Recalls this week: Converter kits, crossbows
About 20,000 travel converter kits for U.S. and Canadian appliances were recalled this week because they can potentially overheat and start a fire. Crossbows that can fire unexpectedly and stuffed animals with flashlight wires that can cause lacerations were also recalled.
Travel Converter Kits
DETAILS: Samsonite dual-wattage travel converter kits used to make standard U.S. and Canadian appliances usable abroad. The kit includes one black converter to change 220-volt AC electricity to 110-volt AC, two adapter plugs with round prongs, two with flat prongs and one grounded adapter plug with three flat prongs. The converter has a red switch to adjust the wattage of the appliance from 50 to 1600 watts. The words “Dual-Wattage Converter” and “Do Not Use 50W on Hair Dryer” appear on the front of the converter. The Samsonite logo appears on each piece in the set. They were sold from Jan. 2011 through Dec. 2012.
WHY: The converter can overheat if a load in excess of 50 watts is applied to the converter while in the 50-watt setting. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
INCIDENTS: None reported.
HOW MANY: About 20,000.
FOR MORE: Call Samsonite at 800-382-7259, send email to recall (at) samsonite.com, or visit www.samsonite.com/recall crossbows
DETAILS: Middleton Siege Crossbows imported by The Bohning Co. The crossbows have model numbers 315, 330, 355, and 375. “The Siege” and the model numbers are printed in large lettering directly above the trigger mechanism. “Bohning/Middleton Crossbow,” “Patent pending” and serial number are engraved on opposite sides of the rear barrel of each crossbow. The serial number, 12-XXX, is unique for each crossbow. They were sold at sporting goods stores in Texas and Pennsylvania from June 2012 through Oct. 2012.
WHY: The crossbow can fire unexpectedly when the auto-safety mechanism appears to be on and the trigger is pulled, posing an injury hazard to the user and bystanders. In addition, the crossbow limbs can crack or break under normal use
INCIDENTS: None reported.
HOW MANY: About 150.
FOR MORE: Call The Bohning Company at 800-253-0136 or visit www.bohning.com and click Product Recall for more information.
Stuffed animals
DETAILS: Beamerzzz stuffed animals with LED flashlight made by Purr-Fection by MJC Inc. The stuffed toys come with LED flashlights sewn into the left paw. The toys are 12 inches high and come in five animal types. The model number can be found on the hang tag on the left ear. Affected toys are marked with manufacturing code 111208-02 on the sewn in label located in the left rear portion of the toy. The recalled styles are: Baby Moose with model number 3127FS, Baby Butter Cream Bear with model number 1229FS, Baby Smoky Black Bear with model number 1231FS, Baby Deer with model number 3136FS, and Baby Derby Elephant with 1927FS. They were sold at Cabela’s stores and online at Cabelas.com from Sept. 2012 through Nov. 2012.
WHY: LED flashlight wires can protrude through the stuffed toy, posing a laceration hazard.
INCIDENTS: One incident was reported involving a consumer who noticed an exposed wire, but no injuries were reported.
HOW MANY: About 7,200.
FOR MORE: Call Purr-Fection by MJC at 800-359-0254 or visit www.purr-fection.com and click on the orange product recall tab at the top of the page for more information.
Folding step stools
DETAILS: Grey Task (asterisk) It 1-UP folding step stools made by Cramer LLC. The stools are plastic and have a 9.5 x 14.5 top step and feature two 11.5 inch legs that fold inward for storage. The top of the folding step stool is covered with black rubber treading imprinted with an asterisk symbol. “1-UP step” is printed on the product packaging. The Task (asterisk) It name is imprinted on the legs. They were sold from Jan. 2012 through Dec. 2012.
WHY: The folding step stool can crack or break and collapse, posing a fall hazard to the user.
INCIDENTS: 14 reports of the step stools breaking or cracking. Of the 14 reports, two reported injuries including head, neck, and back pain.
HOW MANY: About 6,500.
FOR MORE: Call Cramer at 800-366-6700 or visit www.cramerinc.com and click on the recall link.
Utility vehicles
DETAILS: John Deere Gator RSX850i Base, Sport and Trail model recreational utility vehicles made between May 2012 and Oct. 2012. RSX850i is located on the hood and the serial number is on the rear frame above the receiver hitch. Utility vehicles with the following serial numbers are included in this recall: RSX850i Base with serial numbers 1M0850TB++M010009 through 1M0850TB++M010778, RSX850i Sport with serial numbers 1M0850TS++M010001 through 1M0850TS++M012077, and RSX850i Trail with serial numbers 1M0850TT++M010001 through 1M0850TT++M012867. They were sold from Aug. 2012 through Jan. 2013.
WHY: The oil filter can leak, posing a fire hazard. Pinholes or cracks have been identified in oil filters installed by the engine supplier which were not made to specification.
INCIDENTS: Four reports of incidents resulting in fires. No injuries have been reported.
HOW MANY: About 4,700.
FOR MORE: Call Deere and Co. at 800-537-8233 or visit www.johndeere.com and click on Services & Support for more information.