Original; see modified release: Swings on Backyard Gym Sets Recalled By Hedstrom®

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2001
Release # 01-165

Gym Set Recall Hotline: (800) 642-9193
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063
Hedstrom Corp. Contact: Glenn Kilbride, (847) 803-9200

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

CPSC, Hedstrom® Corp. Announce Recall of Swings on Backyard Gym Sets

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hedstrom® Corp., of Bedford, Pa., and their subsidiary Backyard Products, of Collingwood, Ontario, are recalling to repair about 190,000 Star Cruiser® and Rocket Rider® swings on backyard gym sets. Screws that hold the swing together can fall out, causing the seat to fall to the ground, posing an injury risk to children.

Hedstrom has received 291 reports of seats separating, including 19 children who suffered lacerations, scrapes and bruises.

The recalled swings, which come with separate pieces for the seat and handle bars/leg rest, were sold with Hedstrom metal and wood gym sets, wood kits, and as accessories. The Star Cruiser has a one-piece seat, with a white plastic circle and the words, "Star Cruiser" and "Hedstrom" on the front of the handle bars/leg rest. A mesh backing, called a Safe-T TM Backrest, can be connected to back of the seat. The Rocket Rider is a 'see-saw' swing, with a white seat on which two children can sit back-to-back. The words, "Rocket Rider" are printed on the front of each of the two handle bars/leg rests.

Department, toy, discount, lumber, and hardware stores nationwide, including Toys "R" Us, Wal-Mart and Kmart, sold the gyms from September 2000 through April 2001 for $150 to $400.

Consumers should stop using the swings immediately and detach them from the gym set. Consumers should call Hedstrom toll-free at (800) 642- 9193 anytime to order a free repair. Consumers also can log on to the company's website at www.hedstrom.com or write to the company at Hedstrom Corp., Free Repair Kit, P.O. Box 432, Bedford, PA 15522.