"Astro-Lounger" recliner chairs

CPSC Recall #96-056 - December 25, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-056
Recall DateDecember 25, 1995
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedApproximately 1,000
ManufacturerAstro-Lounger Furniture Manufacturing Company Inc., of Houkla, Miss.

Product

"Astro-Lounger" recliner chairs

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- CPSC, Astro-Lounger Furniture Manufacturing Company Inc., of Houkla, Miss., is recalling approximately 1,000 recliner chairs. The space between the chair's seat and footrest, measuring 6.75 inches, does not meet voluntary industry standards. The space is large enough to entrap a child's head and strangle the child. The American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) guidelines for recliners, established in 1988, specify that openings between the upholstered seat and leg rest should not be greater than five inches. Recliner chairs that do not conform with industry guidelines present a head entrapment hazard and should not be used around small children. If a child's head or neck gets caught in the large opening between the chair seat and leg rest and the child leans forward, his weight could force the leg rest down. The leg rest could close on the child's neck, strangling him. CPSC is aware of one incident in which a 13-month-old child died in a recliner. The chairs, which are upholstered in beige, blue, brown or mauve fabric, have a label that reads "Astro-Lounger" on the foot rest. The chairs were sold through furniture stores nationwide from 1990 to January 1994 for approximately $99 each. Consumers who own Astro-Lounger recliner chairs should measure the space between the seat and footrest. If the opening is greater than five inches, consumers should stop using the chair immediately and call Astro-Lounger at (800) 700-6945. The company will send consumers a free crossbar to attach between the seat and footrest, which is designed to reduce the space and prevent a child's head from getting caught.

Hazard

The space between the chair's seat and footrest, measuring 6.75 inches, does not meet voluntary industry standards. The space is large enough to entrap a child's head and strangle the child.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC is aware of one incident in which a 13-month-old child died in a recliner.

Remedy Instructions

If the opening is greater than five inches, consumers should stop using the chair immediately and call Astro-Lounger at (800) 700-6945. The company will send consumers a free crossbar to attach between the seat and footrest, which is designed to reduce the space and prevent a child's head from getting caught.

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.