Patent attributes
A unique attachment mechanism to connect a facemask to a helmet is described. This attachment mechanism uses a polymer urethane visco-elastic, or similar, material to absorb impact forces on the facemask to minimize injury for the person using the helmet. In some embodiments, a spring and bearing mechanism is used in conjunction with the polymer urethane visco-elastic material to further absorb forces. In another embodiment, a polymer urethane visco-elastic grommet on a screw is used for an upper attachment of the mask to the helmet, and a larger polymer urethane visco-elastic structure with an internal spring is used as the lower attachment between the helmet and the mask. In still another embodiment, the connection between the helmet and the mast is a U shaped structure with a flat spring enclosed.
