Superyard children's play enclosures and Superyard Extension Kits

CPSC Recall #96-026 - November 20, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-026
Recall DateNovember 20, 1995
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedApproximately 70,000 Superyard children's play enclosures and 6,000 Superyard Extension Kits

Product

Superyard children's play enclosures and Superyard Extension Kits

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), North States Industries of Minneapolis, Minn., is offering a repair kit for approximately 70,000 Superyard children's play enclosures and 6,000 Superyard Extension Kits manufactured between November 8, 1994 and October 17, 1995. Small plastic locking posts can be pulled loose when any of the enclosure's panels are disconnected, presenting a choking hazard to small children. North States has received 20 reports of posts pulling loose, including one in which a child put the post in his mouth and started to choke. The Superyard, model 8634, consists of six 30-inch by 23-inch interlocking pale gray plastic panels. The size and shape of the play area can be changed by adding or removing panels. The Superyard Extension Kit, model 8631, consists of two panels that can be added to the Superyard. Only Superyards and Superyard Extension Kits produced from November 8, 1994 through October 17, 1995 need to be repaired to prevent the posts from pulling loose. The production date is stamped on a diamond-shaped label in the center of one of the plastic panels. Children's specialty stores and chain discount and department stores sold the Superyard nationwide for $55 to $65. The Extension Kits retail for $20 to $25. Consumers with Superyards should check for the production date stamped on a diamond-shaped label in the center of one of the plastic panels. If the label is stamped with a date from November 8, 1994, through October 17, 1995, consumers should call North States at (800) 848-4927 to obtain a free repair kit and installation instructions to prevent the locking pins from pulling loose.

Hazard

Small plastic locking posts can be pulled loose when any of the enclosure's panels are disconnected, presenting a choking hazard to small children.

Incidents & Injuries

North States has received 20 reports of posts pulling loose, including one in which a child put the post in his mouth and started to choke.

Remedy Instructions

If the label is stamped with a date from November 8, 1994, through October 17, 1995, consumers should call North States at (800) 848-4927 to obtain a free repair kit and installation instructions to prevent the locking pins from pulling loose.

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.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside, if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

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.