Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to support a plurality of objects such as keys with an inflatable apparatus when the inflatable apparatus is exposed to a body of water. In one embodiment, an inflatable apparatus provides an attachment member such as a key ring to attach objects such as keys to the inflatable apparatus. The inflatable apparatus is capable of inflating from a compact shape to an expanded shape upon contact with water. In the expanded shape, the inflatable apparatus provides sufficient buoyancy to support the objects coupled therewith and float the objects to the surface of the water for retrieval by a user. In situations where the weight of the object exceeds a buoyancy limit, the inflatable apparatus can extend a marker buoy to assist in the retrieval of the objects. In other embodiments, the inflatable apparatus includes a wireless transmit a wireless location signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to support a plurality of objects such as keys with an inflatable apparatus when the inflatable apparatus is exposed to a body of water. In one embodiment, an inflatable apparatus provides an attachment member such as a key ring to attach objects such as keys to the inflatable apparatus. The inflatable apparatus is capable of inflating from a compact shape to an expanded shape upon contact with water. In the expanded shape, the inflatable apparatus provides sufficient buoyancy to support the objects coupled therewith and float the objects to the surface of the water for retrieval by a user. In situations where the weight of the object exceeds a buoyancy limit, the inflatable apparatus can extend a marker buoy to assist in the retrieval of the objects. In other embodiments, the inflatable apparatus includes a wireless transmit a wireless location signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide a wireless tether system is described. In one embodiment, one or more wireless tether apparatuses are in wireless communication with one or more base units. A wireless tether apparatus may be configured such that when separated from a base unit greater than a predetermined distance, such a wireless tether apparatus provides information to the user of the wireless tether apparatus to aid a user such as a human, animal, or machine in finding their way back to a desired location. A predetermined distance may be configured to change over time to accommodate different tether distance requirements at different times, e.g., closer to a home location at night and further away from the home location during the day. In one aspect, wireless tether apparatuses and base units communicate using a plurality of different communication modes such that when one mode fails other modes are utilized to reestablish a connection therebetween.