Graduated pressure applicator

Abstract

A device applies a graduated pressure to an underlying surface. An exemplary device is a graduated compression device or a graduated pressure bandage, that is able to apply graduated pressure to a limb, with higher pressure being applied at one end of the device, e.g. near the ankle in use, and gradually applying less pressure at the other end of the device, e.g. such that the lowest pressure is applied to the end of the stocking closest to the thigh in use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of using vacuum compression to aid circulation in the limbs, comprising:
 positioning a device to surround at least a portion of a user's limb, the device comprising at least one compartment;   applying pressure on the limb by evacuating fluid from the at least one compartment by:
 pulling together pillars within the at least one compartment, 
 causing a reduction in the spacing between the adjoining pillars to reduce dimensions of the device; 
   releasing pressure on the limb by reintroducing fluid into the at least one compartment by:
 returning the pillars to their original spacing; and 
   repeating the evacuation and reinflation of fluid into the at least one compartment to provide intermittently changing pressure on the user's limb.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein evacuating the at least one compartment of fluid comprises:
 flexing connecting members that adjoin neighbouring pillars inwardly into a space between adjoining pillars; and   pulling a portion of a first film layer and a portion of a second film layer of the at least one compartment into the space; and   reintroducing fluid into the at least one compartment further comprises:   straightening of the connecting members; and   pushing the pillars away from each other;   wherein the flexing and straightening of the connecting members result from a resiliency of the connecting members.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising arranging the pillars into a plurality of pillar sets. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the pulling together of pillars causing a reduction in the spacing between the adjoining pillars to reduce dimensions of the device occurs for the pillars in each pillar set in a single fluid evacuation event. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein returning the pillars to their original spacing within the at least one compartment by reintroducing fluid into the at least one compartment occurs for the pillars in each pillar set in a single fluid reintroduction event. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising arranging each pillar in a pillar set along a transverse axis that will at least partially encircle the underlying surface to which pressure is applied. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising wrapping the device around the user's limb and securing the device in place. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising securing the device to the surface to which pressure is to be applied by a fastener. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, positioning the device so that the greatest pressure is applied to a part of the limb furthest from a user's heart. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising reducing the applied pressure on the user's limb along a longitudinal length of the device towards a part of the limb closest to a user's heart. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein reducing the applied pressure along the longitudinal length of the device comprises arranging the plurality of pillar sets along a longitudinal length of the device, with each pillar set comprising pillars of a different height, the heights gradually lessening along the longitudinal length of the device. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein reducing the applied pressure along the longitudinal length of the device comprises providing at least three pillar sets arranged along a longitudinal length of the device, with each pillar set comprising pillars having a different height, the heights gradually lessening along the longitudinal length of the device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein reducing the applied pressure along the longitudinal length of the device comprises arranging the plurality of pillar sets along a longitudinal length of the device, with each pillar set comprising pillars having a different hardness, the hardness gradually lessening along the longitudinal length of the device. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein repeated evacuation and reinflation of fluid into the at least one compartment is automated. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein repeated evacuation and reinflation of fluid into the at least one compartment is automated by preprogramed compression. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein repeated evacuation and reinflation of fluid into the at least one compartment is provided by a vacuum compression device or an intermittent vacuum compression device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising preventing the regression of fluid/air into the at least one compartment during the evacuation of air from the compartment using a non-return valve.