Proteus paintball mask

CPSC Recall #01-197 — July 12, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-197
Recall DateJuly 12, 2001
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 4,000

Where It Was Sold

Paintball equipment stores sold these masks nationwide from March 2001 through May 2001 for between $110 and $150.

Product

Proteus paintball mask

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JT USA Inc., of Chula Vista, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 Proteus masks used for protection during paintball combat. The plastic facemask could crack around the ear cover when hit by a paintball. This could allow the facemask to come off, exposing consumers to eye injuries.JT USA has received one report of a mask breaking around the ear cover. No injuries have been reported.The Proteus mask is made up of a Spectra goggle, visor and facemask, which includes ear covers and a strap. Model number 50085090201 includes a cooling fan. Model number 50105090201 does not include a fan. The model numbers are written on the packaging. Both masks are gray with clear, plastic ear covers. Only masks with clear ear covers are part of the recall.Paintball equipment stores sold these masks nationwide from March 2001 through May 2001 for between $110 and $150.Consumers should stop using these masks immediately, and return them to JT USA for a free replacement mask. For more information and shipping instructions, call JT USA at (800) 587-2246 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or write to The Recall Dept., JTA USA Inc., 515 Main St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Consumers also can go to the firm's website at www.jtusa.com.

Hazard

The plastic facemask could crack around the ear cover when hit by a paintball. This could allow the facemask to come off, exposing consumers to eye injuries.

Incidents & Injuries

JT USA has received one report of a mask breaking around the ear cover. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these masks immediately, and return them to JT USA for a free replacement mask.

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.

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.