Full-Face Helmet System

Abstract

The full-face helmet system comprises a full-facemask that combines the strength of a facemask frame and a reinforcement layer to allow for improved visibility, safety and impact performance, while reducing weight. The full-facemask comprises a reinforcement layer and a facemask frame, the reinforcement layer may be coupled to the external surface or internal surface of a facemask frame. The reinforcement layer may match or substantially match one or more contours of the facemask frame, the reinforcement layer comprises at least one vent opening that is coincident with the player's mouth.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods, devices, and systems for an improved helmet system with a full-face facemask. More specifically, the improved helmet system includes a full-face facemask to improve visibility and weight, but maintain impact performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional football helmets have manufactured facemasks with a plurality of metal bars to protect a player's face. The facemask provides a way to protect the face while allowing for limited visibility. Unfortunately, the more protection a player would like (e.g., increased number of bars), the more the player's visibility is reduced and the heavier it becomes. Also, the plurality of bars provides other players the ease of grabbing the facemask or otherwise restraining a player by grabbing the face mask, which is illegal due to the risk of injury.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved helmet system comprises a full-facemask that combines the strength of a facemask with a reduced number of metal bars and a polymer-based cover to allow for improved visibility, safety and reduced weight, as well as potentially reduce the players from grabbing onto the facemask to cause injury. The polymer-based cover or reinforcement layer may be disposed over the facemask frame for support and enhance impact performance.

In one embodiment, the full-face facemask comprising: a facemask frame, the facemask frame comprising an external surface and an internal surface, the facemask frame comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; and a reinforcement layer, a portion of the reinforcement layer coupled to the external surface or internal surface of the facemask frame. At least a portion of the reinforcement layer matches or substantially matches the shape of the facemask frame. The reinforcement layer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material. The reinforcement layer comprises at least one vent opening, the at least one vent opening coincident with a player's mouth. The at least one vent opening may include a single opening or a plurality of openings coincident with a player's mouth. The reinforcement layer further comprises a plurality of perforations disposed adjacent to the vent opening. the facemask frame further comprises a middle bar. The facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the middle bar and the lower bar. The facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the upper bar and middle bar.

In another embodiment, the full-face helmet system comprising: a helmet, the helmet comprises an outer shell; a facemask frame, the facemask frame comprising an external surface and an internal surface, the facemask frame comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; and a reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer coupled to the external surface or internal surface of the facemask frame, at least a portion of the reinforcement layer substantially matches the shape of the facemask frame. The helmet further comprises an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigation layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell. The helmet further comprises an inner shell and an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigation layer disposed between the outer shell and inner shell. The helmet further comprises a stabilizer pad system, the stabilizer pad system coupled to the outer shell. At least a portion of the facemask frame is coupled to the stabilizer pad system. The reinforcement layer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material. The at least one vent opening comprises a plurality of openings. The reinforcement layer further comprises a plurality of openings adjacent to the at least one vent opening. The facemask frame further comprises a middle bar. The facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the middle bar and the lower bar. The facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the upper bar and middle bar. The least a portion of the facemask frame protrudes into the at least one vent opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of one embodiment of a Full-Face Helmet System;

FIG. 1B depict a side view of one embodiment of a Full-Face Helmet System;

FIGS. 2A-2C depict isometric and magnified views of an alternate embodiment of a Full-Face Helmet;

FIGS. 3A-3E depict front views of different embodiments of facemasks;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict various views of one embodiment of a helmet;

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a helmet;

FIGS. 6A-6B depicts a cross-section of one embodiment of a helmet comprising filaments undergoing local deformation;

FIGS. 7A-7B depicts a magnified cross-section of the helmet of FIGS. 6A-6B; and

FIGS. 8A-8C depicts isometric views of alternate embodiments of laterally supported filaments (LSF) structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2C depicts side views of different embodiments of a Full-Face Helmet System 10,30,32. The full-face helmet system 10,30,32 comprises a helmet 12,78, a reinforcement layer 14, a facemask or facemask frame 16. The helmet 12,78 comprises an outer shell. The helmet 12,78 further comprises an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigation layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell. The helmet 12,78 further comprises an inner shell and an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigation layer disposed between the outer shell and inner shell. The helmet 12,78 further comprises a stabilizer pad system, the stabilizer pad system coupled to the outer shell. The helmet 12,78 comprises a front region, a right region, a left region, a crown region, a back region, and/or any combination thereof. Refer to FIGS. 4A-4C for further helmet details.

The facemask frame 16 comprising an external surface and an internal surface, the facemask frame 16 further comprising an upper bar 28 and a lower bar 29. The upper bar 28 including a first raised section, a second raised section and a central section, the central section between a first and second raised section. Each of the plurality of raised sections are raised relative to the central section. The facemask frame 16 further comprises a middle bar 31, the middle bar 31 disposed between the upper bar 28 and the lower bar 29. The facemask frame 16 further comprises one or more vertical bars 25 that extend between the middle bar 31 and the lower bar 29. The least a portion of the facemask frame 16 protrudes into the at least one vent opening 18. The lower bar 29 and/or middle bar 31 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. At least a portion of the facemask frame 16 is coupled to the stabilizer pad system via a facemask connector 38. Alternatively, the facemask frame 16 may be coupled to the outer shell via a facemask connector 38. The different configurations of facemasks or facemask frames shown in FIGS. 3A-3E.

The reinforcement layer 14 comprises a material, the material is a clear or transparent plastic material. The material may comprise a uniform thickness or a non-uniform thickness. The thickness of the material may be based on the position-specific player's needs. The material may further comprise a coating, the coating may include an anti-reflective coating, a polarized coating, a scratch resistant coating, an anti-fog coating, an anti-microbial or anti-viral coating, an ultraviolet (UV) protection coating, a photochromic coating, a tinted coating, a mirror coating, a prescriptive coating or material and/or any combination thereof.

The reinforcement layer 14 is coupled to the external surface of the facemask frame 16 and/or the reinforcement layer 14 is disposed over the facemask frame 16, which a portion of the internal surface of the reinforcement layer 14 contacts a portion of the external surface of the facemask frame 16. Alternatively, the reinforcement layer 14 is coupled to the internal surface of the facemask frame 16, and/or the facemask frame 16 is disposed over the reinforcement layer 14, which the internal surface of the facemask frame 16 contacts a portion of the outer surface of the reinforcement layer 14. Coupling to the different points on the internal surface or the external surface of the facemask frame 16 allows the facemask frame 16 to support the reinforcement layer 14 in different regions to reduce or prevent the reinforcement layer from deforming towards the player's face and/or it further provides better distribution of the impact forces across the facemask frame 16. At least a portion of the reinforcement layer 14 substantially matches the shape of the facemask frame 16. Alternatively, at least a portion of the reinforcement layer 14 substantially matches one or more contours of the facemask frame 16. In another embodiment, the reinforcement layer 14 may be over molded to the external surface or the internal surface of the facemask frame 16.

The reinforcement layer 14 comprises a body 22, a first plurality of connecting members 26 and a second plurality of connecting members 27. Each of the first or second plurality of connecting members 26,27 located or disposed on the right and left regions of the helmet 12 and/or body 22. The first plurality of connecting members 26 extending outwardly from the body 22, the plurality of connecting members 26 couple to or attach to a portion of the outer shell of the helmet 10,30,32. Each of the first plurality of connecting members 26 extending outwardly to couple to or attach to the vent openings 15 or within the vent openings 15 on the outer shell of the helmet 10,30,32. The second plurality of connecting members 27 may couple or attach to the outer shell and/or may couple or attach to the stabilizer pad system (not shown). The first and/or the second plurality of connecting members 27 may comprise one or more openings, the one or more openings sized and configured to receive a mechanical connector. The mechanical connector may comprise a screw, a rivet, a dowel pin, and/or any connectors known in the art.

The reinforcement layer 14 or the body 22 comprises at least one vent opening 18. The at least one vent opening 18 comprises a plurality of openings (not shown) or a single vent opening. The at least one vent opening 18 comprises a shape, the shape includes a circle, an oval, a regular polygon and/or an irregular polygon. The shape may further include a “U” shape, “D” shape, a hemispherical shape, or an arch shape. The reinforcement layer 14 further comprises a plurality of openings 20 adjacent to the at least one vent opening 18. The plurality of openings 20 including a width smaller than the at least one vent opening width. The at least one vent opening 18 may be coincident or aligned with a player's mouth. Alternatively, the at least one vent opening 18 may be in front of the player's mouth. At least a portion of the facemask frame 16 protrudes or extends into or through the at least one vent opening 18. The top portion of the body 22 of the reinforcement layer 14 may be coupled to the front bumper 34 located in the front region of the helmet 10,30,32. Mechanical connectors may be inserted into the one or more openings 40 of the reinforcement layer 14 disposed at the top region of the reinforcement layer 14 or the body 22.

Accordingly, the bottom portion of the body 22 of the reinforcement layer 14 may be coupled using one or more bumper connectors 36. The one or more bumper connectors 36 comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises longitudinal members 42, the longitudinal members 42 extending perpendicularly or normal from the first portion. The longitudinal members 42 being inserted into a plurality of holes 44 on the reinforcement layer 14 and connected to second portion of the one or more bumper connectors 36. The one or more bumper connectors 36 may comprise a plastic, foam, an elastomeric foam, rubber, and/or any material that facilitates the absorption of impacts and/or vibrations.

The reinforcement layer 14 may further comprise one or more ribs (not shown). The one or more ribs are disposed onto the external surface or internal surface of the reinforcement layer. The one or more ribs extend away from the external or internal surface of the reinforcement layer. Alternatively, the one or more ribs extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular from the external or internal surface of the reinforcement layer 14. The one or more ribs having a length and a width. The one or more ribs may have a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation. In one embodiment, If the one or more ribs are in a vertical orientation, the one or more ribs sized and configured to fit within the entirety of the spacing of the one or more vertical bars 62,70 and/or at least a portion of the spacing of the one or more vertical bars 62,70. The one or more ribs may have a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation.

FIGS. 3A-3E depicts various embodiments of facemasks or facemask frames, 46, 66, 72, 74, 76 that may be used with the full-face helmet system or full-face facemask. The facemasks or facemask frames 46,66,72,74,76 comprise a top portion 48, a middle portion 50 and a lower portion 52. The top portion 48 may be coupled to the helmet. The middle portion 50 includes the field of view for the player. The lower portion 52 includes different bar configurations to protect the nose, and lower half of the face of the player.

The facemasks or facemask frames 46, 66, 72, 74, 76 comprises an upper bar 54 and a lower bar 60. The facemask or facemask frames 46,66, 72,7476 may further comprise a middle bar 58. The upper bar 54 includes a first raised section, a second raised section and a central section, the central section between a first and second raised section. Each of the plurality of raised sections are raised relative to the central section. The facemasks or facemask frames 46, 66, 72, 74, 76 further includes a first intermediate bars 56 and a second intermediate bar 68. The first intermediate bar 56 is spaced apart from the upper bar 54 to create a space or an opening. The first intermediate bar 56 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. One or more connecting elements 64 may be disposed within the space or opening below the central section to couple the upper bar 54 to the intermediate bar 56. Alternatively, the first intermediate bar 56 and the second intermediate bar 68 can be disposed between the upper bar 54 and the middle bar 58.

The facemasks or facemask frames 46,66,72,74,76 may further one or more vertical bars 62,70. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 may extend between the first intermediate bar 56 and the middle bar 58. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 may extend between the middle bar 58 and the lower bar 60. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 may extend between the first intermediate bar 56 and middle bar 58 and extend between the middle bar 58 and the lower bar 60. Each of the one or more vertical bars 62,70 are spaced apart from the adjacent one or more vertical bars 62,70 to create a space. The one or more vertical bars 62,70 that extend between the first intermediate bar 56 and the middle bar 58 are offset or are not aligned with the one or more vertical bars 62,70 that extend between the middle bar 58 and the lower bar 60.

FIGS. 4A-4B depicts various views of one embodiment of a helmet 78. The helmet 78 comprises a front region, a right region, a left region, a crown region, a back region, and/or any combination thereof. The helmet 78 comprises an outer shell 86. The helmet 78 further comprises an impact mitigation layer 94, the impact mitigation layer 94 coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell 86. The helmet 78 further comprises an inner shell 96, the impact mitigation layer 94 disposed between the outer shell 86 and inner shell 96. The helmet 78 further comprises a removable stabilizer pad system 88, the stabilizer pad system 88 coupled to the right and left regions of the outer shell 86. The helmet 78 may further comprise a plurality of pad assemblies that are attached or coupled to an inner surface of the helmet 78 and/or an inner surface of the inner shell 96. The plurality of pad assemblies comprises at least a portion of a surface that contacts the player's head. The helmet 78 may further comprise different accessories, including a visor, chincups with straps and different facemask or facemask frame configurations.

The outer shell 86 is constructed from a flexible plastic material that desirably permits significant local deformation 106 when impacted with a sufficient external force as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B. The outer shell 86 comprises a generally spherically shaped body with complex contours on an upper portion thereof, which defines a pair of medial 80 and lateral 82 raised bands that extend from the front region towards the back region of the outer shell 86 with a centrally positioned recessed band between the medial 80 and lateral 82 raised bands. The outer shell 86 further includes a plurality of vent holes 84,90 (i.e., perforations in the outer shell which allow gases to pass through the shell body), and an ear hole on each side of the outer shell 86 to allow sound transmission to the wearer's ears. Accordingly, the outer shell 86 includes a raised side band 92 that extends from the edge of the outer shell 86 towards the back region. The outer shell 86 includes a raised side band 92 that extends from the edge of the outer shell 86 in an upwardly direction towards the back region.

The impact mitigation layer 94 comprises a plurality of deformable structures positioned inside of and mechanically fastened to inner surface of the outer shell 78, which prevents relative movement between the impact mitigation layer 94 and the outer shell 86. The impact mitigation layer 94 comprises a plurality of impact mitigating structures, the plurality of impact structures comprises at least one of a plurality of filaments (not shown), a plurality of laterally supported filaments (LSFs) (not shown), a plurality of undulated structures (not shown) and/or a foam layer (not shown).

In one embodiment, the impact mitigating structures can comprise a plurality of filaments 102 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7B. The plurality of filaments 102 may be thin, longitudinally extending members or be shaped and configured to deform non-linearly in response to an impact force. The plurality of filaments 102 may comprise an aspect ratio of 3:1 or greater, which the height is greater than the width. The non-linear deformation behavior is expected to provide improved protection against high-impact forces, and/or oblique forces. The non-linear deformation behavior is described by the filaments stress-strain profile. The non-linear stress-strain profile illustrates that there can be an initial rapid increase in force (region I) followed by a change in slope that may be flat, decreasing or increasing slope (region II), followed by a third region with a different slope (region III).

The filaments undergo a buckling response 104 to an incident force, where buckling 104 may be characterized by a localized, sudden failure of the filament structure subjected to high compressive stress, where the actual compressive stress at the point of failure is less than the ultimate compressive stress that the material is capable of withstanding. Furthermore, the plurality of filaments 102 may be configured to deform elastically, allowing the at least a portion of the filaments 102 to substantially return to their initial configuration once the external force is removed. The at least a portion of filaments 102 may extend between two surfaces, the at least a portion of filaments having at least one end coupled to the outer layer and/or the inner layer. The plurality of filaments 102 may include be solid or hollow.

In another embodiment, the impact mitigating structures can comprise a plurality of laterally supported filaments (LSF) structures 108,110,112 as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. The LSF structures 108,110,112 comprise a plurality of filaments 102 that are interconnected by laterally positioned walls or sheets 114 in a polygonal configuration. Polygonal structures and/or configurations known in the art may be contemplated, including triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, and/or any combination thereof. A plurality of sheets or lateral walls 114 can be secured between adjacent pairs of filaments 102 with each filament 102 having a pair of lateral walls 114 attached thereto. Alternatively, each of the plurality of filaments 102 may comprise a lateral wall 114 extending outwardly therefrom to at least one adjacent filament 102. In the disclosed embodiment, the lateral walls 114 can be oriented approximately 120 degrees apart about the filament axis, with each lateral wall 114 extending substantially along the longitudinal length of the filament 114. The plurality of LSF structures 108,110,112 can be arranged in one or more rows or in an array, each of the one or more rows may be aligned or offset. The impact mitigation structures may comprise a plurality of LSF structures 108,110,112 and a base layer, the plurality of LSF structures 108,110,112 disposed on the base layer and spaced apart. The impact mitigation structures may comprise a plurality of LSF structures 108,110,112, a first base layer and a second base layer, the plurality of LSF structures 108,110,112 spaced apart and extend between the first and second base layer.

Accordingly, the orientation of the lateral walls 114 may be asymmetric, which at least one lateral wall 114 may be oriented approximately 75 to 135 degrees apart about the filament 102 axis. The shape, wall thickness or diameter, height, and configuration of the lateral walls 114 and/or filaments 102 may vary to “tune” or “tailor” the structures to a desired performance. For example, one embodiment of a polygonal LSF structure 108,110,112 may have a tapered configuration as shown in FIG. 8A. The polygonal LSF structure 108,110,112 can have a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface perimeter (and/or bottom surface thickness/diameter of the individual elements) that may be larger than the corresponding top surface perimeter (and/or individual element thickness/diameter). In another example, the polygonal LSF structure 108,110,112 can have an upper ridge or upper plate 116. The upper plate 116 is planar and extends across to the adjacent filament 102. The upper plate 116 contacts at least one end of the plurality of filaments 102 and/or each of the plurality of filaments 102. The upper plate 116 may further comprise an opening. The upper plate 116 may comprise a solid material or hollow material. The upper plate 116 can also facilitate connection to another structure, such as an inner surface of a helmet, an item of protective clothing, and/or a mechanical connection (e.g., a grommet or plug having an enlarged tip that is desirably slightly larger than the opening in the upper ridge of the polygonal element).

In another embodiment, the impact mitigation layer may further comprise at least one foam layer or a portion of a foam layer (not shown). The at least one foam layer can include polymeric foams, quantum foam, polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam (foam rubber), XPS foam, polystyrene, phenolic, memory foam (traditional, open cell, or gel), impact absorbing foam (e.g., VN600),), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate foam (EVA), Ariaprene foam, latex rubber foam, convoluted foam (“egg create foam”), Evlon foam, impact hardening foam, 4.0 Custula comfort foam (open cell low density foam) and/or any combination thereof. The at least one foam layer may have an open-cell structure or closed-cell structure. The at least one foam layer can be further tailored to obtain specific characteristics, such as anti-static, breathable, conductive, hydrophilic, high-tensile, high-tear, controlled elongation, and/or any combination thereof.

The helmet 78 further comprises an inner shell 96. The inner shell 96 is constructed from a rigid or relatively rigid plastic material. The inner shell 96 that is more rigid than the outer shell 86 material. The inner shell 96 is also mechanically secured to various portions of the impact mitigation layer to prevent relative movement between the inner shell 96 and the impact mitigation layer 94. The inner shell 96 further comprises a plurality of openings, into which various attachment assemblies of the plurality of pad assemblies are securely attached.

The helmet 78 further comprises a plurality of pod assemblies that are removably coupled to the inner surface of the inner shell 96. The plurality of pod assemblies includes multi-layered foams (e.g., an impact foam layer and a comfort foam layer) that sizes the helmet 78 to the wearer's head and also provides additional impact protection and comfort. The plurality of pod assemblies comprises a first material layer, a second material layer, one or more foam layers and a connection mechanism. The first material layer and/or the second material layer may comprise a 2-way stretch material, a 4-way stretch material, and/or a foam layer. Additionally, the first material layer and/or the second material layer may further comprise a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, PVC, PTFE, and/or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the first material and/or the second material layer may be breathable and wick away moisture easily from the skin while carrying out various sporting and athletic activities. The first material layer may be the same or different than the second material layer. The one or more foam layers are disposed between the first and second material layer. At least a portion of the connection mechanism is disposed between the first and second material layer.

The one or more pad assemblies can be modular and removably coupled into any configuration within the helmet 78. Each of the one or more pod assemblies may be positioned proximate to an adjacent to the one or more pad assemblies, such that the perimeter of each of the one or more pad assemblies may be parallel to the adjacent one or more pod assemblies. The plurality of liner pad assemblies may include regions such as one or more of the following: a frontal assembly (or front), an occipital assembly (or lower-back), a mid-back assembly (right and/or left sides), a parietal assembly (or midline), and a temporal assembly (right and/or left sides), and/or any combination(s) thereof.

The plurality of pad assemblies can comprise a generally triangular shaped body with rounded corners (an isosceles triangle, for example), although a variety of other shapes, including other shaped triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, septagons and/or octagon shapes, could be utilized in a variety of embodiments. In a similar manner, alternative shapes having rounded and/or sharp corners and/or edges may be utilized, as well as irregular and/or re-entrant shaped bodies, if desired. The plurality of pad assemblies can be provided in a series of sizes and/or thicknesses, including a ¼″ thickness progressively up to 1″ or 1.25″ or greater thickness. Desirably, the different thickness triangular pods bodies can be provided with similar external dimensions (i.e., height and/or width), with only the thickness differing to any substantial degree, allowing different thickness pods to be “mixed and matched” for use with a single helmet liner or other component, and/or other item of protective clothing.

The helmet 78 further comprises a stabilizer system 88. The stabilizer system 88 comprises at least two different pad assemblies that are positioned on the right and left regions of outer shell 86. The stabilizer system 88 includes a bridge pad assembly and a stabilizer pad assembly. A bridge pad assembly is secured to an inner surface of the outer shell 86 adjacent to and below the ear hole on the right and left sides, and a stabilizer pad assembly is secured to an inner surface of the outer shell 86 at locations forward of the ear hole. The stabilizer pad assemblies are available in different thicknesses−0.5 inch or greater; 1.0 inch or greater; or 0.5 inch to 2 inches. Portions of the stabilizer pad assembly desirably project forwardly to protect various regions of the wearer's skull, which can include portions of the zygoma (cheek bone), portions of the maxilla and portions of the mandible (e.g., the coronoid process, the condyle, and a portion of ramus) of the wearer. Each of the stabilizer pad assemblies are mounted to the stabilizer plates. Each stabilizer plate also includes a facemask mount which secures and couples to a lower attachment point on the facemask or facemask frame. Each of the stabilizer pad assembly and the bridge pad assembly comprises a plate and one or more foam layers, the one or more foam layers coupled to the plate.

The helmet 78 may further comprise one or more facemask clip styles or facemask bumper styles—a standard facemask clip and a quick release facemask clip. The standard facemask clip requires tooling for placement and removal. However, the quick release facemask clip requires limited tooling for placement and easy, repeatable manual release. The helmet 78 can further include a variety of accessories, including a visor and/or a chincup/strap. The chincup can be a standard chincup that is known in the art.

Claims

1. The full-face facemask comprising: a facemask frame, the facemask frame comprising an external surface and an internal surface, the facemask comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; anda reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer coupled to the external surface of the facemask frame, at least a portion of the reinforcement layer substantially matches the shape of the facemask frame, the reinforcement layer comprises at least one vent opening coincident with a player's mouth.

2. The full-face facemask of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material.

3. The full-face facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent opening comprises a plurality of openings.

4. The full-facemask of claim 3, wherein the reinforcement layer further comprises a plurality of openings disposed adjacent to the at least one vent opening.

5. The full-facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent opening comprises a plurality of perforations coincident with a player's mouth.

6. The full-facemask of claim 1, wherein the facemask frame further comprises a middle bar.

7. The full-facemask of claim 5, wherein the facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the middle bar and the lower bar.

8. The full-facemask of claim 5, wherein the facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the upper bar and middle bar.

9. The full-face helmet system comprising: a helmet, the helmet comprises an outer shell;a facemask frame, the facemask frame comprising an external surface and an internal surface, the facemask frame comprising an upper bar and a lower bar; anda reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer coupled to the external surface or internal surface of the facemask frame, at least a portion of the reinforcement layer substantially matches the shape of the facemask frame.

10. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprises an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigation layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer shell.

11. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprises an inner shell and an impact mitigation layer, the impact mitigation layer disposed between the outer shell and inner shell.

12. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the helmet further comprises a stabilizer pad system, the stabilizer pad system coupled to the outer shell.

13. The full-face helmet system of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the facemask frame is coupled to the stabilizer pad system.

14. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement layer comprises a clear or transparent plastic material.

15. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the at least one vent opening comprises a plurality of openings.

16. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement layer further comprises a plurality of openings adjacent to the at least one vent opening.

17. The full-face helmet system of claim 9, wherein the facemask frame further comprises a middle bar.

18. The full-face helmet of claim 9, wherein the facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the middle bar and the lower bar.

19. The full-face helmet of claim 9, wherein the facemask frame further comprises one or more vertical bars that extend between the upper bar and middle bar.

20. The full-face helmet of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the facemask frame protrudes into the at least one vent opening.