The Clapper
 "Clap On! Clap Off! The Clapper". ABC News. July 16, 2009. |
The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch, 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!" and as a separate phrase "Clap Off!". The Clapper works with any American standard electrical outlet.
The Clapper allows control of up to two devices. An upgraded model known as the Clapper Plus includes a remote control function, in addition to the original sound-based activation. It also includes an away setting that will optionally turn on selected devices when a sound is heard or motion is detected.
Although meant to activate by clapping, The Clapper can inadvertently be triggered by other noises, 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.
The Clapper, was issued US Patent #5493618 which was published on February 20, 1996. It was invented by Carlile R. Stevens and Dale E. Reamer
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.
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