Radiation-transmitting mat and image receptor assembly including same - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiolucent mat comprising a strap system configured to secure the radiolucent mat to an image receptor and a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and transverse directions of the body portion and having a major surface configured to face away from the image receptor. The top major surface includes one or more first visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface that corresponds to an active area of ​​the image receptor. The present invention also relates to an image receptor assembly comprising the radiolucent mat described above and a radiographic image receptor having an active area. The body portion is positioned on the image receptor such that the body portion and the image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Infant skeletal surveys, and other infant imaging procedures, can be performed by placing the infant directly on the image receptor. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In some aspects herein, a radiation transparent mat is provided that includes a strap system configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor, and a body portion extending along orthogonal length and width directions of the body portion and having a top major surface configured to face away from the image receptor, the top major surface may include one or more first visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface that corresponds to an active area of ​​the image receptor. the strap system includes a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion and a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first and second sides extending along a longitudinal direction and spaced apart along a width direction; the strap system further includes a second strap extending from one of the first and second sides of the body portion and a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent the other of the first and second sides, the first and second straps extending from first and second locations, respectively, on the body portion, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by greater than 0.3 times the length of the body portion along the longitudinal direction. , the strap system further includes a third strap extending from a third side of the body portion and a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being positioned adjacent to a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the third and fourth sides extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction; the strap system further includes a fourth strap extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion and a fourth connector for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector being positioned adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides, the third and fourth strap extending from third and fourth locations, respectively, of the body portion, the third and fourth locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

[0003] In some aspects herein, a radiation transparent mat is provided that includes a strap system configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor, and a body portion extending along orthogonal length and width directions of the body portion and including a top major surface, the top major surface configured to face away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more first visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface that corresponds to an active area of ​​the image receptor. The strap system includes a first strap extending from a first location on a first side of the body portion, the first location being substantially centrally located on the first longitudinal side, and a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first and second sides extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further including a second strap extending from a third side of the body portion, and a second connector for receiving the second strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the third side. and a second connector disposed adjacent a fourth side of the body portion which is the third side, the third side being the fourth side, the third side extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further including a third strap extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion and a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector disposed adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides, the second and third strap extending from second and third locations, respectively, of the body portion, the second and third locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

[0004] In some embodiments herein, an image receptor assembly is provided. The image receptor assembly includes a radiographic image receptor having an active area, the radiographic image receptor having a radiotransparent mat including a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and transverse directions of the body portion. The body portion is positioned on the image receptor such that the body portion and the image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the longitudinal and transverse directions. The radiotransparent mat includes a strap system that secures the radiotransparent mat to the image receptor and prevents relative movement of the radiotransparent mat with respect to the image receptor along each of the longitudinal and transverse directions. The body portion includes a top major surface that faces away from the image receptor. The top major surface may include one or more visible indicia that delineate an area of ​​the top major surface that corresponds to the active area of ​​the image receptor. The area of ​​the top major surface may be smaller than the active area of ​​the image receptor.

[0005] These and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, but in no way should this brief summary be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a radiation transparent mat according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a visual indicator, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radiation transparent mat, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a body portion of a radiation transparent mat placed on an image receptor, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic bottom view of an image receptor assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present specification. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0008] Tabletop infant skeletal surveys and other infant imaging procedures (e.g., placing the infant directly on a radiographic receptor placed on a tabletop) for performing and capturing radiographs (X-rays) are common in many radiography settings. However, the receptor (e.g., a digital receptor for digital radiography, or a photostimulable phosphor plate for computed radiography, or an image receptor for film radiography) typically has a firm, hard surface. When an infant is placed on a firm, hard surface such as the receptor surface, the infant often begins to cry, scream, and thrash during the imaging process. The discomfort and lack of coordination of an infant lying on such a hard surface typically increases as the imaging process on the hard surface progresses. In many cases, an infant skeletal survey is a lengthy process involving dozens or more imaging positions and resulting radiographs. Infant unintentional movement during the imaging procedure, as well as the infant's lack of coordination, can cause many unnecessary repetitions that could be prevented if the infant were lying on a (e.g., slightly) cushioned surface. Thus, skeletal exams and other infant imaging procedures often take longer to complete when the infant is uncomfortable lying on a hard receptor surface. Furthermore, when the infant is lying on a hard receptor, the process of restricting and constraining the movements of an uncooperative infant may cause the infant to injure himself or herself by being violent toward the photographer. However, placing a conventional table pad (e.g., a commercially available table pad typically for adults) on the receptor typically creates other problems. For example, it can be difficult to determine where the infant should be placed on the pad relative to the active area of ​​the receptor. This problem may be exacerbated by the pad moving relative to the receptor during the imaging process.As another example, conventional table pads may result in a reduction in spatial resolution of the resulting image due to magnification resulting from an increase in object to image distance (OID) caused by the thickness of the table pad.

[0009] According to some embodiments herein, a radiolucent mat is provided that is suitable for imaging procedures on infants without many of the problems associated with placing the infant on a solid surface of an image receptor or on a conventional table mat placed on top of the image receptor. In some embodiments, the radiolucent mat includes a strap system for securing the radiolucent mat to the image receptor, and optionally further includes one or more visible indicia that delineate an area on the top major surface of the body of the radiolucent mat that corresponds to the active area of ​​the image receptor. The body may be aligned with the image receptor. For example, the body and image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another such that (at least three, or all four) edges of the mat are aligned with corresponding edges of the image receptor along the length and width of the body (e.g., at least 80% or 90% of the area of ​​the body may be coextensive with at least 80% or 90% of the area of ​​the image receptor, or the body may be coextensive with the image receptor, except that the image receptor may include optional handle(s) not covered by the body). A strap system can secure the mat to the image receptor and prevent the mat from moving relative to the image receptor along each of the length and width of the body. The strap system can include at least three straps positioned (e.g., appropriately spaced) to stably secure the mat to the image receptor. A radiographer exposing the patient to x-rays would then know that the image receptor is directly under the mat and that the edges of the mat correspond to the edges of the image receptor. The one or more visible indicators can reliably indicate the area of ​​the mat that corresponds to the active area of ​​the image receptor. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the thickness of the body of the mat can be thinner than conventional table mats used in imaging, thereby reducing the increase in OID due to its thickness. Considering the typical divergence of radiation from a radiation source (e.g., an x-ray tube) through the thickness of the body, the area of ​​the mat delineated by the one or more visible indicators can be smaller than the corresponding active area of ​​the image receptor.

[0010] 1 and 2 are schematic top views of radiation transparent mats 100 and 100', according to some embodiments. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic bottom views of radiation transparent mats 100 and 100', according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of radiation transparent mat 100'', according to some embodiments. Radiation transparent mats 100, 100', 100'' include a body portion 101 and a strap system 120, 120', 120'' configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor (see, for example, image receptor 250 illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 8). Radiation transparent mats 100, 100', 100'' include a body portion having dimensions W1 x L1, which may correspond to the width and length of a conventional image receptor. For example, W1 may be about 13 to 19 inches and L1 may be about 17 to 20 inches (e.g., for a conventional full size receptor). As another example, W1 may be about 9 to 13 inches, or about 10 to 12 inches, and L1 may be about 10 to 17 inches, or about 12 to 14 inches (e.g., for a portable receptor that may be used for mobile imaging of an infant and / or that may fit into a crib). In some embodiments, the radiation transparent mat has a body having dimensions such that it is substantially coextensive with an image receptor having an active area of ​​about 14 to 17 inches by about 17 inches, or about 9 to 11 inches by about 12 to 14 inches.

[0011] In some embodiments, the radiation transparent mat 100, 100', 100" includes a strap system 120, 120', 120" configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor, and a body portion 101 extending along orthogonal length (y-direction) and width (x-direction) directions of the body portion 101. The body portion 101 includes a top major surface 151 configured to face away from the image receptor, and an opposing bottom major surface 152.

[0012] In some embodiments, the strap system 120, 120' includes a first strap 121 extending from a first side 102 of the main body portion 101 and a first connector 131 for receiving the first strap, the first connector 131 being positioned adjacent a second side 104 of the main body portion 101 opposite the first side 102, where the first side 102 and the second side 104 extend along a longitudinal direction and are spaced apart along a width direction. The strap system 120, 120' further includes a second strap 122 extending from one of the first and second sides of the body portion 101 (for strap system 120, the second strap 122 extends from the first side 102, and for strap system 120', the second strap 122 extends from the second side 104), and a second connector 132 for receiving the second strap, the second connector 132 being disposed adjacent the other of the first and second sides of the body portion. The strap system 120, 120' further includes a third strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the body portion, and a third connector 133 for receiving the third strap, the third connector 133 being disposed adjacent a fourth side 108 of the body portion opposite the third side 106. Here, the third side 106 and the fourth side 108 extend widthwise and are spaced apart lengthwise. The strap system 120, 120' further includes a fourth strap 124 extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion 101 (for strap system 120, the fourth strap 124 extends from the third side 106, and for strap system 120', the fourth strap 124 extends from the fourth side 108), and a fourth connector 134 for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector 134 being disposed adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides of the body portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the strap system 120, 120' has only four straps, as shown generally in Figures 1-4. In other embodiments, a different number of straps (e.g., three straps as shown in Figure 5, or more than four straps) may be used. The strap system generally includes at least one strap along the length (e.g., one strap substantially centered along the length or two or more straps spaced apart along the length) and at least one strap along the width (e.g., one strap substantially centered along the width or two or more straps spaced apart along the width). For example, the strap system may include a set of three or more straps along the length and a set of two or more straps along the width. A total of at least three straps is generally preferred to prevent the mat from moving relative to the receiver along each of the length and width of the body. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to include at least two straps along each of the length and width directions, e.g., to secure the mat to the receiver more firmly and stably than with a single strap along each of the length and width directions, while in other embodiments, a fewer number of straps may be preferred, e.g., depending on the geometry of the receiver (see, e.g., FIG. 12).

[0014] For example, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the strap system 120″ includes only one strap 121 along the length. A single strap along the length may be desirable for some image receptors that include handles that may interfere with installation of more than one strap along the length (see, for example, FIG. 12). In some embodiments, the strap system 120″ includes a first strap 121 extending from a first location 141 on a first side 102 of the body portion and a first connector 131 for receiving the first strap 121, the first connector 131 disposed adjacent a second side 104 of the body portion 101 opposite the first side 102, where the first side 102 and the second side 104 extend along the length and are spaced apart along the width. The strap system 120'' further includes a second strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the main body portion 101 and a second connector 133 for receiving the second strap 123, the second connector 133 being positioned adjacent a fourth side 108 of the main body portion 101 opposite the third side 106, wherein the third side 106 and the fourth side 108 extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. The strap system 120'' further includes a third strap 124 extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion (e.g., from the third side 106 as shown generally in FIG. 5 or from the fourth side 108 as shown in FIG. 4) and a third connector 134 for receiving the third strap 124, the third connector 134 being disposed adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides, where the second and third straps extend from second and third locations 143 and 144, respectively, of the body portion, the second and third locations 143 and 144 being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction. In some embodiments, the first position 141 is located substantially in the center of the first side 102 along the longitudinal direction (e.g., closer to the center of the first side 102 along the longitudinal direction than either the third side 106 or the fourth side 108).Similarly, in some embodiments, the first connector is substantially centered on the second longitudinal side 104. In some embodiments, the maximum separation s1 of the first location 141 from the third longitudinal side 106 is within 25%, or within 20%, or within 15%, or within 10%, or within 5% of the maximum separation s2 of the first location 141 from the fourth longitudinal side 108. The radiolucent mat 100" may optionally include straps 123 and 124 extending from opposite sides of the body portion 101, as shown, for example, generally in Figures 2 and 4. The radiolucent mat 100" may optionally include any of the indicia 112, 112', 114, as shown generally in Figures 1-4.

[0015] Any suitable strap and connector system known to those skilled in the art may be used. For example, a strap and buckle system may be used. In some embodiments, the strap system is configured such that once the body portion is placed on the image receptor and the edges of the body portion are aligned with the corresponding edges of the image receptor, the photographer can pull each of the straps under the image receptor and attach the straps to the connectors on the opposite side of the body portion (see, for example, Figures 10-12). Typically, the photographer can then tighten the straps to prevent the mat from sliding back and forth on top of the image receptor, as well as to ensure that the edges of the mat are aligned with the corresponding edges of the image receptor.

[0016] In some embodiments, there is a significant separation along the length between the first strap 121 and the second strap 122 and / or a significant separation along the width between the third strap 123 and the fourth strap 124 (referring to the second and third straps when strap 122 is omitted as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 ). Such separation allows the strap system to stably secure the mat to the receiver while also preventing the mat from moving along each of the length and width directions relative to the receiver. In some embodiments, the first strap 121 and the second strap 122 extend from first and second locations, respectively, on the body portion (see, e.g., locations 141 and 142 shown generally in FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and the first and second locations are separated longitudinally (by a distance L0) by more than 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, or 0.75 times the length L1 of the body portion. In some embodiments, the third strap 123 and the fourth strap 124 extend from third and fourth locations, respectively, of the body portion (see, e.g., locations 143 and 144 shown generally in FIGS. 3-5 ), and the third and fourth locations are separated along the width direction (by a distance W0) by more than 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, or 0.75 times the width W1 of the body portion.

[0017] Similarly, in some embodiments of the radiolucent mat 100 or 100' or 100" for straps 123 and 124, each strap extends from a location on a side that is proximate an edge of the adjacent side. In some embodiments, the maximum longitudinal separation s1 of the first location 141 from the third side 106 and the maximum longitudinal separation s2 of the second location 142 from the fourth side 108 are each less than 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, or 0.1 times the length L1 of the body portion 101. In some embodiments, the maximum widthwise separation distance s3 of the third location 143 from the first side 102 and the maximum widthwise separation distance s4 of the fourth location 144 from the second side 104 are each less than 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, or 0.1 times the width W1 of the main body portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the top major surface 151 includes one or more first visible indicia 110 that delineate an area 171 of the top major surface 151 that corresponds to the active area of ​​the image receptor. The one or more first visible indicia 110 may, for example, be a rectangular box on the top major surface 151 that outlines the area 171, or may, for example, be or include line segments that delineate the sides of the rectangular area. As further described elsewhere herein, the mat 100, 100', 100" may optionally further comprise indicia 112, 112' and / or 114. Any of the indicia 110, 112, 112' and / or 114 may be, for example, printed or affixed to a major surface of the body portion 101. The indicia may, for example, be printed on an exterior cover of the body portion 101.

[0019] The radiographic receptor 250 may have an active area 251 surrounded by a peripheral area that does not capture x-rays (see, for example, Figures 8 and 9). The active area 251 may be oriented such that the upper and lower areas of the active area 251 are the upper and lower areas, respectively, of the resulting image. In some embodiments, the radiolucent mat 100, 100', 100" includes one or more second visible indicia 112, 112' (see Figures 2-4) disposed on the body 101 and including at least one indicia 112 disposed on the upper major surface 151, the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112' indicating the orientation of the active area 251. For example, the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112' may include one or more arrows to indicate the orientation. Each of the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112' is different from each of the one or more first visible indicia 110. In some embodiments, the one or more second visible indicia 112, 112' includes at least one indicia 112' disposed on the bottom major surface 152 of the body portion 101 opposite the top major surface 151. The use of the one or more visible indicia 112, 112' allows the photographer to align the upper region of the image receptor with respect to these symbols, such that the resulting photograph appears anatomically correct from top to bottom on an imaging system (e.g., a computer) and does not have to be flipped or vertically inverted on the imaging system.

[0020] In some embodiments, mat 100, 100', 100" further includes one or more third visible markings 114 disposed on top major surface 151 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), where each of third visible markings 114 is different from each of the first visible markings and second visible markings, and where at least the one or more third visible markings distinguish top major surface 151 from bottom major surface 152.

[0021] 6 is a schematic diagram of the visible markers 116a, 116b, and 116c. For example, the visible markers 112 or 114 may include any one, two, or three of the visible markers 116a, 116b, and 116c (e.g., in a row adjacent to the markers 112 and 114 illustrated in FIG. 2). The visible markers 116a, 116b, and 116c may indicate, for example, the proper orientation of the infant or infant's body part(s) relative to the upper region of the image receptor. For example, the visible marker 116a may indicate the (e.g., upper) region of the image receptor toward which the infant's head should be directed. The visible marker 116b may indicate the (e.g., upper) region of the image receptor toward which the infant's hand(s) should be directed (e.g., the fingers of the illustrated hand may point generally toward the upper region). The visible indicia 116c may indicate the (e.g., upper) area of ​​the image receptor toward which the infant's feet should point (e.g., the toes of the illustrated toes may generally point toward the upper area). In some embodiments, the visible indicia 112 and 114 in FIG. 2 include, for example, an up arrow (e.g., 112), a face (e.g., 114, 116a), a hand (e.g., 116b), and a foot (e.g., 116c), respectively.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radiolucent mat 100, 100', 100'', according to some embodiments. The cross-section shown is in the x'-z plane, which may correspond to the xz or yz plane. A strap 220 and a connector 230 are shown in FIG. 7. The strap 220 may correspond to any of the straps 121-124, and the connector 230 may correspond to any of the corresponding connectors 131-134. In some embodiments, the main body 101 includes a cushioning material 161, which is disposed inside a cover 165. The first strap 121 to the fourth strap 124 and the first connector 131 to the fourth connector 134 may be attached to the cover 165 through stitching (sewing) and / or bonding (e.g., via adhesive). The cushioning material 161 may be or include a polymer foam 162, for example. The cover 165 may be, for example, a polymeric fiber 166 or may include a polymeric fiber 166 .

[0023] The radiolucent mat 100, 100', 100" is sufficiently radiolucent (e.g., transparent to x-rays) so as not to significantly interfere with imaging. Materials for the cushioning 161 and cover 165 may be selected from among radiolucent materials known in the art. For example, certain types of plastics (e.g., unfilled polymers) are generally radiolucent. In some embodiments, the cover 165 and / or cushioning 161 include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, nylon, vinyl, polycarbonate, polyketone, or combinations thereof.

[0024] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image receptor assembly 200 according to some embodiments. The image receptor assembly 200 includes a radiolucent mat 300, which may correspond to the radiolucent mats 100, 100', 100'', and includes a body portion 101. The body portion 101 extends along orthogonal longitudinal (e.g., y') and width (e.g., x') directions of the body portion 101. The image receptor assembly 200 includes a radiographic image receptor 250 having an active area 251. The body portion 101 may be positioned over the image receptor 250 such that the body portion 101 and the image receptor 250 are substantially coextensive with each other along the longitudinal and width directions (see, e.g., FIG. 9). Mat 300 includes a strap system (e.g., corresponding to any of 120, 120', 120'') that secures the mat to image receptor 250 and prevents the mat from moving relative to the image receptor along each of its length and width directions. Body 101 includes an upper major surface 151 that faces away from image receptor 250, with the upper major surface 151 including one or more visible indicia 110 that delineate an area 171 of the upper major surface that corresponds to an active area 251 of image receptor 250 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2). Image receptor 250 may be or include any image receptor known in the art. For example, image receptor 250 may be or include a digital image receptor for digital radiography, or a photostimulable phosphor plate for computed radiography, or an image receptor for film radiography. A strap 220, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, is tightened around the image receptor 250 and is received within a connector 230 to secure the mat 300 in place.

[0025] 8 also shows a radiation source 307. The radiation source 307 may be or may include an x-ray tube, a source to image distance SID (which in many systems is approximately 100 cm or 40 inches (1016 mm)), and a typical object to image distance OID (e.g., the distance between the anatomy being imaged and the active area 251). In some embodiments, the area 171 of the upper major surface 151 is smaller than the active area 251 of the image receptor 250. The area 171 may be smaller than the active area 251, taking into account the spread 308 of the radiation emitted from the radiation source 307.

[0026] The main body 101 has an average thickness t. In some embodiments, the average thickness t may be at least 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, or 0.3 inches, for example, to provide sufficient cushioning for the baby. In some embodiments, the average thickness t may be no more than 0.8 inches, 0.7 inches, or 0.6 inches, for example, to minimize an increase in the object-to-image distance OID caused by the mat. For example, the average thickness t may be between 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches, or between 0.25 inches and 0.7 inches, or between 0.3 inches and 0.6 inches.

[0027] 9 is a schematic plan view of a body 101 of a radiolucent mat disposed on an image receptor 250, according to some embodiments. Boundaries 252 of an active area 251 are shown. One or more indicia 110 delineate an area 171 of the top major surface 151. In some embodiments, the body 101 has an average thickness t in a thickness direction (z direction) perpendicular to the length (y direction) and width (x direction) directions, and the area 171 of the top major surface 151 has at least one boundary that is offset from a corresponding boundary of the active area of ​​the image receptor toward the interior of said area of ​​the top major surface by a distance d in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness. In some embodiments, body portion 101 has an average thickness t in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length and width directions, where active area 251 of image receptor 250 and region 171 of top major surface 151 are first and second rectangular regions, respectively, as shown generally in Figure 9. Each of the first and second rectangular regions has four sides, where each side of the second rectangular region (e.g., region 171) is offset from the corresponding side of the first rectangular region (e.g., region 251) toward the inside of the first rectangular region by a distance d in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness t.

[0028] In some embodiments, the image receptor 250 includes an optional handle 333. In some embodiments, the handle 333 prevents installation of a strap along the length, and thus a single strap along the length is used (see, e.g., FIG. 12). In other embodiments, even when the handle 333 is included, two (or more) straps are used along the length (see, e.g., FIGS. 10, 11).

[0029] 10-12 are schematic bottom views of an image receptor assembly 200, 200', 200", according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as further described elsewhere herein, the radio transparent mat 100, 100', 100" comprises a strap system including a first strap 121 extending from a first side 102 of the body portion 101 and a first connector 131 receiving the first strap 121 and disposed adjacent a second side 104 of the body portion opposite the first side 102. Here, the image receptor 250 is disposed between the body portion 101 and the first strap 121. Furthermore, the first and second sides extend along a lengthwise direction (y-direction) and are spaced apart along a widthwise direction (x-direction). The strap system further includes a second strap 122 extending from one of the first and second sides of the body portion, and a second connector 132 that receives the second strap 122 and is disposed adjacent the other of the first and second sides, where the image receptor 250 is disposed between the body portion 101 and the second strap 122. The first strap 121 and the second strap 122 extend from first and second locations, respectively, of the body portion, the first and second locations being longitudinally spaced apart by more than 0.3 times the longitudinal length of the body portion. The strap system further includes a third strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the body portion 101, and a third connector 133 that receives the third strap 123 and is disposed adjacent a fourth side 108 of the body portion opposite the third side 106. Here, the image receptor 250 is disposed between the main body 101 and the third strap 123. Furthermore, the third side and the fourth side extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the width direction. The strap system further includes a fourth strap 124 extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body, and a fourth connector 134 receiving the fourth strap 124 and disposed adjacent the other of the third side and the fourth side. Here, the image receptor 250 is disposed between the main body 101 and the fourth strap 124.Additionally, the third strap 123 and the fourth strap 124 extend from a third location and a fourth location, respectively, of the main body portion, the third location and the fourth location being separated in the width direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the main body portion in the width direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, as further described elsewhere herein, the radio transparent mat 100" may include a strap system 120" including a first strap 121 extending from a first location 141 on a first side 102 of the body portion, the first location 141 being substantially centrally located on the first longitudinal side 102, and a first connector 131 receiving the first strap 121 and disposed adjacent a second side 104 of the body portion 101 opposite the first side 102, where the first side 102 and the second side 104 extend along the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart along the width direction. The strap system further includes a second strap 123 extending from a third side 106 of the body portion 101, and a second connector 133 that receives the second strap 123 and is disposed adjacent a fourth side 108 of the body portion 101 opposite the third side 106, where the third side 106 and the fourth side 108 extend along the width direction and are spaced apart along the length direction. The strap system further includes a third strap 124 extending from one of the third and fourth sides of the body portion (e.g., from the third side 106 as shown generally in FIG. 5 or from the fourth side 108 as shown generally in FIG. 4), and a third connector 134 that receives the third strap 124 and is disposed adjacent the other of the third and fourth sides. Here, the second strap and the third strap extend from second locations 143 and third locations 144, respectively, on the main body portion, the second locations 143 and third locations 144 being separated along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion along the width direction.

[0031] Descriptions of elements in a figure should be understood to apply equally to corresponding elements in other figures, unless otherwise noted. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present application is intended to cover any adaptations, or variations, or combinations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A radiation-transmitting mat, comprising: a strap system configured to secure the radiation transparent mat to an image receptor; a body portion extending along orthogonal longitudinal and width directions of the body portion and having a top major surface configured to face away from the image receptor, the top major surface including one or more first visible indicia delineating an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to an active area of ​​the image receptor, the strap system comprising: a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion; a first connector for receiving the first strap, the first connector being disposed adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from one of the first side and the second side of the body; a second connector for receiving the second strap, the second connector being disposed adjacent the other of the first side and the second side, the first strap and the second strap extending from first and second locations on the body portion, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body portion along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a third strap extending from a third side of the body portion; a third connector for receiving the third strap, the third connector being disposed adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the strap system further comprising: a fourth strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; a fourth connector for receiving the fourth strap, the fourth connector being positioned adjacent the other of the third side and the fourth side, wherein the third strap and the fourth strap extend from third and fourth locations on the body portion, respectively, the third and fourth locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

2. 10. The radiation transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the body portion has an average thickness ranging from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.

3. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the maximum distance along the longitudinal direction of the first position from the third side and the maximum distance along the longitudinal direction of the second position from the fourth side are each less than 0.3 times the length of the main body portion.

4. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the maximum distance of the third position from the first side along the width direction and the maximum distance of the fourth position from the second side along the width direction are each less than 0.3 times the width of the main body portion.

5. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, wherein the main body portion includes a cushioning material, the cushioning material is disposed inside a cover, and the first strap to the fourth strap and the first connector to the fourth connector are attached to the cover.

6. The radiation transparent mat of claim 5 , wherein the cushioning material comprises a polymeric foam.

7. The radiation transmissive mat of claim 5 , wherein the cover comprises polymeric fibers.

8. 2. The radiation-transparent mat of claim 1, further comprising one or more second visible markers disposed on the body portion and including at least one marker disposed on the upper major surface, the one or more second visible markers indicating an orientation of the active area.

9. 9. The radiation transparent mat of claim 8, wherein the one or more second visible indicia include at least one indicia disposed on a bottom major surface of the body portion opposite the top major surface.

10. 9. The radio-transparent mat of claim 8, further comprising one or more third visible markings disposed on the top major surface, each of the third visible markings being different from each of the first visible markings and the second visible markings, and at least the one or more third visible markings distinguishing the top major surface from the bottom major surface.

11. 1. An image receptor assembly, comprising: a radiation-transmitting mat including a main body portion extending along a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to each other; a radiographic image receptor having an active area, wherein the body portion is positioned on the radiographic image receptor such that the body portion and the radiographic image receptor are substantially coextensive with one another along the length and width directions, the radiotransparent mat including a strap system that secures the radiotransparent mat to the radiographic image receptor and prevents movement of the radiotransparent mat relative to the radiographic image receptor along each of the length and width directions, the body portion including a top major surface facing away from the radiographic image receptor, the top major surface including one or more visible indicia delineating an area of ​​the top major surface corresponding to the active area of ​​the radiographic image receptor, the area of ​​the top major surface being smaller than the active area of ​​the radiographic image receptor.

12. 12. The image receptor assembly of claim 11, wherein the body has an average thickness in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length and width directions, and the region of the top major surface has at least one boundary, the boundary being offset from a corresponding boundary of the active region of the radiographic image receptor toward the interior of the region of the top major surface by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness.

13. 12. The image receptor assembly of claim 11, wherein the body has an average thickness in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length and width directions, the active area of ​​the radiographic image receptor and the area of ​​the top major surface are first and second rectangular areas, respectively, each of the first and second rectangular areas having four sides, and each side of the second rectangular area is offset from a corresponding side of the first rectangular area toward the interior of the first rectangular area by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 times the average thickness.

14. 14. The image receptor assembly of claim 13, wherein said average thickness of said body portion ranges from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.

15. The strap system comprises: a first strap extending from a first side of the body portion; a first connector that receives the first strap and is positioned adjacent a second side of the body portion opposite the first side, wherein the radiographic receptor is positioned between the body portion and the first strap, the first side and the second side extending along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart along the width direction, and the strap system further comprising: a second strap extending from one of the first side and the second side of the body; a second connector for receiving the second strap and positioned adjacent the other of the first side and the second side, wherein the radiographic receptor is positioned between the body and the second strap, the first strap and the second strap extend from first and second locations on the body, respectively, the first and second locations being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction by more than 0.3 times the length of the body along the longitudinal direction, and the strap system further comprises: a third strap extending from a third side of the body portion; a third connector that receives the third strap and is positioned adjacent a fourth side of the body portion opposite the third side, wherein the radiographic receptor is positioned between the body portion and the third strap, the third side and the fourth side extending along the width direction and being spaced apart along the width direction, and the strap system further comprises: a fourth strap extending from one of the third side and the fourth side of the main body; a fourth connector that receives the fourth strap and is positioned adjacent the other of the third side and the fourth side, wherein the radiographic image receptor is positioned between the body portion and the fourth strap, the third strap and the fourth strap extending from third and fourth locations on the body portion, respectively, the third and fourth locations being spaced apart along the width direction by more than 0.3 times the width of the body portion along the width direction.

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