Abstract:
A system is provided for supporting one or more objects above an operating surface. A central frame extends upwardly from a base and supports one or more attachment members for supporting a variety of objects. In one aspect the objects supported by the system are targets that receive striking forces from external sources. A force measuring device may be associated with the targets. The central frame may be adjustable so that the height of the objects supported by the system may be varied. The base may include stabilizer members that are movable between collapsed and extended positions. Weight of various types may be associated with the stabilizer members to promote stability of the system. Wheels may be associated with the base to enable transport of the system from one location to another.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/878,734 entitled STAND by Gary Considine, Rita Sever, Jeff Dankworth, Greg Snyder, and Patricia Brenner, filed on Jan. 4, 2007, which Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     OTHER RELATED PATENTS 
       [0002]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,818 (the &#39;818 patent), entitled “Impact-Sensing and Measurement Systems, Methods for Using Same, and Related Business Methods,” issued on Dec. 18, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/004,337 (the &#39;337 patent Application), entitled “Impact-Sensing and Measurement Systems, Methods for Using Same, and Related Business Methods,” filed on Dec. 18, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0003]    In the event of a conflict, the subject matter explicitly recited or shown herein controls over any subject matter incorporated by reference. All definitions of a term (express or implied) contained in any of the subject matter incorporated by reference herein are hereby disclaimed only to the extent that such definitions are inconsistent with or narrower than the understanding of the term as used herein. The paragraphs shortly before the claims dictate the meaning to be given to any term explicitly recited herein subject to the disclaimer in the preceding sentence. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Sports stands for receiving impacts associated with sporting activities, such as martial arts, boxing, soccer, football, baseball, golf, tennis, etc., are known in the art. Typically, sports stands support targets or nets that receive impacts from a user&#39;s body or objects, such as balls, hit or thrown by a user. Generally, sports stands are configured to resist such impacts, i.e., absorb the force of the impacts, without damage to or inadvertent repositioning, or movement, of the stands and to allow their continued use. 
         [0005]    Conventional sports stands for receiving impacts associated with athletic workouts, such as martial arts workouts, can be bulky and heavy. Accordingly, these stands are often difficult to store, transport and reposition. 
         [0006]    For example, conventional stands can include large containers filled with water or sand to create a heavy base for resisting movement of the targets upon receiving an impact. Such targets can weigh upwards of approximately 200 lbs., which can make the stands difficult to move and adjust. 
         [0007]    Some conventional stands require often complex disassembly prior to storing or moving the stands. 
         [0008]    Additionally, many conventional sporting stands require a permanent installation. For example, some known stands must be bolted to a secure surface, such as the floor or a wall, in order to prevent the stand from moving. 
         [0009]    Also, with many known sporting stands, customization of the stands to accommodate different sports and athletic workouts can be difficult. For example, many known sports stands are configured to receive impacts associated with one specific sporting activity and cannot be modified for use with other sporting activities. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    This Summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form and that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter or all embodiments thereof. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0011]    A stand is provided to support objects above an operating surface and generally includes a collapsible base portion, a central frame member that extends from the base, and one or more attachment members. In one aspect, the base portion is provided to be selectively moved between a collapsed state and an expanded state. In some embodiments, the base portion includes a plurality of elongate stabilizer members that engage the operating surface in their respective extended positions. In one aspect, the stabilizer members are pivotally coupled to a bottom end portion of the central frame member at first end portions. Connector arms are pivotally coupled to the stabilizer members and the central frame member to permit the movement of the stabilizer arms between their collapsed and extended positions 
         [0012]    Second end portions of the connector arms may be coupled to the central frame member via a movable bracket that is movable along the central member. The movable bracket may include a locking mechanism that is engageable with the central member to lock the movable bracket in place relative to the central member. 
         [0013]    The base portion may be placed in an open, or expanded, state by locking the bracket, at a location along the central member such that the stabilizer members extend generally perpendicularly relative to the central member and each other. 
         [0014]    The base portion may also include a height adjustment member that is movable relative to the central member. The height adjustment member may be aligned with the central member to extend vertically away from the central member. In this manner, the height adjustment member can extend linearly away from or toward the central member in a telescoping manner to increase or decrease the overall height of the base portion. 
         [0015]    The central frame member may be provided to include a locking mechanism proximate its upper end portion. In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism may be provided to include a spring-loaded pin that is sized to extend through spaced-apart apertures in the central member. The locking mechanism of the central member may also include a knob coupled to the pin to facilitate locking and unlocking the height adjustment member relative to the central member. 
         [0016]    In one aspect, the stand may include weight mounts that each have a generally U-shaped base defining a channel for receiving a respective stabilizer member. An elongate weight securing member may be provided to extend from the base. The weight mounts can be removably positioned about the stabilizer members such that the weight securing members extend transversely relative to the stabilizer members in a vertical direction. The weight securing members are configured to receive one or more conventional gymnasium weight disks, which act as anchors to keep the stand. 
         [0017]    The accessory receiving portion may be provided as a generally tubular member extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion. The accessory receiving portion may define an interior channel that may be sized to receive a portion of an accessory, such as a target. The accessory receiving portion can include a slot that extends from an open end, opposite the base portion, and a clamp mechanism that extends about the accessory receiving portion proximate the open end. The cross-sectional area of the channel may then be reduced by tightening the clamp mechanism into a locked position which reduces the width of the slot. 
         [0018]    The accessory may be provided with an attachment member, having the same general cross-sectional shape as the channel of the accessory receiving portion and a cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the same channel. The attachment member of the accessory may be inserted into the channel of the accessory receiving portion when the clamp mechanism is in an unlocked position. With the attachment member of the accessory positioned within the channel and the clamp mechanism in an unlocked state, the accessory can be rotated 360-degrees relative to the accessory receiving portion. The clamp can be loosened to remove the accessory or reposition the accessory to a different angle. In one aspect a spring may be associated with the attachment member and disposed between the target and the accessory receiving portion. Accordingly, a measured, multi-axis resiliency is provided to the connection of the target to the stand that allows the target to be struck by a user while permitting the target to return to its original position. 
         [0019]    In one aspect, the target, or hitting pad, may be provided to include a padded striking surface on opposing sides of an at least partially rigid frame. The target may further include an impact sensor, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,818, which is incorporated herein by reference. The impact sensor can be secured to the frame such that it is covered by the padded striking surface. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the stand may support two or more targets removably and adjustably coupled to an accessory extension member. The accessory extension member may be provided to include an attachment member removably securable within an accessory receiving portion of a primary connector. In some embodiments, the extension member may be provided to rotate about the accessory receiving portion 360-degrees to place the extension member in any of various positions depending on the particular application. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the stand may further include first and second secondary connectors removably and adjustably coupleable to the accessory extension member. The first and second secondary connectors may be removably securable to the extension member via various locking mechanisms and positionable at any of various locations along the extension member. Each target may be provided to be removably securable to a respective one of the first and second secondary connectors. Each target may also be provided in a manner that permits each target to be rotated to a particular angle irrespective of the angle of the other target. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the stand may be provided with a different accessory, such as a net accessory. The net accessory may be provided to include an attachment member that is removably securable to a connector. A net hanger may be provided to be coupled with the attachment member and a net may be secured to and depend from the net hanger. The net accessory may also include an impact surface, such as a pad, to which an impact sensor is secured. The impact sensor may be electrically coupled to an impact sensing module, such as impact-sensing module. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the stand may be provided in a heavier and more durable fashion for commercial applications and sports uses. The base portion may include an elongate central member and elongate stabilizer members. Connector plates are coupled to a bottom end portion of the central member and a base plate along side and bottom edge portions of the connector plates. The stabilizer members are coupled to the connector plates at first end portions, respectively, such that the stabilizer members can pivot about their first end portions relative to the central member. 
         [0024]    A stabilizer member may be associated with the stand in a spaced-apart relationship with the stabilizer members. In one aspect, a connector bracket may be coupled with the central member. A first end portion of the stabilizer member may be pivotably coupled with the connector bracket to permit the stabilizer member to move between collapsed and extended states. A retaining pin may be engaged with apertures formed adjacent upper and lower end portions of the connector plates to secure the stabilizer member in its respective collapsed and expanded states. 
         [0025]    In certain embodiments, the stability of the stand may be further promoted by engaging relatively high friction pads at the distal end portions of the stabilizer members. It is contemplated that the high friction pads may be provided in the form of foot members formed from various materials, including generally resilient materials that include natural and synthetic rubbers as well as some polymer materials. An additional friction pad may be placed on a bottom surface of the base plate for additional stability. The friction pads may further limit the transmission of vibrations from the stand to the operating surface, which may tend to reduce noise emitted from use of the stand, and may further limit damage to the operating surface. 
         [0026]    There or other aspects of this disclosure and varying embodiments. They will be apparent as this specification proceeds. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the stand in a collapsed and partially disassembled position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the stand depicted in  FIG. 1  and further demonstrates one contemplated assembly position of the stand base. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  depicts a front elevation view of an upper end portion of the stand depicted in  FIG. 2  and one contemplated embodiment of a height adjustment system that may be incorporated with the stand. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  depicts a front elevation view of an upper end portion of the stand depicted in  FIG. 2  and contemplated embodiments of a target and an impact sensing system that may be incorporated with the stand. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an upper end portion of the stand depicted in  FIG. 2  and one contemplated embodiment of a height adjustment system that may be incorporated with the stand. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  depicts a side elevation view of an upper end portion of the stand depicted in  FIG. 2  and one contemplated embodiment of an accessory extension member that may be incorporated with the stand. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  depicts a front perspective view of one embodiment of the stand and one manner in which it may be used to support one embodiment of a net accessory. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  depicts a front elevation view of another embodiment of the stand in a collapsed position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  depicts a rear, plan view of an alternate embodiment of a base that may be used with the stand, with its stabilizer members in a collapsed position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  depicts an isometric view of the base depicted in  FIG. 20 , with its stabilizer members in an extended position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  depicts a side elevation view of the base depicted in  FIG. 20 , with its stabilizer members in an extended position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of a target that may be operatively coupled with the stand in a generally horizontal manner. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  depicts a multi-target arm, simultaneously supporting a plurality of targets, that may be supported by the stand. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of a secondary target that may be operatively coupled with the stand in a generally horizontal manner beneath another object, such as a target, being simultaneously supported by the stand. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of a target being supported in a downwardly depending position from the stand. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of a target being supported in an upwardly projecting position from the stand. 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of the target depicted in  FIG. 15  and demonstrates one manner in which the target may be rotated about an axis while otherwise maintaining the target&#39;s position relative to the stand. 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  depicts a front elevation view of one manner in which the stand may be used to support a target in a generally vertical fashion. 
           [0046]      FIG. 19  depicts a perspective view of the stand and demonstrates one manner in which a pair of targets may be supported by the stand in a vertically spaced apart relationship with one another. 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  depicts a perspective view of the stand and demonstrates another manner in which a pair of targets may be supported by the stand in a vertically spaced apart relationship with one another. 
           [0048]      FIG. 21  depicts a side elevation view of the stand in a partially collapse position. 
           [0049]      FIG. 22  depicts a front elevation view of one embodiment of attachment connectors that may be used with the stand, with its stabilizer members in a collapsed position. 
           [0050]      FIG. 23  depicts a rear elevation view of the attachment connectors depicted in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 24  depicts a front elevation view of another embodiment of a net support and net that may be supported by the stand. 
           [0052]      FIG. 25  depicts a rear isometric view of the net support and net depicted in  FIG. 23 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0053]    Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 1  and according to one contemplated embodiment of a stand  10  includes a collapsible base portion  20 , weight mounts  30 , connector  40 , target  50 , and impact sensing module  60 . 
         [0055]    The base portion  20 , shown in a collapsed state in  FIG. 1  and an expanded state in  FIG. 2 , includes an elongate central member  22  and elongate stabilizer members  24 ,  26 . The stabilizer members  24 ,  26  are pivotally coupled to a bottom end portion  70  of the central member  22  at first end portions  72 ,  74 , respectively, such that the stabilizer members can pivot about their first end portions relative to the central member. Connector arms  27 ,  28  having first end portions that are pivotally coupled to the stabilizer members  24 ,  26 , respectively, at locations intermediate the first end portions  72 ,  74  and second end portions  76 ,  78  of the respective stabilizer members. 
         [0056]    Although the illustrated embodiments show two stabilizer members, in other embodiments, more than two stabilizer members can be used. Also, when the stabilizer members are in an expanded position, in some embodiments, the stabilizer members can form angles other than 90-degrees relative to each other. 
         [0057]    Second end portions of the connector arms  27 ,  28  are coupled to the central member  22  via a movable bracket  29 . The movable bracket  29  extends about the central member  22  and is movable along the central member. The movable bracket  29  includes a locking mechanism that is engageable with the central member  22  to lock the movable bracket in place relative to the central member. In the illustrated embodiments, the lock member includes a spring-loaded pin sized to extend through spaced-apart apertures in the central member  22 . The pin is coupled to a tightening knob  80  that can be tightened to secure the pin within the aperture and place the bracket  29  a locked state. The knob can be loosened and pulled outwardly to retract the pin out of engagement with the aperture of the central member  22  to place the bracket  29  in an unlocked state and allow the bracket to move relative to the central member  22 . 
         [0058]    The connector arms  27 ,  28  are pivotally coupled to the bracket  29  such that as the movable bracket is moved relative to the central member  22  the second end portions of the connector arms  27 ,  28  pivot relative to the bracket and move linearly along the central member. Such movement causes the first end portions of the connector arms  27 ,  28  to pivot relative to the stabilizer members  24 ,  26  such that the stabilizer members pivot about their first end portions  72 ,  74  toward the central member  22  as the bracket  29  moves away from the bottom end portion  70  and away from the central member as the bracket moves toward the bottom end portion. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the base portion  20  may be placed in an open, or expanded, state by locking the bracket  29 , i.e., inserting the pin into an aperture and tightening the knob  80 , at a location along the central member  22  such that the stabilizer members  24 ,  26  extend generally perpendicularly relative to the central member and each other. In other words, with the base portion  20  positioned on a horizontal surface parallel to ground, the stabilizer members  24 ,  26  extend parallel to ground and the central member  22  extend vertically, or perpendicular to ground. 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the base portion  20  may also include a height adjustment member  90  that is movable relative to the central member  22 . Although not necessary, in certain implementations, the height adjustment member  90  is aligned with the central member  22  and extends vertically away from the central member. In at least one embodiment, the central member  22  may be provided in the form of a tubular member that defines an interior channel through which the height adjustment member  90  may extend. In this manner, the height adjustment member  90  can extend linearly away from or toward the central member  22  in a telescoping manner to increase or decrease the overall height of the base portion  20 . 
         [0061]    The central member  22  may be provided to include a locking mechanism proximate its upper end portion  71 . In at least one embodiment, similar to the locking mechanism of bracket  29 , the locking mechanism of the central member  22  may be provided to include a spring-loaded pin that is sized to extend through spaced-apart apertures in the central member  22 . The locking mechanism of the central member  22  may include a knob  92  coupled to the pin to facilitate locking and unlocking the height adjustment member  90  relative to the central member  22 . 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the stand does not include a height adjustment member and the connector is coupled directly to and adjustably relative to the central member. Further, in some embodiments, the height adjustment member can be adjustably positioned using conventional bracketing techniques to extend at an angle relative to the central member. 
         [0063]    In certain embodiments, the stand  10  includes weight mounts  30  that each have a generally U-shaped base  32  defining a channel for receiving a respective stabilizer member  24 ,  26 . An elongate weight securing member  34  may be provided to extend from the base  32 . The weight mounts  30  can be removably positioned about the stabilizer members such that the weight securing members  34  extend transversely relative to the stabilizer members in a vertical direction. The weight securing members are configured to receive one or more conventional gymnasium weight disks, which act as anchors to keep the stand  10  in place during use. When the stand  10  is to be stored or repositioned, the weight disks can be removed. The stand  10  in some implementations weighs approximately 20 lbs. and can be easily stored or moved. 
         [0064]    The weight mounts  30  may be positioned about the stabilizer members at any of a plurality of locations between the first end portions  72 ,  74  and second end portions  76 ,  78  of the respective stabilizer members  24 ,  26 . Accordingly, the weight can be adjustably distributed along the stabilizer members  24 ,  26  based on the particular sporting activity desired. Further, as described above, the weight mounts can include one or more various locking mechanisms (not depicted) to lock the mounts in place relative to the stabilizer members  24 ,  26 . 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the connector  40  may be provided to include a base portion  42  and an accessory receiving portion  44  extending from the base portion  42 . In the illustrated embodiments, the base portion  42  includes a generally tubular member that defines a conduit through which the height adjustment member  90  may extend. The base portion  42  includes a locking and tightening mechanism  43  that has a spring-loaded pin and an associated knob  46 . The pin is engageable with the apertures formed in the height adjustment member  90  and the knob  46  can be rotated to lock the connector  40  in place relative to the height adjustment member. The connector  40  can be locked in place relative to the height adjustment member  90  at any of various locations along the adjustment member. 
         [0066]    In the illustrated embodiments, the accessory receiving portion  44  is a generally tubular member extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion. The accessory receiving portion  44  defines an interior channel that may be sized to receive a portion of an accessory, such as target  50 . The accessory receiving portion  44  can include a slot that extends from an open end  46 , opposite the base portion  42 , and a clamp mechanism  48  that extends about the accessory receiving portion proximate the open end. The cross-sectional area of the channel can be reduced by tightening the clamp mechanism  48  into a locked position which reduces the width of the slot. In some implementations, the clamp mechanism  48  is a conventional quick release clamp. 
         [0067]    In the illustrated embodiments, the central member  22 , stabilizer members  24 ,  26 , height adjustment member  90 , and base portion  42  of the connector  40  are generally square-shaped tubular members. In other embodiments, these features can tubular members having other shapes, such as generally circular, elliptical, triangular, or rectangular. Moreover, in some implementations, one or more of the components of the stand  10  are made of metal, such as an aluminum or steel alloy, and in other implementations, one or more of the components are made of plastic or other rigid or at least partially rigid material. 
         [0068]    Generally, the accessory has an attachment member, such as attachment member  52  of target  50 , having the same general cross-sectional shape as the channel of the accessory receiving portion  44  and a cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the same channel. The attachment member of the accessory may be inserted into the channel of the accessory receiving portion  44  when the clamp mechanism  48  is in an unlocked position. With the attachment member of the accessory positioned within the channel and the clamp mechanism in an unlocked state, the accessory can be rotated 360-degrees relative to the accessory receiving portion  44 . Accordingly, the accessory can be positioned at any desired angle relative to the ground. Once the accessory is in a desired angle, the clamp mechanism  48  can be tightened to secure the accessory to the accessory receiving portion  44 . Similarly, the clamp can be loosened to remove the accessory or reposition the accessory to a different angle. In one aspect a spring  53  may be associated with the attachment member  52  and disposed between the target  50  and the accessory receiving portion  44 . In this manner a measured, multi-axis resiliency is provided to the connection of the target  50  to the stand  10  that allows the target  50  to be struck by a user while permitting the target  50  to return to its original position. 
         [0069]    In some implementations, an additional connector can be secured to the accessory receiving portion  44  of the universal connector  40  and the accessory can be secured to the additional connector. In these implementations, the additional connector can rotate about an axis of the accessory receiving portion  44  and the accessory can rotate about the additional connector on an axis perpendicular to the axis of the accessory receiving portion  44  to provide an additional degree of adjustability. 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 , the target  50 , or hitting pad, may be provided to include a padded striking surface  54  on opposing sides of an at least partially rigid frame. The target may further include an impact sensor (not shown), such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,818, which is incorporated herein by reference. The impact sensor can be secured to the frame such that it is covered by the padded striking surface. The impact sensor is electrically coupled to an electrical connector, such as wire  56 . In some implementations, the accessory includes a second wire electrically coupled to the impact sensor of the accessory at one end and electrically coupleable to an impact sensor of another accessory such that the accessories are electrically linked with one another. 
         [0071]    In at least one embodiment, the wire  56  is coupled to the impact sensor on one end and electrically coupled to impact-sensing module  60  at an opposite end. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the impact sensing module  60  may include a mount  62  that is sized to receive an upper end  94  of the height adjustment member  90 . In this manner, if desired, the impact-sensing module  60  can be mounted to the stand  10  for enhanced convenience and ease in viewing. In some implementations, the impact-sensing module  60  is an impact-sensor module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,818. In other implementations, the module can be any of various other types of impact-sensing computers or devices. 
         [0072]    Although the stand system  10  described above includes an impact sensor and an impact-sensing module, in some embodiments, the stand system does not include an impact sensor or impact-sensing module. In these implementations, the stand system can be used in the same or a similar manner as a stand system having an impact sensor and module, except that detection and feedback of impacts is not provided. Alternatively, if desired, the impact-sensing module can be turned off and the user can engage in a workout without such functionality. 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , according to another embodiment, a stand  100  may be provided to include an accessory extension member  110 . The stand  100  is similar to stand  10  except that instead of having a single target, stand  100  include two targets  120  removably and adjustably coupled to an accessory extension member  110 . The accessory extension member  110  may be provided to include an attachment member  112  that is removably securable within an accessory receiving portion  132  of a primary connector  130  in a manner similar to that described above in relation to attachment member  52  and accessory receiving portion  44  of stand  10 . In some embodiments, the extension member  110  may be provided to rotate about the accessory receiving portion 360-degrees, as indicated by arrow  114 , to place the extension member in any of various positions depending on the particular application. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the extension member  110  may be positioned to extend generally parallel to horizontal. If desired, the extension member  110  may also be provided to rotate 180-degrees into a vertical orientation and lock in place using the locking mechanism of the connector  130 . 
         [0074]    The stand  100  may further include first and second secondary connectors  140 ,  142  removably and adjustably coupleable to the accessory extension member  110 . The first and second secondary connectors  140 ,  142  may be removably securable to the extension member  110  via locking mechanisms as described above and positionable at any of various locations along the extension member. Each target  120  may be provided to be removably securable to a respective one of the first and second secondary connectors  140 ,  142 . Each target  120  may also be provided in a manner that permits each target  120  to be rotated to a particular angle irrespective of the angle of the other target. 
         [0075]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , and according to at least one embodiment, a stand  200  may be provided that is similar to stand  10  except that target  50  is replaced with a different accessory, such as a net accessory  210 . The net accessory  210  may be provided to include an attachment member  212  that is removably securable to a connector  220  similar to connector  40 . A net hanger  230  may be provided to be coupled with the attachment member  212  and a net  240  may be secured to and depend from the net hanger  230 . The net accessory  210  may also include an impact surface  350 , such as a pad, to which an impact sensor (not shown) is secured. The impact sensor may be electrically coupled to an impact sensing module, such as impact-sensing module  260 . 
         [0076]    The impact sensor is configured to detect impacts delivered to the impact surface  350  by any of various objects. For example, a user desiring to improve his or her golf game can hit golf balls into the impact surface  350  to determine ball flight speed. The net  240  may also be configured to capture the golf balls that fail to hit the impact surface  350 . In other implementations, a user can use the net accessory to practice and receive feedback regarding other sporting activities, such as, for example, throwing a football, hitting a baseball, or kicking a soccer ball. 
         [0077]    Although the accessories relate to a punching target and a net accessory, in other embodiments, any of various other sporting accessories can be connected to the connectors. 
         [0078]    The stand as described herein provides multiple degrees of adjustability and is highly versatile. For example, the height of the targets  50  can be increased or decreased by raising or lowering the height adjustment member  90  relative to the central member  22  or raising or lowering the connector  40  relative to the height adjustment member. Also, in some embodiments, the stand includes multiple connectors and associated accessories. For example, the height adjustment member  90  can include multiple connectors  40  as opposed to a single connector as shown, and the accessory extension member  110  can include more than two connectors. Additionally, the accessories can be rotated 360-degrees to any of various orientations to accommodate any of various physical actions. 
         [0079]    The stand is easily portable and storable. If used, the weights can be removed from the weight mounts and, if desired, the accessories can be removed from the connectors. The locking mechanism of the movable bracket coupled to the central member can be loosened and the stabilizing member can be retracted upwardly inwardly toward the central member into a compact position, substantially parallel to the central member, similar to that depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , according to another embodiment, a stand  300  may be provided in a heavier and more durable fashion for commercial applications and sports uses. The base portion  320 , shown in a collapsed state in  FIGS. 8 and 9  and an expanded state in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , includes an elongate central member  322  and elongate stabilizer members  324 ,  326 . Connector plates  327 ,  328  are coupled to a bottom end portion  370  of the central member  322  and a base plate  323  along side and bottom edge portions of the connector plates  327 ,  328 . The stabilizer members  324 ,  326  are coupled to the connector plates  327 ,  328  at first end portions  372 ,  374 , respectively, such that the stabilizer members can pivot about their first end portions relative to the central member  322 . Spring-loaded pins  330  may be associated with the stabilizer members  324 ,  326  that are sized to extend through apertures formed adjacent upper and lower end portions of the connector plates  327 ,  328 . In this manner, the stabilizer members  324 ,  326  may be secured in their respective collapsed and expanded states. 
         [0081]    An additional stabilizer member  327  may be associated with the stand  300  in a spaced-apart relationship with the stabilizer members  324 ,  326 . In one aspect, a connector bracket  329  may be coupled with the central member  322 . A first end portion  375  of the stabilizer member  327  may be pivotally coupled with the connector bracket  329  to permit the stabilizer member to move between collapsed and extended states. A retaining pin  331  may be engaged with apertures formed adjacent upper and lower end portions of the connector plates  329  to secure the stabilizer member  327  in its respective collapsed and expanded states. While the spring-loaded pins  330  are depicted as being associated with the stabilizer members  324 ,  326  and the retaining pin  331  is depicted as being associated with the stabilizer member  327 , it is contemplated that each of the stabilizer members  324 ,  326 ,  327  could be provided with a similar locking mechanism. To that end, other locking mechanisms known in the art may be employed in their stead. 
         [0082]    In certain embodiments, the stabilizer members  324 ,  326 ,  327  of the stand  300  may be weighted to promote stability of the stand  300  when it is use. In some embodiments the stabilizer members  324 ,  326 ,  327  may be provided with open interior portions that are filled with one of various materials to add a desired amount of weight to the stand  300 . In one aspect, the weight is provided by solid weight inserts. It is contemplated that the number and size of weights can be varied in order to accommodate the stability needs presented. 
         [0083]    In one aspect, the stability of the stand  300  may be further promoted by engaging relatively high friction pads  332  at the distal end portions of the stabilizer members  324 ,  326 ,  327 . It is contemplated that the high friction pads may be provided in the form of foot members formed from various materials, including generally resilient materials that include natural and synthetic rubbers as well as some polymer materials. An additional friction pad  320  may be placed on a bottom surface of the base plate  323  for additional stability. The friction pads will further limit the transmission of vibrations from the stand  300  to the operating surface, which will tend to reduce noise emitted from use of the stand  300 , and may further limit damage to the operating surface. 
         [0084]    In at least one aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 21-23 , the stand  300  may be provided with one or more wheels  334 , positioned adjacent the base  320 . In this manner, the stabilizer members  324 ,  326 ,  327  may be placed in their collapsed positions and the stand  300  may be tipped back onto the wheels  334  to enable a user to easily move the stand form one location to another. 
         [0085]    Although the above embodiments of the sports stand have been described in relation to sporting activities, the sports stand can also be used for use with non-sporting activities. For example, in some embodiments, the sports stand can be used to support various objects, such as lights, audio speakers, sunshades, wind protection objects, signs, etc. 
         [0086]    In another aspect, rather than spring-loaded pin and knob arrangements as described above, in some embodiments, the adjustability and securing of the height adjustment member relative to the central member, and the connector to the height adjustment member or extension member, can be accomplished using a split sleeve and clamp arrangement or other pin-style arrangement. 
         [0087]    Although the system has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.