Mechanisms for connecting a net to sports equipment

Abstract

Sports apparatus include a frame, a plurality of connectors, and a net. Each connector may include one or two connection posts coupled to the frame, with the connection posts extending away from the frame at an angle of at least 15° from a vertically extending plane. The net may be coupled to the plurality of connectors. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sports equipment, comprising:
 a frame;   a plurality of connectors, each connector including at least one connection post coupled to the frame and extending outward away from the frame at an angle of at least 15° from a vertically extending plane; and   a net coupled to the plurality of connectors.   
     
     
         2 . The sports equipment of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of connectors are further positioned at a secondary angle of at least 15° relative to a longitudinal axis of a portion of the frame to which the connectors are coupled. 
     
     
         3 . The sports equipment of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of connectors each include two connection posts coupled together by a looped section. 
     
     
         4 . The sports equipment of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured as a goal. 
     
     
         5 . The sports equipment of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured as a rebounder. 
     
     
         6 . A method of making a sports apparatus, comprising:
 providing a frame;   providing a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising at least one connection post; and   coupling the at least one connection post of each of the plurality of connectors to the frame, wherein the at least one connection post of each of the plurality of connectors is positioned to extend outward away from the frame at an angle of at least 15° from a vertically extending plane.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein coupling the plurality of connectors to the frame further comprises:
 further positioning the plurality of connectors at a secondary angle of at least 15° relative to a longitudinal axis of a portion of the frame to which the connectors are coupled.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein providing the plurality of connectors comprises:
 providing the plurality of connectors, each connector further comprising two connection posts coupled together by a looped section.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein providing the frame comprises:
 providing the frame configured as a goal.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein providing the frame comprises:
 providing the frame configured as a rebounder.   
     
     
         11 . A sports apparatus, comprising:
 a frame;   a plurality of connectors, each connector including two connection posts coupled together by a looped member, each connection post coupled to the frame and extending outward away from the frame at an angle of at least 15° from a vertically extending plane; and   a net coupled to the plurality of connectors.   
     
     
         12 . The sports apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein at least some of the plurality of connectors are further positioned at a secondary angle of at least 15° relative to a longitudinal axis of a portion of the frame to which the connectors are coupled. 
     
     
         13 . The sports apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the frame is configured as a goal. 
     
     
         14 . The sports apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the frame is configured as a rebounder.