DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 1997         TAG: 9709160065

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: From staff and wire reports 

                                            LENGTH:   72 lines

NEWS AND NOTES

A new interior design for a water-saving toilet makes clogging far less likely, according to its manufacturer.

The Aqua Saver toilet has a new trapway design, an enlargement from 1 1/2 to 2 inches to improve the cleaning action of each flush, says manufacturer Gerber Plumbing Fixtures Corp. of Chicago.

The Aqua Saver is a gravity-fed toilet using 1.6 gallons of water per flush. It's available through many home centers and plumbing-supply outlets.

Turning in-line wheels

into walking shoes

In-line skates may be a cool way of getting around outdoors, but they usually are not welcome indoors. You can schlep shoes for such contingencies, or you can hang a pair of On Guardskate guards on your belt.

The rubber guards strap quickly onto the bottom of the skates, turning your wheels into walking shoes. The guards fit all standard four-wheel skates and when not in use can be clipped to a belt or waistband.

A pair costs $14.90, including shipping. Call

1-800-486-5347.

Imagine that: creativity,

participation with toys

Creativity for Kids, a Cleveland company, specializes in toys and activities that require creativity and participation on the part of those who use them.

The company's toys and activity boxes are sold at specialty gift stores, craft stores and children's stores as well as in museum gift shops. For a free brochure and information on an outlet near you, call 1-800-311-8684, ext. 3037. You also can order Creativity for Kids products directly by calling 1-800-834-8322.

RECALLS

Moulinex juice extractors, about 120,000.

Reason: The extractors' filters and lids can break apart during use, projecting metal and plastic into the air and potentially injuring consumers. There has been one report of an injury to fingers.

Description: The white and clear plastic extractors involved in this recall are model No. 864, with date codes before July 1, 1995. The model number and date code are on the bottom of the unit.

Sold from: 1990 through 1995 at mass merchandise and appliance stores nationwide; $50 to $80.

What to do: Stop using the extractor immediately and mail it to Moulinex Appliances, c/o BMI, 1904 Aduanales, Laredo, Texas 78041 for a $45 refund. For more information call 1-800-890-9980.

Achim oval braided rugs, about 250,000 in small and large sizes.

Reason: The rugs do not meet minimum federal standards for flammability. They can easily ignite and pose a serious risk. Small rugs that do not meet federal flammability standards are allowed to be sold if they include a ``Flammable'' label. The Achim rugs do not.

Description: Most of the small rugs are either 20 by 30 inches or 30 by 50 inches. Their labels include the words, ``Achim Made in China.'' A few of the rugs were sold in sets packaged in a plastic zippered bag. The sets included one large rug 54 by 90 inches, and two 20-by-30 rugs.

Sold from: January 1997 through June 1997 at Family Dollar, Dollar General, Wal-Mart, Woolworth and other retailers nationwide for $4 to $5 for each small rug. The three-rug sets sold for about $50.

What to do: Return the rugs to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who wish to keep the small rugs should obtain an appropriate caution label from Achim. For more information, call the company at 1-800-542-2446. KEYWORDS: RECALL

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