Abstract: A knob safety assembly is operative to selectively restrict depression of a cooking element control knob. The safety assembly includes a blocking plate disposed inside of a bezel assembly. The bezel assembly includes an outer bezel defining one or more angled camming surfaces, and an inner bezel. Rotation of the inner bezel with respect to the outer bezel about a rotational axis slides an ear of the blocking plate along the camming surface to effect movement of the blocking plate along the rotational axis between a raised position, in which the blocking plate restricts depression of a cooking element control knob, to a recessed position, in which the blocking plate facilitates depression of the control knob. The inner bezel is releasably locked from rotating with respect to the outer bezel, and engages the blocking plate to constrain the blocking plate against movement along the rotational axis when locked.

Abstract: A knob safety assembly is operative to selectively restrict depression of a cooking element control knob. The safety assembly includes a blocking plate disposed inside of a bezel assembly. The bezel assembly includes an outer bezel defining one or more angled camming surfaces, and an inner bezel. Rotation of the inner bezel with respect to the outer bezel about a rotational axis slides an ear of the blocking plate along the camming surface to effect movement of the blocking plate along the rotational axis between a raised position, in which the blocking plate restricts depression of a cooking element control knob, to a recessed position, in which the blocking plate facilitates depression of the control knob. The inner bezel is releasably locked from rotating with respect to the outer bezel, and engages the blocking plate to constrain the blocking plate against movement along the rotational axis when locked.

Abstract: An eating assistance mat includes a substantially planar sheet of a pliable grippy material with a perimeter and first and second oppositely facing surfaces with a minimum thickness therebetween and defined by the perimeter. The first surface faces a first direction and substantially covers the entirety of the sheet within the perimeter. The second surface faces a second direction opposite the first direction and substantially covering the entirety of the sheet within the perimeter. The first surface be substantially smooth, while the second surface includes a plurality of protrusions thereon that extend outward generally in the first direction. The protrusions may be arranged in a regular array, and may be round when viewed normal to the second surface. The sheet may be sized and shaped to fit, while laying flat, within a rectangle of 16 inches by 11 inches.

Abstract: An eating assistance mat includes a substantially planar sheet of a pliable grippy material with a perimeter and first and second oppositely facing surfaces with a minimum thickness therebetween and defined by the perimeter. The first surface faces a first direction and substantially covers the entirety of the sheet within the perimeter. The second surface faces a second direction opposite the first direction and substantially covering the entirety of the sheet within the perimeter. The first surface be substantially smooth, while the second surface includes a plurality of protrusions thereon that extend outward generally in the first direction. The protrusions may be arranged in a regular array, and may be round when viewed normal to the second surface. The sheet may be sized and shaped to fit, while laying flat, within a rectangle of 16 inches by 11 inches.

Abstract: A retractable barrier particularly adapted to providing a readily viewable boundary across a pathway so that a child may be discouraged from wandering outside the safe zone established thereby. A main post assembly rotatably supports a net carrier for rotation about an axis. A net of substantial height is secured on one end to the net carrier and has a secondary post secured to the other end. A spring is disposed between a cap and an upper flange. The spring secures to the cap and engages the net carrier assembly to supply a retraction bias to the net carrier. A first ground sleeve is inserted in the ground and adapted to releasably engage the lower post mount. A second ground sleeve is inserted in the ground and adapted to releasably engage the second post. The barrier is moveable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A method for protecting a child from injury includes forming a carrier loop from an elongate strip of elastomeric material; applying the carrier loop to a perimeter edge of a furniture piece so as cover an adjacent portion of an upper surface and an adjacent portion of a side surface of the furniture piece; attaching a cushion bumper to an external surface of the carrier loop so that the carrier loop is disposed between the cushion bumper and the furniture piece, the cushion bumper having a thickness greater than the thickness of the strip. The longitudinal tension in the carrier loop may assist in attaching the carrier loop to the furniture piece. The strip may be a vinyl strip with a hardness of 30-60 Shore A and may be assembled from a plurality of connected segments. The furniture, carrier loop, and cushion bumper may form an assembly.

Abstract: A device for shading a child from sunlight while positioned in a child seat. The device includes a visor shaped for shielding the child from the sun. A bendable support arm is used for mounting and adjusting the visor. The support arm includes an interior member that is pliable for adjusting the orientation of said shield relative to the seat, and a protective outer member extending around the interior member to prevent contact of the interior member by the child.

Abstract: A removable interlock spacer is disposed between the rear face of a control knob and the face of a control panel of a cooking device, such as a stove or a barbecue grill, to prevent the control knob from being pushed in far enough to activate the associated cooking element(s). The push-in-and-turn type switches used in such devices require that the control knob be pushed in before the switch can be moved from its off position. The interlock spacer is of sufficient thickness to prevent the control knob from being pushed in far enough to allow the switch to be moved from its off position. Thus, the cooking element cannot be activated with the interlock spacer in position. When the cooking device is to be used, the interlock spacer may be removed and the switch will operate normally. Thereafter, when cooking is complete, the interlock spacer is re-installed so that young children and the like will not inadvertently create a hazard to themselves and others.