Abstract: Representative embodiments of the present technology include a facemask having a first anterior-lateral cage portion, a second anterior-lateral cage portion, and one or more laterally extending bridge elements connecting the first cage portion to the second cage portion. Each of the cage portions may include an upper elongated element, a lower elongated element, and an upright elongated element spanning between the upper and lower elongated elements. In some embodiments, each upper elongated element includes a downwardly extending dip portion forming a void region in the facemask. In some embodiments, the bridge elements are positioned below the upper elongated elements to form a void region in the facemask. In some embodiments, the facemask includes only one single bridge element, which may be the only portion of the facemask connecting the cage portions to one another. In some embodiments, the facemask does not have a bridge element.

Abstract: An adjustable jaw flap is provided that may be selectively attachable with the ear flap of a batter's helmet used in batted ball sports such as baseball or softball. The jaw flap may include each of an adaptor member and a flap member. The adaptor member may be attached to the batter's helmet at or near the helmet's ear flap. The flap member may be attached to the adaptor member at its lower end by a pin. An interior portion of the flap member preferably includes male attachment points that may be selectively attachable with female attachment points found at the upper portion of the adaptor member's exterior. When the flap member is rotated, more or fewer attachment points may be selectively engaged with one another, thus allowing a user to adjust the relative position of the jaw flap.

Abstract: A helmet with an adjustable helmet shell is provided for use in sports including baseball and softball. The helmet shell is expandable and contractable to fit a variety of head shapes and sizes, and hairstyles. The helmet shell may be a single, molded piece or it may include a base member and a flap member. Gaps or slots may be located between flexible side portions and a flexible rear portion of the helmet shell. The slots facilitate outward deflection of the side portions and the rear portion when the helmet is donned. The helmet shell may be biased toward a smaller size such that once the helmet shell is expanded by the force of a wearer's head, it contracts to fit snugly and securely.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinged leg guard that may be used by catchers in diamond sports like baseball or softball. The hinged leg guard preferably includes a thigh guard, knee guard, shin guard that may be attached to one another by a flexible fabric. The thigh guard and shin guard also are preferably attached to a double hinge member that allows them to move relative to the knee guard. The knee guard also is preferably coupled to the double hinge member. When the hinged leg guard alternates between the extended and contracted position, an extension member of the knee guard preferably translates in one translational degree of freedom within a receiver of the hinge member. The translational movement preferably helps to keep the knee guard adjacent to the knee when a wearer crouches.

Abstract: An adjustable jaw flap is provided that may be selectively attachable with the ear flap of a batter's helmet used in batted ball sports such as baseball or softball. The jaw flap may include each of an adaptor member and a flap member. The adaptor member may be attached to the batter's helmet at or near the helmet's ear flap. The flap member may be attached to the adaptor member at its lower end by a pin. An interior portion of the flap member preferably includes male attachment points that may be selectively attachable with female attachment points found at the upper portion of the adaptor member's exterior. When the flap member is rotated, more or fewer attachment points may be selectively engaged with one another, thus allowing a user to adjust the relative position of the jaw flap.

Abstract: An adjustable jaw flap is provided that may be selectively attachable with the ear flap of a batter's helmet used in batted ball sports such as baseball or softball. The jaw flap may include each of an adaptor member and a flap member. The adaptor member may be attached to the batter's helmet at or near the helmet's ear flap. The flap member may be attached to the adaptor member at its lower end by a pin. An interior portion of the flap member preferably includes male attachment points that may be selectively attachable with female attachment points found at the upper portion of the adaptor member's exterior. When the flap member is rotated, more or fewer attachment points may be selectively engaged with one another, thus allowing a user to adjust the relative position of the jaw flap.

Abstract: An adjustable jaw flap is provided that may be selectively attachable with the ear flap of a batter's helmet used in batted ball sports such as baseball or softball. The jaw flap may include each of an adaptor member and a flap member. The adaptor member may be attached to the batter's helmet at or near the helmet's ear flap. The flap member may be attached to the adaptor member at its lower end by a pin. An interior portion of the flap member preferably includes male attachment points that may be selectively attachable with female attachment points found at the upper portion of the adaptor member's exterior. When the flap member is rotated, more or fewer attachment points may be selectively engaged with one another, thus allowing a user to adjust the relative position of the jaw flap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinged leg guard that may be used by catchers in diamond sports like baseball or softball. The hinged leg guard preferably includes a thigh guard, knee guard, shin guard that may be attached to one another by a flexible fabric. The thigh guard and shin guard also are preferably attached to a double hinge member that allows them to move relative to the knee guard. The knee guard also is preferably coupled to the double hinge member. When the hinged leg guard alternates between the extended and contracted position, an extension member of the knee guard preferably translates in one translational degree of freedom within a receiver of the hinge member. The translational movement preferably helps to keep the knee guard adjacent to the knee when a wearer crouches.

Abstract: An adjustable liner for use with a protective helmet includes at least one bladder containing open cell foam within the bladder. The bladder is formed by a film that surrounds the foam. The film includes a port that regulates air transfer within the bladder of the liner. When a person dons the helmet having the liner for the first time, the liner's air port is open. When a wearer puts the helmet on his or her head, the foam compresses, thus causing air to escape from within the foam and bladder through the port. The port may then be closed so that air cannot re-enter the bladder or foam, and the foam is retained in its compressed form. When a new wearer wishes to don the same helmet, he or she may release the port to return the foam and bladder to its fully expanded form for a subsequent use.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member that may be coupled to a chest protector like those worn by baseball or softball catchers and/or umpires is provided. The energy absorbing member may be releasably attachable with, or permanently sewn or riveted into, an upper central region of the chest protector. The energy absorbing member includes a backing plate having low elasticity that abuts the chest protector. The energy absorbing member further includes a front plate attached to the backing plate that preferably projects outwardly from the backing plate to form a hollow interior portion between the plates. The front plate is preferably an arcuate, convex plate that is able to distribute energy and deflects a batted or pitched ball so that absorbing member may absorb and distribute energy from the ball along the chest.

Abstract: An equipment bag having external shoe pockets at its lower side portions is provided. The shoe pockets are substantially in the shape of a shoe. When a shoe is inserted in a shoe pocket, the shoe's sole and cleats associated therewith, abut the side of the bag. The side of the bag that the cleats may abut is preferably reinforced with material to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag or contents within the bag. The pocket includes expandable mesh side portions that allow the pockets to expand size to better receive shoes, and also to improve airflow through the shoes and reduce shoe odor. An adjustment system is also provided that allows shoes to be more snugly secured within the pockets.

Abstract: An equipment bag having external shoe pockets at its lower side portions is provided. The shoe pockets are substantially in the shape of a shoe. When a shoe is inserted in a shoe pocket, the shoe's sole and cleats associated therewith, abut the side of the bag. The side of the bag that the cleats may abut is preferably reinforced with material to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag or contents within the bag. The pocket includes expandable mesh side portions that allow the pockets to expand size to better receive shoes, and also to improve airflow through the shoes and reduce shoe odor. An adjustment system is also provided that allows shoes to be more snugly secured within the pockets.