Patents by Inventor Edward R. diGirolamo

Edward R. diGirolamo 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: 7596921
    Abstract: A stud spacer for use in a wall structure. The stud spacer includes a pair of opposed projections. The respective projections of the stud spacer interconnect with similar projections from adjacent stud spacers to form an interconnected series of stud spacers that extend through the studs that comprise the wall structure. When connected, each projection extends through an opening in an adjacent projection and a locking surface or locking tab associated with one projection seats in or against a stop or seat formed in the other projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael Torres, Thomas Trestain
  • Patent number: 7559512
    Abstract: A pipe and support system is provided including a pipe that extends adjacent a wood member. A metal pipe hanger is configured into a loop and includes opposite end portions that include spikes that project therefrom. The opposite end portions of the pipe hanger can be driven into the wood members so as to secure the opposite end portions of the pipe hanger to the wood member so as to form a loop. A pipe segment is projected through the loop such that the pipe segment is supported by the pipe hanger, which in turn is supported by the wood member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
  • Patent number: 7533508
    Abstract: A connector or clip is provided for connecting a metal stud or other member to a support structure. The connector or clip includes a connecting plate for connecting to the stud or other member. A base plate extends from the connecting plate and is adapted to mount to the support structure. A juncture or fold line is defined between the connecting plate and the base plate. One or more ribs are formed in the base plate and extend generally perpendicular to the juncture. In one embodiment, an upturned edge is formed along one side of the base plate opposite the juncture. Further, a reinforcing member is adapted to be secured to the base plate such that both the base plate and reinforcing member can be secured to an adjacent support surface or structure via a connecting fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
  • Patent number: 7520102
    Abstract: An anchor bolt assembly is provided for connecting a sill to a foundation. The anchor bolt assembly includes an anchor bolt having a threaded end and another end that extends into the foundation. A corrosion resistant bushing extends around a portion of the anchor bolt for isolating the anchor bolt from a treated sill and providing an impervious barrier around a portion of the anchor bolt so as to prevent the anchor bolt from becoming corroded due to the treated nature of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
  • Patent number: 7503150
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a building structure is provided. The connector assembly includes an elongated track that is mounted to a first member of a building frame structure. A connecting member is connected to the elongated track and retained within a pair of opposed channels that form a part of the track. Connected to the connecting member is a second member of the building frame structure. Formed in the connecting member is at least one elongated slot that permits the connecting member to be connected to the second member and for there to be relative movement between the connecting member and the second member. Further, the connecting member is slidable back and forth within the elongated track. Thus, it is appreciated that bidirectional movement between the first and second members can be accommodated by the connecting member sliding back and forth along the track on one hand and by there being relative movement about the connection between the connecting member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael Torres, Gary Bennett, Michael Booth
  • Patent number: 7448171
    Abstract: A joist support structure that is designed to be embedded in a foundation wall. The joist support structure includes an elongated metal V-shaped base that includes a pair of spaced apart legs that extend upwardly from a vertex. Each leg of the V-shaped base includes an upper end portion. Secured to the upper end portion of each leg is a generally U-shaped joist support that comprises a bottom and a pair of spaced apart sides. When the joist support structure is embedded in a concrete block or poured foundation wall, a joist can be seated in the joist supports and supported by the joist support structure, which is in turn supported by the foundation wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Milan Dragic
  • Patent number: 7299593
    Abstract: A metal half wall is provided, with the wall including a lower track, an upper track and a series of spaced apart studs extending between the two tracks. A connector is disposed adjacent each stud for connecting the stud to the lower track and to a support structure lying underneath the lower track. Each connector includes an elongated member having opposite end portions. One end portion includes a turned end plate that extends generally perpendicular with respect to the elongated member. In the half wall, a connector is disposed directly adjacent a respective stud. So disposed, the elongated member extends upwardly next to an adjacent stud and the end plate extends over the lower track. A series of fasteners are connected between the elongated member and the adjacent stud, and between the end plate and the underlying lower track and support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
  • Patent number: 7225590
    Abstract: A brick tie for interconnecting a brick wall with a back-up wall comprised of a plurality of spaced apart studs and a wall board secured to the studs wherein each stud includes a pair of opposed side flanges and a web formed between the flanges. The brick tie includes a plate having a series of spikes projecting from a backside. The spikes are adapted to be pushed into and through a portion of the wallboard so as to at least partially support the plate on the wallboard. Further, the plate is positioned on the wallboard such that it aligns with one side flange of a stud. Further, the brick tie includes a series of fasteners that are extended through the plate, through the wallboard and into the side flange of the stud. A loop or tie holder is secured or formed on the front of the plate. A tie is at least partially confined in the loop and the loop is of such a size that the tie can be vertically adjusted within the loop when the plate is secured to the wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, John G. Eberdt
  • Patent number: 7104024
    Abstract: A connector for interconnecting two building members together. The connector, in one embodiment, includes first and second plates secured together. Each plate includes one or more elongated slots wherein the elongated slots of one plate are oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the slots formed in the other plate. Fasteners extend through the slots in the plates and connect the plates of the connector to two building members such as a horizontal building member and a vertical building member. Once connected, one of the building members is free to move with respect to the other building member while the connector is connected to the two building members. In another embodiment, the connector is slidable within a track. In this embodiment, a portion of the connector extends from the track and connects to one of the building members while the track connects to the other one of the building members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael Torres, Gary Bennett, Michael Booth
  • Patent number: 7073299
    Abstract: A curved metal track for receiving a series of metal studs and forming a part of a curved metal wall. The track comprises a plurality of sections with each section being pivotally connected to an adjacent section. Structurally each section comprises a base plate having opposed first and second end portions. Formed in the first end portion is a slit or opening. The second end portion of each section is adapted to be inserted into the slit or opening of an adjacently disposed section. A pivot connector is utilized to pivotally connect the first end portion of one section with the second end portion of another section. There is also provided a pair of opposed stud tabs that extend normal to the base plate and which are adapted to be secured to the sides of a stud. By pivotally connecting the individual sections of the track, the track can be curved and accordingly can be configured to form a part of a curved metal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
  • Patent number: 6941718
    Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member extending through the openings within the studs and interconnected between opposed corners of the wall structure. Because the internal brace extends generally centrally through the plane of the wall, the wall structure is designed to carry loads concentrically from the point of applied loads to a foundation or other termination point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Robert W. Herrmann, Aaron M. Herrmann, Thomas C. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6892504
    Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member or strap extending diagonally across the wall structure. In one embodiment the strap is extended to opposed corner areas where opposed end portions of the strap are fastened to a portion of the upper or lower member and to a portion of an adjacent column or stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Robert W. Herrmann, Aaron M. Herrmann, Thomas C. Boyd, Gary Bennett
  • Patent number: 6735919
    Abstract: A modular I-beam comprises first and second sets of nested channels disposed in back-to-back relation to one another and fastened together. The modular I-beam may further include a central beam disposed between the first and second sets of nested channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
  • Patent number: 6701689
    Abstract: A stud spacer for connecting and extending between studs within a stud wall structure. The stud spacer includes an elongated member having a series of curved shaped notches formed in the member with each notch being adapted to receive a portion of a stud such that the stud spacer effectively connects to and extends between respective studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. diGirolamo
  • Patent number: 6612087
    Abstract: The connector of the present invention comprises a planar sheet bent to form two perpendicular plates each of which is formed with one or more elongate slots. The slots on one plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a vertical direction and the slots on the other plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a horizontal direction. Each plate is mounted to a respective building member with fasteners passed through a slideable retainer, e.g., either a stepped washer or a guide to mount flush to the building member and slidingly retain the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Richard Mountcastle
  • Publication number: 20030106280
    Abstract: A stud spacer for connecting and extending between studs within a stud wall structure. The stud spacer includes an elongated member having a series of curved shaped notches formed in the member with each notch being adapted to receive a portion of a stud such that the stud spacer effectively connects to and extends between respective studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Edward R. diGirolamo
  • Publication number: 20020062617
    Abstract: The connector of the present invention comprises a planar sheet bent to form two perpendicular plates each of which is formed with one or more elongate slots. The slots on one plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a vertical direction and the slots on the other plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a horizontal direction. Each plate is mounted to a respective building member with fasteners passed through a slideable retainer, e.g., either a stepped washer or a guide to mount flush to the building member and slidingly retain the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Richard Mountcastle
  • Patent number: 5906080
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for assembling a curtain wall, which is anchored at one end to a floor and at an opposite end to a primary structure in a sliding relation thereto in order to allow relative vertical flexibility in case of severe vertical deflection due to loading. This sliding relation permits the building sections to move under wind, live load, dead load or seismic forces with a minimum of damage transferred to the curtain wall. The apparatus is a bracket with a first plate for mounting to the primary structure and a second plate for mounting in sliding relation to the wall studs. The second plate is formed with slots which are vertically oriented, and a fastener with a spacer are fastened through each slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Richard Mountcastle
  • Patent number: 5904023
    Abstract: A novel clip for connecting each of a series of metal studs in a building wall to a metal channel passing through an opening formed in each stud. The clip is formed of a plate bent into a right angle. One section of the plate forms a saddle portion adapted to straddle and be secured to the channel. A second section of the plate is adapted to be attached to a wall stud. In a first embodiment, the second section has a pair of plates offset from each other so that one of the plates resides behind and the other plate resides in front of the web of the stud to which the plates are assembled. In a second embodiment, the clip has a single plate which is attached to the stud. A third embodiment includes a stiffening rib formed on each of two plates to improve the rigidity of the clip. The saddle portion and the plates in all embodiments are secured to a respective channel and stud by a screw, rivet or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Richard Mountcastle
  • Patent number: 5402612
    Abstract: A structural support system for a building is formed from preferably prefabricated, light weight steel framed, bearing wall panels and precast, hollow core concrete floor slabs that are positively interlocked by, for example, splice plates, provided at the top of the bearing wall panels, reinforcing bars and grout, which fills the joints between adjacent slabs to form a unitary structure. A method of making such a supporting system also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Thomas Colasanto, Jonathan C. Rothstein