LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Remember when disposable diapers were considered a luxury -- something you used only when you were away from home? Luxuries have a way of becoming necessities.

A local mother recognized a need and invented a product for parents. Her story has lessons for every would-be inventor.

Lisa Carvajal's oldest son was 2½ and needed to be disciplined for hitting, biting and throwing.

“I began using time out,” she says. “In order to use it consistently you need to have a spot that's consistent. All the books on discipline say be consistent with your spot -- make sure you use the same spot.”

This busy mom needed a portable timeout mat.

“I couldn't believe such a simple idea that would make my life easier wasn't available.”

Take-Out Time-Out was born. It's portable, pliable, goes anywhere -- on the floor, on the chair, away from home -- polyester, rubber backed disc.

Marketing the discipline device required Lisa’s own discipline and determination. She cautions other investors beware: time and money are required.

“That was one aspect of it I really did not think about, which might have been good, because if I did think about it, I might not have pursued it,” she says. “It's a lot of investing -- your time, your money.”

Other advice Lisa offers investors: use your friends.

“I pulled my friends together and did information focus groups,” she says.

She even sent the mat to celebrities like Kelly Ripa.

“She mentioned it on the show, talked about it for a good five minutes straight. I could not believe it. I love her.”

Sales did not skyrocket because of the Ripa mention, but Lisa and Take-Out Time-Out are on the move.