One of the early steps in the development of the Scrigit Scraper was to search databases to see if anybody already invented a similar product. In addition to searching the Internet, I spent a lot of time searching the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) databases of approved and pending patents. Google provides a patent search capability, but once I figured out the process using USPTO training videos, I spent most of my time using the patent office’s own search capabilities to search for scrapers.
Scraper Tool Patent Drawing – 1902
I found patents for all types of specialized scrapers for industrial use as well as all kinds of variations of the putty knife and handles that hold removable metal scraper blades. There were also variations of snow and ice scrapers for use on automobile windows. The one thing that almost all of them had in common was that they consisted of a handle attached to some type of scraping blade. Nothing was even close in design to the Scrigit Scraper concept I had in mind. The closest design for a tool with scrapers at both ends is shown in the photo. A patent for this “Kettle or Dish Scraper or Cleaner” was issued on January 28, 1902. The twisted wire tool holds a metal scraper blade at one end (#5 on the drawing) and a rubber blade at the other end (#8).
I imagine that the Scrigit Scraper might have looked something like this if I had invented it before the development of a wide range of plastics and plastic injection molding, though tools made with twisted wire are still being made. The grill brush I just bought has a twisted wire handle.
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