Catch-37

Contrary to popular belief, Catch-37 is not related to Catch-22 or Joseph Heller's classic World-War-II novel that introduced the concept of the Catch-22. Catch-37 is an actual catch introduced in 1837 by the Child Labor Company. Its purpose was the restraint of children: the Catch-37 prevents children who labor in factories from leaving their place at the machines. Even though factory owners in the late nineteenth century had many means at their disposal for keeping children in the factories - such as locked doors, barred windows, and the threat of beatings or being thrown in the gears of the machines - keeping the children at their specific work locations within the factories was no small task. Hence the Catch-37.

The Catch-37 quickly and easily secured the ropes that were used to tie child laborers to the machines. It was designed so that it could only be undone by two "large" (larger than a child's) hands. Instead of having to tie knots which the more industrious children might be able to undo, the foreman could simply use the Catch-37.

The Catch-37 was very popular among factory owners and businessman in general, but it became a subject of criticism as child labor itself began to lose popularity. As child-labor laws were passed, so were laws limiting the use of, and ultimately outlawing, the Catch-37. As a result of these laws, the Child Labor Company was driven to the brink of bankruptcy.

Today, the Child Labor Company has rebounded as it manufactures the Catch-37 for use in countries where child labor is still permitted. Until 2003, the Child Labor Company produced all of its Catch-37s in America, but, due to rising labor costs in the United States, moved its factories overseas.