Patent ID: 8070699
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: A61F,A61H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a compression sleeve for being wrapped around a leg of a wearer, the method comprising: securing two layers of flexible material together to at least partially define first and second adjacent flexible sleeve sections, wherein securing said two layers of flexible material comprises securing two bladder layers together to define a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, the second inflatable bladder is disposed more proximally than the first inflatable bladder when the sleeve is wrapped around the leg, the first bladder forming at least a part of the first flexible sleeve section and the second bladder forming at least a part of the second flexible sleeve section; securing a rigid structural component to the sleeve so that the structural component extends between the first and second flexible sleeve sections to maintain a spacing between the sleeve sections lengthwise of the leg when the sleeve is wrapped around the leg, wherein securing said rigid structural component comprises locating a bladder tube between the first and second flexible sleeve sections, the bladder tube comprising the rigid structural component, the method further comprising securing the bladder tube to the second bladder so that the tube is in fluid communication with the second bladder; and forming at least one pair of spot welds on opposite sides of the bladder tube to substantially prevent lateral movement of the bladder tube between the bladder layers.