Reply of Accessories Marketing about

Slime / Smart Spair pump

The "Smart Spair" referred to in this complaint is referred to in the product literature as "15minute Smart Spair." The "15minute Smart Spair" is a kit consisting of "Slime" tire sealant ( a sealant designed to seal tire punctures), a portable mini air compressor used to reinflate a tire without the need to use a jack, and other related accessories.

In this case the consumer using the "15minute Smart Spair" admitted to me in a phone conversation, counsel for Accessories Marketing, that he had "misused the product.” Specifically, he stated that he knew the instructions but had not followed them. The portable air compressor instructions that accompany each 15minute Smart Spair" specifically state:

Front page: " ATTENTION! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY" "

Unless instructions are followed, physical injury or property damage may occur."

Instructions: "Whether used for tires or inflatables, the inflator should not be used continuously for more than 15 minutes. Do not leave compressor unattended while the unit is running.

"Although the compressor is very powerful, inflating several tires in a row creates a strain on the unit. Allow the air inflator to cool approximately five minutes between uses.”

To further emphasize the point that the portable mini compressor should not be used for more than 15 minutes at any time, the distributor labeled the product the "15minute Smart Spair."

Consumer Misuse
In this case, the consumer, by his own admission left the compressor unattended and running for approximately one and one-half hours. In a picture of the accident supplied by the consumer, the compressor was being used on dried grass. This can only have contributed to the fire and the ensuing property damage.

Neither Accessories Marketing nor the manufacturer of the portable air compressors has had any complaints similar to the one filed with the Consumer Exchange. Accessories Marketing and the manufacturer in China has sold over 1 million compressors with the same motor in it without incident.

Accessories Marketing regrets the fact that this accident occurred and it regrets the damage resulting from the misuse of the product it distributes. Although Accessories Marketing believes that the product is not a fire hazard when used according to the instructions included with the packaging, it is currently engaged in discussions with the manufacturer to implement design changes to the product that will prevent fire in the event the product is misused.

In addition, Accessories Marketing will reevaluate its labeling in an effort to enhance consumer compliance with instructions for use of the product.

Steven D. Andrews
Attorney for Accessories Marketing, Inc.
2/1/2005