US20030205650A1

US20030205650A1 - Remote control identifier

Info

Publication number: US20030205650A1
Application number: US10/056,431
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Lale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-23
Filing date: 2002-01-23
Publication date: 2003-11-06

Abstract

An apparatus for identification of a remote control, including identifying the location of a remote control and distinguishing the remote control from among a plurality of remote controls. The apparatus comprises an elongate, flexible identification member sized to allow for identification of an attached remote control.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an identifier, and particularly to an identifier adapted for use with an object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote control devices are often provided with electronic devices to allow for their convenient operation. Remote controls allow for operation of the electronic devices from a distance, i.e., without being located immediately by the electronic device. Remote controls are thus frequently used where it is convenient for a user to operate the electronic devices, such as when sitting on a chair or couch.

The remote controls are often small, handheld devices that are easily misplaced. For example, it is easy for a remote control to slide between or beneath the cushions of a sofa or chair, thus becoming difficult to locate. Misplace remote controls can reduce the convenience of operating electronic devices, and can cause frustration. Misplaced remote controls can even hinder the operation of their associated electronic devices. For example, certain functions of electronic devices are operable only by their remote controls, and may be inoperable if the remote control is misplaced. Due to the proliferation of electronic devices that are provided with remote controls, many households have one or more remote controls, and some households have many remote controls. For example, a household may have a remote control for a TV, VCR, receiver, CD player, and DVD player. Often times, remote controls from the same manufacturer but for different devices can have identical or very similar appearances. When placed on a table or sofa, remote controls may tend to be easily confused with each other. In addition, remote controls often come in the same color or close variations thereof. For example, black or dark gray is a very popular color for remote controls. The similar size, shape, colors and configurations can lead to confusion in choosing a remote control to operate a particular electronic device.

Attempts to address the problem of locating a remote control include attaching a cord at one end to the remote control and at another end to an object, such as a sofa or chair. However, such a device does not provide for flexibility and free movement of the remote control. A spring-loaded mechanism may be provided at an end of the cord in order to draw the remote control closer to the object further increasing the awkwardness of its use. In addition, other drawbacks of such a device include the safety hazards that having a long cord can present. For example, an extended cord may cause someone to trip and possibly fall. Also, the remote control, by being strongly attached to the cord, can present a potential for strangulation or other safety concern. Moreover, in addition to the safety concerns that such a device presents, the corded device does not help in distinguishing the remote control from other similar appearing remote controls. Thus, there remains a need for an inexpensive and safe apparatus and method for identifying a remote control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a method and apparatus are provided for identification of the remote control. The apparatus may comprise an elongate, flexible identification element or member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. An attachment mechanism may be provided for selectively coupling one of the ends of the identification element relative to a remote control. When attached to a remote control, the identification element may be effective to allow identification of the remote control, such as for locating the remote control. The identification element may also be effective to allow for identification of the remote control in distinguishing the remote control from a plurality of remote controls. In an aspect of the invention, the attachment mechanism may be effective to allow the decoupling of the identification element relative to the remote control when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the attachment mechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, the identification element may comprise a substantially non-elastic tape, ribbon, or other material. The element may be between approximately 24 and 48 inches in length. The element may also be approximately between 0.75 and 2.75 inches in width. The size and shape of the element may be selected to allow for convenient use and ready identification of a remote control when attached thereto.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an end of the identification element, such as the second end, may include a portion having an increased stiffness as compared to the portion of the identification element between the first and second ends thereof. The portion of the element having an increased stiffness may be effective to reduce the flexibility of that portion. The portion may prevent or reduce the element from being compacted into a state that reduces the effectiveness of the identification element. The portion having an increased stiffness may also be effective to provide a gripping portion for gripping of the element. The portion having an increased stiffness may comprise a loop formed on the second end of the identification element. The loop may be mechanically closed, and a tag containing indica may be disposed within the loop. The tag may be effective to increase the stiffness of the second end of the identification element.

In a further aspect of the invention, a secondary attachment mechanism may be provided on the identification element. The secondary attachment mechanism may be effective to allow for the selective coupling of the first end relative to the second end of the identification element to form a loop. The secondary attachment mechanism may be effective to allow for the decoupling of the first end relative to the second end of the identification element when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the secondary attachment mechanism.

In an aspect of the invention, an anchoring mechanism may be provided on the identification element. The anchoring mechanism may be effective to allow for the selective attachment of the first end of the identification element relative to an object, such as an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself. The anchoring mechanism may be effective to allow for detachment of the first end of the identification element relative to the object when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the anchoring mechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, a tethering mechanism may be provided on the identification element. The tethering mechanism may be effective to allow for the selective attachment of the second end of the identification element relative to an object, such as an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself. The tethering mechanism may be effective to allow for detachment of the second end of the identification element relative to the object when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the anchoring mechanism.

In another aspect of, the invention includes a method of providing an apparatus for locating a remote control. The method includes providing an elongate, flexible identification member, providing a coupling element having a first portion and a second portion, where the first and second portions are removably connectable relative to each other. One of the portions may be attached relative to the identification member, and the other of the portions may be adapted to be securable relative to a remote control.

In another aspect of the invention, the method may include providing a loop coupling element between opposing ends of the identification member to allow for selective interconnection thereof for forming a loop.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the method may include providing an anchoring coupling element with the apparatus. The anchoring coupling element may have a first portion and a second portion, and the method may include attaching one of the portions to the first end of the identification member and adapting the other portion for attachment to an object, such as an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself, to allow for anchoring of the first end of the identification member relative to the object.

In a further aspect of the invention, the method may include provide a tethering coupling element for use with the apparatus. The tethering coupling element may have a first portion and a second portion, and the method may include attaching one of the portions to the second end of the identification member and adapting the other of the portions for attachment to an object, such as an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself, and tethering the second end of the identification member relative to the object.

In another aspect of the invention, the method may include providing a region of the identification element with an increased stiffness as compared to other regions of the identification element between the first and second ends thereof.

In an aspect of the invention, the invention may comprise an apparatus for identifying a remote control. The apparatus may include an elongate, flexible identification member attachable relative to a remote control. The elongate flexible member may be convertible between a plurality of different operating modes. A primary coupling element having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween may be provided with the apparatus. The first portion of the primary coupling element may be attached relative to a first end of the identification member and the second portion may be adapted for attachment to a remote control to provide an operating mode.

A secondary coupling element may be provided having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween. The first portion of the secondary coupling element may be attached relative to the first end of the identification member, and the second portion of the secondary coupling element may be attached relative to a second end of the identification member opposite the first end. When the first and second portions of the secondary coupling element are connected relative to each other, a loop of the identification member may be formed to provide an operating mode thereof.

The apparatus may further comprise a tertiary coupling having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween. The first portion of the tertiary coupling may be attached relative to the first end of the identification member, and a second portion may be attachable to an object to secure the first end of the identification member relative to the object to provide an operating mode of the apparatus.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the apparatus may further comprise a quaternary coupling having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween. The first portion may comprise the first portion of the secondary coupling attached relative to the second end of the identification member, and the second portion may be attachable to an object to secure the second end of the identification member relative to the provide to define an operating mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a side of an apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention; [0020]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of another side of the apparatus of FIG. 1; [0021]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 formed into a loop; [0022]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 tethered relative to an object; and [0023]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 attached relative to an object.[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is preferably embodied in an apparatus and method for identifying a remote control. The apparatus allows for the identification of the remote control, including locating the remote control and distinguishing the remote control from other remote controls. Preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein an identifier for a remote control is provided, are disclosed below. [0025]
FIGS. [0026] 1-5 illustrate apparatus 1 for identifying a remote control 60 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The apparatus 1 includes an elongate, flexible identification element 10 that is attachable relative to the remote control 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the identification element 10 may comprise a generally thin, tape or web-like member having a first end 12 and a second end 14.
In an embodiment of the invention the [0027] identification element 10 is configured for attachment relative to the remote control 60. A coupling member is provided on the first end 12 of a front side 16 of the identification element. The coupling member comprises first and second portions 32 and 34 adapted for selective connection, with the first portion 32 attached to the identification member, and the second portion 34 attachable to the remote control 60. The first portion 32 is attached to the identification member 10 by sewing, however, other ways of attaching the portion 32 are also suitable. For instance, the portion 32 may be attached by glue or other types of adhesives. The second portion 34 is provided with an adhesive backing covered by a protective member, allowing for the removal of the protective member to expose the adhesive and allow the second portion 34 to be attached to the remote control 60, providing for convenient attachment thereto, although other ways of attachment are contemplated by the invention.
The [0028] coupling member portions 32 and 34 are selectively detachable relative to each other, thereby allowing for the easy attachment and detachment of the identification element 10 from the remote control 60. The force required to separate or detach the coupling portions 32 and 43 relative to each other is sufficiently strong so as to reduce inadvertent detachment, but yet not so strong so as to prevent separation under particular circumstances, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
In an embodiment of the invention, the coupling member comprises a velcro attachment, with the [0029] first portion 32 comprising the hook portion and the second portion 34 the loop portion of the velcro attachment. The first or hook portion is preferably attached to the flexible element 10 and the second or loop portion 34, generally having a softer, less abrasive feel compared to the hook portion 34, is preferably attached to the remote control 60. Thus, the remote control 60, when the flexible element 10 is removed therefrom, does not have the abrasive hook portion 32 attached thereto. However, an inverse attachment of the hook and loop portions 32 and 34 is also contemplated by the invention.
The [0030] second end 14 of the flexible element has a generally small loop 20 formed thereon, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The loop 20 may be formed by folding over the second end 14 of the flexible element 10 and securing the folded-over portion relative to the element 10 by placing stitching 28 therebetween, although other equally suitable means for forming the loop 20 are also contemplated by the invention.
The [0031] second end 14 of the flexible element has, by virtue of being folded over to form the loop 20, an increased stiffness compared to regions of the identification element between the first and second ends 12 and 14 thereof. The loop portion 20 also provides, by virtue of its increased stiffness, a convenient gripping region. For example, the loop portion 20 may be gripped by a user to retrieve the remote control 60, or the more flexible region immediately below the loop portion 20 may be grasped by a user for retrieving the remote control 60.
In order to reduce the likelihood that the [0032] identification element 10 may be used in an unsafe manner, the loop 20 is closed. The loop portion 20 is closed, for example, by longitudinally extending stitching 22. Thus, the first end 12 of the flexible element 10 is prevented from being inserted through the loop portion 20 and possibly forming a noose or other hazardous configuration. A tag 24 having indica 26, such as a safety warning, material descriptions, and/or identification or promotional writing, is disposed within the loop portion 20. The tag 24 is held in place by the longitudinal stitching 22, but also may be held in place by the loop-forming stitching 28 or other suitable means.
A secondary coupling member is provided on the [0033] flexible identification element 10 for selectively permitting a user to form the element 10 into a loop configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The coupling member is similar to the above described coupling member, and is preferably formed of velcro. A first portion 42 is attached to the first end 12 and a second portion 44 is attached to the second end 14 of the flexible element 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second portions 42 and 44 of the coupling member are disposed on the same side of the identification member 10. When the first and second portions 42 and 44 of the secondary coupling member are connected together, the flexible element 10 is formed into a loop configuration or mode. The loop configuration or mode allows for the elongate member 10, and any attached remote control 60, to be conveniently hung from a peg or other such hook, such as illustrated in FIG. 3, for storing or other purposes. The loop configuration also provides a convenient gripping area for retrieving or carrying the attached remote control 60, in addition to allowing the flexible element 10 to be selectively reduced, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and increased in size.
An anchoring coupling is also provided on the [0034] first end 12 of the back side 18 of the flexible element 10, opposite the remote control coupling 32 and 34. The anchoring coupling allows for a user to provide one or more storage places to assist in locating and identifying the remote control 60. This coupling includes first and second portions 52 and 54, such as the velcro portions described herein above. A first portion 52 of a coupling is attached to the first end 12 of the flexible element, and the second portion 54 is provided with an adhesive backing that allows for attachment to an object, such as a television 70, sofa 80, or other furniture, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
A tethering coupling is provided for tethering the [0035] remote control 60 relative to an object 70 or 80 with the identification element 10. The tethering coupling allows for the remote control 60 to move generally freely within a range defined by the length of the identification element, thus providing for convenient operation while assisting in locating the remote control 60.
In particular, the tethering coupling using the [0036] second portion 44 of the loop forming coupling disposed on the second end 14 of the flexible element 10, and a mating portion 54, similar to the velcro portions described above, that is attachable relative to an object 70 or 80, such as an object other than the remote control 60 or the flexible element 10. For example, the mating portion 54 of the coupling may be attached to an object such as a couch 80, as illustrated in FIG. 5, thereby allowing the remote control 60 to be tethered relative thereto.
Each of the above described coupling members or [0037] elements 32, 34, 42, 44, and 52 are configured to be detachable relative to each other when subject to a predetermined force. In this manner, the potential for unsafe, dangerous, or harmful use of the apparatus 1 can be reduced. For example, when the apparatus 1 is in its tethered mode it may be arranged in a potentially dangerous orientation that can cause someone to trip thereover. However, the tethering coupling members 44 and 54 may separate upon exertion of a sufficient, predetermined force, thereby reducing the likelihood that someone will trip over the apparatus 1. In another example, the apparatus 1 in its loop configuration is separable therefrom upon exertion of a predetermined force sufficient to detach the loop coupling 42 and 44, thereby reducing the likelihood that the apparatus 1 could be used for strangulation, asphyxiation, etc. The coupling elements 32 and 34 between the remote control 60 and the identification element are selected to allow for their separation when a predetermined force is exerted thereon, such as if the remote control 60 were being used as a hook for climbing or otherwise misusing the identification member 10.
Preferably, the predetermined amount of force required to separate the [0038] flexible elements 32 and 34 of the remote control coupling is between 35 and 50 pounds. The predetermined force necessary to separate the loop coupling 42 and 44 is preferably between about 5 and 15 pounds. In addition, the predetermined amount of force necessary to separate the flexible element 10 from an object 70 or 80 when the first end 12 of the flexible element 10 is attached relative thereto, such as with the anchoring coupling 54, is preferably between about 15 and 25 pounds. Also, the predetermined amount of force necessary to separate the flexible element from an object in its tethered configuration, such as by separating the tethering couplers 54 and 44, is preferably between 5 and 15 pounds. The coupling elements 44 and 52 are of similar materials, ensuring that the loop cannot be formed between the elements 44 and 52, such as if such a coupling were to have require an undesirable separation force.
Also for safety reasons, the [0039] identification element 10 is preferably of a generally non-elastic material sufficient to reduce the likelihood that the element 10 could be used as a rubber band or other undesirable uses. For example, an elastic element would potentially allow for an attached remote control to be launched at a holder of an opposite end of the element. However, the identification element is not limited to non-elastic materials, or to any materials, in accordance with aspects of the invention.
The flexible identification element or [0040] member 10 is selected to provide an appealing feel to users. In an embodiment of the invention, the flexible element 10 comprises a military tape, such as a tape having a code identification of MIL-T-5038 TYPE 3. The military tape is made of a nylon yarn which can be dyed in a variety of different colors, and has north-south warp yarn count between about 250 and 350, and is preferably about 300. The tinsel strength for the tape material is between approximately 800 and 900 pounds, and is preferably about 850 pounds. The thickness of the tape material is between about 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches, and is preferably between about 0.015 and 0.025 inches. However, other equally suitable types of material or tape are contemplated by the invention and may be used in accordance with aspects of the invention.
The size of the [0041] identification element 10, such as the length and width of the tape material, is selected to allow for identification of a remote control 60 attached relative thereto, but is not oversized such that the apparatus 1 may pose a hazard or be unduly cumbersome to use. The tape is between about 24 and 48 inches in length, and preferably about 1 meter in length. The width of the tape material is preferably between about 0.75 and 2.75 inches in width, and is preferably about 1.5 inches wide. Although particular dimensions are described for the size of the tape, other sizes or types of material may be equally suitable and used in accordance with aspects of the invention.
The [0042] identification element 10 may be provided in a variety of colors. The colors may be selected to readily identify the tape 10 and thus the remote control 60. For example, the tape 10 may be formed in bright colors, such as fluorescent yellow, pink, or other such colors for increasing visibility thereof. The tape 10 may also be provided in colors that blend in or better match furniture 80 in the user's home. For example, the tapes 10 may be provided in shades common for upholstered furniture 80. The tapes may also be provided in dark shades, such as dark grays or blacks, suitable for blending in with electronic devices 70.
In addition, the [0043] tape 10 may be provided with a pattern or image, such as by dying or silkscreening. The patterns may include team colors, patriotic colors, leopard prints, advertising or marketing indicia, logos, or other appealing or desirable patterns. The tape 10 may also be adapted for glowing in the dark for further improving the visibility thereof. For example, an ink having phosphorescent materials therein may be silkscreened onto the tape 10 to allow for identification of the tape in low lighting conditions. Although particular colors and patterns are described, the invention contemplates that many other colors are suitable according to various aspects of the invention.
The various patterns, colors, and images that may be provided on the [0044] flexible identification elements 10 are not just decorative and for aesthetic purposes, but also can be used to distinguish between a plurality of different remote controls 60. For example, an identification element 10 attached to a CD remote control may have a first color, and another identification element attached to a DVD remote control may have a second color different from the first color, thereby allowing for identification or distinguishment between the different remote controls.
As discussed above, the coupling members preferably comprise velcro materials. The [0045] coupling members 32 and 34 between the remote control 60 and the flexible element 10 are preferably 1.5 inch square. The loop forming coupling members 44 and 42 preferably comprise velcro strips of about 1 inch by {fraction (7/16)}ths inches. The coupling member 52 opposite the remote connection is preferably a 1 inch square velcro material. The portions of the velcro material 54 that are attachable to objects 70 and 80 for tethering or attaching the flexible element relative thereto are 1.5 by 1.5 inch square velcro portions. The portions 54 attached to the objects 70 and 80 are preferably sized to allow for ready attachment of the flexible element 10 thereto. The velcro also preferably has an average tensile or breaking strength of between about 160 and 180 pounds for the hook portion, and between about 190 and 210 pounds for the loop portion. The total holding strength of the velcro members used for the couplings is preferably between 15 and 25 pounds per square inch.
In an aspect of the invention, the velcro materials are provided in a variety of different colors suitable for blending into whatever it may be attached to. For example, the [0046] velcro portions 34 and 54 attached relative to the remote control 60 or to an object, such as a television 70 or other dark colored electronic device, may be of a black material. Lighter colors, such as a light tan or another wood-type color, may be provided for attachment relative to an object that comprises wooden or other furniture, such as the leg or the underside of a table or sofa 80.
Different colors of velcro or other coupling materials may also be provided for distinguishing between different attachment or anchoring locations of the [0047] remote control 60. For example, a coupling having a first color may be used to identify a storage or “home” location for a remote control 60 having an attached identification member 10 with an identical color. The velcro materials may also be provided with phosphorescent properties, such as for allowing easy identification of the anchoring element 54.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the invention provides an apparatus [0048] 1 and method for identifying a remote control 60, including identifying the location of the remote control 60 and identifying a particular remote control 60 from among a plurality of remote controls 60. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove or to any particular embodiments. Various modifications to the aforementioned dimensions will result in substantially the same invention. Although the identification apparatus is described in conjunction with a remote control, it is contemplated by the invention that the apparatus may be used with other types of objects, devices, etc., and the apparatus is not limited to use with a remote control.

Claims

The invention is to defined more particularly by the following claims:

1. An apparatus for locating a remote control, the apparatus comprising:

an elongate, flexible identification element having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

an attachment mechanism for selectively coupling the first end of the identification element relative to the remote control;

the identification element being effective to allow identification of the remote control.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is effective to allow for decoupling of the identification element relative to the remote control when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the attachment mechanism.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification element comprises a substantially non-elastic tape between approximately 24 and 48 inches in length and between approximately 0.75 and 2.75 inches in width.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second end of the identification element includes a portion having an increased stiffness compared to the remainder of the element, the portion having an increased stiffness being effective to reduce the flexibility of the portion.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the portion having an increased stiffness comprises a loop formed on the second end of the identification element, the loop being mechanically closed.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a tag containing indicia is disposed within the loop, the tag being effective to increase the stiffness of the second end of the identification element.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a secondary attachment mechanism is provided on the identification element, the secondary attachment mechanism being effective to allow for the selective coupling of the first end of the identification element relative to the second end of the identification element to form a loop.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the secondary attachment mechanism is effective to allow for decoupling of the first end relative to the second end of the identification element when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the secondary attachment mechanism.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an anchoring mechanism is provided on the identification element, the anchoring mechanism being effective to allow for the selective attachment of the first end of the identification element relative to an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the anchoring mechanism is effective to allow for decoupling of the first end of the identification element relative to the object when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the anchoring mechanism.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a tethering mechanism is provided on the identification element, the tethering mechanism being effective to allow for the selective attachment of the second end of the identification element relative to an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the tethering mechanism is effective to allow for decoupling of the second end of the identification element relative to the object when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the anchoring mechanism.

13. A method of providing an apparatus for locating a remote control, the method comprising:

providing an elongate, flexible identification member;

providing a coupling element having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being removable connectable relative to each other;

attaching the first portion relative to the identification member; and

adapting the second portion to be securable relative to a remote control.

14. A method according to claim 13, including the step of providing a loop coupling element between opposing ends of the identification member to allow for selective interconnection thereof effective to form a loop.

15. A method according to claim 13, including the step of providing an anchoring coupling element having a first portion and a second portion, attaching one of the portions to the first end of the identification member, adapting the other portion for relative attachment to an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself, and anchoring the first end of the identification member relative to the object.

16. A method according to claim 13, including the step of providing a tethering coupling element having a first portion and a second portion, attaching one of the portions to the second end of the identification member, adapting the other portion for relative attachment to an object other than the remote control or the identification element itself, and securing the second end of the identification member relative to the object.

17. A method according to claim 13, including the step of providing a region of the identification element with an increased stiffness as compared to other regions of the identification element between the first and second ends thereof.

18. An apparatus for identifying the location of a remote control, the apparatus comprising:

an elongate, flexible identification member attachable to a remote control, the elongate, flexible member convertible between a plurality of different operating modes;

a primary coupling element having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween, the first portion attached to a first end of the identification member and the second portion adapted for attachment to the remote control to define a first operating mode; and

a secondary coupling element having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween, the first portion attached to the first end of the identification member and the second portion attached to a second end of the identification member opposite the first end, the connection of the first and second portions of the secondary coupling element effective to form a loop of the identification member to define a second operating mode.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus further comprises a tertiary coupling having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween, the first portion attached to the first end of the identification member and the second portion attachable to an object to secure the first end of the identification member relative to the object to define a third operating mode.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises a quaternary coupling having a first portion and a second portion adapted for selective connection therebetween, the first portion of the quaternary coupling being attached to the second end of the identification member and the second portion attachable to an object to secure the second end of the identification member relative to the object to define a fourth operating mode.