Patent attributes
There is disclosed an improved face mask mounting apparatus for a contact sports helmet. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting sleeve adapted to be mounted at a contact sports helmet attachment point; a mounting ring encased in the mounting sleeve and adapted to receive a mounting bolt; and a plurality of resiliently flexible impact absorption components positioned between the mounting ring and an inner wall of the mounting sleeve to generally center the mounting ring within the mounting sleeve; whereby, in use, the plurality of resiliently flexible impact absorption components are adapted to collectively absorb an impact force received on the face mask by deforming, and returning the mounting ring to its center position after the impact force has been absorbed. By way of example, the plurality of resiliently flexible impact absorption components may comprise springs or resiliently flexible and deformable rubber balls.
