Composite structural member and method for making the same

A composite structural member comprising:

• a fitting having a coupling region with an outer surface, the outer surface defining at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions;
• a tubular shaft having a mating region that is radially adjacent to the coupling region, the mating region defining a recess that mates with the recessed portion of the outer surface;
• at least one reinforcing member that partially and proximately surrounds the mating region of said shaft, said at least one reinforcing member being substantially c-shaped;
• and
• a tubular sleeve substantially concentric with said shaft and radially adjacent to said reinforcing member, and
• wherein the recessed portion extends circumferentially around said fitting to form a neck, and
• wherein said shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement and said sleeve discourages separation of said reinforcing member and the mating region of said shaft.

A composite structural member comprising:

• a fitting including a radially asymmetrical coupling region that defines a recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, the recessed portion extending circumferentially around said fitting to form a neck;
• a tubular shaft having a mating region and defining a lumen, said fitting being disposed in the lumen such that the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting;
• at least one reinforcing member that partially and proximately surrounds the mating region of said shaft, said at least one reinforcing member being substantially c-shaped;
• and
• A sleeve coupled to said shaft for discouraging separation of said reinforcing member and the mating region of said shaft,
• wherein said shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of said shaft and said fitting.