Method of making compression sleeve with structural support features

摘要

A method of forming a compression sleeve for being wrapped around a leg of a wearer includes securing two layers of flexible material together to at least partially define first and second adjacent flexible sections. The securing of the two layers of flexible material includes securing two bladder layers together to define a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder disposed more proximally than the first inflatable bladder when the sleeve is wrapped around the leg. The first bladder forms at least a part of the first flexible sleeve section and the second bladder forms at least a part of the second flexible sleeve section. The method further includes securing a structural component to the sleeve such that the structural component extends generally between the first and second adjacent flexible sections to maintain a spacing between the sleeve sections lengthwise of the leg when the sleeve is wrapped around the leg. And joining the bladder layers together at least at two weld points on opposite sides of the structural component to locate the structural component on the sleeve so as to maintain the spacing of the adjacent sleeve sections.

主权项

1. A compression garment comprising:
a first bladder layer and a second bladder layer, the first and second bladder layers welded together to define an inflatable bladder and an opening extending through the first and second layers, the inflatable bladder positionable around a limb of a wearer; an inner layer disposed on a first side of the bladder; an outer layer disposed on a second, opposite side of the at least one bladder, the inner and outer layers welded to the bladder adjacent the opening; and a seam line securing the first bladder layer to the second bladder layer, the seam line defining an inflatable portion of the inflatable bladder, wherein the opening is spaced inward from the seam line such that the opening is entirely disposed within the inflatable portion of the inflatable bladder.