By Danielle Cahill
ninemsn
Americans worried about late-night intruders can now reach for their weapon without leaving bed.
A company in the US has started selling gun racks specifically designed to fit onto a double mattress.
Made from polymer plastic, the $45 rack claims to be the ultimate in home protection.
The "Back-Up" is designed to hold a shotgun, though is can be adjusted to fit other smaller weapons. Once installed, the weapon sits unobtrusively under a doona cover.
"It tends to be for people who don't have immediate access to a police service," said CEO John Peters.
"If a person's well trained and knows how to use the weapon, I feel they would be safer [with the Back-Up]."
Around half of the company's clients are women.
"We're not just selling to rednecks and country people," Mr Peters said.
"I know I sold some to a bank president."
The company recently received a flood of orders in the wake of the death of pro-footballer Sean Taylor.
Taylor was shot dead by armed robbers during a home invasion gone wrong on November 27.
The rack is currently sold in the US, New Zealand and South Africa — and Mr Peters is looking to increase his overseas market.
Although Australians consumers can legally buy the Back-Up, using the rack for its intended purpose would be illegal because it violates regulations about safely storing weapons.
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