MRI gantry barrier

Abstract

A barrier for an MRI gantry bore having a generally planar body with an inner surface, an outer surface, a peripheral edge, and a thickness defined between the surfaces. The body may be formed from sheet material with sufficient flexural resilience such that it is deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration corresponding to a cylindrical MRI bore wall and biased toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained. The barrier may include handle openings adjacent the peripheral edge. The body may have dimensions corresponding to an internal diameter of an MRI gantry bore such that when deformed and inserted, it exerts outward radial bias against the bore's inner wall. The body may be insertable in a folded configuration, rotatable within the bore, and retained via outward radial bias.

Description

MRI GANTRY BARRIERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 764,404, filed February 27, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates to devices used in medical imaging environments, particularly barriers for use within magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.BACKGROUND

[0003] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are widely used diagnostic devices that perform millions of scans annually in healthcare facilities. These scanners include a cylindrical bore through which patients are positioned during imaging procedures. Between successive scans, the interior surface of the scanner bore is cleaned to address concerns regarding potential transmission of pathogens between patients. Current cleaning approaches involve healthcare staff manually wiping the interior bore surface by hand or using cleaning implements such as mops or swabs on extended handles. Manual cleaning by hand may expose staff to the interior environment of the bore, while cleaning with extended implements may result in inconsistent coverage of the bore surface. Additionally, sanitizing protocols may require cleaning agents to remain in contact with surfaces for specified dwell times, which can extend the duration of cleaning procedures and reduce scanner throughput.

[0004] Various barrier and draping systems have been developed for medical imaging equipment, including sterile drapes for intraoperative imaging applications and multi-layered liner systems with tear-away sheets. Some existing approaches involve complex deployment mechanisms, multiple components, or attachment hardware that interfaces with the scannerCOO-009-PCTstructure. Other approaches are designed for surgical sterility requirements rather than routine inter-patient cleaning workflows. Existing barrier products for imaging equipment may include multiple separate pieces or require specialized mounting features on the scanner itself.

[0005] There remains an unmet need for a barrier system that simplifies the cleaning workflow between patient scans while reducing staff exposure to the bore interior. Therefore, what is desired is a barrier for an MRI gantry bore that can be readily installed and removed by a user, that maintains its position within the bore during scanning procedures without complex attachment mechanisms, and that facilitates efficient cleaning protocols between patients.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a barrier for an MRI gantry' bore that serves as a protective layer between a patient and the scanner, thereby reducing cross-contamination risk between patients and simplifying cleaning protocols. The barrier may comprise a generally planar body formed from a sheet material having sufficient flexural resilience such that the body is deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration corresponding to a cylindrical MRI bore wall. The barrier may include a plurality of handle openings extending through the body and located adjacent a peripheral edge to facilitate manipulation during insertion into and removal from the MRI gantry bore.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure may be a barrier for an MRI gantry bore, comprising: a generally planar body having an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a peripheral edge extending around the body, and a thickness defined between the inner and outer surfaces; the body being formed from a sheet material having sufficient flexural resilience such that the body is deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration corresponding to a cylindrical MRI bore wall and is biased toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained; a plurality of handle openings extending through the body and located adjacent the peripheral edge; wherein the body has dimensions selected to correspond to an internal diameter of an MRI gantry bore such that when the body is deformed into the curved7configuration and inserted into the bore, the body exerts an outward radial bias against an inner wall of the bore; and wherein the body is insertable into the bore in a folded configuration along a longitudinal axis, is rotatable within the bore, and is retained against the inner wall of the bore via the outward radial bias.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure may be a method of installing a barrier within an MRI gantry bore, comprising: providing the barrier as described above; deforming the barrier from the planar configuration into the curved configuration; folding the barrier along a longitudinal axis by bringing opposing portions of the peripheral edge toward one another; inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore; rotating the barrier within the bore; and allowing the barrier to radially expand into engagement with the inner wall of the bore such that the barrier is retained via the outward radial bias.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG, 1 is an isometric view of a barrier for an MRI gantry bore in a curved configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in a planar configuration;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in the planar configuration;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the barrier of FIG. 1 installed within an MRI scanner bore frame structure;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of the barrier and bore frame of FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an MRI scanner with the barrier of FIG.1 installed within the bore;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a top view of an MRI scanner of FIG. 6;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of a barrier for an MRI gantry bore in a planar configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 8 in a folded configuration;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a top view of a barrier for an MRI gantry bore in a planar configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 10 in a folded configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0022] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such.

[0023] Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of theinvention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non¬ limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a barrier 100 for an MRI gantry bore is shown. The barrier 100 comprises a generally planar body 104 having an inner surface 108, an outer surface 112 opposite the inner surface 108, a peripheral edge 116 extending around the body 104, and a thickness defined between the inner surface 108 and the outer surface 112. The body 104 is formed from a sheet material having sufficient flexural resilience such that the body 104 is deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration corresponding to a cylindrical MRI bore wall and is biased toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained. The curved configuration is the installed state where the body 104 conforms to and is retained against the inner wall of the bore.

[0025] The barrier 100 addresses problems associated with current MRI cleaning methods. The barrier 100 provides a protective layer between a patient and the scanner, thereby reducing cross-contamination risk between patients. The barrier 100 simplifies cleaning protocols by allowing healthcare staff to remove the barrier 100 from the MRI bore, clean both the inner surface 108 and the outer surface 112 of the body 104 with sanitizing wipes, and reinsert the barrier 100 into the bore. This approach reduces downtime between scans compared to manual cleaning of the entire bore interior. As shown in FIG, 1, the barrier 100 is configured to cover the upper and side portions of the MRI bore while leaving the bottom open to accommodate movement of a patient table.

[0026] The sheet material of the body 104 is selected to have sufficient spring load or flexural strength to naturally hug the inner wall of the MRI machine bore. When the body 104 is deformed into the curved configuration and positioned within the bore, the flexural resilience of the sheet material causes the body 104 to exert an outward radial force against the inner wall of the bore,thereby maintaining the barrier 100 in position during scanning procedures. The bias toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained allows the barrier 100 to hold itself in place against the interior surface of the MRI gantry' without requiring additional securement mechanisms in some embodiments.

[0027] The barrier 100 resides permanently within the MRI machine between uses without requiring additional hangers or storage accessories. That is, the barrier 100 remains installed within the bore of the MRI scanner during periods when the scanner is not in use, and the barrier 100 is removed, cleaned, and reinserted between patient scans. This configuration eliminates the need for separate storage locations or mounting hardware for the barrier 100 when the barrier 100 is not actively being cleaned.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the body 104 of the barrier 100 has dimensions selected to correspond to an internal diameter D I (shown in FIGS, 4-5) of an MRI gantry bore such that when the body 104 is deformed into the curved configuration and inserted into the bore, the body 104 exerts an outward radial bias against an inner wall of the bore. The body 104 is insertable into the bore in a folded configuration along a longitudinal axis, is rotatable within the bore, and is retained against the inner wail of the bore via the outward radial bias. The folded configuration is a transitional state used during insertion where the body 104 is compressed into a horseshoe shape to fit through the bore opening. In the planar configuration as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the body 104 comprises a generally rectangular sheet with rounded corners. A width W1 of the body 104 in the planar configuration is in a range of 48 inches to 60 inches, for example, about 54 inches. A length LI of the body 104 in the planar configuration is in a range of 40 inches to 50 inches, for example, about 44 inches. A width W2 of the body 104 in the folded configuration is in a range of 25 inches to 32 inches, for example, about 28.5 inches. A height Hl of the body 104 in the folded configuration, measured from the peripheral edge 116 to the top curve of the body 104, is in a range of 25 inches to 32 inches, for example, about 28.25 inches. The barrier 100 may be sized specifically for different MRI machine models including standard bore machines and oversizedMRI machines, with dimensions adjusted accordingly to provide proper fit and radial bias within each bore configuration.

[0029] Continuing with FIGS. 1-3, the width W1 of the body 104 in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter DI of the MRI gantry bore such that radial compression of the body 104 within the bore creates the outward radial bias. In some embodiments, the width W1 of the body 104 in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter DI of the MRI gantry bore by a percentage in a range of 5% to 15%. This oversizing relationship causes the body 104 to be radially compressed when inserted into the bore, and the flexural resilience of the sheet material generates the outward radial force that maintains the barrier 100 in frictional engagement with the inner wall of the bore. The body 104 is oversized relative to the internal diameter DI of the MRI gantry bore such that insertion of the body 104 into the bore creates an interference fit between the body 104 and the inner wall of the bore.

[0030] The body 104 has a thickness Tl defined between the inner surface 108 and the outer surface 112. The thickness Tl of the body 104 is in a range of 0.060 inches to 0.125 inches. This thickness range provides the flexural characteristics that allow the body 104 to be deformed into the curved configuration while generating sufficient outward radial bias to maintain the barrier 100 in position within the MRI bore. The specific thickness IT within this range may be selected based on the sheet material composition, the internal diameter DI of the target MRI bore, and the desired magnitude of the outward radial bias.

[0031] In some embodiments, the thickness Tl is approximately 0.060 inches. This thickness may be suitable for sheet materials having higher flexural modulus values, such as polypropylene, where a thinner sheet provides the desired balance of flexibility for folding and rigidity for maintaining the curved configuration. In other embodiments, the thickness IT is approximately 0.080 inches. This intermediate thickness provides a balance of flexibility and rigidity that may be suitable for a range of thermoplastic sheet materials. In still other embodiments, the thickness Tl is approximately 0.100 inches. This thickness provides increased rigidity and outward radial bias compared to thinner embodiments. In further embodiments, the thickness Tl is approximately0.125 inches. This thickness may be suitable for sheet materials such as high-impact polystyrene or PETG where increased thickness provides the flexural strength to maintain the curved configuration within larger bore diameters.

[0032] The body 104 may comprise variable thickness regions. In some embodiments, the body 104 is thicker at the peripheral edge 116 and thinner at a central region 120 of the body 104, This variable thickness configuration may provide increased rigidity and durability at the peripheral edge 116 where the body 104 contacts the inner wall of the bore and where handling forces are applied during insertion and removal, while reducing the overall weight and material usage of the barrier 100 by providing reduced thickness at the central region 120 where lower structural demands exist.

[0033] In some embodiments, the body 104 comprises reinforced edge regions adjacent the peripheral edge 116. The reinforced edge regions have an increased thickness relative to the central region 120 of the body 104. The reinforced edge regions may extend inwardly from the peripheral edge 116 by a distance in a range of 0.5 inches to 2 inches. The increased thickness of the reinforced edge regions provi des additional rigidity and wear resistance at the portions of the body 104 that experience the greatest contact forces with the inner wall of the bore and the greatest handling forces during insertion, removal, and cleaning procedures. The reinforced edge regions may be formed integrally with the central region 120 during manufacturing, or the reinforced edge regions may be formed by laminating additional material layers to the peripheral portions of the body 104.

[0034] Continuing with FIGS. 1-3, the peripheral edge 116 of the body 104 comprises a radiused or chamfered edge profile. The edge profile of the peripheral edge 116 is configured to reduce snagging during insertion and removal of the barrier 100 from the MRI gantry bore. When the body 104 is folded into the horseshoe-shaped cross-section and inserted into the bore, the peripheral edge 116 contacts the inner wall of the bore and slides along the bore surface as the barrier 100 is positioned. A radiused edge profile provides a smooth, curved transition between the inner surface 108 and the outer surface 112 at the peripheral edge 116, reducing the likelihoodof the peripheral edge 116 catching on surface irregularities or features within the bore during insertion and removal procedures.

[0035] In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 116 comprises a radiused edge profile having a radius in a range of 0.010 inches to 0.050 inches, for example, approximately 0.025 inches. The radiused edge profile may be formed during manufacturing of the body 104 by machining, thermoforming, or post-processing operations that round the sharp edges that would otherwise exist at the intersection of the inner surface 108 and the outer surface 112 with the peripheral edge 116. The radiused edge profile extends continuously around the entire peripheral edge 116 of the body 104, providing consistent edge geometry’ that facilitates smooth insertion and removal regardless of the orientation of the barrier 100 during handling.

[0036] In other embodiments, the peripheral edge 116 comprises a chamfered edge profile. The chamfered edge profile comprises an angled surface extending between the inner surface 108 or the outer surface 112 and the peripheral edge 116. The chamfered edge profile may be formed at an angle / XI in a range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, for example, approximately 45 degrees, relative to the plane of the body 104. The chamfered edge profile provides a beveled transition at the peripheral edge 116 that reduces the sharpness of the edge and facilitates sliding contact between the peripheral edge 116 and the inner wall of the bore during insertion and removal. The chamfered edge profile may be formed on the inner surface 108 side of the peripheral edge 116, the outer surface 112 side of the peripheral edge 116, or both sides of the peripheral edge 116.

[0037] The body 104 comprises rounded corners 126 at intersections of adjacent portions of the peripheral edge 116. The rounded corners 126 are located at each of the four corners of the body 104 in the planar configuration, where the lateral side edges 136 intersect with the leading and trailing edges of the body 104. The rounded corners 126 have a corner radius R1 in a range of 1 inch to 4 inches, for example, approximately 2 inches. The rounded corners 126 eliminate sharp corner points that could catch on features within the MRI bore or that could pose a risk of injury to a user during handling of the barrier 100.

[0038] The rounded corners 126 facilitate folding of the body 104 into the horseshoe-shaped cross-section by providing smooth transitions at the corner regions where the body 104 experiences compound curvature during the folding process. The rounded corners 126 also reduce stress concentrations at the corner regions of the body 104, which may improve the fatigue resistance of the barrier 100 during repeated folding and insertion cycles. The corner radius R1 of the rounded corners 126 may be selected based on the overall dimensions of the body 104 and the internal diameter DI of the target MRI bore to provide appropriate clearance during insertion and removal procedures.

[0039] The rounded corners 126 remain visible when the barrier 100 is installed within the MRI bore in the curved configuration. The rounded corners 126 are positioned at the front edge of the barrier 100 where handle openings are accessible for removal of the barrier 100. The smooth geometry of the rounded corners 126 allows a user to grasp the corner regions of the body 104 without encountering sharp edges that could cause discomfort or injury during repeated handling cycles.

[0040] As described previously, the body 104 may comprise variable thickness regions where the body 104 is thicker at the peripheral edge 116 and thinner at the central region 120 of the body 104. The reinforced edge regions adjacent the peripheral edge 116 provide increased thickness relative to the central region 120. This variable thickness configuration concentrates material at the peripheral edge 116 where the body 104 contacts the inner wall of the bore and where handling forces are applied during insertion and removal. The increased thickness at the peripheral edge 116 provides enhanced durability and wear resistance at the portions of the body 104 that experience the greatest mechanical demands during use.

[0041] The variable thickness configuration of the body 104 may be achieved through thermoforming processes that create thicker edge regions during manufacturing. Alternatively, the variable thickness configuration may be achieved by laminating additional material layers to the peripheral portions of the body 104 after initial sheet formation. The transition between the reinforced edge regions and the central region 120 may be gradual, with the thickness T1decreasing progressively from the peripheral edge 116 toward the center of the body 104, or the transition may be stepped, with a discrete change in thickness at a defined boundary between the reinforced edge regions and the central region 120.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the body 104 in the curved configuration defines a semi-cylindrical shape having a curvature radius R2 corresponding to a radius R3 of the inner wall 12 of the bore 10. In some embodiments, the curvature radius R2 of the body 104 in the curved configuration is in a range of 95% to 105% of the radius R3 of the inner wall 12 of the bore 10. This curvature radius relationship allows the body 104 to conform closely to the cylindrical interior surface of the MRI bore 10 while maintaining sufficient contact pressure to remain in position during scanning procedures. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the curved configuration of the body 104 covers the upper and side portions of the bore 10 interior while leaving the lower portion open to accommodate movement of a patient table through the scanner,

[0043] The length LI of the body 104 is in a range of 70% to 95% of a depth L2 of the MRI gantry bore 10. This length relationship provides coverage of a substantial portion of the bore 10 interior while allowing clearance at the front and rear ends of the bore 10 for insertion, removal, and patient positioning. The length LI may be adjusted based on the specific MRI machine model to provide appropriate coverage while maintaining ease of installation and removal.

[0044] The body 104 in the folded configuration defines a horseshoe-shaped cross-section. When folding the body 104 for insertion into the bore 10, opposing portions of the peripheral edge 116 are brought toward one another along the longitudinal axis, causing the body 104 to assume the horseshoe-shaped cross-sectional profile. This folded configuration allows the body 104 to fit through the circular opening of the MRI bore 10. Once inserted, the body 104 is rotated within the bore 10, and the flexural resilience of the sheet material causes the body 104 to radially expand into engagement with the inner wall 12 of the bore 10.

[0045] The body 104 undergoes elastic deformation when deformed from the planar configuration into the curved configuration. The sheet material of the body 104 is selected to remain within the elastic deformation range during normal use, such that the body 104 does notCOO-009-PCTexperience permanent plastic deformation when installed within the bore 10. The body 104 returns to the planar configuration via elastic recovery when removed from the bore 10. This elastic behavior allows the barrier 100 to be repeatedly installed and removed from the MRI bore 10 without degradation of the flexural properties of the sheet material.

[0046] Put another way, the body 104 exhibits a memory characteristic whereby the body 104 returns to a substantially planar configuration when removed from the bore 10. This flexural memory characteristic results from the elastic properties of the sheet material, which stores potential energy when the body 104 is deformed into the curved configuration and releases the stored energy to return the body 104 toward the planar configuration when the constraining force of the bore 10 wall is removed. The memory characteristic facilitates cleaning of the barrier 100 by allowing the body 104 to lie flat on a surface such as the patient table during the cleaning process.

[0047] The outward radial bias is sufficient to maintain the body 104 in frictional engagement with the inner wall 12 of the bore 10 during normal scanning conditions. The frictional engagement between the outer surface 112 of the body 104 and the inner wall 12 of the bore 10 prevents axial displacement or rotation of the barrier 100 during patient positioning and scanning procedures. The magnitude of the outward radial bias may be adjusted by selecting appropriate sheet material thickness and flexural modulus values, as well as by adjusting the degree of oversizing of the body 104 relative to the bore 10 diameter.

[0048] Over-extended use, viscoelastic relaxation of the sheet material, repeated elastic deformation cycles, or environmental exposure to cleaning agents may reduce the outward radial bias generated by the body. Continued usability may be determined through routine visual inspection by clinical staff, including evaluation for visible cracking or fracture, edge deformation beyond tolerance, warping or permanent set, surface damage, reduced conformability to the bore wall, or diminished frictional engagement during installation. If inspection indicates degradation of structural integrity or retention performance, the barrier may be removed from service andreplaced. This approach maintains conceptual clarity without introducing mechanical fastening systems.

[0049] Continuing with FIGS. 1-5, the sheet material of the body 104 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and polypropylene. Each of these thermoplastic materials provides the flexural resilience and elastic memory characteristics that allow the body 104 to be deformed from the planar configuration to the curved configuration and to return toward the planar configuration when unconstrained. The selection of sheet material may be based on factors including flexural strength, chemical resistance to sanitizing agents, MRI compatibility, and manufacturing considerations.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). High-impact polystyrene provides a balance of rigidity and impact resistance that allows the body 104 to maintain the curved configuration within the MRI bore 10 while resisting cracking or fracturing during repeated folding and insertion cycles. The barrier 100 may be manufactured from high-impact polystyrene sheet material. In other embodiments, the sheet material comprises polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Polyethylene terephthalate glycol offers clarity, chemical resistance, and durability characteristics that may be desirable for medical device applications. The barrier 100 may be manufactured from PETG sheet material. In still other embodiments, the sheet material comprises polypropylene (PP), Polypropylene provides flexibility, chemical resistance, and fatigue resistance characteristics that allow the body 104 to withstand repeated deformation cycles without degradation of the flexural properties. The barrier 100 may be manufactured from polypropylene sheet material.

[0051] Alternative thermoplastic materials may be used for the sheet material of the body 104 in addition to high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and polypropylene. The sheet material may comprise other MRI-compatible thermoplastics having flexural modulus and elastic memory characteristics suitable for the barrier 100 application. The selection of sheet material may be based on factors including cost, availability, chemical resistance to sanitizingagents used in healthcare settings, surface finish characteristics, and manufacturing process compatibility.

[0052] The sheet material has a flexural modulus sufficient to maintain the outward radial bias when the body 104 is deformed into the curved configuration within the bore 10. The flexural modulus of the sheet material determines the magnitude of the restoring force that the body 104 exerts against the inner w’all 12 of the bore 10 when the body 104 is radially compressed from the planar configuration into the curved configuration. A sheet material having a higher flexural modulus generates a greater outward radial bias for a given degree of radial compression, while a sheet material having a lower flexural modulus generates a lesser outward radial bias. The flexural modulus of the sheet material may be selected in combination with the thickness IT and the degree of oversizing of the body 104 relative to the bore 10 diameter to achieve the desired magnitude of outward radial bias for maintaining the barrier 100 in frictional engagement with the inner wall 12 of the bore 10.

[0053] Continuing with FIGS. 1 -5, the barrier 100 includes a plurality of handle openings 128 extending through the body 104 and located adjacent the peripheral edge 116. The handle openings 128 are configured to facilitate manipulation of the barrier 100 during insertion into and removal from the MRI gantiy bore 10. The handle openings 128 extend completely through the thickness T1 of the body 104, providing apertures through which a user may insert fingers to grasp and control the barrier 100.

[0054] The plurality of handle openings 128 comprises elongate slots positioned symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline 132 of the body 104. The longitudinal centerline 132 extends along the length of the body 104 in the direction corresponding to the length LI when the barrier 100 is installed within the MRI bore 10. The symmetrical positioning of the handle openings 128 about the longitudinal centerline 132 provides balanced grip points on opposing sides of the body 104, facilitating controlled folding and manipulation of the barrier 100 during installation and removal procedures.

[0055] The plurality of handle openings 128 comprises opposing pairs of handle openings located adjacent opposing lateral side edges 136 of the peripheral edge 116. The lateral side edges 136 extend along the width W1 of the body 104 in the planar configuration. Each opposing pair of handle openings 128 includes a first handle opening positioned adjacent a first lateral side edge and a second handle opening positioned adjacent a second lateral side edge opposite the first lateral side edge. This opposing pair arrangement allows a user to grasp both sides of the body 104 simultaneously when folding the barrier 100 for insertion into the bore.

[0056] The plurality of handle openings 128 are configured to permit folding of the body 104 along the longitudinal axis and to permit manual steering of the body 104 into the bore 10. When folding the body 104 for insertion, a user may grasp opposing handle openings 128 with one hand, bringing the opposing lateral side edges 136 toward one another to form the horseshoe-shaped cross-section. The handle openings 128 positioned adjacent the lateral side edges 136 provide grip points that allow the user to control the degree of folding and to maintain the folded configuration while inserting the barrier 100 into the MRI bore 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the handle openings 128 remain accessible when the barrier 100 is installed within the bore 10, allowing a user to grasp the handle openings 128 to remove the barrier 100 for cleaning.

[0057] The handle openings 128 may comprise elongate slots having a length L3 and a width W3. The length L3 of each handle opening 128 may be in a range of 2 inches to 6 inches, for example, approximately 4 inches. The width W3 of each handle opening 128 may be in a range of 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, for example, approximately 1 inch. The elongate slot configuration of the handle openings 128 provides sufficient aperture area to accommodate insertion of multiple fingers while maintaining structural integrity of the body 104 adjacent the peripheral edge 116.

[0058] The handle openings 128 may include finger placement grooves 140 formed in the body 104 adjacent the handle openings 128. The finger placement grooves 140 are configured to improve grip during insertion and removal of the barrier 100. The finger placement grooves 140 may comprise recessed channels or textured surfaces formed in the inner surface 108 or the outer surface 112 of the body 104 adjacent the handle openings 128. The finger placement grooves 140provide tactile feedback and increased friction between the fingers of a user and the body 104, reducing the likelihood of slippage during manipulation of the barrier 100.

[0059] In some embodiments, the finger placement grooves 140 comprise a series of parallel ridges extending perpendicular to the length L3 of the handle openings 128. The parallel ridges provide grip surfaces that engage with the fingers of a user when grasping the handle openings 128. In other embodiments, the finger placement grooves 140 comprise contoured recesses shaped to conform to the curvature of human fingers. The contoured recesses provide ergonomic grip surfaces that distribute contact forces across a larger area of the fingers, reducing fatigue during repeated insertion and removal cycles.

[0060] The handle openings 128 may be positioned at multiple locations around the peripheral edge 116 of the body 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle openings 128 are located adjacent each of the four corners of the body 104 in the planar configuration. Additional handle openings 128 may be positioned along the lateral side edges 136 at intermediate locations between the corner handle openings. This distribution of handle openings 128 provides multiple grip point options, allowing a user to select grip locations based on the specific manipulation being performed and the orientation of the barrier 100 during handling.

[0061] The handle openings 128 located adjacent the corners of the body 104 may be oriented diagonally relative to the lateral side edges 136. The diagonal orientation of the corner handle openings 128 aligns the elongate slots with the natural grasping motion of a user when lifting or manipulating the corners of the barrier 100. The handle openings 128 located along the lateral side edges 136 at intermediate positions may be oriented parallel to the lateral side edges 136 or perpendicular to the lateral side edges 136, depending on the intended grip orientation for folding and insertion procedures.

[0062] The handle openings 128 facilitate manual steering of the body 104 into the bore 10 during installation. When inserting the folded barrier 100 into the MRI bore 10, a user may grasp the handle openings 128 with one hand while using the other hand to grasp an edge portion of the body 104 to steer the barrier 100 into the bore 10 opening. The handle openings 128 provide securegrip points that allow the user to control the orientation and position of the barrier 100 as the barrier 100 enters the bore 10, Once the barrier 100 is positioned within the bore 10, the handle openings 128 allow the user to rotate the barrier 100 to the correct orientation before releasing the barrier 100 to expand into engagement with the inner wall 12 (not depicted) of the bore 10.

[0063] The body 104 is manufactured from a single sheet of material without seams or joints. This monolithic construction provides structural continuity across the entire body 104, eliminating potential failure points that could arise at seam locations during repeated folding and deformation cycles. The single-sheet construction also provides a continuous barrier surface without gaps or discontinuities that could harbor pathogens or compromise the protective function of the barrier 100. Manufacturing the body 104 from a single sheet of material simplifies the production process by eliminating joining operations such as welding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical fastening that would otherwise be required to assemble multiple sheet sections into the complete body 104,

[0064] The body 104 is sized to fit within a standard sheet stock having dimensions of 48 inches by 96 inches. This sizing constraint allows the body 104 to be cut or machined from commercially available thermoplastic sheet stock without requiring custom sheet sizes or splicing of multiple sheets. Standard sheet stock dimensions of 48 inches by 96 inches are commonly available from material suppliers for high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polypropylene, and other thermoplastic materials suitable for the barrier 100 application. By constraining the overall dimensions of the body 104 to fit within this standard sheet stock size, manufacturing costs may be reduced through the use of readily available raw materials and elimination of material waste associated with non-standard sheet sizes.

[0065] The barrier 100 may be manufactured using CNC machining processes. Computer numerical control machining allows precise cutting of the body 104 profile, including the peripheral edge 116, the handle openings 128, and any additional features such as slots or belt attachment points. CNC machining provides repeatable dimensional accuracy across multiple production units, ensuring consistent fit and function of the barrier 100 within the target MRI bore configuration. The CNC machining process may include cutting operations to define the outerprofile of the body 104, routing operations to form the handle openings 128 and other through- features, and edge finishing operations to create the radiused or chamfered edge profile at the peripheral edge 116.

[0066] During prototyping and development of the barrier 100, tolerances may be updated in real time based on fit testing within actual MRI bore 10 configurations. This iterative approach allows dimensional adjustments to be made to the CNC machining program based on feedback from physical testing of prototype barriers within MRI scanners. Tolerances for the overall width Wl, height Hl, and feature locations may be refined through successive prototyping iterations to achieve the desired fit characteristics including the outward radial bias and frictional engagement with the inner wall 12 of the bore 10. The CNC machining process facilitates this iterative refinement by allowing rapid modification of the machining program without requiring changes to physical tooling or fixtures.

[0067] The barrier 100 may be designed for specific MRI room configurations. Different MRI scanner models and installation configurations may have varying bore 10 diameters, bore 10 depths, and access constraints that affect the dimensional requirements for the barrier 100. Roomspecific designs may be developed for particular MRI installations. The room-specific design approach allows the barrier 100 to be optimized for the particular MRI equipment at each installation site, providing appropriate fit and radial bias characteristics for the specific bore 10 geometry.

[0068] The design of the barrier 100 may be constrained by standard manufacturing sheet sizes available from material suppliers. In addition to the 48 inch by 96 inch standard sheet stock dimension, material suppliers may offer alternative standard sheet sizes that impose different constraints on the maximum dimensions of the body 104. The selection of sheet stock size may be based on factors including material cost, availability, and the dimensional requirements of the target MRI bore 10 configuration. For larger MRI bore 10 configurations, the body 104 dimensions may approach the limits of standard sheet stock sizes, requiring careful optimization of the body 104 profile to maximize bore 10 coverage while remaining within the available sheet dimensions.

[0069] The manufacturing process may include quality control operations to verify dimensional accuracy of the machined body 104 relative to the design specifications. Dimensional inspection may be performed using coordinate measuring machines, optical measurement systems, or other metrology equipment to confirm that the width Wl, height Hl, thickness T1, and feature locations fall within specified tolerances. Quality control operations may also include visual inspection of the machined surfaces and edges to id entify any defects that could affect the function or durability of the barrier 100.

[0070] Referring to FIGS 8 and 9, an alternative embodiment of a barrier 200 includes an integrated belt 248 extending from a first side edge 252 of a body 204 toward an opposite second side edge 256 of the body 204. The barrier 200 includes features corresponding to those of the barrier 100, with corresponding reference numerals in the 200 series. The integrated belt 248 is integrally formed from the sheet material of the body 204, That is, the integrated belt 248 and the body 204 are manufactured as a single continuous piece of sheet material without seams, joints, or separate attachment points between the integrated belt 248 and the body 204. This monolithic construction provides structural continuity between the integrated belt 248 and the body 204, eliminating potential failure points that could arise at attachment locations during repeated use cycles.

[0071] The integrated belt 248 is defined by elongated horizontal slots 260 formed through the body 204 adjacent the first side edge 252. The elongated horizontal slots 260 extend parallel to the first side edge 252 and define a tab portion 262 that constitutes the integrated belt 248. The integrated belt 248 extends outwardly from the first side edge 252 and is configured to wrap around the body 204 when the body 204 is in the folded configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated belt 248 is positioned in both an upper region and a lower region of the body 204 to provide multiple belt attachment points along the height HI of the body 204. In some embodiments, the integrated belt 248 may be positioned in one of an upper region of the body 204 or a lower region of the body 204.

[0072] The barrier 200 further comprises one or more slots 264 formed through the body 204 adjacent the second side edge 256. The integrated belt 248 is insertable into the one or more slots 264 to secure the body 204 in the folded configuration. When the body 204 is folded along the longitudinal axis into the horseshoe-shaped cross-section, the integrated belt 248 extends across the folded body 204 and the free end of the integrated belt 248 is inserted into the one or more slots 264 on the second side edge 256. This belt-and-slot arrangement maintains the body 204 in the folded configuration during transport and handling, allowing a user to carry the folded barrier 200 without the body 204 unfolding or springing open due to the flexural resilience of the sheet material.

[0073] The plurality of slots 264 are formed at different positions along the second side edge 256. The plurality of slots 264 are configured to receive the integrated belt 248 at different positions to provide an adjustable belt length. The plurality of slots 264 may be arranged in a vertical column adjacent the second side edge 256, with each slot 264 positioned at a different distance from the first side edge 252. By selecting which slot 264 receives the integrated belt 248, a user may adjust the effective circumference of the belt loop to accommodate different folding configurations or to adjust the tightness of the belt around the folded body 204. This adjustable belt length feature allows the barrier 200 to be secured in the folded configuration with varying degrees of compression, which may be desirable for different handling or storage situations.

[0074] The one or more slots 264 have a width W4 less than a width W 5 of the integrated belt 248 such that insertion of the integrated belt 248 into the one or more slots 264 creates an interference fit. The flexible sheet material of the integrated belt 248 compresses slightly when inserted through the narrower slot 264, and the elastic recovery of the material generates a clamping force that retains the integrated belt 248 in position within the slot 264. The width W4 of the slots 264 may be in a range of 80% to 95% of the width W5 of the integrated belt 248, for example, approximately 90% of the width W5. This dimensional relationship causes the integrated belt 248 to be slightly compressed when inserted into the slots 264, generating a clamping force that retains the integrated belt 248 in position within the slots 264.

[0075] The integrated belt 248 is configured to extend around an external surface of an MRI gantry housing when the body 204 is installed within the bore. In this configuration, the body 204 is positioned within the MRI bore in the curved configuration, and the integrated belt 248 extends outwardly from the front opening of the bore, wraps around the external housing of the MRI gantry, and the free end of the integrated belt 248 is secured to the body 204 or to the gantry housing. This belt arrangement provides an additional retention mechanism that supplements the outward radial bias of the body 204 against the inner wall of the bore. The integrated belt 248 extending around the external surface of the MRI gantry housing anchors the barrier 200 to the gantry structure, preventing the barrier 200 from being displaced during patient positioning or scanning procedures.

[0076] The integrated belt 248 is configured to resist axial displacement of the body 204 within the bore. When the integrated belt 248 extends around the external surface of the MRI gantry housing and is secured, the integrated belt 248 creates a mechanical connection between the body 204 and the gantry structure that resists movement of the body 204 along the longitudinal axis of the bore. This axial retention function prevents the barrier 200 from sliding deeper into the bore or from being pulled out of the bore during patient table movement or other activities that could impart axial forces to the barrier 200. The integrated belt 248 thereby provides a secondary retention mechanism that works in conjunction with the frictional engagement between the body 204 and the inner wall of the bore to maintain the barrier 200 in the desired position within the MRI scanner.

[0077] With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the barrier 200 includes handle openings 228 positioned adjacent the first side edge 252 and the second side edge 256 of the body 204. The handle openings 228 allow a user to grasp the body 204 during manipulation and insertion procedures. The handle openings 228 positioned near the corners of the body 204 provide grip points that are accessible when the barrier 200 is in the planar configuration, the folded configuration, or the curved configuration installed within the MRI bore. In some embodiments, the handle openings 228 are oblong cutouts.

[0078] The integrated belt 248 configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 provides advantages for handling and transport of the barrier 200. When the body 204 is secured in the folded configuration using the integrated belt 248 and slots 264, a user may carry’ the folded barrier 200 using handle openings 228 or the handle openings 228 without the body 204 unfolding during transport. The secured folded configuration also facilitates storage of the barrier 200 in a compact form when the barrier 200 is not installed within the MRI bore. The integrated belt 248 being integrally formed from the sheet material of the body 204 eliminates the need for separate strap components that could become lost or damaged, and the monolithic construction provides durability for repeated folding and securing cycles.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternative embodiment of a barrier 300 includes one or more straps 348 detachably coupled to a body 304 adjacent lateral side edges 336 of a peripheral edge 316. The barrier 300 includes features corresponding to those of the barrier 100, with corresponding reference numerals in the 300 series. The one or more straps 348 are configured to extend around an external surface of an MRI gantry housing and are secured to the opposite side of the body 304. This strap embodiment is distinct from the integrated belt embodiment of the barrier 200 described previously in that the one or more straps 348 are separate components that are detachably coupled to the body 304 rather than being integrally formed from the sheet material of the body 304.

[0080] The one or more straps 348 pass through one or more openings 356 formed in the body 304. The one or more openings 356 are positioned adjacent the lateral side edges 336 of the peripheral edge 316 and extend through the thickness of the body 304. The one or more straps 348 are threaded through the one or more openings 356 such that the one or more straps 348 are retained in position relative to the body 304 while remaining detachable for replacement or adjustment.

[0081] The one or more straps 348 wrap around the external surface of the MRI gantry housing and are secured to the body 304. The one or more straps 348 provide an additional retention mechanism that supplements the outward radial bias of the body 304 against the inner wall of the bore, anchoring the barrier 300 to the gantry structure.

[0082] Continuing with FIG. 11, the one or more straps 348 may be positioned at both an upper region and a lower region of the body 304 to provide multiple attachment points along the height of the body 304. The distribution of the one or more straps 348 at multiple positions provides balanced retention forces. In some embodiments, the one or more straps 348 may be positioned at a single location along the height of the body 304.

[0083] The detachable coupling of the one or more straps 348 to the body 304 allows the one or more straps 348 to be removed for cleaning, replacement, or storage, a user may detach the one or more straps 348 from the body 304 by withdrawing the one or more straps 348 from the one or more openings 356. This detachable configuration allows the body 304 to be cleaned separately from the one or more straps 348.

[0084] In some embodiments, the barrier 300 may be secured to the MRI scanner using adhesive tabs 360 that attach to the exterior surface of the scanner. The adhesive tabs 360 provide an alternative attachment mechanism for securing the barrier 300 in position within the bore.

[0085] In other embodiments, the barrier 300 may include plastic strips 364 with adhesive tabs 360 that fold over the front or back edges of the MRI bore opening. The plastic strips 364 extend from the body 304 and include adhesive tabs 360 on the free ends of the plastic strips 364. When the body 304 is installed within the MRI bore, the plastic strips 364 extend outwardly from the bore opening and fold over the front face or back face of the MRI gantry housing. The adhesive tabs 360 adhere to the exterior surface of the gantry housing, securing the barrier 300 in position within the bore.

[0086] The handles, straps, clips, and other features of the barrier 300 ensure easy transport and secure storage. When the barrier 300 is not installed within the MRI bore, the one or more straps 348 may be used to secure the body 304 in a folded or rolled configuration for storage.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12, a method 400 of installing a barrier within an MRI gantry bore is shown. In step 402, a user provides the barrier 100, 200, 300 as described previously. In step 404, the user deforms the barrier 100, 200, 300 from the planar configuration into the curved configuration. In step 406, the user folds the barrier 100, 200, 300 along a longitudinal axis bybringing opposing portions of the peripheral edge 116, 216, 316 toward one another. In step 408, the user inserts the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 into the MRI gantry bore. In step 410, the user rotates the barrier 100, 200, 300 within the bore. In step 412, the user allows the barrier 100, 200, 300 to radially expand into engagement with the inner wall of the bore such that the barrier 100, 200, 300 is retained via the outward radial bias.

[0088] Prior to performing step 404 of deforming the barrier 100, 200, 300 from the planar configuration into the curved configuration, the user may first clean a first surface of the body 104, 204, 304 with a sanitizing wipe. The barrier 100, 200, 300 may be placed on a patient table or other flat surface in the planar configuration with the first surface facing upward. The user then applies a sanitizing wipe to the first surface and wipes the entire first surface to distribute the sanitizing agent across the surface area. The sanitizing wipe may comprise a purple sanitary wipe or other hospital-grade disinfectant wipe suitable for medical equipment surfaces.

[0089] The barrier 100, 200, 300 requires the cleaning wipes to remain wet for two minutes to achieve proper sanitization of the surfaces. The two-minute wet time allows the sanitizing agent to remain in contact with the surface for a duration sufficient to eliminate pathogens. The user may apply multiple passes with the sanitizing wipe to maintain the wet condition of the surface throughout the two-minute contact period. This wet time requirement ensures that the sanitizing agent has adequate exposure time to achieve the desired level of disinfection before the barrier 100, 200, 300 is installed within the MRI bore.

[0090] Following cleaning of the first surface, the user may flip the barrier 100, 200, 300 and clean a second surface of the body 104, 204, 304 opposite the first surface with a sanitizing wipe prior to folding the barrier 100, 200, 300 along the longitudinal axis. The user turns the barrier 100, 200, 300 over such that the second surface faces upward and applies a sanitizing wipe to the second surface in the same manner as the first surface. The two-minute wet time requirement applies to the second surface as well, ensuring that both surfaces of the barrier 100, 200, 300 are properly sanitized before installation. This dual-surface cleaning procedure ensures that both theinner surface 108, 208, 308 and the outer surface 112, 212, 312 of the body 104, 204, 304 are sanitized prior to insertion into the MRI bore.

[0091] With continued reference to FIG. 12, in step 406, the user folds the barrier 100, 200, 300 along the longitudinal axis by grasping opposing handle openings 128, 228, 328 of the plurality of handle openings 128, 228, 328 with one hand and steering the barrier 100, 200, 300 into the bore using an edge portion of the body 104, 204, 304 with another hand. The user may position one hand at the center of the barrier 100, 200, 300 and insert fingers through opposing handle openings 128, 228, 328 located adjacent the lateral side edges 136, 236, 336 of the peripheral edge 116, 216, 316. By bringing the opposing handle openings 128, 228, 328 toward one another, the body 104, 204, 304 folds along the longitudinal axis and assumes a horseshoeshaped cross-section. The other hand grasps a back edge portion of the body 104, 204, 304 to steer the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 toward and into the bore opening of the MRI scanner.

[0092] The barrier 100, 200, 300 may include directional arrow graphics printed on the surface to indicate the correct direction for insertion into the MRI bore. The directional arrow graphics are positioned adjacent branding or identification markings on the body 104, 204, 304 and point in the direction that the barrier 100, 200, 300 should travel when entering the bore. The user orients the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 such that the directional arrow graphics point toward the bore opening before inserting the barrier 100, 200, 300, The directional arrow graphics may be printed on both ends of the barrier 100, 200, 300 with opposing orientations, ensuring that the correct insertion direction is indicated regardless of which end of the barrier 100, 200, 300 faces the user during handling.

[0093] The barrier 100, 200, 300 may include decals or printed graphics on the surface for identification or instructional purposes. The decals or printed graphics may comprise branding elements such as logos and institutional names, as well as instructional text or symbols that guide the user through the installation and removal procedures. The decals or printed graphics are applied to the outer surface 112, 212, 312 of the body 104, 204, 304 using printing processes or adhesive application methods that provide durability during repeated cleaning and handling cycles.

[0094] During step 408 of inserting the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 into the MRI gantry bore, an interference fit is created between the body 104, 204, 304 and the inner wall of the bore. As described previously, the width W1 of the body 104, 204, 304 in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter DI of the MRI gantry bore. When the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 is inserted into the bore and allowed to expand, the body 104, 204, 304 is radially compressed against the inner wall of the bore. This radial compression creates the interference fit that retains the barrier 100, 200, 300 in position within the bore through frictional engagement between the outer surface 112, 212, 312 of the body 104, 204, 304 and the inner wall of the bore.

[0095] The body 104, 204, 304 undergoes elastic deformation during step 408 of inserting the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 into the MRI gantry bore. The sheet material of the body 104, 204, 304 is compressed and bent as the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 enters the bore and expands against the inner wall. The elastic properties of the sheet material allow the body 104, 204, 304 to deform without permanent plastic deformation, such that the body 104, 204, 304 retains the flexural characteristics that generate the outward radial bias. The body 104, 204, 304 undergoes elastic release during removal of the barrier 100, 200, 300 from the bore. When the user grasps the handle openings 128, 228, 328 and pulls the barrier 100, 200, 300 out of the bore, the constraining force of the bore wall is removed and the elastic energy stored in the deformed body 104, 204, 304 is released. The body 104, 204, 304 returns toward the planar configuration via elastic recovery as the barrier 100, 200, 300 exits the bore.

[0096] In step 410, the user rotates the barrier 100, 200, 300 within the bore approximately 90 degrees to snap the barrier 100, 200, 300 into a correct orientation against the inner wall of the bore. After inserting the folded barrier 100, 200, 300 into the bore, the user rotates the barrier 100, 200, 300 clockwise or counterclockwise by approximately 90 degrees. This rotation causes the body 104, 204, 304 to transition from the folded horseshoe-shaped cross-section to the curved configuration that conforms to the upper and side portions of the bore interior. The rotation snaps the barrier 100, 200, 300 into the correct orientation where the body 104, 204, 304 covers the upper interior surface of the bore while leaving the lower portion open to accommodate the patient table.

[0097] In step 412, the user allows the barrier 100, 200, 300 to radially expand into engagement with the inner wall of the bore by releasing the handle openings 128, 228, 328 after rotating the barrier 100, 200, 300 to the correct orientation. The flexural resilience of the sheet material causes the body 104, 204, 304 to expand outwardly against the inner wall of the bore. The outward radial bias generated by the oversized body 104, 204, 304 pressing against the bore wall creates frictional engagement that retains the barrier 100, 200, 300 in position. The barrier 100, 200, 300 is retained via the outward radial bias during normal scanning conditions without requiring additional securement mechanisms in some embodiments.

[0098] In some embodiments, prior to performing step 408 of inserting the folded barrier 200 into the MRI gantry bore, the user may secure the body 204 in the folded configuration using the integrated belt 248. As described previously with respect to the barrier 200 having the integrated belt 248, the integrated belt 248 extends from the first side edge 252 of the body 204 and is insertable into the slots 264 formed adjacent the second side edge 256 of the body 204. The user folds the body 204 along the longitudinal axis, wraps the integrated belt 248 around the folded body 204, and inserts the free end of the integrated belt 248 into one of the slots 264 to secure the folded configuration. The secured folded configuration facilitates transport of the barrier 200 from a cleaning location to the MRI scanner and allows the user to carry the folded barrier 200 without the body 204 unfolding due to the flexural resilience of the sheet material,

[0099] In other embodiments, prior to performing step 408 of inserting the folded barrier 300 into the MRI gantry bore, the user may secure the body 304 in the folded configuration using the one or more straps 348. As described previously with respect to the barrier 300 having the one or more straps 348 detachably coupled to the body 304, the one or more straps 348 extend around the folded body 304 and are secured. The user folds the body 304 along the longitudinal axis, wraps the one or more straps 348 around the folded body 304, and secures the one or more straps 348 to maintain the folded configuration. The one or more straps 348 maintain the body 304 in the folded configuration during transport and handling.

[0100] The method 400 may further include removing the barrier 100, 200, 300 from the bore by grasping the plurality of handle openings 128, 228, 328 and pulling the barrier 100, 200, 300 out of the bore. The user may position themselves at the front opening of the MRI scanner where the handle openings 128, 228, 328 are exposed and accessible. The handle openings 128, 228, 328 located adjacent the peripheral edge 116, 216, 316 provide grip points that allow the user to securely grasp the body 104, 204, 304 and apply pulling force to withdraw the barrier 100, 200, 300 from the bore. The pulling motion draws the barrier 100, 200, 300 axially out of the bore toward the front opening of the MRI scanner.

[0101] As the barrier 100, 200, 300 is pulled out of the bore, the body 104, 204, 304 undergoes elastic recovery whereby the body 104, 204, 304 returns to the planar configuration when removed from the bore. The constraining force of the bore wall that maintained the body 104, 204, 304 in the curved configuration is progressively removed as the barrier 100, 200, 300 exits the bore. The elastic energy stored in the deformed sheet material is released, and the flexural resilience of the sheet material causes the body 104, 204, 304 to spring back toward the planar configuration. This elastic recovery characteristic allows the barrier 100, 200, 300 to transition from the curved configuration within the bore to a substantially flat state suitable for cleaning or disposal once the barrier 100, 200, 300 is fully withdrawn from the scanner.

[0102] Following removal from the bore, the user may roll the barrier 100, 200, 300 into a cylindrical configuration with a contaminated surface of the body 104, 204, 304 positioned inwardly. The contaminated surface is the surface of the body 104, 204, 304 that faced the patient during the scanning procedure and that may have contacted pathogens from the patient. By positioning the contaminated surface inwardly during the rolling process, the contaminated surface is enclosed within the rolled barrier 100, 200, 300 and is thereby isolated from contact with the user and the surrounding environment.

[0103] When rolling the barrier 100, 200, 300 into the cylindrical configuration, the user begins the rolling at the peripheral edge 116, 216, 316 of the body 104, 204, 304. The user positions the barrier 100, 200, 300 on a flat surface such as the patient table with the contaminated surfacefacing upward. Starting at one of the peripheral edges 116, 216, 316, the user folds the edge portion of the body 104, 204, 304 inwardly over the contaminated surface and continues rolling the body 104, 204, 304 toward the opposite peripheral edge. This rolling technique progressively encloses the contaminated surface within successive layers of the rolled body 104, 204, 304.

[0104] Once the body 104, 204, 304 is fully rolled into the cylindrical configuration, the user may compress or collapse the cylindrical configuration to reduce the volume of the rolled barrier 100, 200, 300 for disposal or storage. The collapsing action maintains the contaminated surface in the enclosed inward position, preventing the contaminated surface from being exposed to the user or the surrounding environment. This containment approach reduces the risk of staff exposure to pathogens that may be present on the contaminated surface of the barrier 100, 200, 300.

[0105] The inward positioning of the contaminated surface during the rolling process ensures that any pathogens present on the contaminated surface are contained within the interior of the rolled barrier 100, 200, 300. The outer surface of the rolled barrier 100, 200, 300 comprises the clean surface of the body 104, 204, 304 that faced the bore wall during the scanning procedure, allowing the user to handle the rolled barrier 100, 200, 300 without contacting the contaminated surface.

[0106] For oversized MRI machines, any exposed areas of the bore not covered by the barrier 100, 200, 300 may be manually wiped from the rear of the machine. The axial length of the body 104, 204, 304 may not extend the full depth of the bore in some MRI scanner configurations, leaving portions of the bore interior exposed at the rear end of the scanner. The user may access the rear of the MRI machine and carefully wipe any exposed areas of the bore surface that were not covered by the barrier 100, 200, 300 during the scanning procedure. This supplemental cleaning step ensures that the entire bore interior is sanitized between patient scans, even in configurations where the barrier 100, 200, 300 does not provide complete coverage of the bore surface,

[0107] The body is configured for storage in the planar configuration when the barrier is not installed within the MRI bore. The planar configuration provides a compact storage form factorCOO-009-PCTthat allows the barrier to be placed on flat surfaces such as shelves, countertops, or storage cabinets within the MRI suite. When stored in the planar configuration, the barrier occupies minimal vertical space while the width and height dimensions of the body define the footprint of the stored barrier. The planar storage configuration takes advantage of the flexural memory characteristic of the sheet material whereby the body returns to the substantially planar configuration when removed from the bore, eliminating the need for fixtures or supports to maintain the storage shape.10108] The body is configured for shipping in a rolled cylindrical configuration. When the body is rolled along the longitudinal axis, the body assumes a cylindrical shape having a diameter determined by the tightness of the roll and the thickness of the sheet material. The rolled cylindrical configuration reduces the shipping footprint of the barrier compared to shipping in the planar configuration, allowing multiple barriers to be packaged together or allowing individual barriers to be shipped in smaller packaging. The flexural resilience of the sheet material allows the body to be rolled without permanent deformation, such that the body returns to the planar configuration when unrolled at the destination.

[0109] The rolled cylindrical shipping configuration protects the barrier during transit by distributing impact forces around the circumference of the rolled body rather than concentrating forces at edge or corner locations that could cause damage. The rolled configuration also prevents creasing or folding damage that could occur if the barrier were shipped in the planar configuration without rigid support. Packaging materials positioned within the shipping box maintain the rolled configuration during transit and prevent the barrier from unrolling or shifting within the box.

[0110] As described previously, the barrier may reside within the MRI machine between uses without requiring additional hangers or storage accessories. This in-machine storage approach maintains the barrier in the installed curved configuration within the bore during periods when the scanner is not actively being used for patient scans. The in-machine storage configuration eliminates the need for external storage space and ensures that the barrier is immediately available for the next patient scan without requiring retrieval from a separate storage location, a user removethe barrier from the bore for cleaning between patient scans and reinsert the cleaned barrier into the bore, where the barrier remains until the next cleaning cycle,

[0111] The selection between external storage in the planar configuration and in-machine storage in the curved configuration may be based on facility protocols, scanner utilization patterns, and cleaning workflow preferences. Facilities with high scanner utilization may prefer in-machine storage to minimize the time required to prepare the scanner for each patient scan. Facilities with lower scanner utilization or those that perform end-of-day deep cleaning procedures may prefer external storage in the planar configuration, which allows the bore interior to remain accessible when the scanner is not in use.

[0112] The barrier may be constructed as a disposable single-use liner that is discarded after each patient use rather than being cleaned and reused. In such embodiments, the sheet material may comprise a thinner gauge thermoplastic or a lower-cost material formulation that provides the flexural characteristics for installation and retention within the MRI bore while reducing the per- unit cost to a level suitable for single-use applications. The disposable single- use liner embodiment eliminates the cleaning step between patient scans, as a user remove the used liner from the bore following each scan and discard the liner in appropriate medical waste receptacles. A fresh liner is then installed in the bore prior to the next patient scan. This single-use approach may be desirable in clinical settings where infection control protocols require maximum assurance against crosscontamination between patients, or where the time required for cleaning and sanitizing a reusable barrier would reduce scanner throughput below acceptable levels.

[0113] The disposable single-use liner may be manufactured from sheet materials having reduced thickness compared to reusable barrier embodiments. The reduced thickness decreases material cost per unit while maintaining sufficient flexural resilience to generate the outward radial bias for retention within the bore during the single scanning procedure. The disposable single-use liner may be packaged in quantities suitable for daily or weekly scanner usage, with multiple liners provided in a single shipping container to reduce packaging and shipping costs per unit. Healthcare facilities may maintain inventory of disposable single-use liners in storage areas adjacent to theCOO-009-PCTMRI suite, allowing rapid replacement of liners between patient scans without delays associated with cleaning procedures,

[0114] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the barrier may be coated with a nonmetallic chemical which destroys pathogens to provide antimicrobial protection. The nonmetallic antimicrobial coating is applied to the inner surface of the body, which is the surface that faces the patient during scanning procedures and that is most likely to contact pathogens from the patient. The nonmetallic antimicrobial coating may provide broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi commonly encountered in healthcare settings.

[0115] The nonmetallic antimicrobial coating on the inner surface provides continuous pathogen destruction during the period when the barrier is installed within the MRI bore. Pathogens that contact the coated inner surface are exposed to the antimicrobial agent, which disrupts cellular membranes, interferes with metabolic processes, or otherwise inactivates the pathogens. This continuous antimicrobial action supplements the cleaning procedures performed between patient scans by providing an additional layer of protection against pathogen transmission. The nonmetallic antimicrobial coating may remain active through multiple cleaning cycles in reusable barrier embodiments, or the nonmetallic antimicrobial coating may provide protection during the single use period in disposable liner embodiments.

[0116] The nonmetallic antimicrobial coating may be applied to the inner surface using spray coating, dip coating, roll coating, or other coating application methods suitable for thermoplastic sheet materials. The coating formulation may be selected for compatibility with the sheet material composition and for durability during the flexing and deformation that occurs during installation and removal of the barrier from the MRI bore. The nonmetallic antimicrobial coating may be applied during manufacturing of the barrier, or the antimicrobial coating may be applied as a postmanufacturing treatment. The coating thickness and antimicrobial agent concentration may be selected to provide the desired level of antimicrobial activity while maintaining the surface characteristics and flexural properties of the sheet material.

[0117] In some embodiments, the barrier may include surface texturing on the inner surface or the outer surface of the body. Surface texturing may comprise raised patterns, recessed patterns, or combinations thereof that modify the surface characteristics of the body. Surface texturing on the inner surface may be configured to reduce direct contact area between the patient and the barrier surface, which may improve patient comfort during scanning procedures. Surface texturing on the outer surface may be configured to increase frictional engagement between the body and the inner wall of the bore, supplementing the outward radial bias in retaining the barrier in position within the scanner.

[0118] The barrier may be constructed as a two-piece solid liner configuration rather than a single continuous sheet. In the two-piece configuration, the barrier comprises a first liner section and a second liner section that together cover the interior surface of the MRI bore. The first liner section and the second liner section may be configured to overlap at a joint region, or the first liner section and the second liner section may be configured to abut at a seam without overlap. The two- piece configuration may be advantageous for MRI bore configurations where the bore depth exceeds the maximum sheet length available from standard sheet stock, or where the two-piece configuration facilitates handling and installation compared to a single larger sheet.

[0119] In the two-piece solid liner configuration, the first liner section may be installed in a front portion of the MRI bore and the second liner section may be install ed in a rear portion of the MRI bore. Each liner section comprises a body having the flexural characteristics described previously, with the body of each liner section being deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration and being biased toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained. Each liner section includes handle openings that facilitate installation and removal of the respective liner section from the bore. The first liner section and the second liner section may be installed and removed independently, allowing a user to clean or replace individual liner sections without removing the entire barrier assembly from the bore.

[0120] The tw’O-piece solid liner configuration may include interlocking features at the joint region between the first liner section and the second liner section. The interlocking features mayCOO-009-PCTcomprise tongue-and-groove profiles, overlapping flanges, or snap-fit connections that maintain alignment between the first liner section and the second liner section when both liner sections are installed within the bore. The interlocking features may also provide a seal at the joint region that prevents pathogens from passing between the liner sections and contacting the bore wall at the joint location,

[0121] The barrier may be manufactured in different sizes corresponding to different MRI bore diameters. Standard bore MRI machines and oversized MRI machines have different internal bore diameters, and the barrier dimensions may be adjusted accordingly to provide proper fit and radial bias within each bore configuration. Machine-specific sizing allows the barrier to be optimized for the particular MRI equipment at each installation site, with the width of the body selected to exceed the internal diameter of the target bore by the percentage range that generates the desired outward radial bias for that bore configuration.

[0122] For standard bore MRI machines having internal bore diameters in a range of 60 centimeters to 70 centimeters, the barrier may be manufactured with a width in a corresponding range that provides the oversizing relationship for generating the outward radial bias. For oversized MRI machines having internal bore diameters in a range of 70 centimeters to 80 centimeters or larger, the barrier may be manufactured with a correspondingly larger width. The axial length of the body may also be adjusted based on the bore depth of the target MRI machine configuration, with longer barriers provided for deeper bore configurations and shorter barriers provided for shallower bore configurations.

[0123] The barrier may be manufactured from different sheet sizes based on the target MRI bore configuration and the available standard sheet stock dimensions from material suppliers. For smaller MRI bore configurations, the body may be manufactured from sheet stock having dimensions of 48 inches by 48 inches or similar square formats. For larger MRI bore configurations, the body may be manufactured from sheet stock having dimensions of 48 inches by 96 inches or larger rectangular formats. The selection of sheet stock size may be based on factors including material cost, availability, and the dimensional requirements of the target MRIbore configuration, with the body profile optimized to maximize bore coverage while remaining within the available sheet dimensions.

[0124] The barrier may include modular components that allow customization of the barrier configuration for different MRI installations. Modular components may include interchangeable handle assemblies, removable strap attachments, and add-on extension sections that modify the coverage area or retention characteristics of the barrier. The modular component approach allows a base barrier configuration to be adapted for different MRI machine models or different clinical workflow requirements without requiring manufacture of entirely different barrier designs for each application.

[0125] In some embodiments, the barrier may include removable extension panels that attach to the peripheral edge of the body to increase the coverage area of the barrier. The removable extension panels may be configured to attach to the leading edge or trailing edge of the body to extend the axial length of the barrier within the bore. The removable extension panels may include attachment features such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snap connectors, or interlocking profiles that secure the extension panels to the body while allowing the extension panels to be removed for cleaning or replacement.

[0126] While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the in vention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

[0127] EXEMPLARY CLAIMS

[0128] Exemplary Claim 1. A barrier for an MRI gantry' bore, comprising: a generally planar body having an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a peripheral edgeextending around the body, and a thickness defined between the inner and outer surfaces; the body being formed from a sheet material having sufficient flexural resilience such that the body is deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration corresponding to a cylindrical MRI bore wall and is biased toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained; a plurality of handle openings extending through the body and located adjacent the peripheral edge; wherein the body has dimensions selected to correspond to an internal diameter of an MRI gantry bore such that when the body is deformed into the curved configuration and inserted into the bore, the body exerts an outward radial bias against an inner wall of the bore; and wherein the body is insertable into the bore in a folded configuration along a longitudinal axis, is rotatable within the bore, and is retained against the inner wall of the bore via the outward radial bias.

[0129] Exemplary Claim 2. The barrier according to exemplary claim 1, wherein the sheet material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and polypropylene.

[0130] Exemplary Claim 3. The barrier according to exemplary claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thickness is in a range of 0.060 inches to 0.125 inches.

[0131] Exemplary Claim 4. The barrier according to any one of exemplary’ claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet material has a flexural modulus sufficient to maintain the outward radial bias when the body is deformed into the curved configuration within the bore.

[0132] Exemplary Claim 5. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 4, wherein the body exhibits a memory characteristic whereby the body returns to a substantially planar configuration when removed from the bore.

[0133] Exemplary Claim 6. The barrier according to any one of exemplary’ claims 1 to 5, wherein the body in the folded configuration defines a horseshoe-shaped cross-section.

[0134] Exemplary Claim 7. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 6, wherein the body in the curved configuration defines a semi-cylindrical shape having a curvature radius corresponding to a radius of the inner wall of the bore.

[0135] Exemplary Claim 8. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 7, wherein a width of the body in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter of the MRI gantry bore such that radial compression of the body within the bore creates the outward radial bias.

[0136] Exemplary Claim 9. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of handle openings comprises elongate slots positioned symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the body.

[0137] Exemplary Claim 10. The barrier according to exemplary claim 9, wherein the plurality' of handle openings comprises opposing pairs of handle openings located adjacent opposing lateral side edges of the peripheral edge.

[0138] Exemplary Claim 11. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of handle openings are configured to permit folding of the body along the longitudinal axis and to permit manual steering of the body into the bore.

[0139] Exemplary Claim 12. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 11, further comprising an integrated belt extending from a first side edge of the body toward an opposite second side edge of the body, wherein the integrated belt is integrally formed from the sheet material.

[0140] Exemplary Claim 13. The barrier according to exemplary claim 12, further comprising one or more slots formed through the body adjacent the second side edge, wherein the integrated belt is insertable into the one or more slots to secure the body in the folded configuration.

[0141] Exemplary Claim 14. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 11, further comprising one or more straps detachably coupled to the body adjacent lateral side edges of the peripheral edge, wherein the one or more straps are configured to extend around an external surface of an MRI gantry housing and comprise fastening elements.

[0142] Exemplary Claim 15. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein a width of the body in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter of the MRI gantry bore by a percentage in a range of 5% to 15%.

[0143] Exemplary Claim 16. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein a curvature radius of the body in the curved configuration is in a range of 95% to 105% of a radius of the inner wall of the bore.

[0144] Exemplary Claim 17. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein an axial length of the body is in a range of 70% to 95% of a depth of the MRI gantry' bore,

[0145] Exemplary’ Claim 18. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body is oversized relative to the internal diameter of the MRI gantry bore such that insertion of the body into the bore creates an interference fit between the body and the inner wall of the bore.

[0146] Exemplary Claim 19. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the peripheral edge comprises a radiused or chamfered edge profile.

[0147] Exemplary Claim 20. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises rounded corners at intersections of adjacent portions of the peripheral edge.

[0148] Exemplary Claim 21. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises reinforced edge regions adjacent the peripheral edge, the reinforced edge regions having an increased thickness relative to a central region of the body.

[0149] Exemplary Claim 22. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises variable thickness regions, the body being thicker at the peripheral edge and thinner at a central region of the body.

[0150] Exemplary Claim 23. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the thickness is approximately 0.080 inches.

[0151] Exemplary Claim 24. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the thickness is approximately 0.100 inches.

[0152] Exemplary Claim 25. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body undergoes elastic deformation when deformed from the planar configuration intothe curved configuration, and wherein the body returns to the planar configuration via elastic recovery when removed from the bore.

[0153] Exemplary Claim 26. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the outward radial bias is sufficient to maintain the body in frictional engagement with the inner wall of the bore during normal scanning conditions.

[0154] Exemplary Claim 27. The barrier according to exemplary’ claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the body comprises a plurality of slots formed at different positions along the second side edge, the plurality of slots configured to receive the integrated belt at different positions to provide an adjustable belt length.

[0155] Exemplary Claim 28. The barrier according to exemplary claim 13, wherein the one or more slots have a width less than a width of the integrated belt such that insertion of the integrated belt into the one or more slots creates an interference fit.

[0156] Exemplary Claim 29. The barrier according to exemplary’ claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the integrated belt is configured to extend around an external surface of an MRI gantry housing when the body is installed within the bore.

[0157] Exemplary Claim 30. The barrier according to exemplary claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the integrated belt is configured to resist axial displacement of the body within the bore.

[0158] Exemplary Claim 31. The barrier according to exemplary claim 14, wherein the fastening elements are configured to provide an adjustable strap length.

[0159] Exemplary Claim 32. The barrier according to exemplary claim 14, wherein the one or more straps are configured to be tensioned around the external surface of the MRI gantry housing.

[0160] Exemplary Claim 33. The barrier according to exemplary claim 14, wherein the one or more straps are configured to prevent axial movement of the body within the bore.

[0161] Exemplary Claim 34. The barrier according to exemplary claim 14, wherein the one or more straps pass through one or more openings formed in the body.

[0162] Exemplary Claim 35, The barrier according to exemplary claim 14, wherein the one or more straps comprise an elastic material.

[0163] Exemplary Claim 36. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body is manufactured from a single sheet of material without seams or joints.

[0164] Exemplary Claim 37. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body is sized to fit within a standard sheet stock having dimensions of 48 inches by 96 inches.

[0165] Exemplary Claim 38. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body is configured for storage in the planar configuration.

[0166] Exemplary Claim 39. The barrier according to any one of exemplary claims 1 to 14, wherein the body is configured for shipping in a rolled cylindrical configuration,

[0167] Exemplary Claim 40. A method of installing a barrier within an MRI gantry bore, comprising: providing the barrier according to exemplary claim 1; deforming the barrier from the planar configuration into the curved configuration; folding the barrier along a longitudinal axis by bringing opposing portions of the peripheral edge toward one another; inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore; rotating the barrier within the bore; and allowing the barrier to radially expand into engagement with the inner wall of the bore such that the barrier is retained via the outward radial bias,

[0168] Exemplary Claim 41. The method according to exemplary claim 40, further comprising cleaning a first surface of the body with a sanitizing wipe prior to deforming the barrier from the planar configuration into the curved configuration.

[0169] Exemplary Claim 42. The method according to exemplary claim 41, further comprising flipping the barrier and cleaning a second surface of the body opposite the first surface with a sanitizing wipe prior to folding the barrier along the longitudinal axis.

[0170] Exemplary Claim 43, The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 42, wherein folding the barrier along the longitudinal axis comprises grasping opposing handleopenings of the plurality of handle openings with one hand and steering the barrier into the bore using an edge portion of the body with another hand.

[0171] Exemplary Claim 44. The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 43, wherein rotating the barrier within the bore comprises rotating the barrier approximately 90 degrees to snap the barrier into a correct orientation against the inner wall of the bore.

[0172] Exemplary’ Claim 45. The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 44, further comprising: removing the barrier from the bore by grasping the plurality of handle openings and pulling the barrier out of the bore; rolling the barrier into a cylindrical configuration with a contaminated surface of the body positioned inwardly; and collapsing the cylindrical configuration such that the contaminated surface is enclosed within the rolled barrier.

[0173] Exemplary Claim 46. The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 45, wherein inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore creates an interference fit between the body and the inner wall of the bore.

[0174] Exemplary Claim 47. The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 45, wherein the body undergoes elastic deformation during inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore, and wherein the body undergoes elastic release during removal of the barrier from the bore.

[0175] Exemplary Claim 48. The method according to exemplary claim 45, wherein rolling the barrier into the cylindrical configuration comprises beginning the rolling at the peripheral edge of the body.

[0176] Exemplary Claim 49. The method according to exemplary claim 45, wherein rolling the barrier into the cylindrical configuration comprises positioning the contaminated surface inwardly such that the contaminated surface is enclosed within the rolled barrier.

[0177] Exemplary Claim 50. The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 45, further comprising securing the body in the folded configuration using an integrated belt prior to inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore.

[0178] Exemplary Claim 51. The method according to any one of exemplary claims 40 to 45, further comprising securing the body in the folded configuration using one or more straps prior to inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry’ bore.

Claims

COO-009-PCTCLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A barrier for an MRI gantry bore, comprising:a generally planar body having an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a peripheral edge extending around the body, and a thickness defined between the inner and outer surfaces:the body being formed from a sheet material having sufficient flexural resilience such that the body is deformable from a planar configuration to a curved configuration corresponding to a cylindrical MRI bore wall and is biased toward returning to the planar configuration when unconstrained;a plurality of handle openings extending through the body and located adjacent the peripheral edge;wherein the body has dimensions selected to correspond to an internal diameter of an MRI gantry bore such that when the body is deformed into the curved configuration and inserted into the bore, the body exerts an outward radial bias against an inner wall of the bore; and wherein the body is insertable into the bore in a folded configuration along a longitudinal axis, is rotatable within the bore, and is retained against the inner wall of the bore via the outward radial bias.

2. The barrier according to claim 1, wherein the sheet material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and polypropylene.

3. The barrier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thickness is in a range of 0.060 inches to 0.125 inches.

4. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet material has a flexural modulus sufficient to maintain the outward radial bias when the body is deformed into the curved configuration within the bore.

5. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body exhibits a memory characteristic whereby the body returns to a substantially planar configuration when removed from the bore.COO-009-PCT6. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body in the folded configuration defines a horseshoe-shaped cross-section.

7. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body in the curved configuration defines a semi-cylindrical shape having a curvature radius corresponding to a radius of the inner wall of the bore.

8. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, w’herein a width of the body in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter of the MRI gantry bore such that radial compression of the body within the bore creates the outward radial bias.

9. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of handle openings comprises elongate slots positioned symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline of the body.

10. The barrier according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of handle openings comprises opposing pairs of handle openings located adjacent opposing lateral side edges of the peripheral edge.

11. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of handle openings are configured to permit folding of the body along the longitudinal axis and to permit manual steering of the body into the bore.

12. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a width of the body in the planar configuration exceeds the internal diameter of the MRI gantry’ bore by a percentage in a range of 5% to 15%.

13. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a curvature radius of the body in the curved configuration is in a range of 95% to 105% of a radius of the inner wall of the bore.

14. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an axial length of the body is in a range of 70% to 95% of a depth of the MRI gantry bore.

15. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, w’herein the body is oversized relative to the internal diameter of the MRI gantry bore such that insertion of the body into the bore creates an interference fit between the body and the inner wall of the bore.

16. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the peripheral edge comprises a radiused or chamfered edge profile.COO-009-PCT17. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body comprises rounded corners at intersections of adjacent portions of the peripheral edge.

18. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body comprises reinforced edge regions adjacent the peripheral edge, the reinforced edge regions having an increased thickness relative to a central region of the body.

19. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body comprises variable thickness regions, the body being thicker at the peripheral edge and thinner at a central region of the body.

20. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thickness is approximately 0.080 inches.

21. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thickness is approximately 0.100 inches.

22. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body undergoes elastic deformation when deformed from the planar configuration into the curved configuration, and wherein the body returns to the planar configuration via elastic recovery when removed from the bore.

23. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outward radial bias is sufficient to maintain the body in frictional engagement with the inner wall of the bore during normal scanning conditions.

24. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body is manufactured from a single sheet of material without seams or joints.

25. The barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body is sized to fit within a standard sheet stock having dimensions of 48 inches by 96 inches.

26. A method of installing a barrier within an MRI gantry bore, comprising:providing the barrier according to claim 1;deforming the barrier from the planar configuration into the curved configuration; folding the barrier along a longitudinal axis by bringing opposing portions of the peripheral edge toward one another;inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore;COO-009-PCTrotating the barrier within the bore; andallowing the barrier to radially expand into engagement with the inner wall of the bore such that the barrier is retained via the outward radial bias.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising cleaning a first surface of the body with a sanitizing wipe prior to deforming the barrier from the planar configuration into the curved configuration.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising flipping the barrier and cleaning a second surface of the body opposite the first surface with a sanitizing wipe prior to folding the barrier along the longitudinal axis.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein folding the barrier along the longitudinal axis comprises grasping opposing handle openings of the plurality of handle openings with one hand and steering the barrier into the bore using an edge portion of the body with another hand.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein rotating the barrier within the bore comprises rotating the barrier approximately 90 degrees to snap the barrier into a correct orientation against the inner wall of the bore.

31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, further comprising:removing the barrier from the bore by grasping the plurality of handle openings and pulling the barrier out of the bore;rolling the barrier into a cylindrical configuration with a contaminated surface of the body positioned inwardly; andcollapsing the cylindrical configuration such that the contaminated surface is enclosed within the rolled barrier.

32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore creates an interference fit between the body and the inner wall of the bore.

33. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the body undergoes elastic deformation during inserting the folded barrier into the MRI gantry bore, and wherein the body undergoes elastic release during removal of the barrier from the bore.COO-009-PCT34. The method according to claim 31, wherein rolling the barrier into the cylindrical configuration comprises beginning the rolling at the peripheral edge of the body.

35. The method according to claim 31, wherein rolling the barrier into the cylindrical configuration comprises positioning the contaminated surface inwardly such that the contaminated surface is enclosed within the rolled barrier.

Images