Joy buzzer
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A joy buzzer (also called a hand buzzer) is a practical joke device that consists of a coiled mainspring inside a disc worn in the palm of the hand. When the wearer shakes hands with another person, a button on the disc releases the spring, which rapidly unwinds creating a vibration that mimics an electric shock to the unsuspecting victim.[1]
History
[edit]The joy buzzer was invented in 1928 or 1931 by Soren Sorensen "Sam" Adams of the S.S. Adams Co.[1][2] It was modeled after The Zapper, a product that was similar to the joy buzzer, but did not have a very effective buzz and contained a button with a blunt point that would hurt the recipient's hand.[citation needed]
Adams brought a large prototype of his newly designed buzzer to Dresden, Germany, where a machinist created the tools that would make the parts for a new palm-sized Joy Buzzer. In 1932, the item received U.S. patent 1,845,735 from the U.S. Patent Office. The instant success of the new item allowed Adams to move to a new building and increase the size of his company. Adams continued to send royalty payments to the tool and die maker until 1934 when the payments were returned.[citation needed]
In 1987, Sam Adamses' son, Joseph "Bud" Adams, redesigned the mechanism for greater durability and a louder buzz, marketing it as the Super Joy Buzzer.[citation needed]
Electric shock
[edit]A common misconception, largely due to false advertising by the makers of the device, is that the joy buzzer delivers an electric shock, when in fact it only causes a vibration simulating a shock.
Related device variations
[edit]Some device variations were later created to actually shock the person being pranked rather than simulate the shock with vibrations. These devices include the shocking pen, which generates a mild electric shock when a victim clicks the button on top, or shocking gum, which also delivers a mild electric shock when a victim touches or pulls upon what appears to be the last stick of gum from a box.
See also
[edit]- Chinese finger trap
- Whoopee cushion
- Snake nut can
- Chewing gum bug
- Fake vomit
- List of practical joke topics
References
[edit]- ^ a b Soule, Gardner (January 1955). "Fun's Henry Ford is Still Inventing". Popular Science. 166 (1): 123. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ Mellina, Kate (2015-09-20). "Weird NJ: Magic tricks churned out at Shore". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved 2018-12-18.