Thread Number: 44158  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
Question regarding Electrolux model 30 xxx vacuums
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Post# 459851   1/29/2023 at 21:35 (424 days old) by TonyVacman (Apple Valley , Minnesota)        

when did tool caddy that mounted on canister debut for model 30 xxx electrolux vacuum? Just Curious. Thank you if any information.

Post# 459854 , Reply# 1   1/30/2023 at 03:00 (424 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

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1949, the same year as the air-powered floor polisher, the "Garment-aire" garment storage bag, and an automatic cord winder.


Post# 459860 , Reply# 2   1/30/2023 at 10:19 (423 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
TonyVacman.

caligula's profile picture
Late in 1948 Gustav E. Lofgren, head of the engineering department at Electrolux was looking at several parts that he thought would greatly add to the sales of the model 30/XXX. The Garment air bag Power polisher, ride-on tool holder called the 'Companion, 'and the cord winder, were all part of the line sometime in 1949.Off the top of my head I don't have the dates of each, so, I'm providing the patent information. As to the cord winder, the first was introduced in the 1920's by the Airway Corp, though I don't know if it was added to the line as Air-way was then an upright machine.

In 1949, Gustav Lofgren was hard at work searching for what would become the model LX. and the patents on those designs are truly amazing.


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Post# 459864 , Reply# 3   1/30/2023 at 10:57 (423 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

caligula's profile picture
Some of these like the Garment air-bag, go back to the mid to late 1930's. What are posted here are the first patents. Keep in mind that after the attack on Pearl Harbor, all companies, not only Electrolux went into 'War production,' and this brought a halt to all vacuum cleaner designs. So, when Electrolux went back into production it was the refurbished model 30, and the above-mentioned tools were introduced. Adding to these were the vaporizer, and spray gun, both had been part of the line since the model XI (11) in 1927. To round out the new tools, Lofgren came up with the idea to add white bristles to the floor brush, thus turning it into a wall brush for things like wallpaper, and doing likewise with the dusting brush, thus adding two brushes to the line. As for the disposable bag, which would be called a 'wrapper,' it was already on the drawing board and would be introduced with the model LX.

All of these tools would carry over to the model LX in 1952. As for the power polisher, it would become the 'Turbo' tool in the 1950's. Gustav Lofgren also designed the combination tools used for the models E, and E automatic, and of course these became the standard still used today.

And in case you're wondering what was sold during the war? that was the model XX (20.) It was slated to replace the 30, but for some reason, the machine was scrapped. I have one and it was great. Incidentally, the logo on the early cans of wax, floor cleaner and so on, show the model XX.


Alex Taber

(Caligula is the cat in my avatar,)





Post# 459871 , Reply# 4   1/30/2023 at 14:58 (423 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
The model XX (20.)

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There are several versions of how Electrolux sold the model XX. The one I'm sharing here was told to me personally by Arnold Vale a branch manager in Hamden, Connecticut in 1968, and backed up in a publication "ELECTROLUX THE FIRST FORTY YEARS 1924-64. This publication was only available to Electrolux employees, of which I was one.

Let's begin with the model XXX, which was introduced in December of 1937, as Electrolux's Christmas present to the American housewife. It was nicknamed 'The Dirt Digger.' and the salesmen were told to "Dig more dirt" on every demonstration. The XXX would go on to become the longest model ever designed, manufactured and sold. It was in production well into the early 1950's.

But this was not what Gustav E Lofgren and his engineering staff had in mind. They had a new model waiting to be introduced in December of 1941. Then, as mentioned in the previous reply, Pearl Harbor was hit, and this was the end of vacuum cleaner production. Story goes that the model XXX was sold till supply ran out, and then it was the model XX for the duration of the war. I was never told why the XX was discontinued, but after Electrolux got running as a vacuum cleaner company again, it was brought back, as a 'post-war-model XXX, and ended up being the low-end model for those who thought the LX was too expensive.

Now this is not etched in stone, and there are a few who don't agree with this, but it's the version the top brass at Electrolux believe. And who am I do disagree.

The model XX is pictured on the second shelf from the top, between the XXX and the LX.







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Post# 459874 , Reply# 5   1/30/2023 at 15:32 (423 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

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While the 'Companion,' which is what Electrolux called the ride-on tool holder is shown in the reply above, it is the one for the model XXX. With the introduction of the LX in October of 1952, it was redesigned. Unfortunately, I don't have patent information on it. So, if any of you Electrolux buffs out there have this info. I'd love to see it.

I happen to have pictures of the dinner that Electrolux held at the banquet hall in the old Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York city, October 1952 to welcome in the model LX, known as the 60. This was strictly Electrolux staff. Engineers, office workers, salesman, and their wives.

As for Lofgren and his engineers, I have pictures of the Electrolux Museum, which was only open to employees. I got to see this museum in 1968, it was truly breathtaking.


Post# 459908 , Reply# 6   1/31/2023 at 11:20 (422 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Re: Reply #5

Here you are, Alex:

Application US350874A events
1953-04-24
Application filed by Electrolux Corp
1953-04-24
Priority to US350874A
1956-05-29
Application granted
1956-05-29
Publication of US2747214A
1973-05-29
Anticipated expiration
Status
Expired - Lifetime


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Post# 459910 , Reply# 7   1/31/2023 at 11:33 (422 days old) by Paul (USA)        
"Companion" Patent

For comparison - The Model XXX "Companion" tool holder

Application US79536A events
1949-03-04
Application filed by Electrolux Corp
1949-03-04
Priority to US79536A
1953-08-25
Application granted
1953-08-25
Publication of US2649606A
1970-08-25
Anticipated expiration
Status
Expired - Lifetime


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Post# 459928 , Reply# 8   2/1/2023 at 13:03 (421 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Paul.

caligula's profile picture
As I recall you posted information on the date the instruction book for the model LX was published. I believe it was October of 1952. If you have this information, please post it again, and if you have any patent info on the Companion for the LX I'd love to see it.

Thanks,

Alex Taber.


Post# 459974 , Reply# 9   2/2/2023 at 13:15 (420 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Hi Alex,

Look at Reply 6, which features the Model LX Companion.

Below is the copyright information (presumably) for the Model LX user's manual as it contains 48 pages along with its first revision.

Check out my new thread that features a timeline of Electrolux ads in various women's magazines from 1953-2000 - including the LX.

Glad to help!


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