Remote control identifier

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.

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.