The Clapper

The Clapper as used to control a table lamp

The Clapper is a sound activated electrical switch,[1] sold by San Francisco, California based Joseph Enterprises, Inc. Robert E. Clapper, Sr. & Richard J. Pirong and marketed with the slogan "Clap On!" and as a separate phrase "Clap Off!".[2] The Clapper works with any American standard electrical outlet.

The Clapper allows control of up to two devices.[3] An upgraded model known as the Clapper Plus includes a remote control function, in addition to the original sound-based activation.[4] It also includes an away setting that will optionally turn on selected devices when a sound is heard[4] or motion is detected.

The Clapper can inadvertently be triggered by other noises,[5] such as coughing, a dog barking, a cabinet or door being closed, laughter, yelling, banging, knocking on a door or a wall, other sharp sounds, or noises from televisions and speakers.

Patent

The Clapper, was issued US Patent #5493618 on July 9, 1985 and first sold to the public on September 1, 1986 by: Robert E. Clapper, Sr. & Richard J. Pirong, Syracuse, New York.

Advertising

The melody of the catchy jingle used in the commercials ("Clap on, clap off...") had been used earlier back in the mid 1980s for Sine-Off cold medicine, in a commercial featuring women at an army base.

In popular culture

References

Notes

  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. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  4. 1 2 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.

Further reading

External links

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