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Mini-hammocks

CPSC Recall #96-041 - December 13, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-041
Recall DateDecember 13, 1995
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected26,000

Where It Was Sold

Consolidated sold the hammocks nationwide in 1990 and 1991 for $3.99 each at its Big Lots and Odd Lots stores.

Product

Mini-hammocks

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. CPSC, Consolidated Stores Corporation of Columbus, Ohio, is recalling 26,000 mini-hammocks, which do not have spreader bars to hold the hammock bed open. Without spreader bars, children can become entangled and strangle while getting in or out of a hammock. Since 1975, CPSC has received reports of 17 children between the ages of 5 and 17 who strangled while using mini-hammocks without spreader bars that were manufactured by various companies. CPSC is also aware of one incident in which a child became entangled and suffered brain damage from a near-strangulation in a mini-hammock allegedly sold by Consolidated Stores. Mini-hammocks are light-weight, nylon mesh hammocks without spreader bars. Consolidated Stores mini-hammocks measure 7 feet wide by 20 feet long with nylon ropes at each end. Consolidated sold the hammocks nationwide in 1990 and 1991 for $3.99 each at its Big Lots and Odd Lots stores. Consumers should stop using the Consolidated mini-hammocks and return them to the Big Lots or Odd Lots stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers may call Consolidated Stores at (800) 877-1253, Ext. 6807. CPSC staff is investigating other mini-hammock manufacturers and importers to determine whether their hammocks present similar entanglement risks.

Hazard

Without spreader bars, children can become entangled and strangle while getting in or out of a hammock.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC has received reports of 17 children between the ages of 5 and 17 who strangled while using mini-hammocks without spreader bars that were manufactured by various companies. CPSC is also aware of one incident in which a child became entangled and suffered brain damage from a near-strangulation in a mini-hammock allegedly sold by Consolidated Stores.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the Consolidated mini-hammocks and return them to the Big Lots or Odd Lots stores where purchased for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund 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 (Refund) 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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