Note: telephone number change
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued June 5, 2001 Revised November 12, 2002 Release # 01-165 |
Company Phone Number: (800) 233-3271
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 Hedstrom Corp. Contact: Glenn Kilbride, (847) 803-9200 |
CPSC, Hedstrom® Corp. Announce Recall of Swings on Backyard Gym Sets
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hedstrom® Corp., of Bedford, Pa., and their subsidiary Backyard Products, of Collingwood, Ontario, are recalling to repair about 190,000 Star Cruiser® and Rocket Rider® swings on backyard gym sets. Screws that hold the swing together can fall out, causing the seat to fall to the ground, posing an injury risk to children.Hedstrom has received 291 reports of seats separating, including 19 children who suffered lacerations, scrapes and bruises.
The recalled swings, which come with separate pieces for the seat and handle bars/leg rest, were sold with Hedstrom metal and wood gym sets, wood kits, and as accessories. The Star Cruiser has a one-piece seat, with a white plastic circle and the words, "Star Cruiser" and "Hedstrom" on the front of the handle bars/leg rest. A mesh backing, called a Safe-T TM Backrest, can be connected to back of the seat. The Rocket Rider is a 'see-saw' swing, with a white seat on which two children can sit back-to-back. The words, "Rocket Rider" are printed on the front of each of the two handle bars/leg rests.
Department, toy, discount, lumber, and hardware stores nationwide, including Toys "R" Us, Wal-Mart and Kmart, sold the gyms from September 2000 through April 2001 for $150 to $400.
Consumers should stop using the swings immediately and detach them from the gym set. Consumers should call Hedstrom toll-free at (800) 233-3271 to order a free repair. Consumers also can log on to the company's website at www.hedstrom.com or write to the company at Hedstrom Corp., Free Repair Kit, P.O. Box 432, Bedford, PA 15522.
