Earthquake-proof bed 'swallows' you when it senses the ground shaking

If you live in an earthquake hotspot you may be able to sleep a little sounder, thanks to concept designs for an earthquake-proof bed.

An animated video showcases a series of designs for a bed that protects its slumbering occupants during a quake - but it may not be the bed of choice for the claustrophobic.

Resembling a cross between a strong box and a Venus flytrap, the mattress drops into a chamber covered with a protective lid when sensors feel the ground shaking.

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A video showcases a series of designs for a bed that protects sleepers during an quake - but it may not be the bed of choice for the claustrophobic. Resembling a cross between a strong box and a Venus flytrap, the mattress drops into a chamber covered with a hard cover when sensors feel the ground shaking (animated)

The earthquake-proof bed is designed to seal in the sleeper in the event of a serious quake (pictured). When tremors start, the mattress drops inside the bed's frame 

The occupant inside would then wait out the quake in the strong box until help arrived, or the quake subsided. 

HOW THE EARTHQUAKE-PROOF BEDS WOULD WORK 

Chinese inventor Wang Wenxi was granted a patent for the initial quake-proof bed in 2010 and has since updated the designs. 

The original design shows the bed consisting of a large metallic box with a mattress on top.

When the earthquake hits, this mattress is seen being dropped by a hinged mechanism, while the lid of the box closes above it, sealing the occupant inside. 

The second design, instead, drops the user through what resembles a trap door. 

The hinge is in the centre of the bed, rather than the side, so the mattress drops flat to the bottom of the box, rather than tipping the sleeper out. 

Chinese inventor Wang Wenxi was granted a patent for the initial quake-proof bed in 2010 and has since updated the designs. 

However, the precise details and specifications of each design are lacking and MailOnline has contacted the video maker for more information.

It is assumed that the box can be opened from the inside, as well as the outside. 

There are also no details about where the exit would be, in the event of a large piece of debris landing on the lid and locking it shut. 

The original 2010 design shows the bed consisting of a large metallic box with a mattress on top. 

When the earthquake hits, this mattress is seen being dropped by a hinged mechanism, while the lid of the box closes above it, sealing the occupant inside. 

The second design, instead, drops the user through what resembles a trap door. 

The hinge is in the centre of the bed, rather than the side, so the mattress drops flat to the bottom of the box, rather than tipping the sleeper out.   

In the event of an earthquake the mattress (left) drops inside the bed frame and a protective hard cover (right) seals the person inside to protect them from falling debris

The animation shows that the beds would even have space for supplies, including water, food, medical kits and even tools, but how you might access any of this is unclear.

There is no word yet on whether any of the designs will make it past the initial concept phase, or when you might be able to buy one.

But judging by their size and sturdy construction, you may need to enlist the help of a few friends to help you get them up the stairs.

Elsewhere, the designs show that the beds would also have space for supplies, including water, food, medical kits and even tools, but how you might access any of this is unclear (animated) 

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Supplies would be stored underneath the bed (pictured). The animation shows enough space for water, food, medical supplies and even gas masks and canisters of oxygen