X-ray film holder for use with dental simulation models

An x-ray film holder is provided to attach to a dental simulation model and to support an x-ray film. The x-ray film holder includes a base with a releasable contact fastener for attaching the dental simulation model thereto. The x-ray film holder also includes a support member to releasably hold an x-ray film. The support member can be configured as an adjustable support member for accommodating x-ray films of various film thicknesses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an x-ray film holder for use with dental simulation models. In particular, the x-ray film holder includes a base for holding a portion of the dental simulation model anterior to an x-ray film also held by the x-ray holder for taking x-rays of the dental simulation model.

Dental simulation models are well known for teaching the art of dentistry. Typically, dental simulation models are used in dental schools, and particularly in the dental licensure examination, to simulate teeth2and gums3of a human mouth. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a conventional dental simulation model1that includes an upper or lower arch4,5or both, as shown inFIG. 1, or only one of the upper or lower arches4,5or a section or sextant6of one of the upper or lower arches4,5, as shown inFIG. 2. The sextant6(FIG. 2) is selectively removable from the dental simulation model1so it can be examined by an aspiring dentist, an instructor or an examiner. The sextant6, for example, may include an indent7, between two teeth2that is filed with resin that replicates a decayed tooth (not shown) for simulating an endodontic procedure.

After a procedure is performed on the dental simulation model1or an x-ray is otherwise required, the sextant6is removed from the dental simulation model1and taken to an x-ray machine for x-raying. The x-ray machine is too expensive and large to be provided for individual dental chairs, so moving the sextant6to the x-ray machine allows for multiple students to share one or more x-ray machines.

The sextant6is then placed within an open-topped box that is slightly larger than the sextant6along with a digital or traditional electromagnetic radiation x-ray film which is positioned along one side of the box. However, the sextant6may move unintentionally with respect to the film as the box is being positioned for x-raying or a student may attempt to cheat by altering the angle of the sextant6with respect to the x-ray film from the standard angle for the taking of x-rays to achieve a desired appearance of the drilling and or filling performed on the sextant6.

What is therefore needed, but not provided in the prior art, is an x-ray film holder that releasably holds the sextant6in place at a fixed location and/or orientation relative to the x-ray film, a means to indicate on the resulting x-ray film the orientation of the sextant6with respect to the x-ray film, and a means to hold x-ray films of various film thicknesses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a radiolucent x-ray film holder having a base member that includes a substantially planar surface to receive a dental simulation model. A releasable contact fastener is positioned proximate the planar surface to releasably fasten the dental simulation model to the base member. A support member is connected to the base member and includes a support fastener to releasably support an x-ray film.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a dental x-ray training system having a dental simulation model that includes at least one sextant having a first fastener and an x-ray film holder. The x-ray film holder includes a first member having a second fastener. The second fastener operatively engages the first fastener to releasably and adjustably fasten the sextant to the first member. A second member is connected to the first member and is configured to receive and releasably support an x-ray film. The second member includes a radiopaque marker.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a holder for supporting a dental simulation model and a film. The holder includes a base having a substantially planar surface to receive the dental simulation model. A releasable contact fastener is positioned proximate the planar surface to releasably fasten the base to the dental simulation model. A first support member is connected to the planar surface. An extension is slidably connectable with the base and includes a second support member that operatively engages with the first support member to releasably support the film.

In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a dental x-ray training system including a dental simulation model that includes at least one sextant having a first fastener and a holder. The holder includes a first member having a second fastener that operatively engages the first fastener to releasably and adjustably fasten the sextant to the holder. A first support extends from the first member. A second member is slidably connectable with the first member and includes a second support that operatively engages with the first support to releasably support a film.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a radiolucent device having a base configured to releasably receive and fasten to a dental simulation model. An adjustable clamp is connected to the base to secure the base to an x-ray film. The adjustable clamp includes a radiopaque marker configured between the dental simulation model and the x-ray film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the x-ray film holder and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4a preferred embodiment of an x-ray film holder, generally designated10, in accordance with the present invention. The x-ray film holder10can be used with a dental simulation model, such as a section or sextant6of the dental simulation model1(see alsoFIGS. 1 and 2). However, it is within the intent and scope of the present invention that the x-ray film holder10can be used with any other dental simulation model known in the art that can or needs to be x-rayed. The x-ray film holder10is made from a radiolucent material to form a radiolucent device. Such radiolucent materials are known in the art and a detailed description of them is not necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

The sextant6(FIG. 4) of the dental simulation model1is preferably a third of one of the upper or lower arches4,5, and preferably includes at least a pair of teeth2and a working tooth12positioned between the teeth2. The working tooth12is typically formed from a resin material that replicates a tooth and its pulp for simulating a natural tooth during endodontic procedures used for training and/or testing aspiring dentists. The sextant6can also be substituted with any area of the dental simulation model1that is desired to be viewed through an x-ray machine14(shown schematically inFIG. 4). Additionally, the sextant6is not limited to a sextant6having two teeth2and a working tooth12and can be any portion of the dental simulation model1, such as an individual tooth2, an entire arch4,5or the entire dental simulation model1that is desired to be x-rayed.

Referring toFIG. 3, the x-ray film holder10includes a base16, such as a base member or a first member, having a planar upper surface18and a planar lower surface20that is spaced from and generally parallel to the upper surface18. However, the base16can have any suitable shape, such as an oval, circle, rectangle, or trapezoidal shape. The base16includes a fastener24positioned proximate the planar upper surface18for fastening the sextant6to the base16. Preferably, the fastener24is a releasable contact fastener. A releasable contact fastener is generally a fastener that fastens upon contact, such as a ferromagnetic member and a magnet, hook and loop fasteners, a detent or a releasable adhesive. More preferably, the fastener24is a magnet24that is disposed or substantially housed within the base16.

The magnet24operatively associates with a corresponding ferromagnetic member housed within, e.g., the sextant6, as further discussed below. The magnet24is positioned on the base16a predetermined distance from a support member22. Details regarding the support member22are discussed below. Positioning the magnet24a predetermined distance, such as several millimeters to several inches, apart from the support member22advantageously allows for the dental simulation model1or a sextant6, to be positioned in a spaced apart relation to an x-ray film32supported by the support member22. This predetermined positioning of the sextant6and the x-ray film32therefore provides for optimum spacing of the two for the taking of radiographs.

The base16can optionally be partially exposed with, for example, a plurality of openings26for exposing the magnet24to the upper surface18of the base16. The openings26are preferably four spaced apart circular openings in the upper surface18, but the openings26can be a single opening and can be configured to have any shape, such as rectangular or oval opening. The openings26serve as channels such that the magnet24is partially exposed through the upper surface18to increase the strength of the magnet24with respect to a ferromagnetic object (i.e., a corresponding fastener) placed on the upper surface18.

The magnet24is preferably molded within the x-ray film holder10, but can alternatively be inserted and/or affixed to the x-ray film holder10after the x-ray film holder10is formed. The magnet24can also be completely covered or completely exposed through the upper surface18.

A corresponding fastener36, e.g., a ferromagnetic member36, is configured within the sextant6to correspondingly fasten to the base16. The ferromagnetic member36can be any member that is attracted by a magnetic force. Such materials for the ferromagnetic member36includes, but are not limited to, ferrous metals such as iron, steel, cobalt and nickel. The ferromagnetic member36can be positioned about any location within the sextant6such that the ferromagnetic member36is sufficiently attracted to the base16by the magnet24.

Alternatively, instead of the magnet24being disposed within the base16, the base16can be configured with a ferromagnetic member24′ (FIG. 5). The ferromagnetic member24′ can be configured within the base16similarly to that of the magnet24as described above. When configured with a ferromagnetic member24′, the x-ray film holder10can be used in conjunction with a sextant6that includes a magnetized member36′ for magnetically attaching the x-ray film holder10to the sextant6.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, the base16has a first end16aand a second end16b. A support member22extends outwardly and upwardly from the second end16b.The support member22preferably has a width generally equal to the base16and a height that is greater than the base16. However, the support member22can be configured to have any size relative to the base16. The support member22includes a support fastener27that releasably supports an x-ray film32. Preferably, the support fastener27is configured as a slot28that extends into the support member22to secure the x-ray film32by an interference or press-fit.

The support fastener27can be configured to include a plurality of slots, such as first and second slots28,30extending into the support member22for releasably holding an x-ray film32. The first and second slots28,30are each configured to releasably receive an x-ray film32having different film thicknesses. That is, each slot is configured with a different slot width to accommodate x-ray films having different film thicknesses, as conventional x-ray films32are typically manufactured with various thicknesses, depending on the type of film used. The x-ray film32can be any type of film known in the art for use with x-ray machines, such as a digital or a traditional electromagnetic radiation x-ray film.

Referring toFIG. 4, the x-ray film32preferably extends further upwardly than the support member22. The film32can extend further laterally than the x-ray film holder10, but the x-ray film holder10can alternatively be sized to extend further laterally than the film32. The slot width of the first and second slots28,30are configured to be slightly smaller than the width of the x-ray film32to releasably, selectively and firmly hold the x-ray film to the x-ray film holder10through a slight compression or press-fit. The support member22can alternatively be configured to include a spring biasing member33to fasten the x-ray film32to the x-ray film holder10, in addition to or in place of the first and second slots28,30. The support member22preferably positions the x-ray film32generally perpendicular to the upper surface18, but the x-ray film32can alternatively be positioned at any angle with respect to the upper surface18.

The x-ray film holder10also preferably includes a position marker34. The position marker34is disposed within the support member22such that it is between the x-ray film32supported by the support member22and the sextant6fastened to the base16. The position marker34can be a spherical ball bearing made of metal or any other object formed of a generally radiopaque material. Preferably, the position marker34is positioned such that an image of the position marker34is left on the x-ray film32following an x-ray. The position marker34is preferably inserted into the support member22through an open channel35, but can be embedded during the fabrication process of the x-ray film holder10or otherwise attached to the support member22.

The sextant6preferably includes a ferromagnetic member36, as the releasable contact fastener, embedded within or otherwise a part of the sextant6for connecting the sextant6to the x-ray film holder10. Alternatively, the sextant6can be configured with a magnet36′ (or a plurality of magnets) for magnetically attaching to the x-ray film holder10configured with a ferromagnetic member24′, as shown inFIG. 5.

In use, a user removes the sextant6, or any other desired portion of the dental simulation model1, from the dental simulation model1and places the sextant6on the upper surface18of the x-ray film holder10. A magnetic force between the magnet24within the x-ray film holder10and the ferromagnetic member36within the sextant6releasably holds the sextant6to the upper surface18of the x-ray film holder10. The user then places an x-ray film32within the support member22. The user can then pivot or rotate the sextant6with respect to the x-ray film32until the sextant6is properly positioned on the upper surface18. The sextant6remains in the position set by the user until a sufficient force is exerted on the sextant6to overcome the magnetic attraction force between the sextant6and the x-ray film holder10to adjust the sextant6on the surface18or to otherwise remove the sextant6from the x-ray film holder10.

The user than places the x-ray film holder10, x-ray film32and sextant6into position for x-raying by the x-ray machine14. An x-ray is then taken of the sextant6, creating an x-ray image of the sextant6on the x-ray film32along with the location of the position marker34. The position marker34will appear on the x-ray film32in relation to the ferromagnetic member36in the sextant6to indicate the position that the sextant6was placed on the x-ray film holder10during the x-raying procedure. The user then removes the x-ray film holder10and sextant6from the x-ray machine14and detaches the sextant6and the x-ray film32from the x-ray film holder10. The sextant6may then be placed back in the dental simulation model1.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-12, there is shown a holder110for supporting a dental simulation model such as a sextant106and a film132, such as an x-ray film132in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The holder110includes a base112and an extension122. The base and extension112,122are configured to slidingly engage each other so as to be slidingly connectable. For the sake of brevity, like element numbers have been used between the embodiments ofFIGS. 3-4andFIGS. 6-12. Therefore, a complete description of similar elements has been omitted for purposes of convenience and brevity only, and is not limiting.

Referring now toFIG. 6-8and12, the base112includes a base portion116, a slotted portion114and a first support member118. The base portion116includes an upper surface18′, a lower surface20′, and openings26′ similarly constructed as described above for base16. For example, the base112includes a releasable contact fastener24′ positioned proximate the upper surface18′ of the base portion116to releasably fasten a sextant106to the base112. The slotted portion114is connected to the underside of the base portion116. The slotted portion114is generally configured as a female slot. The slotted portion114includes left and right generally L-shaped in cross section channels114a,114bthat extend along the lateral edges of the base portion116. The channels114a,114bare of the L-shaped configuration that are each directed inwardly to form a slot for receiving a corresponding male portion. While the present embodiment is preferably configured with the base112having a female slot and the extension122configured as the male counterpart, the base112can alternatively be configured as the male counterpart while the extension122configured with the female slot.

The base portion116also includes a fastener120(FIG. 11) for fastening together the base112and the extension122. The fastener120can be any fastener capable of fastening the base and extension112,122together to prevent sliding engagement. Preferably, the fastener120is a set thumb screw120, but can alternatively be a clamp, a locking pin, or the like. The base portion116is configured with a threaded thru-hole128extending laterally through one of the channels114a,114bfor receiving the set screw120, which is generally configured as any conventional set screw.

Referring now to FIGS.6and9-10, the first support member118is configured as a substantially vertical member that extends generally perpendicular to and is connected to the base portion116. The first support member118is connected to the base portion116about its second end116bso as to be flush with the ends of the slotted portion114about the second end116b.The first support member118can optionally include a channel35′ and a position marker34′.

The extension122is generally configured as shown inFIGS. 6,9and10. The extension122includes a generally planar male member124, generally T-shaped in cross section, keyed to slidingly engage within the slotted portion114of the base112, and a second support member126. The second support member126is configured as a substantially vertical member that is generally perpendicular to the male member124. In operation, the first support member118and the second support member126are configured to releasably support an x-ray film132.

The base and extension112,122are assembled by sliding the male member124of the extension122into the second end116bof the slotted portion114, as shown inFIG. 6. The first and second support members118,126cooperatively form a support to releasably engage and support an x-ray film132. The width of the gap128formed by the first and second support members118,126is adjustable and can be varied by sliding the extension122further into or out of the base's slotted portion114. Once the desired gap width130is determined, the set screw120is secured to firmly hold the base and extension112,122in a fixed position. The construct and operation of the base and extension112,122essentially forms an adjustable clamp capable of clamping an x-ray film of any thickness to the x-ray holder110.

Referring now toFIG. 12, when the holder110includes a sextant106it forms a dental x-ray training system that includes a dental simulation model having at least one sextant106with a first fastener136, and an x-ray film holder10,110in accordance with any of the above embodiments (only holder110shown for convenience). The first fastener136operatively engages with the second fastener124of the x-ray holder110, such that the sextant106can be releasably and adjustably fastened to the x-ray film holder110. For example, when the first fastener136of the sextant106is a magnetized member and the second fastener124of the x-ray holder110is a ferromagnetic member124, the sextant106will be magnetically and releasably attached to the x-ray film holder110upon contact. In addition, the sextant106can be easily adjusted along a surface18′ of the base portion116where the ferromagnetic member124is positioned proximate to, such that the sextant106can e.g., be fastened to the base portion116yet slidingly adjustable along the surface18′ of the base portion116.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the sextant106may be releasably held to the x-ray film holder10by a clamp, an adhesive, a detent, or the like. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.