"SMURF" and "SNOOPY" ceiling fans
CPSC Recall #88-044 — June 21, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-044 |
| Recall Date | June 21, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | New Instructions, Repair |
| Units Affected | 1,500 |
Where It Was Sold
| Lindsley sold 1 |
| 500 units each of the "SMURF" and "SNOOPY" models of these 48" |
| 4-blade reversible ceiling fans through its 43 Lindsley retail stores located in the southern part of Florida. Sales were made from the latter part of 1984 through 1985. These ceiling fans sold for a retail price ranging from $20 to $80. |
Product
"SMURF" and "SNOOPY" ceiling fans
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Lindsley Home Decorating Centers, Miami Lakes, Florida, announces a notification and replacement program involving the "SMURF" and "SNOOPY" models of ceiling fans sold through Lindsley retail stores. These ceiling fans have a defective mounting bracket assembly, which could cause the ceiling fan to fall from its support. Serious injury could result to anyone who is struck by one of these falling ceiling fans. There have been three incidents of these ceiling fans falling, with two people receiving minor injuries. Lindsley sold 1,500 units each of the "SMURF" and "SNOOPY" models of these 48", 4-blade reversible ceiling fans through its 43 Lindsley retail stores located in the southern part of Florida. Sales were made from the latter part of 1984 through 1985. These ceiling fans sold for a retail price ranging from $20 to $80. These ceiling fans are white in color and have the "SNOOPY" and "SMURF" characters on the ceiling fans. During the latter part of 1985, Lindsley initiated a program to replace the defective mounting brackets on these ceiling fans. Lindsley Home Decorating Centers is now undertaking a new replacement program to replace both the original defective mounting bracket and the replacement bracket previously offered by Lindsley. This program includes not only the replacement of the mounting bracket but also the nylon ball that fits into the bracket. Any consumer who has purchased one of these ceiling fans from a Lindsley store should contact Linsley Home Decorating Centers, Miami Lakes, Florida, at 305-364-4006 or toll-free 1-800-999-7173 for a free replacement kit. The kit will include a new mounting bracket and hanging ball as well as instructions for removal of the original components and installation of the replacement components.
Hazard
These ceiling fans have a defective mounting bracket assembly, which could cause the ceiling fan to fall from its support. Serious injury could result to anyone who is struck by one of these falling ceiling fans.
Incidents & Injuries
There have been three incidents of these ceiling fans falling, with two people receiving minor injuries.
Remedy Instructions
Any consumer who has purchased one of these ceiling fans from a Lindsley store should contact Linsley Home Decorating Centers, Miami Lakes, Florida, at 305-364-4006 or toll-free 1-800-999-7173 for a free replacement kit. The kit will include a new mounting bracket and hanging ball as well as instructions for removal of the original components and installation of the replacement components.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, 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 (New Instructions, Repair) at no cost to you.
Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.
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.