WO2012046068A1

WO2012046068A1 - Garment with inflatable bladders for application of therapeutic pressure

Info

Publication number: WO2012046068A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051917
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sheraz Arif; Andrew Brand; Menno Kroezen; Katrien Ploegmakers
Original assignee: Squease Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-06
Filing date: 2011-10-06
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: GB201016832D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressure applying garment, particulary a vest for applying pressure to the torso of a wearer, comprising at least one inflatable bladder comprising an inner and an outer layer having substantially the same geometrical configurations, a peripheral joint which joins the layers together to define a chamber, the chamber being divided into several compartments defines in relation to each other by interconnection of said layers at spaced locations; at least one inlet aperture; and means for inflanting the at least one inflantable bladder to a pressure; wherein the interconnections are configured, on inflation with a fluid, to apply pressure and conform said layer to the contours of a wearer.

Description

GARMENT WITH INFLATABLE BLADDERS FOR APPLICATION OF THERAPEUTIC

PRESSURE

Field of the Invention

Deep pressure touch has been found to have beneficial effects in a variety of clinical settings. Whilst there are a number of devices and garments that have been designed to replicate the physical sensation of such deep pressure touching, these suffer from a number of limitations reducing their therapeutic application. As a result, the present invention aims to overcome these limitations and provide improved technologies for therapeutic deep pressure touch.

Background to the Invention

Deep pressure touch (DPT) is a type of surface pressure exerted through most types of firm touching, holding, stroking or swaddling. In contrast, light touch pressure (LTP) is a more superficial stimulation of the skin for example stimulation such as tickling, very light touch or moving hairs on the skin.

In animals, light touch pressure may cause excitability and/or flightiness. However, firmer pressure appears to have a calming or soothing effect on an animal. Similarly, in humans occupational therapists have observed that a light touch tends to alert or arouse the nervous system, but deep pressure is relaxing and calming. In particular, anecdotal reports suggest that deep touch pressure produces a calming effect in children and adults with

neurodevelopmental conditions that include an aspect of sensory abnormality such as autism.

Thus, deep pressure stimulation applied by, for example, rolling a subject tightly in heavy blankets or sheets has been used to calm children with autistic spectrum condition and ADHD. Deep pressure touch applied through use of a device or garment also appears to be suitable for reducing anxiety in people having tactile defensiveness and who cannot tolerate being physically touched by another person. Deep touch pressure may also decrease pulse and metabolic rate, indicators of relaxation or calming.

Deep pressure touch may also be beneficial in subjects that experience 'sensory overload'. This is a term used to describe the reaction of a person who is getting more incoming information through their senses than they can process or cope with. While this can happen to anyone, people on the autistic spectrum are more likely to have this problem. They feel overwhelmed, even threatened, when the environment gives them too much stimulation. Any input can be a problem such as bright or flashing lights, high pitched or loud sounds, strong odours, textures, even flavours. If several of these things happen at once, the overload can be so bad they may act out by screaming or running away, or by withdrawing, abreaction or exhibiting discombobulation.

Instances where DPT may be applicable include: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism, including Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), and the like. WO2010/056323 discloses a modular therapeutic application device which comprises a single bladder similar to those seen in, for example, life-jackets. The use of such bladders is inefficient since, as the bladder inflates it first moves away from the body and the surface area of the bladder which remains in physical contact with the body reduces. Thus, such devices are overly bulky, require significant inflation to operate, apply non-uniform pressure and are not ideally suited to everyday application or extended periods of use.

US2003/007471 1 discloses a life-jacket style pressure vest. Such a vest utilises a single inflatable bladder which again requires significant inflation before pressure begins to be applied to the body. The vest is also not suitable for wearing under everyday clothes or for extended periods of time.

US2009/0177130 discloses an apparatus for applying compressive force to the body. The apparatus essentially forms a sleeping bag. The apparatus is too large to be used as a garment and could not be conveniently utilised in all instances when DPT is required or desired, such as whilst being on the move.

US6,757,916 discloses a pressure-applying garment for applying varying pressure to different areas of the human body to accommodate changes in body movement under positive or negative G (gravity pressure). The construction of the garment is overly complex for use in the treatment of, for example, autism and requires computer control. Thus, such a garment would be expensive to produce and not be readily portable or suitable for everyday use.

US4,370,754 discloses protective garments, mainly for use as protective athletic equipment for those participating in contact sport. The protective garments are composed of several layers, including a rigid means on the exterior of the garment, variable pressure pads and air cushions. The variable pressure pad may be composed of multiple chambers filled with fluid, whilst the fluid flow between them may be restricted using crinkles, folds or indentations in the fabric of the pad. These crinkles, folds or indentations provide a natural valving or baffling to the flow of fluid between chambers. This valving is critical to the ways these protective garments work as they control the flow of fluid between the chambers in response to external pressure. This garment, therefore, provides an adequate cushion to applied forces when filled with fluid, not distending or losing its shape.

WO02/18206 discloses a chest garment for influencing respiratory mechanics and pulmonary perfusion. The garment utilises a non-distensible outer cover to reduce forces being applied by the garment from being directed outwardly. The fluid chambers of the garment are, however, closed and of fixed volume. As a result, the application of pressure is continuous and cannot be applied at intervals - to reduce or remove pressure the garment must be physically loosened or removed.

WO03/041621 and US7, 354,41 1 disclose compression devices for selective application of pressure for the treatment of, for example, vascular ailments or lymphedema. The devices are divided into a number of separate chambers such that on inflation the surface of the devices will again move away from the body. As a result, the surface area that is in physical contact with the body is reduced to form 'pressure points' rather than uniform body pressure. Shrinkage in one direction over the skin can be uncomfortable because it can cause unwanted friction on the skin, such as pulling of hairs. In addition, when another garment is worn underneath such shrinkage in one direction causes the garment to bunch up, creating uncomfortable folds / pressure points. US2004/0054306 discloses a device for massaging a part of the body. The device comprises inflatable chambers that apply pressure at specific points. The device is overly complex and not suitable to be worn for long periods of time as a garment for day-to-day use.

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of devices known in the art: to provide a pressure applying garment that is suitable for everyday use, simple to use, relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, discreet and has a low profile when inflated.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect the invention provides a pressure applying garment comprising:

at least one inflatable bladder comprising an inner and an outer layer having substantially the same geometrical configurations, a peripheral joint which joins the layers together to define a chamber, the chamber being divided into several compartments defined in relation to each other by interconnections of said layers at spaced locations; at least one inlet aperture; and means for inflating the at least one inflatable bladder to a pressure, wherein the interconnections are configured, on inflation with a fluid, to apply pressure and conform said inner layer to the contours of a wearer.

The interconnections may be configured, on inflation with a fluid, to urge said inner layer towards the wearer, thereby applying pressure and conforming said inner layer to the contour of a wearer.

At least one inflatable bladder is formed in a generally flattened configuration comprising an inner and an outer layer. The terms 'inner' or 'proximal' refer to a portion of the garment that is closer to, or in contact with, the body of a wearer. The terms 'outer' or 'distal' refer to a portion of the garment that is further from the body of the wearer, for example, facing outwardly.

The inner and outer layers may comprise a fabric-like material, such as nylon, polyurethane coated nylon or any other hermetically sealable cloth, polymer, flexible or relatively inflexible material. Generally the inner and outer layers will have substantially the same geometric configuration, i.e. they will be substantially the same shape and/or size. However, it will be apparent that the inner and outer layers may also vary to an extent depending on the type of garment and its construction. Particularly the inner and outer layers are joined together to define a chamber which can be inflated with a fluid, such as air, and can sustain a pressure within the chamber for a period of time. Particularly the inner and outer layers are joined by way of a joint at their outer periphery, i.e. a peripheral joint. Such a joint will generally extend along a major part of the outer periphery of the layers with the exception of an area which constitutes an inlet aperture. The layers may be joined using techniques known in the art such as through use of adhesives, thermal welding, friction welding or high-frequency welding such as ultrasonic welding or radio-frequency welding. The weld joins a surface of the inner layer to a surface of the outer layer in such a way that passage of fluids through the peripheral joint is prevented.

An inlet aperture is a 'gap' within the peripheral joint through which the passage, i.e. entry and/or exit of fluids such as air into and out of the chamber is possible. Clearly, ingress of, for example, air into the chamber will cause the chamber to inflate, i.e. to enlarge or expand. In contrast, egress of, for example, air out of the chamber will cause the chamber to deflate, i.e. to reduce or contract to a generally flattened state. The inlet aperture may comprise a pipe or tube which comprises first and second open ends. One of the first and second ends is open to and/or extends into the chamber, the other of the first and second ends is external to the chamber. The peripheral joint preferably engages with and forms a seal around the periphery of the pipe or tube. It will be apparent that there may be one or a plurality of inlet apertures. Such apertures may be fitted with valves or seals to permit unidirectional fluid flow, for example ingress into the chamber or egress out of the chamber. Such apertures may also permit both ingress and egress.

Preferably the chamber is divided into several compartments or regions defined in relation to each other by interconnections of said layers at spaced locations. The compartments remain in fluid communication with each other. The term 'fluid communication' means that parts or regions are in an orientation and within a sufficient proximity to each other, such that fluid can flow from one part or region to another. The compartments may thus be in constant fluid communication with each other. The flow of fluid between the compartments is not impeded, for example by any valves, baffles or the like. The term 'fluid' means a substance in the liquid or gaseous state. Preferably the fluid is air.

In some embodiments, it will be desirable to include areas of the bladder which are not inflated, for example to avoid an injury or sensitive area. In these embodiments, the relevant compartments will be sealed from fluid communication with the other compartments at the time of manufacture. For example, it may be desirable to disable chambers across the chest for female wearers of the vest, for comfort.

The pressure applying garment will comprise means for inflating the at least one inflatable bladder to a pressure. By way of non-limiting example, such means may be an electrical pump, a mechanical pump, for example manually operated, or chemical means such as by way of a compressed gas or gas generated by chemical reaction. The garment may comprise a combination of means for inflating, for example an electrical pump operated by battery power on actuation by one or more switches or a hand operated pump. The pump inflates the bladder by pushing or driving a fluid into it. The means for inflating may further comprise a means for deflating, i.e. for removing fluid from the pressure applying garment. For example, an electrical pump may be reversed to suck or draw air out of the garment or, in the case of a hand operated bulb pump a valve may be used to reverse the direction of air flow.

One of the drawbacks of devices of the prior art is that, on inflation, increasing air pressure within the inflatable bladder causes such devices to expand away from the body as they adopt a substantially circular cross-section. In other words, they expand following the path of least resistance. Hence, rather than being directed towards the body of a wearer, any forces generated by pressure within the bladder are directed outwardly and away from the body. The inventors have discovered that dividing the chamber into several compartments causes pressure to be applied to the wearer when inflated with a fluid, such as air. Additionally these compartments allow the inner layer to conform to the contours of a wearer when inflated with a fluid. These compartments are defined in relation to each other by

interconnections of said layers at spaced locations. Thus, the garments of the present invention also provide more uniform application of pressure suitable for deep pressure touch.

The inner layer of the bladder might be described as being pushed, urged or directed towards the wearer. Alternatively described, the bladder is composed of several compartments, which may act as pockets that are easier to mould to the body of the wearer than the single bladders of the prior art pressure garments. When these compartments are filled with fluid, the inner layer and outer layer of the bladder are separated by the fluid. This separation, in turn, applies pressure to the wearer.

The layers may be interconnected using techniques known in the art such as through use of adhesives, thermal welding, friction welding or high-frequency welding such as ultrasonic welding or radio-frequency welding.

The interconnections may comprise a discontinuous pattern of dots, lines or a combination thereof. When the pattern comprises dots or circular welds, the material at the centre of the weld may be removed to form a hole to enable air flow from the body of a wearer through the garment to the external environment. At the periphery of such holes the layers remain hermetically sealed such that fluid from within the chamber is unable to escape. Similarly other interconnections may comprise holes of varying shapes and/or sizes to improve 'breathability' of the garment, i.e. to enable air captured between the garment and the body to escape. The chamber is divided into several compartments defined in relation to each other interconnections of said layers at spaced locations; the compartments allow the garment to conform to the body of the wearer. These compartments may act as discrete pockets of fluid which are easier to mould to the body of the wearer than the single bladders of the prior art pressure garments. In addition, rather than simply urging the outer membrane away from the body until a particular internal pressure is reached as is the case with devices of the prior art, the interconnections may form a pattern (such as a bi-directional pattern) such that compression is applied more uniformly. The volume of the bladder is also reduced meaning that garments of the present invention have a low-profile and can be discreetly incorporated into normal clothing thereby avoiding stigma that may be associated with wearing garments of the prior art.

Preferably the interconnections comprise a discontinuous pattern of alternating peaks and valleys, for example in the form of a curving line or 'zig-zag'. The peaks and valleys will comprise an interior angle and an exterior angle. Preferably the interior angle of the valleys and the exterior angle of the peaks is a reflex angle, i.e. one that is greater than 180°.

Preferably the interconnections are transversely spaced across the garment in rows, for example, evenly distributed along the width of the garment. In some embodiments the rows of interconnections will be sequentially spaced in a longitudinal direction such that interconnections are aligned, for example both along the longitudinal and the transverse axis. In other embodiments the rows of interconnections will be alternately spaced in a longitudinal direction to form an overlapping pattern, for example the interconnections will be aligned in rows along the transverse axis and aligned along a diagonal. Preferably the garment will comprise both a combination of sequentially spaced and alternately spaced interconnections. Particularly, the interconnections will comprise 'breaks' or passages for the passage of a fluid such as air.

The interconnections may be scaled in a longitudinal and/or transverse direction, for example, to alter the proportion of shrinkage and/or compression to a predominantly horizontal or vertical direction/pattern.

The pressure applying garment may be provided in a number of forms, for example as trousers, shorts, gloves, socks, sleeved jacket, vest and the like. In one aspect the pressure applying garment is provided in the form of a vest. Preferably the vest is configured to engage with and substantially enclose the torso of a wearer. In particular embodiments the garment may be provided with sleeve elements of similar construction to the main body of the garment which wrap around the circumference of a part or the whole of the arm.

When provided as a vest, in use, the inflatable bladder will be positioned proximate to and covering substantially all of the back of the wearer. In particular embodiments the vest will further comprise second and third inflatable bladders positioned proximate to the front of the wearer. Preferably one of the second and third inflatable bladders is positioned on the left hand side of a wearer and the other of the second and third inflatable bladders is positioned on the right hand side of the wearer.

In other embodiments, one of the second and third inflatable bladders is positioned over the chest of a wearer and the other of the second and third inflatable bladders is positioned over the stomach of the wearer. The first, second and third bladders may be independent of each other, capable of being inflated separately. Alternatively the chambers of the inflatable bladders are in fluid communication with each other and will inflate together, at substantially the same time or rate, by sharing/passage of fluid between the chambers. In some embodiments the second and third inflatable bladders are configured to be releasably attached together, for example, forming a longitudinally extending closure to facilitate donning or doffing of the garment. The releasable attachment may take a number of forms known in the art, for example zip(s), buttons, poppers or Velcro and the like. Alternatively, the second and third inflatable bladders may be connected with an elastic member, such as an elastic material, which stretches under tension, and thus holds the garment against the body of the wearer in use. Preferably the second and third inflatable bladders are configured to be releasably attached along longitudinal edges at the midline of a wearer in similar manner to a gilet. Preferably, in the region of such attachments the interconnections will be aligned in a vertical direction to prevent gathering of material.

In particular embodiments the back of the vest has at least two lateral projections configured to extend from the back to the front of the body of a wearer and releasably attach to the front of the vest. Yet more particularly the vest has at least two lateral projections, at least one extending from the left side of the vest and at least one extending from the right side of the vest. The lateral projections form 'arms' or 'tabs' that can be used to adjust the fit of the garment around the body, for example around the circumference of the torso of a wearer. In alternative embodiments, the vest may be provided with a belt which can be adjusted to fit the torso of the wearer. Alternatively, detachable panels may be provided that allow the wearer to adjust the fit, which could be attached by any suitable means, including poppers, Velcro®, buttons and the like. In a further alternative, the vest may be constructed with elastic material between the bladders, such that the vest is held against the user when worn, but the elastic may be stretched in order to put on or remove the vest.

The lateral projection(s) extending from the left side of the vest is/are configured to be releasably attached to the second inflatable bladder and the lateral projection(s) extending from the right side of the vest is/are configured to be releasably attached to the third inflatable bladder. The lateral projections and second and third inflatable bladders may be attached by means of one or more zips, buttons, poppers or Velcro.

In some embodiments the pressure applying garment comprises an outer layer which is under zero stretching load and is generally flat whilst the inner layer is corrugated, ruched or puckered. Such an embodiment may be manufactured by first stretching the material that will form the outer layer. The inner layer is then placed over the outer layer and the layers are bonded together. Once joined or bonded the outer layer is relaxed and will contract back to its original size. As a result, on inflation it is the inner layer that will preferentially expand thereby increasing the efficiency of compression already imparted by the interconnections. Alternatively the garment may be constructed utilising a material for the outer layer that is less elastic than the material of the inner layer.

There is also provided a method of improving concentration and/or focus in an individual having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism, including Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and the like. The method comprises: applying a pressure applying garment, particularly in the form of a vest, to an individual; inflating the pressure applying garment to apply a sufficient pressure against the body of the individual and provide a deep touch pressure or force; maintaining the deep touch pressure for a period of time and releasing the pressure after the period of time.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 illustrates various examples of the pattern created by the interconnections, some of which incorporate circular joints with breathing holes. Figure 2 shows an inflated bladder and which shows two patterns of interconnections. Figure 3: illustrates an inflatable bladder for use in a gilet or vest type garment.

Figure 4: illustrates embodiments of second and third inflatable bladders which form the left and right sides of a gilet or vest type garment.

Figure 5: provides photographs of one embodiment of a gilet or vest type garment in its uninflated state.

Fig 6 provides photographs of one embodiment of the gilet or vest type garment when inflated.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a gilet or vest type garment including an electronic pump comprising two switches, one to inflate, one to deflate. Figure 8 provides a further embodiment of the gilet or vest garment showing the patterns of interconnections.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 3 and 4 show the joining patterns for a pressure applying garment in the form of a vest or gilet. Whilst the figures show the panels for a three component vest, the panels may be combined into a single piece for ease of manufacture.

Referring to Figure 3, the back component is shown in flattened form (1 ). Two pieces of polyurethane-coated nylon are cut to shape and aligned. The chamber of the inflatable bladder is first formed by high frequency welding of a peripheral joint (2) leaving, in this example, two inlet apertures (3a and 3b) to enable connection to and fluid communication with two front panels (shown in Figure 4). The pattern of the interconnections (4) may first be marked with chalk for manufacture by hand and the interconnections formed by thermal bonding of the inner and outer layers. Circular welds (5) are provided for the formation of holes to enhance breathability of the garment. Figures 1 shows examples of such interconnections and their effect on an inflated garment (Figure 2).

In some embodiments, the interconnections are bi-directional interconnections. An additional allowance of material is allowed between the outer edge of the garment material and the peripheral joint. This additional material allows for incorporation of a seam at the material edge (6) or for adjustment and custom fitting to an individual. The outer edge may be finished with a serged edge or piping. It may be preferable to include a piped edge comprising a softer material.

The back component comprises two lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) on opposing sides of the back section. The lateral extensions may include hook and loop closure material such as Velcro to allow releasable attachment to the front panels shown in Figure 4.

Two shoulder extensions (9a and 9b) are provided at the top of the back component for attachment of the front panels. Whilst the front panels could be releasably attached at these points, it is preferred that they are either sewn or bonded together, for example by ultrasonic welding.

In the example illustrated, darts (10) are shown which enable adjustment of the garment, for example to allow conformity with either a male or female form. Slots (1 1 a and 1 1 b) between the lateral extensions allow further adjustments to be made to the fit whilst enabling the garment to adapt to body articulation.

Figure 4 illustrates the joining pattern for the left and right hand sides of the vest. Two panels of each are cut, bonded together and finished as described above. Inlet apertures (12a and 12b) are provided to co-operate with inlet apertures (3a and 3b) of the back component. Two further inlet apertures (12c and 12d) are provided for attachment of a pump (not shown). To enable fluid communication between the chambers of each inflatable bladder, tubing is used as a conduit. Other methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art such as using pre-formed channels or structural elements to support a soft channel.

Each of the front components comprises two lateral extensions (13a, 13b and 14a and 14b) designed to complement the lateral extensions of the back component and include complementary attachment mechanisms such as Velcro. Two shoulder extensions (15a, 15b) are also provided to cooperate with those of the back component (9a and 9b).

In the example shown, cooperating parts of a longitudinal closure such as a zip, are provided along the length of edges 16a and 16b. To prevent gathering of material in the region of the closure or attachment, the inflatable bladders comprise a series of interconnections that are aligned in a vertical direction (17).

Figure 5 shows the final construction of an actual vest or gilet in its uninflated state. Figure 6 shows the appearance of the same vest or gilet following inflation with air. In this instance, inlet apertures are provided at the base of the left and right front components although they may also be provided at other locations. The pressure applying garment may be finished with one or more additional layers of fabric which may provide a functional feature such as fluid wicking or waterproofing or may be purely for aesthetic reasons.

In certain applications, inlet apertures may be provided which comprise one or more pressure relief valves. Such valves are configured to bleed excess air pressure as necessary and prevent over-inflation. In other applications, micro-perforations may be provided in the inflatable bladders themselves, for example around the area of the arm pit. Such micro-perforations would allow the vest to deflate over a period of time without the requirement for further intervention. This prevents the vest from being inflated for too long and may serve the secondary purposes of cooling and/or ventilation of the body.

Figure 7 provides another embodiment of a vest-type garment which incorporates an alternative means of fastening between the lateral extensions of the back, left and right panels (18). In this example, the vest is provided with an inlet (19) and an outlet tube (20) for ingress and egress of, in this case, air via the inlet apertures (not directly shown). Inflation and deflation are provided by an electric pump (21 ) having easy to use switches (22). Suitable pumps and switches are known in the art and other configurations may be envisioned. For example, switches (22) could be incorporated into the fabric of the vest or an outer 'shell' garment which incorporates the vest using 'soft switch' technology. Preferably the pump is an electric pump which comprises a rechargeable power source such as a 6 volt battery. Thus, the inflation controls have an ergonomic design which may sit comfortably in a pocket, for example. The wearer presses and holds a button in order to actuate the inflation pump or to release the pressure. The inflation controls may have a failsafe built in which deactivates the pump when a certain pressure is exceeded. The pump handset (21 ) may comprise all of the electronics to allow easy removal for cleaning of the vest. Alternatively, the handset may comprise additional electrical connectors allowing connection of the pump to soft switches incorporated into the garment or an outer shell garment.

The pump may provide a continuous flow of air for inflation of the pressure applying garment or may provide a pulsatile flow, for example, once a particular pressure has been reached. In this manner, in combination with the deep pressure touch the garment may also provide a massage-type touch. Figure 8 provides a further embodiment showing a possible configuration of the interconnections.

The pressure applying garment may be stand-alone but is also designed to integrate into an outer 'shell' garment such as a hooded top, for example. Thus, the outer shell garment and pressure applying garment may comprise cooperating attachment means, such as zips or Velcro, enabling them to be releasably connected together.

The pressure applying garment may be used to calm individuals having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism, including Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and the like. The pressure applying garment may be used to calm any wearer. The pressure applying garment may also aid in improving concentration/focus in individuals as well as assisting in rectifying sleep or postural problems. Postural problems that may be addressed using garments of the invention include slumping, neck, back and shoulder postural imbalances and the like.

Having described the invention, modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A pressure applying garment comprising:

at least one inflatable bladder comprising an inner and an outer layer having substantially the same geometrical configurations, a peripheral joint which joins the layers together to define a chamber, the chamber being divided into several compartments defined in relation to each other by interconnections of said layers at spaced locations; at least one inlet aperture; and means for inflating the at least one inflatable bladder to a pressure; wherein the

interconnections are configured, on inflation with a fluid, to apply pressure and conform said inner layer to the contours of a wearer.

2. The pressure applying garment of claim 1 wherein the interconnections comprise a discontinuous pattern of dots, lines or a combination thereof.

3. The pressure applying garment of claim 2 wherein the interconnections comprise a discontinuous pattern of alternating peaks and valleys.

4. The pressure applying garment of claim 3 wherein the interconnections are transversely spaced in rows.

5. The pressure applying garment of claim 4 wherein the rows of interconnections are sequentially spaced in a longitudinal direction.

6. The pressure applying garment of claim 4 wherein the rows of interconnections are alternately spaced in a longitudinal direction to form an overlapping pattern.

7. The pressure applying garment of claim 4 wherein the rows comprise a combination of sequentially spaced and alternately spaced interconnections.

8. The pressure applying garment of any preceding claim which is in the form of a vest that is configured to engage with and substantially encloses the torso of a wearer.

9. The pressure applying garment of claim 8 wherein the inflatable bladder is positioned proximate to the back of the wearer.

10 The pressure applying garment of claim 9 which further comprises second and third inflatable bladders positioned proximate to the front of the wearer.

1 1. The pressure applying garment of claim 10 wherein one of the second and third inflatable bladders is positioned on the left hand side of a wearer and the other of the second and third inflatable bladders is positioned on the right hand side of the wearer.

12. The pressure applying garment of any one of claims 9 to 1 1 wherein the chambers of the inflatable bladders are in fluid communication with each other.

13. The pressure applying garment of claim 12 wherein the chambers of the inflatable bladders are in constant fluid communication with each other.

14. The pressure applying garment of claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the second and third inflatable bladders are configured to be releasably attached together.

15. The pressure applying garment of claim 14 wherein the releasable attachment is in the form of a zip, buttons, poppers or Velcro.

16. The pressure applying garment of claim 15 wherein the second and third inflatable bladders are configured to be releasably attached along longitudinal edges at the midline of a wearer.

17. The pressure applying garment of claim 8 wherein the back of the vest has at least two lateral projections configured to extend from the back to the front of the body of a wearer and releasably attach to the front of the vest.

18. The pressure applying garment of claim 17 wherein the vest has at least two lateral projections, at least one extending from the left side of the vest and at least one extending from the right side of the vest.

19 The pressure applying garment of claim 17 or 18 which further comprises second and third inflatable bladders positioned proximate to the front of the wearer.

20. The pressure applying garment of claim 19 wherein the second inflatable bladder is positioned on the left hand side of a wearer and the third inflatable bladder is positioned on the right hand side of the wearer.

21 . The pressure applying garment of any one of claim 20 wherein the chambers of the inflatable bladders are in fluid communication with each other.

22. The pressure applying garment of claim 21 wherein the second and third inflatable bladders are configured to be releasably attached together.

23. The pressure applying garment of claim 22 wherein the releasable attachment is in the form of one or more zips, buttons, poppers, elastic or Velcro.

24. The pressure applying garment of claim 23 wherein the second and third inflatable bladders are configured to be releasably attached along longitudinal edges at the midline of a wearer.

25. The pressure applying garment of claim 24 wherein the lateral projection(s) extending from the left side of the vest is/are configured to be releasably attached to the second inflatable bladder and the lateral projection(s) extending from the right side of the vest is/are configured to be releasably attached to the third inflatable bladder.

26. The pressure applying garment of claim 25 wherein the lateral projections and second and third inflatable bladders are attached by means of one or more zips, buttons, poppers, elastic or Velcro.