Abstract: A batting helmet system includes sockets facing the interior region of the helmet shell to receive clip elements for holding a chin strap or to receive plate elements for supporting a face protector. A clip element includes a base portion, a hook portion extending from the base portion, and a projection positioned on an end of the hook portion and extending toward the base portion. The base portion may include a strap retainer. When the clip element is installed, the clip element extends from the interior of the helmet to the exterior of the helmet through an opening in the helmet shell, so that the strap retainer is positioned outside the helmet shell. A face protector may include plate elements for positioning in one or more of the sockets. Plate elements and sockets may have corresponding geometries that limit rotation of the face protector relative to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A batting helmet system includes sockets facing the interior region of the helmet shell to receive clip elements for holding a chin strap or to receive plate elements for supporting a face protector. A clip element includes a base portion, a hook portion extending from the base portion, and a projection positioned on an end of the hook portion and extending toward the base portion. The base portion may include a strap retainer. When the clip element is installed, the clip element extends from the interior of the helmet to the exterior of the helmet through an opening in the helmet shell, so that the strap retainer is positioned outside the helmet shell. A face protector may include plate elements for positioning in one or more of the sockets. Plate elements and sockets may have corresponding geometries that limit rotation of the face protector relative to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A helmet comprises a shell defining a shell ventilation aperture and an inner liner securable within the shell. The inner liner defines an inner liner ventilation aperture and a recessed track. A ventilation control includes a slider plate and a boss disposed on the slider plate. The boss is configured to be frictionally retained within the recessed track while providing for the slider plate to be reversibly displaced along the recessed track from a first position in which the slider plate blocks a flow of air through the inner liner ventilation aperture to a second position in which the slider plate permits the flow of air through the inner liner ventilation aperture. The slider plate is configured to be reversibly displaced between the first and second position by a force applied upon a lower surface of the slider plate from within the helmet.

Abstract: A batting helmet system includes sockets facing the interior region of the helmet shell to receive clip elements for holding a chin strap or to receive plate elements for supporting a face protector. A clip element includes a base portion, a hook portion extending from the base portion, and a projection positioned on an end of the hook portion and extending toward the base portion. The base portion may include a strap retainer. When the clip element is installed, the clip element extends from the interior of the helmet to the exterior of the helmet through an opening in the helmet shell, so that the strap retainer is positioned outside the helmet shell. A face protector may include plate elements for positioning in one or more of the sockets. Plate elements and sockets may have corresponding geometries that limit rotation of the face protector relative to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A batting helmet system includes sockets facing the interior region of the helmet shell to receive clip elements for holding a chin strap or to receive plate elements for supporting a face protector. A clip element includes a base portion, a hook portion extending from the base portion, and a projection positioned on an end of the hook portion and extending toward the base portion. The base portion may include a strap retainer. When the clip element is installed, the clip element extends from the interior of the helmet to the exterior of the helmet through an opening in the helmet shell, so that the strap retainer is positioned outside the helmet shell. A face protector may include plate elements for positioning in one or more of the sockets. Plate elements and sockets may have corresponding geometries that limit rotation of the face protector relative to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A batting helmet system includes sockets facing the interior region of the helmet shell to receive clip elements for holding a chin strap or to receive plate elements for supporting a face protector. A clip element includes a base portion, a hook portion extending from the base portion, and a projection positioned on an end of the hook portion and extending toward the base portion. The base portion may include a strap retainer. When the clip element is installed, the clip element extends from the interior of the helmet to the exterior of the helmet through an opening in the helmet shell, so that the strap retainer is positioned outside the helmet shell. A face protector may include plate elements for positioning in one or more of the sockets. Plate elements and sockets may have corresponding geometries that limit rotation of the face protector relative to the helmet shell.

Abstract: A chest protector includes a structure for protecting at least a portion of a cardiac silhouette of a user. The structure may include a base assembly, a pivot plate assembly, and a fulcrum block positioned between the pivot plate assembly and the base assembly. The pivot plate assembly is positioned to pivot on the fulcrum block. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly and the fulcrum block may include compressible and resilient material. The structure may be shaped, sized, and positioned to coextend with a region of the user's cardiac silhouette. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly includes two pivot plate portions oriented at an angle relative to one another. The pivot plate portions may be connected with a flexible hinge, such as a living hinge.

Abstract: A chest protector includes a structure for protecting at least a portion of a cardiac silhouette of a user. The structure may include a base assembly, a pivot plate assembly, and a fulcrum block positioned between the pivot plate assembly and the base assembly. The pivot plate assembly is positioned to pivot on the fulcrum block. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly and the fulcrum block may include compressible and resilient material. The structure may be shaped, sized, and positioned to coextend with a region of the user's cardiac silhouette. In some embodiments, the pivot plate assembly includes two pivot plate portions oriented at an angle relative to one another. The pivot plate portions may be connected with a flexible hinge, such as a living hinge.

Abstract: A catcher's helmet includes a front shell portion and a rear shell portion connected to each other at their upper regions. The front and rear shell portions are pivotable relative to each other about their upper connection. Elastic side straps connect lower regions of the front shell portion to lower regions of the rear shell portion. In use, a wearer may pull the lower region of the front shell portion (such as a jaw-protector region) away from the wearer's face, such that the front shell portion pivots away from the rear shell portion about the upper connection, allowing the helmet to be easily and quickly removed from the wearer's head. The helmet may be donned in a similar manner, after which the wearer may release the lower front portion, allowing the elastic straps to pull the lower front shell portion and lower rear shell portion together into a closed position.