Patents by Inventor Michael F. Ciferri

Michael F. Ciferri 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: 6695382
    Abstract: A container covering system for open truck containers provides enhanced control and maneuverability of a tarp for covering containers of different sizes. A tarp can be extended and retracted under rotary movements of elements of the system to adapt for different lengths of containers. A tarp device includes the tarp, which can move between a stowed position and an extended position to cover the top of an open container. A pair of forward arms are pivotable with respect to a first pivot axis defined on the device. A pair of rear arms are pivotable respect to second pivot axis that is defined on the rear ends of the forward arms. A cross member extends between the end of the rear arms which are opposed to the second pivot axis. The cross member retains the leading end of the tarp and is movable with the rear arms. The rear arms are biased to rotate towards the rear end of the container. A biasing member is configured to rotate the rear arms around the second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: John Donovan Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Ciferri, Scot A. Fuhrman, Richard J. Coughtry, Steven L. Growcock, Thomas J. Ahlstrom
  • Publication number: 20030193208
    Abstract: A container covering system for open truck containers provides enhanced control and maneuverability of a tarp for covering containers of different sizes. A tarp can be extended and retracted under rotary movements of elements of the system to adapt for different lengths of containers. A tarp device includes the tarp, which can move between a stowed position and an extended position to cover the top of an open container. A pair of forward arms are pivotable with respect to a first pivot axis defined on the device. A pair of rear arms are pivotable respect to second pivot axis that is defined on the rear ends of the forward arms. A cross member extends between the end of the rear arms which are opposed to the second pivot axis. The cross member retains the leading end of the tarp and is movable with the rear arms. The rear arms are biased to rotate towards the rear end of the container. A biasing member is configured to rotate the rear arms around the second pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: John Donovan Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Ciferri, Scot A. Fuhrman, Richard J. Coughtry, Steven L. Growcock, Thomas J. Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 5743700
    Abstract: A covering system for covering a transportable container with a tarp. The covering system includes a covering device provided with an extendable tarp. The covering device is mounted on a support structure which is manipulable to position the covering device to enable covering of a container which is unsupported by the vehicle. The covering device is preferably mounted to a hook arm which also functions to load the container onto the vehicle after the container is covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: John Donovan Enterprises-FL., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Wood, Jr., Michael F. Ciferri