Protective sports helmet

Abstract

A protective sports helmet that includes an energy attenuating faceguard connection system, which includes at least one connector that secures the faceguard to the helmet shell without a connection point in the shell's brow region. The lack of a brow region connection point results in a gap or clearance between the faceguard and the shell that has a functional interplay with the connector upon an impact to the faceguard. In general terms, when a substantially on-center impact to the faceguard occurs, the faceguard is displaced towards the shell and the connector bracket flexes outward relative to the helmet shell to help dissipate impact energy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 076,106, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 068,104, which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 343,567, all of these applications which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. U.S. Pat. No. 8,813,269 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 923,603 are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention generally relates to a protective sports helmet, such as a football, lacrosse, hockey or baseball helmet, worn by a player during the play of a contact sport. The inventive helmet includes a number of improvements, including but not limited to an energy attenuating faceguard mounting system that reduces impact forces received by a faceguard secured to the helmet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Helmets for contact sports, such as those used in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a new type of football helmet that aims to provide better protection against head injuries during contact sports. However, the helmet cannot completely prevent head injuries, as there are many factors that can cause them, such as improper use of the helmet or poor form or technique. The helmet is designed to offer a safer alternative for players, but it cannot completely prevent head injuries.

Problems solved by technology

The lack of a brow region connection point results in a gap or clearance between the faceguard and the shell that has a functional interplay with the connector upon an impact to the faceguard.

It should be further noted that no protective equipment can completely prevent injuries to a player, especially when the player uses the equipment improperly and / or employs poor form or technique.

For example, if the football player uses his football helmet in an improper manner, such as to butt, ram, or spear an opposing player, which is in violation of the rules of football and severe head and / or neck injuries, paralysis, or death to the football player, as well as possible injury to the football player's opponent can result.

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