis  201  can extend from the first body end  212  to the second body end  214 . According to example aspects, the nozzle cap  150  can be a modular system wherein the outer module, such as the outer housing  240 , can be easily removed and/or replaced, as desired. For example, it may be desired to remove the outer housing  240  temporarily for repair or to replace the removed outer housing  240  with a new outer housing  240  or a different outer module. For example, the nozzle cap  150  can be similar to the modular nozzle cap disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/428,744, filed May 31, 2019, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     According to example aspects, the threaded bore  216  can be defined by a bore sidewall  217  comprising internal threading  218 , and the threaded bore  216  can be screwed onto the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), which can be, for example and without limitation, a standard threaded nozzle, to mount the nozzle cap  150  on the nozzle  140   a  by rotating the nozzle cap  150  about the cap axis  201 . In some aspects, as shown, the internal threading  218  may not extend fully from the second body end  214  to the inner wall  220 . For example, in the present aspect, the internal threading  218  terminates before reaching the inner wall  220 , and an annular recess  219  can be formed in the bore sidewall  217  between the internal threading  218  and the inner wall  220 . In the present aspect, the internal threading  218  can be straight threading that does not taper from the second body end  214  towards the inner wall  220 . In other aspects, the internal threading  218  can be tapered threading that tapers from the second body end  214  towards the inner wall  220 . Moreover, in other aspects the internal threading  218  can instead be formed as external threading. 
     According to example aspects, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the nozzle cap  150  can define a leak channel  250  formed therein. In the present aspect, the leak channel  250  can generally define an L-shape. The L-shaped leak channel  250  can comprise a first leak channel segment  252  formed in the inner wall  220  of the cap body  210  and a second leak channel segment  254  formed in the bore sidewall  217  of the threaded bore  216  and extending across the internal threading  218 . As shown, the second leak channel segment  254  can extend from the first leak channel segment  252  to the second body end  214  of the cap body  210 . Other aspects of the leak channel  250  can define any other suitable shape or configuration. According to example aspects, the leak channel  250  can define a leak path that can allow air or water to leak out of the nozzle cap  150  to relieve pressure between the nozzle cap  150  and the nozzle  140   a , such as after the nozzle  140   a  is closed after use. In some aspects, wherein the valve within the nozzle  140  is not fully or properly closed, pressurized water can flow from the barrel  120  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) through the valve in the nozzle  140   a . A small amount of the pressurized water can leak out of the nozzle cap  150  and into the surrounding environment through the leak channel  250  to indicate that the valve is not closed. In some aspects, as shown, the inner wall  220  of the cap body  210  can define a recessed center region  221  that can facilitate allowing water to flow into the leak channel  250  at the first leak channel segment  252 . 
     In various aspects, it can be desired to orient the antenna  700  of the leak detection system in an upward-facing position, wherein the antenna  700  is pointed generally vertically upward (i.e., towards the sky). Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , in aspects wherein the antenna  700  is not in an upward-facing position when the nozzle cap  150  is mounted to the nozzle  140   a , one or more nozzle cap spacers  310  can be provided for selectively adjusting the orientation of the antenna  700  to the desired position (e.g., the upward-facing position). Example aspects of the nozzle cap spacer  310  can define a front spacer surface  312  and a rear spacer surface  514  (shown in  FIG.  5   ). The nozzle cap spacer  310  can define a thickness T (shown in  FIG.  4   ) between the front spacer surface  312  and the rear spacer surface  514 . Further, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can comprise a spacer body  320  and one or more spacer spring arms  330  extending outward from the spacer body  320 . As shown in the present aspect, the spacer body  320  can define a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and can generally define a substantially circular inner body edge  322  and a substantially circular outer body edge  324 . 
     The inner body edge  322  can define a body opening  326  formed through a center of the spacer body  320 . The spacer spring arms  330  can extend outward from the outer body edge  324  at an acute angle α (e.g., an angle less than 90°), as illustrated. For example, a proximal arm end  332  of each of the spacer spring arms  330  can be connected to the spacer body  320  and a distal arm end  334  of each of the spacer spring arms  330  opposite the proximal arm end  332  can be spaced away from the spacer body  320 . As shown, in example aspects, each of the spacer spring arms  330  can be substantially arcuate in shape and can define an arcuate inner arm edge  336  extending from the proximal arm end  332  to the distal arm end  334  and an arcuate outer arm edge  338  extending from the proximal arm end  332  to the distal arm end  334 . In the present aspect, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can comprise two spacer spring arms  330  positioned at substantially opposite sides of the spacer body  320 ; however, in other aspects, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can comprise more or fewer spacer spring arms  330 , which can be arranged in any suitable orientation around the outer body edge  324 . 
     In some aspects, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be formed from a flexible and resilient material, such as, for example and without limitation, a metal material such as steel, such that the spacer spring arms  330  can be naturally biased away from the spacer body  320  in an extended orientation, but can be resiliently deformable towards the spacer body  320 . For example, the spacer spring arms  330  can be compressed inward towards the spacer body  320  to a compressed orientation when a sufficient force is applied to the spacer spring arms  330 . The compressed orientation can be a fully compressed orientation or a partially compressed orientation. According to example aspects, a notch  350  can be formed proximate to a joint  352  between the spacer body  320  and each spacer spring arm  330  to facilitate flexing of the spacer spring arms  330  at the corresponding joint  352 . When fully compressed towards the spacer body  320 , the inner arm edge  336  of each spacer spring arm  330  can abut a corresponding length L a  of the outer body edge  324 . In the partially compressed orientation (shown in  FIG.  6   ), however, the spacer spring arms  330  may not abut the corresponding length L a  of the outer body edge  324 . 
     Furthermore, in the present aspect, as shown, the diameter of the outer body edge  324  of the spacer body  320  can vary. For example, an inward step  360  can be formed in the outer body edge  324  at a distal length end  301  of each of the lengths L a . As such, the diameter of the outer body edge  324  can be decreased along each of the lengths L a  to define a corresponding body recess  362  the outer body edge  324  generally between the inward step  360  and the notch  350  (i.e., along the length L a ). In example aspects, when each of the spacer spring arms  330  is fully compressed towards the spacer body  320 , such that the inner arm edge  336  of the spacer spring arm  330  can abut the corresponding length L a  of the outer body edge  324 , the spacer spring arm  330  can be generally received within the corresponding body recess  362 . Moreover, in some aspects, in the fully compressed orientation, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can define a substantially circular cross-sectional shape defining a substantially consistent nozzle cap spacer outer diameter (not shown). 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an exploded view of a spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  comprising the nozzle cap  150  and the nozzle cap spacer  310 . As shown, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be oriented such that it is substantially concentric to the cap axis  201  of the nozzle cap  150 . The nozzle cap spacer  310  can be configured to be received within the threaded bore  216  of the cap body  210  and the spacer spring arms  330  can be configured to engage the bore sidewall  217  of the threaded bore  216 , as will be shown and described in further detail below with reference to  FIG.  6   . Furthermore, according to example aspects, the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) can comprise a nozzle connector  550 . The nozzle connector  550  can be substantially cylindrical in shape and can be oriented such that it is substantially concentric to the cap axis  201 . Example aspects of the nozzle connector  550  can generally define a first connector end  552  and a second connector end  554 . In some aspects, the nozzle connector  550  can be a threaded nozzle connector. For example, the nozzle connector  550  can define external threading  556  configured to mate with the internal threading  218  of the threaded bore  216  of the cap body  210 , as will be shown and described in further detail below with reference to  FIG.  7   . 
     The external threading  556  of the nozzle connector  550  can extend from the first connector end  552  towards the second connector end  554 . In the present aspect, the external threading  556  can be configured to terminate before reaching the second connector end  554 . As shown, in some aspects, the nozzle connector  550  may define additional external threading  560  extending from the second connector end  554  towards the external threading  556 . The additional external threading  560  can be configured for connecting the nozzle connector  550  to the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). For example, the additional external threading  560  can be configured to mate with internal threading on the nozzle  140   a . In other aspects, the external threading  556  and/or the additional external threading  560  can be formed as internal threading configured to mate with external threading formed on the nozzle cap  150  and/or the nozzle  140   a , respectively. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  comprising the nozzle cap spacer  310  and the nozzle cap  150 . As shown, to assemble the nozzle cap spacer  310  with the nozzle cap  150 , the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be inserted into the threaded bore  216  of the cap body  210 . The front spacer surface  312  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) of the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be configured to abut the inner wall  220  of the cap body  210 , and the spacer spring arms  330  can be naturally biased radially outward, relative to the cap axis  201 , to engage the bore sidewall  217  of the threaded bore  216  adjacent to the inner wall  220 . For example, in the present aspect, the spacer spring arms  330  can be configured to extend into the annular recess  219  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) to engage the bore sidewall  217 . In example aspects, the spacer spring arms  330  can be compressed inward during insertion of the nozzle cap spacer  310  into the threaded bore  216  to prevent the spacer spring arms  330  from springing outward before the nozzle cap spacer  310  is properly positioned against the inner wall  220 . According to example aspects, the rigid material of the inner housing  230  can prevent the spacer spring arms  330  from widening to the fully extended orientation within the threaded bore  216 ; and thus, the spacer spring arms  330  can be compressed by the bore sidewall  217  to the partially compressed orientation, as shown, or the fully compressed orientation. According to example aspects, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be retained in position within the threaded bore  216  by one or more fasteners, such as, for example, adhesives, welding, screws, or any other suitable fastener known in the art. In some aspects, the engagement of the spacer spring arms  330  with the bore sidewall  217  can retain the nozzle cap spacer  310  in position. Moreover, as shown, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be configured such that it does not interfere with the leak channel  250  when received within the threaded bore  216 . For example, in the present aspect, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be positioned adjacent to, but does not extend into, the leak channel  250 . Thus, pressurized water within the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) can leak out of the nozzle  140   a  through the leak channel  250  even with the nozzle cap spacer  310  engaged with the nozzle cap  150 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  engaged with the nozzle connector  550  of the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) assembled and taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG.  5   . According to example aspects, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be configured to alter a rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle  140   a  when received within the threaded bore  216 . For example, in an aspect wherein the internal threading  218  of the threaded bore  216  is right-handed threading, the nozzle cap  150  can be tightened onto the nozzle connector  550  of the nozzle  140   a  by rotating the nozzle cap  150  in a clockwise direction about the cap axis  201 . In aspects not comprising the nozzle cap spacer  310 , the first connector end  552  of the nozzle connector  550  can be configured to abut the inner wall  220  to form a seal between the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and the nozzle cap  150 . However, in such an aspect, the nozzle cap  150  may be oriented in an undesirable position when tightened onto the nozzle  140   a  (e.g., the antenna  700  may not be oriented in the desired upward-facing position). As such, it may be necessary to re-orient the nozzle cap  150  in a more desirable position while still maintaining the seal between the nozzle cap  150  and the nozzle  140   a.    
     The nozzle cap spacer  310  can be provided for adjusting the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550  to re-orient the nozzle cap  150  in a more desirable position. As shown, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be retained within the threaded bore  216  against the inner wall  220  of the nozzle cap  150 . The external threading  556  of the nozzle connector  550  can mate with the internal threading  218  of the threaded bore  216 , and the nozzle cap  150  can be rotated on the nozzle connector  550  until the first connector end  552  of the nozzle connector  550  abuts the rear spacer surface  514  of the nozzle cap spacer  310 . In example aspects, the nozzle cap  150  can be sufficiently tightened to form a seal between the nozzle connector  550  and the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500 . According to example aspects, the thickness T (shown in  FIG.  4   ) of the nozzle cap spacer  310  can determine the adjustment in the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550 . As such, in some aspects, the thickness T of the nozzle cap spacer  310  may be selected based on the required change in rotational indexing to orient the nozzle cap  150  in a desired position. For example, in one aspect, the antenna  700  may be oriented about 90° from the desired upward-facing position when the nozzle cap  150  is tightened onto the nozzle connector  550  without the nozzle cap spacer  310 . As such, it can be required to adjust the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550  by about 90°, and the thickness T of the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be selected based on the required adjustment. In other aspects, a thinner nozzle cap spacer  310  can be selected for adjusting the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  by less than 90° and a thicker nozzle cap spacer  310  can be selected for adjusting the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  by greater than 90°. 
     According to some example aspects, supplementary nozzle cap spacers  310  can be added to the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  to achieve the desired rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550 . For example, as shown in the exploded view of  FIG.  8   , a pair of nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can be provided for increasing the adjustment in the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150 . In other aspects, more or fewer nozzle cap spacers  310  can be provided as needed for further increasing or lessening, respectively, the rotational indexing. According to example aspects, the number of nozzle cap spacers  310  provided, and/or the thickness T (shown in  FIG.  4   ) of the nozzle cap spacers  310  provided, can be selected based on the required change in rotational indexing to orient the nozzle cap  150  in a desired position. For example, in one aspect, the antenna  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) can be oriented about 180° from the desired upward-facing position when the nozzle cap  150  is tightened onto the nozzle connector  550  of the nozzle  140   a  without the nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b . As such, it can be required to adjust the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550  by about 180°. In an instance wherein each nozzle cap spacer  310  defines a thickness T configured to adjust the rotational indexing by about 90°, the pair of the nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can be provided, as shown, such that together the nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can adjust the rotational indexing by about 180°. In other aspects, the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  can comprise fewer nozzle cap spacers  310  for adjusting the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  by less than 180° or can comprise additional supplementary nozzle cap spacers  310  for adjusting the rotational indexing by greater than 180°. In other aspects, the thickness T of each of the nozzle cap spacers  310  can be configured to adjust the rotational indexing by more or less than 90°. Moreover, in some aspects, the thickness T of the nozzle cap spacers  310  can vary. For example, in an instance wherein it is desired to adjust the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550  by about 120°, the first one of the nozzle cap spacers  310   a  may be provided comprising a first thickness configured to adjust the rotational indexing by about 90°, and the second one of the nozzle cap spacer  310   b  may be provided comprising a second, lesser thickness configured to adjust the rotational indexing by about 30°. 
     As shown, each of the pair of nozzle cap spacer  310   a,b  can be oriented such that it is concentric to the cap axis  201 . The nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can be generally positioned between the nozzle cap  150  and the nozzle connector  550 .  FIG.  9    illustrates the pair of nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  stacked together for insertion into the threaded bore  216  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) of the nozzle cap  150  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). The rear spacer surface  514   a  of the first nozzle cap spacer  310   a  can be configured to abut the front spacer surface  312   b  (shown in  FIG.  8   ) of the second nozzle cap spacer  310   b . The spacer body  320   a  and body opening  326  of the first nozzle cap spacer  310   a  can be configured to substantially align with the spacer body  320   b  and body opening  326 , respectively, of the second nozzle cap spacer  310   b , as shown. In some aspects, the spacer spring arms  330  of the first and second nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can also be configured to align, though in other aspects, as shown, the spacer spring arms  330  may not be aligned. For example, in the present aspect, the opposing pair of spacer spring arms  330   a  of the first nozzle cap spacer  310   a  can extend generally upward and downward from the corresponding spacer body  320   a , relative to the orientation shown, and the opposing pair of spacer spring arms  330   b  of the second nozzle cap spacer  310   b  can extend generally rightward and leftward from the corresponding spacer body  320   b , relative to the orientation shown. As such, each of the spacer spring arms  330   a,b  can be configured to extend into the annular recess  219  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and to engage the bore sidewall  217  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) of the threaded bore  216  at a different location. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pair of nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  assembled with the nozzle cap  150  to define the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500 . With the pair of nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  inserted into the threaded bore  216  of the nozzle cap  150 , the front spacer surface  312   a  of the first nozzle cap spacer  310   a  can be configured to abut the inner wall  220  of the nozzle cap  150 . The spacer spring arms  330   a,b  ( 330   b  shown in  FIG.  9   ) of the first and second nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can engage the bore sidewall  217  at the annular recess  219  to retain the first and second nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  within the threaded bore  216 . The external threading  556  of the nozzle connector  550  can engage the internal threading  218  formed on the bore sidewall  217  of the nozzle cap  150 , and the nozzle cap  150  can be tightened onto the nozzle connector  550  by rotating the nozzle cap  150  about the cap axis  201 , as described above. The nozzle cap  150  can be tightened until the first connector end  552  of the nozzle connector  550  abuts the rear spacer surface  514   b  of the second nozzle cap spacer  310   b . According to example aspects, the nozzle cap  150  can be sufficiently tightened to form a seal between the nozzle connector  550  and the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500 . In aspects comprising the pair of nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b , the nozzle cap spacers  310   a,b  can be configured such that they do not interfere with the leak channel  250  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) formed in the inner wall  220  and the bore sidewall  217 . Aspects comprising more or fewer nozzle cap spacers  310  can also be configured to not interfere with the leak channel  250 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an exploded view of a spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  comprising the nozzle cap  150  and the nozzle cap spacer  310 , according to another aspect of the disclosure. In the present aspect, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be a gasket spacer  1150  formed from a compressible, resilient material, such as, for example, rubber. In other aspects, the gasket spacer  1150  can be formed from any other suitable material known in the art. As shown, in the present aspect, the gasket spacer  1150  can define a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The gasket spacer  1150  can further define a substantially circular inner gasket edge  1152  and a substantially circular outer gasket edge  1154 , and the inner gasket edge  1152  can define a gasket opening  1156  formed through a center of the gasket spacer  1150 . A leak path notch  1158  can be formed in the gasket spacer  1150  extending radially inward from the outer gasket edge  1154 , relative to the cap axis  201 , as shown. In the present aspect, the leak path notch  1158  can substantially define a U-shaped cross-section; however, in other aspects, the leak path notch  1158  can define any other suitable cross-sectional shape. 
     As described above, the nozzle cap spacer  310  can be oriented such that it is substantially concentric to the cap axis  201  of the nozzle cap  150 . The nozzle cap spacer  310  can be configured to be received within the threaded bore  216  of the cap body  210 , in abutment with the inner wall  220  of the cap body  210 . In some aspects, the gasket spacer  1150  can be compressed for easy insertion into the threaded bore  216 , and can be uncompressed once properly positioned therein. In example aspects, a diameter D 2  of the gasket spacer  1150  can be slightly larger than a D 1  diameter of the threaded bore  216 , such that, when the gasket spacer  1150  is received within the threaded bore  216 , it can press against the bore sidewall  217  of the threaded bore  216  and be retained in place by the tension between the gasket spacer  1150  and the bore sidewall  217 . In some aspects, the gasket spacer  1150  can also or alternatively be retained in position within the threaded bore  216  by one or more fasteners, such as, for example, adhesives, welding, screws, or any other suitable fastener known in the art. 
     The nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) can comprise the nozzle connector  550  to which the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  can be mounted, as described above. For example, the nozzle connector  550  can define the external threading  556  configured to matingly engage the internal threading  218  of the bore sidewall  217 . The gasket spacer  1150  can be configured to adjust the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550 . While the present aspect illustrates a single gasket spacer  1150 , in other aspects, supplementary gasket spacers  1150  can be added to the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  to achieve the desired rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  relative to the nozzle connector  550 . As such, in general, more or fewer gasket spacers  1150  can be provided as needed for increasing or lessening, respectively, the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150 . According to example aspects, the number of gasket spacers  1150  provided, and/or a thickness T 2  of the gasket spacers  1150  provided, can be selected based on the required change in rotational indexing to orient the nozzle cap  150  in a desired position. 
     In some aspects, various aspects of the nozzle cap spacers  310  (e.g., the nozzle cap spacer  310  of  FIGS.  3 - 10    and the gasket spacer  1150  of  FIG.  11   ) can be used in combination to achieve the desired rotational indexing. For example, in a particular aspect, one or more of the nozzle cap spacers  310  of  FIGS.  3 - 10    can be used to position the antenna  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) close to the desired orientation. One or more of the gaskets spacers  1150  can then be added to the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  to fine-tune the rotational indexing of the nozzle cap  150  to position the antenna  700  in the desired orientation. The thickness T 2  of the gasket spacer(s)  1150  can be selected based on the rotational indexing required to fine-tune the position of the antenna  700  to the desired orientation. 
     According to example aspects, the gasket spacer  1150  can be configured such that it does not interfere with the leak channel  250  when received within the threaded bore  216 . For example, in the present aspect, when the gasket spacer  1150  is inserted into the threaded bore  216  of the nozzle cap, the gasket spacer  1150  can be oriented such that the leak path notch  1158  of the gasket spacer  1150  can be aligned with the leak channel  250 . In aspects comprising multiple gasket spacers  1150 , the leak path notch  1158  of each gasket spacer  1150  can be aligned with the leak channel  250 . The leak path notch(es)  1158  can be sized and positioned such that, even upon compression of the gasket spacer  1150 , for example by the engagement of the outer gasket edge  1154  with the bore sidewall  217  or by the tightening of the spaced nozzle cap assembly  500  on the nozzle connector  550 , the leak path notch  1158  can prevent the gasket spacer  1150  from being deformed into the leak channel  250 . Thus, pressurized water within the nozzle  140   a  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) can leak out of the nozzle  140   a  through the leak channel  250  even with the gasket spacer  1150  engaged with the nozzle cap  150 . 
     One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.