Tiger Electronics Hippo-Lot-O-Fun Musical Computer Toy May Present Hazard To Infants And Small Children

Washington, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that a musical computer crib and toddler toy, the HIPPO-LOT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511, distributed by Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., 909 East Orchard, Mundelein, Illinois 60060, may present choking and ingestion hazards because of a small knob which can be pulled off.

This toy is battery operated and constructed of plastic in the shape of a hippopotamus, with straps for attachment to a crib or playpen and includes a handle for carrying. When the buttons are pushed, knobs twisted or moved and/or dials turned, the toy plays various tunes, makes noises or lights UP. A blue decal with white lettering on the front of the toy reads "Tiger Electronic Toys HIPPO-LOT-O-FUN." The toy is approximately 16" long by 7" high by 1 l/4" thick.

When the Commission tested this toy according to safety requirements for toys, a sliding knob pulled off. This is in contradiction of the CPSC Small Parts Requirement which prohibits small parts in toys intended for children under three years of age. CPSC has determined that this knob is small enough to present possible choking and ingestion hazards to children under three years of age.

The Commission is aware of one incident involving a 15-month-old child who accidentally ingested the sliding knob from this toy. The mother was able to remove the knob from the back of the child's mouth and medical attention was not required. No other accidental ingestion incident has been reported.

Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., engaged the services of an independent engineering firm to also conduct safety testing. Although the toy failed the Small Parts Requirements, when tested under actual use conditions in a children's nursery, the children tested could not dislodge the sliding knob. Nevertheless, Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., has elected to cooperate with the Commission to conclude the matter. Tiger distributed approximately 15,000 of these toys nationally from 1980 through 1982. The toys sold for about $20.00.

Consumers should remove these toys from use and return them directly to the company. Tiger is prepared to offer in exchange a SELECT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511.

For further information, write Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., 909 East Orchard, Mundelein, Illinois 60060, or contact them at (312) 949-8100, or the Commission's toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.