Patents by Inventor Michael A. Thern

Michael A. Thern 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: 9199508
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a wheel cover having a relatively-planar disc shape covering a concavity of a truck wheel rim, and a retainer for holding the wheel cover on the wheel rim. In one form, the retainer includes a hula-hoop-shaped ring that engages a channel in the outer lip of the wheel rim (or engages a channel formed by brackets attached to the outer lip). In another form, the retainer includes a clamp ring retainer attached to the rim's axle portion, and coil springs biasingly retaining the wheel cover to the truck wheel. The wheel cover includes radial ribs each having an outer end that forms a pocket shaped to engage an outer lip on the truck rim, thus holding and centering the wheel cover on the truck wheel. Anti-wear foam components are attached to reduce wear by the wheel cover on the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventors: Brian S. Kronemeyer, Michael A. Thern
  • Publication number: 20130334869
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a wheel cover having a relatively-planar disc shape covering a concavity of a truck wheel rim, and a retainer for holding the wheel cover on the wheel rim. In one form, the retainer includes a hula-hoop-shaped ring that engages a channel in the outer lip of the wheel rim (or engages a channel formed by brackets attached to the outer lip). In another form, the retainer includes a clamp ring retainer attached to the rim's axle portion, and coil springs biasingly retaining the wheel cover to the truck wheel. The wheel cover includes radial ribs each having an outer end that forms a pocket shaped to engage an outer lip on the truck rim, thus holding and centering the wheel cover on the truck wheel. Anti-wear foam components are attached to reduce wear by the wheel cover on the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Brian S. Kronemeyer, Michael A. Thern