May 24th marks the 129th birthday of the most prolific practical-joke inventor that you have probably never heard of, Sorenson “Sam” Adams (no relation to the beer co.). During his lifetime he is credited with creating nearly 700 different jokes & gags, from his first invention the sneezing powder, to stink bombs, to the infamous joy buzzer. His products are still in high demand to this day.

Below is a patent he filed with the USPTO on November 12, 1931 for the joy buzzer.

The joke was probably on us, but in one of his last interviews he stated the following to a reporter:

“…I have been expending a deal of thought–a bathing suit made of a material that would disintegrate when the victim went into the water. Can’t you just picture the look of surprise on their faces? Boy, it sure would be a darn funny joke novelty, but haven’t perfected it. However, I am still working on the idea.”

Then again, we wouldn’t put anything past him. He would be rolling in his grave if he saw some of the novelties people have come up with in recent years. If he wasn’t put in an exploding casket, that is.