Safety device having a safety net biased into an open position for use with a maternity bed

摘要

A safety device 1 for a maternity bed. The safety device includes a support member 4 that remains stationary relative to the maternity bed in use and a movable member, such as two sliding tubular aims 2a, 2b, mounted to the support member 4 for example on runner 10a and 10b. A catching membrane 14 is secured to the support member 4 and movable member 2a, 2b. The movable member is biased into an open position wherein it is extended to provide a safety area to catch a baby during childbirth (fig.3A); the movable member is moved from the open position to a closed position by the weight of a baby falling into the safety net 14 (fig.3B). A latch is provided to enable the device to be temporarily locked in the closed retracted position. Instead of being slidable the movable member may comprise two sets of pivoted arms which are biased into an open extended position.