WO2016118342A1

WO2016118342A1 - Sequential compression wrap connector and wrap

Info

Publication number: WO2016118342A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/012703
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent Wayne SHOTTON; Michael Dale BARTLETT
Original assignee: Compression Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Compression Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2015-01-20
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-20

Abstract

A connector for allowing a sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders including a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder to be operated using a single outlet air pump is provided. The connector includes an air manifold, an air inlet and a main air outlet configured to sequentially provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap. A sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders and can be operated using a single outlet an air pump is also provided.

Description

SEQUENTIAL COMPRESSION WRAP CONNECTOR AND WRAP

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/124,546 filed January 20, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] Sequential compression wraps are commonly used for therapeutic and other medical and medical-related purposes. For example, sequential compression wraps are used to help treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), joint and muscle issues with knees, hips, shoulders and other body parts, and swelling in the arms and legs due to circulatory and other problems (for example, due to lymphedema).

[0003] DVT affects up to two million people in the United States each year. DVT typically occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins of the body, such as the femoral vein or the popliteal vein, or veins in the pelvis. DVT can occur without symptoms, but in many cases it causes pain, swelling, redness and superficial vein engorgement. DVT can be a serious condition. For example, a blood clot due to DVT can dislodge, travel through the blood stream and lodge in a lung, thereby blocking blood flow and resulting in a pulmonary embolism.

[0004] It is known that intermittent pneumatic compression can help patients with DVT, joint and muscle issues and conditions such as lymphedema. For example, intermittent pneumatic compression can be provided to a body part by a compression wrap that is attached to an air pump and wrapped around the body part. The air pump is controlled using a microcontroller and solenoids to systematically cause the compression wrap to inflate and deflate thereby providing intermittent compression to the body part. For example, in treating DVT, the compression wrap can be wrapped around a thigh, a foot, a calf, or a thigh and calf together in order to compress the main arterial vein to promote blood flow and prevent coagulation of the blood which may lead to clotting.

[0005] There are various types of compression wraps. A sequential compression wrap includes separate chambers and bladders within the wrap that compress at different times. For example, due to the way the air pump is programmed and the internal configuration of the wrap, the bladders within the wrap can be sequentially inflated starting with the bladder most distal to the heart and continuing toward the bladder that is the most proximal to the heart thereby creating a "milking" action of the body part(s) on which the compression wrap is placed. For example, by gradually compressing a leg in this manner, blood flow in the leg is stimulated and blood is pushed through the leg toward the heart.

[0006] There are different types of sequential compression wraps. One type of sequential compression wrap includes separate bladders that are not fluidly connected together. For example, a separate air tube runs from an air pump to each bladder in the compression wrap. A typical air pump for this type of wrap includes an internal air pump, multiple solenoids and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to cause the solenoids to operate in a manner to control the flow of air to each chamber and sequentially hold and release pressure in each chamber as desired.

[0007] Another type of compression wrap includes fluidly interconnected bladders separated by weld baffles. This type of compression wrap has only one air inlet for receiving air from the pump, which is typically located in the bladder of the wrap that will be most distal to the heart when the wrap is placed on the body. The fluidly interconnected bladders and weld baffles are configured such that the air will fill the distal bladder first until a certain pressure is achieved, at which point the air will be forced around a first weld baffle and then begin filling the second bladder. Once a certain pressure is reached in the second bladder, the air is forced around a second weld baffle and begins filling the third bladder. Once the third bladder has been inflated, the pump shuts off allowing the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders have deflated, the process is repeated. In this manner, sequential inflation of the wrap and sequential compression of the body part to which the wrap is connected are achieved.

[0008] Due to the control system, solenoid configuration and separate tubing connections and interfaces, the type of pump required to operate a sequential compression wrap that has separate bladders that are not fluidly connected together is more sophisticated and more expensive than the type of pump required to operate a sequential compression wrap that has fluidly interconnected bladders. For example, a sequential compression wrap that has separate bladders that are not fluidly interconnected cannot be properly operated by a single air outlet and tube interface of an air pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates one type of sequential compression wrap and an associated air pump and connecting air tubing that are known in the art. [0010] FIG. 2 illustrates another type of sequential compression wrap and an associated air pump and connecting air tubing that are known in the art.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the two-piece connector used to connect the air pump tubing and compression wrap tubing shown in FIG. 2 together.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the sequential compression wrap connector disclosed and claimed herein.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates use of the sequential wrap connector shown by FIGS. 4 and 5 to connect a single air outlet of an air pump to a sequential compression wrap having separate bladders that are not fluidly connected to one another.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sequential compression wrap connector claimed herein.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIG. 7.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another form of the embodiment of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates use of the sequential wrap connector shown by FIGS. 9 and 10 to connect a single air outlet of an air pump to a sequential compression wrap having separate bladders that are not fluidly connected to one another.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the sequential compression wrap connector disclosed and claimed herein.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another form of the embodiment of the sequential wrap connector shown by FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIG. 14. [0024] FIGS. 15A-15C are enlarged views of corresponding portions of the sequential compression wrap connector shown by FIG. 15.

[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates use of the sequential wrap connector shown by FIGS. 14 and 15 to connect a single air outlet of an air pump to a sequential compression wrap having separate bladders that are not fluidly connected to one another.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the sequential compression wrap connector disclosed and claimed herein.

[0027] FIGS. 17A-17C are enlarged sectional views of corresponding portions of the sequential compression wrap shown by FIG. 17.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a connector that can be used to connect the compression wrap shown by FIGS. 17 and 17A-17C to an air pump.

[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates the compression wrap shown by FIGS, 17 and 17A-17C as connected by the connector of FIG. 18 to an air pump.

Description of Types of Compression Wraps Known in the Art

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, two types of sequential compression wraps known in the art will be described.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a sequential compression wrap 10 of the type that includes fluidly interconnected bladders separated by weld baffles. The compression wrap 10 is fluidly connected to and operated by a single air outlet 12 of an air pump 14. An air tube 16 delivers air from the outlet 12 of the air pump 14 to the compression wrap 10. The compression wrap 10 includes three fluidly interconnected bladders 20, 22 and 24 that are separated from one another by weld baffles 26 and 28. The bladders 20, 22 and 24 are surrounded by an air tight outer wall 30. The weld baffles 26 and 28 extend inwardly from the outer wall 30 and are an integral part thereof. The air tube 16 is fluidly connected to an inlet 34 of the compression wrap 10 that extends through the wall 30 into the bladder 20. The bladder 20 of the compression wrap 10 is most distal to the heart, while the bladder 24 is most proximal to the heart when the wrap is properly placed on the body. The compression wrap 10 includes fasteners 38 for connecting one end of the wrap to the other end and holding the wrap on a body part.

[0032] In operation of the sequential compression wrap shown by FIG. 1, the air pump 14 pumps air through the air tube 16 into the first bladder 20 of the wrap 10. Once the bladder 20 is inflated to a certain pressure, air is forced therefrom around the weld baffle 26 into the second bladder 22. Once the bladder 22 is inflated to a certain pressure, air is forced around the weld baffle 28 into the bladder 24. The air pump 14 senses (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump) when a predetermined pressure has been reached indicating that all of the bladders have been inflated and, at this point, holds this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure (by way of one or more internal solenoids within the pump). Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders have time to deflate, the process begins again. In this way, a "milking action" is created by the wrap such that the body part to which the wrap is connected is compressed gradually and pushes blood toward the heart.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a sequential compression wrap 50 of the type that includes separate bladders that are not fluidly connected together. As shown, the compression wrap 50 is being used to provide pneumatic sequential compression to a leg 52. The compression wrap 50 includes separate bladders 54, 56 and 58. The bladders 54, 56 and 58 are not fluidly connected to one another. A tube 60 extends from each of the bladders 54, 56 and 58 to a female portion 62 of a socket connector 64. The female portion 62 of the socket connector 64 receives a corresponding male portion 66 of the socket connector to connect the tubes 60 extending from the bladders 54, 56 and 58 to corresponding tubes 68 that are fluidly connected to three air outlets (not shown) of an air pump 70. The air pump 70 includes an air pump, a microcontroller and multiple solenoids, and can be programmed to separately provide air to each of the bladders 54, 56 and 58.

[0034] In operation, for example, the air pump 70 is programmed to first inflate the bladder 58, which is most distal to the heart. Once the air pump 70 senses that the pressure within the bladder 58 reaches a predetermined level (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump), the air pump will inflate bladder 56. Once the air pump 70 senses that the pressure within the bladder 56 reaches a predetermined level (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump), the air pump will inflate bladder 54, which is most proximal to the heart. Once a predetermined pressure in bladder 54 is reached (as sensed by way of a pressure sensor in the pump), the pump holds the pressure for a time and then releases the pressure (by way of one or more internal solenoids within the pump). Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders 54, 56 and 58 to deflate. Once the bladders 54, 56 and 58 have had time to deflate, the process is repeated. In this way, a milking action is created such that the leg 52 is compressed gradually and blood is pushed toward the heart.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates the connector 64, including a female portion 62 and male portion 66 thereof, in detail. The connector 64 connects the tubes 60 of the wrap 50 to the corresponding tubes 68 of the air pump 70 and makes it easier for the user to connect the compression wrap 50 to the air pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The sequential compression wrap connector and sequential compression wrap disclosed and claimed herein (the "present disclosure") may be understood more readily by reference to this detailed description which describes various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. Other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.

[0037] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector for allowing a sequential compression wrap of the type that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders including a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder to be operated using a single outlet air pump. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders and can be operated using a single outlet air pump. As used herein and in the appended claims, a single outlet air pump means an air pump that provides or is capable of providing all of the air necessary to operate a sequential compression body wrap through a single outlet. A "plurality" of items (for example, a "plurality" of separate, inflatable air bladders) means two or more of the items. The term "separate, inflatable air bladders" means inflatable air bladders that are not fluidly connected together. The term "fluidly connected" means connected in a manner that allows fluid (for example, air) to pass between the connected items. Similarly, the term "fluidly connectable" means connectable in a manner that allows fluid (for example, air) to pass between the connected items. [0038] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 4-16, the connector disclosed herein is illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 100. The connector 100 allows a sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders including a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder to be operated using a single outlet air pump. For example, the connector 100 allows a sequential compression wrap of the type shown by FIG. 2 and described above, with or without the socket connector 64, to be operated using a single outlet air pump.

[0039] The connector 100 comprises an air manifold 102, an air inlet 106 for fluidly connecting the connector 100 to an outlet of the air pump and receiving air therefrom, and a main air outlet 110 configured to sequentially provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap. The air manifold 102 includes an inlet 103 and an outlet 104. The air inlet 106 is fluidly connected at one end to the inlet 103 of the air manifold 102 and includes a connector 108 at the other end that allows the air inlet 106 to be easily fluidly connected to an outlet of the air pump or an air tube that is fluidly connected to an outlet of the air pump. The main air outlet 110 is fluidly connected to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102.

[0040] The manner in which the main air outlet 110 is configured to sequentially provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap can be modified to accommodate and correspond to the number of separate, inflatable air bladders in the type of compression wrap in connection with which the connector 100 will be used. For example, for a compression wrap that includes a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder, the main air outlet 1 10 can be configured to sequentially provide air first to the distal air bladder and then to the proximal air bladder. For example, for a compression wrap that also includes an intermediate air bladder that is positioned between a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, the main air outlet 1 10 can be configured to sequentially provide air first to the distal air bladder, then to the intermediate air bladder, and then to the proximal air bladder. For example, for compression wraps that include more than one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, the main air outlet 110 can be configured to sequentially provide air first to the distal air bladder, then to the first intermediate air bladder, then to the second intermediate air bladder, etc. (depending on how many intermediate air bladders there are) and finally to the proximal air bladder. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "distal" means furthest away from the heart when the compression wrap is placed on the body. The term "proximal" means closest to the heart when the compression wrap is placed on the body. The particular sequence in which the various bladders of the compression wrap are provided air by the main outlet 110 and the connector 100 in general can also vary.

[0041] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 4-6, a first embodiment of the connector 100 is illustrated and will be described. In the form shown by FIGS. 4-6, the connector 100 is for use in connection with a sequential compression wrap that includes separate distal, proximal and intermediate bladders.

[0042] In this embodiment, the main air outlet 1 10 includes a first conduit 114, a second conduit 116 and a third conduit 1 18. The first conduit 1 14, second conduit 1 16 and third conduit 1 18 each have a cylindrical cross section. The first conduit 1 14 is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 and includes an outlet 120 at the other end. The outlet 120 of the first conduit 1 14 is fluidly connectable to a first air bladder of the compression wrap. The first conduit 114 has an internal diameter 122.

[0043] Similarly, the second conduit 116 is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 and includes an outlet 124 at the other end. The outlet 124 of the second end conduit 116 is fluidly connectable to a second air bladder of the compression wrap. The second conduit 116 has an internal diameter 126. The internal diameters 122 and 126 of the first conduit 114 and the second conduit 116, respectively, are different.

[0044] For example, the outlet 120 of the first conduit 1 14 can be fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, the outlet 124 of the second conduit 1 16 can be fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and the internal diameter 122 of the first conduit 1 14 can be greater than the internal diameter 126 of the second conduit 116.

[0045] Similarly, the third conduit 1 18 is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 and includes an outlet 128 at the other end. The outlet 128 of the third conduit 118 is fluidly connectable to a third air bladder of the compression wrap, The third conduit 118 has an internal diameter 130, The internal diameters 122, 126 and 130 of the first conduit 1 14, second conduit 1 16 and third conduct 1 18, respectively, are all different. Each of the outlets 120, 124 and 128 of the first conduit, second conduit and third conduit, respectively, include a tapered end 132 to allow the outlets to be easily connected to air tubes for fluidly connecting the outlets 120, 124 and 128 to the distal, proximal and intermediate bladders of a compression wrap.

[0046] For example, the outlet 120 of the first conduit 1 14 can be fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, the outlet 128 of the third conduit 1 18 can be fluidly connectable to an intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, and the outlet 124 of the second conduit 1 16 can be fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap. The internal diameter 122 of the first conduit 114 can be greater than the internal diameter 130 of the third conduit 118, and the internal diameter 130 of the third conduit 1 18 can be greater than the internal diameter 126 of the second conduit 116.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates how the connector 100 shown by FIGS. 4 and 5 can be connected to a sequential compression wrap 134 of the type that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders. As shown, the air inlet 106 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected to an outlet 136 of a single outlet air pump 138 using the inlet connector 108. The outlet 120 of the first conduit 114 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 140 (including section 140a and section 140b) to the distal air bladder 142 of the compression wrap 134. The outlet 124 of the second conduit 1 16 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 144 (including section 144a and section 144b) to the proximal air bladder 146 of compression wrap 134. The outlet 128 of the third conduit 118 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 148 (including section 148a and section 148b) to an intermediate bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134. The internal diameters of the air tubes 140, 144 and 148 (including the sections thereof) are the same.

[0048] In operation, air is provided by the air pump 138 through the air outlet 136 thereof into the air inlet 106 and air manifold 102 of the connector 100. Due to the fact that the internal diameter 122 of the first conduit 114 is greater than the internal diameters 126 and 130 of the second conduit 1 16 and third conduit 1 18, respectively, air provided by the air pump 138 flows through the first conduit 114 first (which is the path of least resistance), and through the air tube 140 into the distal air bladder 142 to inflate the distal air bladder of the compression wrap 134 first. Once a certain pressure within the distal air bladder 142 is reached, the air provided by the air pump 138 begins to flow from the air manifold 102 through the conduit having the next greatest internal diameter, which in this case is the third conduit 118 (the internal diameter 130 of the third conduit 1 18 is greater than the internal diameter 126 of the second conduit 1 16). The air provided by the air pump 138 flows through the outlet 128 of the third conduit 1 18 and through the air tube 148 into the intermediate air bladder 150. Once the pressure within the intermediate bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134 reaches a certain level, the air provided by the air pump 138 begins to flows from the air manifold 102 through the second conduit 1 16 of the connector 100, and through the air tube 144 and into the proximal air bladder 146. The air pump senses (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump) when a predetermined pressure has been reached indicating that all of the bladders have been inflated and, at this point, by way of an internal solenoid within the pump, holds this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure. Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders have time to deflate, the process begins again.

[0049] The pressure in the distal air bladder 142 required to force the air provided by the air pump 138 from the air manifold 102 to the third conduit 118 and intermediate bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134 is based on when the internal pressure of the inflated bladder is greater than the internal pressure (back pressure) required for the air to enter and pass through the third conduit 118. Similarly, the pressure in the intermediate air bladder 150 required to force the air provided by the air pump 138 from the air manifold 102 into the second conduit 1 16 and proximal air bladder 146 of the compression wrap is based on when the internal pressure of the inflated bladder is greater than the internal pressure (back pressure) required for the air to enter and pass through the second conduit 1 16. The internal pressures will vary depending on a number of factors including the air flow rate, the different bladder volumes, the tubing internal diameters, and the dimensions of the connector.

[0050] For example, the connector 100 shown by FIGS. 4-6 can include more than three conduits to accommodate compression wraps having more than three air bladders. For example, the connector can include a fourth conduit that is fluidly connectable to a second intermediate bladder of the compression wrap. The internal diameter of the fourth conduit can be less than the internal diameter of the third conduit but greater than the internal diameter of the second conduit. In this way, the compression wrap is sequentially compressed from the distal bladder to the proximal bladder even though the compression wrap includes two intermediate bladders.

[0051] As shown by FIGS. 4-6, the first conduit 114, second conduit 1 16 and third conduit 118 are an integral part of the connector 100. Another form of the embodiment of the connector 100 that is shown by FIGS. 4-6 is shown by FIGS. 7-1 1. In this embodiment, each of the first conduit 1 14, second conduit 1 16, third conduit 1 18 (when present) and additional conduits include multiple components, namely, a manifold outlet, a riser, a reducer and an air tube. The manifold outlets are integrally formed with the connector 100. The risers, reducers and air tubes are separate components.

[0052] Each manifold outlet is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 of the connector 100 and at the other end to the corresponding riser. Each riser is fluidly connected at one end to the corresponding manifold outlet and at the other end to a corresponding reducer. Each reducer is fluidly connected at one end to the riser and at the other end to the corresponding air tube. The internal diameters of the manifold outlets, risers and reducers of each of the first conduit 1 14, second conduit 1 16 and third conduit 1 18 (when present) can be the same. However, the internal diameters of the corresponding air tubes vary, which is what achieves the sequential air flow and inflation provided by the connector 100.

[0053] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a connector 100 for use in association with a compression wrap that includes a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder. As shown, the first conduit 114 includes a manifold outlet 160, a riser 162, a reducer 164 and an air tube 166. The manifold outlet 160 is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 of the connector 100, and at the other end to the riser 162. The riser 162 is fluidly connected at one end to the manifold outlet 160, and at the other end to the reducer 164. The reducer 164 is fluidly connected at one end to riser 162 and at the other end to the air tube 166. The air tube 166 includes the outlet 120 of the first conduit 114 and has an internal diameter 122.

[0054] As shown, the second conduit 116 includes a manifold outlet 170, a riser 172, a reducer 174 and an air tube 176. The manifold outlet 170 is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 of the connector 100, and at the other end to the riser 172. The riser 172 is fluidly connected at one end to the manifold outlet 170, and at the other end to the reducer 174. The reducer 174 is fluidly connected at one end to riser 172 and at the other end to the air tube 176. The air tube 176 includes the outlet 124 of the second conduit 116 and has an internal diameter 126.

[0055] The internal diameters of the manifold outlets, risers and reducers of the first conduit 114 and second conduit 1 16 are the same. However, as shown, the internal diameter 122 of the air tube 166 of the first conduit 114 is greater than the internal diameter 126 of the air tube 176 of the second conduit 116. As a result, air provided by the air pump 138 through the air inlet 106 into the air manifold 102 of the connector 100 will flow into the air tube 166 (the path of least resistance) before it flows into the air tube 176. When the connector 100 connects a single outlet air pump to a compression wrap including distal and proximal bladders, the distal bladder of the compression wrap will be inflated first. Once a certain pressure within the distal bladder of the compression wrap is reached, air will flow into the air tube 176 and into the proximal bladder of the compression wrap. The air pump senses (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump) when a predetermined pressure has been reached indicating that all of the bladders have been inflated and, at this point, by way of an internal solenoid within the pump, holds this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure. Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders have time to deflate, the process begins again. In this manner, the sequential compression and resulting milking action are achieved.

[0056] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a similar embodiment, except in this embodiment the connector includes a third conduit 1 18. The third conduit 1 18 includes a manifold outlet 180, a riser 182, a reducer 184 and an air tube 186. The manifold outlet 180 is fluidly connected at one end to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 of the connector 100, and at the other end to the riser 182. The riser 182 is fluidly connected at one end to the manifold outlet 180, and at the other end to the reducer 184. The reducer 184 is fluidly connected at one end to riser 182 and at the other end to the air tube 186. The air tube 186 includes the outlet 128 of the third conduit 1 18 and has an internal diameter 130.

[0057] The internal diameters of the manifold outlets, risers and reducers of the first conduit 1 14, second conduit 116 and third conduit 118 are the same. However, as shown, the internal diameter 122 of the air tube 166 of the first conduit 1 14 is greater than the internal diameter 130 of the air tube 186 of the third conduit 118. The internal diameter 130 of the air tube 186 of the third conduit 118 is greater than the internal diameter 126 of the air tube 176 of the second conduit 116. As a result, air provided by the air pump 138 through the air inlet 106 into the air manifold 102 of the connector 100 will flow into the air tube 166 (the path of least resistance) first, the air tube 186 second (the path of the next least resistance) and the air tube 176 last (the path of greatest resistance). When the connector 100 connects a single outlet air pump to a compression wrap including distal, intermediate and proximal bladders, the distal bladder of the compression wrap will be inflated first. Once a certain pressure within the distal bladder of the compression wrap is reached, air will flow into the air tube 186 and into the intermediate bladder of the compression wrap. Finally, once a certain pressure within the intermediate bladder of the compression wrap is reached, air will flow into the air tube 176 and into the proximal bladder of the compression wrap. Once the overall pressure within the compression wrap reaches a predetermined level (as determined by a pressure sensor within the air pump), the air pump will hold this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure (by way of an internal solenoid within the pump). Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders of the compression wrap have been allowed to deflate, the process will repeat itself. In this manner, the sequential compression and resulting milking action are achieved.

[0058] FIG 1 1 illustrates how the connector 100 shown by FIGS. 9 and 10 can be connected to the sequential compression wrap 134. As shown, the air inlet 106 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected to an outlet 136 of a single outlet air pump 138 by way of the inlet connector 108. The outlet 120 of the first conduit 1 14 (the outlet of the air tube 166) of the connector 100 is fluidly connected to the air tube 140 of the distal air bladder 142 of the compression wrap 134. The outlet 124 of the second conduit 116 (the outlet of the air tube 176) of the connector 100 is fluidly connected to the air tube 144 of the proximal air bladder 146 of compression wrap 134. The outlet 128 of the third conduit 1 18 (the outlet of the air tube 186) of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by the air tube 148 to an intermediate bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134. The internal diameters of the air tubes 140, 144 and 148 are the same.

[0059] In operation, air is provided by the air pump 138 through the air outlet 136 thereof into the air inlet 106 and air manifold 102 of the connector 100. Due to the fact that the internal diameter 122 of the air tube 166 of the first conduit 114 is greater than the internal diameters 126 and 130 of the second air tube 176 and third air tube 186 of the second conduit 1 16 and third conduit 118, respectively, air provided by the air pump 138 flows through the first conduit 114 first (which is the path of least resistance), and through the air tube 140 into the distal air bladder 142 to inflate the distal air bladder of the compression wrap 134 first. Once a certain pressure within the distal air bladder 142 is reached, the air provided by the air pump 138 begins to flow from the air manifold 102 through the conduit having the next greatest internal diameter, which in this case is the third conduit 118 (the internal diameter 130 of the third air tube 186 of the third conduit 1 18 is greater than the internal diameter 126 of the second air tube 176 of the second conduit 1 16). The air provided by the air pump 138 flows through the outlet 128 of the third conduit 1 18 and through the air tube 148 into the intermediate air bladder 150. Once the pressure within the intermediate bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134 reaches a certain level, the air provided by the air pump 138 begins to flow from the air manifold 102 though the second conduit 1 16 of the connector 100 and through the air tube 144 and into the proximal air bladder 146. Once the overall pressure within the compression wrap reaches a predetermined level (as determined by a pressure sensor within the air pump), the air pump will hold this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure (by way of an internal solenoid within the pump). Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders of the compression wrap have been allowed to deflate, the process will repeat itself. In this manner, the sequential compression and resulting milking action are achieved.

[0060] The pressure in the distal air bladder 142 required to force the air provided by the air pump 138 from the air manifold 102 to the third conduit 1 18 and intermediate bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134 is based on when the internal pressure of the inflated bladder is greater than the internal pressure (back pressure) required for the air to enter and pass through the third conduit 118. Similarly, the pressure in the intermediate air bladder 150 of the compression wrap required to force the air provided by the pump from the air manifold into the second conduit 116 and proximal air bladder 146 of the compression wrap is based on when the internal pressure of the inflated bladder is greater than the internal pressure (back pressure) required for the air to enter and pass through the second conduit 1 16. The internal pressures will vary depending on a number of factors including the air flow rate, the different bladder volumes, the tubing internal diameters, and the dimensions of the connector.

[0061] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 12-16, a second embodiment of the connector 100 is illustrated and will be described. Two forms of this embodiment are illustrated by FIGS. 12- 16. The connector 100 shown by FIGS. 12 and 13 is for use in connection with a sequential compression wrap that includes separate distal and proximal bladders. The connector 100 shown by FIGS. 14, 15 and 15A-15C is for use in connection with a sequential compression wrap that includes separate distal, proximal, first intermediate, and second intermediate bladders.

[0062] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 12 and 13, the main air outlet 110 of the connector 100 of this embodiment includes a first outlet cavity 200 and a second outlet cavity 202. The first outlet cavity 200 includes an internal inlet port 204, an internal outlet port 206 and a wrap port 208. The internal inlet port 204 is fluidly connected to the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102. The wrap port 208 is fluidly connectable to a first air bladder of the compression wrap. The internal inlet port 204 of the first outlet cavity 200 and the outlet 104 of the air manifold 102 form an air passageway 210 between the first outlet cavity 200 and the air manifold 102.

[0063] The second outlet cavity 202 includes an internal inlet port 214, an internal outlet port 216 and a wrap port 218. The internal inlet port 214 is fluidly connected to the internal outlet port 206 of the first outlet cavity 200. The wrap port 218 is fluidly connectable to a second air bladder of the compression wrap. The internal inlet port 214 of the second outlet cavity 202 and the internal outlet port 206 of the first outlet cavity 200 form a second air passageway 220 between the second outlet cavity 202 and the first outlet cavity 200. The second air passageway 220 is smaller than the first air passageway 210.

[0064] For example, the wrap port 208 of the first outlet cavity 200 can be fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, and the wrap port 218 of the second outlet cavity 202 can be fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap. In operation, for example, air provided by the air pump 138 through the air inlet 106 into the air manifold 102 of the connector 100 will first flow through the first air passageway 210 and into the first outlet cavity 200. The air will flow from the first outlet cavity 200 through the wrap port 208 into the distal air bladder of the compression wrap. Once a certain pressure within the distal air bladder of the compression wrap is reached, air will be forced through the second air passageway 220 into the second outlet cavity 202, The air will flow from the second outlet cavity 202 through the wrap port 218 into the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap. The air pump senses (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump) when a predetermined pressure has been reached indicating that all of the bladders have been inflated and, at this point (by way of an internal solenoid within the pump), holds this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure. Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders have time to deflate, the process begins again. In this manner, the sequential compression and resulting milking action are achieved.

[0065] Again, the main air outlet 1 10 of this embodiment of the connector 100 can be configured to accommodate compression wraps having three, four or more than four air bladders. For example, for a compression wrap having a distal air bladder, a proximal air bladder and one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal and proximal air bladders, the main outlet further includes a third outlet cavity that includes an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port and a wrap port. The internal inlet port of the third outlet cavity is fluidly connected to the internal outlet port 216 of the second outlet cavity 202. The wrap port of the third outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap. The internal inlet port of the third outlet cavity and the internal outlet port 216 of the second outlet cavity form a third air passageway. The second air passageway 220 is smaller than both the air passageway 210 and the third air passageway. For example, the wrap port of the first outlet cavity 200 can be fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, the wrap port 218 of the second outlet cavity 202 can be fluidly connectable to the intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, and the wrap port of the third outlet cavity can be fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

[0066] The connector shown by FIGS. 14, 15 and 15A-15C is for use in connection with a sequential compression wrap that includes separate distal, proximal, first intermediate, and second intermediate bladders. The intermediate bladders are positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

[0067] The main air outlet 1 10 further includes a third outlet cavity 226 and a fourth outlet cavity 228. The third outlet cavity 226 includes an internal inlet port 234, an internal outlet port 236 and a wrap port 238. The internal inlet port 234 is fluidly connected to the internal outlet port 216 of the second outlet cavity 202. The wrap port 238 is fluidly connectable to a third air bladder of the compression wrap. The internal inlet port 234 of the third outlet cavity 226 and the internal outlet port 216 of the second outlet cavity 202 form a third air passageway 240 between the third outlet cavity 226 and the second outlet cavity 202.

[0068] The fourth outlet cavity 228 includes an internal inlet port 244 and a wrap port 248. The internal inlet port 244 of the fourth outlet cavity 228 is fluidly connected to the internal outlet port 236 of the third outlet cavity and the wrap port 248 of the fourth outlet cavity 228 is fluidly connectable to a fourth air bladder of the compression wrap. The internal inlet port 244 of the fourth outlet cavity 228 and the internal outlet port 236 of the third outlet cavity 226 form a fourth air passageway 250 between the fourth outlet cavity 228 and the third outlet cavity 226. The second air passageway 220 is smaller than the first air passageway 210, the third air passageway 240 and the fourth air passageway 250. [0069] For example, the wrap port 208 of the first outlet cavity 200 can be fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, the wrap port 218 of the second outlet cavity 202 can be fluidly connectable to a first intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, the wrap port 238 of the third outlet cavity 226 can be fluidly connectable to a second intermediate bladder of the compression wrap, and the wrap port 248 of the fourth outlet cavity can be fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

[0070] The first outlet cavity 200 and second outlet cavity 202 of the connector 100 shown by FIGS. 12 and 13, and the first outlet cavity 200, second outlet cavity 202, third outlet cavity 226 and fourth outlet cavity 228 of the connector 100 shown by FIGS. 14, 15, 15A-15C and 16, each include a base cavity and a riser cavity, with each riser cavity having a cylindrical cross section. For example, the first outlet cavity 200 includes a base cavity 200a and a riser cavity 200b. The second outlet cavity 202 includes a base cavity 202a and a riser cavity 202b. The third outlet cavity 226 includes a base cavity 226a and a riser cavity 226b. The fourth outlet cavity 228 includes a base cavity 228a and a riser cavity 228b.

[0071] The internal diameters of riser cavities 200b, 202b, 226b and 228b can be the same. It is the difference in the sizes and positioning of the passageways 210, 220, 240 and 250 coupled with other aspects of the connector 100 that causes the connector 100 to sequentially inflate the air bladders of the corresponding wrap. Again, the air provided by the air pump will take the path of least resistance. The cross-sectional area of the passageway 220 is the smallest. The cross-sectional area of the passageway 240 is the next smallest. The cross-sectional area of the passageway 250 is the next smallest. The cross-sectional area of the passageway 210 is the largest.

[0072] FIG. 16 illustrates how the connector 100 shown by FIGS. 14, 15 and 15A-15C can be fluidly connected to the sequential compression wrap 134. As shown, the air inlet 106 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected to an outlet 136 of a single outlet air pump 138 using an inlet connector 108. The wrap port 208 of the first outlet cavity 200 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 140 to the distal air bladder 142 of the compression wrap 134. The wrap port 218 of the second outlet cavity 202 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 148 to a first intermediate air bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134. The wrap port 238 of the third outlet cavity 226 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 152 to the second intermediate air bladder 154 of the compression wrap 134. The wrap port 248 of the fourth outlet cavity 228 of the connector 100 is fluidly connected by an air tube 144 to the proximal air bladder 146 of the compression wrap 134.

[0073] Air provided by the air pump 138 through the air inlet 106 into the air manifold 102 of the connector 100 will first flow through the first air passageway 210 into the first outlet cavity 200. Air will flow from the first outlet cavity 200 through the wrap port 208 into the distal air bladder 142 of the compression wrap 134. Once a certain pressure within the distal air bladder 142 of the compression wrap is reached, air will be forced through the second air passageway 220 into the second outlet cavity 202. Air will flow from the second outlet cavity 202 through the second wrap port 218 into the first intermediate air bladder 150 of the compression wrap 134. Once a certain pressure within the first intermediate air bladder 150 of the compression wrap is reached, air will be forced through the third air passageway 240 into the third outlet cavity 226. Air will flow from the third outlet cavity 226 through the third wrap port 238 into the second intermediate air bladder 154 of the compression wrap. Once a certain pressure within the second intermediate air bladder 154 of the compression wrap is reached, air will be forced through the fourth air passageway 250 into the fourth outlet cavity 228. Air will flow from the fourth outlet cavity 228 through the fourth wrap port 248 into the proximal air bladder 146 of the compression wrap 134. Once the overall pressure within the compression wrap reaches a predetermined level (as determined by a pressure sensor within the air pump), the air pump will hold this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure (by way of an internal solenoid within the pump). Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders of the compression wrap have been allowed to deflate, the process will repeat itself. In this manner, the sequential compression and resulting milking action are achieved.

[0074] The pressure in the distal air bladder 142 required to force the air provided by the air pump 138 through the second air passageway 220 into the second outlet cavity 202, the pressure in the first intermediate air bladder 150 required to force the air through the third air passageway 240 into the third outlet cavity 226, and the pressure in the second intermediate air bladder 154 required to force the air through the fourth air passageway 250 into the fourth outlet cavity 228 is based on when the internal pressure of the inflated bladder(s) is greater than the pressure required to enter the corresponding outlet cavity. The internal pressures will vary depending on a number of factors including the air flow rate, the different bladder volumes, the tubing internal diameters, and the dimensions of the connector.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, the sequential compression wrap of the present disclosure is illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 300. The compression wrap 300 includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders that can be operated using a single outlet air pump, The number of separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap 300 can vary. As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the compression wrap 300 has three separate, inflatable air bladders. However, the compression wrap 300 can also have two separate inflatable air bladders, or more than three separate, inflatable air bladders.

[0076] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 17 and 17A-17C, the sequential compression wrap 300 comprises a distal air bladder 302, a proximal air bladder 304, and an intermediate air bladder 306 positioned between the distal air bladder 302 and the proximal air bladder 304. The distal air bladder includes an inlet conduit 310 that is fluidly connectable to an air pump. The inlet conduit 310 of the distal air bladder 302 includes a cylindrical cross section and has an internal diameter 312.

[0077] The proximal air bladder 304 includes an inlet conduit 320 that is fluidly connectable to an air pump. The inlet conduit 320 of the proximal air bladder 304 includes a cylindrical cross section and has an internal diameter 322. The internal diameter 312 of the inlet conduit 310 of the distal air bladder 302 and the internal diameter 322 of inlet conduit 320 of the proximal air bladder 304 are different. The internal diameter 312 of the inlet conduit 310 of the distal air bladder 302 is greater than the internal diameter 322 of the inlet conduit 320 of proximal air bladder 304.

[0078] The intermediate air bladder 306 includes an inlet conduit 330 that is fluidly connectable to an air pump. The inlet conduit 330 of the intermediate air bladder 306 includes a cylindrical cross section and has an internal diameter 332. The internal diameters 312, 322 and 332 of the inlet conduits 310, 320 and 330, respectively, are different. The internal diameter 312 of the inlet conduit 310 of the distal air bladder 302 is greater than the internal diameter 332 of the inlet conduit 330 of the intermediate air bladder 306. The internal diameter 332 of the inlet conduit 330 of the intermediate bladder 306 is greater than the internal diameter 322 of the inlet conduit 320 of the proximal air bladder 304. [0079] For example, although not shown by the drawings, the sequential compression wrap 300 can include a second intermediate bladder positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap. When included, the second intermediate bladder also includes an inlet conduit that is fluidly connectable to an air pump. The inlet conduit of the second intermediate air bladder includes a cylindrical cross section and has an internal diameter. The internal diameters 312, 322 and 332 of the inlet conduits 310, 320 and 330, respectively, and the internal diameter of the inlet conduit of the second intermediate bladder are different. The internal diameter 312 of the inlet conduit 310 of the distal air bladder 302 is greater than the internal diameter 332 of the inlet conduit 330 of the first intermediate air bladder 306. The internal diameter 332 of the inlet conduit 330 of the first intermediate air bladder 306 is greater than the internal diameter of the inlet conduit of the second intermediate air bladder. The internal diameter of the inlet conduit of the second intermediate air bladder is greater than the internal diameter 322 of the inlet conduit 320 of the proximal air bladder 304.

[0080] Referring again to FIGS. 17 and 17A-17C, the inlet conduit 310 is fluidly connected to the distal air bladder 302 of the compression wrap 300. One end of the inlet conduit 310 includes an outlet 314 that is fluidly connectable to an air tube 316, Similarly, the inlet conduit 320 of the proximal air bladder 304 is fluidly connected to the proximal air bladder 304. The inlet conduit 320 includes an outlet 324 that is fluidly connectable to an air tube 326. The inlet conduit 330 of the intermediate air bladder 306 is fluidly connected to the intermediate air bladder 306. The inlet conduit 330 includes an outlet 334 that is fluidly connectable to an air tube 336.

[0081] The compression wrap 300 includes fasteners 340 for connecting one end of the wrap to the other end and holding the wrap on a body part. For example, the fasteners 340 include a plurality of hooks that attach to a plurality of corresponding loops on the other side of the compression wrap.

[0082] FIG. 18 illustrates a connector 350 that can be used to fluidly connect the compression wrap 300 to a single outlet air pump. The connector 350 includes an air manifold 352, an air inlet 356 for fluidly connecting the connector 350 to an outlet of the air pump and receiving air therefrom, and a main air outlet 360 configured to provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap 300, [0083] The air inlet 356 includes a connector 358 that allows the air inlet 356 to be easily fluidly connected to an outlet of the air pump or an air tube that is fluidly connected to an outlet of the air pump. The main air outlet 360 is fluidly connected to the air manifold 352. The main air outlet 360 includes a first conduit 362, a second conduit 364 and a third conduit 366.

[0084] FIG. 19 illustrates use of the connector 350 to fluidly connect the compression wrap 300 to an outlet 368 of an air pump 370. As shown, the air tubes 316, 326 and 336 are fluidly connected at one end to the inlet conduits 310, 320 and 330 of the distal air bladder 302, proximal air bladder 304 and intermediate air bladder 306, respectively, of the compression wrap 300. The air tubes 316, 326 and 336 are each connected at the other end to the first conduit 362, second conduit 364 and third conduit 366, respectively, of the main air outlet 360 of the connector 350. The inlet connector 358 of the air inlet 356 of the connector 350 is fluidly connected to the outlet 368 of the air pump 370.

[0085] In operation, air is provided by the air pump 370 into the air manifold 352 of the connector 350. The air flows from the air manifold 352 into the first conduit 362, second conduit 364 and third conduit 366 of the connector 350, and into the air tubes 316, 326 and 336. The air flows from each of the air tubes 316, 326 and 336 into the inlet conduit 310, inlet conduit 320 and inlet conduit 330 of the distal air bladder 302, proximal air bladder 304 and intermediate air bladder 306, respectively, of the compression wrap 300.

[0086] Due to the fact that the internal diameters 312, 322 and 332 of the inlet conduits 310, 320 and 330, respectively, are different, air is sequentially provided to the distal air bladder 302, proximal air bladder 304 and intermediate air bladder 306 of the compression wrap 300. Specifically, because the internal diameter of the air conduit 310 of the distal air bladder 302 is greater than the internal diameter 332 of the inlet conduit 330 of the intermediate air bladder 306 and the internal diameter 322 of the inlet conduit 320 of the proximal air bladder 304, air is provided to and inflates the distal air bladder 302 first, Once the air pressure in the distal air bladder reaches a certain level, air is forced through the inlet conduit that has the second greatest diameter, namely the inlet conduit 330 of the intermediate air bladder 306. The air flows through the inlet conduit 330 into the intermediate air bladder 306. Once the pressure in the intermediate air bladder reaches a certain level, air is forced through the inlet conduit 320 into the proximal air bladder 304 and inflates the proximal air bladder 304. The air pump senses (by way of a pressure sensor in the pump) when a predetermined pressure has been reached indicating that all of the bladders have been inflated and, at this point (by way of an internal solenoid within the pump), holds this pressure for a certain time and then releases the pressure. Releasing the pressure allows the air to escape through the pump and causes the bladders to deflate. Once the bladders have time to deflate, the process begins again. In this manner, the sequential compression and milking action by the compression wrap 300 are achieved.

[0087] The pressure in the distal air bladder required to force the air provided by the air pump through the inlet conduit 330 and into the intermediate air bladder 306, and the pressure in the intermediate air bladder required to force the air provided by the air pump through the inlet conduit 320 and into the proximal air bladder 304 is based on when the internal pressure of the inflated bladder(s) is greater than the pressure required to forced the air into the corresponding inlet conduit. The internal pressures will vary depending on a number of factors including the air flow rate, the different bladder volumes, the tubing internal diameters, and the dimensions of the connector.

[0088] Therefore, the sequential compression wrap connector and wrap are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those that are inherent therein, The particular examples disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. The particular illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present treatment additives and methods. While aspects of the sequential compression wrap connector and wrap are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," "having," or "including" various components or steps, the aspects in question can also, in some examples, "consist essentially of or "consist of the various components and steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set fourth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. [0089] While the technology has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

[0090] What is clamed is:

Claims

1 . A connector for allowing a sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders including a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder to be operated using a single outlet air pump, comprising:

an air manifold including an inlet and an outlet;

an air inlet for fluidly connecting the connector to an outlet of the air pump and receiving air therefrom, said air inlet being fluidly connected to said inlet of said air manifold; and

a main air outlet configured to sequentially provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap, said main air outlet being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein said main air outlet is configured to sequentially provide air first to the distal air bladder and then to the proximal air bladder.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the compression wrap also includes an intermediate air bladder that is positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and wherein said main air outlet is configured to sequentially provide air first to the distal air bladder, then the intermediate air bladder, and then the proximal air bladder.

4. The connector of claim 1 , wherein said main air outlet includes:

a first conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said first conduit being fluidly connected at one end to said outlet of said air manifold and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said first conduit being fluidly connectable to a first air bladder of the compression wrap, said first conduit having an internal diameter; and

a second conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said second conduit being fluidly connected at one end to said outlet of said air manifold and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said second conduit being fluidly connectable to a second air bladder of the compression wrap, said second conduit having an internal diameter, said internal diameters of said first conduit and said second conduit being different.

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein said outlet of said first conduit is fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, said outlet of said second conduit is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said second conduit.

6. The connector of claim 4, wherein the compression wrap also includes at least one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal and proximal air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

a third conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said third conduit being fluidly connected at one end to said outlet of said air manifold and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said third conduit being fluidly connectable to a third air bladder of the compression wrap, said third conduit having an internal diameter, said internal diameters of said first conduit, said second conduit, and said third conduit each being different.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein said outlet of said first conduit is fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, said outlet of said third conduit is fluidly connectable to an intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, said outlet of said second conduit is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameter of the third conduit, and said internal diameter of said third conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said second conduit.

8. The connector of claim 6, wherein the compression wrap includes at least two intermediate air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

a fourth conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said fourth conduit being fluidly connected at one end to said outlet of said air manifold and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said fourth conduit being fluidly connectable to a fourth air bladder of the compression wrap, said fourth conduit having an internal diameter, said internal diameters of said first conduit, said second conduit, said third conduit and said fourth conduit each being different.

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein said outlet of said first conduit is fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, said outlet of said third conduit is fluidly connectable to a first intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, said outlet of said fourth conduit is fluidly connectable to a second intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap and said outlet of said second conduit is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameter of the third conduit, said internal diameter of said third conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said fourth conduit, and said internal diameter of said fourth conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said second conduit.

10. The connector of claim 1 , wherein said main air outlet includes:

a first outlet cavity including an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port and a wrap port, said internal inlet port of said first outlet cavity being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold and said wrap port of said first outlet cavity being fluidly connectable to a first air bladder of the compression wrap, wherein said internal inlet port of said first outlet cavity and said outlet of said air manifold form a first air passageway between said first outlet cavity and said air manifold;

a second outlet cavity including an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port and a wrap port, said internal inlet port of said second outlet cavity being fluidly connected to said internal outlet port of said first outlet cavity and said wrap port of said second outlet cavity being fluidly connectable to a second air bladder of the compression wrap, wherein said internal inlet port of said second outlet cavity and said internal outlet port of said first outlet cavity form a second air passageway between said second outlet cavity and said first outlet cavity, wherein said second air passageway is smaller than said first air passageway.

1 1. The connector of claim 10, wherein said wrap port of said first outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, and said wrap port of said second outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

12. The connector of claim 10, wherein the compression wrap also includes at least one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal and proximal air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

a third outlet cavity including an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port and a wrap port, said internal inlet port of said third outlet cavity being fluidly connected to said internal outlet port of said second outlet cavity and said wrap port of said third outlet cavity being fluidly connectable to a third air bladder of the compression wrap, wherein said internal inlet port of said third outlet cavity and said internal outlet port of said second outlet cavity form a third air passageway between said third outlet cavity and said second outlet cavity, wherein said second air passageway is smaller than said first air passageway and said third air passageway.

13. The connector of claim 12, wherein said wrap port of said first outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, said wrap port of said second outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to an intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, and said wrap port of said third outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

14. The connector of claim 8, wherein the compression wrap includes at least two intermediate air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

a fourth outlet cavity including an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port and a wrap port, said internal inlet port of said fourth outlet cavity being fluidly connected to said internal outlet port of said third outlet cavity and said wrap port of said fourth outlet cavity being fluidly connectable to a fourth air bladder of the compression wrap, wherein said internal inlet port of said fourth outlet cavity and said internal outlet port of said third outlet cavity form a fourth air passageway between said fourth outlet cavity and said third outlet cavity, wherein said second air passageway is smaller than said first air passageway, said third air passageway and said fourth air passageway.

15. The connector of claim 14, wherein said wrap port of said first outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, said wrap port of said second outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to a first intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, said wrap port of said third outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to a second intermediate bladder of the compression wrap, and said wrap port of said fourth outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

16. A connector for allowing a sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders including a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder to be operated using a single outlet air pump, comprising:

an air manifold including an inlet and an outlet;

a main air outlet configured to sequentially provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap, said main air outlet being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold and including: a first conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said first conduit being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold at one end and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said first conduit being fluidly connectable to the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, said first conduit having an internal diameter; and

a second conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said second conduit being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold at one end and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said second conduit being fluidly connectable to a second air bladder of the compression wrap, said second conduit having an internal diameter, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said second conduit.

17. The connector of claim 16, wherein said outlet of said second conduit is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

18. The connector of claim 16, wherein the compression wrap also includes at least one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal and proximal air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

a third conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said third conduit being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold at one end and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said third conduit being fluidly connectable to a third air bladder of the compression wrap, said third conduit having an internal diameter, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameters of said second conduit and said third conduit.

19. The connector of claim 18, wherein said outlet of said second conduit is fluidly connectable to a first intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap and said outlet of said third conduit is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameter of the second conduit, and said internal diameter of said second conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said third conduit.

20. The connector of claim 18, wherein the compression wrap includes at least two intermediate air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

a fourth conduit having a cylindrical cross section, said fourth conduit being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold at one end and including an outlet at the other end, said outlet of said third conduit being fluidly connectable to a fourth air bladder of the compression wrap, said fourth conduit having an internal diameter, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameters of said second conduit, said third conduit and said fourth conduit.

21. The connector of claim 20, wherein said outlet of said second conduit is fluidly connectable to a first intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, said outlet of said third conduit is fluidly connectable to a second intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap and said outlet of said fourth conduit is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, and wherein said internal diameter of said first conduit is greater than said internal diameter of the second conduit, said internal diameter of said second conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said third conduit, and said internal diameter of said third conduit is greater than said internal diameter of said fourth conduit.

22. A connector for allowing a sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders including a distal air bladder and a proximal air bladder to be operated using a single outlet air pump, comprising:

an air manifold including an inlet and an outlet;

a main air outlet configured to sequentially provide air to the separate, inflatable air bladders of the compression wrap, said main air outlet being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold and including:

a first outlet cavity including an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port and a wrap port, said internal inlet port of said first outlet cavity being fluidly connected to said outlet of said air manifold and said wrap port of said first outlet cavity being fluidly connectable the distal air bladder of the compression wrap, wherein said internal inlet port of said first outlet cavity and said outlet of said air manifold form a first air passageway between said first outlet cavity and said air manifold;

23. The connector of claim 22, wherein said wrap port of said second outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

24. The connector of claim 22, wherein the compression wrap also includes at least one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal and proximal air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

25. The connector of claim 24, wherein said wrap port of said second outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to an intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap and said wrap port of said third outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

26. The connector of claim 24, wherein the compression wrap includes at least two intermediate air bladders, and wherein said main air outlet further includes:

27, The connector of claim 26, wherein said wrap port of said second outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to a first intermediate air bladder of the compression wrap, said wrap port of said third outlet cavity is fluidly connectable a second intermediate bladder of the compression wrap, and said wrap port of said fourth outlet cavity is fluidly connectable to the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap.

28, A sequential compression wrap that includes a plurality of separate, inflatable air bladders and can be operated using a single outlet an air pump, comprising:

a distal air bladder that includes an inlet conduit that is fluidly connectable to an air pump, said inlet conduit of said distal air bladder including a cylindrical cross section and having an internal diameter; and

a proximal air bladder that includes an inlet conduit that is fluidly connectable to an air pump, said inlet conduit of said proximal air bladder including a cylindrical cross section and having an internal diameter, wherein said internal diameters of said inlet conduits of said distal and proximal air bladders are different.

29, The compression wrap of claim 28, wherein said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said distal air bladder is greater than said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said proximal air bladder.

30, The compression wrap of claim 28, further comprising:

at least one intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, said intermediate air bladder including an inlet conduit that is fluidly connectable to an air pump, said inlet conduit of said intermediate air bladder including a cylindrical cross section and having an internal diameter, wherein said internal diameters of said inlet conduits of said distal, proximal and intermediate air bladders are different.

31 , The compression wrap of claim 30, wherein said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said distal air bladder is greater than said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said intermediate air bladder, and said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said intermediate air bladder is greater than said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said proximal air bladder.

32, The compression wrap of claim 28, further comprising:

a first intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, said first intermediate air bladder including an inlet conduit that is fluidly connectable to an air pump, said inlet conduit of said first intermediate air bladder having a cylindrical cross section and an internal diameter; and

a second intermediate air bladder positioned between the distal air bladder and the proximal air bladder of the compression wrap, said second intermediate air bladder including an inlet conduit that is fluidly connectable to an air pump, said inlet conduit of said second intermediate air bladder including a cylindrical cross section and having an internal diameter, and wherein said internal diameters of said inlet conduits of said distal, proximal, first intermediate and second intermediate air bladders are different.

33. The compression wrap of claim 32, wherein said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said distal air bladder is greater than said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said first intermediate air bladder, and said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said first intermediate air bladder is greater than said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said second intermediate air bladder, and wherein said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said second intermediate air bladder is greater than said internal diameter of said inlet conduit of said proximal air bladder.