X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Accessory – Object holder or support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-27
2001-11-27
Kim, Robert H. (Department: 2882)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Accessory
Object holder or support
C378S068000, C378S179000, C280S250100, C280S650000, C297S344100, C297S344210
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322250
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an x-ray chair. More particularly, the invention relates to a chair which allows a person to be comfortably and properly positioned for an x-ray examination.
A variety of medical procedures require that the patient remain still in a specific position. In particular, x-ray examinations generally require that the patient remain motionless for a second or more. In addition, such examinations require that the patient be positioned in such a manner that a useful image of the relevant anatomy can be acquired.
Certain patients are notoriously difficult to position. In particular, pediatric, geriatric, and developmentally disabled patients can have difficulty entering a position required for a proper x-ray examination, and maintaining the position long enough for a non-blurred image to be acquired.
One type of x-ray examination where difficulty is often experienced is a modified barium swallow study. In this study, the swallowing sequence is evaluated to determine what modifications and techniques are necessary to ensure a safe swallow. Unfortunately, many individuals with even mild physical and developmental disabilities cannot undergo the modified barium swallow study because of inability to optimally position these individuals.
Various chairs and devices have been developed in an attempt at holding a patient in position for various medical purposes. Unfortunately, these devices tend to focus on the use of restraints and shackles to hold the patient in place, and do not place enough emphasis on the comfort and safety of the patient.
While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an x-ray chair which allows a patient to be properly positioned for an x-ray examination and maintained in that position during the examination. Accordingly, the chair has several axis of tilt, and has numerous adaptations which allow the patient to be positioned as desired. The chair can be quickly customized and adapted to properly position the patient within minutes immediately prior to the x-ray examination.
It is another object of the invention to provide an x-ray chair which is comfortable to the patient, and does not unduly restrain the patient. Accordingly, the various positioning adaptations of the chair provide support to the patient in order to maintain the position of the patient without actually restraining the patient.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an x-ray chair which helps a patient feel at ease during the x-ray examination. Accordingly, by positioning the patient in a proper, yet comfortable position without restraints, the patient is likely to feel at ease and will likely perform as needed during the examination procedure.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a chair which is versatile, providing numerous applications. Accordingly, the chair may be used to position the patient during a variety of different x-ray procedures. In addition, the chair is provided with mobility through a series of wheels. The wheels allow the chair to be used as a transport chair to bring the child to the x-ray room, building, or hospital, while providing optimum positioning which allows the patient to be transported in optimum comfort.
The invention is an x-ray chair, for providing support and comfort to a patient seated therein during an x-ray procedure, comprising a patient carrier and a lower mobility assembly. The patient is seated within the patient carrier, and the lower mobility assembly allows the patient carrier to rotate, tilt forwards and backwards, and tilt sideways. Various adaptations are provided on the patient carrier to maximize the comfort and support for the patient, including removable support pillows, a removably pummel, retractable leg supports, and multipositional arm rests.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3628829 (1971-12-01), Heilig
patent: 4699425 (1987-10-01), Ohlson
patent: 4831644 (1989-05-01), Lopez
patent: 5613738 (1997-03-01), Britton
patent: 5713591 (1998-02-01), Zarkhin et al.
patent: 6068280 (2000-05-01), Torres
patent: 6089593 (2000-07-01), Hanson et al.
patent: 6106065 (2000-08-01), Carroll
Dunn Drew A.
Goldstein Law Offices P.C
Kim Robert H.
LandOfFree
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