Hip Hugger pet supplies

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made Jun 3, 2014 · , sent to the company Jun 11, 2014 · , published by CPSC Jul 2, 2014

   The product, in the report: a “Hip Hugger” retractable leash sold by M2PETS (Note: The product has also been sold under the name “Hip Hugger Sport.”).

   We wish to report an unsafe product. Our company, [REDACTED] LLC, provides engineering consulting services (see www.[REDACTED].com) and we recently investigated an injury involving a particular model retractable dog leash, the M2PETS “Hip Hugger”. Our investigation and testing found this leash to be defectively designed. Given the serious injury potential that this represents, we are reporting the defect to the CPSC with the hope that it will lead to a recall of this unsafe product and any related products with the same defect. Specifically, the leash claims to be rated for use with a 100 lb dog, but our testing showed that one of the leash components fails at a tensile force of a little as 30 lbs, causing the leash to retract back at the user at up to 35 mph. A full, detailed report was prepared by our firm, [REDACTED], and can be obtained by email. A summary of our findings is as follows:

   Background

   The user was walking his dog (a 40 lb female Bluetick Coonhound) using a “Hip Hugger” retractable leash sold by M2PETS (Note: The product has also been sold under the name “Hip Hugger Sport.”). During the walk, the dog “took off at a dead run” and a split second later the user heard a “pop” and then felt something strike him in his left eye. A mechanical buckle on the leash unintentionally separated resulting in the leash quickly retracting and striking him in his left eye, causing serious injuries. The plastic buckle itself was not damaged by this separation and continued to appear to function normally. The user had been given this retractable leash as a gift (in new, unused condition) from a neighbor approximately two weeks before his accident and he used it on a daily basis from that time up until the time of his accident. He also indicated that the buckle that came apart at the time of his accident had also done so before, on the very first occasion he used it to walk his dog. In that previous situation, the detached leash came whipping back at him causing the buckle to strike him in his hand but without further incident.

   The leash incorporates a means of attaching the leash body to the user’s waist (i.e. attachment to one’s belt) and also a separable non-retractable portion of the leash that can be quickly connected or disconnected from the retractable portion by means of a plastic coupling. The leash design also includes a typical handle containing the spool around which the leash wraps and a constant force spring winding mechanism that retracts the leash (similar to the arrangement of a typical retractable tape measure). The leash itself is a 14’ long rope leash attached by a two-part plastic side release buckle to a 3’ long section of nylon webbing which is then attached to the dog’s collar with a metal clip.

   Research

   The hazards of retractable dog leashes were known prior to the invention of the subject dog leash. There are many CPSC NEISS case narratives of retractable dog leash accidents spanning the years 2002 – 2009 that involve a leash breaking, retracting and striking the user in the face or some other body part.

   The safety booklet included with the M2 Hip Hugger leash acknowledges this hazard. The booklet includes statements such as: • “If the leash separates from the collar and safety loop during use, immediately apply brake and turn your face away.” • “If not fully retracted, the leash cord/belt can retract rapidly and the hook can cause eye and face injury.” • “If your dog’s collar breaks, the safety loop will stay attached to your dog. This will prevent the cord/belt from retracting rapidly and the hook from possibly hitting you causing eye or face injury.”

   Testing

   Leash Retraction Speed We filmed the retraction of the leash to determine its velocity. The maximum leash retraction speed is approximately 35 mph and the entire retraction event occurs in approximately ½ second, which is too short of an interval to expect a user to react to an unexpected stimulus and take evasive action, such as pressing the leash brake on the handle or turning away from the leash as suggested in the instruction booklet.

   Dog Testing In order to evaluate the tensile loads that could be placed on the leash while walking a dog, we tested the leash pull-force that was generated by a surrogate dog (a 41 lb Brittany) on a standard, non-retractable 5’ long leash. During this testing, the surrogate dog generated peak leash loads in the range of 70-92 lbs (i.e. up to 2.2 times its own weight). Therefore, a leash that is sold for use with a 100 lb dog should be able to withstand tensile forces of over 220 lbs.

   Plastic Buckle Strength We performed quasi-static tension strength tests on a group of exemplar M2 Hip Hugger retractable leashes. Some of the buckles were tested in a new, completely unused condition, while others underwent pre-test buckling and unbuckling to simulate the condition of a slightly used buckle. During each test, the plastic buckle was loaded in tension with a static weight. During the testing of one of the new exemplar Hip Hugger leashes, the plastic buckle separated when loaded with 95.5 lbs. Prior to separating, while under load, the male part can be seen pulling out of the female part of the plastic buckle. The separated plastic buckle did not break and did not show any signs of structural failure. Another exemplar Hip Hugger leash we tested (this one was purchased used) failed in a similar manner multiple times without any visible damage. That side release buckle came apart at a tensile force of approximately 30 lbs.

   UPC

   721172000994

   Where

   Fairfax, Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   No Relationship

   As this report names them

   Brand Hip Hugger, made or sold by M2PETS

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

2. Emergency room

   Made Aug 16, 2011 · , published by CPSC Sep 15, 2011

   The product, in the report: Retractable Dog Leash

   THE BUCKLE PORTION OF A M2PETS HIP HUGGER LEASH SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY DISENGAGED DURING USE AND FLEW BACK AND STRUCK CLIENT IN THE EYE. EYE HAS BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AND THE INJURIES ARE PERMANENT.

   Where

   Fairfax Station, Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 53, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Client, Patient, Student, Etc. (professional relationship)

   As this report names them

   Brand Hip Hugger, made or sold by M2PETS

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources