The Spout Strainer: Tufts of Bristle That Open Like an Umbrella

"My invention relates to a device and attachment for the nozzles of teapots and the like for the purpose of preventing the escape of tea-leaves and sediment, so that the liquid will pass out of the spout in a clear condition." "These radial groups or strainers are like the ribs of an umbrella, so that the device can easily be introduced into the nozzle or spout by pushing it in from the outer end". It can be drawn out at any time, "because the spout being smooth the wires will yield and slip within it for this purpose, so that it can be readily cleansed at any time."

Measure how far the spout runs and how wide it is at the base, the middle and the tip. Cut two lengths of stainless steel wire a little longer than the spout. Lay a small bunch of bristles across the two wires near one end and twist the wires tightly over it, so the bristles are caught and fan out all round. Twist in two more bunches further along. Trim each tuft round: the first to the spout's base width, the next to its middle width, the last to its tip width. Bend the other end of the wires into a loop too big to pass the spout's mouth. Brew loose black tea in the pot and pour one cup with the strainer and one without. Count the leaves in each cup, and pull the strainer out to rinse it.

**David Chambers** of San Jose, California, a citizen of England, filed US 687,979 on 3 July 1901; it was patented 3 December 1901. He made the innermost tuft the largest, because spouts narrow from the base to the tip. **Honest limits.** The notebook counts only gaps at the wall; bristles bend and bunch, and leaves pack against them. Counts and sizes are examples. Your leaf counts are the measurement.