Sears Kenmore Power-Mate, Jr. and Other Mini Power Nozzles

[kirbyclassiciii]

Does anyone remember when the first mini power nozzles for vacuum cleaners came about, such as the Sears Kenmore Power-Mate, Jr. and the TriStar Mini-Star?

~Ben

 

[super-sweeper]

You mean those 80s things?

If so I have one of those big "Typewriter-Ribbon" box things, A shoe-box jut doesn't fit the description!


I know one of our fellow members found one new in a goodwill...

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Alex,

Of course...

~Ben

 

[super-sweeper]

Didn't know they where the first...

Thus prompting me to ask, "You mean those 80s things?".


Figured as deluxe as the Kenmore Duo-Power canister was in the 70s, it would've had a powered nozzle. after all, Hoover had air-powered nozzles in the '60s! (Not much use on a convertible...)

 

[bagintheback]

Looking through the archives, I found that the Electrolux Sidekick was introduced in 1987 along the Grand Marquis. Was Electrolux the first to introduce this type of attachment?

 

[fan-of-fans]

The early Kenmore PowerMate Jr was basically the same to the Electrolux Sidekick, so probably around the same time. They weren't included as standard with Kenmore vacs at the time, but were instead sold separately. I know I have a 1991 catalog with one available.

 

[floor-a-matic]

The Wessel Werk HEB160 was introduced in 2010; which has the same brush roller as the turbine powered brush PT160

RainbowMate introduced around 1990 with the D4SE

TriStar MiniStar introduced in 1999 with the EXL (A101)

 

[rugsucker]

mini power nozzles

The 60s Hoover air driven nozzle was an option and not included with any particular Hoover.Then Kirby Heritage used the Rug Rat air turbine nozzle that was seen with some central systems as standard.As above the Electrolux Sidekick seems to be the first electric mini and had a gear belt.Most that followed used a smooth belt that would stretch and wear.At the introduction of Sidekick there were also 3 versions with adapter cords and hose adapters when needed for Eureka/Sears,Filter Queen and Hoover canisters.

 

[danemodsandy]

Lux Sidekick:

I have one and would not want to be without it. The thing it does best is to get kitty hair off furniture with speed and thoroughness. I have a velvet-upholstered ottoman that is my cat Marty's favorite place in the whole house. It's dark red, and Marty is grey, black and white - meaning that his hair shows up big-time.

A quick pass with the Sidekick and the ottoman looks like new. It's also great for stair carpet.