Reinforced goal connectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sports goal having tubular members connected by a connector joint. The connector joint is reinforced to increase joint strength and fracture resistance.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A modular sports goal, comprising: 
 a plurality of tubular frame members;    at least one joint;    the at least one joint comprising at least one sidewall;    the at least one sidewall having a first side and a second side;    the plurality of tubular frame members connected by the at least one joint; and    at least one reinforcing member coupled to the at least one joint, wherein the strength of the joint is increased to provide increased resistance to fracture.    
     
     
         2 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is coupled to the at least one joint using at least one of an adhesive, a tape, a glue, a thermal bond, a fusion bond, a solder, a weld, and a molding.  
     
     
         3 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a sheet.  
     
     
         4 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a plurality of ribs.  
     
     
         5 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is coupled to the first side.  
     
     
         6 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is coupled to the second side.  
     
     
         7 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is steel.  
     
     
         8 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is fracture resistant plastic.  
     
     
         9 . The sports goal of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one joint is at least one of curved and straight.  
     
     
         10 . In a sports goal having a plurality of tubular members connected by at least one joint, the at least one joint including an inside wall surface and an outside wall surface, the improvement comprising: 
 at least one reinforcing member coupled to the at least one joint.    
     
     
         11 . The sports goal according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is coupled to the inside wall surface.  
     
     
         12 . The sports goal according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is coupled to the outside wall surface.  
     
     
         13 . The sports goal according to  claim 11 , wherein at least a second reinforcing member is coupled to the outside wall surface.  
     
     
         14 . The sports goal according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is a sheet of material.  
     
     
         15 . The sports goal according to  claim 14 , wherein the sheet is at least one of metal and fracture resistant plastic.  
     
     
         16 . The sports goal according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member is a plurality of ribs.  
     
     
         17 . A sports goal, comprising: 
 a plurality of tubular members;    means for connecting the plurality of tubular members; and    means for increasing the strength of the means for connecting, such that the means for connecting has an increased resistance to fractures.    
     
     
         18 . The sport goal according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting comprises at least one joint.  
     
     
         19 . The sport goal according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for increasing the strength comprises at least one of at least one metal sheet lining the means for connecting, at least one plastic sheet lining the means for connecting, at least one metal rib lining the means for connecting, and at least one plastic rib lining the means for connecting.  
     
     
         20 . The sports goal according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for increasing the strength is coupled to the means for connecting by at least one of an adhesive, a glue, a tape, a solder, a thermal bond, and molding.