[Archive]: A Collection of Correspondence, Documents, and Photographs Relating to Harry Loveen's Invention of the "Mechanix Head-Lite" (1930-53)

LOVEEN, Harry H.

Published by (Bucyrus, Ohio, 1930

About this Item

A meticulously compiled archive of correspondence, U.S. Patent Office and associated documents, over 18 gelatin silver photographs and associated diagrams, marketing materials and ephemera, all neatly laid into plastic sleeves and housed in two three-ring binders. The collection documents Harry Loveen's extensive efforts in patenting, part sourcing, and the marketing of his invention of an electric headlight designed for mechanics and other tradesmen: "the general object of the invention is to provide means for holding an electric light on the head with a reflector for reflecting the rays of light in front of the head, the device being so constructed that there is no danger of the user being burned by the heat of the lamp." The bulk of the material dates from 1930-39, leading up to and following the receipt of his patent on October 17, 1933, and including some material dating up to 1953, when Loveen's Mechanix Head-Lite Mfg. Co. based at Bucyrus, Ohio went belly up. Included are numerous patent attorney letters and patent related documents, various diagrams and a list of required assembly parts along with their costs, together with numerous quotes and quote requests as Loveen sources a stream of suppliers to manufacture his "Mechanix Head-Lite" product. The letters document shortages as he attempts to purchase package boxes and the various components of his Head-Lite product, such as head straps, springs, rubber tubes, nuts, bolts, etc. The photographs include several images of Loveen demonstrating and modeling his product; and the associated marketing materials include printed brochures and advertising, along with several sales letters that document the various situations in which Loveen attempted to market the product. Despite his Herculean efforts, in April 1953, Loveen contacts the Ohio State Tax Department to cancel his tax license as "It wasn't a good business from the income point of view ." An extensive archive of an American entrepreneur's Depression-era papers, which document one man's effort to patent, manufacture, and market his promising new product.

Seller Inventory # 549478

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Archive]: A Collection of Correspondence, Documents, and Photographs Relating to Harry Loveen's Invention of the "Mechanix Head-Lite" (1930-53)
• Publisher: (Bucyrus, Ohio
• Publication Date: 1930
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Photography
  • Americana
  • Ephemera