US Patent 11864613 Fielder's mask with flexible retention system

A fielder's mask includes a headband configured for positioning along the front and side regions of a wearer's head. A faceguard projects downwardly from a front region of the headband to protect the wearer's face from a batted or thrown ball. A rear region of the headband includes downwardly projecting, flexible arms, that secure the fielder's mask to the wearer, while also facilitating efficient, one-handed donning and removal of the fielder's mask. In some embodiments, the flexible arms engage the back of the wearer's head behind the wearer's ears. Elastic straps may be attached to the headband to further secure the fielder's mask to the wearer's head.