1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to flexible strapping mechanisms and, more particularly, to a flexible support device for removably securing an ice-pack to various joints and muscles of a human body.
2. Discussion
Ice-packs or hot-water containers are often used by athletes and non-athletes to reduce swelling and remove soreness from various joints or other areas of the human body, or such swelling or soreness as the result of muscular injury, or muscular inflammation or even arthritis. Securing an ice-pack or hot-water container to a traumatized joint for various periods of time often helps to alleviate the discomfort, swelling and/or soreness associated with such muscular injuries or other degenerative conditions.
When an ice-pack or hot-water container is intended to be applied to a particular joint or muscle for various periods of time, it becomes necessary to incorporate some means for securing the ice-pack or hot-water container securely against the inflamed or sore joint or muscle. Heretofore, this has commonly been accomplished by various types of tape, strapping and bandages which are adapted to be wrapped around the ice-pack or hot-water container and areas of the affected joint or muscle to thereby hold the ice-pack or hot-water container securely against the joint or muscle. Typically, such devices have proved to be time consuming and/or inconvenient to secure to the various joints of the human body. This becomes a particular drawback with athletes who incur minor injuries during sporting events. In such cases ice-packs are often periodically applied to the injured joint of an athlete during intermissions, half-times, etc., when an athlete is temporarily resting. When the athlete must periodically enter and exit a game or other event, the tape, bandage, etc., securing an ice-pack to an injured joint or muscle often has to be quickly removed or applied, while causing only a minimum of discomfort to the athlete.
Present devices for the above-described purpose often impede the quick and/or periodic application or removal of an ice-pack. Bandages are often wrapped around a limb or joint several times, with multiple bandages often being required to secure an ice-pack to various parts of the human body such as the shoulders. Such devices are therefore of limited value to athletes, in particular, where ice-packs, hot-water containers, etc., must be applied and removed periodically in a quick and efficient manner.
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a universal ice-pack holder operable to quickly and efficiently secure an ice-pack, hot-water container, etc., to a joint or muscle area of the human body.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a universal ice-pack holder which may be used to secure an ice-pack, hot-water container, etc., to virtually any joint or muscle area of the human body in a quick and efficient manner.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a universal ice-pack holder which is comfortable to wear in contact with the skin for prolonged periods of time while reducing the risk of rashes or other forms of skin irritation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a universal ice-pack holder for securing an ice-pack, hot-water container, etc., to a joint or muscle area of the human body, which is of a relatively simple and inexpensive construction.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a universal ice-pack holder which is manufactured of materials which stretch and generally conform to the shapes of various limbs of a human body, thereby enhancing the comfort of the ice-pack holder.