Umbrella Strollers, Model 1601 PRT

CPSC Recall #88-028 — May 16, 1988

Recall Summary

Recall Number88-028
Recall DateMay 16, 1988
Remedy TypeNew Instructions, Repair
Units Affected15,000

Where It Was Sold

The Umbrella Strollers
Model 1601 PRT
were purchased in Service Merchandise stores from August
1986 through March
1987.

Product

Umbrella Strollers, Model 1601 PRT

Description

WASHINGTON D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Services Merchandise Company of Nashville, Tennessee, today announced a voluntary recall of 15,000 Umbrella Strollers, Model 1601 PRT, which were purchased in Service Merchandise stores from August, 1986 through March, 1987. The hazard involves sixteen tube end plugs on each stroller that are considered to be "small parts," which may come out and present a choking hazard to children. In addition, when the plugs are removed, the exposed metal tube ends could have "sharp edges." Neither Service Merchandise nor the Commission is aware of any injuries to small children as a result of these small parts and sharp edges. Consumers having Model 1601 PRT Umbrella Strollers should stop using them, and immediately contact Service Merchandise for a modification kit. Service Merchandise is offering a modification kit at no charge to its customers. The Model 1601 PRT Strollers involved are navy blue with red trim. The model number is located on the ID tag attached at the top of the fabric seat. To obtain a free modification kit, call toll-free, 1-800- 251-1389. Tennessee residents may call toll-free, 1-800-251-1212. Requests may also be sent to Service Merchandise Company, Customer Relations Department, PO Box 24600, Nashville, Tennessee 37202.

Hazard

The hazard involves sixteen tube end plugs on each stroller that are considered to be "small parts," which may come out and present a choking hazard to children. In addition, when the plugs are removed, the exposed metal tube ends could have "sharp edges."

Incidents & Injuries

Neither Service Merchandise nor the Commission is aware of any injuries to small children as a result of these small parts and sharp edges.

Remedy Instructions

Service Merchandise is offering a modification kit at no charge to its customers. Consumers having Model 1601 PRT Umbrella Strollers should stop using them, and immediately contact Service Merchandise for a modification kit. To obtain a free modification kit, call toll-free, 1-800- 251-1389. Tennessee residents may call toll-free, 1-800-251-1212. Requests may also be sent to Service Merchandise Company, Customer Relations Department, PO Box 24600, Nashville, Tennessee 37202.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, 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 (New Instructions, Repair) at no cost to you.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside — if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

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.