FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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March 9, 1983 |
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Release # 83-010 |
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CPSC Warns Of Tennis Net Tightener Danger
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today
issued an alert to warn consumers of the risk of injury especially
to small children associated with the M.R. Lane Jiffy A-4 Tennis
Net Tightener. The Commission is aware of 18 injuries and one
fatality which occurred when an 11-year-old girl was struck on the
neck while adjusting the lever. The other incidents include facial
and mouth injuries.
The product is a tennis net tightening device made of iron.
The device moves up and down the net post on a track bolted to the
post. The lever increases or decreases the tension in the net and
can spring forward with some force when released. A person can be
seriously injured if struck by the lever. The brand name "Jiffy A-4"
appears on the hook part of the device.
The company manufactured approximately 50,000 units from 1929
until 1978. In 1978, the company issued cautionary labels and a
safety pin was added to prevent small children from inadvertently
pulling upon the handle. No reports of incidents or injuries have
been received involving these redesigned units. The company has been
out of business since November 1982.
The product was distributed through sporting goods distributors
and tennis court construction firms. The tennis net tensioning device
has been installed in both private and public tennis courts.
The Commission urges parents to caution children not to play
with the tennis net tensioning device, but rather to request the
maintenance personnel to adjust the net height, if necessary.
The Commission urges operators of tennis courts in public parks
and private clubs to check to determine if M.R. Lane A-4 Tennis Net
Tensioning Devices are used on their courts and if they are, check
to determine whether or not a safety pin has been added. If not,
the handle should be tied down permanently so that a child can not
move the handle. Also, place a notice near the tension device
warning children to request maintenance personnel to adjust the
device.
JIFFY-A4 APPEARS ON THE HOOK PART OF THE
DEVICE. ARROW SHOWS LOCATION OF SAFETY PIN.
THIS SAFETY PIN IS PLACED THROUGH HOOK
ASSEMBLY SO THAT A CHILD CAN NOT MOVE THE
HANDLE. |
HANDLE SHOULD BE PERMANENTLY TIED DOWN IF SAFETY PIN HAS NOT BEEN ADDED |
THE TENNIS NET TIGHTENING DEVICE MOVES UP AND DOWN THE NET POST
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