Patent Publication Number: US-2006006252-A1

Title: Waterproof labeled cap for end of an irrigation pipe

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/586,632, filed Jul. 8, 2004, entitled “WATERPROOF LABELED CAP FOR END OF AN IRRIGATION TUBE” which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. The Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates generally to access points to irrigation systems and related apparatus.  
      2. The Relevant Technology  
      Sprinkler systems (also sometimes referred to as “irrigation systems”) are increasingly common in both home and agricultural use. Where an owner of a sprinkler system is a homeowner, the increase may be due, in part, to the ease and convenience that these systems provide toward having a healthy lawn or garden. For agricultural owners, irrigation systems are popular because of the ease at which the farmer can monitor and control the distribution of water to the potential crops, thereby allowing maximization of the farmer&#39;s yield. Automatic sprinkler systems are particularly useful since they minimize the effort required to keep a lawn or crop in good condition and, in some cases, since they help conserve water by turning on and off only as determined in advance.  
      Notwithstanding the benefits sprinkler systems provide, sprinkler systems require a certain amount of routine maintenance. For example, sprinkler system components may wear out or be otherwise damaged, thus resulting in necessary repairs to the system. For example, it is not uncommon, in large irrigation systems, to replace one or two sprinkler heads a year. In other cases, it may become apparent that the system is providing inadequate or uneven coverage. In such a case, it may be possible to improve coverage and/or distribution by moving one or more sprinklers to a new location. In other circumstances, pipes may need to be replaced after they freeze and rupture, or other repairs may become necessary. One will appreciate, therefore, that some sprinkler systems will require more maintenance—either in amount or complexity—than other sprinkler systems. With some systems, an owner may be able to perform the sprinkler system maintenance. In other cases, due to the complexity of the needed maintenance or lack of personal know-how, an owner may decide to call a professional service to perform the maintenance.  
      Frequently, an owner will repeatedly contact the same professional service either because of past satisfaction with the provided service, or due to the professional service&#39;s familiarity with the particular system. Some sprinkler systems, however, may go one or more years without needing any repairs or maintenance, and an owner may forget who last performed any work on the system. Alternatively, a new owner may need assistance with a newly acquired sprinkler system and wish to contact someone a who previously serviced (e.g. installed, repaired, maintained, provided parts, etc.) the system. In either case, the owner may have to resort to contacting a professional service provider who either has no familiarity with the system, or who previously performed the services unsatisfactorily.  
      One common feature of some conventional sprinkler systems is the positioning of one or more access points to the system. Typically, an access point includes one or more valves which allow a user to control water flow throughout all or a part of the sprinkler system. Typically, the access point is embedded within a tube that is at least partially buried in the ground. Often, the tube is covered with a cap that is positioned flush with the ground, such that, to access the one or more valves, the user must first remove at least a portion of the tube cap assembly. When the user (e.g. the home owner or a professional technician) is performing the maintenance on the sprinkler system, the user will typically remove a portion of the tube cap assembly to gain entry to the access point. Where replacement of one or more sprinkler heads or system components becomes necessary, the user may turn off the water flow at the access point, make the necessary repairs or replacements, and turn the water flow back on at the access point to test the system and any new heads.  
      Despite the ability of tube cap assemblies to preserve access to a sprinkler system, conventional tube cap assemblies may also create a number of problems for the user. For example, components of tube cap assemblies are easy to misplace. Additionally, if the access point is exposed to the elements, the access point is susceptible to rust and corrosion, thus necessitating replacement or repair, and resulting in a greater expense for the owner. Furthermore, because tube cap assemblies are at least partially buried or are flush with the ground, they are often difficult to view, and can sometimes be difficult for a user to find.  
      Accordingly, an advantage in the art can be realized with sprinkler system tube cap assemblies that can be secured and/or removed and replaced. A further advantage in the art can be realized with a tube cap assembly that can be easily found even though grass or earth has covered the tube cap assembly. A still further advantage in the art can be realized with sprinkler tube cap assemblies that provide a user with immediate indicia of the technician who previously worked on the sprinkler system. Preferably, such indicia would be easy to find and replace as needed.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention solves one or more problems in the art with systems and apparatus that secure a tube cap assembly to an irrigation pipe or tube, that allow a user to easily locate the tube cap assembly, and that allow a user or owner to readily identify a person or service provider having familiarity with the irrigation system.  
      For example, one implementation of a top cap used in a tube cap assembly to seal an access point within an irrigation system includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The top cap can be configured to removably couple to the access point. The top cap can further include a locator component that is operatively coupled to the top cap. The locator component can be used to determine the location of the top cap, even from a remote location.  
      Another exemplary implementation of a tube cap assembly used in an irrigation system includes opposing top and bottom surfaces. At least one side surface can also be included—either separately from, or integrally with, the top and/or bottom surfaces—and can be used to facilitate securing the tube cap assembly to an access point. Further, an advertisement portion included on the tube cap assembly can be configured to removably receive indicia. The advertisement portion can be located on the top or bottom surface.  
      In addition, a method in accordance with at least one implementation of the present invention involves positioning a top cap of a tube cap assembly, where the top cap has an advertising portion and is used to seal an access point. In one aspect, the top cap can be removably secured to the access point. The method can further include affixing a name label to the advertising portion of the top cap. As such, a top cap and/or access site can provide a user of the irrigation system with useful information, such as who to contact to obtain parts or service on the system.  
      Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be, in part, obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view illustrating a tube cap assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 1B  is a plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a top cap for use in a tube cap assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2A  is an underside view of an embodiment of a top cap that can be implemented with or without a base collar, and which further includes at least one locator component to assist a user in locating at least a top cap in a tube cap assembly;  
       FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of a tube cap assembly comprising at least a top cap, a base collar, and an O-ring; and  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a tube cap assembly, also showing a locking mechanism to secure the top cap to the base collar.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention extends to capping tubular structures used in irrigation systems. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the present invention include waterproof caps having an advertising portion allowing the cap to identify one or more persons or entities that service irrigation systems. Other embodiments of the present invention include locator components to assist a user in finding the location of the tube cap, and may do so with a metal detector or other audio or visual detection/interpretation methods.  
      As shown and described more fully in the following description and figures, exemplary embodiments of a tube cap can include a top cap configured to releasably couple to a base collar and/or an irrigation tube, and thereby seal an access point in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, the top cap further includes one or more advertising portions configured to allow a user of the irrigation system to, in part, identify a supplier, distributor, installer, repairman, or the like, who has a prior familiarity with the irrigation system or components of the system. One useful aspect of the combination of the tube cap with an advertising member is that the advertising member can include indicia to assist the user of the irrigation system in obtaining parts or services related to that system.  
      With more particular reference to the top cap portion of the tube cap assembly referred to above, an exemplary implementation of the tube cap assembly includes one or more locator components coupled to the top cap. Generally, the locator components can be selected for compatibility with a particular desired system or device.  
      More particularly, exemplary locator components irrigation system users in finding a tube cap by emitting an audible sound, or by allowing detection of one or more corresponding magnetic, electrical, or radio detectors/interpreters (e.g., a metal detector for detecting magnetic emissions).  
      For example,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a tube cap assembly  100  for use with an irrigation system such as a sprinkler system. In particular,  FIG. 1A  illustrates that tube cap assembly  100  includes a top cap portion  102  that is coupled to a base collar  104 . Base collar  104  is configured to receive an irrigation pipe (not shown) on one end, and to be coupled thereto. An irrigation pipe can be of the type used in any standard irrigation or sprinkler system. The irrigation pipe may also encompass an access point that includes valves, switches, timers, or other components of the irrigation system.  
      When base collar  104  is coupled to the irrigation pipe, the irrigation pipe remains open on at least one end. Top cap  102  can then be coupled to base collar  104  to thereby form tube cap assembly  100 . In connecting top cap  102  to base collar  104 , the irrigation tube is sealed off, thereby providing a substantially watertight seal on the irrigation tube and/or access point. In one embodiment, top cap  102  is twisted to be secured to base collar  104 , although, as discussed in more detail hereinafter, alternative methods are contemplated in which top cap  102  can be coupled to base collar  104 .  
      In addition,  FIG. 1A  shows that top cap  102  includes a top surface  106  having an advertising portion  108  coupled thereto. Generally, advertising portion  108  facilitates the provision of useful information to a user or owner of the irrigation system. For example, advertising portion  108  can be configured to provide a user or owner of an irrigation system with information about others with prior familiarity with the irrigation system. Prior familiarity with the system may result, for example, from prior service at the owner&#39;s location, from selling parts or components used in the system, or from manufacturing system parts or components.  
      In this embodiment, advertising portion  108  includes one or more grooved inserts configured to receive a corresponding advertising label  112 . A particular feature of a grooved insert in combination with advertising label  112  is the capability of tube cap assembly  100  to provide visible indicia that identify information which can be useful to the user of the irrigation system. For example, advertising label  112  can provide the name, phone number, and/or address or other contact information of an installer, repair service, distributor, or manufacturer. Upon selling a part or providing services related to the irrigation system, a service provider can then insert advertising label  112 . This information is useful as it can later assist a user or owner of the system in obtaining service and/or parts, or it can otherwise indicate who may be familiar with the system. In still another alternative, advertising label  112  can serve merely as advertising, and can provide information or advertising unrelated to the sprinkler or irrigation system.  
      Thus, in one aspect, advertising portion  108  can be configured to removably secure advertising label  112 . As a result, advertising label  112  may remain only temporarily within advertising portion  108 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , advertising portion  108  can be open on one end. In this manner, advertising label  112  can be inserted into the grooved insert and can remain in advertising portion  108  until manually removed. Thus, a service provider can remove a pre-existing advertising label and replace it with another to indicate who most recently serviced the system, or to advertise additional services. In other cases, advertising label  112  may be exposed to the elements such that any ink or engraving may wear out. Accordingly, a service provider may periodically monitor advertising label  112 . When advertising label  112  wears out, a service provider can remove it and replace it with a newer card or label. In this manner, advertising portion  108  can identify, at different times, multiple entities.  
      In an alternative implementation, advertising portion  108  can receive multiple advertising labels  112  at one time, such that any number of service providers and/or advertisers can be determined by examining tube cap assembly  100 . In still another alternative, advertising portion  108  and/or advertising label  112  can be configured to permanently affix advertising label  112 , or otherwise permanently provide indicia of some entity who previously serviced the system, or who has prior familiarity with the irrigation system.  
      Advertising portion  108  can be configured to receive a variety of sizes and configurations of advertising label  112 . In one aspect, advertising portion is sized to receive an appropriately sized personal or business card, or some other type of correspondence card. In still another aspect, advertising portion  108  receives a standard-sized business card. In the illustrated embodiment, advertising portion  108  is substantially U-shaped, as might be used to hold a standard-sized business card. In this manner, the installer, manufacturer, repair service, etc. can use a standard business card with tube cap assembly  100 , without the need to customize advertising labels for use with a particular top cap  102 .  
      In alternative embodiments, however, advertising portion  108  can be of other shapes and configurations. For example, advertising portion  108  can be smaller than a business card, and thus configured to accept a smaller advertising label  112 . For example, advertising portion  108  could accept a folded business card. Alternatively, advertising portion  108  can be configured to accept other shapes of advertising label  112 . For example, advertising portion  108  may be circular so as to receive a chip-shaped advertising label  112 .  
      In some implementations, the outer edge of top cap  102  includes one or more handling grooves  110 . Handling grooves  110  can improve a user&#39;s ability to manually handle and effectively use top cap  102 . For example, irrigation system components, such as top cap  102 , can get wet due to residual water. When constructed of materials that become slippery when wet, top cap  102  may be difficult to grip such that a user may have difficulty either removing or installing top cap  102  of tube cap assembly  100 . By improving the gribability of top cap  102 , installation or removal of top cap  102  is improved by reducing the chance that the user&#39;s grip will slip when trying to couple or un-couple top cap  102 . The increase in efficiency results in quicker installation or repair of a sprinkler system, and often to a corresponding reduction in labor costs that must be paid by an owner.  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , base collar  104  is coupled to top cap  102 . In one embodiment, top cap  102  and base collar  104  are jointly configured to receive each other and to be coupled to the other. It will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, however, that this embodiment is not necessarily limiting of the present invention. In some embodiments, only top cap  102  is configured to receive and/or couple to a base collar. For example, top cap  102  may be sized to fit into or onto pre-existing base collars, or directly to an irrigation tube. In this manner, the pre-existing base collar or irrigation tube replaces base collar  104  and acts as a distinct base collar. In exemplary implementations, top cap  102  includes threading or lock fits configured to easily mate with corresponding threads or detents on a pre-existing base collar or irrigation tube.  
      The shape and size of base collar  104  is configured to couple base collar  104  to an irrigation tube (not shown). In operation, base collar  104  slips over and receives the irrigation tube, and can be secured thereto. Securing base collar  104  to the irrigation tube can be done with any conventional means known in the art. For example, base collar  104  can be secured to the irrigation tube with glue or some other adhesive. Alternatively, base collar  104  and the irrigation pipe can interlock, or clamp together. Alternatively, base collar  104  can be frictionally secured to the irrigation tube, such as with an interference fit.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, base collar  104  is configured to receive a round irrigation tube (not shown). While irrigation tubes are usually round-also typically resulting in base collar  104  similarly being round-this shape is not necessarily limiting on the present invention. For example, base collar  104  can be configured to receive other, non-conventional irrigation tubes. In another aspect, an inner surface of base collar  104  may be round to receive a conventional irrigation tube, while the outer surface of base collar  104  may have an alternative shape. For example the outer surface could be octagonal, hexagonal, or some other shape which may, for example, assist a user in tightening top cap  102  with a wrench.  
      It will be appreciated that any number of materials may be used to make base collar  104  and/or top cap  102 . Base collar  104  and top cap  102  may be made of the same or different materials. In one aspect, base collar  104  and top cap  102  are made of a plastic material. A number of plastics can be used, although it is preferred that the plastic be non-toxic such that toxins are not transferred when the plastic material is in contact with water. For example, suitable plastics may include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other durable materials which may be injection molded to form top cap  102  and/or base collar  104 .  
      The embodiment of advertising label  112  illustrated in  FIG. 1A  is exemplary of the type of label or card that can be used with the present invention. As illustrated, advertising label  112  can include contact information, such as a person or company name and a phone number. It will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art that advertising label  112  may display informative indicia other than just a name and/or phone number. For example, advertising label  112  can also include other information such as an address, fax number, email address, logo, or other useful information.  
      In one implementation, advertising label  112  is configured to be removably secured to tube cap assembly  100 . For example, advertising label  112  may have an adhesive. In one aspect, the adhesive is secured to the back of advertising label  112  and includes a non-adhesive backing. In such an embodiment, when the backing is removed, advertising label  112  can be used as a sticker on tube cap assembly  100 . In this manner, advertising label  112  may be used with or without advertising portion  108 .  
      The sticker would further allow advertising label  112  to be affixed to various other irrigation system components including, for example, a clock, timer, controller, inside a valve box, or on other easily identifiable areas. In an alternative implementation, advertising label  112  includes a magnet. As discussed in more detail hereinafter, top cap  102  can include metallic features. As such, when a magnetic advertising label  112  is placed on top cap  102  that has magnetic metals, advertising label  112  can be removably secured even in the absence of an adhesive, and without a grooved insert on top cap  102 .  
      In still another alternative implementation, advertising label  112  can be sized such that a frictional fit exists between advertising portion  108  and advertising label  112 . For example, the thickness of the material used to make advertising label  112  may be about equal to the height of a grooved insert on advertising portion  108 . In this manner, advertising label  112  must be forcibly inserted, thereby creating an interference fit, and also resulting in a reduced risk that advertising label  112  will fall out of advertising portion  108 , or otherwise be removed prior to manual removal. In one aspect, advertising label  112  is made of plastic or paper, such that it can be produced in large quantities, and at low cost. Alternatively, rubber or thermoplastic materials may be used, and feature an improved resistance to erosion or ink or engraving due to any exposure to the elements. Accordingly, advertising label  112  can be configured for maximum advertising effect over an extended duration.  
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a plan view of top cap  102  for use in tube cap assembly  100 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, top cap  102  includes both an advertising portion  108  and an informative portion  116   a - b . As previously described, advertising portion  108  can be a configured to display visual indicia by receiving an advertising label  112  such as a business card.  
      In one implementation, informative portion  116   a - b  provides visible, technical indicia. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B , informative portion  116   a  identifies the source of top cap  102 . The source of top cap  102  may be indicated with a name, logo, or other information that allows a user of top cap  102  to identify a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or other supplier. A feature of informative portion  116   a  is that a user of top cap  102  can readily identify where to obtain replacement parts, or where to obtain additional parts that are already known to work with an irrigation system. Additionally, informative portion  116   a  can be used to identify to whom a warranty claim can be made if replacement of top cap  102  becomes prematurely necessary.  
      In one exemplary implementation,  116   b  provides technical indicia about the size of top cap  102 , base collar  104 , and/or a corresponding irrigation tube. Informative portion  116   b  and/or  116   a  can indicate, for example: the type of valve or access point with which it can be used; a part number of top cap  102  or base collar  104 ; the size or type of connector used to couple top cap  102  to base collar  104  or to an irrigation pipe; the size of any threads on top cap  102 ; or the like. In still another implementation, advertising portion  108  is used to provide technical indicia. By including this technical indicia, a professional service provider can readily identify which part(s) or component(s) are necessary and/or used in the irrigation system. The technical indicia also benefits users or owners of irrigation systems. For example, an owner may decide to service the irrigation system without a professional because the technical indicia provides useful information to help ensure that the proper components are purchased and placed in correct operation with each other.  
      An exemplary informative portion  116   a - b , therefore, is located on the top surface  114  of top cap  102 . In the illustrated implementation, there is sufficient surface area around the edges of top surface  114 , such that top surface  114  can receive informative portion  116   a - b . In one aspect, the informative portion can be, in whole or in part, permanently secured to the top cap. For example, where top cap  102  is formed by injection or dip molding, the visual indicia may be included in the mold.  
      Alternatively, a label or other indicator may be glued or otherwise permanently adhered to top surface of top cap. In still another aspect, informative portion  116   a - b  may be temporarily affixed to top cap  102 . For example, a sticker or temporary adhesive may be placed on top cap  102  to form informative portion  116   a - b.    
      Generally, one will appreciate that informative portion  116   a - b  may be formed in lieu of, or in the absence of, advertising portion  108 . Alternatively, informative portion  116   a - b  may be positioned under advertising portion  108 . Additionally, while advertising portion  108  and informative portion  116   a - b  are illustrated on top surface  114  of top cap  102 , this feature is not necessarily limiting. It is contemplated that in some implementations, either or both advertising portion  108  and informative portion  116   a - b  can be on the underside or side of top cap  102 , or may be included at a suitable location on base collar  104 .  
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an underside view of an exemplary embodiment of a top cap  102  for use according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, top cap  102  includes an underside  118  which further has one or more hooking portions  120  molded into top cap  102 . Hooking portions  120  can be configured to couple top cap  102  to: base collar  104 ; to a valve box; to an irrigation tube; and/or to wires. In one aspect, base collar  104  includes detents which are positioned to correspond with hooking portions  120 . In such an implementation, hooking portions  120  can be resilient, such that as the detents are received by hooking portions  120 , hooking portions can flex to receive the detents (not shown), and can then snap into place, thereby securing top cap  102  to base collar  104 . In an alternative embodiment, wires—such as solenoid wires—are run to one or more valves, and are received by hooking portions  120 . In yet another embodiment, hooking portion  120  receives wires from a power source or switch.  
      An exemplary feature of top cap  102  having hooking portions  120  is the ability to use top cap  102  without base collar  104 . For example, hooking portion  120  can be secured to solenoid or other wires, and thereby secure top cap  102  in place inside, or over a valve box or tube. Such an implementation is particularly useful when a watertight seal is not necessary. For example, as will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, it may be unnecessary to have a substantially watertight seal on a valve box. Accordingly, top cap  102  can be used to cover a valve box, and can also be coupled to wires within the valve box.  
      In another implementation, hooking portions can retain visual indicia. For example, advertising label  112  may include a hole or tab that may be inserted into a hooking portion  120 . In this manner, when top cap  102  is removed, advertising label  112  can provide a user or owner of the irrigation system with visible indicia about a service provider. Alternatively, advertising label  112  can be secured to the wires received by hooking portion  120 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , an exemplary embodiment of top cap  102  can further include a locator component  122 . Because tube cap assembly  100  may be buried or flush with the ground, it may be covered with earth or grass, or otherwise be difficult to find. In order to find tube cap assembly  100 , a user may have to search for tube cap assembly  100  by wandering around an area and/or brushing away dirt or grass.  
      This could take some time before the user finds an appropriate tube cap assembly  100  that grants access a desired valve box or access point. As such, locator component  122  can be configured to allow a user to identify the location and/or position of tube cap assembly  100  from a remote or local location. Thus, locator component  122  allows a user to quickly and efficiently determine the location of tube cap assembly  100 , as well as a corresponding access point.  
      In an exemplary implementation, locator component  122  is coupled to underside  118  of top cap  102 . To facilitate securement of locator component  122  to top cap  102 , underside  118  may be hollowed out such that locator component can be removably secured therein. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A , locator component  122  is positioned substantially within a hollow portion between hooking portions  120 . Although underside  118  is hollowed out to correspond with hooking portions  120 , it will be appreciated that such a configuration is not necessary. Indeed, other areas of underside  118  may be hollow, or locator component may be secured to top cap  102  without a corresponding hollow portion, and/or to top surface  106  of top cap  102 . For example, locator component  122  can be secured to top cap  102  with, a glue or adhesive. Alternatively, screws, rivets, brackets, or other devices may be used to secure locator component  122  to top cap  102 . In still another embodiment, locator component  122  may be hung from, or attached to, hooking portion  120 .  
      In one aspect, locator component  122  includes a metallic portion to assist a user in locating tube cap assembly  100 . For example, locator component  122  can be a plate made of steel, iron, copper, brass, or other metal. Thus, at least one feature of top cap  102  that includes a metallic plate is that tube cap assembly  100  can be located with a metal detector. Accordingly, even if tube cap assembly  100  is covered with grass or earth, a metal detector can readily identify the location of tube cap assembly  100 , and provide that location to a user, thereby decreasing the time and difficulty in accessing an irrigation tube or access point.  
      A variety of metal detectors are available and can be used to determine the location of top cap  102  and tube cap assembly  100 . For example, representative metal detectors suitable to assist in locating tube cap assembly  100  with top cap  102  having a metallic portion include those using magnetic fields and very low frequency (VLF), pulse induction (PI), or beat-frequency oscillation (BFO) technology. When the metal detector, and the associated magnetic field, passes over tube cap assembly  100  and locator component  122 , the metal detector can make a user aware that the metal plate is positioned therebelow. A metal detector may use visual indicia (e.g. a display unit) or audio indicia (e.g. a sound that increases in frequency or volume as the metal detector approaches the metal), to identify to the user the location of tube cap assembly  100 . In such a manner, even if tube cap assembly  100  is completely buried, a metal detector can readily provide indicia to identify the location of tube cap assembly  100  from a remote location.  
      In an alternative embodiment, locator component  122  generates audible indicia used to identify the location of tube cap assembly  100 . For example, locator component  122  can generate audible response signals with an audio emitter. Locator component  122  can therefore be configured to have the audio emitter send out a permanent or repetitive sound in response to receiving a remote locator signal. Upon emitting an audible sound, a remote user can follow the sound to the location of tube cap assembly  100 . In particular, locator component  122  can be set such that the audio emitter is always in an “on” position, and thus always emitting a sound or repeating a sound after pre-determined intervals. In at least one implementation, locator component  122  includes a receiver, such as a receiver component in a transceiver, whereby the locator component  122  can receive a remote locator signal sent from a remote signal generating device held by the user. The receiver is operatively coupled to the emitter such that, upon receiving the remote signal, the receiver switches the emitter to an “on” position, at which time the emitter sends out a sound. Any number of audio emitter/receiver combinations can be used, along these lines. For example, the audible sound may be a beep, chirp, whistle, rattle, horn, tone, a preprogrammed song or voice, or any combination thereof.  
      Exemplary emitters and/or receiver/emitter (i.e., transceiver) combinations may be powered by a variety of sources. For example, locator component  122  may be powered by DC current, such as from battery or solar power. Alternatively, locator component  122  may be powered by AC current, such as where locator component  122  is hard wired to an AC power source. In addition, various types and configurations of remote signals may be sent to a receiver so as to trigger the emitter. For example, the receiver can be a wireless receiver or directly wired to an electrical switch. In some embodiments of an irrigation system, there are multiple access points and/or multiple tube caps  100 . Such a system can be readily configured with a variety of tube caps  100  and locator components  122 . Any or all locator components  122  can be configured to receive the same signal to trigger audible indicia of the location of tube cap assembly  100 . Alternatively, any or all locator components  122  can be configured to receive different signals such that a specific tube cap assembly  100  is immediately identifiable.  
      An additional feature of hooking portion  120  is realized when locator component  122  is wired to a power source or switch. In such a case, hooking portion  120  can receive any necessary wires and thereby secure locator component  122 . Still further, hooking portion  120  may act as a support for the wires.  
      Although various exemplary embodiments specifically point out the use of metallic elements and audible indicia to locate tube cap assembly  100 , locator component  122  may have other elements to assist in locating tube cap assembly  100 . For example, locator component  122  may generate or provide visible response signal indicia. For example, the locator component  122  may cause one or more lights or LEDs to emit light on or above top surface  106  of top cap  102  in response to a remote locator signal in a manner similar to locator component  122  providing audible indicia. Still other implementations contemplate an antennae or flag which may rise from tube cap assembly  100  from a local or remote signal. Still further implementations include the locator component sending inaudible or invisible signals, which are interpreted by a locator device (e.g., having an electrical, magnetic, or radio receiver) held by the user.  
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a watertight tube cap assembly  100  having top cap  102 , O-ring  126 , and base collar  104 . In this embodiment, locator component  122  is secured to underside  118  of top cap  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, locator component  122  is at least partially under advertising portion  108 . As discussed previously, advertising label  112  can include a magnetic strip; and locator component  122  can include a metallic plate. In such a configuration, the magnetic strip on advertising label  112  can be attracted to the metallic strip on locator component  122 . In this manner, locator component  122  is adapted to removably secure advertising label  112  to top cap  102 .  
      In one implementation of top cap  102 , groove  124  is formed on underside  118  of top cap  102 . Groove  124  can be formed in a variety of methods and can be, for example, molded or milled into top cap  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, groove  124  is configured to create a substantially watertight seal between top cap  102  and base collar  104 . In one implementation, groove  124  is sized and positioned to receive an O-ring  126 . O-ring  126  is configured to substantially seal gaps between top cap  102  and base collar  104 , thus providing a substantially watertight seal in tube cap assembly  100 . To substantially seal any gaps, O-ring  126  is made of a resilient material. Representative materials suitable for O-ring  126  include, but are not limited to: rubber; silicone; elastomers (e.g. perfluroelastomer); fluorosilicone; urethane; and neoprene. In the illustrated implementation, groove  124  receives O-ring  126  and is positioned such that O-ring  126  is compressed between top cap  102  and base collar  104  as tube cap assembly  100  is formed. In this manner, O-ring  126  seals gaps between underside  118  of top cap  102  and base collar  104 .  
      The location of groove  124  can also allow top cap  102  to couple directly to an irrigation tube and/or other pre-existing base collar. For example, groove  124  can receive O-ring  126 , while top cap  102  receives an irrigation tube or pre-existing base collar. Even if top cap  102  does not have a perfect fit with the irrigation tube or pre-existing base collar, an O-ring (e.g.  126 ) made of resilient material can flex to substantially seal any gaps, thereby creating a watertight seal.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, groove  124  encircles top cap  102 , such that a single groove  124  is formed. It will be appreciated, however, that multiple grooves  124  and/or O-rings  126  may be used. Additionally, groove  124  may be broken up such that (a plurality of grooves  124  are formed, without encircling top cap  102 . In alternative implementations it is desirable that groove  124  be formed on base collar  104 . For example, top cap  102  can have internal threading, and can receive and fit around at least a portion of base collar  102  that has external threading. As such, top cap  102  can press against O-ring  126 , which is positioned in groove  124  on base collar  104 , to thereby substantially seal at least a portion of tube cap assembly  100 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom of base collar  104  is configured to receive an irrigation tube (not shown), while the top of base collar  104  is configured to receive and/or mate with top cap  102 . In one aspect, the internal diameter of at least a portion of base collar  104  can be sized to receive the corresponding irrigation tube. In this manner, base collar  104  receives an irrigation tube and can be secured thereto. Base collar  104  can further have shoulders  128 . Shoulders  128  are configured to limit the length of the irrigation tube received by base collar  104 . In one implementation, shoulders  128  reduce the internal diameter of base collar  104 , and thus stop an appropriately sized irrigation pipe from extending beyond shoulders  128 . It is noted that shoulders  128  are optional, and may be absent from base collar  104 . For example, top cap  102  can be coupled directly to an irrigation tube, such that the irrigation tube acts as the base collar.  
       FIG. 3  provides an exploded view of tube cap assembly  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, tube cap assembly  100  includes top cap  102 , base collar  104 , and O-ring  126 . As previously noted, a particular advantage of utilizing top cap  102  with O-ring  126  and base collar  104  is that tube cap assembly  100  can be configured to provide a substantially watertight seal around an irrigation pipe and/or access point.  
      In one implementation, top cap  102  includes a side portion  130 . Side portion  130  has threading  132  which is configured to act as locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism facilitates removably coupling top cap  102  to base collar  104 , while in other embodiments the locking mechanism facilitates coupling top cap  102  to a pre-existing base collar or directly to an irrigation pipe. In the illustrated implementation, threading  132  is formed on the outside surface of side portion  130 . Threading  132  is provided on the outside surface of side portion  130  so as to couple top cap  102  to base collar  104  when top cap  102  is inserted into and received by base collar  104 . In alternative embodiments, threading  132  is formed on an internal surface of side portion  130 , and side portion  130  may receive and be positioned around base collar  104 .  
      Base collar  104  is configured to couple top cap  102  to an irrigation pipe. As discussed, base collar  104  receives an irrigation tube, and is secured to the tube by glue, adhesive, friction, a clamp, or some other method. Base collar  104  is further configured to receive top cap  102 , thereby coupling top cap  102  to the irrigation pipe. For example, in one aspect, base collar  104  is hollow, thus defining an internal surface  134 . Threading  136  can be formed on internal surface  134  to correspond to threading  132  on top cap  102 . In this manner, top cap threading  132  and base collar threading  136  allow top cap  102  to twist on to base collar  104 . This features the advantage of allowing quick and efficient installation of top cap  102 , as top cap  102  can be twisted into place and removably secured without the need for messy glues or adhesives.  
      As will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention is not necessarily limited to threading on top cap  102  and base collar  104 , and a variety of other connection methods can be used. For example, it is contemplated that base collar  104  and top cap  102  can be frictionally coupled, secured with a ring clamp, or otherwise interlocked. In still other embodiments, top cap  102  and base collar  104  can be permanently coupled (i.e. secured together such that separation requires at least one of top cap  102  and base collar  104  be broken or otherwise made ineffective for subsequent use). In exemplary embodiments where top cap  102  is permanently coupled to base collar  104 , glue or some other adhesive can be used.  
      Further illustrated in  FIG. 3  is O-ring  126 , which may be used in conjunction with top cap  102  and base collar  104 . As previously detailed, O-ring  126  creates a watertight seal, and can, in some exemplary embodiments, be placed into groove  124  on top cap  102 . The use of O-ring  126  does not always require groove  124  on top cap  102 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, groove  124  is formed on base collar  104  and is configured to receive O-ring  126 . In this embodiment, O-ring  126  can be fitted within groove  124  and underside  118  of top cap  102  can press against O-ring  126  to create a watertight seal. In other embodiments, O-ring  126  is simply compressed between base collar  104  and underside  118  of top cap  102  without groove  124 . In some embodiments, as O-ring  126  is compressed by top cap  102  and base collar  104 , it is frictionally secured in place, and compressibly coupled to both top cap  102  and base collar  104 .  
      In still other embodiments, top cap  102  can be configured to fit around a portion of base collar  104 . For example, threading  132  can be formed on the inside of side portion  130 , and threading  136  can be formed on an outside surface of base collar  104 . As such, top cap  102  could fit around and receive base collar  104 . In such an implementation, O-ring  126  could be positioned and compressed between base collar  104  and side portion  130  of top cap  102 . Additionally, in such an implementation, groove  124  could be formed on base collar  104  and/or on top cap  102 .  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.