The Clapper Explained

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.^[5]

Patent

The Clapper was invented by Carlile R. Stevens and Dale E. Reamer, and issued U.S. Patent #5493618, which was published on 20 February 1996.^[6]

Further reading

• News: Thumbs Down For The Clapper . . February 6, 2005 . 24 December 2013 . Kauffman, Matthew . 2013-12-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131225062910/http://articles.courant.com/2005-02-06/business/0502060305_1_clapper-plugs-auld-lang . dead .

External links

• Official site

Notes and References

1. News: A tale of useless toys . January 10, 2003 . . 24 December 2013.
2. Book: Harry, Lou. As Seen on TV: 50 Amazing Products and the Commercials that Made Them Famous. 2002. Chronicle Books. California. 978-1-931686-09-9. 90–91. https://books.google.com/books?id=Q8_sMBcCVqEC&dq=%22the%20clapper%22%20clap%20on&pg=PT93. Stall, Sam . The Clapper.
3. News: The Clapper: Does It Work? . https://web.archive.org/web/20030224025853/http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=1059890 . dead . February 24, 2003 . KCBD News . December 25, 2002 . 24 December 2013.
4. Web site: The 21st Century Clapper . . August 30, 2010 . 24 December 2013 . Lam, Brian.
5. News: The Clapper: "Does It Work?" . KTRE News . 24 December 2013.
6. Web site: Method and apparatus for activating switches in response to different acoustic signals. 2 November 2017.