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"The Clapper"

Inventive concept by the requester: a security system using a clapper to activate a video device that identifies and, if possible, recognizes an individual or, if not recognized, activates an alarm signal.

A sound-activated household device - that sounds like the familiar "Clapper" known from its years of TV commercials. Based on this information, an internet search and a trademark search (on the USPTO Trademark database) would provide information such as the company supplying or manufacturing this famous product. It would require searching both mechanical and electrical subject matter. Example terms to use in an internet database query could include: sound, sound-activate, audible, clap, on-off, automatic, instant and "the clapper".

The internet is an excellent starting point for learning about "fad" and other similar popular items such as devices advertized in the media. In this case, a search using "ixquick.com" showed that "The Clapper" is being sold by Joseph Enterprises, Inc. of California. A Trademark search reveals a Live Trademark Serial No. 73608656, filed July 9, 1986, also by Joseph Enterprises, for an "acoustically operated switch". The design search codes further indicate the essential features of this trademark: 011525 and 260121.

Key features to consider in searching the patent databases for this concept include conversion of sound into a mechanical effect, such as turning on a light. This involves a combination of mechanical (sound activation) and electrical (electronic circuit) features.

Further internet and trademark searches reveal a "spin-off" product line that uses a "whistling" sound (instead of a hand-clap sound) to locate household items, such as remote control units, called "Find-It", made by Leslie in California. The related Trademark, "2Find-It" was abandonded in 1995 after being filed about one year earlier.