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Sure-Pik bowling ball returns

CPSC Recall #98-144 — July 19, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-144
Recall DateJuly 19, 1998
Remedy TypeLabel, Repair

Product

Sure-Pik bowling ball returns

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AMF Bowling Products of Mechanicsville, Va., is announcing a program to repair or replace Sure-Pik bowling ball returns. Consumers' fingers can become entrapped and injured in the ball return's belt. CPSC and AMF have received 14 reports of children's fingers becoming entrapped in these ball returns. Injuries range from bruises and lacerations, to partial amputations and fractures. Sure-Pik ball returns were manufactured by AMF Inc. between 1973 and 1980 and are in approximately 238 bowling establishments, including military installations, nationwide. Sure-Pik is written on the side of the ball returns. For AMF-owned establishments, AMF will install plastic guards on either side of the Sure-Pik ball returns to raise the sides around the moving belt. Large warning labels will be placed on the guards. These labels are colorful pictographs warning children to keep their hands and fingers out of the ball return. For non-AMF-owned establishments, AMF will offer each owner the option of either obtaining the repair kit at cost, plus shipping and handling, or receiving a trade-in allowance of $900 toward the purchase of a new AMF C-90 ball return. AMF also will make special lease financing available for qualified owners. For all establishments using Sure-Pik ball returns, AMF will provide, free of charge, warning labels and a safety pamphlet on children's bowling. Owners of bowling establishments using Sure-Pik ball returns should contact AMF at (800) 342-5263 for information on participating in this recall program. Consumers should look for the plastic guards and warning labels on all Sure-Pik ball returns. If consumers don't see this, they should contact the establishment's manager.

Hazard

Consumers' fingers can become entrapped and injured in the ball return's belt.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and AMF have received 14 reports of children's fingers becoming entrapped in these ball returns. Injuries range from bruises and lacerations, to partial amputations and fractures.

Remedy Instructions

For AMF-owned establishments, AMF will install plastic guards on either side of the Sure-Pik ball returns to raise the sides around the moving belt. Large warning labels will be placed on the guards. These labels are colorful pictographs warning children to keep their hands and fingers out of the ball return. For non-AMF-owned establishments, AMF will offer each owner the option of either obtaining the repair kit at cost, plus shipping and handling, or receiving a trade-in allowance of $900 toward the purchase of a new AMF C-90 ball return. AMF also will make special lease financing available for qualified owners.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Label, Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Label, Repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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