Bunk Beds

CPSC Recall #04-546 — April 12, 2004

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-546
Recall DateApril 12, 2004
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 2,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Ethan Allen stores nationwide from June 2003 through December 2003 for between $1
150 and $1
350.

Product

Bunk Beds

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ethan Allen, of Danbury, Conn., is voluntarily recalling Bunk Beds. A metal "j" hook on the guardrails can become dislodged, allowing the guardrail to slide or move out of position. This can allow the guardrail to detach from the bunk bed or allow the occupant to roll off the top bunk.Name of Product: Bunk BedsUnits: About 2,000Retailer: Ethan Allen, of Danbury, Conn.Hazard: A metal "j" hook on the guardrails can become dislodged, allowing the guardrail to slide or move out of position. This can allow the guardrail to detach from the bunk bed or allow the occupant to roll off the top bunk.Incidents/Injuries: Ethan Allen is aware of 22 incidents where a "j" hook became dislodged. Ethan Allen is not aware of any incidents or injuries caused by a dislodged "j" hook.Description: The top bunk guardrails on Ethan Allen Ryan and P.J. Bunk Beds have item numbers 35-5659-4, 36-5659-3 or 36-5659-4. Item numbers can be found on the inside of the bottom bunk headboard or footboard. The "j" hooks were incorporated into the guardrails of bunk beds as a locking/unlocking device. When unlocked and out of position, the guardrail can be removed for easy access to change bed linen.Sold at: Ethan Allen stores nationwide from June 2003 through December 2003 for between $1,150 and $1,350.Manufactured In: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using the top bunk if a "j" hook has become dislodged. Ethan Allen is directly notifying consumers who purchased these bunk beds about the recall and is providing free repair kits. Guardrails will be shipped to consumers with these recalled bunk beds on or about May 20, 2004.Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Ethan Allen at (888) 339-9398 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can contact Ethan Allen on their website at www.ethanallen.com or email the firm at [email protected].

Hazard

A metal "j" hook on the guardrails can become dislodged, allowing the guardrail to slide or move out of position. This can allow the guardrail to detach from the bunk bed or allow the occupant to roll off the top bunk.

Incidents & Injuries

Ethan Allen is aware of 22 incidents where a "j" hook became dislodged. Ethan Allen is not aware of any incidents or injuries caused by a dislodged "j" hook.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the top bunk if a "j" hook has become dislodged. Ethan Allen is directly notifying consumers who purchased these bunk beds about the recall and is providing free repair kits. Guardrails will be shipped to consumers with these recalled bunk beds on or about May 20, 2004.

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.