Voluntary Recall Program Announced For Infant Seat/Carriers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Pines of America, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, today announced a voluntary refund program affecting 15,000 combination infant seat/carriers.

The combination infant seat and carrier features a removable leg rest, removable feeding tray and a metal frame permitting use as either a rocker, stationary seat or carrier.

When used as a carrier, consumers may carry the product by holding it under its detachable leg rest. By carrying it in this manner, the leg rest may come off and allow the product to fall off the carrier.

Pines of America has received two reports of leg rests becoming detached while being used to carry the infant and carrier, allegedly allowing the infant being carried to fall out.

The products were sold by numerous retail stores nationwide under the brand name of "Tenderkare," model 412 and by Sears, Roebuck and Co. under the brand name of "Winnie-the-Pooh Rocker-Carrier," model 36511, between 1975 and 1980 for approximately $20.00. No other infant seat/carriers are involved in this refund program.

Earlier efforts by the firm to reach owners of affected products have resulted in few returns of the detachable leg rests.

Consumers owning affected models should discontinue use of the detachable leg rest as a handle and should return the leg rest (with their name and address) in exchange for a $5.00 refund to Pines of America, 5120 Investment Drive, P.O. Box 8601, Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46808, Postage costs will also be Reimbursed.

Consumers requiring additional information on this refund program, should call Pines of America toll-free at 800-348-0751, or the CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.