25
In 1946 Miller applied for a patent on his
improvements to the crumb scraper. Miller
points out that the existing finger operated
crumb scraper
“
... has the disadvantage of
being unable to retain the crumbs gathered
up if it is held on its scooping edge against
the surface, but must be tilted backwardly
to do so.
”
Miller solves the problem by
forming ridges on the inner surface of the
scraper to retain the crumbs. His
dissertation on manufacture and usage
closes with
“
The scoop is neat and being of
pocket size avoids the objection which the
more cumbersome dust pan offers for the
same type of duty.
”
Miller was granted U. S. Patent Number
2,494,572 on January 17, 1950. He also
patented this invention in Germany (No.
816,299 issued October 8, 1951 for
“
Kr
ü
melschippe
”
), France (No. 1,007,354 issued
February 6, 1952 for
“
Ramasse-miettes
”
), and Great Britain (No. 676,029 issued
July 23, 1952 for
“
Improvements in Crumb Scoops
”
).
Miller
‟
s table crumber is still
produced and sold. Ray
Machine, the manufacturer,
at 12 Lynbrook Road,
Baltimore says
“
Sometimes
imitated but never
duplicated, the Ray Machine
„
Table Crumber
‟
is the
original. With its unique
patented beveled edge, it
has been removing crumbs
from tables around the
world for over 50 years.
Manufactured in the USA
from aircraft grade aluminum and anodized in 6 colors for years of service. You
can
‟
t buy a better Crumber!
”
They offer the crumber in several colors and with
optional advertising imprints.
