JP2014528273A - Adjustable dental X-ray image media holder - Google Patents

Abstract

Dental X-ray image media holder. The dental X-ray image medium holder includes a back plate attached to the bite block and a locking member. The back plate is at least one channel that houses a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is selectively moved within the channel such that the bite block is oriented in position with respect to the back plate. At least one channel and a plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block with respect to the backplate, A plurality of indicators associated with a predetermined first dental imaging procedure. The locking member is configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block around the column axis when the locking member is engaged. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a dental X-ray image media holder. More specifically, the present invention secures a dental X-ray image medium including a film, a fluorescent plate, a digital sensor, etc. and holds the dental X-ray image medium in place with respect to the X-ray target during X-ray treatment. Relates to the device. In particular, the present invention relates to a holder that can be selectively used to image a plurality of different x-rays using a plurality of different sized, shaped or configured image media. The apparatus of the present invention has a bite block movably attached to an image media backplate. The back plate can be provided with a flexible strap to secure the image media to the back plate.

  The present invention is incorporated in part by US patent application Ser. No. 11/980836 (filed Oct. 31, 2007), US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 807,413 (filed May 29, 2007) and US provisional patent application No. Claims the benefit of the filing date of 60/809491 (filed May 30, 2006). The above application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

  X-ray imaging has been used for many years by dental professionals. Conventional dental x-ray procedures involve passing x-ray energy through a target site and then hitting the x-ray film. The film is developed to obtain an image of the target site. It has also been known for many years that a dental x-ray film must be positioned relative to a target site in a predetermined and reliable manner to obtain useful images. A number of X-ray film holders and positioning devices have been developed, including, for example, those shown in US Pat. No. 3,473,026, which is hereby incorporated by reference for background purposes. Part of the description.

  More recently, many dental professionals have used digital x-ray sensors instead of conventional x-ray films. An example of such a sensor is shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,652,141, which is hereby incorporated by reference for background disclosure of X-ray sensors. Eggplant. As with the X-ray film, the X-ray sensor needs to be fixed in place during the X-ray imaging procedure. X-ray sensor holding and positioning devices have been developed in a manner similar to the use of X-ray film. Digital sensors often come with electrical connection cords to transfer data to a storage device or display device such as a computer.

  Another type of image medium common in the dental industry is a phosphor imaging plate. The X-ray irradiation is stored in an imaging plate that is read later by a scanner or the like, and the data is transferred to a storage device such as a computer or a display device.

  These and other types of devices that receive dental dental x-rays are collectively referred to herein as dental x-ray imaging media, sensors, imagers, and the like. Any such device that reacts to such X-rays is within the scope of the present invention. From the above, it will be appreciated that the different image media holders all operate in different ways, while achieving the same purpose, ie dental diagnosis and the like. It is also true that the shape, size and configuration of the image media itself are different. For example, conventional x-ray films are often manufactured in a bag prior to use on a patient. The phosphor imaging plate is often very thin and is as thick as one or two sheets of paper, and is in a protective bag before being used for X-ray treatment. Digital sensors tend to be quite thick for each comparison due to the internal energy sensing components required for such devices. In the future, it is envisioned that other types of digital imaging media will be developed using similar or possibly entirely different technologies. They all have at least some commonality in that they must generally fit within the oral cavity and must be securely held in the desired location during the x-ray procedure.

  The added complexity of using different imaging media provides media products of different sizes, shapes, or configurations, even for common types of media, while achieving the same tasks as other media, even for common types of media It means that there are many things to do.

  Of course, it is also known that different setups must often be used to take X-ray images of different parts of the oral cavity. For example, conventionally, a dental X-ray imaged in the oral cavity is a horizontal image around the anterior vertical apex, around the anterior horizontal apex, around the posterior horizontal apex, around the posterior vertical apex. Includes left and right images of directional wings, vertical wings, and other similar X-ray positions.

  Given a large number of different imaging media of different sizes, shapes and configurations, and many different x-ray procedures may be required in the oral cavity, various positioning of the imaging media relative to the tooth or other target site is required Thus, it will be appreciated that the imaging media holder has a different configuration for each possible combination. This allows a dental practitioner to typically stock a large number of imaging media holders to ensure that a suitable holder is available at any given time during an x-ray procedure. is necessary. Matching the holder with a particular imaging medium takes time and effort.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a universal dental x-ray imaging media holder that securely attaches such imaging media of different shapes, sizes and configurations. If the same holder can be used to hold such different media in a selected location during an x-ray procedure, and more than one type of x-ray is taken by positioning at different locations in the oral cavity It may also be desirable if the same holder can be used. The present invention provides an adjustable holder that meets these needs.

In one aspect, the present invention is a dental x-ray image media holder comprising:
A back plate attached to the bite block,
At least one channel containing a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is selectively moved within the channel such that the bite block is oriented in a predetermined position relative to the back plate. At least one channel capable of:
A plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first A plurality of indicators associated with the dental imaging procedure;
Having a back plate;
A locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis when the locking member is engaged;
A dental X-ray image media holder.

In another aspect, the present invention is a dental x-ray image media holder comprising:
A back plate attached to the bite block,
The first aspect;
A peripheral edge extending along an outer periphery of the first surface;
At least one channel extending at least partially through the first surface of the backplate that houses a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block has a predetermined relation to the backplate At least one channel that can be selectively moved within the channel to be directed to a position;
A plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first A plurality of indicators associated with the dental imaging procedure;
Having a back plate;
A base plate for connecting the pillar to the bite block, wherein the bite block is positioned outward of the peripheral edge of the back plate along the first surface of the base plate at the first position. Extending base plate,
A dental X-ray image media holder.

In another aspect, the present invention is a dental x-ray image media holder comprising:
A back plate attached to the bite block,
The first aspect;
A second side;
A peripheral edge extending along an outer periphery of the back plate between the first surface and the second surface;
A plurality of channels extending at least partially through the first surface of the back plate for receiving posts attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is in a predetermined position relative to the back plate; A plurality of channels that can be selectively moved within the channel to be directed to
A plurality of indicators, whereby a first indicator is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first dental imaging procedure And a second indicator is used to indicate a second position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the second position being associated with a predetermined second dental imaging procedure. Indicators and
A first locking member;
Having a back plate;
A base plate connecting the column to the bite block, the base plate having a corresponding second locking member that engages with the first locking member of the back plate, so that when engaged, , A base plate in which rotational movement of the bite block around the column axis is prevented;
A dental X-ray image media holder.

  In another aspect of the invention, the dental x-ray image media holder has one or any combination of the following features. A base plate for connecting the pillar to the bite block. The base plate extends along a first surface of the base plate such that the bite block is positioned outward of a peripheral edge of the back plate at the first position. The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. It has a contact surface. A plurality of straps are secured to the second surface of the back plate, so that after the image media is in physical contact with the second surface of the back plate, the straps pull the image media to the back plate. When fixing to a predetermined position with respect to a plate, it can wind so that it may contact | abut physically with respect to the said image medium, and has the perforation which removes the said back plate after fixing to the said image medium. The pillar has a base to accommodate a portion of the back plate between the base plate and the pillar when positioned in at least one of the channels, the pillar having the base and the It extends between the base plate and connects the base and the base plate. The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. Having a t-shaped configuration. The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. It has a contact surface. A locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block about a column axis when the locking member is engaged. The locking member includes a first locking member having at least one groove and a corresponding second locking member having at least one rib, so that the engagement of the rib into the groove Sometimes, the rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented. The back plate has a first locking member, and the base plate has a corresponding second locking member, so that the first locking member and the corresponding second locking member When engaged, rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented, while allowing the bite block to move generally parallel within the channel relative to the first surface of the backplate. To. The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. Having a t-shaped configuration. A plurality of straps are secured to the second surface of the back plate, so that after the image media is in physical contact with the second surface of the back plate, the straps pull the image media to the back plate. When fixing to a predetermined position with respect to a plate, it can wind so that it may contact | abut physically with respect to the said image medium. The first locking member has at least one longitudinally extending groove and at least one transversely extending groove along the first surface of the backplate, and the corresponding second locking member The member has at least one rib so that upon engagement of the first locking member and the corresponding locking member, the at least one rib is the at least one longitudinally extending groove and Housed in at least one of the at least one transversely extending groove. The base plate extends along the first surface of the base plate such that the bite block is positioned outward of the peripheral edge of the back plate at the first position. The pillar has a base to accommodate a portion of the back plate between the base plate and the pillar when positioned in at least one of the channels, the pillar having the base and the It extends between the base plate and connects the base and the base plate.

1 is a perspective view of a dental image media holder embodying the concept of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the image media holder of FIG. 1 showing the bite block in a position where adjustment of the bite block relative to the back plate can be performed. FIG. 3 shows the image media holder of FIG. 2 with the bite block in a further position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an image media holder as in FIG. 1 showing a bite block adjusted to a different position. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the image media holder as in FIG. 2, showing the phosphor imaging plate and a protective bag for the phosphor imaging plate together for environmental purposes. 2 is a top perspective view of an image media holder, as in claim 1, shown holding a dental digital sensor with an attached cord (partially shown) for environmental purposes. FIG. FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the image media holder of FIG. 6 showing means for attaching the image media to the image media holder. FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the image medium holder of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the image media holder of FIG. 6 showing a cover sleeve for the image media for further environmental purposes. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an imaging media holder according to the present invention, shown with an attached arm and aiming ring. It is a top view of the holder of FIG. It is a front elevation view of the bite block component of the holder of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative bite block useful in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary aiming ring and image media receiver shown in exploded view with the media holder and bite block of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view as in FIG. 14 shown assembled. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 17 is a side (plan) view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 with the bite block component shown in an alternative position. FIG. 20 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bite block component shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 with the bite block component shown in an alternative position. FIG. 20 is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 25 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 24 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 24 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 24 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes.

  An image media holder embodying the concepts of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. The image medium holder 10 includes a back plate 11 configured to have a first surface 11a, a second surface 11b, and a peripheral edge 11c. In one embodiment, the peripheral edge 11c extends along the circumference of the back plate between the first surface and the second surface. The back plate 11 can be of any size or shape, but the generally rectangular flat plate is in physical contact with and supports the dental x-ray image media in the manner described below. I know it will help you. Although a flat plate design as illustrated in the drawings is illustrated and preferred to have such a design, it will be appreciated that any size, shape or configuration is within the scope of the invention.

  The image medium holder 11 is also provided with a bite block 12. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a “bite block” used with a dental x-ray imaging media holder is intended to physically hit the teeth, gums or other dentition of the patient during the x-ray procedure. Will. As before, the image media holder is positioned in the patient's mouth (not shown) and the patient is instructed to bite the block. This defines the position of the x-ray image medium that is attached or supported during subsequent dental imaging procedures. The bite block 12 of the present invention has any suitable conventional design, shape or configuration, but has the unique aspects of the present invention described below.

  In one embodiment, the bite block 12 can be generally flat and rectangular, and the bite block 12 generally includes at least one contact surface (eg, conventional) with an optional gripping ridge 13 (eg, conventional). Two opposing contact surfaces) can be provided. The bite block 12 may be provided with a base plate 20 at one end of its rectangular body, preferably at one of the ends 12a (eg, the shorter end) if a rectangular design is selected. . The base plate 20 is configured to be generally smooth so that close physical contact with the first surface 11a of the back plate 11 can be made. The physical contact is preferably such that the base plate 20 can slide over the surface of the first surface 11a of the back plate 11 for purposes that will become apparent from the description below. It will be appreciated that the base plate 20 can be a separate part attached to the bite block 12 or can be integrally formed with the bite block 12.

  A positioning post 21 (FIG. 12) may extend from the bite block 12, more preferably from the base plate 20, and this positioning post 21 interacts with the back plate 11 in the manner described herein. To do. The positioning column extends along the axis PA. It is understood that the positioning post 21 can be integrally formed with or attached to the bite block 12, the base plate 20, or a combination of both.

  In a preferred embodiment, a base plate 20a can be provided at one end of the bite block 12 (FIGS. 18-27). The base plate 20a can be generally flat and rectangular (or otherwise shaped) and includes a proximal end 22, a distal end 23, a first surface 24, and a second surface 25. Can have. Typically, the base plate 20a can extend generally transversely (eg, vertically) with respect to the bite block 12, but this need not be the case (eg, diagonally with respect to the bite block 12 or otherwise). Etc.) For example, in one embodiment, the bite block 12 extends generally vertically from the base plate 20a (eg, first surface 24) at the distal end 24 of the base plate 20a. Base plate 20a (e.g., second surface 25) is positioned along the back plate (e.g., first surface 11a) with adjacent distal end 23 extending beyond peripheral edge 11c of back plate 15. It is understood that you can. Accordingly, the extended base plate 20a provides for the displacement of the bit block 12, and the bit block 12 is positioned so that the bit block 12 (for example, the entire bit block 12) can also be positioned outside the peripheral edge 11c of the back plate. Is positioned at the distal end 23.

  In this configuration, the positioning post 21 can be positioned at the proximal end 22 of the base plate 20a (eg, extending from the bottom surface 24), so that the bite block 12 is spaced from the post axis PA of the positioning post 21. It can be positioned in a (e.g. offset) configuration (Figure 24). For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the distal end 23 can be configured to allow the bite block 12 to be positioned outward (eg, offset) from the back plate 11 so that the peripheral edge 11c of the bite block 12 can be positioned. Extending outward (eg, beyond the peripheral edge 11c). By shifting the bite block 12, the image media holder 10 can accommodate various sized sensors (eg, a size 1 sensor, a size 2 sensor or a differently sized sensor). The back plate can be positioned approximately centered on the functional area of the sensor, and such positioning can be desirable to increase the positioning range.

  In order to be able to position the bite block 12 in more than one position relative to the backplate, it is preferred to provide at least one, preferably a plurality of slots or channels in the backplate. For example, referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the back plate 11 can be provided with channels 31-33. In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, for example, channels 31a and 32a can be provided in the backplate. In yet another embodiment, for example in another embodiment, referring to FIG. 18, the backplate 15 can be provided with channels 31b and 32b. These channels can have any design or configuration and can completely penetrate the backplate from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b. Alternatively, the channel may extend only partially from the first surface 11a and may not extend completely to the second surface 11b.

  The post 21 attached to the bite block and / or the base plate can be configured to be accommodated in the channel. It is understood that the bite block can be so positioned wherever desired, by sliding it to any preselected position within a selected one of the channels. Will. Further, the pillars 21 can be provided in any shape (eg, square, rectangular, circular or otherwise) and / or size. Accordingly, the image media holder 10 can further include a locking means that stops and / or substantially prevents rotation of the base plate relative to the back plate when engaged with the back plate. In one embodiment, the post 21 can be provided in a generally square shape, so that the rotation of the bite block 12 is directed to the respective channel (eg, one or more locking means prevent the square post from rotating). Can be constrained or substantially prevented along one or more portions (with a channel wall or the like), but this need not be the case. If rotation is constrained or substantially prevented along the channel, the channel has an extended area 60, as described herein, at the intersection between the channels (FIGS. 2 and 18). It will be appreciated that the byte block 12 can be configured to allow rotation.

  In a preferred embodiment, the post 21 can be provided in a generally circular shape to allow for rotation of the base plate along one or more portions of the channel. The locking means can include one or more locking members so that upon engagement of the one or more locking members, the movement of the bite block 12 in the respective channel (s) Restrained or substantially prevented in at least one direction. It is preferable that the rotational movement of the bite block 12 around the column axis PA can be prevented when the locking member is engaged. More particularly, the bite block can be prevented from rotating upon engagement of the locking member, while the bite block can be in one or more other directions within the channel relative to the backplate (e.g., It will be understood that it can be freely and selectively moved back and forth, left and right, or in another direction. In one embodiment, the locking member includes a first locking member and a corresponding second locking member, each of the first locking member and the second locking member being at least one in the channel. It is configured to engage the other to stop or substantially prevent movement of the bite block in one direction. A locking member (e.g., a first locking member, a corresponding second locking member and / or the like) is prevented from moving in at least one direction by the other locking member relative to one locking member. It is illustrated and preferred to have an interlock feature (eg, a mating portion) so that it can be substantially prevented, but any size, shape or within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the configuration can have.

  Typically, the back plate can be provided with one of a first locking member or a corresponding second locking member, and the bite block (eg, base plate) can be provided with the other, but There is no need. For example, the locking members engage (e.g., fit, interact, cross or otherwise) with each other so that rotation of the bit block 12 about the column axis PA can be prevented or substantially prevented. A first locking member having one or more grooves 27 (for example, provided along the first surface 11a) and one or more ribs 26 (for example, the second surface of the base plate 20a) And a corresponding second locking member (provided along 25) (FIG. 25). In one specific example, the back plate includes a first locking member in which a pair of longitudinal grooves and a pair of transverse grooves are formed in the first surface 11a of the back plate. Each pair of grooves 27 includes two generally parallel grooves with a similar spacing between the grooves as the other pair of grooves. When so including two generally parallel grooves, the longitudinal groove intersects the transverse groove, as shown in FIG. 20, thereby forming four intersections around. Furthermore, the base plate 20a has a pair of ribs 26 that are generally formed along the second surface 25 of the base plate 20a, and each rib is generally parallel to the other and the spacing between each pair of grooves 27. Have a similar spacing. In this configuration, when the ribs 26 are engaged so as to be accommodated in the grooves 27, the rotation of the bite block around the column axis is substantially prevented, while the front and rear (eg, bite block) with respect to the back plate 15 are substantially prevented. 12 may be generally positioned within a pair of longitudinal grooves) or to the left and right (eg, bite block 12 is generally positioned within a pair of transverse grooves).

  However, as shown in FIG. 22 (e.g., in an offset configuration, a generally non-parallel configuration, or otherwise), removing the rib from the corresponding component in the groove 27 causes the bite block to move back plate It can be understood that it can be rotated generally freely with respect to. Removing the rib 22 from the groove 27 may be due to additional forces applied to the bite block during a twisting motion (eg, rotation about the column axis PA) and / or one of the rib 26 or the groove 27. Or it may be assisted by providing inclined edges on both and / or otherwise. When the rib 22 is repositioned in a groove (eg, generally parallel to the rib 22), the locking member engages and rotation about the column axis PA is again prevented. The locking means can be provided as one integral part or as a plurality of parts and / or the locking means can be provided at various locations along one or more of the base plate, the back plate or the like. It is intended that To allow positioning of the base plate (e.g., bite block 12) relative to the backplate, also posterior vertical around the anterior vertical apex, around the anterior horizontal apex, around the posterior horizontal apex To address at least dental x-ray imaging to include horizontal bites, vertical bites or the like around the directional apex, having at least a first channel 31b and a second channel 32b. Although preferred, it will be appreciated that any number of channels having any design, shape or intersection is within the scope of the invention.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the channels 31-33 are substantially linear, but any shape is within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first channel 31 can intersect the second channel 32 at some midpoint between the respective channels. The intermediate point simply means a certain point between the respective ends of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32. In a preferred configuration, the intersection 40 of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 is substantially in the middle of the second channel 32 and forms the first channel so that these two channels form a “t”. It is removed from the center of 31. The third channel 33 can intersect any other channel, but for the purposes of the drawing, one end of each third channel 33 itself intersects one end of the second channel 32. A preferred embodiment is shown.

  In another embodiment of the invention, channels 31b and 32b (FIG. 18) are also substantially linear, but any shape is within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first channel 31b can intersect the second channel 32b at some midpoint of the respective channel. The intermediate point simply means a certain point between the respective ends of the first channel 31b and the second channel 32b. In a preferred form, the intersection 40 of the first channel 31b and the second channel 32b is approximately in the middle of the second channel 32b so that these two channels form a “T”.

  As mentioned above, the exact design, dimensions or other characteristics of the channel can vary, but can accommodate and guide the post 21, and thus the bite block 12 (attached to the base plate). Should be like this. By sliding the bite block 12 over the surface of the backplate (such sliding is guided by the physical contact of the pillars 21 within the selected channel), the bite block 12 can be moved back at any desired location. It will be understood that it can be positioned relative to the plate. Move the byte block from one channel, such as the first channel, to another channel, such as the second channel, by moving the pillar 21 (and hence the attached byte block 12) within the channel to an intersection, such as the intersection 40. It will be further appreciated that the column 21 can continue to move to other channels by moving it. In this way, the column 21 slides in the channels 31 to 33, 31a and 32a or 31b and 32b.

  Further, it is preferable to provide a base 50 at one end of the column 21 and a channel that completely penetrates between the two surfaces 11a and 11b of the back plate 11 so as to form an open slot. Thereby, the pillar 21 extends between the base plate 50 and the base 50 when a bite block or a base plate is used and connects them. The back plate is physically accommodated between the base 50 and the bite block 12 by configuring the base 50 to be wider than the channel and by configuring the pillars 21 to have appropriate dimensions. be able to. This physically attaches the bite block to the backplate in a way that can be adjusted differently by the use of the channel as already described. Again, the bite block 12 can be freely positioned anywhere in the channel while being held on the back plate, and can also be rotated about the axis of rotation provided by the column 21, thereby It will be appreciated that any or all of the numerous X-ray positions required by the dental practitioner can be addressed.

  In the preferred embodiment, the bite block 12 rotates about the column 21 and the column 21 acts as an axis, more precisely, the axis of the column 21 acts as the axis of rotation. In a further embodiment, the post 21 and channels 31-33 are configured and so that the bite block 12 can only rotate at the intersection of at least two channels 31-33. Although sized, this is not essential. In other further embodiments, the pillars 21 and channels 31b and 32b are configured or sized so that the bite block 12 can rotate along any portion of the two channels 31b and 32b. Although so dimensioned, rotation can be prevented or substantially prevented while the locking means is engaged. For example, as described above, the locking means is engaged when the first locking member and the corresponding second locking member are interconnected (for example, the groove and the rib are substantially aligned). Can be combined. Thereafter, the first locking member is removed from the corresponding second locking member (for example, the groove and the rib are not substantially aligned) to disengage the locking means to enable rotation. Can do. This can be achieved by applying sufficient pressure to at least one of the bite block or the base plate while generally keeping the other in place.

  Larger openings or expansion areas 60 can be provided in the one or more channels that are sized to pass the base 50 to assist in assembling the components of the image media holder 10. The extended area can also provide an area where the pillars 21 can rotate more easily inside. In one embodiment, the expansion area includes one or more threading portions 62 (which serve to thread the base 50 through the expansion area 60 to assemble (eg, securely or removably secure) the bite block to the base plate. For example, it may have an angled part, an inclined part, a flanged part or another part. Optionally, threading portion 62 (and / or one or more separate recesses not shown) also prevents or substantially prevents the bite block from coming out of the base plate when assembled. Can also help.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image media holder 10 is made from any suitable material that can be used in the oral cavity. A more preferred image media holder 10 is made from a plastic material and is disposable.

  In accordance with the present invention, some means is also provided for securing or attaching image media such as imaging plate 70 and digital sensor 71 to second surface 11b of the backplate, preferably in a removable manner. Two preferred methods include a strippable or pressure sensitive adhesive (not shown) and one or more straps 80, which can be used separately or in combination with each other. it can.

  Any adhesive suitable for use in the oral cavity is within the scope of the present invention, but the particular adhesive chosen does not necessarily limit the invention. One preferred adhesive is a latex-free pressure sensitive adhesive, which is coated on the second surface 11b of the backplate in any conventional manner. A release strip (not shown) can be used to cover the adhesive until it is used. 4 and 24, for example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 24, the image medium such as the plate 70 or the sensor 71 is physically pressed against the second surface 11b of the back plate and used by a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive used. Can be held in place.

  If straps 80 are used and at least two straps are preferred, straps 80 can be attached to the backplate and are preferably flexible in one direction but rigid in the other direction. When an image medium such as plate 70 or sensor 71 is in physical contact with the back plate, one strap 80 (or multiple straps 80 when more than one is used) can be made by the flexibility of the strap 80. Can be partially or completely wrapped around the plate 70 (or any other imaging medium as can be used) in a manner, thereby holding the image medium on the backplate 11 (FIG. 7, FIGS. 8, 24, 26 and 27). For example, FIGS. 24, 26, and 27 show a first pair that wraps generally (eg, completely) around the sensor 71 (eg, transversely around the sensor from two different faces of the backplate as shown). And a second pair of straps 80b that at least partially wrap around the sensor 71 (eg, longitudinally around the sensor from the same side of the backplate as shown). A second pair of straps 80b, when included, can provide further fixation of the holder 10 to the sensor 71 (eg, to prevent or substantially prevent longitudinal movement of the sensor). The strap 80b can also help in restraining or substantially preventing movement of the connecting wire 72, but need not be.

  The strap 80 can be provided with a suitable adhesive or can be provided with any other conventional means for attaching the strap 80 to a fixed position. By all such methods or combinations thereof, the strap 80 and / or the adhesive are securely attached (preferably in a removable manner) to secure the imaging media to the holder 10.

  Further, one or more of the straps 80 can be provided with at least one perforation 82 that can be broken (eg, torn) to assist in the removal of the image media holder 10. In one particular embodiment, the strap 80 has a transverse perforation 82 that generally corresponds to and extends along the edge of the sensor 71 (FIG. 27); It is contemplated that it can be provided anywhere along, around the sensor 71. By applying force to the image media holder 10 (eg, bite block) in a force direction FD that generally faces the sensor 71 and / or does not face the sensor 71 (eg, generally along the direction of the perforation) It will be appreciated that the eye 82 can be broken, whereby at least a portion of the media holder or the entire media holder can be removed from the sensor. It will be appreciated that the perforation 82 helps to improve the detachability of the image media holder from the sensor.

  It will be appreciated that by appropriate design of the strap 80, any having a number of image media designs, such as the plate 70 or the digital sensor 71, can be held by the image media holder 10. The strap 80 can also accommodate different imaging media due to the length or other dimensions of the strap 80, just as the belt can be adjusted to secure different sized or shaped members. The design consists of different image media such as plate 70, relatively thick image media such as digital sensor 71, and conventional protective sleeve or barrier 73 for digital sensor 71 or such image media (FIGS. 5, 9). Even other members such as the connecting wire 72 for FIGS. 26 and 27) can be addressed. Although not shown, a conventional dental x-ray film packet or indeed any other dental image media can be held by the image media holder 10 of the present invention. The present invention is even intended to be able to fix and hold imaging media as may be developed in the future.

  It is known in the dental x-ray art to attach an aiming ring that is attached to an arm or other structure, and to effectively connect the aiming ring to an imaging media holder. The present invention can be configured as shown in FIGS. Any means for attaching the arm and aiming ring to the holder 10 are within the scope of the present invention. One preferred means is to provide an arm 90 having a securing member 91 in which a slot 92 is provided. The slot 92 is configured to physically accommodate and frictionally hold the edge of the bite block 12 therein and can be sized as such. There is a support post 93 at a location distal to the securing member 91, and the support post 93 is configured to receive or otherwise adjustably fix the aiming ring 94 to the support post 93. For example, the pillars 93 can have a certain shape, such as a cross shape as shown in the drawings, and are complementarily shaped so that the pillars 93 are placed through the holes 95 in use. A defined hole 95 can be provided at a location on the aiming ring 94. The aiming ring 94 slides freely along the column 93 to any desired position and is frictionally held in place by its physical contact with the column 93.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 10, 11 and 20), the backplate can be provided with an indicator 102 that separately indicates the different locations used for a particular x-ray procedure. The indicator 102 can be, but is not limited to, a color, number, letter, symbol, protrusion, dimple, groove, or any other physical or visual indicator, or a combination thereof. For example, the backplate can be provided with two or more different indicators 102 (eg, a first indicator 102a, a second indicator 102b, etc.) that can be, for example, the left bite or right The position where the bite block 12 should move to photograph each of the bite wings can be indicated by different colors. Furthermore, the holder 10 has a certain bit, such as an intersection of certain channels 31 to 33, with the bite block 12 as the axis of rotation about the column 21 as long as the locking member is not engaged. It is of the type that can rotate only at a point or almost anywhere along the channels 31b and 32b. In certain embodiments where rotation can be obtained at certain points such as intersections, intersections or other areas that allow such rotation can be provided with further indicators, such as indicator arrows 110. .

  Indicators 102 and 110 can be provided on separate material layers, such as plastic sheet 120, which are positioned in parallel physical contact with the second surface 11b of the backplate 11. Can do. In a preferred embodiment, the strap 80 is integrally formed with the sheet 120 from the same material as the sheet 120. In this configuration, it may be advantageous to provide a back plate that is at least partially transparent so that the indicator 102 disposed on the sheet 120 can be seen through. If a sheet 120 is used, it will be appreciated that a transparent or at least partially transparent backplate makes it easier to see through the indicator 102 or 110, but within the bite block 100 to see through the indicator 102 or 110. It is also possible to simply provide a sufficiently large opening 121. Furthermore, the channels 31-33, 31a and 32b, or 31b and 32b themselves can be appropriately positioned so that the indicators 102 and / or 110 are visible.

  In one embodiment, the backplate can have an indicator 102 having a plurality of indicia (eg, 102a, 102b, etc.), each of these indicators being at least one of one or more dental x-ray procedures. Corresponds to the position (and optionally index 102 and / or index 92 'of the aiming ring). For example, the first indicator can be associated with a first location for performing a first x-ray procedure, and optionally a second location for performing a second x-ray procedure. It will be appreciated that various positions and / or orientations with respect to the indicator 102 can be obtained by rotating the byte block, moving the byte block along the channel, or both. In one particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the backplate 15 includes a first position 103a that may be associated with performing a first dental x-ray procedure and a second dental x-ray procedure. A first indicator 103 having a second position 103b that may be relevant to The backplate 15 has a second position 104a that can be associated with performing a third dental x-ray procedure and a second position 104b that can be associated with performing a fourth dental x-ray procedure. The index 104 may be further included. In this configuration, the first position 103a can be located at a position along the first channel (eg, generally positioned at the end of the first channel), and the second position 103b can be It can be located elsewhere along one channel (eg, generally positioned at the intersection of the first channel and the second channel). Further, the first position 104a can be located at a position along the second channel (eg, generally positioned at the end of the second channel), and the second position 104b can be It can be located elsewhere along the channel (eg, generally positioned at the opposite end of the second channel).

  An alternative embodiment of a byte block is indicated by the attached drawing, i.e. by reference numeral 130 in FIGS. The bite block 130 is particularly configured to be useful during endodontic or “root canal” procedures. As is known (not shown), during root treatment, an endodontic file is used to remove the nerve from the tooth and to clean the neural tube in the root. When the endodontic file is placed in place on the teeth, the teeth need to be x-rayed to make sure that the file is inserted deep enough into the root so that the entire neural tube is cleaned. This action must be done with the file in place, after which the file is removed.

  As described above, the bite block 130 is provided with the base 131 operably connected to the holder 10 of the present invention, and also provided with the first bite arm 132 and the second bite arm 133. The arms 132 and 133 are preferably arranged in a spaced apart parallel relationship, as shown in the drawings. The separation leaves room for the endodontic file to remain in place at the root of the root when taking an x-ray image. It will be appreciated that the base 131 allows a sensor, such as the exemplary sensor 134, to be positioned at multiple locations in the same inventive manner as described herein above with respect to the holder 10. Let's go.

  Further, the bite block 130 is preferably provided with means attached to or removably attached to the aiming ring 135, but this need not be the case. For example, the ring 135 can be provided with spaced parallel grooves 140, and the bite block 130 can be provided with a complementary pin 141. The groove 140 and the pin 141 can be configured such that the groove 140 can be frictionally fitted to the pin 141 by sliding. The friction between the groove 140 and the pin 141 can be sufficient to hold the ring 135 in place if necessary. It will be understood that any means for attaching the bite block 130 to the ring 135 is within the scope of the present invention.

  In FIGS. 16 and 17 of the drawings, alternative configurations of channels are shown as channels 31a and 32a, and alternative intersections are shown as intersections 40a. In addition, open areas 40b that allow intermediate rotation are provided at various points, so that the bite block 12 can be rotated away from the intersection 40a if desired. Further, the aiming ring 135 a similar to the aiming ring 135 can be provided with a plurality of supports 92 a each capable of supporting the arm 93. In a preferred configuration, each support 92a holds an arm 93 in a preselected position that facilitates taking a specific dental x-ray image. Furthermore, the respective indicators 31a 'and 32b' in the channels 31a and 32a and the indicators 40a 'at the intersection 40a are located on or adjacent to a given support 92a. Corresponding to an indicator that is positioned or otherwise belongs to a given support 92a. For example, the indicator 31a ′ can be a color such as yellow, which is positioned near the support 92a and thus belongs to the support 92a or otherwise indicates the support 92a. Corresponds to the index 92a ′. Once the bite block 12 is positioned in the channel 32a as described above, the user knows that the assembled member is now in the proper position for a given x-ray imaging procedure and 93 is disposed in the support 92a. As a further example, the indicator 31a 'and the associated support 92a indicated to the user by the indicator 92a' can be useful for taking a rear image. The indicator 32a 'and the associated support 92a "can be a second color, such as red, and can indicate an appropriate position for taking a bite wing image. Other positions may be appropriate for capturing a front image or the like, for example, the setup shown in FIG. 16 is useful for capturing a front X-ray image. Of course, any index such as color, number, word, mark, scribes, bumps, voids, physical structure, etc. applied in any way is within the scope of the present invention. .

  Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the image media holder 10 as described can hold image media of various designs, shapes and configurations. The image media holder of the present invention can also allow the user to take dental x-rays at more than one position. All of these various uses can be achieved with one image media holder according to the present invention. Preferred embodiments for practicing the invention have been described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings, without intending to show all of the variations that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

  The present invention relates to a dental X-ray image media holder. More specifically, the present invention secures a dental X-ray image medium including a film, a fluorescent plate, a digital sensor, etc. and holds the dental X-ray image medium in place with respect to the X-ray target during X-ray treatment. Relates to the device. In particular, the present invention relates to a holder that can be selectively used to image a plurality of different x-rays using a plurality of different sized, shaped or configured image media. The apparatus of the present invention has a bite block movably attached to an image media backplate. The back plate can be provided with a flexible strap to secure the image media to the back plate.

  The present invention is incorporated in part by US patent application Ser. No. 11/980836 (filed Oct. 31, 2007), US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 807,413 (filed May 29, 2007) and US provisional patent application No. Claims the benefit of the filing date of 60/809491 (filed May 30, 2006). The above application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

  X-ray imaging has been used for many years by dental professionals. Conventional dental x-ray procedures involve passing x-ray energy through a target site and then hitting the x-ray film. The film is developed to obtain an image of the target site. It has also been known for many years that a dental x-ray film must be positioned relative to a target site in a predetermined and reliable manner to obtain useful images. A number of X-ray film holders and positioning devices have been developed, including, for example, those shown in US Pat. No. 3,473,026, which is hereby incorporated by reference for background purposes. Part of the description.

  More recently, many dental professionals have used digital x-ray sensors instead of conventional x-ray films. An example of such a sensor is shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,652,141, which is hereby incorporated by reference for background disclosure of X-ray sensors. Eggplant. As with the X-ray film, the X-ray sensor needs to be fixed in place during the X-ray imaging procedure. X-ray sensor holding and positioning devices have been developed in a manner similar to the use of X-ray film. Digital sensors often come with electrical connection cords to transfer data to a storage device or display device such as a computer.

  Another type of image medium common in the dental industry is a phosphor imaging plate. The X-ray irradiation is stored in an imaging plate that is read later by a scanner or the like, and the data is transferred to a storage device such as a computer or a display device.

  These and other types of devices that receive dental dental x-rays are collectively referred to herein as dental x-ray imaging media, sensors, imagers, and the like. Any such device that reacts to such X-rays is within the scope of the present invention. From the above, it will be appreciated that the different image media holders all operate in different ways, while achieving the same purpose, ie dental diagnosis and the like. It is also true that the shape, size and configuration of the image media itself are different. For example, conventional x-ray films are often manufactured in a bag prior to use on a patient. The phosphor imaging plate is often very thin and is as thick as one or two sheets of paper, and is in a protective bag before being used for X-ray treatment. Digital sensors tend to be quite thick for each comparison due to the internal energy sensing components required for such devices. In the future, it is envisioned that other types of digital imaging media will be developed using similar or possibly entirely different technologies. They all have at least some commonality in that they must generally fit within the oral cavity and must be securely held in the desired location during the x-ray procedure.

  The added complexity of using different imaging media provides media products of different sizes, shapes, or configurations, even for common types of media, while achieving the same tasks as other media, even for common types of media It means that there are many things to do.

  Of course, it is also known that different setups must often be used to take X-ray images of different parts of the oral cavity. For example, conventionally, a dental X-ray imaged in the oral cavity is a horizontal image around the anterior vertical apex, around the anterior horizontal apex, around the posterior horizontal apex, around the posterior vertical apex. Includes left and right images of directional wings, vertical wings, and other similar X-ray positions.

  Given a large number of different imaging media of different sizes, shapes and configurations, and many different x-ray procedures may be required in the oral cavity, various positioning of the imaging media relative to the tooth or other target site is required Thus, it will be appreciated that the imaging media holder has a different configuration for each possible combination. This allows a dental practitioner to typically stock a large number of imaging media holders to ensure that a suitable holder is available at any given time during an x-ray procedure. is necessary. Matching the holder with a particular imaging medium takes time and effort.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a universal dental x-ray imaging media holder that securely attaches such imaging media of different shapes, sizes and configurations. If the same holder can be used to hold such different media in a selected location during an x-ray procedure, and more than one type of x-ray is taken by positioning at different locations in the oral cavity It may also be desirable if the same holder can be used. The present invention provides an adjustable holder that meets these needs.

In one aspect, the present invention is a dental x-ray image media holder comprising:
A back plate attached to the bite block,
At least one channel containing a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is selectively moved within the channel such that the bite block is oriented in a predetermined position relative to the back plate. At least one channel capable of:
A plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first A plurality of indicators associated with the dental imaging procedure;
Having a back plate;
A locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis when the locking member is engaged;
A dental X-ray image media holder.

In another aspect, the present invention is a dental x-ray image media holder comprising:
A back plate attached to the bite block,
The first aspect;
A peripheral edge extending along an outer periphery of the first surface;
At least one channel extending at least partially through the first surface of the backplate that houses a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block has a predetermined relation to the backplate At least one channel that can be selectively moved within the channel to be directed to a position;
A plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first A plurality of indicators associated with the dental imaging procedure;
Having a back plate;
A base plate connecting the pillar to the bite block, wherein the bite block is positioned along the first surface of the back plate so that the bite block is positioned outward of the peripheral edge of the back plate at the first position; Extending the base plate,
A dental X-ray image media holder.

In another aspect, the present invention is a dental x-ray image media holder comprising:
A back plate attached to the bite block,
The first aspect;
A second side;
A peripheral edge extending along an outer periphery of the back plate between the first surface and the second surface;
A plurality of channels extending at least partially through the first surface of the back plate for receiving posts attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is in a predetermined position relative to the back plate; A plurality of channels that can be selectively moved within the channel to be directed to
A plurality of indicators, whereby a first indicator is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first dental imaging procedure And a second indicator is used to indicate a second position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the second position being associated with a predetermined second dental imaging procedure. Indicators and
A first locking member;
Having a back plate;
A base plate connecting the column to the bite block, the base plate having a corresponding second locking member that engages with the first locking member of the back plate, so that when engaged, , A base plate in which rotational movement of the bite block around the column axis is prevented;
A dental X-ray image media holder.

In another aspect of the invention, the dental x-ray image media holder has one or any combination of the following features. A base plate for connecting the pillar to the bite block. The base plate extends along a first surface of the back plate such that the bite block is positioned outward of a peripheral edge of the back plate in the first position. The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. It has a contact surface. A plurality of straps are secured to the second surface of the back plate, so that after the image media is in physical contact with the second surface of the back plate, the straps pull the image media to the back plate. When fixing to a predetermined position with respect to a plate, it can wind so that it may contact | abut physically with respect to the said image medium, and has the perforation which removes the said back plate after fixing to the said image medium. The pillar has a base to accommodate a portion of the back plate between the base plate and the pillar when positioned in at least one of the channels, the pillar having the base and the It extends between the base plate and connects the base and the base plate. The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. Having a t-shaped configuration. The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. It has a contact surface. A locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block about a column axis when the locking member is engaged. The locking member includes a first locking member having at least one groove and a corresponding second locking member having at least one rib, so that the engagement of the rib into the groove Sometimes, the rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented. The back plate has a first locking member, and the base plate has a corresponding second locking member, so that the first locking member and the corresponding second locking member When engaged, rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented, while allowing the bite block to move generally parallel within the channel relative to the first surface of the backplate. To. The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. Having a t-shaped configuration. A plurality of straps are secured to the second surface of the back plate, so that after the image media is in physical contact with the second surface of the back plate, the straps pull the image media to the back plate. When fixing to a predetermined position with respect to a plate, it can wind so that it may contact | abut physically with respect to the said image medium. The first locking member has at least one longitudinally extending groove and at least one transversely extending groove along the first surface of the backplate, and the corresponding second locking member The member has at least one rib so that upon engagement of the first locking member and the corresponding locking member, the at least one rib is the at least one longitudinally extending groove and Housed in at least one of the at least one transversely extending groove. The base plate extends along the first surface of the back plate such that the bite block is positioned outward of the peripheral edge of the back plate at the first position. The pillar has a base to accommodate a portion of the back plate between the base plate and the pillar when positioned in at least one of the channels, the pillar having the base and the It extends between the base plate and connects the base and the base plate.

1 is a perspective view of a dental image media holder embodying the concept of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the image media holder of FIG. 1 showing the bite block in a position where adjustment of the bite block relative to the back plate can be performed. FIG. 3 shows the image media holder of FIG. 2 with the bite block in a further position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an image media holder as in FIG. 1 showing a bite block adjusted to a different position. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the image media holder as in FIG. 2, showing the phosphor imaging plate and a protective bag for the phosphor imaging plate together for environmental purposes. 2 is a top perspective view of an image media holder, as in claim 1, shown holding a dental digital sensor with an attached cord (partially shown) for environmental purposes. FIG. FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the image media holder of FIG. 6 showing means for attaching the image media to the image media holder. FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the image medium holder of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the image media holder of FIG. 6 showing a cover sleeve for the image media for further environmental purposes. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an imaging media holder according to the present invention, shown with an attached arm and aiming ring. It is a top view of the holder of FIG. It is a front elevation view of the bite block component of the holder of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative bite block useful in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary aiming ring and image media receiver shown in exploded view with the media holder and bite block of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view as in FIG. 14 shown assembled. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 17 is a side (plan) view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 with the bite block component shown in an alternative position. FIG. 20 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bite block component shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 with the bite block component shown in an alternative position. FIG. 20 is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 18 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 25 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 24 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 24 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes. FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 24 shown with an exemplary dental x-ray sensor for environmental purposes.

  An image media holder embodying the concepts of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. The image medium holder 10 includes a back plate 11 configured to have a first surface 11a, a second surface 11b, and a peripheral edge 11c. In one embodiment, the peripheral edge 11c extends along the circumference of the back plate between the first surface and the second surface. The back plate 11 can be of any size or shape, but the generally rectangular flat plate is in physical contact with and supports the dental x-ray image media in the manner described below. I know it will help you. Although a flat plate design as illustrated in the drawings is illustrated and preferred to have such a design, it will be appreciated that any size, shape or configuration is within the scope of the invention.

The image medium holder 10 is also provided with a bite block 12. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a “bite block” used with a dental x-ray imaging media holder is intended to physically hit the teeth, gums or other dentition of the patient during the x-ray procedure. Will. As before, the image media holder is positioned in the patient's mouth (not shown) and the patient is instructed to bite the block. This defines the position of the x-ray image medium that is attached or supported during subsequent dental imaging procedures. The bite block 12 of the present invention has any suitable conventional design, shape or configuration, but has the unique aspects of the present invention described below.

  In one embodiment, the bite block 12 can be generally flat and rectangular, and the bite block 12 generally includes at least one contact surface (eg, conventional) with an optional gripping ridge 13 (eg, conventional). Two opposing contact surfaces) can be provided. The bite block 12 may be provided with a base plate 20 at one end of its rectangular body, preferably at one of the ends 12a (eg, the shorter end) if a rectangular design is selected. . The base plate 20 is configured to be generally smooth so that close physical contact with the first surface 11a of the back plate 11 can be made. The physical contact is preferably such that the base plate 20 can slide over the surface of the first surface 11a of the back plate 11 for purposes that will become apparent from the description below. It will be appreciated that the base plate 20 can be a separate part attached to the bite block 12 or can be integrally formed with the bite block 12.

  A positioning post 21 (FIG. 12) may extend from the bite block 12, more preferably from the base plate 20, and this positioning post 21 interacts with the back plate 11 in the manner described herein. To do. The positioning column extends along the axis PA. It is understood that the positioning post 21 can be integrally formed with or attached to the bite block 12, the base plate 20, or a combination of both.

In a preferred embodiment, a base plate 20a can be provided at one end of the bite block 12 (FIGS. 18-27). The base plate 20a can be generally flat and rectangular (or otherwise shaped) and includes a proximal end 22, a distal end 23, a first surface 24, and a second surface 25. Can have. Typically, the base plate 20a can extend generally transversely (eg, vertically) with respect to the bite block 12, but this need not be the case (eg, diagonally with respect to the bite block 12 or otherwise). Etc.) For example, in one embodiment, the bite block 12 extends in a generally vertical direction from the base plate 20a (eg, the first surface 24) at the distal end 23 of the base plate 20a. Base plate 20a (e.g., second surface 25) is positioned along the back plate (e.g., first surface 11a) with adjacent distal end 23 extending beyond peripheral edge 11c of back plate 15. It is understood that you can. Accordingly, the extended base plate 20a provides for the displacement of the bit block 12, and the bit block 12 is positioned so that the bit block 12 (for example, the entire bit block 12) can also be positioned outward of the peripheral edge 11c of the back plate. Is positioned at the distal end 23.

In this configuration, the positioning column 21 can be positioned at the proximal end 22 of the base plate 20a (eg, extending from the bottom surface 25 ), so that the bite block 12 is spaced from the column axis PA of the positioning column 21. It can be positioned in a (e.g. offset) configuration (Figure 24). For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the distal end 23 can be configured to allow the bite block 12 to be positioned outward (eg, offset) from the back plate 11 so that the peripheral edge 11c of the bite block 12 is Extending outward (eg, beyond the peripheral edge 11c). By shifting the bite block 12, the image media holder 10 can accommodate various sized sensors (eg, a size 1 sensor, a size 2 sensor or a differently sized sensor). The back plate can be positioned approximately centered on the functional area of the sensor, and such positioning can be desirable to increase the positioning range.

  In order to be able to position the bite block 12 in more than one position relative to the backplate, it is preferred to provide at least one, preferably a plurality of slots or channels in the backplate. For example, referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the back plate 11 can be provided with channels 31-33. In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, for example, channels 31a and 32a can be provided in the backplate. In yet another embodiment, for example in another embodiment, referring to FIG. 18, the backplate 15 can be provided with channels 31b and 32b. These channels can have any design or configuration and can completely penetrate the backplate from the first surface 11a to the second surface 11b. Alternatively, the channel may extend only partially from the first surface 11a and may not extend completely to the second surface 11b.

  The post 21 attached to the bite block and / or the base plate can be configured to be accommodated in the channel. It is understood that the bite block can be so positioned wherever desired, by sliding it to any preselected position within a selected one of the channels. Will. Further, the pillars 21 can be provided in any shape (eg, square, rectangular, circular or otherwise) and / or size. Accordingly, the image media holder 10 can further include a locking means that stops and / or substantially prevents rotation of the base plate relative to the back plate when engaged with the back plate. In one embodiment, the post 21 can be provided in a generally square shape, so that the rotation of the bite block 12 is directed to the respective channel (eg, one or more locking means prevent the square post from rotating). Can be constrained or substantially prevented along one or more portions (with a channel wall or the like), but this need not be the case. If rotation is constrained or substantially prevented along the channel, the channel has an extended area 60, as described herein, at the intersection between the channels (FIGS. 2 and 18). It will be appreciated that the byte block 12 can be configured to allow rotation.

  In a preferred embodiment, the post 21 can be provided in a generally circular shape to allow for rotation of the base plate along one or more portions of the channel. The locking means can include one or more locking members so that upon engagement of the one or more locking members, the movement of the bite block 12 in the respective channel (s) Restrained or substantially prevented in at least one direction. It is preferable that the rotational movement of the bite block 12 around the column axis PA can be prevented when the locking member is engaged. More particularly, the bite block can be prevented from rotating upon engagement of the locking member, while the bite block can be in one or more other directions within the channel relative to the backplate (e.g., It will be understood that it can be freely and selectively moved back and forth, left and right, or in another direction. In one embodiment, the locking member includes a first locking member and a corresponding second locking member, each of the first locking member and the second locking member being at least one in the channel. It is configured to engage the other to stop or substantially prevent movement of the bite block in one direction. A locking member (e.g., a first locking member, a corresponding second locking member and / or the like) is prevented from moving in at least one direction by the other locking member relative to one locking member. It is illustrated and preferred to have an interlock feature (eg, a mating portion) so that it can be substantially prevented, but any size, shape or within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the configuration can have.

  Typically, the back plate can be provided with one of a first locking member or a corresponding second locking member, and the bite block (eg, base plate) can be provided with the other, but There is no need. For example, the locking members engage (e.g., fit, interact, cross or otherwise) with each other so that rotation of the bit block 12 about the column axis PA can be prevented or substantially prevented. A first locking member having one or more grooves 27 (for example, provided along the first surface 11a) and one or more ribs 26 (for example, the second surface of the base plate 20a) And a corresponding second locking member (provided along 25) (FIG. 25). In one specific example, the back plate includes a first locking member in which a pair of longitudinal grooves and a pair of transverse grooves are formed in the first surface 11a of the back plate. Each pair of grooves 27 includes two generally parallel grooves with a similar spacing between the grooves as the other pair of grooves. When so including two generally parallel grooves, the longitudinal groove intersects the transverse groove, as shown in FIG. 20, thereby forming four intersections around. Furthermore, the base plate 20a has a pair of ribs 26 that are generally formed along the second surface 25 of the base plate 20a, and each rib is generally parallel to the other and the spacing between each pair of grooves 27. Have a similar spacing. In this configuration, when the ribs 26 are engaged so as to be accommodated in the grooves 27, the rotation of the bite block around the column axis is substantially prevented, while the front and rear (for example, the bite block) 12 may be generally positioned within a pair of longitudinal grooves) or to the left and right (eg, bite block 12 is generally positioned within a pair of transverse grooves).

  However, as shown in FIG. 22 (e.g., in an offset configuration, a generally non-parallel configuration, or otherwise), removing the rib from the corresponding component in the groove 27 causes the bite block to move back plate It can be understood that it can be rotated generally freely with respect to. Removing the rib 22 from the groove 27 may be due to additional forces applied to the bite block during a twisting motion (eg, rotation about the column axis PA) and / or one of the rib 26 or the groove 27. Or it may be assisted by providing inclined edges on both and / or otherwise. When the rib 22 is repositioned in a groove (eg, generally parallel to the rib 22), the locking member engages and rotation about the column axis PA is again prevented. The locking means can be provided as one integral part or as a plurality of parts and / or the locking means can be provided at various locations along one or more of the base plate, the back plate or the like. It is intended that To allow positioning of the base plate (e.g., bite block 12) relative to the backplate, also posterior vertical around the anterior vertical apex, around the anterior horizontal apex, around the posterior horizontal apex To address at least dental x-ray imaging to include horizontal bites, vertical bites or the like around the directional apex, having at least a first channel 31b and a second channel 32b. Although preferred, it will be appreciated that any number of channels having any design, shape or intersection is within the scope of the invention.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the channels 31-33 are substantially linear, but any shape is within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first channel 31 can intersect the second channel 32 at some midpoint between the respective channels. The intermediate point simply means a certain point between the respective ends of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32. In a preferred configuration, the intersection 40 of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 is substantially in the middle of the second channel 32 and forms the first channel so that these two channels form a “t”. It is removed from the center of 31. The third channel 33 can intersect any other channel, but for the purposes of the drawing, one end of each third channel 33 itself intersects one end of the second channel 32. A preferred embodiment is shown.

  In another embodiment of the invention, channels 31b and 32b (FIG. 18) are also substantially linear, but any shape is within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the first channel 31b can intersect the second channel 32b at some midpoint of the respective channel. The intermediate point simply means a certain point between the respective ends of the first channel 31b and the second channel 32b. In a preferred form, the intersection 40 of the first channel 31b and the second channel 32b is approximately in the middle of the second channel 32b so that these two channels form a “T”.

  As mentioned above, the exact design, dimensions or other characteristics of the channel can vary, but can accommodate and guide the post 21, and thus the bite block 12 (attached to the base plate). Should be like this. By sliding the bite block 12 over the surface of the backplate (such sliding is guided by the physical contact of the pillars 21 within the selected channel), the bite block 12 can be moved back at any desired location. It will be understood that it can be positioned relative to the plate. Move the byte block from one channel, such as the first channel, to another channel, such as the second channel, by moving the pillar 21 (and hence the attached byte block 12) within the channel to an intersection, such as the intersection 40. It will be further appreciated that the column 21 can continue to move to other channels by moving it. In this way, the column 21 slides in the channels 31 to 33, 31a and 32a or 31b and 32b.

  Further, it is preferable to provide a base 50 at one end of the pillar 21 and a channel that completely penetrates between the two surfaces 11a and 11b of the back plate 11 so as to form an open slot. Thereby, the pillar 21 extends between the base plate 50 and the base 50 when a bite block or a base plate is used and connects them. The back plate is physically accommodated between the base 50 and the bite block 12 by configuring the base 50 to be wider than the channel and by configuring the pillars 21 to have appropriate dimensions. be able to. This physically attaches the bite block to the backplate in a way that can be adjusted differently by the use of the channel as already described. Again, the bite block 12 can be freely positioned anywhere in the channel while being held on the back plate, and can also be rotated about the axis of rotation provided by the column 21, thereby It will be appreciated that any or all of the numerous X-ray positions required by the dental practitioner can be addressed.

  In the preferred embodiment, the bite block 12 rotates about the column 21 and the column 21 acts as an axis, more precisely, the axis of the column 21 acts as the axis of rotation. In a further embodiment, the post 21 and channels 31-33 are configured and so that the bite block 12 can only rotate at the intersection of at least two channels 31-33. Although sized, this is not essential. In other further embodiments, the pillars 21 and channels 31b and 32b are configured or sized so that the bite block 12 can rotate along any portion of the two channels 31b and 32b. Although so dimensioned, rotation can be prevented or substantially prevented while the locking means is engaged. For example, as described above, the locking means is engaged when the first locking member and the corresponding second locking member are interconnected (for example, the groove and the rib are substantially aligned). Can be combined. Thereafter, the first locking member is removed from the corresponding second locking member (for example, the groove and the rib are not substantially aligned) to disengage the locking means to enable rotation. Can do. This can be achieved by applying sufficient pressure to at least one of the bite block or the base plate while generally keeping the other in place.

  Larger openings or expansion areas 60 can be provided in the one or more channels that are sized to pass the base 50 to assist in assembling the components of the image media holder 10. The extended area can also provide an area where the pillars 21 can rotate more easily inside. In one embodiment, the expansion area includes one or more threading portions 62 (which serve to thread the base 50 through the expansion area 60 to assemble (eg, securely or removably secure) the bite block to the base plate. For example, it may have an angled part, an inclined part, a flanged part or another part. Optionally, threading portion 62 (and / or one or more separate recesses not shown) also prevents or substantially prevents the bite block from coming out of the base plate when assembled. Can also help.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image media holder 10 is made from any suitable material that can be used in the oral cavity. A more preferred image media holder 10 is made from a plastic material and is disposable.

  In accordance with the present invention, some means is also provided for securing or attaching image media such as imaging plate 70 and digital sensor 71 to second surface 11b of the backplate, preferably in a removable manner. Two preferred methods include a strippable or pressure sensitive adhesive (not shown) and one or more straps 80, which can be used separately or in combination with each other. it can.

  Any adhesive suitable for use in the oral cavity is within the scope of the present invention, but the particular adhesive chosen does not necessarily limit the invention. One preferred adhesive is a latex-free pressure sensitive adhesive, which is coated on the second surface 11b of the backplate in any conventional manner. A release strip (not shown) can be used to cover the adhesive until it is used. 4 and 24, for example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 24, the image medium such as the plate 70 or the sensor 71 is physically pressed against the second surface 11b of the back plate and used by a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive used. Can be held in place.

  If straps 80 are used and at least two straps are preferred, straps 80 can be attached to the backplate and are preferably flexible in one direction but rigid in the other direction. When an image medium such as plate 70 or sensor 71 is in physical contact with the back plate, one strap 80 (or multiple straps 80 when more than one is used) can be made by the flexibility of the strap 80. Can be partially or completely wrapped around the plate 70 (or any other imaging medium as can be used) in a manner, thereby holding the image medium on the backplate 11 (FIG. 7, FIGS. 8, 24, 26 and 27). For example, FIGS. 24, 26, and 27 show a first pair that wraps generally (eg, completely) around the sensor 71 (eg, transversely around the sensor from two different faces of the backplate as shown). And a second pair of straps 80b that at least partially wrap around the sensor 71 (eg, longitudinally around the sensor from the same side of the backplate as shown). A second pair of straps 80b, when included, can provide further fixation of the holder 10 to the sensor 71 (eg, to prevent or substantially prevent longitudinal movement of the sensor). The strap 80b can also help in restraining or substantially preventing movement of the connecting wire 72, but need not be.

  The strap 80 can be provided with a suitable adhesive or can be provided with any other conventional means for attaching the strap 80 to a fixed position. By all such methods or combinations thereof, the strap 80 and / or the adhesive are securely attached (preferably in a removable manner) to secure the imaging media to the holder 10.

  Further, one or more of the straps 80 can be provided with at least one perforation 82 that can be broken (eg, torn) to assist in the removal of the image media holder 10. In one particular embodiment, the strap 80 has a transverse perforation 82 that generally corresponds to and extends along the edge of the sensor 71 (FIG. 27); It is contemplated that it can be provided anywhere along, around the sensor 71. By applying force to the image media holder 10 (eg, bite block) in a force direction FD that generally faces the sensor 71 and / or does not face the sensor 71 (eg, generally along the direction of the perforation) It will be appreciated that the eye 82 can be broken, whereby at least a portion of the media holder or the entire media holder can be removed from the sensor. It will be appreciated that the perforation 82 helps to improve the detachability of the image media holder from the sensor.

  It will be appreciated that by appropriate design of the strap 80, any having a number of image media designs, such as the plate 70 or the digital sensor 71, can be held by the image media holder 10. The strap 80 can also accommodate different imaging media due to the length or other dimensions of the strap 80, just as the belt can be adjusted to secure different sized or shaped members. The design consists of different image media such as plate 70, relatively thick image media such as digital sensor 71, and conventional protective sleeve or barrier 73 for digital sensor 71 or such image media (FIGS. 5, 9). Even other members such as the connecting wire 72 for FIGS. 26 and 27) can be addressed. Although not shown, a conventional dental x-ray film packet or indeed any other dental image media can be held by the image media holder 10 of the present invention. The present invention is even intended to be able to fix and hold imaging media as may be developed in the future.

  It is known in the dental x-ray art to attach an aiming ring that is attached to an arm or other structure, and to effectively connect the aiming ring to an imaging media holder. The present invention can be configured as shown in FIGS. Any means for attaching the arm and aiming ring to the holder 10 are within the scope of the present invention. One preferred means is to provide an arm 90 having a securing member 91 in which a slot 92 is provided. The slot 92 is configured to physically accommodate and frictionally hold the edge of the bite block 12 therein and can be sized as such. There is a support post 93 at a location distal to the securing member 91, and the support post 93 is configured to receive or otherwise adjustably fix the aiming ring 94 to the support post 93. For example, the pillars 93 can have a certain shape, such as a cross shape as shown in the drawings, and are complementarily shaped so that the pillars 93 are placed through the holes 95 in use. A defined hole 95 can be provided at a location on the aiming ring 94. The aiming ring 94 slides freely along the column 93 to any desired position and is frictionally held in place by its physical contact with the column 93.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 10, 11 and 20), the backplate can be provided with an indicator 102 that separately indicates the different locations used for a particular x-ray procedure. The indicator 102 can be, but is not limited to, a color, number, letter, symbol, protrusion, dimple, groove, or any other physical or visual indicator, or a combination thereof. For example, the backplate can be provided with two or more different indicators 102 (eg, a first indicator 102a, a second indicator 102b, etc.) that can be, for example, the left bite or right The position where the bite block 12 should move to photograph each of the bite wings can be indicated by different colors. Furthermore, the holder 10 has a certain bit, such as an intersection of certain channels 31 to 33, with the bite block 12 as the axis of rotation about the column 21 as long as the locking member is not engaged. It is of the type that can rotate only at a point or almost anywhere along the channels 31b and 32b. In certain embodiments where rotation can be obtained at certain points such as intersections, intersections or other areas that allow such rotation can be provided with further indicators, such as indicator arrows 110. .

Indicators 102 and 110 can be provided on separate material layers, such as plastic sheet 120, which are positioned in parallel physical contact with the second surface 11b of the backplate 11. Can do. In a preferred embodiment, the strap 80 is integrally formed with the sheet 120 from the same material as the sheet 120. In this configuration, it may be advantageous to provide a back plate that is at least partially transparent so that the indicator 102 disposed on the sheet 120 can be seen through. If a sheet 120 is used, it will be appreciated that a transparent or at least partially transparent backplate will make it easier to see through the indicator 102 or 110, but within the bite block 12 to see through the indicator 102 or 110 It is also possible to simply provide a sufficiently large opening 121. Furthermore, the channels 31-33, 31a and 32b, or 31b and 32b themselves can be appropriately positioned so that the indicators 102 and / or 110 are visible.

  In one embodiment, the backplate can have an indicator 102 having a plurality of indicia (eg, 102a, 102b, etc.), each of these indicators being at least one of one or more dental x-ray procedures. Corresponds to the position (and optionally index 102 and / or index 92 'of the aiming ring). For example, the first indicator can be associated with a first location for performing a first x-ray procedure, and optionally a second location for performing a second x-ray procedure. It will be appreciated that various positions and / or orientations with respect to the indicator 102 can be obtained by rotating the byte block, moving the byte block along the channel, or both. In one particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the backplate 15 includes a first position 103a that may be associated with performing a first dental x-ray procedure and a second dental x-ray procedure. A first indicator 103 having a second position 103b that may be relevant to The backplate 15 has a second position 104a that can be associated with performing a third dental x-ray procedure and a second position 104b that can be associated with performing a fourth dental x-ray procedure. The index 104 may be further included. In this configuration, the first position 103a can be located at a position along the first channel (eg, generally positioned at the end of the first channel), and the second position 103b can be It can be located elsewhere along one channel (eg, generally positioned at the intersection of the first channel and the second channel). Further, the first position 104a can be located at a position along the second channel (eg, generally positioned at the end of the second channel), and the second position 104b can be It can be located elsewhere along the channel (eg, generally positioned at the opposite end of the second channel).

  An alternative embodiment of a byte block is indicated by the attached drawing, i.e. by reference numeral 130 in FIGS. The bite block 130 is particularly configured to be useful during endodontic or “root canal” procedures. As is known (not shown), during root treatment, an endodontic file is used to remove the nerve from the tooth and to clean the neural tube in the root. When the endodontic file is placed in place on the teeth, the teeth need to be x-rayed to make sure that the file is inserted deep enough into the root so that the entire neural tube is cleaned. This action must be done with the file in place, after which the file is removed.

  As described above, the bite block 130 is provided with the base 131 operably connected to the holder 10 of the present invention, and also provided with the first bite arm 132 and the second bite arm 133. The arms 132 and 133 are preferably arranged in a spaced apart parallel relationship, as shown in the drawings. The separation leaves room for the endodontic file to remain in place at the root of the root when taking an x-ray image. It will be appreciated that the base 131 allows a sensor, such as the exemplary sensor 134, to be positioned at multiple locations in the same inventive manner as described herein above with respect to the holder 10. Let's go.

  Further, the bite block 130 is preferably provided with means attached to or removably attached to the aiming ring 135, but this need not be the case. For example, the ring 135 can be provided with spaced parallel grooves 140, and the bite block 130 can be provided with a complementary pin 141. The groove 140 and the pin 141 can be configured such that the groove 140 can be frictionally fitted to the pin 141 by sliding. The friction between the groove 140 and the pin 141 can be sufficient to hold the ring 135 in place if necessary. It will be understood that any means for attaching the bite block 130 to the ring 135 is within the scope of the present invention.

In FIGS. 16 and 17 of the drawings, alternative configurations of channels are shown as channels 31a and 32a, and alternative intersections are shown as intersections 40a. In addition, open areas 40b that allow intermediate rotation are provided at various points, so that the bite block 12 can be rotated away from the intersection 40a if desired. Further, the aiming ring 135 a similar to the aiming ring 135 can be provided with a plurality of supports 92 a each capable of supporting the arm 93. In a preferred configuration, each support 92a holds an arm 93 in a preselected position that facilitates taking a specific dental x-ray image. Furthermore, the respective indicators 31a 'and 32b' in the channels 31a and 32a and the indicators 40a 'at the intersection 40a are located on or adjacent to a given support 92a. Corresponding to an indicator that is positioned or otherwise belongs to a given support 92a. For example, the indicator 31a ′ can be a color such as yellow, which is positioned near the support 92a and thus belongs to the support 92a or otherwise indicates the support 92a. Corresponds to the index 92a ′. Once the bite block 12 is positioned in the channel 32a as described above, the user knows that the assembled member is now in the proper position for a given x-ray imaging procedure and 93 is disposed in the support 92a. As a further example, the indicator 31a ′ and the associated support 92a indicated to the user by the indicator 92a ′ can be useful for taking a rear image. The index 32a ′ and the related index 92a ″ can be a second color such as red, and can indicate a position suitable for capturing a bite wing image. Other positions may be appropriate for capturing a front image or the like, for example, the setup shown in FIG. 16 is useful for capturing a front X-ray image. Of course, any index such as color, number, word, mark, scribes, bumps, voids, physical structure, etc. applied in any way is within the scope of the present invention. .

  Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the image media holder 10 as described can hold image media of various designs, shapes and configurations. The image media holder of the present invention can also allow the user to take dental x-rays at more than one position. All of these various uses can be achieved with one image media holder according to the present invention. Preferred embodiments for practicing the invention have been described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings, without intending to show all of the variations that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A dental X-ray image media holder,
A back plate attached to the bite block,
At least one channel containing a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is selectively moved within the channel such that the bite block is oriented in a predetermined position relative to the back plate. At least one channel capable of:
A plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first A plurality of indicators associated with the dental imaging procedure;
Having a back plate;
A locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis when the locking member is engaged;
A dental X-ray image media holder comprising:   The locking member includes a first locking member of the back plate and a corresponding second locking member of the bite block, so that the first locking member and the corresponding second When engaged with the locking member, rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented, while the bite block is generally parallel in the channel to the first surface of the back plate. The dental X-ray image media holder according to claim 1, which allows for easy movement.   The dental X-ray image media holder according to claim 2, further comprising a base plate that connects the column to the bite block, wherein the base plate is in the first position. The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 2, wherein a bite block extends along a first surface of the base plate such that a bite block is positioned outwardly of a periphery of the back plate.   The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. The dental X-ray image media holder according to claim 3, which has a contact surface.   A plurality of straps are secured to the second surface of the back plate, so that after the image media is in physical contact with the second surface of the back plate, the straps pull the image media to the back plate. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a perforation that can be wound so as to physically contact the image medium when fixed at a predetermined position with respect to the plate, and that removes the back plate after fixing to the image medium. Dental X-ray image media holder as described.   The pillar has a base to receive a portion of the back plate between the base plate and the pillar when positioned in at least one of the channels, the pillar having the base and the base plate The dental X-ray image media holder according to claim 3, wherein the dental X-ray image media holder extends between the base plate and the base plate.   The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 1, having a t-shaped configuration formed of A dental X-ray image media holder,
A back plate attached to the bite block,
The first aspect;
A peripheral edge extending along an outer periphery of the first surface;
At least one channel extending at least partially through the first surface of the backplate that houses a post attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block has a predetermined relation to the backplate At least one channel that can be selectively moved within the channel to be directed to a position;
A plurality of indicators, whereby at least one of the indicators is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first A plurality of indicators associated with the dental imaging procedure;
Having a back plate;
A base plate for connecting the pillar to the bite block, wherein the bite block is positioned outward of the peripheral edge of the back plate along the first surface of the base plate at the first position. Extending base plate,
A dental X-ray image media holder comprising:   The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 8 having a contact surface.   The dental device according to claim 9, further comprising a locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis when the locking member is engaged. X-ray image media holder.   The locking member includes a first locking member having at least one groove and a corresponding second locking member having at least one rib, so that the engagement of the rib into the groove The dental X-ray image media holder according to claim 10, wherein sometimes the rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented.   The back plate has a first locking member, and the base plate has a corresponding second locking member, so that the first locking member and the corresponding second locking member When engaged, rotational movement of the bite block about the column axis is prevented, while allowing the bite block to move generally parallel within the channel relative to the first surface of the backplate. The dental X-ray image media holder according to claim 10.   The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 8, having a t-shaped configuration formed by:   A plurality of straps are secured to the second surface of the back plate, so that after the image media is in physical contact with the second surface of the back plate, the straps pull the image media to the back plate. The dental X-ray image medium holder according to claim 13, wherein the dental X-ray image medium holder can be wound so as to physically abut against the image medium when being fixed at a predetermined position with respect to a plate. A dental X-ray image media holder,
A back plate attached to the bite block,
The first aspect;
A second side;
A peripheral edge extending along an outer periphery of the back plate between the first surface and the second surface;
A plurality of channels extending at least partially through the first surface of the back plate for receiving posts attached to the bite block, whereby the bite block is in a predetermined position relative to the back plate; A plurality of channels that can be selectively moved within the channel to be directed to
A plurality of indicators, whereby a first indicator is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the first position being a predetermined first dental imaging procedure And a second indicator is used to indicate a second position of the bite block relative to the backplate, the second position being associated with a predetermined second dental imaging procedure. Indicators and
A first locking member;
Having a back plate;
A base plate connecting the column to the bite block, the base plate having a corresponding second locking member that engages with the first locking member of the back plate, so that when engaged, , A base plate in which rotational movement of the bite block around the column axis is prevented;
A dental X-ray image media holder comprising:   The first locking member has at least one longitudinally extending groove and at least one transversely extending groove along the first surface of the backplate, and the corresponding second locking member The member has at least one rib so that upon engagement of the first locking member and the corresponding locking member, the at least one rib is the at least one longitudinally extending groove and The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 15, wherein the dental x-ray image media holder is received in at least one of the at least one transversely extending groove.   The dental X of claim 16, wherein the base plate extends along the first surface of the base plate such that the bite block is positioned outward of the peripheral edge of the back plate in the first position. Line image media holder.   The base plate has a proximal end attached to the post and a distal end attached to the bite block, the bite block extending generally perpendicular to the first surface of the backplate. The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 17 having a contact surface.   The pillar has a base to receive a portion of the back plate between the base plate and the pillar when positioned in at least one of the channels, the pillar having the base and the base plate The dental X-ray image media holder of claim 18 extending between and connecting the base and the base plate.   The backplate is provided with at least two intersecting channels, the first channel intersecting the second channel with each of the first channel and the second channel. The dental x-ray image media holder of claim 19, having a t-shaped configuration formed of

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