Abstract:
A grid enclosure for an X-ray cassette has a rugged construction, and is easy to us efficient in operation, with open corners therein to achieve the desired protection of an X-ray cassette.

Description:
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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one piece X-ray grid structure  100  and with dotted lines showing the way in which a cassette  110  can be assembled to form a two piece anti-scatter grid cassette. 
     FIG. 2 depicts a bottom plan view of the one piece X-ray grid structure  100  as seen in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the one piece X-ray grid structure  100  as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of top solid panel  220  of two piece X-ray grid structure  200 . 
     FIG. 5 depicts a bottom plan view of bottom open panel  240  of the two piece X-ray grid structure  200 . 
     FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the two piece X-ray grid structure  200  combining FIG.  4  and FIG. 5 with a cassette  110 . 
     FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the two piece X-ray grid structure  200  with adhesive  280  on lapping edges. 
     Throughout the figures of the drawings where the same part appears in more than one figure the same number is applied thereto. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This invention relates to a new method of manufacturing an X-ray grid structure. The present invention additionally relates to a new and improved X-ray grid structure for assembly with a cassette, with the X-ray grid structure having a simplified structure and cost of manufacture. The grid structure may be a one-piece grid structure or a two-piece grid structure. 
     One-piece Grid Structure 
     A first embodiment is a one-piece, protective anti-scatter grid structure for protectively housing an X-ray cassette therein includes a flat top panel having a size adapted to support an X-ray cassette. From the flat top panel having a generally rectangular shape, the grid structure may be formed. 
     An upper ledge is formed as part of the top panel. A lower ledge is vertically spaced therefrom and sized for under lapping and supporting a cassette therein. A side bar or elongated member connects the lower ledge or bottom edge to the top panel. There are three side bars, one on each of three sides of the anti-static grid structure. 
     The anti-scatter grid structure is thoroughly described in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,269 to Leo J. Reina et al., the said Leo J. Reina being the inventor in this application. This application provides for the improvement based on the indicated patent in that a one- piece anti-scatter grid structure, with open corners is provided. 
     By open corners is meant the X-ray grid structure has a portion of each corner removed. The open corners provide for ease of manufacture for the one piece X-ray grid structure, while still providing for good protection of the cassette. 
     If the grid in the holder is ever damaged, such damage must come be from a massive blow to it, so that it will crush the X-ray grid structure itself. One of the inventive concepts here disclosed embodies the idea that the droppage impact is distributed through the holder and not the grid thereby lengthening the life of the grid compared with the prior art devices. 
     Two-piece Grid Structure 
     A second embodiment of this grid for an x-ray cassette is a two piece embodiment. There is a top piece of a generally rectangular shape adapted to receive the cassette. The corners of the top piece are open. That is, there is a forty-five degree angle on each corner. The top piece is solid. 
     The lower piece has an open large surface and extended open corners. The lower piece is nestable within the upper or top piece and sandwiches the x-ray cassette therebetween. A snapping mechanism on the edge of the corners fits into the open corner of the top piece and removably locks the two pieces together sandwiching the x-ray cassette therebetween. In this fashion, the x-ray cassette can be efficiently assembled. 
     The open corners for the assembled package provide for protection and ease of assembly. In this fashion, advantages are achieved, for protection and ease of assembly. 
     The upper member or top piece has flanges at a right angle to the top panel. The four flanges lack a connection with its corresponding perpendicular member in order to provide for the opening in each corner. 
     The wall portion includes an open top. The open top surface is adapted to permit the x-ray cassette to be used. The open top surface provides for a top ridge perpendicular to each of the four corners. At each of the four corners, may be an extended snap mechanism designed to be received by the open corners of the upper or top piece. 
     The top ridge is adjacent to the open top. This structure permits cooperation with the top member. The X-ray cassette can then be held therebetween and within the grid assembly, when used in combination with the top cover. 
     Preferably, a releasable adhesive holds the lower piece in the top piece. If the adhesive wears off, it may easily be replaced. Such adhesive provides easier manufacture than the snap mechanism. 
     In summary, it is very important that the grid be maintained in a damage free state. These grids require real protection. This new X-ray grid structures and its new method of manufacture provide a vastly improved performance. It also has a far superior useful life over any other device of its kind. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG.  2  and FIG. 3, a one piece X-ray grid structure  100  embodies important features of this invention. The one piece X-ray grid structure  100  is particularly constructed for assembly with an X-ray cassette  110 . The one piece X-ray grid structure  100  includes a top rectangular panel  120 . This flat top panel  120  has a first elongated member  122 , a second elongated member  124 , and a third elongated member  126  each extending from an edge of flat panel  120  to protectively encase the X-ray cassette  110  against impact forces, which may be applied to the panel  120  in a circumstance where the panel  120  might be dropped or given rough handling by an X-ray technician when being removed from storage or placed into storage. 
     More particularly, first elongated member  122  extends from first panel edge  130  of flat top panel  120 . In a like fashion, second elongated member  124  extends from second panel edge  132  of flat top panel  120 . Similarly, third elongated member  126  extends from third panel edge  134  of flat panel  120 . The one-piece grid structure  100  protectively encases the X-ray cassette  110  against impact forces, which may be applied to the panel  120  in a circumstance where the panel  120  might be dropped or given rough handling by an X-ray technician when being removed from storage or placed into storage. 
     A first bottom edge  140 , a second bottom edge  142  and a third bottom edge  144  provide a squared u-shaped frame around three side edges of the panel  120 . First bottom edge  140  extends from first elongated member  122 . Second bottom edge  142  extends from second elongated member  124 . Third bottom edge  144  extends from third elongated member  126 . Thus, a lower ledge is vertically spaced from panel  120  and sized for underlapping and supporting a cassette  110  therein. 
     First elongated member  122  combines with first bottom edge  140  and top panel  120  to form first U-shaped member  150 . Second elongated member  124  combines with second bottom edge  142  and top panel  120  to form second U-shaped member  152 . Third elongated member  126  combines with third bottom edge  134  and top panel  120  to form third U-shaped member  154 . 
     First extended corner end  160  of first elongated member  122  is adjacent to first open corner end  162  of second elongated member  124 , and define first open corner  170 . Third extended corner end  164  of third elongated member  126  is adjacent to second open corner end  166  of second elongated member  124 , and define second open corner  172 . First open corner  170  and second open corner  172  are formed by removing or eliminating a corner from rectangular portion or top portion  120  or shaping anti-scatter grid structure  100 . 
     Likewise third open corner  174  and fourth open corner  176  are formed by removing or eliminating a corner from rectangular portion or top portion  120  or shaping anti-scatter grid structure  100 . Thus, X-ray cassette  110  has all four corners exposed when in either one piece anti-scatter grid structure  100  or two piece anti-scatter grid structure  200 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, a two piece X-ray grid structure  200  embodies important features of a second embodiment of this invention. The one piece X-ray grid structure  100  is particularly constructed for assembly with an X-ray cassette  110 . The two piece X-ray grid structure  200  includes a top solid panel  220  and is also compatible with X-ray cassette  110  and the like. 
     This top solid panel  220  has a first flange member  222 , a second flange member  224 , and a third flange member  226  each extending from an edge of top solid panel  220  to protectively encase the X-ray cassette  110  against impact forces, which may be applied to the two-piece grid  220  in a circumstance where the two-piece structure  200  might be dropped or given rough handling by an X-ray technician when being removed from storage or placed into storage. 
     As an option, vinyl cover  180  may be applied to either top panel  120  of one piece X-ray grid structure  100  or to top solid panel  220  of two piece X-ray grid structure  200 . Vinyl cover  180  provides protection for either grid structure. Color coding of the vinyl cover  180  can be used as a filing mechanism too. Vinyl cover  180  is attached by bonding, gluing or either suitable fashion. 
     More particularly, first flange member  222  extends from first solid edge  230  of top solid panel  220 . In a like fashion, second flange member  224  extends from second solid edge  232  of top solid panel  220 . Similarly, third flange member  226  extends from third solid edge  234  of top solid panel  220 . The two-piece grid structure  200  protectively encases the X-ray cassette  110  against impact forces, which may be applied to the top solid panel  220  in a circumstance of dropping or given rough handling by an X-ray technician when being removed from storage or placed into storage. 
     Cooperating with top solid panel  220  is bottom open panel  240 . Bottom open panel  240  has an open top section  242 . Open top section  242  has a first open edge  244 , a second open edge  246 , a third open edge  248 , and a fourth open edge  250 , framing opening  252  of open top section  242 . Opening  252  cooperates with top solid panel  220  to frame X-ray cassette  110 . 
     First extension  260  extends from first open edge  244 . Second extension  262  extends from second open edge  246 . Third extension  264  extends from third open edge  248 . Fourth extension  266  extends from a fourth open edge  250 . 
     First corner snap  270  is positioned on open top section  242  between first extension  260  and second extension  262 . Second corner snap  272  is positioned on open top section  242  between third extension  264  and second extension  262 . Third corner snap  274  is positioned on open top section  242  between third extension  264  and fourth extension  266 . Fourth corner snap  276  is positioned on open top section  242  between fourth extension  266  and first extension  260 . 
     First corner snap  270  snap fits between first flange member  222  and second flange member  224 . Second corner snap  272  snap fits between second flange member  224  and a third flange member  226 . Third corner snap  274  snap fits between third flange member  226  and fourth flange member  228 . Fourth corner snap  276  snap fits between first flange member  222  and a fourth flange member  228 . Of course, releasable adhesive is preferred over the snap arrangement. 
     X-ray grid  110  appears in opening  250  as x-ray grid structure  100  is positioned between top solid panel  220  and bottom open panel  240  to protectively encase the X-ray cassette  110  against impact forces. An open corner structure results therefrom. 
     The preferred material used to form the one piece X-ray grid structure  100  or two piece X-ray grid structure  200  is required to have both shatter proof characteristics, as well as impact resistant capability. Such a material is the material of choice because of its desirable qualities. 
     The preferred material used to form the one piece X-ray grid structure  100  or the two piece X-ray grid structure  200  is bendable aluminum. Sheets of aluminum, which are strong enough to offer protection, but remain bendable provide for the ease of manufacture. 
     In FIG. 7, the two piece X-ray grid structure  200  has a releasable adhesive  280  on lapping edges of top solid panel  220  and bottom open panel  240  when they are assembled into two piece X-ray grid structure  200 . The releasable adhesive  280  provides holding power. 
     This application—taken as a whole with the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and apparatus can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.