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 sports helmet can be configured as a football helmet to be worn by a player and where 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. The football helmet has a unique collection of helmet shell features that include an arrangement of a raised central band, lateral ridges, frontal vent openings and rear vent openings.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes a chin strap system that allows for rapid, one-handed adjustment of the chin strap by the player while the helmet is worn is provided. The chin strap assembly includes a protective chin cup and a pair of straps extending from opposed sides of the chin cup and having a plurality of securing elements. The assembly also includes a pair of adjustable connectors affixed to the helmet and that include a central opening that receives an extent of the strap and a depressible lever that engages the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in a first direction, and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction when the lever and securing elements are engaged. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in both the first and second directions when the lever is not engaged with the securing elements. When the strap is sufficiently loosened, but not disengaged from the connectors, the helmet can be removed from the player's head.

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 sports helmet can be configured as a football helmet to be worn by a player and where 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. The football helmet has a unique collection of helmet shell features that include an arrangement of a raised central band, lateral ridges, frontal vent openings and rear vent openings.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A bespoke protective sports helmet to be worn by a player engaged in a sporting activity is provided. The bespoke helmet includes i) systems and methods for acquiring, storing and processing a player's unique data, namely the player's anatomical features, where that player is to wear a protective sports helmet, (ii) for systems and methods of using the player's unique data to manufacture a protective sports helmet with a custom formed internal padding assembly that substantially corresponds to the player's unique data, and (iii) a protective sports helmet designed using the acquired and processed unique player's data and including the custom formed internal padding assembly that provides improved fit and comfort for the player. The system and method allows for the design and manufacture of a bespoke protective sports helmet that is purposely designed and manufactured to match the player's anatomical specifications.

Abstract: A pad assembly is provided for use with a protective sports helmet in a contact sport, the helmet having an opening. The pad assembly includes a pad member within a pad housing, and a retainer having a projection that fits within the helmet opening. The pad assembly also includes a cap detachably coupled to the retainer, the cap including a base portion that fits within the helmet opening and a flange portion that fits within a countersunk recess disposed around the helmet opening, the cap detachably receiving the projection of the retainer. A protective sports helmet having a pad assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A chin strap assembly is provided for use with a sports helmet. The chin strap assembly includes an inner pad member, a strap assembly and an outer protective member. The outer protective member is coupled to the strap assembly by an attachment member, such as a post. A sports helmet with the chin strap assembly is also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pad assembly is provided for use with a protective sports helmet in a contact sport, the helmet having an opening. The pad assembly includes a pad member within a pad housing, and a retainer having a projection that fits within the helmet opening. The pad assembly also includes a cap detachably coupled to the retainer, the cap including a base portion that fits within the helmet opening and a flange portion that fits within a countersunk recess disposed around the helmet opening, the cap detachably receiving the projection of the retainer. A protective sports helmet having a pad assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective sports helmet including a helmet shell, a face guard and an internal padding assembly positioned within the helmet shell. The internal padding assembly includes a brow pad having first and second peripheral connection portions. The internal padding assembly also includes first and second jaw pads, each having an upper connection portion that mates with the first and second connection portions, respectively, of the brow pad. The internal padding assembly also includes a crown assembly with pad elements that include an internal separation layer that partitions the element into a first inflatable section and a section un-inflatable section. The connection portion of the jaw pads also mates with frontal pad elements of the crown assembly. The internal padding assembly further includes an occipital pad assembly that engages the helmet wearer's head below the occipital bone.

Abstract: A chin strap assembly is provided for use with a sports helmet. The chin strap assembly includes an inner pad member, a strap assembly and an outer protective member. The outer protective member is connected and released from the strap assembly by an attachment member, such as a post. A sports helmet with the chin strap assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes a chin strap system that allows for rapid, one-handed adjustment of the chin strap by the player while the helmet is worn is provided. The chin strap assembly includes a protective chin cup and a pair of straps extending from opposed sides of the chin cup and having a plurality of securing elements. The assembly also includes a pair of adjustable connectors affixed to the helmet and that include a central opening that receives an extent of the strap and a depressible lever that engages the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in a first direction, and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction when the lever and securing elements are engaged. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in both the first and second directions when the lever is not engaged with the securing elements. When the strap is sufficiently loosened, but not disengaged from the connectors, the helmet can be removed from the player's head.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with at least one pair of opposed recessed mounting regions that ensure a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed mounting regions.