Travel Playards (also known as playpens)
CPSC Recall #97-026 - November 20, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 97-026 |
| Recall Date | November 20, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 212,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| The Century Model 10-710 |
| measuring 26 inches by 38 inches |
| was sold in Toys R Us stores beginning in June 1994 for about $50. The Model 10-810 |
| measuring 28 inches by 41 inches |
| was sold nationwide beginning in February 1993 in juvenile products and discount stores for about $80. |
Product
Travel Playards (also known as playpens)
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Century Products Company of Macedonia, Ohio, is voluntarily providing a free repair kit for about 212,000 Century Fold-N-Go Model 10-710 and 10-810 Travel Playards (also known as playpens). The top rails on these playards may collapse unexpectedly, trapping a child at the neck in the "V" formed by the collapsed top rail. An 18-month-old boy died recently in Centreville, Va., when a Century playard collapsed. The Fairfax County, Va., Police Department provided information to CPSC regarding the death. Century is offering a free repair kit, consisting of new Posi-Locks top rails to prevent the rails from collapsing when a child is in the playard. This kit can be installed in the home using a Phillips head screwdriver. The Century Model 10-710, measuring 26 inches by 38 inches, was sold in Toys R Us stores beginning in June 1994 for about $50. The Model 10-810, measuring 28 inches by 41 inches, was sold nationwide beginning in February 1993 in juvenile products and discount stores for about $80. Both models fold compactly and fit into an accompanying nylon case for storing and carrying. The model number is located on a label on the floor or on one of the support tubes under the floor. All Century Fold-N-Go Models 10-710 and 10-810 are part of this recall. Other Century Fold-N-Go models have different top rails and are not being recalled. Consumers with either a Century Model 10-710 or Model 10-810 Fold-N-Go Playard should stop using the product immediately and call Graco, which now owns the "Century" brand name, at 800-345-4109 for a free repair kit and installation instructions. Consumers should not use the playard until the new top rails are installed.
Hazard
The top rails on these playards may collapse unexpectedly, trapping a child at the neck in the "V" formed by the collapsed top rail.
Incidents & Injuries
An 18-month-old boy died recently in Centreville, Va., when a Century playard collapsed.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers with either a Century Model 10-710 or Model 10-810 Fold-N-Go Playard should stop using the product immediately and call Graco, which now owns the "Century" brand name for a free repair kit and installation instructions. Consumers should not use the playard until the new top rails are installed.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
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 (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.