Patent Grant
11844638
The present disclosure relates generally to radiation shielding. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a radiation shielding apparatus worn by a user. In particular, the disclosure relates to radiation shielding eye masks for covering a patient's eyes to attenuate electromagnetic radiation flux across a patient's eyes relative to a radiation source, including from dental x-ray imaging. The apparatus of the present disclosure is designed for use in the field of medical radiography including as it relates to dental medicine.
In the field of dentistry, x-rays are taken during routine examinations to enable early identification of tooth decay, tooth impaction, periodontal disease, and a host of other conditions which may not yet be visible to the naked eye of a practitioner. Dental x-rays are also frequently taken when patients are experiencing pain, to provide the examining dentist with an accurate picture of what is happening inside a patient's teeth, jaw, and surrounding areas. Dental x-rays are, therefore, an essential diagnostic tool for dental professionals tasked with investigating and maintaining their patients' oral health.
However, studies have shown that exposure to ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, can damage DNA in human cells. This can lead to mutations and, in worst-case scenarios, cancers. In fact, several studies have found an association between dental x-ray exposure and increased risk of brain cancer, tumors of the parotid gland, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. The sensitive tissues of the eyes are especially susceptible to radiation damage, and studies have shown a correlation between dental x-rays and cataracts. To avoid undue exposure, standard practice is for dentists and dental professionals to use protective gear when performing dental x-ray imaging.
Such protective gear historically has consisted simply of a lead apron draped over a patient's body to shield it from both direct and scattered radiation. Although these traditional aprons work well, they typically weigh upwards of 15 pounds, which can be uncomfortable for those patients unaccustomed to supporting that amount of weight and pressure across their bodies. Lead aprons also fail to protect a patient's head region, and sensitive organs contained therein such as a patient's eyes.
Recent innovations in the field have produced lighter-weight radiation shields made from pliable materials that are more comfortable for the patients who use them. For example, disposable radiological garments may be made from a flexible polymer filled with a non-lead attenuating filler, such as barium sulfate. Also, flexible, lightweight radiation shields may be provided with two layers; one with elements having high atomic numbers, and another with elements having mid-atomic numbers, to absorb high energy direct beam radiation and lower energy backscattered radiation, respectively. This scattered/backscattered radiation is a serious enough issue that other devices have been made with a similar two-layer shield, directed to avoiding and shielding against scattered radiation in particular.
For eye protection during dental radiography, goggles or glasses have been the traditional means for radiation attenuation. Goggles or glasses-type shields are known comprising a lead-impregnated lens, surrounded by a lead vinyl casing to prevent radiation from entering the patient's eyes from the periorbital areas. Other goggles-type shields teach shields that can accommodate more than one type of radiation protection, i.e., β-radiation and/or x-ray radiation and/or gamma radiation. However, these goggles and glasses-type shields often protrude from the patient's face and hinder the administration of the dental x-rays. That is, they get in the way of the x-ray equipment or interfere with the x-rays so that proper images cannot be rendered.
Some known devices seek to remedy this problem by teaching eye shades made from pliable rubber, containing a lead plaster coating for radiation attenuation. The eye shades lie directly against a patient's face. This effectively eliminates the protrusion problem that the goggles and glasses-type shields cause. Yet, because the structure is such that there are two eye shades, with space between the eye shades as well as around the orbital area in general, there is again the risk of scattered radiation entering the patient's eyes and causing damage. Therefore, there is a need for an eye mask that confers sufficient ocular protection from dental x-rays, and does so in a manner that does not hinder or obstruct the dental x-ray imaging process.
An eye mask apparatus for protecting a patient's eyes during dental radiography is disclosed. The apparatus includes an eye covering portion including a lead vinyl sheet. The eye covering portion has a perimeter, such that the lead vinyl sheet is preferably configured to completely cover the patient's eyes. The eye covering portion also has a first side facing away from the patient's face, and a second side resting against the patient's face. A trim portion extends around the perimeter. The trim portion preferably extends over the perimeter and inward over at least a small portion of the first side and the second side.
A retaining band is coupled to the lead vinyl sheet. In one implementation, the retaining band is coupled to both the lead vinyl sheet and the trim portion. The retaining band, may be attached to both the lead vinyl sheet and the trim portion, each one at a first attachment point and at a second attachment point. The first attachment point and the second attachment point may also be on opposing ends of the perimeter of the lead vinyl sheet. Additionally, the first attachment point and the second attachment point may be on the second side of the lead vinyl sheet. Thus, the retaining band is configured to hold the eye covering portion against the patient's eyes.
The lead vinyl sheet may include or be made from a single unbroken sheet of material. In one implementation, the trim portion may be made of a fabric material. A stitching may also be provided. The stitching may be configured to affix the trim portion to the lead vinyl sheet. The stitching can be configured to affix the trim portion and the retaining band to the lead vinyl sheet at the first attachment point and the second attachment point.
In various alternative implementations, the lead vinyl sheet may be constructed to provide increased or decreased levels of protection against radiation. In one implementation, the lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of 0.87 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.125 mm, and a weight of 2.18 kg/m2. In another implementation, the lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of 1.02 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.175 mm, and a weight of 2.86 kg/m2. In yet another implementation, the lead vinyl sheet has a thickness of 1.26 mm, a lead equivalent value is 0.250 mm, and a weight of 3.88 kg/m2. In another implementation, the lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of 1.57 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.350 mm, and a weight of 5.24 kg/m2.
In another implementation, the lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of 1.73 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.400 mm, and a weight of 5.92 kg/m2. In another implementation, the lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of 2.05 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.500 mm, and a weight of 7.28 kg/m2. In yet another implementation, the lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of 3.62 mm, a lead equivalent value of 1.000 mm, and a weight of 14.08 kg/m2.
In order to form a mask apparatus for protecting a patient's eyes during dental radiography, a lead vinyl sheet is first provided. The lead vinyl sheet is formed into a shape configured to cover the patient's eyes when worn by the patient. A trim portion is provided and placed around the lead vinyl sheet. Before placement of the trim portion, or alternatively after placement of the trim portion, a retaining band is provided. The retaining band is affixed to the trim portion and, preferably, to the lead vinyl sheet. The retaining band is configured to hold the lead vinyl sheet against the patient's eyes.
The trim portion may optionally be sewn to the lead vinyl sheet. Additionally, the retaining band may be provided with elasticity. The retaining band may be affixed to a first attachment point and a second attachment point, which may be at opposite ends of a perimeter of the lead vinyl sheet. In one alternative implementation, the retaining band may be sewn to a first attachment point and to a second attachment point to affix it to the lead vinyl sheet.
A second embodiment eye mask apparatus for protecting a patient's eyes during dental radiography is also disclosed. The second embodiment eye mask is lower in profile than the first embodiment eye mask, and includes an eye covering portion comprising a lead vinyl sheet having a width, and height, and a perimeter. The lead vinyl sheet is configured to completely cover a patient's eyes. Preferably the width of the lead vinyl sheet is at least twice the height. The lead vinyl sheet may have a thickness of at least 0.87 mm, a lead equivalent value of at least 0.125 mm, and a weight of at least 2.18 kg/m2.
In the second embodiment eye mask apparatus, the width may be between seven and eight inches, and the height is between two and three inches. Additionally, the eye covering portion may have a rounded left side and a rounded right side. The rounded left side and the rounded right side preferably each have a curvature radius of less than two inches. The eye covering portion also comprises a substantially straight top edge between the rounded left side and the rounded right side for engaging a user's brow. The eye covering portion also preferably comprises a nose recess. In one embodiment the nose recess may have a height of one inch or less, and a rounded upper portion having a curvature radius of greater than on half of an inch.
As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment eye mask may have a lead vinyl sheet has a thickness of 1.02 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.175 mm, and a weight of 2.86 kg/m2. Alternatively, the lead vinyl sheet has a thickness of 1.26 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.250 mm, and a weight of 3.88 kg/m2, a thickness of 1.57 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.350 mm, and a weight of 5.24 kg/m2, a thickness of 1.73 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.400 mm, and a weight of 5.92 kg/m2, a thickness of 2.05 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.500 mm, and a weight of 7.28 kg/m2, or a thickness of 3.62 mm, a lead equivalent value of 1.000 mm, and a weight of 14.08 kg/m2.
A method of protecting a patient's eyes during dental radiography using the second embodiment eye mask is also disclosed. The method includes providing a lead vinyl sheet having a thickness of at least 0.87 mm, a lead equivalent value of at least 0.125 mm, and a weight of at least 2.18 kg/m2, the lead vinyl sheet having a width and a height, and forming the lead vinyl sheet into a shape wherein the width is at least twice the height such that the lead vinyl sheet is configured to cover the patient's eyes when worn by the patient. The lead vinyl sheet is then placed over the patient's eyes such that it covers the patient's eyes.
The method preferably includes the step of forming the lead vinyl sheet such that the width is between seven and eight inches, and the height is between two and three inches. A rounded left side and a rounded right side are preferably formed, such that the rounded left side and the rounded right side each have a curvature radius of less than one inch. A straight top edge is preferably formed between the rounded left side and the rounded right side for engaging a user's brow. A nose recess is also preferably formed for receiving the bridge of a user's nose. In one embodiment the nose recess has a height of one inch or less, and a rounded upper portion having a curvature radius of greater than on half of an inch.
Referring to
The eye covering portion 12, and thus the lead vinyl sheet 14 preferably includes a first side 18 and a second side 20 (
Referring to
Preferably, the lead vinyl sheet 14 may be made from a single unbroken sheet of a lead vinyl material. In some implementations, the trim portion 22 may be a fabric material to provide a softer covering around the perimeter 16 and a more aesthetic appearance to the eye mask apparatus 10. Whether the trim portion 22 is fabric or another material, it may be affixed to the lead vinyl sheet with stitching 34. The stitching 34 may extend entirely around the perimeter 16. Optionally, the stitching 34 may be configured to affix the trim portion 22 and the retaining band 28 to the lead vinyl sheet 14 at the first attachment point 30 and the second attachment point 32.
The lead vinyl sheet 14 is preferably characterized by a thickness between the first side 18 and the second side 20. For radiation protection, the lead vinyl sheet 14 is also preferably characterized by a lead equivalent value. The thickness and lead equivalent value contribute to the weight value of the lead vinyl sheet 14. In one implementation the lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 0.87 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.125 mm, and a weight of 2.18 kg/m2. Alternative implementations of heavier lead vinyl sheets 14 are described as follows:
One alternative lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 1.02 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.175 mm, and a weight of 2.86 kg/m2. Another alternative lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 1.26 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.250 mm, and a weight of 3.88 kg/m2. Another alternative lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 1.57 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.350 mm, and a weight of 5.24 kg/m2. Another alternative lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 1.73 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.400 mm, and a weight of 5.92 kg/m2. Another alternative lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 2.05 mm, a lead equivalent value of 0.500 mm, and a weight of 7.28 kg/m2. Another alternative lead vinyl sheet 14 has a thickness of 3.62 mm, a lead equivalent value of 1.000 mm, and a weight of 14.08 kg/m2.
Referring to
Similar to the eye mask 10 shown in
The eye covering portion 112, and thus the lead vinyl sheet 114 preferably includes a first side 118 and a second side 120 (
Referring to
Preferably, the lead vinyl sheet 114 may be made from a single unbroken sheet of a lead vinyl material. In some implementations, the trim portion 122 may be a fabric material to provide a softer covering around the perimeter 116 and a more aesthetic appearance to the eye mask apparatus 110. Whether the trim portion 122 is fabric or another material, it may be affixed to the lead vinyl sheet with stitching 134, shown also in
Referring to
In other exemplary embodiments, the lead vinyl sheet 114 may have a rounded left side 140 and a rounded right side 142. Although exemplary rounded patterns are shown, any shape sufficient to conform to the region around a user's eyes is contemplated. The rounded left side 140 and the rounded right side 142 preferably have a curvature radius of less than two inches. At various points around the left side 140 and the right side 142, the circumference of the curvature radius may be divided into segments, for example, 1/16 inch, ⅛ inch, 7/16 inch, and 13/16 inch, according to preference.
Still referring to
Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/109,034, entitled “Radiation Shielding Eye Mask,” filed on Feb. 13, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/940,701, entitled “Radiation Shielding Eye Mask,” filed on Sep. 8, 2022, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11576630 | Maiman | Feb 2023 | B1 |
| Entry |
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| Infab, LLC Product Specifications and Technical Data for Low Friction Skinned Vinyl Sheet. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17940701 | Sep 2022 | US |
| Child | 18109034 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18109034 | Feb 2023 | US |
| Child | 18143535 | US |
