Decorator Cube Safety Warning Reissued
Decorator Cube Safety Warning Reissued
Recalling Firm: Seward Luggage
Reason for Recall / Hazard
TranslatedStrangulation
Product Description & Identification
TranslatedOCTOBER 29, 1991 Release # 92-010 Decorator Cube Safety Warning Reissued WASHINGTON, DC -- As a result of two recently reported new deaths Seward Luggage Company of Petersburg, VA; Trojan Luggage of Memphis, TN; and Mercury Luggage Manufacturing Co. of Jacksonville, FL, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), are issuing a second warning about a strangulation and suffocation hazard associated with decorator cubes with hinged lids. The warning applies to cubes manufactured before June 30, 1990. Decorator cubes manufactured after June 30, 1990 are designed differently with removable lids that address the risk. The first warning notice was issued jointly by CPSC and the firms on March 27, 1991 following the first reported death. These cubes are 16" X 16" X 16" cubed-shaped trunks with hinged lids decorated with various scenes and motifs. The decorator cubes may be used for storage and home furnishing. The cubes present a strangulation hazard if the lid falls on the neck of a young child who is reaching into the trunk for a toy or other item. CPSC believes young children under the age of six years are at the greatest risk of injury. In addition, a young child could climb into a cube, become trapped inside and suffocate if the lid shuts. CPSC and the firms are now aware of a total of three deaths involving young children allegedly associated with these cubes. These incidents occurred from February 1990 to October 1991. Approximately 2.2 million cubes were distributed nationally by retailers, including Kmart and Walmart, between 1987 and June 30, 1990. To prevent the possibility of strangulation or suffocation: Owners should remove the metal pin (used to hold the hinge together) from each of the two hinges, thereby making the lid removable; or Owners of cubes who choose not to remove lids will be supplied with lid spacer clamps that will prevent the lid from slamming shut and a warning label to remind users of the potential hazards. CPSC urges consumers to call 1-800-766-9417 to obtain free, easily installed spacer clamps, a warning label and further information, if necessary, on the removal of the hinge pin
Affected Products
TranslatedSeward Luggage Decorator Cubes
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1992/Decorator-Cube-Safety-Warning-Reissued |
| Title | Decorator Cube Safety Warning Reissued |
| Hazards › Name | Strangulation |
| Products › Name | Seward Luggage Decorator Cubes |
| Products › Type | Toy Chests/Trunks |
| Products › Category I D | 2189 |
| Recall I D | 5211 |
| Recall Date | 1991-10-29T00:00:00 |
| Description | OCTOBER 29, 1991 Release # 92-010 Decorator Cube Safety Warning Reissued WASHINGTON, DC -- As a result of two recently reported new deaths Seward Luggage Company of Petersburg, VA; Trojan Luggage of Memphis, TN; and Mercury Luggage Manufacturing Co. of Jacksonville, FL, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), are issuing a second warning about a strangulation and suffocation hazard associated with decorator cubes with hinged lids. The warning applies to cubes manufactured before June 30, 1990. Decorator cubes manufactured after June 30, 1990 are designed differently with removable lids that address the risk. The first warning notice was issued jointly by CPSC and the firms on March 27, 1991 following the first reported death. These cubes are 16" X 16" X 16" cubed-shaped trunks with hinged lids decorated with various scenes and motifs. The decorator cubes may be used for storage and home furnishing. The cubes present a strangulation hazard if the lid falls on the neck of a young child who is reaching into the trunk for a toy or other item. CPSC believes young children under the age of six years are at the greatest risk of injury. In addition, a young child could climb into a cube, become trapped inside and suffocate if the lid shuts. CPSC and the firms are now aware of a total of three deaths involving young children allegedly associated with these cubes. These incidents occurred from February 1990 to October 1991. Approximately 2.2 million cubes were distributed nationally by retailers, including Kmart and Walmart, between 1987 and June 30, 1990. To prevent the possibility of strangulation or suffocation: Owners should remove the metal pin (used to hold the hinge together) from each of the two hinges, thereby making the lid removable; or Owners of cubes who choose not to remove lids will be supplied with lid spacer clamps that will prevent the lid from slamming shut and a warning label to remind users of the potential hazards. CPSC urges consumers to call 1-800-766-9417 to obtain free, easily installed spacer clamps, a warning label and further information, if necessary, on the removal of the hinge pin |
| Recall Number | 92010 |
| Manufacturers › Name | Seward Luggage |
| Last Publish Date | 2015-01-30T00:00:00 |
Consumer Action Protocol: What You Should Do Immediately
Safety StepsCheck the model number, serial number, and date stamp on the rating label on the back or underside of the product.
Immediately discontinue using the product. Unplug electrical items and keep juvenile items out of reach of children.
Under statutory consumer protection rules, consumers are entitled to a full refund, certified replacement, or free repair kit without needing the original sales receipt.
If you suffered an injury, illness, or property damage from this product, file an official incident report with regulatory authorities (CPSC).
Your Legal Rights as a Consumer
Recalls are legally binding corrective safety actions overseen by statutory government bodies. Recalling entities are legally prohibited from charging consumers for official safety remedies. If a retailer or dealership refuses your recall remedy, notify the issuing regulatory agency immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recall
FAQ GuideQ1:What should I do immediately if I own or bought Decorator Cube Safety Warning Reissued?
Immediately stop using the product and keep it out of reach of children. Disconnect power if electrical, and do not attempt makeshift home repairs.
Q2:Can I get a full refund or free repair for this recall?
Yes. Recalling manufacturers and retail merchants are required under consumer protection regulations to offer a statutory remedy—typically a full refund, certified repair kit, or replacement unit.
Q3:Do I need my original sales receipt to claim a remedy or refund?
In most recall cases, no receipt is required. Because safety recalls are matters of public health and statutory compliance, retailers and manufacturers routinely issue refunds, store credit, or replacement kits upon presentation of the affected product or lot code.
Q4:Where can I verify official information for this safety alert?
This safety alert is aggregated directly from official regulatory agency records (CPSC). You can click the 'Official Agency Alert' link on this page to view the primary government notice and contact the manufacturer directly.
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