Battery Charger For Travelmate 4000m Notebook Computers

CPSC Recall #96-064 — January 24, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-064
Recall DateJanuary 24, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedApproximately 3,200

Product

Battery Charger For Travelmate 4000m Notebook Computers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas, Texas, is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 3,200 optional external battery chargers for batteries used with Texas Instruments TravelMate 4000M Notebook computers. These external battery chargers may have a defect involving a small electronic component. If this defect is present and if consumers cover or insulate the external charger during use, preventing normal air circulation, the charger could overheat, creating a potential fire hazard. The gray plastic external chargers measure 5.75 inches long, 3.75 inches wide, and 1 inch deep. A label on the bottom of the external charger reads "Texas Instruments ... P/N9792543-0001 ... Type BTC 01 ..." Dates codes between 10/7/94 and 3/20/95 are printed on the recalled chargers. Various computer dealers sold the external chargers nationwide as an optional accessory. The chargers, which sold for approximately $139 from November 1994 through January 1996, were packaged with a "power supply" and black "power cord" in an unmarked white cadboard box. Owners of TravelMate 4000M external battery chargers labeled with part number 9792543-0001 should stop using the external chargers immediately and call (800) 730-4235 or E-mail their name, address and telephone number via the internet to [email protected]. Based on the availability of replacement external chargers, Texas Instruments, at its option, will refund customers' money or replace the external chargers. Texas Instruments, which reported this matter to CPSC, has not received any reports of injuries involving this product. No other Texas Instruments external battery charger models or other products are involved. Media inquiries of Texas Instruments can be directed to Bob Maples at (214) 917-2166 or via the internet at [email protected].

Hazard

These external battery chargers may have a defect involving a small electronic component. If this defect is present and if consumers cover or insulate the external charger during use, preventing normal air circulation, the charger could overheat, creating a potential fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Texas Instruments, which reported this matter to CPSC, has not received any reports of injuries involving this product. No other Texas Instruments external battery charger models or other products are involved.

Remedy Instructions

Owners of TravelMate 4000M external battery chargers labeled with part number 9792543-0001 should stop using the external chargers immediately and call (800) 730-4235 or E-mail their name, address and telephone number via the internet to [email protected]. Based on the availability of replacement external chargers, Texas Instruments, at its option, will refund customers' money or replace the external chargers.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace 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 (Refund, Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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.