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 * 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.