Fully Operational Portable Play Yards

CPSC Recall #97-146 — June 24, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-146
Recall DateJune 24, 1997
Remedy TypeRepair

Where It Was Sold

Major department
discount and juvenile products stores nationwide have sold these Evenflo play yards since January 1990 for about $60 to $130.

Product

Fully Operational Portable Play Yards

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Evenflo Company Inc., of Piqua, Ohio, is offering free hinge cover kits to owners of fully operational portable play yards sold under the Happy Camper, Happy Cabana and Kiddie Camper model names. If the hinges on the product are not fully rotated, the product can collapse, possibly trapping the child in the "V" formed by the folded top rails. Additionally, if leaned or sat upon, the rotating plastic hinges in the middle of the folding top rails can crack or break, presenting a sharp edge or possibly allowing the child to escape.Evenflo and CPSC are aware of three deaths involving the play yards. In two incidents, the hinges collapsed and entrapped the child and in one incident an infant was placed into a broken play yard. Evenflo has received 107 reports of children receiving cuts and bruises from broken hinges.The hinge covers fit over the hinges of the play yards only when the hinges are fully rotated into place, assuring that the play yard is properly set up. The hinge covers also provide additional reinforcement to the sides of the play yard. They snap on easily but firmly and can be moved by an adult to allow normal folding.Evenflo urges consumers to fully rotate the hinges, to inspect the hinges regularly for signs of cracking or breaking and to avoid leaning or sitting on the top rails.The play yards subject to this action are the Happy Camper and Happy Cabana models, which are rectangular-shaped, and the Kiddie Camper model, which is square-shaped. "Evenflo" and the model name of the play yard are printed on the top side rail of each play yard. The play yards come in a variety of colors and fabrics. Each play yard folds compactly and comes with a carrying bag and mattress.Major department, discount and juvenile products stores nationwide have sold these Evenflo play yards since January 1990 for about $60 to $130.Consumers who have one of these recalled play yards with a broken hinge should immediately discontinue using it and properly dispose of it. Evenflo will not be providing a fix (hinge cover kit) in such cases. The kits are now only being offered to consumers that have a fully operational play yard.Consumers who own a fully operational Happy Camper, Happy Cabana or Kiddie Camper should call Evenflo toll free at 1-800-447-9178 to receive the free hinge covers and should be sure to fully rotate the top rail hinges when setting up the play yard. Consumers may also write to Evenflo Company Inc., 1801 Commerce Drive, Piqua, OH 45356.

Hazard

If the hinges on the product are not fully rotated, the product can collapse, possibly trapping the child in the "V" formed by the folded top rails. Additionally, if leaned or sat upon, the rotating plastic hinges in the middle of the folding top rails can crack or break, presenting a sharp edge or possibly allowing the child to escape.

Incidents & Injuries

Evenflo and CPSC are aware of three deaths involving the play yards. In two incidents, the hinges collapsed and entrapped the child and in one incident an infant was placed into a broken play yard. Evenflo has received 107 reports of children receiving cuts and bruises from broken hinges.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who have one of these recalled play yards with a broken hinge should immediately discontinue using it and properly dispose of it. Evenflo will not be providing a fix (hinge cover kit) in such cases. The kits are now only being offered to consumers that have a fully operational play yard.

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.