L.L. Bean car charging unit recalled

Washington -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 3,900 car-charging units sold for use with L.L. Bean Inc. inflatable air beds.

The CPSC said batteries in the Chinese-manufactured car-charging units -- made to connect with the cigarette lighter or electrical outlet found in most cars -- can overheat while the car's engine is running, causing the battery-charging unit to burst. The device was imported by the Wenzel Co. of St. Louis.

The recall involves the car-charging units included with L.L. Bean Raised Insta-Beds with Wenzel model numbers 822628 and 822629. The model numbers correspond to LL Bean catalog number 55780. The model number can be found on the product packaging.

The units were sold at L.L. Bean stores nationwide and from the company's catalog from June 2007 through August 2007 for about $150.

The CPSC said consumers should stop using the car-charging unit and contact L.L. Bean at 800-555-9717 for instructions on how to obtain a free replacement.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.