Convertible Ladder-Chair (Swiss Colony) – Structural Failure (1988)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

Convertible Ladder-Chair Recalled by Maxton/Cox Furniture NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 1988 Release # 88-041 Maxton/Cox Furniture Recalls Convertible Ladder-Chair WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Maxton Industries/Cox Furniture, Inc. of Maxton, N.C., today announced a voluntary recall of the firm's wooden, convertible ladder/chair. The ladder/chair was sold by three catalog companies; Swiss Colony, J.C. Penney and Spiegel. The Commission is aware of 24 incidents in which either the steps of the ladder/chair split or the hinges pulled away from the wood causing users to fall or stumble. The 24 incidents involved 13 injuries which included a broken elbow, several cuts and multiple bruises. Another problem is the inherent instability of the product when climbing the ladder. The step placement and arrangement, and the structural design can cause the user to lose balance and fall. Approximately, 4,500 wooden, convertible ladder/chairs were distributed and sold nationwide through Swiss Colony, J.C. Penney and Spiegel catalog companies from October, 1984 through July, 1987. The catalog companies' reference numbers are as follows: Spiegel's catalogue no: #N7910 7376T Swiss Colony's catalogue no: #3047 J.C. Penney's catalogue no: #783-2736 The ladder/chair involved in this recall has a warning label on the top step of the ladder. A picture of the ladder chair and the warning label is attached for easy identification. Consumers should remove these ladder/chairs from use immediately and return them by mail or in person to the retailer where purchased for a refund. Consumers will be reimbursed for mailing cost in addition to the retail price of the item. For further information concerning this recall, consumers can call Maxton Industries/Cox Furniture, Inc. collect at l-919-844-3501. Convertible Ladder/Chair Recalled

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.