What Are Kirby Vacuums Named After?
The short answer is: Kirby vacuums are named after their inventor, Jim Kirby. He was an American inventor whose primary goal was to eliminate hard work through innovative products. However, it’s easy to confuse the vacuum brand with the popular Nintendo character, Kirby, and the story behind each name is quite different. Let’s clear up any confusion and delve into the history of the Kirby vacuum and its namesake, and then address several frequently asked questions.
The Inventor: Jim Kirby and His Legacy
Jim Kirby, born in 1884, was an American inventor who dedicated his life to making household chores easier. He is best known for creating the Kirby Home Cleaning System, which has become synonymous with durability and high-performance cleaning. With over 200 patents to his name, Jim Kirby’s contributions go beyond just vacuum cleaners, yet the Kirby vacuum remains his most recognizable and enduring product. His inventions reflect a commitment to innovation and making life easier through technology. The enduring design and reputation of the Kirby vacuum stand as a tribute to Jim Kirby’s work ethic and ingenuity.
How Did the Nintendo Character Kirby Get His Name?
It’s easy to see why there might be confusion. The Nintendo character Kirby was not named after the vacuum cleaner, although the two share the same name. Instead, the character was named after John Joseph Kirby Jr., an American attorney. He was instrumental in defending Nintendo in a copyright lawsuit brought by Universal Studios in 1984. Universal had claimed that Donkey Kong was an infringement on their copyright for King Kong. John Kirby Jr., successfully defended Nintendo, and in gratitude, Nintendo decided to name the pink, round character Kirby after him. This connection highlights the impact of legal victories on pop culture.
Kirby the Character: A Tale of Development and Design
Interestingly, the Nintendo character Kirby was originally called Popopo during development. The famous pink design was initially just a placeholder. Nintendo eventually sought a name more appealing to a Western audience, settling on Kirby. While it’s reported that Masahiro Sakurai, the character’s creator, “can’t remember” how the character got his name, the story of John Joseph Kirby Jr.’s legal victory is largely accepted by the public. The initial color concept for the character was yellow, suggested by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario. However, Sakurai planned for the character to be pink, although it appeared white in some early North American promotional materials.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Vacuum vs. Character
Despite sharing the same name, the Kirby vacuum and the Nintendo character Kirby have completely separate origins. One is a testament to a dedicated inventor who sought to make life easier, while the other is a tribute to an attorney who successfully defended a corporation against a major lawsuit. Understanding these two separate narratives is important to truly grasp the origins of both. The similarity in names is a mere coincidence of history that has led to this common confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is special about a Kirby vacuum?
Kirby vacuums are known for their durability and powerful performance. They are constructed with die-cast aluminum parts, which contribute to their weight but also ensure their longevity. The TechDrive® power assist makes these heavy machines feel lightweight during use, and the overall design is geared towards a comprehensive cleaning system. They also feature a versatile design, able to convert into various configurations for different cleaning needs.
Is Kirby really the best vacuum?
Whether or not a Kirby vacuum is the “best” is subjective, but they certainly have a loyal following. Kirby vacuums are known for exceptional cleaning power, durability, and versatility. Models like the Kirby Avalir 2 are designed for those who prioritize these qualities above all else, offering a blend of classic power and modern technology. However, they are also notably expensive.
How much does a Kirby really cost?
Kirby vacuum cleaners are considered a premium product, with prices ranging from $995 to $2500. This high price point reflects the quality of materials used in their construction, the longevity of the product, and the company’s innovative features. They are a significant investment compared to more standard vacuum cleaners.
What is the lifespan of a Kirby vacuum?
Kirby vacuums are known for their long lifespan. Many customers have reported using their Kirby systems successfully for twenty, thirty, or even forty years. This long lifespan is attributed to their robust construction and the company’s rebuild program, extending the life of the vacuum.
Are old Kirby vacuums worth anything?
The value of vintage Kirby vacuum cleaners can vary widely. Less expensive models in poor condition might be worth around $100, while high-end models in excellent condition could sell for $2,000 or more. Refurbished models tend to be more expensive, while those in unrestored condition will command a lower price.
What should I do with my old Kirby vacuum?
Kirby offers a unique rebuild program for its registered owners. You can choose to have your used Kirby vacuum rebuilt to like-new condition by their Rebuild Department. This is an attractive option to extend the life of your machine and is a program unique to the brand.
Why does my Kirby stink?
A Kirby vacuum may start to smell even after changing the disposable bag if the outer cloth bag has absorbed odors. To resolve this, you might need to take the cloth bag off its plastic base and wash it, replacing it with a new bag strap or cable tie when reassembling.
Do Kirby’s have a lifetime warranty?
Kirby vacuums do not have a traditional lifetime warranty, but they do have a Lifetime Factory Rebuild program. This program allows registered owners to have their Kirby system rebuilt to “like new” condition by their Rebuild Department, for as long as they own the system, making it a valuable offering for their long-term customers.
What is Kirby’s copy ability?
The Nintendo character Kirby is known for his copy ability. He can inhale enemies and absorb their powers, granting him new abilities. This makes him a highly versatile and powerful character.
What is Kirby’s weakness?
The Nintendo character Kirby has some weaknesses, including his light weight and floatiness, somewhat limited combo options, and fewer reliable ways to knock opponents out of a fight. He relies heavily on his copy abilities to be effective.
Is Kirby non-binary?
The Nintendo character Kirby is considered non-binary. The character’s design and actions are not gendered, allowing different interpretations from players.
Why does Kirby say “poyo”?
Kirby doesn’t speak many words in his games, primarily only saying “poyo“. This choice avoids a fixed impression, allowing players to relate to the character from different perspectives. He can, however, speak simple words like the names of people and food in baby talk.
Was Kirby originally white?
While the Nintendo character Kirby was initially intended to be pink by Masahiro Sakurai, his appearance was sometimes rendered white in early North American promotional materials. Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario, originally thought Kirby should be yellow.
Why did Universal Studios sue Nintendo?
Universal Studios sued Nintendo because they believed that Donkey Kong was a copyright infringement on their rights to the movie King Kong. This lawsuit ultimately led to Nintendo naming the character Kirby after their successful lawyer in the case.
How do Kirby salespeople get paid?
Kirby vacuum salespeople are independent contractors who earn commissions on each sale they make. The amount of commission varies per sale, and they are encouraged to sell a minimum number of units per month to ensure a steady income stream. Their earning potential is not capped.
Understanding the separate origins of the Kirby vacuum and the Nintendo character Kirby is key to appreciating their unique histories. While the vacuum stands as a testament to Jim Kirby’s legacy of innovation, the video game character, with its fascinating name origin, provides hours of fun and enjoyment for gamers.