Patents by Inventor Bill Cropper

Bill Cropper 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).

  • Tire removal aid for large tires to minimize / eliminate scuffing of the wheel
    Patent number: 8011412
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the exterior or polished surface of wheels as tires are removed and placed on the wheel. The apparatus includes a substantially flat base having a plurality of stanchions extending out from the base. Each stanchion has a collar positioned adjacent to the base that includes a diameter greater than the stanchion. The stanchions are sized to fit through the bolt holes of the wheel in order to generally align each stanchion with one of those holes. Each collar is sized to be preferably slightly larger than the average bolt, or lug, hole on the wheel. Additionally, each collar is sized to cover substantially the same area as the lug nut or nut that normally attaches the wheels to the vehicle upon which they are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Melzo Innovations
    Inventors: J. Stephen Farley, Bill Cropper, Clay Spivey
  • Tire Removal Aid For Large Tires To Minimize / Eliminate Scuffing Of The Wheel
    Publication number: 20080185106
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the exterior or polished surface of wheels as tires are removed and placed on the wheel. The apparatus includes a substantially flat base having a plurality of stanchions extending out from the base. Each stanchion has a collar positioned adjacent to the base that includes a diameter greater than the stanchion. The stanchions are sized to fit through the bolt holes of the wheel in order to generally align each stanchion with one of those holes. Each collar is sized to be preferably slightly larger than the average bolt, or lug, hole on the wheel. Additionally, each collar is sized to cover substantially the same area as the lug nut or nut that normally attaches the wheels to the vehicle upon which they are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: SIMPSON COUNTY TIRE
    Inventors: J. Stephen Farley, Bill Cropper, Clay Spivey