(a) Test conditions. Condition the product for 48 hours at 23 °C ± 2 °C (73.4 °F ± 3.6 °F) and a relative humidity of 50% ± 5%.
(b) Permanence of labels and warnings. (1) A paper label (excluding labels attached by a seam) shall be considered permanent if, during an attempt to remove it without the aid of tools or solvents, it cannot be removed, it tears into pieces upon removal, or such action damages the surface to which it is attached.
(2) A non-paper label (excluding labels attached by a seam) shall be considered permanent if, during an attempt to remove it without the aid of tools or solvents, it cannot be removed or such action damages the surface to which it is attached.
(3) A warning label attached by a seam shall be considered permanent if it does not detach when subjected to a 15-lbs (67-N) pull force applied in any direction using a
3/4-inch diameter clamp surface.
(4) Adhesion test for warnings applied directly onto the surface of the product.
(i) Apply the tape test defined in Test Method B, Cross-Cut Tape Test of ASTM D3359 (incorporated by reference, see § 1243.8), eliminating parallel cuts.
(ii) Perform this test once in each different location where warnings are applied.
(iii) The warning statements will be considered permanent if the printing in the area tested is still legible and attached after being subjected to this test.
(5) A non-paper label, during an attempt to remove it without the aid of tools or solvents, shall not be removed or shall not fit entirely within the small parts cylinder defined in 16 CFR part 1501 if it can be removed.
(c) Head entrapment test. For all applicable openings, rotate the small head probe (figure 1 to this paragraph (c)) to the orientation most likely to fail and gradually apply an outward force from the occupant lounging area of 25 lbs (111 N). Apply the force to the probe in the direction most likely to fail within a period of 5 seconds and maintain it for an additional 10 seconds. If the small head probe can pass entirely through the opening in any orientation, determine if the large head probe (figure 2 to this paragraph (c)) can be freely inserted through the opening.
Figure 1 to paragraph (c)—Small Head Probe
Figure 2 to paragraph (c)—Large Head Probe
(d) Maximum incline test. (1) Equipment shall include:
(i) Digital protractor with accuracy ±1 degree;
(ii) Hinged weight gauge—newborn, requirements for part masses and assembly (figure 3 to this paragraph (d)(1)(ii));
Figure 3 to paragraph (d)(1)(ii)—Hinged Weight Gauge—Newborn, Requirements for Part Masses and Assembly
(iii) Hinged weight gauge-newborn, requirements for part dimensions (figure 4 to this paragraph (d)(1)(iii)); and
Figure 4 to paragraph (d)(1)(iii)—Hinged Weight Gauge—Newborn, Requirements for Part Dimensions
(iv) A test base that is horizontal, flat, firm, and smooth.
(2) If applicable, place the product in the manufacturer's recommended highest seat back angle position intended for lounging.
(3) If applicable, place the hinged weight gauge—newborn in the product and position the gauge with the hinge centered over the seat bight line and the upper plate of the gauge back. Place a digital protractor on the upper torso/head area lengthwise and measure the incline angle.
(4) Place the head/torso portion of the newborn hinged weight gauge on the product according to the manufacturer's recommended use position with the seat portion of the gauge, depending on the product design, allowed to lay freely on the product or on the test base (figure 5 to this paragraph (d)(4)).
Figure 5 to paragraph (d)(4)—Test Fixture Configuration to Measure Incline Angle on an Infant Support Cushion Product
(5) Move and rotate the newborn hinged weight gauge the minimum amount necessary such that the head/torso portion rests on an OSS that could foreseeably support an infant's head, and place the head/torso portion of the gauge according to all situations that apply:
(i) In tests on products with an OSS for the infant's body, align the top edge of the head/torso portion of the gauge to coincide with a plumb line to the outermost edge of the OSS-head.
(ii) In all tests, place the seat portion of the gauge on the test base, adjust the newborn gauge to the greatest incline angle in which the top edge of the gauge maintains contact with the top surface of the product.
(6) If a product's seating bight area prevents reasonable positioning of the head/torso portion to the outermost edge, then position the seat portion of the newborn hinged weight gauge as far forward as possible towards the outermost edge and allow the head/torso portion of the gauge to rest on the product.
(7) Place a digital protractor lengthwise on the head/torso portion of the gauge and measure the incline angle.
(8) Measure the incline angle at the manufacturer's recommended use location(s), at feasible locations such as perpendicular to the recommended use location(s), and at least one location likely to fail in which the newborn gauge seat is supported on the test surface.
(9) Determine the maximum incline angle from the incline angle measurements.
(e) Firmness test setup. (1) Equipment shall include:
(i) Force gauge with accuracy ± 0.05 N (0.01 lbs).
(ii) Distance gauge with accuracy ± 0.01 inches (0.03 cm).
(2) Align the axis of the 3-inch head probe (figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of § 1243.4) with a force gauge and parallel to a distance measurement device or gauge.
(3) Use a lead screw or similar device to control movement along a single direction.
(4) Support the firmness fixture to a test base such that the head probe does not deflect more than 0.01 inches (0.025 cm) under a 10.0 N (2.24 lbs) load applied in each orientation required in the test methods.
(f) Occupant support surface firmness test method. Perform the following steps to determine the occupant support surface firmness of the product as received from the manufacturer. For products sold with a slipcover on or together with the product, products shall be tested as assembled with the slipcover on the product. All products, including products one inch or less in thickness, are required to be tested. See figure 6 to this paragraph (f).
(1) Orient the axis of the 3-inch head probe perpendicular to the surface of the product at each test location that is oriented greater than five degrees relative to the test base or align the axis of the probe perpendicular to the test base (vertically) at each test location that is oriented equal to or less than five degrees to the test base.
(2) The first test location shall be at the location of maximum thickness of the surface being tested, perpendicular to the test base.
(3) Lay the product, with the occupant support surface facing up, on a test base that is horizontal, flat, firm, and smooth.
(4) Prevent movement of the product in a manner that does not affect the force or deflection measurement of the product surface under test. Provide no additional support beneath the product.
(5) Advance the probe into the product and set the deflection to 0.0 inches when a force of 0.1 N (0.02 lbs) force is reached.
(6) Continue to advance the head probe into the product at a rate not to exceed 0.1 inch per second and pause when the force exceeds 10.0 N (2.24 lbs), or the deflection is equal to 1.00 inches (2.54 cm).
(7) Wait 30 seconds. If the deflection is less than 1.00 inches and the force is 10.0 N or less, repeat the steps in paragraphs (f)(6) and (7) of this section.
(8) Record the final force and deflection when the deflection has reached 1.00 inches or when the force has exceeded 10.0 N.
(9) If the maximum thickness of the OSS is greater than 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), perform additional tests, space permitting, at the geometric center of the OSS, at four locations along the product's longitudinal and lateral axes therefrom, 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) towards center from the intersection of the sidewall and OSS, and at one location most likely to fail.
(10) Repeat the occupant support surface firmness tests on any other occupant support surface and in all intended and feasible configurations that could affect an occupant support surface, such as the folding or layering of parts of the product.
Figure 6 to paragraph (f)—Test Configuration for Occupant Support Surface Firmness Test
(g) Sidewall firmness test method. For products with a sidewall, perform the steps in paragraphs (f)(1) through (8) of this section to determine the sidewall firmness of the product as received from the manufacturer and then perform the following:
(1) Perform a minimum of four additional tests, located at intervals not to exceed 6 inches along the entire top perimeter of the sidewall, starting from the maximum side height location, and at one additional location most likely to fail.
(2) Repeat the sidewall firmness test in all the intended or feasible configurations that could affect the sidewall firmness, such as the folding or layering of parts of the product.
(h) Intersection of sidewall and occupant support surface firmness. For products with a sidewall, perform the following steps to determine the intersection firmness of the product as received from the manufacturer (figure 7 to this paragraph (h)).
(1) Orient the axis of the 3-inch head probe perpendicular to the sidewall perimeter at an angle from horizontal that bisects the angle determined in sidewall angle determination with the axis directed at the intersection of the occupant support surface and the sidewall.
(2) The first test location shall be at the location of maximum product thickness parallel to the test base.
(3) Perform the steps in paragraphs (f)(3) through (8) of this section.
(4) Perform a minimum of four additional tests, located at intervals not to exceed six inches along the entire inside perimeter of the intersection of the sidewall and OSS, and at one additional location most likely to fail.
(5) Repeat the intersection of sidewall and occupant support surface firmness test in all the intended or feasible configurations that could affect the intersection firmness, such as the folding or layering of parts of the product.
Figure 7 to paragraph (h)—Test Configuration for Intersection of Sidewall and Occupant Support Surface Firmness
(i) Sidewall angle determination. For products with a sidewall, perform the following steps to determine if the angle between the sidewall and OSS is 90 degrees or less, or to measure the angle above 90 degrees. See figure 8 to this paragraph (i).
(1) Orient the 3-inch (7.62 cm) diameter hemispherical head probe vertically and place it over the OSS with the cylindrical surface of the probe tangent to the intersection of the sidewall and the OSS. Advance the probe into the product until a downward force of 10 N (2.2 lbs) force is reached.
(2) After 30 seconds, determine whether the sidewall is in contact with the cylindrical side of the 3-inch head probe. If the sidewall contacts the cylindrical part of the probe, the sidewall angle is equal to or less than 90 degrees.
(3) For sidewall angles greater than 90 degrees, calculate the sidewall angle as 90 degrees plus the measured angle between the cylindrical side of the 3-inch head probe and the sidewall.
(4) Determine a minimum of four sidewall angles at locations not to exceed 6-inch (15.2 cm) intervals along the intersection of the sidewall and OSS.
(5) Measure the angle with a protractor or gauge placed to the depth of and in contact with the cylindrical side of the 3-inch probe side and the sidewall.
Figure 8 to paragraph (i)—Test Fixture Configuration for Sidewall Angle Measurement
(j) Seam strength test method. (1) Equipment shall include:
(i) Clamps with 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) diameter clamping surfaces capable of holding fabric and with a means to attach a force gauge. See figure 9 to this paragraph (j)(1), or equivalent.
(ii) A force gauge, accuracy ± 0.5 lbs (1.1 N).
Figure 9 to paragraph (j)(1)—Seam Clamp
(2) Clamp the fabric of the infant support cushion on each side of the seam under test with the 0.75 inches clamping surfaces placed not less than 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) from the seam.
(3) Apply a tension of 15 lbs (67 N) evenly over 5 seconds and maintain for an additional 10 seconds.
(4) Repeat the test on every distinct seam and every 12 inches (15 cm) along each seam.
(k) Removal of components test method—(1) Suitable devices. For torque and tension tests, any suitable device may be used to grasp the component that does not interfere with the attachment elements that are stressed during the tests.
(2) Torque test. Gradually apply a 4 lbs-in (0.4 N-m) torque over 5 seconds in a clockwise rotation to 180 degrees or until 4 lbs-in has been reached. Maintain for 10 seconds. Release and allow component to return to relaxed state. Repeat the torque test in a counterclockwise rotation.
(3) Tension test. For components that can reasonably be grasped between thumb and forefinger, or teeth, apply a 15 lbs (67 N) force over 5 seconds, in a direction to remove the component. Maintain for 10 seconds. A clamp such as shown in figure 10 to this paragraph (k)(3) may be used if the gap between the back of the component and the base material is 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) or more.
Figure 10 to paragraph (k)(3)—Tension Test Adapter Clamp
