Beater Bars...
Ok, I'm late to the game as usual...
My thoughts:
I was under the very strong assumption that the main reason that Hoover ended up suing Air-Way was becasue of the "DirtMasteR" model that ended up coming out around the same time as the 150, and the features that the machine posessed as well as the "beaterbars". You can see many of the "cribs" from the 150 on Charlie Watrous's beautiful example of the DirtMasteR that he just recieved on a different thread.
The fact that the machine has so many Hoover like features, not to mention the "metal tipped, rubber vibrators" to use the oft mentioned descriptor used liberally thruought the DirtMasteR literature of which I have a manual, plus the side hose attachment, the rug adjuster (While not automatic) like the 150, was very Hoover'esque the solid handle, and fingerswitch/ handgrip like the Hoover 150....but the main reason I've heard/learned over time and talking to various persons, was that Hoover sued Air-Way becasue the DirtMasteR came close to, or DID actually outclean the Hoover 150.
Arguably, the one thing that the 150 had over the DirtMasteR was the beauty. The D-M was very wide and square and bulkish looking, where the 150, was smooth and svelte looking. That of course is an opinion.
The things that I mentioned that were "VERY" close similarities torqued Hoover. Hence the lawsuit.
Now this of course applied to all the Air-Way uprights using beater-bars including all Twin-Motors.
Charles...your example of Twin-Motor is stunning BTW!!! Your full restorations leaves the viewer with a sense of adoration of your honed skills, few can replicate. Excellent!!!
We know that Tania Voigt (sp) has many full binders and so forth of information about Air-Way. I just wonder if anyone has (maybe in her extensive archives) seen the actual documentation (if any survives) about the case? There has to be something somplace that gives at least most if not all of the story!
I also know that at some point Air-Way sued Hoover and lost over the paper bag issue with Hoovers early "Hygenisac" bag option. And Hoover won that ironically becasue their bag system was "technically" reuseable, where Air-Ways wasn't. In theroy yes it "was" reuseable, but could be thrown out after a single use if the "user" so wished to do so.
Chad
