Abstract:
A tamper resistant container and tag assembly is defined. The container includes a slit which may be in a juncture between an outwardly extending shoulder and the side wall of the container. The tag includes a coupling member which is capable of insertion through the slit, but resists withdrawal from the slit once engaged. When the slit is located in the juncture, a group of assemblies can be readily stacked with one another because the tag hangs flush against the side wall of the container without any bending of the tag, thereby offering nominal resistance to stacking. The slit is substantially closed when not being manipulated by a user, thereby preventing egress of dirt and moisture.

Description:
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/255,774 filed on Feb. 23, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,319. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a container and a tag assembly. More particularly, the invention is directed to a nursery container and a tamper resistant tag that is attached to the container in a manner so that the tag is visible without obstruction from a live plant growing in the container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Plants and seedlings are usually grown in a suitable nursery container or pot for sufficient time for the plant to reach the desired size for marketing. The plants are then transported in the original container to a retail outlet for sale to the ultimate consumer. Plants that are sold through retail outlets and stores usually require suitable labels or tags to enable the purchaser to identify the plant variety as well as the price of the plant. The typical method of providing some form of identification of the plant is a stake or tag inserted into the soil. The stake generally includes a brief description of the plant as well as planting and care instructions and a price or price code. Examples of stakes for inserting in the soil are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,768 to Tesselaar et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,107 to Doerr, U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,943 to Schlicter and U.S. Pat. No. 227,658 to Schultz. The use of stakes which are inserted into the soil have the disadvantage of being easily separated from the plant and container during shipping and handling. This prevents the consumer from identifying the plant and cost of the plant. 
     Another disadvantage of the use of stakes for identifying plants is the high occurrence of purchasers intentionally replacing the stake or other tag with the stake or tag from another plant of lower cost. 
     Various efforts have been proposed to overcome the disadvantages of the use of the stakes inserted into the soil to identify the plants. For example, tags can be attached to the plant or the nursery container by a suitable fastener such as staples, rings and bands. The tags attached by these fasteners are usually difficult and more time consuming to attach than stakes inserted into the soil, thereby increasing labor costs. In addition, the tags are often more expensive to produce and can result in damage to the plant when attached or when the tag is removed. Another form of device for identifying the plant within a container includes the use of labels applied with an adhesive. An example of such containers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,796 to Nathan. These containers have the disadvantage of being labor intensive to apply the labels. In addition, the adhesive labels are not always waterproof or weatherproof, require a clean surface to adhere properly, and can be peeled from one container and applied to another. Injection molded containers have also been manufactured with a receptacle for attaching to a tag. 
     Accordingly, a continuing need exists for an improved nursery container and labeling device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a container and tag assembly. More particularly, the invention is directed to a nursery container and a tamper resistant tag attached to the container. 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide a nursery container having a suitable structure to enable a tag member to be coupled to the container in a convenient and efficient manner. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a nursery container having a structure for attaching a tag to the side wall of the container in a manner so that it is difficult for the consumer to remove the tag once the container is filled with soil. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a nursery container having a hang tag attached to the container in a manner such that the tag is readily visible by the purchasing consumer and the retail clerk without interfering with the plant or the container. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a nursery container having a tamper resistant tag attached to the container in a manner so that the tag does not interfere with the stacking and handling of the containers. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a nursery container and a hang tag where the tag is inserted upwardly through a slit in the container so that the tag can be suspended below the rim of the container. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a nursery container and tag assembly where the tag cannot be readily removed from the container without damaging the container or the tag. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a container and tag assembly where the tag includes a locking projection for coupling with the container while allowing the tag to hang downwardly. A further object of the invention is to provide a nursery container and hang tag assembly which is convenient to use, easy to assemble and inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a nursery container having a slit formed in the side wall of the container for receiving a tag having a locking structure such that the tag cannot be separated from the container without damaging the tag or the container. 
     The objects and advantages of the invention are basically attained by providing a tamper resistant tag and container assembly, where the container has a bottom wall, and at least one side wall coupled to the bottom wall which extends in a substantially upward direction with respect to the bottom wall. The side wall has an upper end and at least one slit formed in the side wall and is positioned between the bottom wall and the upper end. The tamper resistant tag includes a printing area for receiving printed indicia, a neck portion, and a coupling member for coupling the tag to the side wall of the container. The coupling member has a first end connected to the neck portion of the tag, and a second end which is inserted through the slit in the side wall of the container for resisting separation of the tag from the container. In embodiments of the invention, the coupling member has a width slightly greater than the width of the neck portion of the tag. The slit preferably has a length less than the width of the coupling member and at least as long as the width of the neck portion. 
     Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the container and tag assembly in a first embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the container and tag assembly in a second embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the container and tag assembly in a further embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section showing the an container and tag member attached to the container; 
     FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a front side view of the tag in a first embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 5A is a top end view of the tag of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial top end view of the container of FIG. I showing the slit in the side wall of the container and a portion of the side wall adjacent the slit deflected inward; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial top end view of the container of FIG. 1 showing the tag inserted through the slit in the side wall of the container; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial side view in cross-section showing the slit in the side wall of the container and the tag being inserted through the slit; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of several containers arranged in a stack with the tags attached to the container; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of a tag in a further embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the tag of FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view in partial cross-section of an array of containers in a further embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of the tag in a further embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tag of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a Bide elevational view in partial cross-section showing the tag of FIG. 13 mounted in a container; 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the tag and container in a further embodiment; 
     FIG. 17 is a partial side view in cross-section of the tag and container of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a front view of the tag in another embodiment; 
     FIG. 19 is a side view in partial cross-section of the tag and container of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 20 is a front view of the tag in another embodiment; and 
     FIG. 21 is a front view of the tag in an alternative embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an assembly  10  which includes a container  12  and a tag  14 . The invention is particularly directed to a container and tag assembly where the tag includes a tamper resistant coupling member for coupling the tag to the container in a convenient and efficient manner. The tag  14  is attached to the container  12  so that the tag is able to hang downward and adjacent the side of the container for ease of location and viewing of the tag. The tag is able to lie flat against the side of the container to allow multiple containers to be stacked by nesting. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the container  12  is a nursery container as known in the art for supporting soil  15  and a plant  17  during growing, shipping and handling of the plant. The nursery container  12  includes a bottom wall  16  and a side wall  18 . In embodiments, the side wall  18  has a substantially frustoconical shape which tapers inwardly toward the bottom wall  16  and is flared outwardly toward the upper end  20 . The side wall  18  terminates at the upper end  20  to form an open top for receiving the soil and plant. Typically, at least one drain hole  22  is formed in the side wall  18  either adjacent or spaced from the bottom wall  16  to allow excess water to drain and prevent damage to the plant and root system. 
     The container  12  can be made from various materials using conventional manufacturing processes. Suitable containers are made from thermoplastic materials, such as high density polyethylene, by injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming or rotational molding. The containers can be made using virgin plastic resin, recycled plastics, and combinations thereof. In embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the side wall  18  includes an annular shoulder  24  which extends radially outwardly from the side wall  18  in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom wall  16 . In the embodiment illustrated, the shoulder  24  is substantially flat and extends substantially perpendicular to a center axis of the container  12  so that the outer surface of the shoulder  24  faces downward. A cylindrical side portion  26  turns upward from the shoulder  24  in a generally axial direction with respect to the center axis of the container  12 . The cylindrical side portion  26  extends around the perimeter of the open top end  25 . In the embodiment illustrated, the cylindrical Bide portion  26  terminates in a curved rim or lip  28  which curves downwardly toward the bottom of the container  12  and defines an open top end  25 . The lip  28  can have other shapes and dimensions as known in the art. For example, the lip can be a flat portion extending radially outward from the wall. The shoulder  24 , cylindrical portion  26  and lip  28  form a strengthening member of the side wall  18  to retain the side wall  18  of the container  12  in the desired shape and resist collapsing or deformation of the side wall  18  when the container  12  is stacked or lifted. 
     In preferred embodiments, the side wall  18  has a frustoconical shape and the lip  28  is circular. In further embodiments, the side wall can be a flat surface forming a container having a square or rectangular cross section. The shoulder  24  preferably extends outwardly from the side wall  18  and is dimensioned to form a stacking shoulder when a plurality of the containers are nested together to prevent the containers from being wedged together. The shoulder  24  is generally positioned so that the shoulder  24  nests on top of the lip  28  of an adjacent container  12  when the containers are stacked in a nested arrangement. 
     The side wall  18  of container  12  includes a slit  30  for receiving the tag  14  in the illustrated embodiment. In a first embodiment, the slit  30  is formed in the side wall  18  adjacent the shoulder  24  as shown in FIG.  1 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the slit  30  is formed at the juncture between the shoulder  24  and the side wall  18  and extends in a circumferential direction with respect to the center axis of the container  12 . In further embodiments shown in FIG. 2, the slit  30  is formed in the side wall  18  and positioned so that the slit  30  is spaced between the upper end  20  of the side wall  18  and the bottom wall  16  and can be located to assist in inserting of the tag by suitable automated equipment. In the embodiment illustrated, the slit  30  is formed in the side wall  18  at about the midpoint. The slit  30  can be produced horizontally or vertically with respect to the bottom wall of the container. 
     In still further embodiments shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of slits  30  can be produced in the container which can be formed in the side wall  18 , cylindrical portion  26 , or in the shoulder  24 . In embodiments, the slit  30  is spaced a distance from the bottom wall  16  so that when the tag  14  is inserted into the slit, the tag can hang vertically without extending past the bottom wall. Typically, the slit  30  is spaced from the bottom wall  16  a distance at least equal to the combined length of the printing area  32  and the neck portion  34 . In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the slit is spaced below the horizontal shoulder and lip. 
     The slit  30  can be molded in the side wall  18  or shoulder  24  during manufacture of the container when the container is made by injection molding. Alternatively, the slit  30  can be cut after manufacture using a suitable cutting tool regardless of the manufacturing process. In preferred embodiments, the slit is formed by cutting or piercing with a suitable tool since this produces a narrow slit with a minimum opening and remains substantially closed until pushed open by the user to insert the tag. The narrow slit then closes around the tag to engage the tag and resist separation. The cut slit further remains substantially closed to reduce loss of water when the plant is irrigated. Alternatively, the slit can be formed by punching with a suitable cutting tool and die. 
     The slit is generally formed in a horizontal direction with respect to the center axis of the container. 
     Alternatively, the slit can be formed vertically. The slit can also be formed as an open slot having a small gap, although this is generally less preferred. In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, a slit  31  can be pierced or punched with small holes  33  at each end of the slit to resist propagation at the slit. The holes  33  can be pierced to stretch the plastic material and orient the polymer molecules around the hole. The oriented polymer molecules increase the strength and tear resistance of the plastic. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A, the tag  14  includes a flat planar body portion defining a printing area  32  for receiving printed information. The printing area  32  can include information relating to the identity of the plant, care instructions and price codes. In the embodiment illustrated, the printing area  32  has a substantially rectangular shape. In alternative embodiments, the printing area can be square, circular or other suitable shapes. The tag  14  can be made of any suitable material for labels. Preferably, the tag  14  is a plastic material that is sufficiently rigid to retain its shape while being flexible to bend and spring back to its original shape. 
     A neck portion  34  extends from one end of the printing area  32  and has a width less than the width of the printing area  32 . In further embodiments, the neck portion  34  can be the same width or a greater width than the printing area  32 . A coupling member  36  is attached to the neck portion  34  and extends outwardly in a generally longitudinal direction and in the same plane as the printing area  32 . 
     As shown in FIG. 5, the coupling member  36  has a pointed or tapered end point  38  or can have a rounded edge for inserting through the slit  30  in the container  12 . At least one and preferably two projecting hook shaped members  40  are formed adjacent to the neck portion  34  and extend toward the printing area  32 . The projections  40  preferably are provided on each side of the coupling member  36  and define a neck portion  42  having a width less than the width between the ends  43  of the hook members  40  of the coupling member. Preferably, the portion  42  has a width less than the width of the neck portion  34  to form a recessed area  45 . The hook members  40  form a locking member to lock into the slit  30  and resist separation of the tag  14  from the container  12 . 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, a fold line  44  extends in a longitudinal direction down the center of the neck portion  34  and coupling member  36  and terminates a short distance from the end point  38 . Lateral fold lines  46  are provided in the coupling member  36  and &#39; 6 xtend in a generally longitudinal direction with respect to the center fold line  44  and are positioned between the center fold line  44  and the side edges  48  of the coupling member  36 . The lateral fold lines  46  in the embodiment shown are aligned along the edge of the portion  42  and terminate a short distance from the longitudinal end of the coupling member  36 . As shown in FIG. 5A, the coupling member  36  is folded along the center fold line  44  and along lateral fold lines  46  so that the coupling member  36  and the projecting members  40  are folded out of the plane of the printing area  32 . The projecting members  40  are defined by the outer edges  48  and inner edges  50  to form the points  43 . The fold lines  44  and  46  position the points  43  out of the plane of the printing area  32 . In further embodiments, the tag is substantially flat with no fold lines. Alternatively, the tag can have a generally curved shape when viewed in cross-section. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the slit  30  is formed in the side wall of the container  12  so that a portion of the side wall can be deflected inwardly by pressing in the direction of arrow  52  as shown in FIGS. 6,  7  and  8  to open the slit  30  for receiving the coupling member  36 . The tapered end  38  of the coupling member  36  of the tag  14  is easily inserted through the open slit  30  as shown in FIG.  8 . The resilience and memory of the plastic forming the side wall  18  of the container  12  springs back to its original position so that the projecting hooks  40  on the coupling member  36  are able to ‘hook onto the side wall at the edges of the slit as shown in FIGS. 4A and 7. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the tag  14  is inserted through the slit  30  in a generally upward direction until the projecting hooks  40  exit the slit and engage the edge of the slit  30 . In this manner, the tag  14  is suspended in a generally downwardly direction toward the bottom wall  16  of the container  12 . The printed area  32  of the tag  14  is readily visible from the side of the container  12  so that the tag  14  is not obscured by the plant  17  within the container. Generally, the slit  30  is positioned below the top end  20  of the container  12  a sufficient distance so that the tapered end  38  of the coupling member does not extend above the lip  28 , although the coupling member can extend above the lip in other embodiments. In further embodiments, the slit  30  is formed in shoulder  20  as shown in FIG. 3 or in the lip  28  so that the slit faces in a generally downward direction for allowing the tag  14  to hang down. In other embodiments, the tag can be inserted from the top end of the container. 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the container  12  is a nursery container with a slit  30  formed in the side wall  18  below a soil line  54 . Generally the soil is sufficiently soft so that the side wall  18  can be deflected inwardly at the slit  30  a sufficient distance so that the tag  14  can be inserted through the slit  30 . Preferably, the slit  30  is positioned a distance below the soil line  54  so that the coupling member  36  and particularly the projecting hooks  40  are positioned below the soil line  54  and covered by the soil. In this manner, the coupling member  36  of the tag  14  is positioned inside the container and covered by the soil and not readily accessible from the inside of the container to resist unauthorized removal of the tag  14  from the container  12 . The projecting hooks  40  engage the side wall at the slit  50  to resist removal of the tag  14  from the container  12  without damaging the tag  14  or the container, thereby providing evidence of tampering with the tag  14 . 
     The side wall  18  of the container  12  is generally curved as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The coupling member  36  is generally curved as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The coupling member  36  is inserted through the slit  30  so the concave face of the coupling member  36  is facing inwardly toward the center axis of the container. Inserting the tag  14  in this manner enables the projecting members  40  to spring inwardly toward the center axis to hook over the edge of the slit  30 . 
     In embodiments, the slit  30  has a length at least as wide as and generally slightly greater than the width of the portion  42  between recesses  45  and less than the width between the projecting hook-like members  40 . In further embodiments, the slit can have a width less than the width of portion  42 . As the coupling member  36  is inserted through the slit  30 , the coupling member  36  folds slightly along the center fold line  44  and the lateral fold lines  46  to pass easily through the slit  30 . The projecting hook-like members  40  spring back to their original position after passing through the slit to engage the edge of the slit and resist removal of the tag  14  from the container  12 . The tag  14  can be removed from the slit only with difficulty by folding the projecting members  40  into the same plane as the slit so that the projecting members can slide through the slit  30 . By positioning the slit  30  below the soil line in the container  12 , the projecting members  40  and the coupling member cannot be easily manipulated so that tag  14  is difficult to remove without damaging the tag  14 . 
     In embodiments of the invention, the slit  30  is formed by cutting a slit so that the slit defines a minimal opening under normal conditions. A cut slit is advantageous since the resilience of the container readily closes the opening around the coupling member  36  to resist separation of the tag from the container and minimize leakage of water from the container. The cut slit can be difficult to visually locate when the tag is being inserted since the slit can close completely. To assist in locating the slits, a suitable indicator can be provided on the side wall or lip of the container. The indicator in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the drain hole  22  which is positioned directly below the slit. In further embodiments, the indicator can be a mark or indicia on the side wall or lip adjacent or aligned with the slit. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention, a plurality of the container assemblies  10  can be stacked together to form a nested array  56  as shown in FIG. 9, prior to filling with soil. The tags  14  can be attached to the containers by inserting through the slit  30  as previously discussed so that the tags hang downwardly substantially parallel to the side wall. Since the slits are generally formed horizontally around the container, the printing area  34  and the coupling member  36  of the tags can lie flat against the side wall without significant bending of the tag. As shown in FIG. 9, the tags are generally self-orienting and able to fit between the side walls of the nested containers with minimal interference with the stacking and nesting of the containers. The individual containers can be separated from the stack without snagging by the tags. In this manner, the tags can be attached to the containers and shipped to the nursery where the containers are filled with soil and plants. Once filled with soil, the soil pushes the coupling member of the tag against the side wall of the container, thereby causing the printed portion of the tag to lie against the outer surface of the side wall. 
     In a further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, a tag  60  is substantially the same as the tag  14  of FIG. 5 except for the coupling member having a single fold line  62  extending transversely. Identical elements are identified by the same reference number by the addition of a prime. As shown in FIG. 11, the tip  381  projects out of the plane of the printing area  321 . 
     The tip  381  is generally folded along the fold line  62  at an angle of about 300 to about 900. In the embodiment illustrated, the tip  381  is folded at an angle of about 450. Preferably, the tip  38 , is folded along the fold line  62  a sufficient amount so that the tip  381  contacts the inner surface of the side wall. The inclined portion  64  of the tip  381  to the fold line forms a slide surface when the containers are nested together as shown in FIG.  12 . The inclined portion  64  of the tip  381  allows the tag to slide over the bottom corner of an adjacent container when the containers are stacked. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 13-15, the tag  70  is similar to the tag  14  of FIG. 1 except that the coupling member  72  is longer and includes a curved cut portion  74 . The cut portion can be square, rectangular, or other shapes. The coupling member  72  has a rounded end  76  and a pair of projecting members  84  for engaging the slot of the container. The cut portion  74  in the embodiment illustrated forms a flap  78  connected to the coupling member by a fold line  80 . Preferably, the fold line  80  is formed at the end adjacent the rounded end  76 . A center fold line  81  can extend along the center of the coupling member as shown. Fold lines  83  extend diagonally from the base  85  of the projecting members  84  to side edge  87  of the coupling member  72 . 
     The coupling member  72  of tag  70  has a length so that when inserted through the slit  30  of the container as shown in FIG. 15, the cut portion  74  extends above the lip  28  of the container  12 . The flap  78  is pushed through the coupling member and folded as shown in FIG. 14 to form a finger hole  86  for lifting the container by the tag  70 . The body portion  82  of the tag  70  is larger than the dimension of the slit  30 . The tag  70  is made of a sufficiently thick material to be strong enough to support the weight of the container and its contents. In the embodiment illustrated, the finger hole  86  is formed by folding the flap  78  along the fold line. In further embodiments, the cut portion can be a continuous cut to form a hole without a flap. 
     FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further embodiment of the invention where the slit  30  is positioned in the side  18  below the rim and a tag  90  is inserted upwardly through the slit  30 . The tag  90  has a rectangular portion  92  forming a wide shoulder  94  which is significantly wider than the length of the slit  30 . The rectangular portion  92  can receive printed information as in the previous embodiments. A body portion  96  is attached to the shoulder  94  by a neck portion  97 . A projecting leg member  98  is formed on each side of the body portion  94  and extends toward the rectangular portion  92 . The body portion  94  has length to extend upward above the rim of the container to form a handle. In the embodiment shown, the body portion  94  includes a hole  100  for lifting the container by the tag  90 . 
     FIGS. 18 and 19 show another embodiment of the invention where the tag  102  has a coupling member  104  with projecting members  106 . The tag  102  includes a first transverse fold line  108  extending across the coupling member  104  at the base of the projecting members  106 . A second fold line  110  extends transversely across the coupling member at the neck  112  of the tag. The tag  102  when inserted through a slot  30  in a container enables the coupling member  104  to fold about the fold line  108  and the main portion  112  of the tag to fold about the fold line  110 . As shown in FIG. 19., the midsection  114  of the tag between the fold lines  108  and  110  extends through the slit  30 and the coupling member and main portion  116  of the tag are able to be oriented substantially parallel to the side wall  18  of the container. 
     Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, further embodiments of the tag are illustrated. The tag  120  of FIG. 20 has a main body portion  122  and a coupling member  124 . The coupling member  124  is formed by slits  126  cut through the material extending diagonally toward the side edges  130  of the coupling member  124  to form projecting member  132  extending toward the body portion  122 . A center fold line  134  extends longitudinally through coupling member  124 . Diagonal fold lines  136  extend from the base  138  of the slits  128  to the outer side edges  130  to form triangular shaped tabs  140 . The tabs  140  can be folded along fold lines  136  to bend the tabs  140  out of the plane of the coupling member  124  and body portion  122 . In a similar embodiment shown in FIG. 21, holes  142  are punched or pierced at the base of the slits  126  to prevent propagation of the slits. 
     While various embodiments have been selected to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made to the container and tag assembly without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.