Patents by Inventor Chris Rankila

Chris Rankila has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6199287
    Abstract: A spatial orientation guide used to enable a person to easily, accurately, and repeatedly return to a predetermined location. The guide comprises two similarly shaped, contrasting portions each defining a similarly shaped outline on separate, adjacent planes. To set the guide for future use, a suitable location is chosen. The guide is then positioned so that the planar outlines of the portions are orthogonal to and spaced along the sight line taken from the chosen location. In this configuration, the portion closest to an observer obscures the maximum observable surface area of the portion furthest from an observer. When the person wants to return to the desired location, all that is required is that the person move relative to the now “set ” guide. As a person moves toward and away from the predetermined location, the percentage of the observable surface area of the furthermost portion becomes lesser and greater, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Chris Rankila