In October 1933 the Bike Web Manufacturing Co. (Chicago and New York) ran an ad headlined “BIKE; made as clean and sanitary as a surgical dressing . . . BIKE – For More Than 60 Years The Coaches’ Favorite Supporter.” The 1922 and 1927 Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. catalogs carried Athletic Supports and Suspensories.

A 1941 magazine ad shows a smiling teenaged boy’s face above Bike Nos. 5 and 55 supporters. Text reads, “He looks to you…and he’s your responsibility; Supporter WILT is Dangerous! BIKE quality assures dependable, lasting support.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago. On April 9, 1907 John Gambel patented a corrugated metal protective cup, with straps to tie on. Rights were assigned to George A. Reach.An October 1946 ad has a photo montage of 4 sports above text reading, “Protection that pays.” There is a depiction of the Bike No. 53 Cup Supporter, and of the Bike No. 50 Cup. The cushion is sold separately as Bike No. 48 Rubber Cushion For Cup. “There’s a BIKE Support For Every Sport.” The Bike Web Company, Chicago. In 1905 the Bike logo, a bicycle wheel with the words, “The Bike” was trademarked. It had first been used in 1896. A 1948 magazine ad depicts a BIKE No. 86 Supporter with a wide waistband. The Bike Web Company, Chicago.

A 1940 Bike ad depicts 2 baseball players, and has text reading, “Insist on BIKE for correct lasting support.” Bike Web Manufacturing Company. During WWII the U.S. military contracted with Keystone, Foster Brothers, Martin Brothers, Kendall, and Joffee Co. to produce a "Supporter, Athletic" for the troops.

Top 5 Jockstraps

In 1904, Claude “Admiral” Berry, rookie catcher for the Chicago White Sox, became the first major league catcher to wear a protective cup (known at that time as a “safety cup”). Berry later played for the Philadelphia Athletics (1906-07) and the Pittsburgh Rebels (1914-15).” (AllKink) The June 12, 1989 issue of Sports Illustrated ran an article on baseball memorabilia from Cooperstown, “Safe At Home,” photography by Bret Wills. It included a metal cup with 10 ventilation holes, and stamped with the letters “PAT. PENDING; (?)HNSTONE.” The photo was labeled “EARLY ARMOR: IN 1915 CATCHER CLAUDE BERRY WORE THE FIRST KNOWN PROTECTIVE CUP.” A 1948 ad shows a smiling young man saying, “for the winning edge players wear . . .” OLYMPIC CHAMPION V-front Athletic Supporter. An April 1940 Bike ad, “History of Sports, Tennis” shows a tennis player of centuries past. Bike Web Manufacturing Company, Chicago.