Lane Home Furnishings - Lock Replacement

News from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, D.C. 20207

For Immediate Release		Lane Recall Hotline: (888) 856-8758
Original Release: March 30, 2000 Revised: November 15, 2001		CPSC Contact: Jane Francis
Release # 00-084		(301) 504-0800 Ext. 1187
		Lane Media Contact: Mike Gregory (662) 566-7211

CPSC, Lane Urge Renewed Search for Cedar Chests
Another death and two near fatalities reported

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lane Furniture Ind.., of Tupelo, MS., is calling for a renewed search for cedar chests to replace their locks. In 1996, Lane recalled 12 million chests with lids that automatically latch shut when closed, following reports of six children suffocating inside the chests. CPSC and Lane have since become aware of another suffocation death and two near fatalities to children who became entrapped in the chests when the lid closed and automatically latched shut.

All "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests manufactured between 1912 and 1987 need to have their locks replaced. The chests are often handed down through families, and it is likely that many were purchased second-hand.


Lane is providing new locks, free of charge, that will prevent entrapments because they do not automatically latch shut when the lid is closed. The new locks are easy to install by consumers in their homes.

To prevent another tragedy, CPSC and Lane are urging consumers to check their "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests. The brand name "Lane" or "Virginia Maid" is located inside the cedar chest. If the lid latches shut without depressing a button on the outside of the chest, the lock needs to be replaced. Consumers should have the chest's serial and style numbers, which are branded on the outside bottom or outside back of the chest, available when contacting Lane.
Contact Lane toll-free at (888) 856-8758 anytime or click here to order the free replacement lock.