Quake-busting bed

An elderly man in China has been awarded a patent for his design of a bed that automatically turns into a strongbox in the event of an earthquake, state media said.

Wang Wenxi said he had designed a bed with cupboards at both ends for drinking water, canned food, megaphone and hammer to help a person survive for several days, the China Daily said. A high-load-bearing board automatically slides into place when an earthquake strikes, the report said, protecting the person inside from falling debris.