HIPPO-LOT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511
CPSC Recall #84-029 - May 1, 1984
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 84-029 |
| Recall Date | May 1, 1984 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 15,000 |
Product
HIPPO-LOT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511
Description
Washington, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that a musical computer crib and toddler toy, the HIPPO-LOT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511, distributed by Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., 909 East Orchard, Mundelein, Illinois 60060, may present choking and ingestion hazards because of a small knob which can be pulled off.This toy is battery operated and constructed of plastic in the shape of a hippopotamus, with straps for attachment to a crib or playpen and includes a handle for carrying. When the buttons are pushed, knobs twisted or moved and/or dials turned, the toy plays various tunes, makes noises or lights UP. A blue decal with white lettering on the front of the toy reads "Tiger Electronic Toys HIPPO-LOT-O-FUN." The toy is approximately 16" long by 7" high by 1 1/4" thick.When the Commission tested this toy according to safety requirements for toys, a sliding knob pulled off. This is in contradiction of the CPSC Small Parts Requirement which prohibits small parts in toys intended for children under three years of age. CPSC has determined that this knob is small enough to present possible choking and ingestion hazards to children under three years of age.The Commission is aware of one incident involving a 15-month-old child who accidentally ingested the sliding knob from this toy. The mother was able to remove the knob from the back of the child's mouth and medical attention was not required. No other accidental ingestion incident has been reported.Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., engaged the services of an independent engineering firm to also conduct safety testing. Although the toy failed the Small Parts Requirements, when tested under actual use conditions in a children's nursery, the children tested could not dislodge the sliding knob. Nevertheless, Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., has elected to cooperate with the Commission to conclude the matter. Tiger distributed approximately 15,000 of these toys nationally from 1980 through 1982. The toys sold for about $20.00.Consumers should remove these toys from use and return them directly to the company. Tiger is prepared to offer in exchange a SELECT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511.For further information, write Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc., 909 East Orchard, Mundelein, Illinois 60060, or contact them at (312) 949-8100, or the Commission's toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
The toy may present choking and ingestion hazards because of a small knob which can be pulled off.
Incidents & Injuries
The Commission is aware of one incident involving a 15-month-old child who accidentally ingested the sliding knob from this toy. The mother was able to remove the knob from the back of the child's mouth and medical attention was not required. No other accidental ingestion incident has been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should remove these toys from use and return them directly to the company. Tiger is prepared to offer in exchange a SELECT-O-FUN Musical Computer Toy, Model No. 7-511.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (Replace) 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.