Adjustable facial protection systems

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods, etc., that provide, in certain aspects, a two-point, adjustable, partially pliable, and releasable tensioning suspension that supports an anti-blunt-force frame connected to a protective helmet. The protective devices herein can be, for example, sport-level and military/law enforcement-level. The anti-blunt-force frame is positioned and balanced on the wearer's face by an impact absorbing face padding system, including a chin strap, cup or pad comprised of an impact protection material. Thus, in one aspect, the present devices, systems, methods, etc., include an adjustable facial protection system for a human comprising a crescent-shaped face protection element configured to withstand blunt force impact and a ballistic material element to prevent the penetration of ballistic and fragmentation projectiles at various force levels to meet different ballistic hazards. The systems can also include a protective helmet.

Claims

1. An adjustable facial protection system configured to be attached to a protective helmet having first and second helmet attachment elements, the adjustable facial protection system comprising, a first connector element configured to be attached to the first helmet attachment element; a second connector element configured to be attached to the second helmet attachment element; a face protection element configured to be held in place against a jaw or face of a user, the face protection element comprising a substantially rigid frame configured to resist blunt force impact, the face protection element comprising: a first side having a first frame attachment element with a first quick release mechanism, the first frame attachment element being configured to removably attach to the first connector element via the first quick release mechanism and being configured to allow the distance between the first side of the face protection element and the helmet to be selectively varied; a second side having a second frame attachment element with a second quick release mechanism, the second frame attachment element being configured to removably attach to the second connector element via the second quick release mechanism and being configured to allow the distance between the second side of the face protection element and the helmet to be selectively varied; and a quick release activator affixed on a surface of the substantially rigid frame, the quick release activator being operably connected to both the first and second quick release mechanisms, the quick release activator configured to removably detach both the first and second quick release mechanisms from the first and second connector elements when actuated, wherein the connector elements are configured to suspend the face protection element from the protective helmet.

2. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the first and second connector elements are configured to extend substantially vertically between the first and second helmet attachment elements when the user's head is in an upright position and corresponding first and second frame attachment elements when the face protection element is connected to the protective helmet, the connector elements configured to provide a flexible suspension system.

3. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the first frame attachment element is positioned proximate a first lateral side of the face protection element and the second frame attachment element is positioned proximate a second lateral side of the face protection element which is laterally opposite the first lateral side.

4. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second quick release mechanisms is a snap.

5. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second quick release mechanisms comprises a pin and hole retention and release mechanism.

6. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the activator is a depressible button.

7. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the activator is a twistable knob.

8. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the connector elements are configured to extend substantially vertically from end areas of either side of the face protection element when the user's head is in an upright position.

9. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the connector elements are configured to extend substantially vertically from the protective helmet to end areas of either side of the face protection element when the user's head is in an upright position.

10. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the connector elements comprise ratchet strips configured to be ratcheted by ratchet mechanisms, wherein at least one of the first and the second frame attachment elements or the first and second helmet attachment elements comprises the ratchet mechanisms configured to ratchet the connector elements.

11. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection system further comprises at least one tensioner member for stabilizing the face protection system on the user.

12. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection element comprises: an inner layer configured to contact the jaw or face of the user, the inner layer comprising at least one chin cup comprising an impact protection material; a substantially rigid frame layer comprising the substantially rigid frame, wherein the substantially rigid frame is configured to resist a blunt force impact; and a ballistic armor material layer comprising a material configured to resist both ballistic and fragmentation projectiles.

13. The face protection system of claim 12 wherein the three layers are arranged as follows from an interior of the face protection element to an exterior of the face protection element: the inner layer then the substantially rigid frame layer then the ballistic armor material layer.

14. The face protection system of claim 13 wherein the ballistic armor material layer is removably attached to at least one of the other two layers.

15. The face protection system of claim 12 wherein the inner layer comprises at least: a left cheek pad configured to be attached to a left side of the substantially rigid frame, a right cheek pad configured to be attached to a right side of the substantially rigid frame, and a chin strap, cup or pad configured to be attached to a middle portion of the substantially rigid frame.

16. The face protection system of claim 15 wherein the inner layer is discontinuous and the pads are held to each other and to the other layers of the face protection system by at least one pad strap extending from one side of the face protection system to the other side of the face protection system.

17. The face protection system of claim 12 wherein the substantially rigid frame is rigid.

18. The face protection system of claim 12 wherein the substantially rigid frame is ventilated with a plurality of ventilation holes configured to allow air to pass therethrough to the user.

19. The face protection system of claim 18 wherein the ventilation holes comprise between 20 percent to 30 percent of the surface area of the substantially rigid frame.

20. The face protection system of claim 18 wherein the ventilation holes extend over at least 50 percent of the surface of the substantially rigid frame.

21. The face protection system of claim 18 wherein the ventilation holes extend over at least 80 percent of the surface of the substantially rigid frame.

22. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection element comprises: an inner layer comprising at least one chin cup comprising an impact protection material; and a substantially rigid frame layer comprising the substantially rigid frame, wherein the substantially rigid frame is configured to resist a blunt force impact, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the substantially rigid frame layer comprises at least two anti-ballistic fabric attachment elements configured to releasably retain an anti-ballistic layer as an exterior of the face protection element.

23. The face protection system of claim 22 wherein the inner layer comprises a crush protection material selected from at least one of an energy dissipating foam and an energy dissipating gel.

24. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein, upon release of one side of the face protection element from one of the first and second helmet attachment elements, the face protection element is configured to swing freely and hang downwardly via the connector element from the other of the first and second helmet attachment element along a forward portion of the protective helmet.

25. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection system is sized and configured to be used with a variety of protective helmets including at least a protective helmet with ear coverage protection and a protective helmet without ear coverage protection.

26. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection system is sized and configured to be used with a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet.

27. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection element further comprises an optical face shield extending upwardly from an upper edge of the face protection element and sized to cover at least a nose and eyes of the user.

28. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein the optical face shield is releasably attached to the upper edge of the face protection element.

29. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein the optical face shield is attached to an uppermost edge of the face protection element.

30. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein the optical face shield is attached to at least a middle portion between the upper edge and a lower edge of the face protection element.

31. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein the optical face shield is tinted gray, yellow, brown or rose.

32. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein the optical face shield comprises a UV protective lens material.

33. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein an upper edge of the optical face shield is spaced from the forward lip of the protective helmet when the face protection element is fully attached to the protective helmet.

34. The face protection system of claim 27 wherein an upper edge of the optical face shield is configured to be spaced from a forward lip of the protective helmet by a fending standoff element.

35. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the face protection system further comprises at least one neck or throat protector extending downwardly from the face protection element and sized to cover at least a substantial portion of a neck of the user.

36. The face protection system of claim 35 wherein the neck or throat protector is rigidly affixed to the face protection element.

37. The face protection system of claim 35 wherein the neck or throat protector is attached such that the neck or throat protector can move independently of the face protection element.

38. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the substantially rigid frame is configured to be size adjustable to selectively increase or decrease the breadth or width of the substantially rigid frame.

39. The face protection system of claim 1 wherein the substantially rigid frame comprises: a first lateral frame piece to which the first frame attachment element is coupled, the first lateral frame piece configured to extend at least across a portion of a first side of the user's face when worn by the user to shield the portion of the first side of the user's face; a second lateral frame piece to which the second frame attachment element is coupled, the first lateral frame piece configured to extend at least across a portion of a second side of the user's face when worn by the user to shield the portion of the second side of the user's face; wherein the first and second lateral frame pieces are configured to be joined together.

40. The face protection system of claim 39 wherein the substantially rigid frame comprises an intermediate frame piece configured to extend at least across a portion of a front side of the user's face when worn by the user to shield the portion of the front side of the user's face, wherein the first and second lateral frame pieces and the intermediate frame piece are configured to be joined together with the intermediate frame piece positioned between the first and second lateral frame pieces.

41. The face protection system of claim 40 wherein a ballistic armor material of the face protection system is also adjustable to selectively vary the breadth or width of the ballistic armor material.

42. The face protection system of claim 1, further comprising a helmet.

43. The face protection system of claim 42 wherein, when worn by the user, the first and second helmet attachment elements are configured to be located at about the temples of the user and on a forward lip of the protective helmet.

44. The face protection system of claim 1, wherein the face protection system is configured for sports-level activities.

45. The face protection system of claim 1, wherein the face protection system is configured for military or law enforcement level activities.

46. An adjustable facial protection system configured to be attached to a protective helmet via one or more connector elements, the adjustable facial protection system comprising: a face protection element configured to be held in place against a jaw or face of a user, the face protection element comprising a modular frame configured to resist blunt force impact, the modular frame comprising: a first lateral frame piece forming a first side of the modular frame, the first lateral frame piece configured to extend at least across a portion of a first side of the user's face when worn by the user to shield the portion of the first side of the user's face; a second lateral frame piece forming a second side of the modular frame, the second lateral frame piece configured to extend at least across a portion of a second side of the user's face when worn by the user to shield the portion of the second side of the user's face; and an intermediate frame piece configured to extend at least across a portion of a front side of the user's face when worn by the user to shield the portion of the front side of the user's face; wherein the first and second lateral frame pieces and the intermediate frame piece are configured to be joined together with the intermediate frame piece positioned between the first and second lateral frame pieces; a first frame attachment element coupled to the first lateral frame piece, the first frame attachment element being configured to removably attach to one of the one or more connector elements and being configured to allow the distance between the first lateral frame piece and the helmet to be selectively varied; and a second frame attachment element coupled to the second lateral frame piece, the second frame attachment element being configured to removably attach to one of the one or more connector elements and being configured to allow the distance between the second lateral frame piece and the helmet to be selectively varied; wherein the face protection element is configured to be securely retained on the jaw of the user and in front of the user's face when worn by the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a rear view of a crescent-shaped face protection element of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a crescent-shaped face protection element of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein.

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of a crescent-shaped face protection element of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein.

(4) FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of an adjustable facial protection system in place on a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet as discussed herein.

(5) FIG. 5 depicts a front exploded view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein showing exemplary face pads and chin cup on a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet.

(6) FIG. 6 depicts a front exploded view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet and comprising multiple pieces in the substantially rigid frame.

(7) FIG. 7 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet.

(8) FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet including a tensioner member in the form of a helmet strap.

(9) FIG. 9 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet including a transparent or optical face shield.

(10) FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein an Army Combat Helmet (ACH) helmet comprising an alternate configuration of the front air vent.

(11) FIGS. 11A-D depict four side views of various embodiments of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein on a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet or an Army Combat Helmet (ACH) helmet depicting various embodiments of the protection system.

(12) FIG. 12 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet and further comprising a neck or throat protector rigidly affixed to the face protection element and a single quick release activator.

(13) FIG. 13 depicts a front view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet and further comprising a neck or throat protector that can move independently of the face protection element and a single quick release activator.

(14) FIG. 14 depicts a front view of an adjustable facial protection system as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet wherein the face protection element has been released on one side by a single quick release activator and thus dangles from the other side of the helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) Turning first to the exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures, FIGS. 1-3 depict a rear view, side view and front view, respectively, of a crescent-shaped face protection element 4 of an adjustable facial protection system 2 as discussed herein. Briefly, the crescent-shaped face protection element 4 is configured to withstand blunt force impact and at least one of ballistic or fragmentation projectiles and is configured to be attached to a protective helmet 8 as shown in FIGS. 4-11. Face protection element 4 comprises a substantially rigid frame 10 comprising a frame right side 12 and a frame left side 14. The face protection element 4 further comprises at least one interior contact point 16 configured to hold the face protection element 4 in place against a jaw 18 or face 20 of a user 22 as shown in FIG. 4. The frame right side 12 comprises at least one right side frame attachment element (24 in later FIGS.) and the frame left side 14 comprises at least one left side frame attachment element 26. The right side and left side frame attachment elements 24, 26 are attached to one or more corresponding pliable elongated connector elements 28 extending from the respective frame attachment elements on the protective helmet 8 such that the distance between the face protection element 4 and the helmet 8 can be selectively varied.

(16) The elongated connector elements 28 are sufficiently pliable and resilient so as to securely retain the face protection element 4 on the jaw or face of a user 22 and in front of the user's face in all desired directions while simultaneously pliably suspending the face protection element 4 from the protective helmet 8. The elongated connector elements 28 can extend substantially vertically from the end areas 48 of either side of the face protection element 4. In FIG. 2, the elongated connector elements 28 comprise ratchet strip 50 and at least one of the frame attachment element or the helmet attachment element 30 comprises a ratchet mechanism 52 configured to releasably, selectively ratchet the elongated connector element.

(17) The face protection element 4 in FIG. 1 comprises: a) an inner layer 56 comprising the interior contact points 16 which can be face pads 67. In this embodiment the face pads 67 comprise chin cup 70, a left cheek pad 68 and a right cheek pad 72, each comprised of an impact protection material 60. b) A substantially rigid frame layer 62 that comprises the substantially rigid frame 10, wherein the frame 10 is strong enough to resist a blunt force impact. And, c) a ballistic armor material layer 64, which comprises a material strong enough to resist both ballistic and fragmentation projectiles. The anti-ballistic layer 64 can be permanently or removably attached to at least one of the other two layers, for example via two anti-ballistic fabric attachment elements 80 configured to releasably retain the anti-ballistic layer 64 as the exterior 81 of the face protection element 4.

(18) The inner layer 56 comprises a crush protection material 82, for example an energy dissipating foam 84 or an energy dissipating gel 86. The inner layer 56 can be discontinuous and the pads are held to each other and to the other layers of the face protection system 2 by at least one pad strap 74 or other coupling mechanism, which as shown extends from one side of the face protection system 2 to the other.

(19) The attachment of the facial protection system 2 to the protective helmet 8 comprises one or more quick release mechanisms 32 such that at least one side of the face protection element 4 can be quickly released in a single motion by a user 22 from the protective helmet 8. The quick release mechanism 32 can be provided on both the right side and left side of the face protection element 4 to quickly release a part of or the entire face protection element 4 from the protective helmet 8, and the quick release mechanisms 32 can be a snap 34 as in FIG. 2, or a lever 33 as in FIG. 4.

(20) The substantially rigid frame 10 can be ventilated with a plurality of ventilation holes 76 configured to pass substantial amounts of air from the exterior to the user 22. The ventilation holes 76 can comprise between about 20 percent to 30 percent of the surface area 78 of the substantially rigid frame 10 as in FIG. 1, or as much as 50 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent or more of the surface area 78 of the substantially rigid frame 10, as shown in other FIGS.

(21) FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 in place on a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92. In this Figure, helmet attachment elements 30 that connect to the pliable elongated connector elements 28 are located at about the temples 44 of a user 22 and on a forward lip 46 of forward portion 88 of the protective helmet 8. Goggles 99 lie above a nose 100 and protect the eyes 102 of user 22. FIG. 4 also demonstrates that the adjustable facial protection system 2 is sized and configured to cooperatively interact (or avoid, as appropriate) other items worn by a user such a headsets, microphones, electronics, etc. Further, the facial protection system 2 can also incorporate a headset, microphone, other electronics and other functional devices, etc., within the facial protection system 2 itself. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a microphone 23 and a water delivery tube 25 are incorporated into the facial protection system 2.

(22) FIG. 5 depicts a front exploded view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 showing exemplary face pads 67 including chin cup 58 with a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 with unitary ear protection 90. The substantially rigid frame 10 comprises three frame pieces 120as shown in FIG. 5, a first lateral frame piece, an intermediate frame piece, and a second lateral frame piecejoined at either side 122, 124 below the cheeks of a user, which allows the frame itself to be size adjustable to selectively increase or decrease the radius, breadth or width to better fit a wide variety of faces sizes and shapes. The ballistic armor material 64 of the face protection system 2 is also adjustable to selectively vary the radius, breadth or width of the ballistic armor material layer 64.

(23) As with certain other embodiments herein ballistic armor material layer 64 comprises a material 66 strong enough to resist a variety of ballistic or fragmentation projectiles. Adjustable facial protection system 2 also comprises a neck protector 112, which is also made of a material 66 strong enough to resist a variety of ballistic and/or fragmentation projectiles. In this embodiment, neck protector 112 can move independently of the face protection element 4 and is sized to cover at least a substantial portion of a neck of a user 22. In addition, the right side quick release mechanism 32 comprises a pin and hole retention and release mechanism 29 while the left side quick release mechanism 32 comprises a detent retention and release mechanism 31.

(24) FIG. 6 depicts a front exploded view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 where the substantially rigid frame 10 comprises multiple frame pieces 114as shown in FIG. 6, a first lateral frame piece and a second lateral frame piece. In the embodiment shown, two opposing frame pieces join in a center region 118 to provide an expandable joint 116 similar to the three-piece frame in FIG. 5 and likewise to provide adjustability in a lateral direction(s) to accommodate faces of different widths and shapes.

(25) FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of an adjustable facial protection system 2 a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92, wherein the substantially rigid frame 10 comprises a different configuration for ventilation holes 76 and quick release mechanism 32 comprises a button retention and release mechanism 35.

(26) FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 including a tensioner member 53 as a helmet strap 55 extending from the face protection element 4 to helmet 8. The extensioner member can be any desired tensioner, such as a cloth strap, an elasticized strap, a spring, etc. and can connect at any desired location on the facial protection system 2, typically the face protection element 4, to any other suitable location such as the helmet 8, the neck of the user, etc.

(27) FIG. 9 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 including a transparent or optical face shield 96. The transparent or optical face shield 96 is sized and disposed to cover at least a nose and eyes of a user, and extends upwardly from the face protection element 4. The transparent or optical face shield 96 can, for example, extend from an upper edge 98 of the face protection element 4, from an uppermost edge 104 of the face protection element 4, or from a middle portion 106 between the upper edge 98 and a lower edge 108 of the face protection element 4. The transparent or optical face shield 96 is typically releasably attached to the face protection element 4, and can be spaced from the forward lip 46 of the protective helmet 8 by a fending standoff element 110 or other spacer as desired.

(28) FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 an Army Combat Helmet (ACH) 94 that comprises an alternate configuration of the front air ventilation holes 76, where the bulk of the face protection element 4 is solid to provide increased protection from cold weather, projectiles, etc.

(29) FIGS. 11A-D depict four side views of various further embodiments of an adjustable facial protection system 2 on a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 (FIGS. 11A-B) or an Army Combat Helmet (ACH) helmet 94 (FIGS. 11C-D). The embodiments depict different configurations of the face protection element 4 including different ventilation holes 76. The embodiment in FIG. 11a further depicts a flange 115 that extends beyond the strap of goggles 99 and helps retain them in place. FIGS. 11A-B also show embodiments where the pliable elongated connector elements 28 extend upwardly from the face protection element 4 while FIGS. 11C-D show embodiments where the quick release mechanisms are helmet quick release mechanisms 117 located on ACH helmet 94. The embodiment in FIG. 11D further shows a throat protector 113 that is rigidly affixed to the face protection element 4 and a neck strap 54.

(30) FIG. 12 depicts a side view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 comprising a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 and further comprises a neck protector 112 rigidly affixed to the face protection element 4. The system comprises opposed quick release mechanisms 32 and a single quick release activator 38 operably connected to the quick release mechanisms 32 such that activation of the activator simultaneously releases all quick release mechanisms in a single motion. In the embodiment in FIG. 12, the single quick release activator 38 is a twistable knob 42.

(31) FIG. 13 depicts a front view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 comprising a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 and further comprises a neck protector 112 that can move independently of the face protection element 4. Similar to FIG. 12, the system in FIG. 13 comprises opposed quick release mechanisms 32 and a single quick release activator 38 where the single quick release activator 38 is a depressible button 40.

(32) FIG. 14 depicts a front view of an adjustable facial protection system 2 as discussed herein a Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet 92 wherein the face protection element 4 has been released on one side by a single quick release mechanism 32 and thus dangles from the other side of the helmet 8.

(33) Turning to a further general discussion of the present systems and methods, such provide, in certain aspects, a two-point, adjustable, partially pliable, and releasable tensioning suspension that supports an anti-blunt-force frame connected to a protective helmet. The frame is positioned and balanced on the wearer's face by an impact absorbing face padding system, including a cupped chin pad. This design allows the device to be worn more closely to a wide variety of face sizes which is advantageous in confined spaces such as inside military vehicles. It also has the benefit of being rapidly removable from the wearer's face in the event that a gas mask must be donned suddenly, or if the wearer's facial area needs medical attention. The close proximity to the face in some embodiments also increases the wearer's field of view and allows for eye protection such as goggles to be easily donned and doffed. Optional applications of the design could include open frame designs at the mouth area to allow heat and exhaled moisture to dissipate to the outside environment without impedance. The present systems and methods comprise methods and compositions.

(34) Thus, one of the basic purposes of the systems is to provide: a) ballistic and fragmentation protection and b) blunt force trauma protection in a single device/system/face mask.

(35) As one part of this, the systems, etc., herein comprise a flexible suspension system that is semi-independent of the helmet and thus allowing movement of the facial protection system somewhat independent of the helmet. This flexible suspension system can be provided by the elongated connector elements discussed herein. The flexible suspension system, and/or other elements of facial protection systems herein, can also permit size adjustment of face mask relative to size of head. The facial protection systems can also provide a single detachment activator (e.g., button) that releases both sides/entire face mask (facial protection element) instantly and simultaneously, e.g., to allow access to helmet to attach alternate device such as a gas mask, or to allow access to the face by a medic. In addition, if desired only one of the elongated connector elements can be released so it snaps on/off, so that the face mask can be easily released from the face in the event that a lower threat level is encountered, but still kept in immediate proximity to the face in the event that an increased threat levelespecially a sudden, surprising increased threat level such as an ambushis presented.

(36) The systems typically comprise a 2 point suspension from the helmet to the face mask, and can comprise a neck strap around the back of neck or a side/rear helmet strap. The neck strap, etc., can comprise a quick release to allow mask to be lifted or pivoted forward and up.

(37) The face mask comprises a rigid frame layer, which can provide a skeleton maintaining the form and structure of the face mask, which frame may be fully continuous, discontinuous and/or ventilated. The face mask also comprises a ballistic armor material such as soft armor (aramids and others) or hard armor (ceramics and others). This combination provides ballistic and/or fragmentation protection with blunt force protection via impact load distribution over a larger area. Either the ballistic protection element or the rigid frame can be on the outside of the overall face mask.

(38) In some embodiments, the face mask comprises three layers: a) inner layer against face comprising a chin strap, pad and/or cup and an impact absorbing foam or gel, b) an exoskeleton comprising the rigid frame layer (which can be semi-rigid or fully rigid and can have holes in it for ventilation but can be a solid sheet structure if desired), and c) an outer layer comprising a ballistic armor material layer. B) and c) can be reversed in order if desired. In some embodiments, the ballistic armor material can be removable from the skeleton; i.e., the face mask can also be layers a) and b) only, but in such instance the layers typically have an option to include layer c), e.g., attachment points for such structure.

(39) In some embodiments, an energy dissipating foam or gel (or similar; i.e., a protective crush-material) is used in the jaw (e.g., maxilla and/or mandible) and face regions, similar to the use of such materials in crash helmets.

(40) The face mask can have the ability to easily remove ballistic fabric layer to create a fully vented blunt force protector only, and the face mask can have an easily adjustable degree of frag protection with varying thickness or coverage of the ballistic armor material. Similarly, the face mask can have varying degrees of coverage/thickness of the rigid, skeleton layer, and can have adjustable and removable degrees of blunt force protection via removable facial and chin pads.

(41) In certain embodiments, a single facial protection system can be size-adjusted to fit on any desired helmet, such as both the Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) and Army Combat Helmet (ACH). Thus, a single device can be configured for use with a variety of helmets including helmets with ear coverage/protection and helmets without ear coverage/protection (e.g., to provide open space about a user's ears for headphones, ear muffs, etc.).

(42) It can also be possible to release only one side of the facial protection element for quick swing away of the mask, allowing quick don and doff. This release can release the entire system below one or both of the elongated connector element(s), or can be of the ballistic fabric layer only, which can assist ventilation while keeping at least some of the overall protection in place.

(43) The devices, systems, etc., herein can, if desired, be integrated into, worn alongside, and/or replace existing helmet suspension systems, e.g., existing chin straps, etc.

(44) The devices, systems, etc., herein can, if desired, integrate a protective lens or transparent or optical face shield thus combining facial protection with eye protection. This can be in addition to or instead of goggles or other eyewear worn by the user. Generally, the lens/face shield extends upward from the forward edge area of the jaw protector of the face mask, in front of goggles (if worn) and the eyes of the user. The upper edge of the optical face shield can be maintained a significant distance such as up to 2 inches or more from the front lip of the helmet, and thus not attach to the helmet, so that ventilation is better. Alternatively, the optical face shield element can abut the front lip of the helmet, for example using a fending standoff element.

(45) The devices, systems, etc., herein can, if desired, comprise interchangeable facial pads as a means of fit and positioning.

(46) The devices, systems, etc., herein can, if desired, comprise an accessory drape for additional neck protection, with or without independent movement of drape relative to the face mask or other elements of the system. The drape typically extends downwardly from the bottom of the front edge of the ballistic material. Typically, the drape can comprise anti-blunt force and/or anti-ballistic properties.

(47) The facial protection systems can, if desired, be configured such that the rigid, skeletal structure has one or more splits or other structures in the middle area, or even in the precise center, to provide enhanced adjustability and thus comfort and range of use. For example, the split can comprise a soft, elastic material to provide some protection over the open area, or can be a center region hinge. There can also be other adjustment configurations, such as dual (or more) width adjustment elements located on either side of the face protector.

(48) The ballistic armor material layer such as a ballistic fabric can also be expandable/retractable for sizing. Similarly to the rigid layer, the ballistic armor material layer could comprise a single, or dual (or more) width adjustment elements located on the front or either side of the face protector. In one embodiment, the ballistic armor material layer width adjustment elements can be under a protective rigid layer piece to provide reduced risk of injury.

(49) The facial protection systems can, if desired, comprising a fairly substantial chin cup, typically padded, to help keep the system in place on the face of a user.

(50) The present application is further directed to methods of making the various elements of the systems and apparatus herein, including making the systems and apparatus themselves from such elements, as well as to methods of using the same, including for example applying the facial protection systems to a user's face and/or head, manipulating the various elements of the facial protection systems, and removing partially or completely the facial protection systems from the user's face and/or head, or otherwise as desired.

(51) All terms used herein are used in accordance with their ordinary meanings unless the context or definition clearly indicates otherwise. Also unless expressly indicated otherwise, the use of or includes and and vice-versa. Non-limiting terms are not to be construed as limiting unless expressly stated, or the context clearly indicates, otherwise (for example, including, having, and comprising typically indicate including without limitation). Singular forms, including in the claims, such as a, an, and the include the plural reference unless expressly stated, or the context clearly indicates, otherwise.

(52) The scope of the present devices, systems and methods, etc., includes both means plus function and step plus function concepts. However, the claims are not to be interpreted as indicating a means plus function relationship unless the word means is specifically recited in a claim, and are to be interpreted as indicating a means plus function relationship where the word means is specifically recited in a claim. Similarly, the claims are not to be interpreted as indicating a step plus function relationship unless the word step is specifically recited in a claim, and are to be interpreted as indicating a step plus function relationship where the word step is specifically recited in a claim.

(53) From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been discussed herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the discussion herein. Accordingly, the systems and methods, etc., include such modifications as well as all permutations and combinations of the subject matter set forth herein and are not limited except as by the appended claims or other claim having adequate support in the discussion and FIGS. herein.