Patent ID: 6748715
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: A62B,E04G,H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A safety apparatus comprising: a plurality of first parallel members;a plurality of second parallel members; a plurality of pivots interconnecting one of the first parallel members to one of the second parallel member to form a self-supporting grid; the self-supporting grid defining a perimeter having variable length and width dimensions with the self-supporting grid having a larger length dimension when in an open position and a smaller length dimension when in a closed position; and a separate support structure having a perimeter support surface, which lies a horizontal plane, for supporting and maintaining the self-supporting grid, during use as the safety apparatus, in the open position and in a substantially horizontal plane, and the perimeter support surface defining an opening therethrough; wherein the perimeter of the self-supporting grid is adjustable to a sufficiently large open position so as to cover at least part of the opening of the separate support structure and prevent an object from falling through an opening of the separate support structure, and the self-supporting grid being removable from the separate support structure following use as the safety apparatus; the adjustable grid perimeter being defined solely by ends of the linked together first and second parallel members without any other boundary members.