Quick Release Faceguard Attachment

Abstract

An attachment system for operative connection of a faceguard to a helmet shell with the faceguard being held within a selectively releasable clamp operatively secured to the helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. A selectively engageable latch structure holds the spring clip in the closed condition. Upon release of the latch structure, the spring clip is urged to the open condition, such that the faceguard may be rotated away from a user's face.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61 / 166,829, filed Apr. 6, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to faceguard systems for protective helmets, and is more particularly directed to a system for releasable attachment of a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system incorporates a selectively releasable spring clip incorporating a biasing lockdown leg and a retaining pocket adapted to support a crossbar member of the faceguard. Upon release of the lockdown leg, the crossbar member may be rotated within the retaining pocket and the faceguard may be pivoted relative to the helmet shell.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In many sporting events it is desirable for participants to wear a helmet shell to protect against accidental injury as a result of contact with equipment or other partic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a system for operative connection of a faceguard to a helmet shell with the faceguard being held within a selectively releasable clamp operatively secured to the helmet shell. Upon release of the clamp, the faceguard may be rotated away from the user's face so as to permit access by emergency personnel without the need to remove the helmet shell.

[0006]In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. The spring clip includes a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and a biasing spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg. The platform base and the lockdown leg cooperatively define a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg. The lockdown leg moves in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket. The attachment system further includes a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition, such that upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition, such that the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket.

[0007]In accordance with another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. The spring clip includes a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and an arcuate spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg. The arcuate spring segment at least partially surrounds a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg. The lockdown leg moves in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket an

Problems solved by technology

While the presence of a faceguard may be desirable to prevent facial injury, in the event that a player does become injured, the presence of the faceguard may hinder the ability of medical personnel to render assistance.

Specifically, with the helmet shell and faceguard in place, emergency personnel will be unable to reach the injured player's face to conduct tests and render treatment.

By way of example only, the presence of a faceguard may make it difficult to administer emergency aid such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

While access to the player's face may be achieved by removing the entire helmet shell with the faceguard attached, such removal may be undesirable in the event of a suspected brain or spinal injury.

However, such removal tends to be relatively time-consuming and complex.

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