Patent Publication Number: US-6216379-B1

Title: Filing device for developed X-ray film

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     a) Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a filing device for one or more developed X-ray films (hereinafter called a “developed X-ray film filing device”). 
     b) Description of the Related Art 
     X-ray photography is widely used especially in the medical field. Exposed X-ray films are developed, and are then stored in or on X-ray film filing devices such as files, folders and slide mounts. 
     Such X-ray film filing devices include those making use of sheets having light-transmitting properties. Filing devices of this type, with films still filed in or on the devices, permit diagnosis or observation of the films by illuminating the films at the back sides thereof. 
     Upon diagnosis or observation of a particular site, such as a tooth, in an X-ray film filed in or on an X-ray film filing device of this type, precise determination of the size or relative position of the site requires to remove the film from the filing device and then to affect the diagnosis or observation by using another instrument or device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With the foregoing inconvenience in view, the present invention has as an object thereof the provision of an X-ray film filing device which permits precise and easy diagnosis or observation of the size, relative position or the like of a particular site in an X-ray film while the X-ray is still filed in or on the filing device. 
     To achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a developed X-ray film filing device for filing a developed X-ray film, which is composed of a transparent sheet having scale marks applied thereon. The transparent sheet is arranged such that a particular site appeared in the X-ray film can be diagnosed using the scale marks. 
     Filing of the X-ray film in or on the filing device allows a viewer to observe the X-ray film and the scale marks in an overlapped state, so that the size or relative position of the particular site can be precisely and easily determined without removal of the X-ray film from the filing device. Further, measurements can also be performed with ease on teeth (root canal lengths and the like). 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG.  1 A through FIG. 1F illustrate a developed X-ray film filing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a front view, FIG. 1C is a side view, FIG. 1D is a front view showing the filing device in use, FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of IE—IE of FIG. 1D, and FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1E except that a developed X-ray film is held on the back side of a sheet; 
     FIG.  2 A through FIG. 2E depict a developed X-ray film filing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A is a perspective view, FIG. 2B is a front view, FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of IIC—IIC of FIG. 2B, FIG. 2D is a front view showing the filing device in use, and FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows IIE—IIE of FIG. 2D; 
     FIG. 3 is a front view of a developed X-ray film filing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developed X-ray film filing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of arrows IV—IV of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5A is a fragmentary front view of a developed X-ray film filing device according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows VB—VB of FIG. 5A; 
     FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a developed X-ray film filing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the filing device in use; 
     FIG.  7 A through FIG. 7E illustrate a developed X-ray film filing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a perspective view, FIG. 7B is a front view, FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of VIIC—VIIC of FIG. 7B, FIG. 7D is a front view showing the filing device in use, and FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of VIIE—VIIE of FIG. 7D; 
     FIG.  8 A through FIG. 8C show a developed X-ray film filing device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a front view, FIG. 8B is a side view, and FIG. 8C is a rear view; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the developed X-ray film filing device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in use; 
     FIG.  10 A through FIG. 10C depict a developed X-ray film filing device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 10A is a front view, FIG. 10B is a side view, and FIG. 10C is a rear view; and 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the developed X-ray film filing device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention in use. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the accompanying drawings, the developed X-ray film filing devices according to the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described. Although the filing devices according to these embodiments are for developed dental X-ray films, filing devices according to the present invention are not limited for use with such developed dental X-ray films but are usable for other developed medical X-ray films. 
     (First Embodiment) 
     Referring first to FIG.  1 A through FIG. 1F, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The X-ray film filing device, which is designated generally at numeral  2 , is made of a sheet  4  having light-transmitting property (for example, transparent PVC sheet), and on the sheet  4 , cross-ruled scale marks  6  have been applied at 1 mm intervals, for example, by printing or the like. In the sheet  4 , four cuts  8  are formed to hold a dental X-ray film (3×4 cm) by inserting the film at parts thereof. A data sticker  10  is applied on the sheet  4  at a location other than a location where the X-ray film is held in place. For example, the name and sex of a patient, the date and site of photography, etc. may be written on the data sticker  10 . 
     FIGS. 1D through 1F illustrate the X-ray film filing device  2  in use. The dental X-ray film  12  is held in place with corners thereof inserted in the cuts  8 . The film  12  may be held on the side of the sticker  10  as shown in FIG. 1E or may be held on the side opposite to the sticker  10  as depicted in FIG.  1 F. 
     Owing to the application of the scale marks  6  to the sheet  4  as described above, the dental X-ray film  12  can be observed in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6 . This makes it possible to more precisely determine conditions of individual teeth, relative positions of teeth, and the like. Further, measurements of each tooth (root canal length and the like) are also feasible. The color of the scale marks  6  is not limited specifically, and a suitable color can be chosen depending on the shade of the developed film  12 . In the case of a general monochrome film, use of gray scale marks permits easy observation owing to their good matching with the film. 
     When a measurement is desired from a specific point as an origin in the film  12 , it is only necessary to adjust the position of the film  12  such that one of the scale marks  6  or one of crossing points of the scale marks  6  is brought into registration with the origin. If a higher degree of preciseness is desired for a measurement, it is only necessary to apply the scale marks  6  at smaller or finer intervals. The scale marks  6  are not limited to such cross-ruled scale marks, and scale marks in another pattern (scale marks in the form of a cobweb or the like) can be used. 
     (Second Embodiment) 
     With reference to FIG.  2 A through FIG. 2E, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described next. The X-ray film filing device, which is indicated generally at numeral  14 , is composed of a first sheet  16  having light-transmitting property, a second sheet  18  having light-transmitting property, and a third sheet  20 . The second-sheet  18  and the first sheet  16  have been formed by folding a single piece of sheet having light-transmitting property. Except for a free end portion  18   a,  the second sheet  18  is secured (for example, fusion-bonded) at side portions  18   b  thereof on the first sheet  16 , whereby a bag-shaped, X-ray film pocket  22  is formed. The third sheet  20  is secured at an end portion thereof  20   a  on the first sheet  16 , and its opposite end  20   b  covers an inlet  22   a  of the X-ray film pocket  22 . On the third sheet  20 , a data blank similar to the data sticker  10  in FIG.  1 A through FIG. 1F is formed. An adhesive  17  is coated on the back side of the first sheet  16  at an upper end portion thereof. The adhesive  17  is covered by a release film  19 . By peeling off the release film  19 , the X-ray film filing device  14  can be adhered, for example, on a dental chart or the like with the adhesive  17 . 
     The first sheet  16  is applied with cross-ruled scale marks  6  similar to those applied on the sheet  4  shown in FIG.  1 A through FIG.  1 F. The cross-ruled scale marks  6  may be applied to the second sheet  18 . 
     FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate the X-ray film filing device  14  in use. The dental X-ray film  12  does not fall off from the X-ray film filing device  14 , because it is placed within the film pocket  22  and is covered by the third sheet  20 . The application of the scale marks  6  to the sheet  16  or  18  makes it possible to observe the dental X-ray film  12  in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6  and hence to bring about similar advantageous effects as the first embodiment. 
     As is illustrated in FIG. 2A, a plurality of X-ray film filing devices  14  may be formed side by side on an elongated sheet  24 , and perforations may be formed between the individual X-ray film filing devices  14  such that they can be cut off individually. 
     (Third Embodiment) 
     With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a description will now be made of the developed X-ray film filing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The X-ray film filing device, which is designated generally at numeral  26 , is provided with a first sheet  28  having light-transmitting property and plural second sheets  30  having light-transmitting property. These second sheets  30  are secured on the first sheet  28 , whereby a number of X-ray film pockets  32  are formed. As is shown in FIG. 3, these X-ray film pocket  32  are divided into three rows by fusion-bonded portions  35  which have been formed continuously extending in a horizontal direction. In each row, five film pockets  32  are formed. These five film pockets  32  are divided by fusion-bonded portions  33 , respectively. 
     Data blanks  34  similar to the data sticker  10  in FIGS. 1A through 1F are formed by printing on the first sheet  28  at locations other than the X-ray film pockets  32 . The first sheet  28  is applied with cross-ruled scale marks  6  which are similar to those applied on the sheet  4  in FIGS. 1A,  1 B and  1 D. The scale marks  6  may be applied to the second sheets  30 . 
     In FIGS. 3 and 4, the dental X-ray film  12  is placed in the X-ray film pocket  32  in the bottom row to show an illustrative example of use. The application of the scale marks  6  to the first sheet  28  or the second sheet  30  makes it possible to observe the dental X-ray film  12  in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6  and hence to bring about similar advantageous effects as the first embodiment. 
     In FIG. 3, the plural film pockets  32  are formed on the single piece of sheet. A single film pocket may however be formed on a single piece of sheet. The data blanks  34  may be arranged depending on the application purposes and in some instances, may be omitted. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the modification of the third embodiment will be described. In this modification, a first sheet  29  is provided with corrugations  29   a  such that inlets  32   a  of pockets  32  are constricted, in other words, made narrower by the corrugations  29   a  to prevent films from falling out of the pockets  32 . The corrugations  29   a  can be formed, for example, by causing the sheet  29  to undergo thermal deformation. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, elements of structure similar to those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by like reference numerals. The corrugations  29   a  are formed of three ridges. It is however to be noted that no particular limitation is imposed on the number of ridges and even a single ridge may be used. It is also to be noted that no particular limitation is imposed on the configuration of the ridges. In essence, these ridges may be of any configuration insofar as they can constrict or close the inlet  32   a  of the pocket  32 . To prevent a film from falling out, a sheet has heretofore been arranged covering the film pocket  32  (for example, the sheet  20  in FIGS.  2 A through  2 E). The design of FIGS. 5A and 5B makes it possible to prevent an X-ray film from falling out and hence to assure filing of the X-ray film by simply deforming the first sheet  29  without needing arrangement of any special member. 
     (Fourth Embodiment) 
     With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The X-ray film filing device, which is indicated generally at numeral  36 , is a film filing device which can also file a document such as a dental chart. The X-ray film filing device  36  is formed by folding a transparent sheet  38  in half, and a document pocket  42  for filing a document such as a dental chart  40  is formed on one  38   a  of a two-page spread of the sheet  38  by folding an end portion  38   b  of the sheet  38 . A lower end portion  38   c  of the end portion  38   b  is fusion-bonded. The other one  38   d  of the two-page spread of the sheet  38  is provided with cross-ruled scale marks  6  and also with plural cuts  8  in which X-ray films can be inserted at parts thereof for holding the X-ray films there. 
     FIG. 6B shows the film filing device  36  in use. The dental chart  40  is filed in the document pocket  42 , and on the other one  38   d  of the two-page spread, films  12  are held in the cuts  8 . 
     Use of the above-described film filing device  36  makes it possible to store a document, such as a dental chart, and films together in the same file, and in addition, the application of the scale marks  6  to the sheet  38  makes it possible to observe each dental X-ray film  12  in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6 . It is therefore possible to obtain similar advantageous effects as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each film  12  is held in place by the cuts  8 . The holding method of each film  12  is however not limited to the use of the cuts, and each film  12  may be secured on the sheet, for example, by using an adhesive tape or the like. 
     (Fifth Embodiment) 
     Referring to FIG.  7 A through FIG. 7E, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The X-ray film filing device of this embodiment, which is designated generally at numeral  44 , is used as a slide for projection. The X-ray film filing device  44  is composed of two mount members  46 , which define openings  45  therethrough and are adapted to hold the X-ray film  12  therebetween, and transparent sheets  48  covering the openings  45 , respectively. The transparent sheet  48  are adhered on the corresponding mount members  46 , respectively. These two mount members  46  are provided at end portions thereof with concavities and convexities, respectively. By fitting these concavities and convexities with each other, the two mount members  46  are united together. 
     As is shown in FIGS. 7A,  7 B and  7 D, scale marks  6  are applied to one of the sheets  48 , said one sheet  48  being positioned on a front side, in a similar manner as in the sheet  4  in FIGS. 1A through 1F. In contrast, the scale marks  6  may also be applied to the other sheet  48  which is positioned on a rear side. 
     Owing to the application of the scale marks  6  on one of the sheets  48 , use of the above-described film filing device  44  makes it possible to project an image of the dental X-ray film  12  in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6 , thereby bring about similar advantageous effects as the first embodiment. 
     (Sixth Embodiment) 
     Referring to FIGS. 8A through 8C, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The X-ray film filing device, which is indicated generally at numeral  52 , has a transparent sheet  54  (for example, a transparent PVC sheet), and a window  58  with cross-ruled scale marks  6  applied at 1 mm intervals by printing or the like is formed on a front side of the sheet  54  (i.e., the side shown in FIG.  8 A). The front side of the sheet  54  is colored at an area other than the area of the window  58  and in this embodiment, is printed in a dark color (for example, in a gray color somewhat darker than the color of a dental X-ray film F, or in a black color) to form a printed area  60 . The window  58  is formed slightly smaller than the dental X-ray film F (3×4 cm). 
     In an upper part of the area  60  printed in the dark color, a data blank  62  is printed, for example, in a white color. 
     On a rear side of the sheet  54  (i.e., the side shown in FIG.  8 C), an adhesive layer  64  is formed by applying an adhesive to the area other than the window  58 . The adhesive layer  64  may be covered with a sheet of release paper (not shown) as needed. 
     A description will next be made about a method for using the filing device  52 . As is shown in FIG. 8C, the X-ray film F is first applied to the adhesive layer  64  on the rear side of the X-ray film filing device  52  such that the X-ray film F is registered with the window  58 . The X-ray film filing device  52  is then bonded to a transparent or translucent mount  66  as shown in FIG.  9 . The X-ray film F is secured in a state held between the film filing device  52  and the mount  66 . 
     The filing of the dental X-ray film F in the manner described above makes it possible to firmly secure the film F on the mount  66  and to observe it in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6 . As a consequence, the condition of each tooth, relative positions of teeth, or the like can be precisely determined. Further, measurements of each tooth (root canal length and the like) are also feasible. The color of the scale marks  6  is not limited specifically, and a suitable color can be chosen depending on the shade of the developed film F. 
     When a measurement is desired from a particular point as an origin in the film F, it is only necessary to position the film F such that one of the scale marks  6  or one of crossing points of the scale marks is brought into registration with the origin. This makes it possible to measure a length precisely. If a higher degree of preciseness is desired for a measurement, it is only necessary to apply the scale marks  6  at smaller or finer intervals. The scale marks  6  are not limited to such cross-ruled scale marks, and scale marks in another pattern (scale marks in the form of a cobweb or the like) can be used. 
     (Seventh Embodiment) 
     Referring to FIGS. 10A through 10C and FIG. 11, the developed X-ray film filing device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the X-ray film filing device which is designated generally at numeral  68  is provided in adjacent to the window  58  with a cover sheet  70  having light-transmitting property (transparency or translucence) such that the cover sheet  70  may be folded to cover the window  58 . The remaining construction is the same as the corresponding construction in FIGS. 8A through 8C. The cover sheet  70  is folded backward along a folding line  72  which is indicated by a dashed line. As is depicted in FIG. 11, the film F is held between the sheet  54  and the cover sheet  70 , and the cover sheet  70  is bonded to the adhesive layer  64  to secure the film F. 
     The filing of the dental X-ray film F in the manner described above makes it possible to secure the film F and to observe it in a state overlapped with the scale marks  6  without needing using the mount  66  as in the sixth embodiment illustrated in FIG.  9 . The filing device  68  according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention can bring about similar advantageous effects as the filing device shown in FIGS. 8A through 8C. Further, the film filing device  68  can also be used as a slide for projection. 
     In the seventh embodiment described above, the window  58  was formed integrally with the sheet  54 . The present invention is however not limited to such integral formation, and the window  58  and the sheet  54  may be formed as discrete members. The window  58  and the adhesive layer  64  may be arranged on the same side of the sheet  54  although they were arranged on the different sides of the sheet  54  in the above-described seventh embodiment.