The Clapper

For the 2017 film, see The Clapper (film).
The Clapper with a cord plugged in at bottom

The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch,[1] sold since 1984 by San Francisco, California based Joseph Enterprises, Inc. Joseph Pedott marketed the clapper with the slogan "Clap On! Clap Off! The Clapper!".[2]

The Clapper plugs into a U.S.-type electrical outlet, and allows control of up to two devices plugged into the Clapper.[3] An upgraded model, known as the Clapper Plus, includes a remote control function in addition to the original sound-based activation.[4]

Although meant to activate by clapping, The Clapper can inadvertently be triggered by other noises like dogs barking for example.[5]

Patent

The smart Clapper was invented by Carlile R. Stevens and Dale E. Reamer, and issued U.S. Patent #5493618, had its application filed on 1993-05-07 and was granted on 20 February 1996.[6]

References

  1. ^ "A tale of useless toys". The Free Lance-Star. January 10, 2003. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  2. ^ Harry, Lou; Stall, Sam (2002). "The Clapper". As Seen on TV: 50 Amazing Products and the Commercials that Made Them Famous. California: Chronicle Books. pp. 90–91. ISBN 978-1-931686-09-9.
  3. ^ "The Clapper: Does It Work?". KCBD News. December 25, 2002. Archived from the original on February 24, 2003. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  4. ^ Lam, Brian (August 30, 2010). "The 21st Century Clapper". Gizmodo. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  5. ^ "The Clapper: "Does It Work?"". KTRE News. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  6. ^ "Method and apparatus for activating switches in response to different acoustic signals". Retrieved 2 November 2017.

Further reading

External videos
video icon "Clap On! Clap Off! The Clapper". ABC News. July 16, 2009.