Since there are no tailwheel lifts currently available on the market, I've begun designing my own improved version of the original Tail Mate. I'm thinking about going into small-volume production and I want to research whether a patent was ever issued (my pattern unit is labeled "patent pending") and if so, who might own the patent. So far, my research has revealed nothing; I will do a search through the USPTO. I've read the previous threads here about the Tail Mate; according to Rocketbob the original owner sold the company, but I have no other information. If anybody here has any additional information let me know.