The Clapper
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The Clapper is a gadget that uses a hand-activated switch sensitive to hand touching, to turn off and on any two appliances that are plugged into it depending on the number of times you press the on/off (I/O) button. However, they tend to be activated by just about any touch. The Clapper works with any American standard electrical outlet.
The Clapper was invented by Rachael Leo and Joseph Pedott, owner of Joseph Enterprises, Inc, who also invented the Chia Pet. The similarity in packaging of the two products was pointed out when they were featured on VH1's I Love the 80s series.
At one time the Clapper only had one outlet, but Clapper now features two outlets that are activated separately by two or three claps. New features also include home/away monitors so that devices can be turned on when you are away when the Clapper detects a person. At one time, both types of Clapper were available (the two-outlet version marketed as the Clapper II) until the first version was discontinued.
The commercial for the Clapper featured an irritable old woman turning on and off the television and lamp off and then rapidly collapsing in bed.
The slogan from the commercial was sung in military-style cadence:
- Clap on! [clap clap] Clap off! [clap-clap] Clap on, clap off — the Clapper! [clap clap]
