In a way, Dr. Pat has re-invented the wheel.

Dr. Patrick Clune, former owner of Gourmet Foods by Patrick in Hermitage, has started a new business which he hopes will drive up profits, as well as contributions for charities.

His newly created company, Clune Enterprises Inc., has expanded into other markets a product initially geared for auto enthusiasts.

At first Clune designed the product, which he calls Wheelies -- as custom covers for steering wheels. The covers are made of marine-grade vinyl, which offers protection from the elements.

But he's found Wheelies can be used on anything with a steering wheel -- boats, golf carts, riding lawn mowers. Newer versions of Wheelies can be used as covers for bowls and pots and pans.

"I'm even finding people who use them to cover their bar stools,'' he added.

"With a foam insert they can be used as a stadium seats for fans attending sporting events,'' Clune said.

A retired sports medicine podiatrist, Clune developed the concept after looking for an American-made flag to show his patriotism in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

"Almost every flag I looked at was made in China,'' he said. "I wanted something made in America, so I designed a 9/11 logo with a flag that could be used universally to show American pride.''

With the help of a computerized embroidery machine, Clune produced a prototype of the logo. It can then be silk-screened onto the vinyl.

"I made sure the entire product is made in the United States,'' Clune said.

As an added attraction, Clune said, he can produce any custom design, including company and school logos for fund-raisers and other promotions. Custom embroidery of the Wheelies also is available.

He requires a minimum order of two dozen for silk-screened products, but a single item can be embroidered.

"So far. I'm finding people get both: a customer steering wheel cover with their name embroidered on it, and a companion seat cushion,'' Clune said.

Cost of a commemorative Wheelie directly from Clune Enterprises is $14.95; a foam insert to create a seat cushion is an additional $2. The cost of custom-embroidered Wheelies varies according to the detail and number of stitches required.

A portion of all the proceeds will go to the Sept. 11 Fund and the American Cancer Society, Clune said. He previously donated all the proceeds of his book, "Dr. Clune's Guide to Healthy Living,'' to the Cancer Society.

Clune divides his time between his homes here and in California.

"I'm now going after clients like Century 21, Mary Kay Cosmetics, major colleges, fund-raising events and product distributors,'' Clune said. "My goal is to make people aware of American ingenuity. But even more, I want a commemorative 9/11 Wheelie on steering wheels of every type to show American unity.''

After June 1, commemorative Wheelies will be available at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course in Hermitage and Clune's former store, now called Muscarella's Gourmet Foods at 2140 E. State St., Hermitage.

Information: Clune Enterprises Inc. (724) 346-4052.