As you know, April Fool’s Day officially encourages shenanigans and practical jokes (and occasionally some impractical ones) played on family, friends, colleagues, and even unsuspecting members of the public. In my younger days, I eagerly embraced April Fool’s Day as a challenge. While I generally kept things reasonable (think: cling film across a doorway), I occasionally ventured into the realm of impractical jokes—like relocating a co-worker’s entire office to the roof.
Some pranksters have gone even further, immortalizing their jokes by filing patents for their clever ideas. Let’s enjoy a lighthearted look at a few patents explicitly designed for celebrating April Fool’s Day.
Before we dive in, however, I must confess that I’ve been strongly encouraged to avoid any patents involving flatulence—despite the vast, tempting array available. We shall take the higher road.
On that dignified note, consider US6293874, the User-Operated Amusement Apparatus for Kicking the User’s Buttocks. Wait—what? Don’t worry, this has nothing whatsoever to do with flatulence. We remain firmly on the higher road.
And speaking of classics, we must pay tribute to US1845735A from 1931—the Joke Buzzer. Anyone else instantly think of the Three Stooges?
US2023057381A1 describes the ideal April Fool’s Day greeting card. Once opened, it repeatedly plays a sound or tune for hours, days, or even weeks. If the recipient tries to destroy it, the card cleverly resists destruction and even features some surprise elements hidden inside.
US2022008836A1, however, may cross the line into cruelty. This “Novelty gift – cat in the box” patent details a gift box designed to vibrate, move slightly, and emit kitten or puppy sounds, tricking the recipient into believing they’re receiving a new pet. The patent generously notes, “Novelty items offer an opportunity for levity and good memories.” Try giving this to your child or significant other—good memories not guaranteed.
Then we have US2013183883A, a “Prank Apparatus with Amusement Effect” suitable for April Fool’s Day or Halloween. Though being scared senseless may not exactly qualify as amusing for everyone.
I must include US2014326749A1, the “Novelty joke squirt gun,” where the shooter is unfortunately the one who gets shot.
Let’s also acknowledge DE20008472U1, a “Joke article with at least one pale snake,” another delightfully odd prank patent. When activated, the blowing snakes, which are inflated via a tube in the wearer’s mouth, unroll horizontally.
Lastly, I wanted to leave you with a disturbing statistic. I looked into the filing trend for patents having something to do with pranks, jokes, gags, etc., that could be used on April Fool’s Day. According to this admittedly limited study, our collective sense of humor seems to have peaked in 2006. We need to reverse this trend, people.
Now, let’s get out there and have a happy and safe April Fool’s Day!
