June
5, 2001
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. Hedstrom Corp. Contact: Glenn Kilbride (847)
803-9200