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The Clapper plugs into a U.S.-type [[electrical outlet]], and allows control of up to two devices plugged into the Clapper.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=1059890 | title=The Clapper: Does It Work? | work=KCBD News | date=December 25, 2002 | accessdate=24 December 2013}}{{dead link|date=March 2019}}</ref> An upgraded model, known as the '''Clapper Plus''', includes a remote control function in addition to the original sound-based activation.<ref name="Gizmodo">{{cite web | url=https://gizmodo.com/5624015/the-21st-century-clapper | title=The 21st Century Clapper | website=[[Gizmodo]] | date=August 30, 2010 | accessdate=24 December 2013 | author=Lam, Brian}}</ref>
The Clapper plugs into a U.S.-type [[electrical outlet]], and allows control of up to two devices plugged into the Clapper.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=1059890 | title=The Clapper: Does It Work? | work=KCBD News | date=December 25, 2002 | accessdate=24 December 2013}}{{dead link|date=March 2019}}</ref> An upgraded model, known as the '''Clapper Plus''', includes a remote control function in addition to the original sound-based activation.<ref name="Gizmodo">{{cite web | url=https://gizmodo.com/5624015/the-21st-century-clapper | title=The 21st Century Clapper | website=[[Gizmodo]] | date=August 30, 2010 | accessdate=24 December 2013 | author=Lam, Brian}}</ref>


Although meant to activate by [[clapping]], The Clapper can inadvertently be triggered by other noises,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ktre.com/story/16366556/the-clapper-does-it-work | title=The Clapper: "Does It Work?" | work=KTRE News | accessdate=24 December 2013}}</ref> such as [[cough]]ing, a [[dog]] [[Bark (sound)|barking]], a cabinet or door being closed, [[laughter]], yelling, banging, intercourse, knocking on a door or a wall, other sharp sounds, or noises from [[televisions]] and [[loudspeaker|speakers]].
Although meant to activate by [[clapping]], The Clapper can inadvertently be triggered by other noises,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ktre.com/story/16366556/the-clapper-does-it-work | title=The Clapper: "Does It Work?" | work=KTRE News | accessdate=24 December 2013}}</ref> such as [[cough]]ing, a [[dog]] [[Bark (sound)|barking]], a cabinet or door being closed, [[laughter]], yelling, banging, intercourse, knocking on a door or a wall, other sharp sounds, or noises from [[television]]s and [[loudspeaker|speakers]].


==Patent==
==Patent==

Revision as of 02:04, 13 June 2020

The Clapper with a lamp plugged in at bottom

The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch,[1] sold by San Francisco, California based Joseph Enterprises, Inc. Robert E. Clapper, Sr., and Richard J. Pirong 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] such as coughing, a dog barking, a cabinet or door being closed, laughter, yelling, banging, intercourse, knocking on a door or a wall, other sharp sounds, or noises from televisions and speakers.

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]

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. Retrieved 24 December 2013.[dead link]
  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.