# US 11,992,430 B2 · Accessory device, a patient immobilization system, and a method of forming a patient immobilization system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,992,430 B2 - Document ID: US11992430B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/980,303 - Filed: 2022-11-03 - Published: 2023-02-23 - Granted: 2024-05-28 - Earliest claimed: 2016-05-23 - Assignees: Qfix Systems, LLC - Applicants: Qfix Systems, LLC - Inventors: Daniel D. Coppens - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11992430B2 ## CPC - A61F 5/3707: {for the head (cervical supports A61F5/055; splints A61F5/05883)} - A61C 5/90: Oral protectors for use during treatment, e.g. lip or mouth protectors (A61C5/82 takes precedence) - A61F 5/3776: {by means of a blanket or belts (to chairs only A61F5/3792)} - A61N 5/10: X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy (A61N5/01 takes precedence) - A63B 71/085: {Mouth or teeth protectors (A63B71/081 takes precedence)} - A61N 2005/1097: {Means for immobilizing the patient} - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) - A61C: DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE (non-driven toothbrushes A46B; {tongue scrapers A61B17/24;} preparations for dentistry A61K6/00; preparations for cleaning the teeth or mouth A61K8/00, A61Q11/00) - A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B) - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract An accessory device and an immobilization system including the device are provided for positioning at least a portion of a patient's body relative to an immobilization device including a low temperature thermoplastic sheet. The accessory device may include a patient fixation portion and a lock portion. The patient fixation portion is attached to or inserted in the patient during use. The lock portion may extend distally from the patient fixation portion generally along a lock portion axis. The lock portion includes a shape, surface feature, or configuration, such that the low temperature thermoplastic sheet may be conformed to the outer surface of the lock portion of the accessory device, such that unintended separation of the accessory device from the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is prevented. Methods of forming the accessory device and immobilization system are also provided. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An accessory device configured to position a patient relative to an immobilization device including a low temperature thermoplastic sheet, the accessory device comprising: a patient fixation portion configured for fixation on or insertion into the patient during use; and a lock portion extending distally from the patient fixation portion generally along a lock portion axis; wherein the accessory device is configured to be engaged by and to contact a proximal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet by forming the proximal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet around the lock portion of the accessory device, such that the proximal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet conforms to the lock portion and when engaged prevents unintended separation of the accessory device from the low temperature thermoplastic sheet during use; wherein when engaged, the lock portion does not penetrate the low temperature thermoplastic sheet from the proximal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet to a distal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet; wherein the proximal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is positionable proximal the patient and the distal surface of the low temperature thermoplastic sheet is opposite from the proximal surface; and wherein the accessory device has an air passage such that air may pass through the accessory device. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the lock portion includes at least one projection extending transverse to the lock portion axis. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The accessory device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection comprises a configuration selected from the group consisting of a T-shape, a Y-shape, a X-shape, a fan shape, a bow-tie shape, a ring shape, an oblong shape, a rhombus shape, a rectangle, and a circle. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The accessory device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection extends in a transverse direction. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The accessory device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection extends in a superior/inferior direction. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the patient fixation portion comprises a mouthpiece. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The accessory device according to claim 6, wherein the mouthpiece has a U-shaped configuration. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The accessory device according to claim 6, wherein the air passage is fluidly connected to a palate vacuum outlet. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the lock portion comprises an engaging end portion extending from the patient fixation portion, the engaging end portion having a variable cross-sectional area along and orthogonal to the lock portion axis. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The accessory device according to claim 9, wherein the lock portion further comprises a stem portion extending from the patient fixation portion to the engaging end portion. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the lock portion defines at least one ridge. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the lock portion defines at least one notch. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the lock portion defines at least one hole. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1 further comprising an adhesive coating applied to a surface of the engaging end portion. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of lock portions extending from the patient fixation portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the accessory device is a single piece. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the accessory device further comprises at least one tongue or epiglottis blocking feature. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The accessory device according to claim 1, comprising plural air passages such that air may pass through the accessory device.