Abstract: The icon 348 of a graphic user interface indicates the magnitude of an inputted impact by an impact pointer 348d which moves as the time elapses and receives input of the impact. Magnitude of the impact received by a GUI 34 is retained in the impact data as a product of the moving amount of the impact pointer 348d and a scale factor, of which the value can be switched together with the indication form of a gauge 348c depending on the movement of a slider 348a. Consequently, more realistic regulation of impact, e.g., half shot, can be attained when a ball is hit in a sport simulation game such as a golf game.

Abstract: An interactive media system configured to present a substantially real-time simulation of an actual live event involving a moveable object in an arena, the system comprising: a tag attachable to a moveable object involved in an actual live event in an arena; one or more base stations located relative to the arena and operable to receive a signal from the tag; a location platform configured to determine the location of the tag in the arena based on the signal received from the tag by the or each base station, and to output location data representing a location of the tag in the arena; a virtual world environment unit to simulate the actual live event including the arena, the object, and movement of the object in the arena using the location data for the tag; and an access interface in communication with the virtual world environment unit, the access interface being arranged to provide a user with access to the simulated arena and to permit the user to observe the simulated event in substantially real-time.

Abstract: A competition cheat-preventing system and method are applicable in a pigeon racing competition, wherein racing pigeons each wear a pigeon ring. An encrypted code-generating module is configured to generate contest encrypted codes from contest codes of the racing pigeons through specific parameter calculations. A barcode converting module is configured to convert the contest encrypted codes into two-dimensional barcodes. A barcode reading module is configured to read the two-dimensional barcodes to obtain original contest encrypted codes. An information transmission module is configured to transmit the original contest encrypted codes to a computer apparatus. An information-receiving module is configured to receive the original contest encrypted codes. A barcode decoding module is configured to perform reverse calculations to restore the original contest encrypted codes to original contest codes.

Abstract: In a racing game, a main controller 20 accepts bet from each of a plurality of terminal devices 30, during a bet accepting period. In a case where final odds, calculated after the expiration of the bet accepting period, is not greater than a predetermined threshold, the main controller 20 executes a recompense processing for bets on the final odds and disqualify the bets from an award, and, when a race is determined to be finished, provides an award by calculating payout for bets qualified for the award.

Abstract: A method of playing a poker style card game tournament includes providing an original table at which a plurality of players can compete in the poker style card game. An entry fee for each of the plurality of players is predetermined. The type of poker style card game in which the players will compete is predetermined as is an event outcome from which a winner is determined from the plurality of players. A mechanism is provided that allows each of the plurality of players to pay the predetermined entry fee to enter the tournament. A forum is also provided that allows each of the plurality of players to compete against one another in the predetermined poker style card game. A point-leader is identified from amongst the plurality of players based on an evaluation of the event outcome. The point-leader is advanced to one or more additional tables and is compensated based on their performance at the one or more additional tables.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance and system for facilitating the play of the game are disclosed. The method of playing the game of chance includes choosing a selected symbol. The method of playing the game of chance further includes choosing a set of selected numbers. The method of playing the game further includes receiving a prize if a predetermined number the selected symbols matches the drawn symbol for each selected number.

Abstract: Computer graphics processing systems and methods are provided for the presentation of graphic objects or text in a wagering environment. In at least one embodiment, the systems and methods present graphic objects on a graphic user interface screen that includes at least one of a plurality of betting lines, including a reference betting line, such as a market betting line having a value that corresponds to a value of a reference variable associated with an object, a high line having a value corresponding to an amount above the reference variable value, a low line having a value corresponding to an amount below the reference variable value, etc. The market, high, and low lines may be arranged spatially on the interface screen based at least on the values of each of the lines. The interface screen includes a least one computer generated graphic object associated with each of the betting lines that is selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request and a down bet request.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus and method for use in a gaming application. The apparatus comprises an input for receiving a non-predictable input number, K; and an output for presenting a graphical selector comprising N options. The graphical selector is configured to step in sequence through the N options in accordance with the received number K to select one of the N options. This therefore transforms the non-predictable input number K into a selection of an output option for use in the gaming application.

Abstract: Peggle is a game that balances skill and luck. The Peggle board is made up of different types of pegs, some of which the player must clear. The player begins a turn by aiming a ball at the pegs. When the player releases the ball, the ball travels through the pegs, contacting some and eventually falling to the bottom of the board. The ball may bounce off many pegs, and those pegs that the ball contacts are removed. A score is calculated based on the number and types of pegs hit during a turn.

Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels.

Abstract: A gaming system displays a plurality of bingo cards each containing at least one column, each column having at least one square. Each square includes a random number selected from a range associated with that column. The gaming system displays each bingo card and an initially-empty accumulation area. Balls are drawn from a pool of balls, each ball associated with a number. As the balls are drawn, any square on any of the bingo cards containing the number of the drawn ball is marked with a suitable indicator. A primary award is provided for combinations of marked squares on one or more of the bingo cards. The gaming system displays the balls in the accumulated area in the order in which they are drawn. The gaming system provides a secondary award for combinations of balls displayed in the accumulation area.

Abstract: A dedicated gaming device or an on-line game is described wherein the player first plays a primary game. For certain outcomes of the primary game, the player accumulates a bonus point. The player accumulates the bonus points until a certain number of bonus points are accumulated. The player then wins the bonus associated with those bonus points. Accordingly, the player has an incentive to keep playing the on-line game or dedicated gaming machine to make use of the accumulated bonus points that lead to a bonus award. In a further embodiment, a player logs onto the on-line gaming site or begins play of a dedicated gaming machine, and the accumulated bonus points from the player's last game before cashing out is displayed for the current session. Accordingly, the player resumes play with all the accumulated bonus points from the previous session. This provides an incentive for the player to return to the same game whether in a casino or on-line.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols on or associated with each symbol generator. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols are reflector symbols. A reflector symbol is a symbol that, when generated on one of the reels, causes any payline which runs through such symbol to be reflected back across one or more of the reels. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one reflector symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one reflector symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the generated reflector symbol causes the activated payline which runs through the generated reflector symbol to reflect back across one, more or each of the reels to form a supplemental payline.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a plurality of first video reels 31, 31, . . . on which partial pictures of one entire sheet are arranged, respectively; and a plurality of second video reels 32, 32, . . . on which plural types of symbols are arranged, respectively. Operating a start button starts a base game. After the first video reels 31 and the second video reels have been displayed in a rotating manner on a first liquid crystal display panel 11, each of the first video reels 31 is displayed in a stopped state. Completing one entire sheet by the partial pictures displayed in a stopped state starts a second game corresponding to the competed picture. In the second game, like the base game, symbols arranged on the second video reels are employed. Thus, players can intuitively comprehend that a second game associated with the base game is started. Thereafter, an activated area is determined, and a prize is established if specific symbols have stopped in the determined activated area.

Abstract: In a slot machine, once a player indicates the bet amount with respect to a “continuous game”, one or a plurality of “continuous games” including unit games that are executed by the number of times which can be indicated by the player is specified through the bet amount with respect to the “continuous game” indicated by the player and the minimum bet amount with respect to a unit game which can be set by the player. Thereafter, the operation with respect to all buttons corresponding to the “continuous game” thus specified is validated. The player operates any of the buttons thus validated, whereby the “continuous game”, which is constituted of unit games executed by the number of times indicated by the player through the above-mentioned operation, is executed. Then, the bet amount with respect to the “continuous game” indicated by the player is evenly allocated to each unit game constituting the “continuous game” indicated by the player.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, and a display for displaying a wagering game. The wagering game includes at least one moveable game element, at least one bezel light positioned proximate the display, and a controller operative to activate the bezel light in coordination with movement of the at least one moveable game element. The gaming system may have a plurality of bezel lights respectively positioned proximate the display, and the controller may be operative to activate the bezel lights singly or in combination in coordination with movement of the at least one moveable game element.

Abstract: A game system for playing a basic game, includes: slot machines which, when a combination of “BONUS” symbols stop in a winning line, transmit a signal for switching to a roulette game; a second game device, separate from the slot machines, which executes a second game; and a display for displaying an image corresponding to game status of the second game device. In cases in which the switching signal has been transmitted from any one of the slot machines, other slot machines enter a mode that allows the players at the other slot machines to participate in the second game. Furthermore, the game system includes a central controller which can communicate with the slot machines, the second game device, and the display, and which, upon reception of the switching signal from the slot machine, transmits a roulette game start signal to start the roulette game in the second game device.

Abstract: Methods of lottery-type wagering are disclosed. One method utilizes a credit instrument associated with an account set up by a patron with a gaming administrator. The credit instrument may be used to place lottery-type wagers at a gaming terminal and, additionally, for the purchase of goods and/or services, accessing additional informational displays, or for other non-wagering purposes and/or areas associated with the gaming administrator or a venue offering lottery-type wagering. The credit instrument acts as a cash substitute wherein the patron's account may be automatically updated with all of the patron's wins, losses, and purchases via a network system or updated on the credit instrument. In other methods, lottery-type wagers are placed with an anonymous account such that an identity of a player is not known to the gaming administrator.

Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed that increases the excitement and entertainment value over existing gaming terminals. The wagering game terminal manipulates the player's wagers instead of his winnings so that any winning outcome resulting from the wagers is increased. This allows the player to feel as if he has already won “free money” before the game has even started. Such an arrangement may increase the overall excitement felt by the player and may encourage the player to wager more. And since only some wagers will result in a winning outcome, it is possible to perform the wager increases without significantly changing the underlying mathematics of the game.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for compensating participants of events or activities of virtual environments, such as on-line games, digital or virtual worlds, and virtual universes are disclosed. One or more embodiments may comprise conducting an event, measuring event participation by the participant, and compensating the participant based upon the measured participation. Various embodiments may compensate the participant based upon the amount of time the participant spends at the event, while other embodiments may compensate the participant based upon amounts or types of activity of the participant while attending the event. Some embodiments may compensate the participant based upon such activity as chat activity, keyboard activity, and mouse activity. Some embodiments may compensate the participant based upon one or more referrals that the participant makes other participants.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game comprises a value input device for receiving a wager to play the wagering game, a display for displaying a plurality of selectable elements, and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is operative to designate at least one of the selectable elements as a rental element and repeat an award associated with the rental element as other ones of the selectable elements are successively selected. Methods for conducting a wagering game are also disclosed.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot slot machine, or group of slot machines, is described herein. A plurality of progressive jackpots are accumulated as the slot machine is played. In the preferred embodiment, a first progressive jackpot is accumulated at a first rate, and a second progressive jackpot is accumulated at a rate higher than the first rate. Additional jackpots accumulate at higher rates. The betting of additional monetary amounts enables the player to win additional jackpots. This provides added incentive for the player to bet additional monetary amounts.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is a system for establishing a parimutuel fund (30) comprising a first mobile phone (14) and a second mobile phone (18) and a parimutuel administrator (22). Each mobile phone (14, 18) has an associated credit balance (16, 20).

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.

Abstract: A method for approving data wherein a request for approval of advertising content for being impressed upon video game players within a known advertising spot within a known video game is provided. Based on the advertising spot and the video game a system determines at least a party for approving of the advertising content. Then, the system automatically transmits a message to the at least a party requesting their approval of the advertising content for being impressed upon video game players within the known advertising spot within the known video game.

Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.

Abstract: A game device includes: a plurality of displays for displaying an object of an operation target for each of operators; a GUI control unit arranged in any one of the screens of the displays for controlling a GUI for each target object correlated to each of the operators; an object control unit for changing the 3D space according to the operation of the GUI; and a marking process unit for displaying the coordinate position of a predetermined object other than the target object together the target object in the screen as markings to moving on a virtual plane in the 3D space according to control of the object control unit.

Abstract: To output sounds generated by multiple objects disposed in a virtual space in as easy a manner as possible while giving live feelings, a storage unit (202) of a game machine (201) stores information on objects of a first type and a second type which move in the virtual space. A basic sound acquiring unit (203) acquires basic sound information corresponding to the total number of the objects. An imitation sound acquiring unit (204) acquires imitation sound information imitating a sound generated by an object of the first type from its position in the virtual space. A mixing output unit (205) mixes and outputs the basic sound information and the imitation sound information. An input receiving unit (206) receives an instruction input from the user.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for configuring offline player behavior within a persistent world game. A player agent for an offline player includes an event monitor that monitors for events that occur in a persistent virtual world maintained by a game server. When a game event occurs that triggers an offline player rule, the player agent may generate game events on behalf of the offline player. The player agent may also receive messages from an offline player. The messages may include commands for adding, removing, or editing offline player rules. A message may also include a command to view a list of rules or fire a one-time execution of a rule upon receipt. Therefore, a player may contribute to the persistent virtual world even when offline by sending commands using a messaging client or Web browser.

Abstract: There is provided a game device capable of provoking a competing mood between players in a music game. In order to show each of a first and a second player the timing when a game operation is to be performed, reference arrow marks (46, 48) and a special timing guide arrow mark (61) gradually approaching the reference arrow marks (46, 48) are displayed. According to an evaluation result of game operation by the actual players, the display position of the special timing guide arrow mark (61) is gradually moved toward the display position of the reference arrow marks (46, 48) relating to the battle partner so as to impose a new game operation timing to a competing opponent.

Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation including a virtual character in an environment other than a natural environment of the virtual character. The method includes validating a registration code associated with a toy, providing at least one virtual room representing a natural environment of the toy in the virtual presentation, and displaying the virtual character in the virtual room representing the natural environment of the toy, which represents the toy in the virtual presentation. The method further includes providing at least one additional virtual room representing an unnatural environment of the toy in the virtual presentation, the unnatural environment of the toy being different than the natural environment of the toy, and providing the virtual character with an environment extension tool that enables the virtual character to exist in the room representing the unnatural environment of the toy.

Abstract: A method and a device for simplifying the forming of game parties in wireless communication networks is provided. A game directory is generated comprising all available (multi-player) games on a mobile device and exchanging said information between different gaming devices. Said game directory is generated by querying a memory accessible by said electronic gaming device for electronic games available for execution on, and generating a game directory having entries for each electronic game which is determined. Said game directory is then exchanged to visualize all available games to all potential game partners.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for live video/audio broadcasting (e.g., game broadcasting). Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for live video/audio broadcasting (e.g., game broadcasting). Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to computer software for live video/audio broadcasting (e.g., game broadcasting).

Abstract: An inner joint component and a shaft of a constant velocity universal joint are connected in a configuration it difficult for backlash to occur. An axis hole inner diameter of an inner member of the constant velocity universal joint is unhardened, and a spline serving as a recess and projection section running along a circumferential direction is formed on an axial end outer diameter of the shaft. A hardened layer n is formed on the axial end outer diameter of the shaft. The shaft and the inner member are joined by an axial end of the shaft being pressed into the axis hole inner diameter of the inner member to incuse a shape of said recess and projection section onto the axis hole inner diameter of the inner member 20.

Abstract: A putter head including a fore body and an aft body. The fore body includes a planar front strike face, heel and toe side walls, a rear wall, a top surface and a generally planar sole. The top surface includes a sight line. The sight line extends along a first plane that is perpendicular to the strike face and to the sole, and is substantially evenly spaced from the heel and toe side walls. The aft body is coupled to the fore body and includes a rear main portion and an overhang. The rear main portion is engaged to the rear wall of the fore body, and has a central region positioned between first and second end regions. The overhang forwardly extends from the central region. The overhang includes an elongate slot extending along the first plane, and is positioned over at least a portion of the sight line.

Abstract: A golf club having a head with a face configured to contact a ball and a shaft attached to the head at a first end such that the first end extends into and is received within the head. The shaft is gripped by a golfer at a second end so as to be swung by the golfer to head strike the ball. The head is configured to provide the golfer with a visual indication of the position of the first end of the shaft such that the position of first end of the shaft is monitored during the swing. The visual indication can be provided by a transparent region and highlighting the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable arching arm attaches to a top portion of a golf club such that the adjustable arching arm is generally in alignment with a club face. The adjustable arching arm is adjustable in a generally vertical plane to accommodate chip shots and full swings. In a chipping mode, the adjustable arching arm is in a lower position and is intended to maintain contact with an inside of the left forearm (of a right handed golfer) through a chip shot thereby training the golfer to hold his (or her) hands in the correct position through a chip shot. In a full swing mode, the adjustable arching arm is adjusted to an upper position such that the adjustable arching arm is able to move from inside of the left forearm to outside of the left forearm during the swing to indicate good hand position.

Abstract: A shaft set includes plural shafts used for wood-type golf clubs each having a length of 40 inches to 48 inches. Among the plural shafts, a shaft used for a longer club has a smaller amount of change ?1 in bending stiffness in a section from 600 mm to 800 mm from a tip of the shaft. Among the clubs using the plural shafts, the amount of change ?1 in bending stiffness decreases at a constant rate in a range of 0.7×103 kgf·mm2/mm·inch to 1.6×103 kgf·mm2/mm·inch per inch increase in club length, and the bending stiffness at a position 800 mm from the tip of the shaft decreases at a constant rate in a range of 0.1×106 kgf·mm2/inch to 0.4×106 kgf·mm2/inch per inch increase in club length.

Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. Each material has a different tensile modulus of elasticity, where the center of the hitting face has a much higher tensile modulus of elasticity than the surrounding portions of the hitting face. This creates a stiff center and a more easily deflected concentric portion. In another embodiment, the materials have different yield strengths and elongation, where the center of the hitting face has a very high yield strength compared to the surrounding portions of the hitting face.

Abstract: A golf club head having a multi-material face. The golf club head has a hard, wear resistant material as the ball-impacting face surface coupled to a softer material, allowing the multi-material face to be joined to a soft body material such that the body can be bent and customized. The multi-material face allows for improved playing characteristics by allowing the club designer to use a thinner face and lighter body material while still providing improved face wear resistance and durability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The face may be selectively textured to enhance certain shots that the golfer may perform. This may include providing a plurality of distinct sets of texturing and surface roughening to accommodate a plurality of different shots. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The face may be selectively textured to enhance certain shots that the golfer may perform. This may include providing a plurality of distinct sets of texturing to accommodate a plurality of different shots. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, and a portion having a v-shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The face may be selectively textured to enhance certain shots that the golfer may perform. This may include providing a plurality of distinct sets of texturing to accommodate a plurality of different shots. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has a geometric center having a hardness (Hg) and the core has an outer surface that is treated with a surface-softening material comprising at least one fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt plasticizer composition such that the outer surface has an extrapolated hardness (HE) and an actual hardness (HOS) wherein HE is derived from a five point extrapolation within three quarters of an outer core diameter and HOS is measured on the curved surface of the core, and the cover has a hardness (HC), wherein HC>HE>Hg>HOS.

Abstract: A golf ball having a core and two or more cover layers, wherein the multiple cover layers are formed from materials that are substantially the same composition with the same Shore hardness, but are modified in some way to alter the processing or performance characteristics of the golf ball, or the layers have the same hardness and at least one cover layer is formed of a polymer blend including a polyurethane composition, and at least one cover layer is formed of a different polymer blend.

Abstract: A ball game training apparatus includes a positioning device, a first pivot device connected to the positioning device and turnable relative to the positioning device in X-axis direction, a second pivot device connected to the first pivot device and turnable relative to the first pivot device in Y-axis direction, and a driven device connected to the second pivot device and turnable relative to the second pivot device and having a force-receiving ball disposed remote from the second pivot device and strikable to move by an external force.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides an integrated basketball return, coaching, and training system. In one embodiment, the present disclosure aids in, for example, returning basketballs to the players accurately in any position on the court, announcing scoring results, providing coaching tips and feedback information, and providing an efficient system for maximizing practice times for each player.

Abstract: A goaltender training device provides a screen representative of a goal opening and an image capture device to detect a goaltender against the screen. The training device provides visual indicators of goal coverage and records goaltender stance and position relative to the screen to provide training feedback. The training device can provide a light source directed at the screen to enhance image capture and simplify image analysis. The image capture device defines a reference screen in memory to compare against obstructions of the screen during a training exercise. Particular points on the reference screen are identified for coverage by the goaltender during training, and coverage status of the points may be indicated with the visual indicators. Sequences of images can be analyzed for a particular parameter, such as percentage of the screen covered, and downloaded to other devices for review and analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for joining tubes in a structure. The system includes hollow tubes and pressure assemblies. The tubes have tool holes spaced from the ends which are to be joined together. The pressure assemblies include members which can be spread apart by threaded inserts threaded into one of the members. The threaded inserts are spaced to correspond to the spacing between the tool holes as occurs when the tube ends are placed together. Accordingly, a pressure assembly can be inserted into adjacent tube ends and then expanded with sufficient expanding force for joining the tube ends in a rigid, strong joint. The system of the present invention may be used to make highly versatile and portable structures such as soccer goals, American football uprights and basketball goals.