Device having rotary knobs extending partially through a plate member

Claim 1

In a structure having a plurality of rotary knobs extending partially through respective slots in a plate member for operator manipulation with a finger, each rotary knob being adapted to operate a respective electric component, the improvement wherein the plurality of rotary knobs are arranged in at least two parallel rows spaced closely adjacent each other, the rotary knobs in each row being spaced apart from each other and aligned parallel in one plane, the rotary knobs of one row being staggered so as to be laterally offset with respect to the rotary knobs of the other row, and further comprising a raised, continuous barrier in the form of a bar between the two rows extending lengthwise linearly coextensively with the two rows at least from the first rotary knob beginning each respective row to the last rotary knob of each respective row and extending upright from the plate member to a height sufficient to prevent accidental actuation of a rotary knob in one row during actuation of rotary knob in the other row, said bar having respective sides each said side facing a respective said row and, each said side having a plurality of recesses formed therein each corresponding to and facing a rotary knob of the respective row for accomodating the finger of the operator therein during actuation of a rotary knob.