US Patent 10485285 Breakaway facemask system

A breakaway facemask system for reducing injuries from a facemask penalty in American football includes a helmet that is worn during athletic activities. A cage is removably coupled to the helmet. The cage is positioned to cover to the opening thereby protecting a user's face from impact. A plurality of retainers is provided and each of the retainers is coupled to the helmet. Each of the retainers releasably engages the cage such that the cage is removably coupled to the helmet. The cage breaks away from the helmet when the cage is gripped thereby reducing the possibility of injury to the user.