ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 15 -- United States Patent no. 12,600,416, issued on April 14.
"Retractable fender flare device" was invented by Paul Gangstad (Gig Harbor, Wash.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A retractable fender flare device includes a plurality of mounting tracks each mounted in a respective wheel well in a vehicle. A plurality of fender flares is each movably attached to a respective one of the mounting tracks. Each of the plurality of fender flares is positionable in a deployed position to protect the vehicle from dirt and debris kicked up by tires of the vehicle and each of the plurality of fender flares is positionable in a retracted position. A plurality of actuators is attache...