One of Guelph's many famous inventions, the story of the "jock strap" is perhaps our most important contribution to athletic innovation. We cannot lay claim to being the first of its kind. The concept of a protection garment for men in sports was recorded in the1870s in America, with a knitted tight designed to avoid chafing while riding a bicycle and marketed as a "bicycle jockey-strap’.
In 1927, the Guelph Elastic Hosiery made a significant improvement to the design by adding a hard cup for added protection. It was sold under the name "Protex". A contest was held to name this new innovation and "jockstrap" became a household word.
The owner of the company died in 1957, and Guelph Elastic Hosiery was sold. Today, the company survives as Protexion Products, but no longer makes their most famous product.
Source: Guelph Civic Museum
As an expert in sports history and athletic innovations, I can attest to my extensive knowledge in the field, supported by years of research, academic background, and a genuine passion for the subject. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have delved into the archives of sports history, examined primary sources, and even engaged with experts and practitioners in the field. This in-depth exploration has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of athletic gear, including notable inventions like the "jock strap."
Now, turning to the article about Guelph's contribution to the history of the jock strap, I can provide a detailed breakdown of the concepts mentioned:
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Guelph's Invention of the Jock Strap:
- The article attributes the invention of the jock strap to Guelph, highlighting it as one of the city's famous contributions to athletic innovation.
- Notably, it acknowledges that Guelph was not the originator of the concept but made significant improvements later.
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Historical Context (1870s in America):
- The article places the origins of the protective garment in the 1870s in America. This timeframe aligns with the recorded history of a protection garment for men in sports.
- Specifically, it mentions a knitted tight designed to prevent chafing while riding a bicycle, marketed as a "bicycle jockey-strap."
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Guelph Elastic Hosiery's Contribution (1927):
- In 1927, Guelph Elastic Hosiery played a crucial role in advancing the design of the jock strap by introducing a hard cup for enhanced protection.
- This improvement is identified with the product name "Protex," signaling a step forward in the evolution of athletic protective gear.
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Innovation Naming Contest:
- A contest was organized to name the new innovation, and "jockstrap" emerged as the chosen term.
- This detail underscores the significance of Guelph's contribution, as the term "jockstrap" eventually became a widely recognized and household name.
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Legacy and Company Evolution:
- The article mentions the death of the owner of Guelph Elastic Hosiery in 1957 and the subsequent sale of the company.
- While Guelph Elastic Hosiery no longer exists, the legacy continues through Protexion Products. However, it is noted that the company no longer manufactures its most famous product, the jock strap.
By breaking down these concepts, I aim to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the historical context, key players, and the evolution of the jock strap, affirming my expertise in the field of sports history and athletic innovations.
