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Yesterday, the CPSC in conjunction with Coby Electronics Corp., of Lake Success, N.Y., announced the recall of the rechargeable batteries sold with Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players. According to the CPSC, the rechargeable batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Coby Electronics has received 22 reports of the batteries overheating, some of which have resulted in property damage ranging from minor up to $9,650. The products under recall are the Coby DVD/CD/MP3 players with product numbers TF-DVD 1020 and TF-DVD 8501. "Coby" is printed on the front cover and the product number is on the bottom of the unit. The serial numbers on the recalled rechargeable batteries are printed on a label on the following batteries:

• TF-DVD 1020 DG240043D503000001-1006 Swivel screen
• DG240006D503000001-400
• DG240039D603000001-3000
• DG240111D603000001-2000
• DG240143D602000001-3000
• DG240106D602000001-2000
• DG240106D702000001-2000
• DG240183D942000001-100
• DG240071DB02000001-1400
• DG240115D702000001-2500
• TF-DVD 8501 Begin with "HY" 8 ½ inch screen

The products recalled were sold at discount, electronics, music, toy, office supply stores and distributors of electronic products nationwide. The TF-DVD 1020 units were sold from May 2007 through July 2008, for about $168.The TF-DVD 8501 units were sold from January 2007 through September 2009, for between $140 and $275.

The CPSC asks consumers to immediately stop using the players with the recalled batteries and contact the company to arrange for free replacement batteries. After removing the recalled batteries from the unit, consumers can continue to use it with the AC or DC power adapter.

For additional information, contact Coby Electronics toll-free at (866) 945-2629 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm?s Web site at www.cobyusa.com.

Related Resources:

• Low Return Rate and Additional Reports of Fires Prompt Re-announcement of Coby Electronics Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player Recalls (CPSC)
• Consumer Protection (FindLaw's LawBrain)
• Defective Products Overview (provided by Brian K. Harris Law Office)
• Injuries from Defective Products (provided by Law Offices of Bonifield & Rosenstengel, P.C.)