A protective helmet including a helmet body, a facemask extending from the front portion to cover at least a portion of a face of a wearer, and one or more adjustment mechanisms securing the facemask to the helmet body. The adjustment mechanism(s) is/are connected to the helmet, include(s) an engagement member engaged with the facemask, is/are selectively engageable with the facemask in at least two vertically spaced apart positions of the facemask relative to the helmet body, and allow(s) toolless adjustment between the vertically spaced apart positions. Adjustment mechanisms and methods of positioning a facemask are also discussed.

In one embodiment, a tether system for use with a protective helmet worn by a user includes multiple tethers, each tether having a first end adapted to attach to a shell of the protective helmet and a second end adapted to attach to an article worn by the user, wherein the tethers limit movement of the helmet.

In one embodiment, a tether system for use with a protective helmet worn by a user includes multiple tethers, each tether having a first end adapted to attach to a shell of the protective helmet and a second end adapted to attach to an article worn by the user, wherein the tethers limit movement of the helmet.

A quick-release fastener for attaching helmet components such as facemasks and visors to a protective helmet. The quick release fastener or mechanism includes a securing mechanism having magnetic components to facilitate quick removal of the helmet component with minimal movement to the player's head and neck via magnetic biasing.

An energy diverting football helmet is disclosed. The helmet contains the shell having an inside and an outside, padding positioned against the inside of the shell. There is also a face mask attached to the front of the football helmet, and a chin strap. On the outside of the shell there is a plurality of flexible energy divergent baffles (FEDB) attached to the outside of said shell. The flexible energy divergent baffle comprises a base, a flat top, and an offset baffle connecting the flat top with the base. On top of the base is a wafer, upon which resides an energy transferring bumper.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to helmet padding systems. One helmet padding system includes a rigid shell and a spacing pad. The rigid shell is configured to cover a top of a user's head and be worn under a baseball cap. The rigid shell includes an opening formed in an area of the rigid shell opposite the front of the user's head when the rigid shell is worn on the user's head. The spacing pad is positioned within the rigid shell. The spacing pad includes a layer of elastomeric material. The helmet padding system may further include the baseball cap positioned overtop the rigid shell. The baseball cap has a cut-out in a rear portion thereof.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to helmet padding systems. One helmet padding system includes a rigid shell and a spacing pad. The rigid shell is configured to cover a top of a user's head and be worn under a baseball cap. The rigid shell includes an opening formed in an area of the rigid shell opposite the front of the user's head when the rigid shell is worn on the user's head. The spacing pad is positioned within the rigid shell. The spacing pad includes a layer of elastomeric material. The helmet padding system may further include the baseball cap positioned overtop the rigid shell. The baseball cap has a cut-out in a rear portion thereof.

Disclosed is a mouth guard retaining device comprising a mounting member capable of being mounted to a helmet or facemask and a retaining member capable of retaining a mouth guard. Certain embodiments may also comprise a flexible connecting member attached to both the mounting member and the retaining member. Some embodiments will be formed of substantially a single piece of rubber.

The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position, wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position.

The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position, wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position.