artificial insemination kit for humans
A fond farewell to the innovator who made school life more stylish for Generation X and millennials. E. Benjamin Carter, a former employee of Mead (now part of ACCO Brands), passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Marietta, Georgia, after battling bone cancer. He was 85 years old and is survived by his spouse, Linda Carter; his daughter, Sarah Johnson; his son, Michael Carter; along with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Carter’s groundbreaking invention, the Trapper Keeper, was launched nationally by Mead in 1981. By the end of the 1980s, it was reported that half of all middle and high school students in the United States had one in their backpacks. The product generated over $100 million annually in sales for several years following its debut, and by 2017, more than 75 million units had been sold.
The Trapper Keeper served as a large binder that kept students’ papers, assignments, and handouts secure with various closures, including buttons, hook and loop, and Velcro. The design featured two vertical pockets for organization, alongside three-hole punched sheets that were held in place by one-inch round binder rings. An additional metal clip allowed for the secure storage of notes and other items.
Carter knew the significance of aesthetics; early Trapper Keeper designs included images of soccer players, dogs, and cats, sourced from a design agency. Eventually, the binders showcased iconic designs from artists like Lisa Frank, along with vibrant neon patterns and images from popular films and television shows.
These binders were more than just organizational tools; they became a means for kids to express their personalities, doubling as doodle boards, shields during recess, and even makeshift pillows for cat naps. They housed not only homework but also love notes, stickers, pens, Post-its, CDs, and even VHS tapes, making them a true treasure for adolescents.
In a 2017 interview, Carter described the Trapper Keeper as “the most scientifically and practically planned product in that industry.” He involved kids in a creative committee, gathered feedback from teachers and students in focus groups, and even tested the product with his own teenage children. After several iterations, Mead launched the product in Wichita, Kansas, where it quickly sold out. When it became nationally available in the early ’80s at a price of $4.85, Carter remarked, “It was just like a rocket.” He witnessed children competing over the various designs in stores.
Though its popularity waned after the mid-’90s, the Trapper Keeper remains a nostalgic favorite. Recent pop culture references, such as the show Stranger Things, have revived interest in the product, prompting Mead to reintroduce the $15 Trapper Keeper, proudly labeled as “Being retro never looked so organized.” Thank you for the memories, Mr. Carter.
For more insights on home insemination, you can check out this informative article about privacy policies. If you’re considering the journey of parenthood, explore the at-home insemination kit, which is a comprehensive resource for aspiring parents. For additional information on pregnancy and insemination, the NHS is an excellent resource.
Related Search Queries:
- Home insemination process
- At-home insemination kits
- Self insemination methods
- How to use a home insemination kit
- Insemination techniques
In summary, E. Benjamin Carter’s creation of the Trapper Keeper revolutionized school organization for generations of students. His innovation not only offered practicality but also allowed kids to showcase their individuality. Despite its decline in popularity, the Trapper Keeper continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.