Strong, lightweight digital radiography (dr) imager protector

Abstract

A strong, lightweight protector for digital radiography imagers may be used to take hip, pelvis or chest X-ray images of a bedridden patient weighing in excess of 400 pounds. A rigid sleeve or case has rectangular top and bottom panels and at least two opposing side panels fanning an interior cavity accessible through a slot. The slot has a height in the range of 0.5 to 2 inches and a width in the range of 18 to 24 inches, with the interior cavity having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches. All of the panels are made of radiolucent material. The panels are made of lightweight foam covered with carbon fiber and resin. A back portion may be provided such that the interior cavity is only accessible through the slot. An optional carrying handle may extend from one of the sides panels.

1 . A protector for digital radiography imagers placed under a patient, including overweight patients, comprising:
 rectangular top and bottom panels and at least two opposing side panels foaming an interior cavity accessible through a slot having a height in the range of 0.5 to 2 inches and a width in the range of 18 to 24 inches;   the interior cavity having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches; and   wherein all of the panels are made of a rigid radiolucent material.   
     
     
         2 . The protector of  claim 1 , wherein all of the panels are made of lightweight foam covered with carbon fiber and resin. 
     
     
         3 . The carrier sleeve of  claim 1 , further including a back portion such that the interior cavity is only accessible through the slot. 
     
     
         4 . The carrier sleeve of  claim 1 , further including a carrying handle extending from one of the sides panels. 
     
     
         5 . The carrier sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the side panels are thicker than the top and bottom panels. 
     
     
         6 . The carrier sleeve of  claim 1 , wherein the top and bottom panels are 0.25 inches thick.