"Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs
CPSC Recall #82-040 - September 21, 1982
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 82-040 |
| Recall Date | September 21, 1982 |
| Remedy Type | Dispose |
| Units Affected | Over 1,000 |
| Manufacturer | Contemporary Times, Inc., of St. Petersburg, Florida |
Product
"Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that in excess of 1,000 "Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs manufactured between 1975 and 1978 by Contemporary Times, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida, present a neck entrapment hazard. A nine-month-old baby died as a result of asphyxiation when her neck became entrapped in the crib slats. The "Starlighter" crib is made of plastic and has hinged fold-down side rails. When the top half of the side rail is folded down, the lower half of the side rail presents a picket fence configuration in which the baby's neck may become entrapped. In addition to the entrapment hazard, the baby may fall out of the crib and sustain injury as a result of improper crib side height. The side rail in its lowest position is below the top of the mattress in its highest position, making it possible for the baby to fall out of the crib. Consumers should immediately discontinue the use of the "Starlighter" crib. There is no adequate and feasible "fix" for the entrapment hazard. Consumers should not attempt to make such a "fix" because it is most likely to present other hazards to babies. Contemporary Times, Inc. is insolvent and undergoing a federal bankruptcy proceeding. The firm has, therefore, refused to recall or repurchase the cribs. The crib was sold nationwide at retail for approximately $200.00.
Hazard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that in excess of 1,000 "Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs manufactured between 1975 and 1978 by Contemporary Times, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida, present a neck entrapment hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
A nine-month-old baby died as a result of asphyxiation when her neck became entrapped in the crib slats.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately discontinue the use of the "Starlighter" crib. There is no adequate and feasible "fix" for the entrapment hazard. Consumers should not attempt to make such a "fix" because it is most likely to present other hazards to babies.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose 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 (Dispose) 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.