4400. Misbranding of Vibra-Life  Massage  Chair.   U.  S. v.  7  Devices,  etc.
(F. D. C. No. 35389.    Sample No. 73423-L.)
LIBEL FILED :   August 18,1953, District of New Jersey.
ALLEGED SHIPMENT :   On or about March 21,1953, from Morristown, Tenn.
PRODUCT : 7 devices designated as Vibra-Life Massage Chairs at Atlantic City,
N. J., in possession of the Vibra-Life Chair Co., together with a number of
pamphlets entitled "Vibra-Life Vibrating Mechanical Massage Chairs" and a
number of placards entitled "Vibra-Life Chair Co.," "Good Circulation is
Good Health," "It vibrates for health & comfort," and "Belax In Comfort In
A Vibra-Life Chair."
Examination showed that the chairs were of two types. One chair was a
leisure lounge type, which rocked to the position of the body and then was
locked into position. The other was a regular easy chair, but adjusted auto-
matically with the motion of the body to any position, from sitting to reclining,
without knobs or levers. Both types were equipped with a 1/50 hp. motor.
A switch on the side of the chair started the motor, which would vibrate,the
chair for as long as desirable. The vibration would stop when the switch
was turned off.
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION: The above-mentioned pamphlets were printed for
the consignee and distributed to prospective customers, while the above-men-
tioned placards were on display at the consignee's place of business.
NATURE OF CHARGE: Misbranding, Section 502 (a), certain statements in the
above-mentioned pamphlets and placards accompanying the device were false
and misleading. The statements represented and suggested that the device
provided an adequate and effective treatment for circulatory disorders/sore
muscles, aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism;* varicose veins, asthma,
neuritis, aching back, and sciatica, and that it would insure good health.
The device would not provide an adequate and effective treatment for such
conditions. The device was misbranded while held for sale after shipment
in interstate commerce.
DISPOSITION : May 6,1954. Default decree of condemnation. The court ordered
that one complete chair be delivered to the Food and Drug Administration,
together with a number of the pamphlets and one of the placards; that the
remaining chairs be delivered to a charitable institution, after the motors and
any nameplates and other identification marks had been removed; and that
the motors so removed be delivered to another charitable organization.
INDEX TO NOTICES OF JUDGMENT D. D. N. J. NOS 4381 TO 4400
PRODUCTS
N. J. No.
Amphetamine hydrochloride tab-
lets
*4382
sulfate tablets
   4383
Androgenic substance-
*4381
Anterior pituitary injectable?   4387
tablets
___?4386
Apple juice concentrate?   4395
Arthritis,    remedy   for.   See
Rheumatism, remedy for.
Bursitis, remedy for.   See Rheu-
matism, remedy for.
C-Tone
   4398
Chamomile,   German
   4389
Chloral  hydrate
   4383
Chlorine and hydrogen device?   4399
Chlorophyll formula
   4395
Devices
4388, 4399, 4400
Eprinal
   4392
Estrogenic substance
Gallstones, remedy for
Gout,   remedy  for.   See   Rheu-
matism, remedy for.
Herb Formula, Special
tea
.?4390,
Hercules Tonic Tea No. 5 and
Hercules Regulator Laxative
and Diuretic Tea
Kidney stones, remedy for
Luasmin capsules-
Lumbago, remedy for.  See Rheu-
matism, remedy for.
Massage Chair, Vibra-Life
Methamphetamine hydrochloride
tablets
Methantheline bromide tablets-
Methylparafynol capsules
J. No.
4387
4395
4397
4397
4396
4395
4391
4400
4384
4384
4385
*?(4382) Prosecution contested.
*?(4381) Injunction issued.