Abstract:
A holder for use in x-rays comprises a shaped object to be held by a person while undergoing an x-ray, the shaped object having an outer surface defining an enclosed space and filler matter in the enclosed space. At least a portion of the outer surface and filler matter is comprised of a radiolucent material. The invention is also for a method of taking x-rays of a human by placing a shaped object in the hands of the human receiving the x-ray, and then directing the human to hold the shaped object in a specified manner such that the position of the human when holding the object in the specified manner causes internal body components of the human to be located relative to each other in a preferred manner for the x-ray.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/233,262 filed Sep. 22, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/616,268 filed Oct. 6, 2004, and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method and devices for facilitating x-rays, and the images produced as a result thereof. Particularly, the invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for assisting people undergoing x-rays in positioning the body in an optimal or near optimal condition so that the x-ray images produced in an x-ray can be clearer, have better definition, be more accurate with respect to location of the body being x-rayed, and/or producing x-rays pictures which can be more easily be read. 
     X-rays of humans are a well known medical procedure and have been carried out, and continue to be carried out, as a standard diagnostic tool used by health practitioners. In general, an x-ray is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation, usually generated by accelerating electrons to high velocity, and suddenly stopping them by collision with a solid body. In the medical field, x-rays may typically be used to obtain images of internal body components. 
     In many instances, an x-ray will require the person or patient to be positioned in certain postures and manners, and to hold his/her arms, legs or other body parts in certain positions, in order to permit the x-ray machine to obtain a clear and readable image of a desired body part or parts. This is particularly the case where, for example, one body part such as the scapula, or shoulder blade, may overlap, cover or shield (in an x-ray context) another body part, such as the lungs. In such a situation, it is necessary for the proper taking of the x-ray to position the patient in an optimal manner so as to avoid, to the extent possible, the shielding or overlap of another body part in the x-ray picture, which would interfere with a proper diagnosis and/or reading of the image. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a holder for use in x-rays, the holder comprising a shaped object to be held by a person while undergoing an x-ray, the shaped object having an outer surface defining an enclosed space and filler matter in the enclosed space, at least a portion of the outer surface and filler matter being comprised of a radiolucent material and/or a solid radiolucent material. The shaped object may have a shape selected from: spherical, round, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, geodesic. 
     Preferably, the shaped object is substantially ball shaped and comprises at least one handle on the outer surface thereof. Preferably, two handles are on substantially opposing sides of the ball shaped object, the handles comprising outwardly extending grip members having ends which are secured to the outer surface of the ball shaped object. 
     In one form, the handle comprises a flat elongate strip having opposing ends, and fastening means for securing the flat elongate strip to the outer surface near the opposing ends thereof. The handle may be adjustable in size. In another form, the handle comprises a first band and a second band of fabric secured to the outer surface of the shaped object at a selected distance from each other, the first and second bands each having an outer surface at least a portion of which has a Velcro™ textured configuration; and a grip member extending at least between the first and second bands, the grip member having a surface at least a portion of which has a Velcro™ textured configuration so that the grip member can be releasably attached to and removed from first and second bands in various arrangements. 
     Both the outer surface of the shaped object and the filler matter are preferably comprised entirely of radiolucent material. The filler matter may be comprised of a lightweight material, high density foam, or polyurethane foam. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the shaped object is a ball of diameter between 30 and 45 inches. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of obtaining better quality x-rays of a human, the method comprising: forming a shaped object having an outer surface and a fill material which are both at least partially comprised of a radiolucent material; placing the shaped object in the hands of the human receiving the x-ray; and directing the human to hold the shaped object in a specified manner such that the position of the human when holding the object in the specified manner causes internal body components of the human to be located relative to each other in a preferred manner for the x-ray. 
     In one embodiment, the human is directed to hold the object by hugging the ball on or against the chest with the chin of the person resting on the ball. Such a position is suitable obtaining an anterior-posterior X-ray view. In another embodiment, the human is directed to hold the object substantially above the head to move the scapula, preferably so that, once again, the scapula is relocated for an anterior-posterior X-ray view. The human may be a young child. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of taking x-rays of a human, the method comprising: placing a shaped object in the hands of the human receiving the x-ray; and directing the human to hold the shaped object in a specified manner such that the position of the human when holding the object in the specified manner causes internal body components of the human to be located relative to each other in a preferred manner for the x-ray. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an object for holding by a person during an x-ray, the object being configured and/or shaped so as to assist the patient in moving body parts, and particularly the arms, into a position to allow for the taking of a better x-ray. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of positioning the body parts of a patient, typically the arms, in such a position whereby an optimal, clearer or enhanced x-ray image may be obtained. 
     One important preferred application of the present invention relates to the x-raying of certain internal organs which may be located in the thorax or the abdomen. The thorax comprises the chest, ribs, heart, lungs and clavicle. The scapula is in the rear of the chest. These organs to be X-rayed may include, for example, the lungs and heart, although other organs are not of course excluded. Furthermore, the invention is particularly useful for the taking of x-rays of young children, in order to assist and help such children in moving their arms to a desired position so that a good x-ray image can be obtained. Young children may be distracted or nervous, and the present invention facilitates not only the better positioning of the child for the x-ray, but may also help the child relax by diverting his attention and/or providing amusement. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus of the invention facilitates the removal or repositioning of the patient&#39;s scapulas when an x-ray of the lung field is taken. Particularly, the scapula position can be moved or relocated when the x-ray view is an anterior-posterior view, or a front view, and may also be useful in obtaining a lateral view x-ray of such organs. 
     In order to properly move the scapula to a position so that it interferes as little as possible with the x-ray image, the arms of the patient are typically raised above the head. While some movement of the scapula occurs when raising the arms upwardly to the horizontal, and even beyond, this often results in insufficient movement of the scapulae to reposition so as to them in a non-interfering manner for the purposes of securing the x-ray. 
     In one form of the invention, there is preferably provided an object, preferably but certainly not necessarily, in the shape of a large or oversized ball, which may be substantially lightweight, and which is preferably comprised of a material that does not interfere with the x-ray. The object, such as the ball, may be configured and shaped so that the natural tendency in holding the ball above the head, based on the dimensions and characteristics of the ball, is such that the scapula will tend to be moved upwardly and/or outwardly to a maximum extent, thereby substantially removing it from the x-ray field. The object may also be configured so that it can be comfortably and naturally held against the chest with the chin resting on the object. 
     While the preferred shape of the object is that of a ball, any suitably shaped object may be used. Such shapes could include rectangles, square blocks or indeed, any irregular shaped object or combination of shapes which may best be suited to the patient, taking into account size, age and such other parameters as may be relevant. Two or more such objects may also be releasably connectable to each other so that the size of the object can be selectively adjusted for optimal application. 
     In one form of the invention, the object may include handles, or other mechanisms to facilitate the holding or grasping of the object, preferably at or in a position thereof which tends to move the patient&#39;s arms into a position for optimal scapula placement during the x-ray procedure. The handles may be adjustable so that they are optimally dimensioned for the particular user. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for optimal scapula placement during x-rays, the method comprising providing the patient with a suitably configured and dimensioned object, such as a ball, for holding above the head, on or against the chest, or in some other appropriate and useful location, in such a manner so as to position the scapula as optimally as feasible during the x-ray procedure. 
     Preferably, the object is comprised of a high density foam. This makes it lightweight and easy to hold, especially by young children who may not have sufficient strength to hold heavy objects. Also, preferably, the object is comprised of a radio-lucent material and/or composition, so as not to interfere with the electromagnetic waves of the x-ray. In this way, the object can be held by the user in any position, even between the x-ray machine and the patient, which will best suit the x-ray required without interfering with the x-ray process. 
     In one preferred form, the object comprises a ball, preferably about beach-ball size, and, in yet another preferred embodiment, may comprise a ball of diameter of, for example, 31 inches, 45 inches or any range in between. 
     The ball may preferably be comprised of a polyurethane foam. Such polyurethane foam may be open-fill, high density, or a combination thereof. 
     Preferably, the ball further comprises a cover member for mounting on the object and the cover member may be disposable and comprises a radiolucent material. In one form of the invention, the cover member comprises a sealable opening through which the object can pass when the cover member is mounted on or removed from the object. 
     The invention is of particular use for x-raying children, especially children aged between one and six years of age. Most children will not resist holding a ball overhead, so that the apparatus and method of the invention not only allows optimal placement of the scapula, but also improves the comfort level of, and provide a distraction for, young patients so that an otherwise daunting x-ray procedure may, at least to some extent, become a game. 
     The method and object of the invention thus ensures that the arms are open, both raised upwardly and away from the thorax, so that the scapula is removed from the lung field, so that x-rays of this field, with the patient&#39;s arms raised, provide better medical information. 
     The device may be used by a patient, whether standing, or lying down on a bed or some other surface, during the course of the taking of a x-ray image. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a person holding an object in accordance with the present invention, showing the position of the scapula preferred from the x-ray; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation showing a patient with outstretched arms, indicating the approximate position of the scapula, which are not optimally placed for the x-ray; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a ball, comprising the object used in the present invention for positioning the patient; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective front view of another embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of yet a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of still a further embodiment of an object in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a ball of another embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a ball of yet another embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention which shows the use of a cover on the ball. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is for a method and an apparatus which results in a patient undergoing an x-ray being positioned so as to help obtain an optimal or improved x-ray image. One preferred form of the invention relates to its use in moving the scapulae of the patient during an x-ray of the lung field, the scapula being moved, to the extent possible, to a position which exposes the lung field for an optimal x-ray. 
     With reference to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows in schematic form a patient  12  whose arms  14  are positioned optimally for an x-ray of the lung field, indicated generally by reference numeral  16 . It will be noted that, above the patient&#39;s head  18 , an object in the shape of a ball  20  is held. When holding the ball  20  above the head  18 , the arms are moved up and away from the body  26  of the patient  12 . In so doing, the locations of the scapulae  22  are moved in the upper torso, so that they are positioned towards the side  24  of the body  26 , and upwardly as well. In such a position, the lung field  16  has less or minimal overlap with respect to the scapulae  22 , so that a better x-ray image of the lung field  16  can be achieved. This is in contrast to the situation shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings, where the arms  14  are only shown in a laterally outstretched position. In this  FIG. 2 , it will be seen that the scapulae  22  do not move to the extent that they are able, and that they overlap, cover, or shield the lung field  16  in a manner which causes some avoidable interference with the resulting x-ray image, thereby compromising the amount of information that can be secured from the x-ray and making it less valuable as a medical diagnostic procedure. 
     The invention can, of course, be used with people of all ages. However, it is particularly helpful when taking x-rays of young children. Adults, or even older children are able to respond to directions from an x-ray technician to place the arms in a desired position, and hold them in that position for an extended period, while the x-ray image is formed. However, young children not only have difficulty keeping the position, but also may be afraid or uncooperative. Further, they may be easily distracted by other surroundings. With young children, therefore, the method and apparatus of the invention has a very useful application to encourage and assist the young child to reach and hold a preferred position or body posture. Therefore, the taking of the x-ray can be made into something entertaining and resembling a game, not only improving the potential medical results, but also making the child more comfortable and cooperative. 
       FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of the invention, which is simply a ball  20 , preferably but not necessarily of approximately beach ball size. The ball  20  is preferably comprised of a polyurethane foam, which may be of the open-fill polyurethane, or a high density polyurethane, type or a combination thereof. However, any material which is preferably lightweight may be used, and, additionally, the ball  20  should comprise at least in part a radio-lucent material so as not to interfere with the x-ray result. 
       FIG. 4  shows yet a further embodiment, comprising a ball  30  which has lateral handles  32 . Such handles may be useful for young children to more easily grasp the ball and hold it in position. The handles  32  may also be positioned to encourage the patient to hold the ball in a particular manner and thereby position the arms correctly for the x-ray. While the handles  32  shown in  FIG. 4  of the drawings are of a particular shape, it is not intended that this invention be limited to an object with handles  32  of the shape illustrated in this figure. Any type of grasping mechanism to improve the connection with the ball  30  may be used. 
     The ball  30  is, as mentioned, approximately beach ball size. One preferred size is 31 inches, and another preferred size is 45 inches in diameter. However, this is not intended to be a limiting factor, and any size range of balls may be provided. In addition, the patient may be requested to hold a ball  30  in each hand raised above the head, and these balls or other shaped objects may be connected, such as by a string, or another type of connecting piece. 
       FIG. 5  of the drawings shows a further embodiment of the invention, namely, an object  20  which is of approximate rectangular shape. This object  20  may have handles or other mechanisms for holding it located at suitable parts thereof.  FIG. 6  of the drawings shows yet a further embodiment of the invention, where the object  20  is more or less triangular in shape, with handles  32  located on each side and towards the lower end thereof. The position of the handles  32  shown in  FIG. 6  is exemplary only and may be elsewhere on the object. The handles in this and other embodiments may even conveniently be movable or adjustable so that these handles may be selectively situated on the surface of the object based on the size and shape of the particular patient. 
       FIG. 7  of the drawings shows a side view of a ball  40  in accordance with the invention with a modified form of handle  44  on the outer surface  42  of the ball  40 . The handle  44  comprises a pair of connector pieces  46  and  48  which stitch or sew down a holder  50  to the outer surface  42 . The user slides his/her hands or even arms under the holder  50  to effectively hold the ball  40  during the x-ray. 
       FIG. 8  of the drawings shows a side view of a ball  54  in accordance with another aspect of the invention having a handle  58  located on the outer surface  56  of the ball  54 . This handle  58  can be adjusted to suit the particular user. The handle  58  comprises a pair of connector strips  60  and  62  which are stitched, glued, sewn or otherwise attached to the outer surface  56  of the ball  54 . The upper or exposed surface of each of the connector strips  60  and  62  has a Velcro™ configuration. A holder strap  64  releasably connects to the connector strips  60  and  62 . The holder strap  64  is longer than the distance between the connector strips  60  and  62  and has at least surface thereof, or a part of that surface, in a Velcro™ configuration. In use, the holder strap  64  can be pulled off the connector strips  60  and  62  and reapplied thereto so as to provide a comfortable slot or space between the outer surface  56  of the ball  54  and the holder strap  64 . The space can be smaller for smaller users or where a firmer hold of the ball is required, or it may be larger for bigger users or where a more relaxed hold on the ball  54  is acceptable. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9  of the drawings.  FIG. 9  of the drawings illustrates schematically one embodiment of an object or ball  70  in accordance with the present invention, which can be of any one or more of the types described above with respect to the previous figures or description. The ball  70  is covered or blanketed with a cover  72  which preferably is much the same shape as the ball  70  itself, and establishes a fairly close fit on the ball  70  so movement of the cover when mounted on the ball is prevented or significantly reduced. The cover  72  has an outer surface  74  which may have a handle  76  of any suitable configuration for grasping by the user to secure a better grip of the ball  70 . 
     The cover  72  also has a closable opening  78  which allows the ball  70  to be removed from the cover  72 . By opening or closing the opening  78 , the cover  72  may be removed and replaced as needed. Typically, the cover  72  would preferably be replaced after each use. Since the ball of the invention is used in a medical setting and cleanliness and high standards of sanitation are imperative to avoid spread of germs and diseases, the cover  72  will customarily be used once only for a particular set of X-rays on a patient and then removed and discarded. A fresh, unused cover  72  would then be placed on the ball  70  for the next user to ensure that any of the patient&#39;s bodily fluids such as tears, saliva, sweat, vomit and/or blood are not transmitted to the next user. 
     The opening  78  may take any number of suitable forms. It may be slit closable by tabs or buttons  80  as shown in  FIG. 9 , or it may be closable by a zipper of some kind, Velcro™ and the like. The opening  78  may be a slit as shown in the drawing, or it may comprise a flap which can be opened. Further, the opening  78  may be in the form of a resealable door. 
     Preferably, the covers  72  are kept in an hermetic, sealed environment before use, and disposed of after use in accordance with conventional medical procedures for getting rid of potentially harmful products. The cover  72  of course prevents the bodily fluids of the patient or other workers from touching or being absorbed by the often porous nature of the ball  70 . The material from which the cover  72  is made will of course be chosen so that it does not interfere with the X-ray process, and will be wholly or partially radiolucent. 
     A single object or ball of the invention may have a plurality of handles or holders thereon, and the handles or holders on a particular ball may be the same as each other or they be different to best suit the needs of the users and the requirements of the x-ray technologist. 
     It should be noted that the various shapes illustrated are intended to be exemplary only, and the invention is not in any way limited to an object of such shape. Any shaped object, whether of a specific type, a combination of shapes, or indeed, some irregular shape, may be used, as long as it achieves the purposes of the present invention. 
     The invention is not limited to the precise details described herein.