Orbitrek Elite and Orbitrek Elite Magnetic Elliptical Exercise Gliders
CPSC Recall #09-754 — July 20, 2009
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 09-754 |
| Recall Date | July 20, 2009 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, New Instructions |
| Units Affected | About 48,000 |
| Manufacturer | Utop Sporting Co., of China |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Directly to consumers at www.thane.com and through television infomercials from March 2007 through May 2009 for between $200 and $300. |
Product
Orbitrek Elite and Orbitrek Elite Magnetic Elliptical Exercise Gliders
Description
This recall involves Orbitrek Elite ("OE") and Orbitrek Elite Magnetic ("OEM") elliptical gliders with model numbers BK2080 (OE) and BK2280 (OEM). The recalled gliders have a blue and gray plastic cover. The model name can be located on the side of the machine. No other models of Orbitrek-branded elliptical gliders are included in this recall.
Hazard
The written instructions incorrectly identify the proper location of the spring washer. An incorrectly installed spring washer can put undue stress on bolts, causing them to loosen, which poses a fall hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the recalled machines until they inspect their unit and confirm that the spring washer is in the correct location. Thane is directly contacting consumers to provide new assembly instructions, which can also be located on the firm's Web site.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, New Instructions 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 (Inspect, New Instructions) 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.