"A CHILD-PROOF SYSTEM FOR CONTAINERS PROVIDED WITH A LID WITH A LID COVER"

The present invention refers to a new child-proof system for containers equipped with a lid and a lid cover which hinders the opening of the lid by children.

The system that constitutes the object of the present invention preserves the physical integrity of children against opening the lids of health- hazardous products, such as disinfectants, degreasers, combustible products, agricultural pesticides, among others, that would jeopardize their health or even their lives.

The child-proof lids for containers have been known for a long time. However, there has been noted to exist a need to provide a new childproof system, for lids with lid covers, which would be easy to open by adults and senior individuals, however preventing accidental opening by children. This system contributes to preserve the health and even the life of the children. According to statistics from the Brazilian Medical Association, one of the main causes of admission of children in hospitals is the ingestion of cleaning and general hygiene products of high toxicity.

The child-proof system that constitutes the object of the present invention is applicable to any type of container that is provided with a lid and a lid cover, such as for example in containers wherein the lid and the lid cover are of pressure-fit or screw-on type.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide, in a first embodiment thereof, a child-proof system for containers equipped with a lid and a lid cover, characterized by consisting in one or more flexible stems secured on the lid cover, the stems being provided at the end thereof with a locking protuberance, such that when the lid cover is closed upon the lid, the said stems are interlocked and secured by means of their locking protuberances in respective holes provided in the lid, thereby preventing the accidental opening of the lid cover.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a child-proof system for containers equipped with a lid and a lid cover, characterized by consisting of one or more flexible stems secured to the lid, the stems being provided at the end thereof with a locking protuberance, such that when the lid cover is closed upon the lid, the said stems are engaged and held by their locking protuberances within respective holes provided in the lid cover, thereby preventing the accidental opening of the lid cover.

Therefore, it is necessary to effect two combined movements in order to open the lid cover, such movements consisting in squeezing the stems simultaneously and raising the lid cover immediately thereafter.

This is the only form of accessing the contents of the container. It is important to point out that if the movements are effected separately the lid cover will not open, that is: if there is only effected the simultaneous squeezing of the two stems or only if it is only attempted to raise the lid cover.

An embodiment of the new child-proof system for containers that constitutes the object of the present invention is illustrated in the figures of the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a lid with a lid cover in the open position, prior to being closed, with the system of locks (stems) of the present invention not yet locking the lid, wherein the reference 1 indicates the lid, 2 indicates the lid cover, 3 indicates the stem, 4 indicates the stem locking protuberance and 5 indicates the hole(s) that lock(s) the stem(s).

Figure 2 shows the lid cover in the closed position, with the stems engaged and locked within the holes. It is important to point out that the lid cover is automatically locked upon being closed, thereby dispensing a specific movement to lock the same, and thus preventing the lid cover from remaining unlocked involving the risk that children might gain access to the hazardous content of the container.

Figure 3 illustrates the need to effect two simultaneous movements, to wit, squeezing the stems and at the same time raising the lid cover to open the lid cover and access the content of the container.

Figure 4 shows the lid cover open upon the two simultaneous movements having been effected.

It is important to point out that the stems and the locks can have various shapes. The hole that locks the stem can also have various

shapes, including a configuration not consisting in a hole but rather in a geometry capable of holding the stems.

Preferably the lids are made of plastic, however they can be manufactured from other materials such as aluminum, iron, etc.

The advantage of this system resides in the fact that the same prevents or renders substantially difficult the opening of lids of toxic product containers, thereby avoiding accidents involving children, but does not hinder the opening the opening thereof by adults or senior individuals.

Figures 5 (a), (b) and (c) show the embodiment of the lid with a lid cover, respectively in the close, semi-close and open positions, in which the stems are secured to the lid.