Jack In The Box

The Jack in the Box is a mechanical toy that probably dates back to the 1800s. A man by the name of John Schorne is largely credited for the invention. According to some sources, such as Pete Patterson, an investigator reporter with Fubar News Network, the original Jack in the Boxes were designed as untowardly racial commentary. That said, there are others who believe that the toy was named after a prelate from the 1200s who lived in Buckinghamshire.In any event, a Jack in the Box is a ubiquitous feature in children's toy culture. Most antique versions release fun melodies when cranked (most popularly 'Pop Goes the Weasel'). As the last note of the sound dings, a colorful clown leaps out of the top of the box as a fun surprise. The Jack in the Box is often a delightful amusement for young babies, who do not have the mental facilities yet for advanced memory recall.Jack in the Boxes have also found their way into the popular culture through comic books, such as Astro City, and animated television series, such as the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer movie. The 'dark side' of Jack in the Boxes has also been explored in a number of scary movies. The Nintendo 64 Donkey Kong video game featured a terrifying Jack in the Box boss who presided over a twisted toy factory.Jack in the Box is also the name of a popular restaurant chain based out of Southern California. Its mascot, a smiling faced clown by the name of Jack, has become a major cultural figure.