Method and apparatus for detecting and locating a recreational device

Abstract

A method and apparatus includes a pouch in which a locator is placed. The locator is attached to a fastener, which is attached to a snow recreational device. Upon detachment of the snow recreational from the user, the locator is extracted from the pouch and serves as an indicator for the user.

1 . An apparatus for locating a snow recreational device comprising: 
 a pouch comprising a first opening in the pouch; and    a retainer attached to the pouch.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a locator that is positioned in the pouch.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein a portion of the locator is threaded through the first opening in the pouch.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , further comprising a second opening to position the locator within the pouch.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as in  claim 3 , further comprising a fastener that is attached to locator.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein the locator is comprised of a color that is identifiable in ski environment once it becomes detached.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as in  claim 6 , wherein the color is neon.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as in  claim 5 , wherein the fastener attaches to the snow recreational device.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as in  claim 7 , wherein the snow recreational device is a ski.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the fastener attaches to a ski brake on the ski.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the fastener attaches to a ski binding.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is positioned around an object that can become detached from the snow recreational device.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein the snow recreational device is a ski.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as in  claim 12 , wherein the object is a ski boot.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as in  claim 12 , wherein the object is a boot.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as in  claim 12 , wherein the object is a shoe.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as in  claim 12 , wherein the object is a skier.  
   
   
       18 . A method for determining the location of a snow recreational device, comprising the steps of: 
 attaching a fastener to the snow recreational device; and    extracting a locator positioned within a pouch in response to the snow recreational device becoming detached.    
   
   
       19 . The method as in  claim 18 , further comprising positioning a retainer, attached to the pouch, about an object that can become detached from the snow recreational device.  
   
   
       20 . The method as in  claim 19 , wherein the recreational device is a ski.  
   
   
       21 . The method as in  claim 19 , wherein the object is a ski boot.  
   
   
       22 . The method as in  claim 19 , wherein the object is shoe.  
   
   
       23 . The method as in  claim 19 , wherein the object is a boot.  
   
   
       24 . The method as in  claim 19 , wherein the fastener attaches to a ski brake.  
   
   
       25 . The method as in  claim 19 , wherein the fastener attaches to a skin binding.  
   
   
       26 . A system for determining the location of a snow recreational device comprising: 
 means for holding comprises a first opening;    means for locating a locator within the means for retaining; and    means for fastening the means for holding to an object.    
   
   
       27 . The system as in  claim 26 , further comprising means for securing the system to a recreational device.  
   
   
       28 . The system as in  claim 27 , wherein the recreational device is a snow recreational device.  
   
   
       29 . The system as in  claim 28 , wherein the snow recreational device is a ski.  
   
   
       30 . The system as in  claim 29 , wherein the means for securing is attached to a binding on the ski.  
   
   
       31 . The system as in  claim 28 , wherein the snow recreational device is a snowboard.  
   
   
       32 . The system as in  claim 27 , wherein the recreational device is a water ski.  
   
   
       33 . The system as in  claim 26 , wherein the means for holding includes a second opening.  
   
   
       34 . An apparatus for locating an object comprising: 
 a pouch comprising a first opening; and    a locator located in the pouch an configured to fit through the first opening.    
   
   
       35 . The apparatus as in  claim 34 , further comprising a retainer attached to the pouch.  
   
   
       36 . The apparatus as in  claim 35 , further comprising fastener linked to the object and locator.