Original; see modified release: Gables Patio Rocking Chairs Recalled by Kmart

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 1997
Release # 98-033

Company Phone Number: (800) 288-0918
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC, Kmart Announce Recall to Repair Patio Rocking Chairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kmart Corp. of Troy, Mich., is announcing a recall to inspect and repair about 148,000 wrought-iron patio rocking chairs sold under the brand name "Gables." If assembled improperly, the rocking chairs can collapse, causing its occupant to fall.

Kmart is aware of 84 reports of the rocking chairs collapsing, resulting in 80 injuries. One injury involved a cut to the head requiring three stitches. The remaining injuries included several reports of back pain and numerous reports of bruises. All but one of the incidents occurred when consumers sat on a display model of the chair in a Kmart store.

The "Gables" wrought-iron rocking chairs have a green textured finish, and are sold as part of a five-piece patio set that includes a 54-inch oval table and four high-back chairs with spring-rocker function. The Kmart item number is 21-34-59 and the UPC code for the patio set is 018866001024. These numbers can be located on hang tags found on the set when sold and customer receipts.

Kmart stores nationwide sold these rocking chairs from September 1996 through August 1997. The five- piece set sold for about $250.

Consumers should check the positions of the rocking chairs' four bolts, located under the seats, to determine if their chairs have been assembled properly:

The bolts located toward the back of the chair should fit all the way in the drilled hole.
The bolt located toward the front part of the chair, closest to the rocker coil, should stick out about 1/16 inch.
Be certain to check that all four bolts on the chair are tight.

If consumers need further help or have any questions about the chair assembly, they should call the manufacturer, Compex International at (800) 288-0918 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.

If consumers are not satisfied after inspecting their chairs, they can return the entire five-piece set to their nearest Kmart location for a refund. For more information, consumers should call Kmart at (800) 63KMART anytime.