[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 147 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39154-39156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18750]



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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

[CPSC Docket No. 95-C0014]


Provisional Acceptance of a Settlement Agreement and Order

    In the matter of Terri Treat, Individually and as the sole 
proprietor of Clouds d/b/a, Cotton Cloud Futon corporation.

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Provisional acceptance of a settlement agreement under the 
Consumer Product Safety Act.

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SUMMARY: It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements 
which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in 
the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1605.13. 
Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with 
Cotton Cloud Futon corporation.

DATES: Any interested person may ask the Commission not to accept this 
agreement or otherwise comment on its contents by filing a written 
request with the Office of the Secretary by August 16, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to comment on this Settlement Agreement 
should sent written comments to the Comment 95-C0014, Office of the 
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dennis C. Kacoyanis, Trial Attorney, Office of Compliance and 
Enforcement, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207; 
telephone (301) 504-0626.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The text of the Agreement and Order appears 
below.

    Dated: July 26, 1995.
Sadye E. Dunn,
Secretary.

    In the matter of Terri Treat, individually and as the sole 
proprietor of Clouds, DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation.
[CPSC Docket No. 95-C0014]

Complaint; Nature of Proceedings

    Pursuant to the provisions of the Flammable Fabrics Act, as 
amended, (15 U.S.C. 1191 et seq.; hereinafter the ``FFA''); the 
Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.; 
hereinafter, the ``FTCA''); and the Standard for the Flammability of 
Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72, as amended), 16 CFR part 1632 
(hereinafter, the ``Mattress Standard''), the Consumer Product 
Safety Commission having reason to believe that Terri Treat, 
individually and as the sole proprietor of Clouds DBA, Cotton Cloud 
Futon Corporation hereinafter, ``Respondent''), 1916 N.E. Broadway, 
Portland, OR 97232, has violated the provisions of said Acts; and 
further, it appearing to the Commission that a proceeding by it in 
respect those violations would be in the public interest, therefore, 
it hereby issues its Complaint stating its charges as follows:
    1. Respondent Terri Treat is the sole proprietor of Clouds DBA, 
Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation, 1916 N.E. Broadway, Portland, OR 
97005; and in that capacity, is responsible for the acts, practices, 
and policies of Clouds DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation.
    2. Respondent is now and has been engaged in the manufacturing 
for sale, sale, and offering for sale, in commerce, and has 
introduced, delivered for introduction, transported and caused to be 
transported in commerce, and has sold or delivered after sale or 
shipment in commerce, as the term ``commerce'' is defined in section 
2(b) of the FFA, 15 U.S.C. 1191(b), futon mattresses described as 
follows: (a) All cotton, (b) cotton-foam core, (c) poly-cotton, (d) 
poly-cotton foam core, (e) wool-cotton, (f) wool-cotton foam core, 
(g) wool-poly/cotton, (h) wool-poly/cotton foam core, (i) infant, 
(j) artland feather bed, and (k) 100% recycled dacron.
    3. Each futon mattress identified in paragraph 3 of the 
complaint is intended or promoted for sleeping upon.
    4. Each futon mattress identified in paragraph 3 of the 
complaint is, therefore:
    (a) A ``mattress'' within the meaning of Sec. 1632.1(a) of the 
Mattress Standard (FF 4-72, as amended), 1632.1(a); and
    (b) An ``interior furnishing'' and a ``product'' as these terms 
are defined in sections 2 (e) and (h) of the FFA, as amended, 15 
U.S.C. 1191 (e) and (h).

[[Page 39155]]

    5. Respondent is subject to, and has failed to comply with, the 
Mattress Standard in that:
    (a) Respondent failed to do prototype testing of the ticking 
substitution procedure required by Sec. 1632.3 or 1632.6 of the 
Mattress Standard, 16 CFR 1632.3 or 1632.6.
    (b) Respondent failed to maintain the manufacturing or test 
specifications or test records, ticking substitution specifications 
or test records, or other records required by Sec. 1632.31 (c)(1) or 
(c)(5) and (c)(6), 16 CFR 1632.31 (c)(1) or (c)(5) and (c)(6).
    6. The acts by Respondent set forth in paragraph 5 of the 
complaint are unlawful and constitute an unfair method of 
competition and an unfair and deceptive practice in commerce under 
the FTCA, in violation of section 3(a) of the FFA, 15 U.S.C. 
1192(a), for which a cease and desist order may be issued against 
Respondent pursuant to section 5(b) of the FFA, 15 U.S.C. 1194(b), 
and section 5 of the FTCA, 15 U.S.C. 45.

Relief Sought

    7. The staff seeks issuance of a cease and desist order against 
Respondent pursuant to section 5(b) of the FFA, 15 U.S.C. 1194(b), 
and section 5 of the FTCA, 15 U.S.C. 45.
    Wherefore, the premises considered, the Commission hereby issues 
this Complaint on the ________ day of ____________, 1995.

    By direction of the Commission:

    Dated:____________
David Schmeltzer,
Assistant Executive Director, Office of Compliance and Enforcement.
    In the matter of Terri Treat, individually and as sole 
proprietor of Clouds, DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation.
[CPSC Docket No. 95-C0014]

Consent Order Agreement

    Terri Treat, individually, and as the sole proprietor of Clouds, 
DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation (hereinafter, ``Respondent''), 
enters into this Consent Order Agreement (hereinafter, 
``Agreement'') with the staff of the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission (hereinafter, ``Commission'') pursuant to the procedures 
for Consent Order Agreements contained in Sec. 1605.13 of the 
Commission's Procedures for Investigations, Inspections, and 
Inquiries under the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA), 16 CFR 1605.13.
    This Agreement and Order are for the sole purpose of settling 
allegations of the staff (1) that Respondent violated section 3(a) 
of the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA), as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1192(a) 
and the Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress 
Pads, as amended, 16 CFR part 1632 (FF 4-72) (hereinafter, the 
``Mattress Standard''), as more fully set forth in the Complaint 
accompanying this Agreement; and (2) that Respondent knowingly 
violated section 3(a) of the FFA, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1192(a) and 
the Mattress Standard.

Respondent and the Staff Agree

    1. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has jurisdiction in 
this matter under the following Acts: Consumer Product Safety Act 
(15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.), Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1191 et 
seq.), and the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).
    2. Respondent Terri Treat is the sole proprietor of Clouds DBA, 
Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation, 1916 N.E. Broadway, Portland, OR 
97005; and in that capacity is responsible for the acts, practices, 
and policies of Clouds DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation.
    3. Respondent is now and has been engaged in one or more of the 
following: the manufacture for sale, the sale, or the offering for 
sale, in commerce, or the importation, delivery for introduction, 
transportation in commerce, or the sale or delivery after sale or 
shipment in commerce, of a product, fabric, or related material 
which is subject to the requirements of the Flammable Fabrics Act, 
as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1191 et seq., and the Standard for the 
Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72), as amended, 
16 CFR part 1632.
    4. Respondent denies the allegations of paragraphs 1 through 6 
of the Complaint that Respondent violated section 3(a) of the FFA, 
as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1192(a); and the Mattress Standard.
    5. Respondent denies that she knowingly violated section 3(a) of 
the FFA, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1192(a); and the Mattress Standard.
    6. This Agreement is entered into for the purposes of settlement 
only and does not constitute a determination by the Commission that 
Respondent (a) violated or (b) knowingly violated the FFA and the 
Mattress Standard.
    7. Respondent agrees to pay in settlement of the staff's 
allegations a civil penalty as set forth in the incorporated Order.
    8. This Agreement does not constitute an admission by Respondent 
that a civil penalty is appropriate.
    9. This Agreement becomes effective only upon its final 
acceptance by the Commission and service of the incorporated Order 
upon Respondent.
    10. Upon final acceptance of this Consent Order Agreement by the 
Commission and issuance of the Final Order, Respondent knowingly, 
voluntarily, and completely waives any rights she may have in this 
matter (1) to an administrative or judicial hearing, (2) to judicial 
review or other challenge or contest of the validity of the 
Commission's actions, (3) to a determination by the Commission as to 
whether Respondent failed to comply with the Flammable Fabrics Act 
as aforesaid, (4) to a statement of findings of fact and conclusions 
of law, and (5) to any claims under the Equal Access to Justice Act.
    11. Violation of the provisions of the Order may subject 
Respondent to a civil and/or criminal penalty for each such 
violation, as prescribed by law.
    12. For purposes of section 6(b) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2055(b), 
this matter shall be treated as if a complaint had issued; and the 
Commission may publicize the terms of the Consent Order Agreement.
    13. Agreements, understandings, representations, or 
interpretations made outside the Consent Order Agreement may not be 
used to vary or to contradict its terms.
    14. Upon acceptance of this Agreement, the Commission shall 
issue the following Order incorporated herein by reference.

    Dated: June 26, 1995.

Respondent Terri Treat

Terri Treat, individually and as sole proprietor of Clouds, DBA, 
Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation

Commission Staff

David Schmeltzer,
Assistant Executive Director, Office of Compliance.
Eric L. Stone,
Acting Director, Division of Administrative Litigation, Office of 
Compliance.

    Dated: July 5, 1995.
Dennis C. Kacoyanis,
Trial Attorney, Division of Administrative Litigation, Office of 
Compliance.
[CPSC Docket No. 95-C0014]
    In the matter of Terri Treat, individually and as sole 
proprietor of Clouds, DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation.

Order

    Upon consideration of the Consent Order Agreement entered into 
between Respondent Terri Treat, individually and as sole proprietor 
of Clouds, DBA, Cotton Cloud Futon Corporation and the staff of the 
Consumer Product Safety Commission; and the Commission having 
jurisdiction over the subject matter and Respondent Terri Treat, 
individually and as sole proprietor of Clouds, DBA, Cotton Cloud 
Futon Corporation; and it appearing that the Consent Order Agreement 
is in the public interest,

I

    It is ordered that the Consent Order Agreement be and hereby is 
accepted.

II

    It is further ordered that Respondent, and her successors and 
assigns, agents, representatives, and employees of the Respondent, 
directly or through any corporation, subsidiary, division, or other 
business entity, or through any agency, device or instrumentality, 
do forthwith cease and desist from selling or offering for sale, in 
commerce, or manufacturing for sale, in commerce, or importing into 
the United States or introducing, delivering for introduction, 
transporting or causing to be transported, in commerce, or selling 
or delivering after sale or shipment in commerce, any product, 
fabric or related material which is subject to and fails to conform 
to the Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads 
(FF 4-72), as amended, 16 CFR part 1632.

III

    It is further ordered that Respondent conduct prototype testing 
for each mattress design, prior to production, in accordance with 
applicable provisions of the Standard for the Flammability of 
Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72), as amended, 16 CFR part 
1632.

IV

    It is further ordered that Respondent prepare and maintain 
written records of the prototype testing specified in paragraph III 
of 

[[Page 39156]]
this Order for each mattress design, including photographs of the 
tested mattresses, in accordance with applicable provisions of the 
Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-
72), as amended, 16 CFR part 1632.

V

    It is further ordered that Respondent prepare and maintain a 
written record of the manufacturing specifications of each mattress 
prototype in accordance with applicable provisions of the Standard 
for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72), as 
amended, 16 CFR part 1632.

VI

    It is further ordered that Respondent conduct prototype testing 
or, if appropriate, obtain supplier certification to support any 
substitution of materials after prototype testing, in accordance 
with all applicable provisions of the Standard for the Flammability 
of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72), as amended, 16 CFR part 
1632.

VII

    It is further ordered that Respondents prepare and maintain a 
written record of the manufacturing specifications of any new 
ticking or tape edge material substituted for those used in the 
original prototype testing, in accordance with applicable provisions 
of the Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads 
(FF 4-72), as amended, 16 CFR part 1632.

VIII

    It is further ordered that Respondent prepare and maintain a 
written record of the manufacturing specifications of any new foam 
core material substituted for those used in the original prototype 
testing, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Standard 
for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72), as 
amended, 16 CFR part 1632.

IX

    It is further ordered that Respondent prepare and maintain all 
other records required by the Standard for the Flammability of 
Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF 4-72), as amended, 16 CFR part 
1632, including:
    (a) Records to support any determination that a particular 
material other than ticking or tape edge did not influence ignition 
resistance;
    (b) Ticking certification test results or a certification from 
the ticking supplier; and
    (c) Records describing the disposition of all failing and 
rejected prototype mattresses.

X

    It is further ordered that upon final acceptance of the Consent 
Order Agreement by the Commission, Respondent Terri Treat pay to the 
Commission a civil penalty in the amount of Ten Thousand And 00/100 
Dollars ($10,000.00) in two payments of Five Thousand And 00/100 
Dollars ($5,000.00) each. The first payment of Five Thousand And 00/
100 Dollars ($5,000.00) shall be due on July 1, 1995 or within 
twenty (20) days after service of the Final Order of the Commission 
accepting this Consent Order Agreement (hereinafter, the 
``anniversary date''), whichever is later. The second payment of 
Five Thousand And 00/100 Dollars ($5,000.00) shall be paid on July 
1, 1996 or within one year of the anniversary date. Upon failure by 
Respondent to make payment or upon the making of a late payment by 
Respondent, the entire amount of the civil penalty shall be due and 
payable, and interest on the outstanding balance shall accrue and be 
paid at the federal legal rate of interest under the provisions of 
28 U.S.C. 1961 (a) and (b).

XI

    It is further ordered that Respondent shall within ninety (90) 
days after service upon her of this Order, file with the Commission 
a report, in writing, setting forth in detail the manner and form in 
which she has complied with this Order.

XII

    It is further ordered that for a period of three (3) years from 
the date this Order becomes final pursuant to 16 CFR 1605.13(e), 
Respondent notify the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to 
any proposed change in the way Respondent does business which may 
affect her compliance obligations arising out of this Order.
    By direction of the Commission, this Consent Order Agreement is 
provisionally accepted pursuant to 16 CFR 1605.13, and shall be 
placed on the public record, and the Commission shall announce the 
provisional acceptance of the Consent Order Agreement in the 
Commission's Public Calendar and in the Federal Register.

    So ordered by the Commission, this 26th day of July, 1995.
Sadye E. Dunn,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
[FR Doc. 95-18750 Filed 7-31-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6335-01-M