Patent Number: 061817724
Section: summary

This invention relates to an X-ray grid structure; and more specifically to an X-ray grid structure having open corners to simplify manufacturing of the grid and insertion of the contents therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known to those persons who are acquainted with the particular field of medicine relating to an X-ray, that examination products of this type, namely an anti-scatter grid structure, currently on the market serve only to accommodate an X-ray cassette, but they do little or nothing for protection of the X-ray grid or cassette. In fact, each anti-scatter grid structure wears out or usually falls apart within two years from normal use. A single X-ray grid may cost as much as fifteen hundred dollars. A damaged or worn out grid can produce unsatisfactory X-rays. It is, thus, necessary to avoid or minimize damage to an X-ray grid, in order to minimize costs and maximize efficiency. A damaged grid can produce a distorted X-ray, that can misinterpreted because of the lead lines that run vertical through the grid. When the lead lines are displaced due to damage to the X-ray grid, they cause radiographic artifacts. The displaced lead lines superimpose the anatomical views that have been radiographed. If such a line is imposed over a rib or in the skull, it may be interpreted as a fracture. In many cases such misinterpretations are both possible and mandatory, due to the resulting X-ray. With structural defects of this type, radiologists are sued because the X-ray films are confusing. As result of the confusion, a radiologist can misinterpret the X-ray because of the damaged grid; and can either misdiagnose an injury or diagnose an injury, which the patient has not suffered. A very suitable anti-scatter grid structure is thoroughly described in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,269 to Leo J. Reina el al., said patent being incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference. The said Leo J. Reina is the inventor in this application. A very complicated procedure is used to produce the anti-scatter grid. The material used and the assembly procedure add to these complications. Simplification of such an assembly can provide a great advantage to medical field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of an anti-scatter grid structure with a open corners. Another objective of this invention is to provide a anti-scatter grid structure, which protects the X-ray grid. Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a anti-scatter grid structure with open corners, which protects the X-ray cassette. Still another objective of this invention is to provide an anti-scatter grid structure, having one material in the manufacturing thereof. Also an object of this present invention is to provide a protective encasement for an X-ray which gives a total protection thereto so as to extend the useful life of the grid as long as possible. A further object is to provide a grid enclosure, which virtually eliminates the need for X-ray grid replacements due to accidental droppage. These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a one piece or a two piece grid structure, which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use, and efficient in operation, with open corners therein to achieve the desired protection for the X-ray cassette.