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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mark Ross
March 11, 1998
(301) 504-7076
Release # 98-078
JB Research Contact: Dorothy J. Lorentz (562) 790-2400 Ext. 222
CPSC, JB Research Inc. Announce Recall of Back Massagers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JB Research Inc., of
Bellflower, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 15,000
back massagers sold under the Relaxor, Deep Knead™ Shiatsu
brand name. The motor for the massager's Deep Knead™
mechanism can jam and overheat. This will cause scorching to
the foam and fabric on back of the unit, presenting a
potential fire hazard to consumers.
JB Research Inc. has received 46 reports of units
overheating. No fires or injuries have been reported.
To determine if a Relaxor , Deep Knead™ Shiatsu back
massager is involved in this recall, check the control wand
of the massager. Only massagers that have the words "Deep
Knead" on the front of the control wand and the controller
model number JDK46H and serial numbers from 000001 to 020000
on the back of the control wand are included in this recall.
These massagers come in 2 sizes, a "seat topper"
(measuring 46 inches long by 20 inches wide) and a "seat
lounger" (measuring 69 1/4 inches long and 20 1/8 inches
wide). The massagers are covered in solid black or gray
tweed fabric. The word "Relaxor" is imprinted on the front
of the unit and elastic straps on the back of the unit
attach the massager to a chair. The massager comes with an
AC plug-in/auto adapter and the control wand.
Specialty stores nationwide, including The Sharper
Image, Brookstone and Nordic Track, sold the massagers from
October 1997 through December 1997 for about $200 to $260.
Consumers should stop using the recalled massagers
immediately and call JB Research Inc. at (800) 771-5792
anytime. JB Research will provide instructions for the
return of the massagers and will send consumers a free
replacement unit.
No other models of Relaxor massagers are involved in
this recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury
or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product
or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800)
638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call
(301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this
release and recall information via Internet gopher services at cpsc.gov or report product hazards to
info@cpsc.gov.
