Patent Publication Number: US-7900417-B1

Title: Pergola having posts, beams, joists, strips, clips, and internal support stiffeners

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent is based upon an application that claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/564,108, Filed Apr. 22, 2004. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     This application relates to building structures, specifically to an easily installed user-friendly assembly system which combines substructures or substrates and building components to form a shade or activity structure. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Usually an outdoor shade or activity structure is constructed of horizontal and vertical wood members which are fastened together with nails or bolts and nuts. Common names of these structures are pergolas, arbors, trellises, gazebos, overheads, lath houses, bowers, armadas, awnings, porticos, and greenhouses, as well as others. Such shade structures (hereinafter pergolas) are exposed to the environment and often need regular annual maintenance that is costly as well as a nuisance. 
     Plastic, wood, composite, and metal materials, for example, have been used in the past for the construction of pergolas, but the method of connection and layout requirements of such pergolas increase the difficulty for a proper and user-friendly assembly. Previous structures took a long time to install with quality structural components. Also the components did not attach sequentially and uniformly. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,586,053 to Snyder (1926) shows a metal beam with a groove configuration where a bolt can be slid down the groove and a wood board can be attached for construction purposes. This arrangement is very limited due to its archaic bolt-using installation approach, which is complicated and thereby increases the ever escalating cost of construction projects. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,214 to Lambert (1985) shows a pergola with a top comprising wood strips aligned in parallel with a bottom planar face fastened together with nails. The wood and nail fastening system has obvious ongoing maintenance problems, often leading to dry-rot and replacement. Also it does not provide an accurate method for placement and attachment of parts. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,545 to Hara (1972) shows a binding device for fastening two plates together but has little binding capability due to its apparent shape. 
     Other existing pergolas with structural components and connectors suffer from a number of other disadvantages:
         (a) They are difficult to install and erect.   (b) They use archaic fastening methods, so preciseness of layout was not possible.   (c) Previous structural stiffeners did not incorporate a straightforward approach for interconnecting the parts.       

     Insofar as I am aware, all existing pergola systems are so difficult to assemble that most residential home owners cannot install them in an affordable, efficient manner without professional help. 
     BACKGROUND ADVANTAGES 
     Accordingly, several advantages of one or more aspects are: 
     (a) to provide an improved pergola and pergola construction system, 
     (b) to provide a pergola that does not have on-going maintenance problems, 
     (c) to provide a pergola system where nails are not needed as fasteners, 
     (d) to provide structural members that are less complicated for installation purposes, 
     (e) to provide a pergola that is cost effective in reducing the ever escalating cost of construction projects, 
     (f) to provide a binding device that fastens its parts together securely with superior binding capability, 
     (g) to provide a pergola where dry-rot and replacement of parts due to dry-rot are eliminated. 
     Further objects and advantages are to provide:
         a kit system which incorporates simplicity in all its parts for a user-friendly affordable building structure that is easy to install due to the synergistic compatibility of parts, while lowering the cost and maintenance of such a kit,   a system that will withstand the wind and snow loads as well as other harsh environment conditions,   a system that is approved for residential use by governing authorities and that is not expensive to obtain such approval,   a system wherein support stiffeners have means incorporated to receive a connector device and engage other components with an easily securable fit, while providing a weather resistant structural end product,   a sag-resistant support member that spans well from post-to-post, beam-to-beam, or ledger-to-beam,   a clip which can attach to support members and allow a flange to engage other supports or building covering materials,   a clip which will easily maintain a uniform building layout and has the ability to engage itself end to end,   a coupler in which a plurality of pergola kits can be connected together easily in order to expand the length and coverage a kit would not otherwise have,   a shroud in which the expansion of pergola kits is made possible and in so doing maintains the structural integrity at a splice joint intersection,   a horizontal strip that can engage a boss or flanges in a plurality of configurations,   an improved pergola system that will conform to the rigid wind load capability of building codes, especially in hurricane zones such as in the state of Florida,   and an improved pergola system that can accommodate additions of like construction to its width for an indefinitely extending system that meets building code requirements.       

     Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one or more aspects I provide a new plastic and rigid pergola which is easy to assemble. The pergola has connecting components which allow a simple fast and economical assembly of a kit system unique to the industry. The system enables parts to be used with conventional wood, metal, or composite materials for an alternative hybrid pergola 
     system that is retrofitted to existing building structures or can be a free-standing unattached structure. According to one aspect, the pergola is formed from building members comprising a plurality of horizontal beams and vertical posts disposed at opposite portions of the beam. Means are provided for interconnecting the beams and posts. Generally horizontally disposed joists interconnect the beam means and horizontally disposed horizontal strips. The beams and the joists include a support stiffener positioned inside the beams and the joists. 
    
    
     
       DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a plurality of posts, beams, joists, horizontal strips and knee braces oriented to define a basic pergola system arrangement. 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of an indefinitely extending pergola system using the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of a plurality of posts, beams, joists, horizontal strips and knee braces oriented to define a basic two-post pergola system arrangement. 
         FIG. 2  shows a detail view of the post, beam, joists, horizontal strips, knee braces and other connection components of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the structural support stiffener of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a structural support stiffener. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a vinyl rectangular extrusion without a structural support stiffener. 
         FIGS. 6 ,  6 A, and  6 B show perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a tap-lock pin used in the system of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a hollow horizontal strip with holes aligning with an upstanding portion of a base pin ready to engage with horizontal strip holes for the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8A  shows a sectional view of a joist encapsulated with a vinyl rectangular extrusion connected to a horizontal strip with a tap-lock pin used in the system of  FIG. 7  also including a post, beam and knee brace. 
         FIG. 8B  shows an enlarged detailed portion of the system of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a U-bracket and U-bracket-to-joist attachment hole used in the system of  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
         FIG. 10  shows an alternative embodiment of the tap-lock pin with a stand-off center portion. 
         FIG. 11  shows an alternative embodiment of the tap-lock pin that can be used to replace the tap-lock pin in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of a coupler for connecting horizontal strip ends together for mating a second pergola kit to the first. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a plurality of shroud joint concealment extrusions (as used in  FIG. 1A ) preparing to interengage one another as used when combining two pergola kits together. 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a plurality of horizontal strips with recesses that extend down the length and contain ledges for a clip flange engagement connection to a clip tap-lock for an easily installable system. 
         FIG. 14A  shows a side view of a single clip of  FIG. 14  without the horizontal strips. 
         FIG. 15  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a horizontal strip for an alternative to the horizontal strip in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16A  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a horizontal strip with directional facing flanges for an alternative to horizontal strip of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16B  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a horizontal strip that is not rectangular in shape with directional facing flanges for an alternative to the horizontal strip of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17A  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the horizontal strip with inwardly facing flanges for an alternative to the horizontal strip of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17B  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the horizontal strip with inwardly facing flanges for an alternative to the horizontal strip of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the tap-lock pin. 
         FIG. 19  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a structural support stiffener with flanges for connecting tap-lock pins. 
         FIG. 20  shows a side view of an alternative tap-lock pin where the top half is rotated 90° from the lower half. 
         FIG. 21  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the screw-down tap-lock pin. 
         FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of a knee brace used on the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 23  shows a side view of a typical ledger-to-building connection for an attached pergola system. 
         FIG. 24  shows a side view of a post mounted to the substructure of  FIG. 1  with typical bolts and angles. 
         FIG. 25  shows a top view of a post mounted to the substructure of  FIG. 1  with a typical bolt-and-angle bracket connection. 
     
    
    
     DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         
           
               20  Post 
               21  knee brace post attachment holes 
               22  joist tap-lock holes 
               24  beam 
               25  knee brace joist attachment holes 
               26  U-brackets 
               27  ledger 
               28  and  28 A U-bracket joist attachment holes 
               29  knee brace 
               30  joist 
               31  joist hanger 
               32  horizontal strip 
               34  post cap 
               36  end cap 
               38  horizontal strip cap 
               40  post base trim 
               42  self tapping screw 
               44  post-to-beam bolt connection 
               46  bracket-to-beam attachment holes 
               48 ,  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C engagement ledges 
               50  and  50 A elongated shaft 
               52  shaft void 
               54 ,  54 A,  54 B, and  54 C compression ramp 
               55  alternative tap-lock pin with offset 
               56  tap-lock pin 
               57  alternative tap-lock pin 
               58  vinyl rectangular joist 
               59  screw down tap-lock pin 
               60  and  60 A beam engagement end 
               62  coupler 
               64  center end stop 
               66 ,  66 A,  66 B, and  66 C rotational stop 
               68  and  68 A alignment cone 
               70  attachment hole 
               72  half-tap-lock pin connector 
               74  clip female engagement end 
               76  clip male engagement end 
               77  alternative tap-lock 
               78  base clip 
               79  center stand off 
               80  side edges 
               81  alternative tap-lock pin 
               82  reinforced beam 
               83  extruded joist with flanges 
               84  and  84 A tap-lock engagement flanges 
               85  and  85 A extruded tap-lock flanges 
               86  engagement zone 
               90  and  90 A lower beam legs 
               92  bottom void 
               94  and  94 A reinforced beam base 
               96  horizontal strip with ledges 
               98  and  98 A ledges 
               100  shroud male end 
               102  shroud 
               104  shroud female end 
               106  and  106 A ledge engagement zone 
               108  and  108 A engagement flanges 
               110  horizontal strip 
               112  horizontal strip 
               113  clip 
               114  and  114 A flanges 
               116  fixed portion 
               118  elongated recess 
               120  flexible leg 
               122  and  122 A flanges 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG.  1   
     The basic system provides a pergola comprising a joist, a beam, posts, and horizontal strips which are joined together systematically and with little effort using basic common tools found in most households. It can stand alone or it can be an outdoor extension of the house. Knee braces connect the beam-to-post and post-to-joist in order to stiffen the system for horizontal stability. 
     A preferred embodiment of a basic version of my pergola system is illustrated in  FIG. 1  (perspective view). Four posts  20  are mounted or sleeved over wood posts or post mounts (not shown but known). The system has beams  24 , joists  30 , and posts  20 , which are preferably made of hollow vinyl and house either a reinforcing beam  82  ( FIG. 7 ) or a post mount (not shown), respectively. The top is covered by horizontal strips or laths  32  that are also hollow but do not have any reinforcement because they are not structural support members. The post mounts (not shown) can be made of steel or aluminum and can be notched at the top to receive beams  24 . The post mounts are rectangular and sized to fit into posts  20 . Posts  20  preferably are 
     made of vinyl and clad the rectangular post mounts. Posts  20  are secured to the ground or base material by standard mounts as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Standard wedge bolts (not completely shown, but known) can be fastened to existing concrete slabs, for instance, through an L-angle with a hole to receive the wedge bolt for hold-down purposes. Two L-angles on opposite sides of posts  20  at the base will be anchored with wedge bolts and receive bolts through predetermined holes in the L-angles which connect and stabilize the post at the base portion of each post. Posts  20  will be notched or cut out with a router at or near the top ( FIG. 8B ) to receive beam  24  much like the post mount. Thus both the post mounts and covering posts  20  will be notched at their tops to receive beam  24 . 
     Beam  24  preferably is made of vinyl, and supports joists  30 . Each joist  30  comprises an elongated, preferably hollow rectangular joist sleeve  58  ( FIG. 5 ) which houses a reinforcing beam  82  ( FIGS. 7 ,  8 A, and  8 B). Beam  82  creates a structural relationship within the beam components that lends itself to long spans with minimal sag to the beam. The preferably rectangular extrusion that encapsulates the reinforced beam may have other than rectangular shapes so long as the inside portion of the extrusion is made to house the reinforcing beam. 
     FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5   
       FIG. 2  shows post-to-beam bolt connection  44  found near the center of the notched or routed intersection of post  20  and beam  24  of  FIG. 1 . A U-bracket  26  has two U-bracket joist attachment holes  28  and  28 A ( FIG. 9 ). U-bracket  26  receives a self tapping screw  42  ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ) on both sides. U-bracket  26  attaches to beam  24  ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ) at bracket-to-beam attachment holes  46  ( FIG. 9 ) using two self tapping screws  42  ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ) which connect U-bracket  26  to beam  24  at bases  94  and  94 A. 
     Joist  30  ( FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 ) has reinforcing beams  82  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) inserted into the joist. A vinyl rectangular joist shell  58  ( FIG. 5 ) is placed into newly attached U-bracket  26  and secured with self tapping screws  42  through U-bracket joist attachment holes  28  and  28 A ( FIGS. 8B and 9 ). A tap-lock pin  56  ( FIG. 6 ) attaches horizontal strip  32  to joist  30  in  FIG. 7 . 
     A knee brace  29  ( FIGS. 1 ,  1 A,  2 , and  22 ) connects post  20  to beam  24  and post  20  to joist  30  to stabilize the upper portion of each post  20  from horizontal movement. High wind is the most prevalent cause for this type of movement. When a free-standing four-post system is being installed, eight knee braces  29  are needed to properly stabilize the system. Two knee braces  29  at each post connect post  20  to beam  24  and post  20  to joist  30 . Current building codes require that the structure withstand up to 150 mph winds. When a structure is attached to another stable structure such as a house ( FIG. 23 ) only two knee braces  29  are needed for the system to withstand high winds. Knee braces  29  are placed at post-to-beam connections and the attachment to the house result in the reduction of a number of knee braces so as to reduce the cost of a pergola kit. Standard fasteners (bolts and washers  FIG. 8A ) are needed to attach knee braces  29  to the post-to-beam or joist connection.  FIG. 22  shows the angles and holes of the knee brace where bolts connect the knee braces to post and joist or to the post and beam. Alternatives to the knee brace are known which will provide similar results. 
     FIG.  1 A 
     The pergola of  FIG. 1  can be extended width-wise (theoretically indefinitely) and is developed by adding to the width of the pergola, thereby to form a “perpetual” pergola ( FIG. 1A ). Two added posts  20  installed in line with the existing four posts  20  of a previously installed pergola are installed as previously discussed. Two beams  24  are placed into posts  20  to extend the width of the pergola by the appropriate length of beam  24 . Two knee braces  29  are installed at each post  20  for stability. Extensions of the pergola can go on indefinitely when two knee braces  29  are attached to post-to-beam or post-to-joist connections. This combination of parts meets or exceeds the 150 mph requirements for high winds for this freestanding structure. The same is true for an attached system where one knee brace  29  is attached to each post  20 . A ledger  27  on the existing building structure ( FIG. 23 ) also extends in combination with post  20  and beam  24  ( FIG. 1A ). The extension of the ledger attached to the building, with joist hangers  31  connecting joist  30  to the ledger, provides stability to the pergola system. 
     When adding additional posts  20  and beams  24  in line with the existing two posts  20  of an attached system ( FIG. 23 ), additional knee braces  29  are needed to provide stability on the projected portion of the pergola system. One knee brace  29  connects the post to the beam of the added post  20 , and a second knee brace  29  is added to existing post  20  on the side where the added beam intersects with the existing post. The post that is now centered between the other two posts  20  has now two knee braces on opposite sides and outside posts  20  have one knee 
     braces each of an attached pergola. Lateral movement is limited by the addition of the knee brace. Knee braces at the joist-to-post connection of an attached system may not be necessary due to the direct attachment of joists  30  to building ledger  27  ( FIG. 23 ). To the best of my knowledge no other system is available that can be perpetually extended, yet withstand the highest wind conditions. 
     FIG.  1 B 
     A two-post pergola ( FIG. 1B ) with two or three joists  30  are secured on top of beams  24  to form a “T” like configuration. Each post  20  has two knee braces  29  which stabilize the beam-to-post connection. A third knee brace  29  connecting the joist to the beam is shown but may not be necessary for such a reduced size pergola. The posts of the pergola can be sleeved over a standard pressure treated 4″×4″ wood post. Each post is placed in a hole and filled with concrete. The concrete stabilizes the post sufficiently for a small pergola to function properly. Post  20  is slid over or onto the wood post mount. Beam  24  is placed into a notch cut in post  20  ( FIG. 8B ). Two knee braces are installed to lock beam  24  to post  20 . This forms a “T” configuration. Two such “T” configurations can support a plurality of joists  30  and horizontal strips  32  for a garden pergola. 
     FIG.  6   
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of tap-lock pin  56  and its physical structure. Pin  56  is preferably injection molded, which is economical and enables it to be made of a variety of plastics. Other processes can be used to manufacture the tap-lock such as casting, chemical molding, and mechanical stamping. 
     Alignment cones  68  and  68 A taper to beam engagement ends  60  and  60 A which are the flat ends of tap-lock pin  56 . 
     Moving inward from each end of alignment cones  68  and  68 A, conical compression ramps  54 ,  54 A,  54 B,  54 C ramp outward from tap-lock pin  56  symmetrically on both sides and both ends. The ramps flatten out until they reach engagement ledges  48 ,  48 A,  48 B,  48 C, which are secured to mating surfaces, such as tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  8 B). 
     Rotational stops  66 ,  66 A,  66 B,  66 C protrude from the lower end of elongated shaft bodies  50  and  50 A at the base of engagement ledges  48 ,  48 A,  48 B,  48 C. Stops  66 ,  66 A,  66 B,  66 C are flattened areas on the convex-shaped elongated shaft bodies  50  and  50 A. These flattened areas inhibit rotation of tap-lock pin  56 , allowing the connection of tap-lock pin  56  and tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A ( FIG. 8B ) to remain in place. 
     In other connecting situations stops  66 ,  66 A,  66 B, and  66 C ( FIG. 6 ) may not be necessary. 
     Tap-lock pin  56  is symmetrical in this embodiment. A hollow shaft void  52  exists between shaft body  50  and  50 A and beam engagement ends  60  and  60 A ( FIG. 6 ). 
       FIG. 1  shows a post cap  34 , end cap  36 , and a horizontal strip cap  38  which can be attached after erection of the pergola. A post base trim  40  must be slid onto post  20  prior to the installation of post  20 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a horizontal strip  32  with mating holes that align with tap-lock pins  56  on joist  30 . 
     FIGS.  7 ,  8 A,  8 B, and  9   
     On the top of joist  30  ( FIG. 7 ) are a plurality of pairs of joist tap-lock holes  22  which index the port of entry for receiving a tap-lock pins  56  which connect to tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A ( FIG. 8B ). Engagement flanges  84  and  84 A are sloped or beveled. This aids in the engagement process by widening the initial opening portion of flanges  84  and  84 A. This widened area creates a funnel to help guide a pin, such as tap-lock pin  56 . Taplock pin  56  bottoms out on reinforced beam  82  ( FIG. 8B ) at engagement zone  86  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     When reinforcing beam  82  is placed inside hollow joist  30  ( FIGS. 7 ,  8 A, and  8 B) or hollow beam  24  (preferably made of vinyl material, although fiberglass, composite, metal, or other plastic materials can be used) it becomes reinforced, giving it great utility for a multitude of applications. The rectangular reinforced beam can be cold formed or extruded 
     and powder coated for appearance, eliminating the need for vinyl cladding. Holes or channels can be present on the cold form or aluminum extrusion to receive a connecting fastener for a horizontal strip or a full coverage profile, providing a water-resistant, full-cover shade structure. Due to its rectangular configuration, the rectangular reinforced beam or joist has a greater resistance to upward forces produced by hurricanes than does an I-beam. Reinforced beam  24  connects to reinforced joist  30  using U-bracket  26 . Self tapping screw  42  passes through U-bracket attachment holes  28  and  28 A ( FIG. 9 ) and secures U-bracket  26  to joist  30 . Self tapping screws  42  pass through bracket-to-beam attachment holes to secure U-bracket  26  to beam  24 . Upward forces acting on the system are the most significant obstacles to overcome for a compliant system. The present system resists 150 mph winds yet is affordable to the general public for self construction. 
       FIGS. 2 and 7  depict joist tap-lock holes  22  in a row of pairs which extend down the length of joist  30 . The row of pairs can be a row of one or a plurality which extend down the length of joist  30 . 
     FIGS.  10  and  11   
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show alternative embodiments of tap-lock pin  56  and will be discussed further under Operation. 
     FIG.  12   
     A coupler  62  ( FIG. 12 ) is rectangular in shape and made to couple two horizontal strips  32  at the respective ends of coupler  62 . A center end stop  64  is present in the center portion of coupler  62  and prevents horizontal strips  32  from touching one another when coupled. Coupler  62  can be injection molded and formed to mate with loose ends of horizontal strips  32  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or a horizontal strip with ledges  96  ( FIG. 14 ). Coupler  62  ( FIG. 12 ), when mated with horizontal strips, can expand the pergola to any length. A center end stop  64  is located at the center portion of coupler  62  to regulate the distance a horizontal strip can travel inside coupler  62 . 
     Coupler  62  can also be made as an internal coupler (rather than external) as represented. An internal coupler is easier to manufacture, needs less material to produce, but if the horizontal strip ends that mate with the internal coupler are not cut at 90°, a gap results, which can be viewed as aesthetically unacceptable. 
     FIG.  13   
     A shroud  102  ( FIG. 13 ) is installed at a common joist. One half of the width of the joist top portion is designated for the horizontal strip of the existing pergola. The other half of the joist top portion would receive the horizontal strips of an addition or an indefinitely extending pergola. The shroud is corrugated in shape to conceal horizontal strips  32  for an architectural look as well as a fastening means at the splice joint. A shroud male end  100  and a shroud female end  104  mate with one another and can be used to join a plurality of shroud piece  102  in a manner depicted with a shroud female end  104  interconnecting with male end  100 . The ability to build out from a splice expands the capability of the pergola kit systems immensely. One pair or a plurality of horizontal strip end pairs can be built into shroud  102 .  FIG. 13  depicts a shroud that conceals one pair only. 
     FIGS.  14  and  14 A 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an interengaging base clip  78  which, as will be explained, is useful for attachment to joists  30  ( FIG. 1 ) for holding horizontal strips  32  or  96  ( FIG. 14 ). Clip  78  has a protruding half-pin tap-lock connector  72 .  FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 14 . A female engagement end  74  will mate with a male engagement end  76  of a preceding clip. Half-pin tap-lock connector  72  has a similar design as to that of tap-lock  56  ( FIG. 6A ), but only one half of one end of pin  56  is used to create a protruding half-tap-lock  72  ( FIGS. 14 and 14A ). These half-like portions attach at spaced intervals to base clip  78  and provide a plurality of tap-locks  72  to maintain an accurate spacing to receive a horizontal strips with ledges  96  spaced uniformly. One or a plurality of protruding tap-locks  72  for each base clip  78  are possible. Clip  78  can be extruded, injection molded, pultruded (pulled+extruded), cast, mechanically formed, or chemically formed, as well as made by other forming methods. Injection molded plastic is preferred due to its ability to provide a professional look, imprinting capability, cost, and accuracy. Also a plastic flange and leg can flex and move into an engageable connection with the horizontal strip as may be necessary. 
     Side edges  80  can be designed into elongated clip  78  to aid in the alignment of a plurality of clips on a given substrate. The clip can be mounted with a screw at 
     attachment hole  70  vertically, horizontally, or upside down for many building applications, such as acoustical walls or ceilings, floor grating systems, or fencing, keeping always in mind the versatility of the connection method. 
     Horizontal strip  96  has an elongated recess containing ledges  98  and  98 A to engage either a tap-lock pin  56  or protruding tap-lock  72  on clip  78 . This ability to engage the entire length of horizontal strip  96  with ledges  98  and  98 A is believed unique to pergolas. 
       FIG. 14A  shows a side view of clip  78  with side edges  80  and without horizontal strips shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     FIG.  15   
       FIG. 15  shows an alternative embodiment of a horizontal strip with elongated recess  118  with means to engage the flanges of a suitable clip and is similar to the elongated recess of  FIGS. 16A and 16B . The alternative embodiment ( FIG. 15 ) has one elongated recess  118  and it has an elongated groove that forms a fixed portion  116 . Next to elongated recess  118  is a flexible leg  120  that is shaped like an upside-down T. It can also be shaped like a reverse capital L for reasons explained under Operation to follow. Flanges  122  and  122 A help make up the base of a flexible leg  120 . 
     FIGS.  16 A,  16 B,  17 A, and  17 B 
     A plurality of alternative horizontal strips can be manufactured.  FIG. 17B  shows an end view of a horizontal strip  110  with exterior ledge engagement zones  106  and  106 A that will mate with inward opposing flanges  108  and  108 A of a clip  113 . Horizontal strip  110  does not have an elongated recess for engagement. 
     Many shapes, such as shown in  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B,  17 A, and  17 B, are possible when mating the clip and horizontal strip together. It is important that plastic or a flexible material be used for the legs and flanges of the clip so the leg and flanges can move towards engagement with mating portion of the horizontal strip. This is especially true when the shape of the horizontal strip is such that the horizontal strip will remain substantially rigid, allowing flexibility only on the part of the clips. 
       FIG. 16A  shows an end view of a horizontal strip  112  with a recess that mates with flanges  114  and  114 A that are fixed in the same direction. This horizontal strip configuration allows the recesses of the horizontal strip to move or spread and engage horizontal strip ledges  116  and  122  with flanges and legs of the clip. The clip has rigid flanges and legs. The depth of the recess is directly proportional to the flexibility of the horizontal strip for engagement purposes. The clip can be rigid if desired, or plastic if both, the clip and the horizontal strip should flex independently and engage one another. 
     The alternative embodiment of  FIGS. 16A and 16B  can have a horizontal strip with an elongated recess like horizontal strip  96  ( FIG. 14 ) and can have a clip that can mate with that recess. These alternative embodiments can be used with a standard pergola system. They can also be used with a retrofit system of an existing wood structure. 
     Clip  78  can be placed on existing wood or most other substrates and secured. The horizontal strips need not have a modular layout in order to be snapped down to tap-lock  56  ( FIG. 8B ) or the tap-locks on clip  78  ( FIG. 14 ) although a modular layout generally appeals more to consumers. No layout difficulty exists, which aids in ease of installation. This ability to weave or bend horizontal strips  96  and engage them into the clip simplifies complicated geometric patterns not seen in the building industry. Three-dimensional patterns and arrangements are now available to architects for design purposes. The joist or substrate does not have to be parallel, aligned, or even at the same elevation in order for engagement to occur. A special hole alignment for the horizontal strip is not necessary to accomplish a three-dimensional pattern. 
     FIGS.  18 ,  19 ,  20 , and  21   
       FIGS. 18 ,  19 ,  20 , and  21  are alternative embodiments and will be discussed under Operation. 
     FIG.  22   
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of knee brace  29  as discussed earlier under  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     FIG.  23   
       FIG. 23  is a side view of a typical ledger-to-building connection as explained earlier in connection with  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A, and  2 . 
     FIGS.  24  and  25   
       FIGS. 24 and 25  show a side view and a top view of a post mounted to the substructure with typical bolts and angles as earlier explained. 
     Operation— FIGS. 1 ,  2 - 21 ,  24 , and  25   
     The tap-lock pin and pergola kit can be installed more easily and faster than present pergola systems, yet has similar strength and rigidity. One first erects four free-standing posts  20  ( FIG. 1 ) in a secured position using prefabricated post mounts (not shown) that receive the hollow posts. Also a 9 cm×9 cm pressure treated post can be bolted to the existing surface or substrate and hollow posts  20  can be slid (with post base trim  40 ) over the treated posts. The post mount is preferably a 6061 T6 aluminum extrusion. The post mount can fasten to the substrate ( FIGS. 24 and 25 ) with two L-angle brackets on opposite sides of the post mount. A wedge anchor is used to attach the L-angles to the substrate and bolts attach the two L-angle to the post mount. This aluminum post mount, when properly attached, can withstand 150 mph wind loads. A Douglas Fir wood post of similar size cannot withstand such wind loads when installed in a similar way. 
     Other means of attachment of post  20  are possible. A throat cut, notch cut, or cut out portion at the top of posts  20  is routed out to receive two beams  24 , respectively. Two posts  20  hold one beam  24  each. The four intersections of posts  20  and beams  24  near the center of the notch cut location receive at least one all-thread rod after a hole is drilled through both sides of post  20  connecting beams  24  to posts  20 . A nut is fastened to each end of the rod to secure the beam-to-post at the post-to-beam bolt connection  44  ( FIG. 2 ). A trim acorn nut can finish the appearance if desired. 
     
       FIGS. 8B and 9 
     
     Both beams  24  are then laid out for the attachment of U-bracket  26 . Two self tapping screws  42  ( FIG. 8B ) are used to attach the base portion of U-bracket  26  through bracket-to-beam attachment holes  46  ( FIG. 9 ) which connect beam base  94  portion ( FIG. 8B ) to U-bracket  26 . Other bracket shapes are possible, but this three-sided, preferably stainless steel bracket is simple and straightforward in its connecting means. 
     
       FIG. 2 
     
       FIG. 2  shows a plurality of joists  30  which are located and attached at previously located U-bracket  26  with two self tapping screws  42  ( FIG. 8B ). Generally the joist members are parallel and spaced at a given distance from one another. However, with the uniqueness of the design and function of the pergola ( FIG. 14 ) it is not necessary for the joist to have a given spacing or alignment in order for the connection of parts to occur. Beam  82  ( FIG. 8B ) reinforces the hollow profile joist and beams and increased the span capability of the joist and beams considerably. Rectangular reinforced beam  24  or joist  30  has great span and uplift resistance properties and can resist high wind uplift forces applied to the joist or beam. 
     Lower beam legs  90  and  90 A ( FIG. 3 ) increase the strength of the common beam configuration while providing attachment points for a structurally sound system that will endure in harsh weather conditions like hurricanes. 
     
       FIGS. 8A and 8B 
     
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show the positive connection of U-bracket  26  to both joist  30  and beam  24  with self tapping screw  42  at U-bracket joist attachment holes  28 . Beam base  94  provides the attachment point on beam  24  for the securement of bracket  26  via bracket-to-beam attachment hole  46  ( FIG. 9 ) using a self tapping screw  42 . The structure of  FIG. 4  differs from that of  FIG. 3  slightly at the base portion. In  FIG. 4  reinforced beam bases  94  and  94 A create more contact area on the resting point where they are placed. This reinforced beam base also increases the wind resistance of the joist or beam due to the beam&#39;s hollow portion. In  FIG. 3  lower beam legs  90  and  90 A have narrow legs, which will touch the bottom portion of vinyl rectangular joist shell  58  ( FIG. 5 ) when the stiffener of  FIG. 3  is inserted into joist shell  58  ( FIG. 5 ). The gap between the two narrow legs allow larger objects to be inserted into the void area  92  for appropriate applications. The narrow legs extend down from the upper hollow portion of the beam. 
     The profile of the beam stiffener of  FIG. 3  is different from that of  FIG. 4 , which has a continuous hollow profile.  FIG. 4  shows a bottom void  92  which has a narrow width which 
     does not allow as large an object to be inserted into bottom void  92  of  FIG. 3 . When beam stiffener  82  is inserted into vinyl rectangular joist shell  58 , stiffener  82  has been encapsulated or cladded. Bottom void  92  allows the insertion of building materials when vinyl rectangular joist shell  58  has cut or routed shapes at void  92  side of the encapsulating profile. Horizontal strips for a band rail can be placed in the cut shapes and inserted into void  92  of the reinforcing beam for a well-built structural handrail. Also, safety glass (not shown) can be inserted into void area  92  via a cut shape in vinyl rectangular joist shell  58  for a glass handrail application. A variety of building materials can be inserted and adapted for architectural purposes because of the function void  92  provides. 
     The standard system of  FIG. 1  can easily be enhanced without undue constraints due to the simplicity of the basic kit. 
     
       FIG. 7 
     
     Elongated tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A ( FIG. 8B ) house tap-lock pin  56 .  FIG. 7  shows joist tap-lock holes  22  which index the entry ports for tap-lock pin  56 . Pin  56  is held over the hole and driven or tapped down with a hammer, for instance, with appropriate force. Pin  56  enters the joist tap-lock hole easily due to alignment cones  68  and  68 A ( FIG. 6 ) whose contour aids the insertion of pin ends  60  and  60 A. 
     Conical shaped compression ramps  54 ,  54 A,  54 B,  54 C compress or squeeze elongated shafts  50  and  50 A together at shaft void  52  ( FIGS. 6 and 6B ) while traveling through both joist tap-lock hole  22  ( FIG. 7 ) and tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A ( FIG. 8B ). This allows engagement ledges  48  and  48 A to interconnect with tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A. 
     As beam engagement end  60  ( FIG. 6 ) of tap-lock pin  56  bottoms out at engagement zone  86  ( FIG. 4 ) rotational stops  66 ,  66 A,  66 B, and  66 C ( FIG. 6 ) restrain the tap-lock pin from rotating 90° when engaged and hold it in position. Tap-lock pin  56  has a stronger grip when inserted into the aluminum flanges than it would if it just connected plastic to plastic. 
     This operation is repeated at all the desired joist tap-lock holes  22  ( FIG. 7 ) on joist  30 . 
     
       FIGS. 7 and 8B 
     
       FIGS. 7 and 8B  show a sectional view of a hollow horizontal strip aligned with the upstanding portion of tap-lock pin  56  protruding from joist  30 . Horizontal strips  32  are predrilled so its holes will mate with the remaining portion of pin  56  that protrudes from joist  30 . An installer need only pull down strip  32  with minimum force and the remaining end of pin  56  will again compress and interconnect pin  56  with horizontal strip  32 . 
     Engagement ledges  48 B and  48 C ( FIG. 8B ) grab the wall of strip  32  as it is pulled down with minimum force. There is no need for tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A since strip  32  provides a 360° area around the drilled hole is perimeter for engagement ledges  48 B and  48 C of pin  56  to interconnect with. 
     The procedure of aligning the horizontal strip holes with the protruding portions of pins  56  and pulling down is repeated until all the horizontal strips have been engaged. The parts may thus be connected very rapidly and in a simple yet secure manner. 
     
       FIGS. 10 and 11 
     
     An alternative embodiment of tap-lock pin  56  can be seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Original tap-lock pin  56  can have its beam engagement end  60  ( FIG. 6 ) split in half on one end to form an alternative tap-lock pin  77  ( FIG. 10 ). Both ends  60  and  60 A of tap-lock pin  56  can be split in half to form alternative embodiments  81  ( FIG. 11 ). The one or two split end alternative tap-lock pins  77  and  81  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) will squeeze together at the outer ends of the pair of flanges when inserted into a hole, for instance, and engage the component parts. Also split end tap-lock pins maybe offset by 90°, for instance, and engage both tap-lock engagement flanges  84  and  84 A and the predrilled holes of horizontal strip  32 . Center stand off  79  of the alternative embodiment ( FIG. 10 ) can form a stop so that when inserted into a hollow object, the pin will not plunge into the cavity and be of no use. A similar center stand off as in  FIG. 10  can be adapted to both tap-lock  56  or alternative tap-lock pin  81 . The beam surface ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) at engagement zone  86  creates a bottoming out location so a stand-off stop is not needed. Many other embodiments can be manipulated in shape for equivalent results. 
     
       FIG. 14 
     
     A plurality of engagement clips  78  ( FIG. 14 ) can be fastened to a surface with self tapping screws  42  or the like at attachment holes  70 . Each clip preferably has a male end  76  and a female end  74  which interengage when the ends are pushed together. 
     Side edges  80  can be on one or both sides of clip  78  and will help alignment of the clips when attached to existing joists. Side edge  80  is not absolutely necessary for clip  78  but helps the average homeowner with ease of installation. 
     An existing wood joist of a pergola can be retrofitted with clip  78 . The upstanding protruding tap-locks  72  can receive horizontal strips in a similar manner as previously mentioned with tap-lock pin  56  if the layout permits the holes to align with one another. If holes do not align, a horizontal strip with ledges  96  can be installed without difficulty due to ledges  98  and  98 A which run down the length of strip  96 . The horizontal strip can be pulled down and engaged with clip tap-lock  78  ( FIGS. 14 and 14A ) at protruding flanges  72  easily. Parallel or even alignment of joists is not required due to the flexibility of horizontal strips  96  to engage the entire length of the horizontal strip. Clip  78  can also be made with a groove to receive tap-lock pin  56 . This allows some variation of the hole layout since tap-lock  56  can move horizontally back and forth the distance of the groove. Clip  78 , if made with a groove, can be extruded or injection molded. The heights of the joist are also not critical in order for engagement of horizontal strip with ledges  96  of clip  78 . A retrofit in most cases requires such a flexible application due to the multiple arrangements of old installed pergolas joists. The tap-lock pin can be made solid rather than hollow or split when using horizontal strip  96 . The horizontal strip-ledges expand outwardly and engage the solid alternative tap-lock pin, allowing a simple snap-together assembly. 
     Alternative Embodiments of Clip Tap-Lock and Horizontal Strip 
     Multiple alternative embodiments of both clip  78  and the horizontal strip with ledges  96  are possible, and provide an equivalent system. For instance, clip  78  can have protruding tap-locks  72  reconfigured so a pair of outward facing flanges engages the ledges of the horizontal strip at ledges  98  and  98 A. It only takes the splitting of the vertical 
     axis of protruding tap-locks  72  (such as in  FIG. 11 ) to create a pair of flanges that look like one half the pin of  FIG. 11 . 
     
       FIG. 17B 
     
       FIG. 17B  is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a horizontal strip  110 . It has a profile with grooves  106  and  106 A that mate with inward opposing flanges  108  and  108 A. This engagement is accomplished by inserting ledge engagement zone  106  of horizontal strip  110  into flange  108  and rotating the opposite ledge  106 A in the direction towards remaining flange  108 A and applying pressure so that horizontal strip  110  engages flanges  108  and  108 A of clip  113 . 
     The bottom portion of horizontal strip  110  can be rounded or curved to provide a novel shape. This curved portion will not hinder the connection just described and will add a different appearance to the underside of the standard rectangular horizontal strip. 
     Clips  113  can be made to engage end for end, butt end for end, or be spaced apart from one another. The interengagement of one another helps to simplify layout for the average homeowner. 
     
       FIG. 16A 
     
       FIG. 16A  shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of a horizontal strip  112  with an elongated recess that will mate with a pair of flanges  114  and  114 A at horizontal strip ledges  122  and  116 . The flanges run in the same direction but can easily be configured towards one another ( FIG. 17A ) or away from one another. Alternative embodiments with a plurality of recesses with ledges of a horizontal strip can be extruded. These extruded profiles can also have protruding flanges that face one another, face away from one another, or face in the same direction as one another and still engage the parts. One skilled in the art can easily alter the extruded profile shown in  FIG. 16B  or alter clip tap-lock with ledges. This can produce profiles or clips with equivalent results with no real improvement of the system. The horizontal strip can have shapes on the sides of the profile that receive inwardly facing protruding flanges of the clip tap-lock for engagement. This alters the look from the underside of a plurality of horizontal strips only slightly. 
     
       FIG. 15 
     
       FIG. 15  shows a horizontal strip  112  with one elongated recess  118  that has an elongated flange  122  within the recess  118 . A protrusion forming a fixed portion  116  resides on opposite side of flexible leg  120 . This fixed portion  116  can be placed in an inwardly facing clip flange ( FIG. 17A ) upon installation. Elongated recess  118  is purposely shaped to provide a flexible leg  120  which is shown shaped like an upside-down T. The receiving flange of leg  120  ( FIG. 16A ) can face in the same direction as the flange of fixed portion  116  and engage when downward force is applied at flange  122 . It is also possible for the flange which engages flexible leg  120  to face inwardly ( FIG. 17A ) from the outside of the profile for engagement using the outer portion of the upside down T flange  122 A. Also just an L portion can exist at movable leg  120  and face either direction. The flexible leg  120  will mate with appropriate mating flanges in the proper connecting direction. 
     
       FIGS. 18 and 19 
     
       FIG. 18  shows a side view of alternative tap-lock pin  57  with inward facing flanges that can engage an extrusion like that of  FIG. 19  at extruded tap-lock flanges  85  and  85 A. Again many slight alterations can be made which give equivalent results. 
       FIG. 19  shows an extruded joist with flanges  83 . The hollow portion of vinyl rectangular joist  58  can house the reinforced beam. The beam does not need to have flanges  84  and  84 A for tap-lock engagement. 
     
       FIG. 20 
     
       FIG. 20  shows a side view of an alternative tap-lock pin with an off set  55  which can also attach to the extrusion of  FIG. 19 . The inward facing flanges are rotated 90° from the lower outward facing flanges and can be attached to appropriate mating surfaces. 
     
       FIG. 21 
     
       FIG. 21  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of screw-down tap-lock pin  59  which can be made of a rigid material that can be fasten or screwed down to a surface like a regular screw. The top portion of the tap-lock pin can have a slotted recess to allow the screwing process to take place with a standard screw driver. When the attachment portion is complete the remaining portion of the pin can be configured to engage horizontal strips. Screw-down tap-lock pin  59  can be installed in existing wood joists. Horizontal strip with ledges  96  can engage with and secure the horizontal strips to the standup portion of the alternative tap-lock pin. The same basic interconnection of the horizontal strip and pin  59  occurs with the upstanding portion of screw-down tap-lock pin  59 . 
     To expand a pergola kit easily, a coupler  62  ( FIG. 12 ) can be coupled to the end of each horizontal strip of the pergola and pushed on until the horizontal strip touches center end stop  64  of coupler  62 . Couplers  62  are placed on all the ends of the horizontal strips that are to be joined with a second or expansion pergola kit. The ends of the second pergola kit are placed into the remaining end of coupler  62  and inserted to center end stop  64 . Horizontal strip cap  38  ( FIG. 2 ) is not needed at the coupler joint in this application. 
     Pergola arrangements are unlimited when using coupler  62  ( FIG. 12 ) for an expansion enhancer. Shroud  102  ( FIG. 13 ) with interengagement ends  100  and  104  can conceal an end joint over a joist easily. The horizontal strip ends are aligned across from one another over a common joist, forming a seam or splice of horizontal strip ends. A plurality of shroud clips can be interengaged and will form a mating pattern that will cover the contour of the joist and horizontal strips. The shroud is attached with fasteners which attach the shroud to the common joist down the length of the joist. An appropriate quantity of fasteners are used to hold the shroud and horizontal strips firmly in place. The fasteners are located where the shroud contours with the joist surface, providing aesthetic appeal with securement. By attaching a shroud over a joist, the strength of the horizontal strips is not compromised for loading purposes, such as snow loads at unsupported seams. The horizontal strip from joist to joist remains monolithic, allowing a structural connection at the seam. Wind and snow loads may need this added advantage when pergola expansions in the form of multiple kit systems are combined. Shroud  102  will out-perform coupler  62  ( FIG. 12 ) as a structural component, since the coupler is attached between joists, rather than bearing directly over a joist as with the shroud. 
     ADVANTAGES 
     From the description above, a number of advantages of my tap-lock pin and assembly system become evident: 
     (a) The combination of the tap-lock and predrilled horizontal strips allows quick and easy installation of pergola kits. 
     (b) The combination of the clip tap-lock and horizontal strip and ledges allows quick and easy retrofits of existing structures or structures that utilize only that combination of parts. 
     (c) The elongated shapes formed from an extrusion or the like provide multiple simple connection points. These points when mated with clip flanges interengage with proper means for a complete thought out easily installed kit system. 
     (d) The coupler or shroud allows an expansion of a plurality of pergola kits to be easily assembled together as one expanded kit system. 
     (e) The reinforced beam support member allows long spans of beams and joists, while providing an area within the beam for tap-lock pins to engage with for easy assembly of a pergola kit system. 
     (f) The pergola system provides a building structure that is well connected, maintenance friendly, and easily installed. 
     (g) The pergola system has connection means at combined part location that unite the system even under extreme weather conditions. 
     The tap-lock pin and assembly system can be used readily in shade structure applications as well as other uses, such as installing fence boards horizontally, or vertically, installing completely water tight or water resistant ceilings, or installing roof structures using the same type tap-lock or clip tap-lock with mating or prepared extrusions. Tap-lock pin  56  can also be used to hold two flat surfaces of a given thickness together by pushing the tap-lock pin through a predrilled surface for connection. Furthermore, the tap-lock and assembly system has additional advantages in that
         it provides a continuous, homogeneous unit that is easy to install;   it permits the exposed surfaces of the pergola to be free of unsightly fasteners that detract from the aesthetic look of the overall structure;   it permits superior beam and joist reinforcement that allows long spans;   it permits a great deal of flexibility for the arrangement of posts to a substrate allowing adaptability for a multitude of cantilevered conditions;   it provides an interengagement of a plurality of clips which simplifies assembly of components to those unskilled in the art and   it provides a vast array of geometrically shaped shade cover kits which aesthetically flow freely while providing connecting points for positive attachments.       

     RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely providing illustration of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Other embodiments are possible. For example, the clip tap-lock ends can be made to butt end to end rather than engage each other. A side portion can be added at right angles which rest along the side of the joist for alignment or attachment for a water shed type application. Deformations or protrusions on the side or bottom portion of the clip can be added which will attach secure or fasten the clip to a substrate. An elongated hollow extrusion can be manufactured with an inner elongated web member which stops the reinforced beam engagement ends  60  and  60 A of tap-lock  56  from traveling deeper into the elongated extrusion due to the inner web. Engagement ledges  48 ,  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C then engage the outer wall at routered hole location. 
     Also, extrusion hollow profiles can be made to desired thicknesses so that tap-lock pin  56  dead ends and engages without the need for a center standoff, as with the alternative tap-lock pin of  FIG. 10 . Extrusion hollow profiles can be made with triangular shapes which, when attached to joists as with the currently explained pergola system, can provide a lighter top structure. It will also create a top structure where snow load may be substantially reduced due to the A-frame shape of the horizontal strip, such as with a winter home style roof. 
     A rounded extrusion with a surface wide enough to allow tap-lock pin  56  to be received is possible in many forms. Rounded surfaces that have an elongated recess that can capture a flange configuration can join the parts together in accordance with the teachings of this invention. 
     Extrusions can be shaped to provide a water-resistant top surface so the pergola not only provides shade, but would also channel water to its outer perimeters. The water can flow into gutters for a water shedding system. Snapping the tap-lock together with such an extruded profile is generally the same in all respects. Clips can be configured with flanges that grab extrusion shapes from the outside perimeter surfaces in a multitude of ways. These alternative embodiments use the principles of the invention. 
     A house-ledger connection ( FIG. 23 ) can obviously be substituted for one beam and two posts of a four-post, free-standing system, making it an attached system rather than freestanding. The ledger serves as the beam support and the joist can either be mounted on top of the ledger similar to the beam-to-joist connection or the joist can be attached to the ledgers face by standard joist hangers. The attached system requires only two knee braces  29  ( FIG. 22 ) at the post-to-beam connections to prevent sway of the pergola posts. The attachment to the building incorporates stability and allows six knee braces to be eliminated. 
     Many forms of alternative engagement ends can be configured, such as with a puzzle, lap over, finger joint, dove tail, tongue-and-groove connections, and the like. These provide the same connection function but with differing shapes. 
     Various heights, depths, or widths of the horizontal strips are possible. The number of recesses with means for attachment can be altered simply to produce alternative embodiments. Clips with flanges can be configured in a plurality of shapes or number of flanges. The direction of flanges can vary, yet still mate effectively with horizontal strips. A round, mushroom-shaped flange with a conical head and ledge for engagement can be made to connect building parts, allowing connection from 360°. It also allows free form construction to occur and enables mating with the horizontal strip, yet the basic function and simplicity remains unchanged. 
     Materials, such as composites, can be extruded with differing shapes that can imitate and implement the system as discussed. Metal, wood, wood inlays, fiberglass, minerals, organics, inorganics, as well as many plastics, can be manufactured in various shapes, sizes, profiles, machined, roll formed, pultruded, extruded, injection molded, cast, or stamped. These techniques are all well known and can be manufactured with this system&#39;s advantages and equivalent results. 
     Therefore, the scope should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not by the examples given.