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Some time in the 1950s (don't know exactly when, but it was after Models LX & E came out), Electrolux came up with a disposable bag setup for use with the XXX.
This was most likely due to an oft-expressed desire from XXX users to have the same disposable bag feature as the newer models, but who didn't want the expense of trading up to a new machine just for that one new feature.
The disposable bag chamber embodies the same basic design as for the early metal bag chambers. However, it is permanently connected to a metal ring with a rubber gasket around it, the same size as the metal ring for the XXX cloth bag. The cloth bag is removed and in its place the disposable bag chamber is inserted and secured with two little levers.
The front cover of it is held in place by two knurled thumbscrews. You loosen the thumbscrews and then remove the cover. You remove and discard the used bag, insert a new one, replace the metal top and screw it back down.
It does work, but the problem is that the suction is forced through two sets of holes -- the holes in the disposable bag chamber as well as the holes in the back of the XXX bag chamber. That does cut down airflow and thus suction power.
It's kludgy and funny looking and totally disrupts the beautiful streamlined design of the XXX -- obviously little thought was directed to aesthetics. The first time I saw one I thought it was something home-made. It just didn't have the professional, polished appearance of other Electrolux products (other than the Model T but that's another story!)
Here are a couple of photos of it. If anyone is burning with interest I can take some more photos of the one I have, to more clearly show how it works.
