Trapper Keeper is a brand name of a company that concocts loose leaf-binders. The trapper keeper was quite popular throughout the United States from the 1970s to the 1990s. It features circular sliding rings of plastic, folders, pockets, and Velcro wrap flaps.
Trapper Keepers are used for storing documents to keep homework and papers.
These trapper keepers are usually themed and have imprinted cartoons, movies, or tv shows.
History Of Trapper Keeper Binders
Trapper Keepers were introduced in the late 1970s by E. Bryant Crutchfield, Director of Mead Corporation.
The binders were named so as they were sold in combination with the pocket folders, known as trappers.
The structure of the trapper keeper had its three sides attached with the bottom, outside edge, and top of the folders. When closed, this design defends papers from falling from the trapper’s pockets. Some years later, the design of the trapper keeper was modified a little and included a Velcro strap instead of the initial metal buckle.
The modified design made it convenient for the customers to use and designers to manufacture.
Later on, the ‘Design Series’ was introduced, which contained abstract designs and computer-generated images. In addition, various funky and cool designs were incorporated.
The brand also made a deal with Lisa Frank and renowned cartoon characters like Garfield and Sonic Hedgehog.
In 2007, the velcro design was replaced by a magnetic closure. In addition, a customizable front cover and binder dividers replaced old trapper folders.
In 2014, a new version of trapper keepers was launched, which consisted of metal button closure and “Snapper Trappers.” Snapper Trappers are plastic strips that work as dividers. They have regular notebooks attached to them, along with folders and dividers. Snapper Trappers are quite adjustable as they can be placed or removed without opening the binder’s rings.
In 2015, a new range of trapper keepers was launched like “Hello Kitty” and “Fun In The Sun.”
Last year, Mead brought back the original design of trapper keepers.
80’s Trapper Keepers
These velcro binders taught the older generation, especially those between the 1960s to 1990s, the correct ways to arrange the stuff. They were quite in trend in the 1980s but soon after, the popularity dropped. Recently, the “Where Are They Now” column mentioned some brands which, when introduced, gained quite a hype but are nowhere right now. It mentioned Trapper Keepers.
