Patent ID: 7615005

Claim:
An apparatus for use with an endoscope having a generally circular cross-section, the apparatus comprising: a flexible sheath having an outer surface and an inner surface, the sheath adapted for receiving the endoscope with a generally circular cross-section and for permitting circumferential motion of the endoscope relative to the sheath; a track in the form of a rail disposed on the outer surface of the sheath; a mating member in sliding engagement with the rail of the track, wherein the mating member has a length substantially equal to or greater than the length of the rail; and an accessory, wherein the accessory is secured to the mating member by a flexible flange, wherein the flexible flange extends unitarily between the mating member and the accessory, wherein the flange extends in a radially outward direction relative to the sheath, wherein the accessory, the mating member, and the flexible flange are adapted to slide as a unit along the track external of the endoscope; and wherein the track is disposed on a second flexible flange.