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BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure is directed to a table extension for use with
patients to provide x-rays. It is typically used in an x-ray studio,
normally, a radiology lab. The studio is equipped with an overhead x-ray
generating system typically deployed on some type of overhead hanger
permitting movement in two dimensions, even sometimes three dimensions, so
that the x-ray generating source is brought close to a patient. The
patient is typically rested on a patient table in the center of the room
for easy x-ray examination.
Medical diagnosis sometimes requires x-rays to determine the precise nature
and location of injuries, internal ailments, etc. In some instances, the
patient can stand upright to provide a chest x-ray while in other
instances, x-rays of the arms and legs are done by extending the limb over
the film in a film holder or film pack. In some instances, however, it is
especially necessary for the patient to be prone on a table so that
appropriate posture is obtained with the patient extending transverse to
the centerline axis of the x-ray source. Normally, the x-ray generating
tube points downwardly. A table which supports the patient horizontally at
an elevated position above the floor and below the x-ray source positions
the patient appropriately. The present disclosure is directed to a table
extension mechanism which has certain advantages. In one aspect, the
patient is able to stretch out in a prone position, either face up or
down, thereby enabling the patient to be appropriately illuminated by the
x-ray source. In this fashion, the patient is positioned in the most
desirable position from the point of view of the physician requesting the
radiology report. The procedure thus involves positioning the patient on
top of the table equipped with the extension of the present disclosure.
The x-ray film is mounted in a flat pack or tray which is located under
the patient. The present apparatus is especially helpful in obtaining that
kind of x-ray exposure of the film. Optimum comfort of the patient is
obtained.
The present apparatus is especially useful in that the device is
transparent to x-rays. Moreover, it is relatively lightweight in view of
the fact that it has to be moved in or out, shifted, sometimes removed
completely, and sometimes equipped with cushions or pillows. Patient
comfort is an important factor. It may take five or ten minutes to arrange
or position the trunk of the patient body at the right location and then
take several different images. Especially when working with older
patients, personal comfort becomes more important. The x-ray procedure
requires that the patient be still, perfectly still, which is sometimes
difficult for those who are older. Muscles may shake, or other types of
patient agitation may disrupt and upset the situation. Moreover, the
situation often requires that the patient be assisted to mount the table
and to position their head and shoulders in a prone position. For comfort,
the present disclosure, therefore, incorporates a mechanism and means
enabling the patient to rest their head, again facing up or down, in a
fashion that head and face comfort are obtained. As the patient reclines,
they are easily supported on the present apparatus for a long period of
time so that patient comfort can, therefore, be obtained. In another
aspect of the present disclosure, the patient requires protection against
sliding over the edge of the examination table. Through the use of the
present invention, the weight of the patient is supported on a horizontal
surface so that sliding over the edge is not readily possible. To protect
the patient, the apparatus of the present disclosure is equipped with
safety clamps to assure proper fastening to a support table. Moreover, it
incorporates a mechanism enabling pads or cushions to be positioned to
encircle either the face or the back of the head to further assist patient
comfort. It also enables movement of the film tray under the patient and
movement of the patient with respect to the table so that appropriate
positioning of the x-ray system, film and patient can be obtained.
Repositioning is easily achieved through the use of the present
disclosure. The finished product is relatively lightweight and, therefore,
can be easily handled by medical personnel with great dispatch so that the
device can be installed, used, repositioned and then removed. Subsequent
installation is again achieved in an easy way.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
This disclosure is directed to a large planar extension member formed of
clear, translucent or transparent plastic material and is constructed with
sufficient thickness that it is able to hold up the cantilevered weight of
a heavy patient. The patient is supported on the top face of the board. It
includes a narrow portion which approximately matches the width of the
patient at the shoulders tapering to a smaller width under the head. Being
slightly wider than the head, this enables a central portion to be cut
away. When the patient reclines on the device and turns their face
downwardly, this enables easy breathing for the patient without
discomfort. A pad having the shape of a U-shaped collar is supported on
the table extension and serves as a head rest or face rest. On the lower
side, there are safety clamps protruding along marginal edges for
fastening the device. In addition to that, a pair of ribs are constructed
with overhanging notches to lock against the table. This secures the
device of the present disclosure in a fixed position to support a patient
placed on the table.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and
objects of the present invention are obtained and can be understood in
detail, more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized
above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the
appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention
and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the support board of the present disclosure
setting forth profile and shape and further showing the location of Velcro
strips for fastening a pillow at the head of the support board:
FIG. 2 is a side view of the same board as shown in FIG. 1 showing a head
rest in dotted line and also showing a cushion placed thereon for comfort
of a patient;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view a long the line 3--3 of FIG. 2 of the drawings
showing details of construction of two parallel reinforcing ribs on the
bottom side which assist in attachment to a patient table; and
FIG. 4 is a view of the support board of the present disclosure installed
on an x-ray table and illustrates the enhancement provided by the present
support board.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Attention is now directed to FIG. 1 of the present disclosure which will be
discussed initially and which shows the extending support board 10 of the
present disclosure. The support 10 comprises a board of planar
construction having a central protruding tab 12 at the left end, the tab
12 being formed with curved or rounded corners 14. The edge 16 defines the
full width of the structure which is formed with a pair of parallel edges
18 and 20. The edges extend parallel and forward to a pair of tapering
edges 22 and 24. The edges 22 and 24 taper down to a narrow neck portion
26 which is adapted to support the head and neck of a patient. The neck
portion 26 is defined by two parallel edges 28 and 30. They terminate at a
curving radius 32 which is an arc of a circle. The neck portion is formed
with a rectangular notch 34 along the centerline axis of the device.
Viewed from the side in FIG. 2, it will be observed that the support 10 of
the present disclosure is a planar sheet of material which is preferably a
clear or at least translucent plastic material. Not only can one see
through it, but it also is constructed so that it has substantial strength
and yet is transparent to x-rays.
Going now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a radiation source 40 is indicated in
an overhead position and is located above a pedestal 42 which supports a
table 44. As appropriate, a cushion 46 is placed on the table for comfort.
One important aspect of this view is to show how the table 44 has a
specified length or span. Even so, the table 44 is not always able to
provide a full and adequate support or base under the patient in the prone
position to obtain all the necessary x-ray exposures at different angles
and inclinations with respect to the patient. As will be understood, a
radiologist will typically specify the relative position of the patient
and also the position of the radiation source with respect to that
patient. The position of the radiation source with respect to the table 44
is therefore adjusted, typically by moving the radiation source 40 which
is suspended over the table 44 and which is mounted in a movable fashion
with two and usually three degrees of freedom. This measure of freedom is
highly desirable.
The freedom mentioned above is enhanced by the use of the support 10 of the
present disclosure. It is used in the following manner. It is normally
placed above the table 44. It is moved left and right so that it slides
into a desired position. For safety, downwardly extending locks 48 located
along the marginal edges are engaged. They are channel-shaped so that they
lock or guide the support 10 to a specified location. Moreover, at that
location, they hold the transparent support in a cantilevered position but
it is held in such a way that it will not topple because of the offset
center of mass. As viewed in FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 is installed by
sliding to the left. It is moved to the left until it is stopped. This
motion is stopped by the cooperation of a pair of parallel braces 50 which
are located on the bottom side. They are notched at 52 to define an
overhanging relationship that locks around the table 44. This permits
movement to the left but it is limited at the time the notches 52 are
properly engaged. Once engaged, the support 10 is then held in a proper
position.
FIG. 4 shows the installation of a pad 54 at the central part of the
invention 10. For convenience, it is held in a releasable connection by
means of a Velcro strip 56 better shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. In a
similar fashion, FIG. 1 of the drawings also shows multiple Velcro strips
58 which are used for fastening on the support a head or face pad shown in
dotted line at 60 in FIG. 1 of the drawings. It is shaped as a horseshoe.
The central opening lines up with the rectangular opening 34. These two
openings together provide comfort to the head or face. The patient is able
to rest in that position for extended intervals during a radiology
session. Often, several frames of film have to be exposed to get the right
contrast and perspective necessary for the radiologist.
Continuing with some details of importance, the present apparatus is made
of stock having a thickness of about 1/2". The stock is well able to hold
the weight of the patient on it. For ease of handling, the edges are
typically slightly beveled and the corners are rounded as previously noted
at 14. The width of the apparatus is appropriate for patient support. The
edges 18 and 20 are typically about 16 but preferably about 18 or 20"
apart. They preferably match the width of the table 44 so that the safety
clamps 48 are lined up and clamp against the table. The head portion 26 is
more narrow, typically in the range of about 9 to 12".
The bottom located braces 50 provide strength against bending. In addition,
they also provide limits on the mounting of the device. This helps obtain
registration without taking measurements. In addition to that, it helps by
locking the entire structure so that the device can be easily installed
and then removed while a patient is being positioned and then repositioned
with respect to the table 44. For instance, it may be necessary to obtain
several views without use of the device 10; thereafter, the device 10 is
mounted on the table 44, and that is accomplished in one easy motion by
the personnel handling the radiology session.
Considering even further the present apparatus, it is well able to be
mounted on and then removed from the table 44. When removed, it can be
readily placed in a place of safekeeping. It can be used with or without
the cushions previously noted and they can be attached or detached using
the many Velcro strips 56 and 58.
While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiment, the scope is
determined by the claims which follow:
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