PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Abstract

Protective equipment used in a wide range of sports occupations and other activities and occupations to prevent concussions and other injuries that may absorb shock or force brought on by the kinetic energy from flying objects such as a ball, bat or other moving object. Such protective equipment assembly comprising a wearable assembly and a facemask. The wearable assembly may comprise a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors. A chest attachment mechanism may be provided on the chest panel and a shoulder attachment mechanism may be provided on the shoulder anchors. The facemask may be secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is related to protective equipment for officials and athletes in sports. It is also related to protective equipment for any activities and professions requiring protection from the threat of flying objects.

BACKGROUND

Protective equipment is used in a wide range of sports occupations and other activities and occupations to prevent concussions and other injuries. Such equipment is often intended to absorb shock or force brought on by the kinetic energy from flying objects such as a ball, bat or other moving object. Protective equipment often includes a facemask designed to limit impact of the kinetic energy to the head and neck of the wearer. One drawback with current protective equipment is the kinetic energy is transferred directly to the facemask, which in turn causes the head and neck take most of the impact. It would be desirable to provide improved protective equipment that helps ensure less impact to the head and neck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a user wearing protective equipment while in a ready stance according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a user wearing protective equipment according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a user wearing protective equipment according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wearable assembly and facemask according to certain embodiments, wherein a hook on the facemask is not engaged with a tab on the wearable assembly at a chest attachment point.

FIG. 5 illustrates a wearable assembly and facemask according to certain embodiments, wherein the hook on the facemask is engaged with the tab on the wearable assembly at the chest attachment point.

FIG. 6 illustrates a wearable assembly and facemask according to certain embodiments, wherein an alignment post of the facemask is not engaged with an alignment hole on the wearable assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wearable assembly and facemask according to certain embodiments, wherein the alignment post of the facemask is engaged with the alignment hole on the wearable assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wearable assembly and facemask according to certain embodiments, wherein a spring biased bolt on the facemask is not engaged with a bolt hole on the wearable assembly at the shoulder attachment point.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wearable assembly and facemask according to certain embodiments, wherein the spring biased bolt on the facemask is engaged with the bolt hole on the wearable assembly at the shoulder attachment point.

FIG. 10 illustrates a wing assembly according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of a user having both arms engaged with each wing of the wing assembly according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of a user having a right arm engaged with a wing of a wing assembly and a right hand engaged with a handle of a handle assembly according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a user wearing a wearable assembly having a cinch system according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of a user wearing a wearable assembly having a cinch system according to certain embodiments, wherein the cinch system is not in a cinched state.

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of a user wearing a wearable assembly having a cinch system according to certain embodiments, wherein the cinch system is in a cinched state.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments comprise a protective equipment assembly comprising a wearable assembly and a facemask. The wearable assembly comprises a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors. The facemask comprises a plurality of metals bars forming a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being sized and shaped to prevent a selected object, such as a baseball, from passing through. A chest attachment mechanism is provided on the chest panel and a shoulder attachment mechanism is provided on the shoulder anchors. The facemask is secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of a user.

The plurality of openings can include a viewing opening, wherein the viewing opening has a horizontal length and a vertical width, wherein the vertical width is short enough to prevent the selected object from passing through the viewing opening, and wherein the horizontal length is long enough to extend past both eyes of the user. The viewing opening can also be devoid of a central bar vertical bar.

The facemask can be configured to extend downward for a distance past shoulders of the user and upward for a distance past a top of a head of the user. The facemask can also be configured to extend forward for a distance past a nose of the user and rearward for a distance behind the nose of the user.

The chest attachment mechanism prevents the facemask from being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the chest panel. The chest attachment mechanism can comprises a tab on the chest panel that extends downward and outward to form a slot between the tab and the chest panel, and a hook on the facemask, the hook being sized and shaped to be received by the slot.

The shoulder attachment mechanism can include bolt holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding spring-biased bolts on each side of the facemask, the spring-biased bolts having springs that bias toward and into the bolt holes. The shoulder attachment mechanism can also include finger buttons on the spring-biased bolts, wherein the finger buttons are pressed to compress the springs away and out of the bolt holes and the finger buttons are released to allow the springs to bias towards and into the bolt holes.

The protective equipment can also include a shoulder alignment mechanism that aligns the facemask with the shoulder anchors. The shoulder alignment mechanism can include alignment holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding alignment posts on each side of the facemask, the alignment posts being sized and shaped to be received by the alignment holes.

The protective equipment can further include a movement limiting mechanism that limits movement of the chest panel relative to a chest of the user. In some cases, the movement limiting mechanism comprises a wing assembly having an arm wing, wherein the arm wing is sized and shaped to receive a tricep of the user. In other cases, the movement limiting mechanism comprises a handle assembly having a handle, wherein the handle is sized and shape to be held by a hand of the user. In yet other cases, the movement limiting mechanism comprises a cinch system that pulls the chest panel toward the chest of the user and pulls the shoulder anchors towards shoulders of the user.

Other embodiments comprise a protective equipment assembly comprising a wearable assembly and a facemask. The wearable assembly comprises a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors. The facemask comprises a plurality of metals bars forming a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being sized and shaped to prevent a selected object, such as a baseball, from passing through. A chest attachment mechanism is provided that includes a tab on the chest panel that extends downward and outward to form a slot between the tab and the chest panel, and a hook on the facemask, the hook being sized and shaped to be received by the slot. A shoulder attachment mechanism is provided that includes bolt holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding spring-biased bolts on each side of the facemask, the spring-biased bolts having springs that bias toward and into the bolt holes. The facemask is secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of a user. The protective equipment can further include comprising a shoulder alignment mechanism comprising alignment holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding alignment posts on each side of the facemask, the alignment posts being sized and shaped to be received by the alignment holes. The protective equipment can also further include a movement limiting mechanism that limits movement of the chest panel relative to a chest of the user.

Other embodiments comprise a protective equipment assembly comprising a wearable assembly and a facemask. The wearable assembly comprises a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors. The facemask comprises a plurality of metals bars forming a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being sized and shaped to prevent a selected object, such as a baseball, from passing through. The plurality of openings including a viewing opening, wherein the viewing opening has a horizontal length and a vertical width, wherein the vertical width is short enough to prevent the selected object from passing through the viewing opening, and wherein the horizontal length is long enough to extend past both eyes of the user, and wherein the viewing opening is devoid of a central vertical bar. The plurality of metal bars are configured to extend downward for a distance past shoulders of the user, upward for a distance past a top of the head of the user, forward for a distance past a nose of the user and rearward for a distance behind the nose of the user. A chest attachment mechanism is provided on the chest panel and a shoulder attachment mechanism is provided on the shoulder anchors. The facemask is secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of a user. A movement limiting mechanism is also provided on the wearable assembly that limits movement of the chest panel relative to a chest of the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings have like reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention provides a protective equipment assembly 10 for officials and athletes in sports. The protective equipment assembly 10 can also be worn by those in activities and professions where there is a threat of flying objects. The protective equipment assembly 10 generally includes a wearable assembly 12 and a facemask 14. The wearable assembly 12 is worn on a user's torso and shoulders. In some cases, the wearable assembly 12 is a modified chest protector. In other cases, the wearable assembly 12 is configured to be a separate device that is worn over a standard chest protector. The facemask 14 is secured to the wearable assembly 12 such that it is not in contact with a user's neck or head. Such a design allows for impact on the facemask 14 to be absorbed by areas on the torso (such as the chest and shoulders) as opposed to the neck or head.

Referring to FIG. 1, the wearable assembly 12 includes a chest panel 16 and shoulder anchors 18. The chest panel 16 is adjacent a user's chest and the shoulder anchors 18 are supported by a user's shoulders. Some portions or the entire wearable assembly 12 can be fabricated of a metal, such as a high-grade aluminum. In some cases, both the chest panel 16 and shoulder anchors 18 are fabricated of metal. In other cases, the entire wearable assembly 12 is fabricated of metal. Likewise, some portions or the entire wearable assembly 12 can be fabricated of a plastic.

The facemask 14 can be made of a variety of different materials. In the illustrated FIGS, the facemask 14 includes a plurality of metal bars 42. The plurality of metal bars 42 can be fabricated from a strong metal such as stainless steel, magnesium, titanium and/or aluminum. In some cases, the entire facemask 14 consists of a plurality of metal bars 42. The metal bars 42 can be fabricated of a single piece or include metal bars welded together. In other embodiments, the facemask 14 includes a non-metallic material, such as plastic, plexiglass, carbon fiber or other material.

The plurality of metal bars 42 is also configured to provide openings 44 to enable a user to see through the facemask 14. However, these openings 44 are still sized and shaped to keep out a desired flying object. For example, if the facemask 14 is used in baseball, the openings 44 are sized and shaped to keep out a baseball. The facemask 14 can also include a viewing opening 46 that is devoid of a central protective bar in between eyes of a user. In certain cases where the facemask 14 is used by an umpire in baseball, the viewing opening 46 configured to provide an unobstructed view of a pitch. When the umpire leans forward in a ready position as shown in FIG. 1, the umpire's eyes are aligned with viewing opening 46 and the umpire can clearly view the pitch. In this manner, one aspect of the invention offers a “multi-view” feature whereby, in the case a baseball umpire, the user can view through one part of the mask in one position (e.g. standing) and then view through another part of the mask in another position (e.g. having moved downward into the “pitch-ready” position).

The facemask 14 can have a variety of different configurations such that it does not contact a user's neck or head. In some cases, the facemask 14 can be of a horizontal shield configuration. In other cases, the facemask 14 has a configuration that extends backward past the user's head so as to surround a portion of the head. Regardless of the configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the facemask 14 extends downward for at least a distance D1 past a user's shoulders. Likewise, the facemask 14 extends upward for at least a distance D2 past the top of a user's head. The facemask 14 also extends for a distance D3 sideward from a user's ears. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the facemask 14 extends forward for a distance D4 past the user's nose and rearward for a distance D5 behind a user's nose. Such a design allows for the facemask 14 to surround the neck and head at a healthy distance such that the facemask 14 is not in contact with the head and neck. The specific configuration can be adjusted based on the sport and desired protection needed. Also, the facemask 14 can be made in a variety of different sizes to accommodate a variety of users.

The facemask 14 is secured to the wearable assembly 12 using one or more attachment mechanisms. In some cases, the wearable assembly 12 includes a chest attachment mechanism 20 on the chest panel 16. The chest attachment mechanism 20 is desirably located on the chest panel 16 so that when the facemask 14 receives impact, energy is absorbed by the chest panel 16 and thus by a user's chest.

In some cases, the wearable assembly 12 also includes a shoulder attachment mechanism 22 on the shoulder anchors 18. Here too, the shoulder attachment mechanism 22 is located on the shoulder anchors 18 so that when the facemask 14 receives impact, energy is also absorbed by the shoulder anchors 18.

Both attachment mechanisms help reduce impact to a user's head and neck. Following are exemplary attachment mechanisms. Skilled artisans will understand these attachment mechanisms are merely examples and other mechanisms can be used instead.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, one embodiment of a chest attachment mechanism 20 can include a tab 24 on the chest panel 16. The tab 24 extends downward and outward from the chest panel 16 to create a slot 28 in between the tab 24 and chest panel 16. The facemask 14 includes a hook 26 shaped and sized to be insert into and received by the slot 28. FIG. 4 shows the hook 26 and slot 28 before engagement and FIG. 5 shows the hook 26 received by and engaged with the slot 28. Once engaged, the hook 26 and slot 28 prevent the facemask 14 from being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the chest panel 16. The hook 26 and slot 28 configuration still allows the facemask 14 to be moved forward away from the user's head and backward toward the user's head.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, as the facemask 14 is moved backward toward the user's head, the facemask 14 is aligned with the shoulder anchors 18 through a shoulder alignment mechanism 30. Following is an exemplary shoulder alignment mechanism 30. Skilled artisans will understand that a variety of shoulder alignment mechanism can be used and are not limited to the example.

The shoulder alignment mechanism 30 can include an alignment hole 32 on a shoulder anchor 18 and a corresponding alignment post 34 on a side of the facemask 14. In some cases, two alignment holes 32 can be provided on both shoulder anchors 18 and two alignment posts 34 can be provided on both sides of the facemask 14. The alignment post 34 is sized and shaped to insert into the alignment hole 32. FIG. 6 shows the alignment hole 32 and alignment post 34 before engagement and FIG. 7 shows the alignment post 34 engaged with the alignment hole 32. Once engaged, the facemask 14 is properly aligned on the shoulder anchors 18.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, once the facemask 14 is properly aligned, the facemask 14 is secured to the shoulder anchors 18 through a shoulder attachment mechanism 22. The shoulder attachment mechanism 22 can include bolt holes 36 on the shoulder anchors 18 and corresponding spring-biased bolts 38 on each side of the facemask 14. Each spring-biased bolt 28 has a spring (not shown) that biases the bolt 28 backward toward and into a bolt hole 26. A finger button 40 is provided about each spring-biased bolt 38 so that a user can use a finger to push the bolt forward and against the biased direction.

During use, a user first secures the facemask 14 to the chest panel 16 using the chest attachment mechanism 20 described with reference to FIGS. 4-5. The user then moves the facemask 14 backward toward the head until the alignment post(s) 34 inserts into the alignment hole(s) 32 as described with reference to FIGS. 6-7. Once aligned, the user releases the finger on the finger button 40 on each spring-biased bolt 38 to bias backward into the bolt holes 26, as described with reference to FIGS. 8-9. At this point, the facemask 14 is fully secured and aligned to the wearable assembly 12.

When the facemask 14 is desired to be removed, a user presses a finger forward on each finger button 40 to force each bolt 38 forward out of each bolt hole 26. The facemask 14 is then free to be moved forward until the alignment post(s) 34 exits the alignment hole(s) 32. A user continues to move the facemask 14 forward away from the head until the hook 26 can be disengaged from the slot 28. Skilled artisans will understand that other methods of attaching the facemask 14 to the wearable assembly 12 can be also used.

The wearable assembly 12 is also tightly and snugly secured about the user's torso to prevent movement of the facemask 14 upon impact. A tight fit helps keep the chest panel 16 close to the user's chest, which in turn helps to prevent the facemask 14 from moving up, down or outward from the chest. If a facemask 14 moves too much, it poses a risk of moving into the head or face upon impact. At the same time, the wearable assembly 12 must allow for a user to breathe and move comfortably.

In some cases, the wearable assembly 12 includes a movement limiting mechanism 48 for limiting movement of the chest panel 16 relative to an adjacent chest point on the user's chest. In certain cases, the user can engage the movement limiting mechanism 48 for a short period of time, such as when a baseball umpire is in a ready position. When the user wishes to move and breathe more freely, the user can simply disengage the movement limiting mechanism 48. Following are exemplary movement limiting mechanisms. Skilled artisans will understand that a variety of different movement limiting mechanisms can be used and are not limited to these examples.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 10, the movement limiting mechanism 48 comprises a wing assembly 50 having two arm wings 52. In some cases, the wing assembly 50 can be provided as part of the wearable assembly 12. In some cases, the wing assembly 50 is designed for use with two arms of a user and includes a serpentine shaped bar 54 having a wing 52 at each end. Each wing 52 is sized and shaped to receive an arm. In certain cases, each wing 52 is sized and shaped to receive a tricep.

As shown in FIG. 11, a user engages each wing 52 with an arm. In some cases, the user engages each wing 52 with an arm while placing the hands at a desired location, such as on the thighs while in a ready stance or perhaps behind the back. Such a movement pulls the chest panel 16 closer to the adjacent chest point and helps limit the movement of the chest panel 16 relative to the chest point. When a user desires to obtain maximum protection, the user engages arms with the wing assembly 50. When the user desires to move and breathe freely with less protection, the user disengages arms from the wing assembly 50. One advantage of using a wing assembly 50 is it minimizes the need for tightening the wearable assembly 12 about a user's torso, so the user is able to always breathe comfortably. In some embodiments, the wing assembly 50 can be fitted with a spring mechanism (not shown) to cause the wing assembly 50 to spring forward as soon as the arms are disengaged. Such a spring mechanism can help move the wings 52 forward and out of the way of the arms when not in use.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a movement limiting mechanism 48. The mechanism includes a wing assembly 50 and a handle assembly 56 having a handle 58. The handle 58 can be sized and shaped to be held by a user's hand. The handle assembly 56 can be an extension of the wing assembly 50 and include a handle 58 in some cases. Both the wing assembly 50 and handle assembly 56 can also be provided as part of the wearable assembly 12.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 12, the wing assembly 50 includes a single wing 52 and a handle assembly 56 is provided at a location opposite the single wing 52. A user engages the single wing 52 with one arm. The user also bends the same arm to grasp the handle 58. With the user's arm in this position, the user helps limit the movement of the chest panel 16 relative to the chest point. Again, when the user desires to move and breathe freely with less protection, the user disengages the wing 52 and handle 58. This movement limiting mechanism also minimizes the need for tightening the wearable assembly 12 about a user's torso, so the user is able to always breathe comfortably.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment of a movement limiting mechanism 48. In this embodiment, the movement limiting mechanism includes a cinch system 60. The cinch system 60 not only pulls the chest panel 16 inward toward the chest but also pulls the shoulder anchors 18 downward towards the shoulders. The cinch system 60 can include a front hub 62, back hub 64 and two shoulder hubs 66. The front hub 62 is positioned on a front of the user near the chest. The back hub 64 is positioned on a back of the user. The shoulder hubs 66 are positioned atop the shoulders. The 62, 64, 66 can be part of the wearable assembly 12 in some cases. In other cases, the hubs are stand-alone hubs.

The front hub 62, back hub 64 and two shoulder hubs 66 are all connected to one another through a series of fasteners 68, hooks 70 and/or pulleys 72. When a user grabs a portion of the fasteners 68 as shown in FIG. 14 and then pulls downward as shown in FIG. 15, this causes the hubs 62, 64, 66 to move toward each other and firmly cinch the wearable assembly 12 about the torso. The chest hub 62 moves towards the user's chest, the back hub 64 moves towards the user's back and the shoulder hubs 66 move towards the tops of the user's shoulders. While FIGS. 14 and 15 show the user grabbing fasteners 68 on a back hub 64, skilled artisans will understand that the fasteners 68 can instead be placed on a front hub 62 or other hub design (e.g., a side hub, a bottom hub, or a top hub). The fasteners 68 can also be incorporated as part of another feature on the wearable assembly 12, such as a belt, pad or equipment storage compartment (e.g. a ball bag worn off the waist in the case of baseball umpires).

When the wearable assembly 12 is cinched, the facemask 14 is less vulnerable to movement upon impact since it is so secured about the user's torso. When the user desires to move and breathe freely with less protection, the user releases the cinch. The cinch system 60 can also include a locking mechanism 74 that secures the cinch in place and then unlocks the cinch to release.

In some cases, the front hub 62 is sized to cover a substantial portion of the user's chest and the back hub 64 is sized to cover a substantial portion of the user's back. This allows for a user's torso to be covered with fewer fasteners 68 for increased comfort since the fasteners have the potential to cause discomfort. Skilled artisans will understand that the cinch system 60 can include a variety of different setups and is not limited to this example.

While some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective equipment assembly, comprising: a wearable assembly comprising a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors;a facemask comprising a plurality of metals bars forming a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being sized and shaped to prevent a selected object from passing through;a chest attachment mechanism provided on the chest panel;a shoulder attachment mechanism provided on the shoulder anchors; andwherein the facemask is secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of a user.

2. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the plurality of openings comprises a viewing opening, wherein the viewing opening has a horizontal length and a vertical width, wherein the vertical width is short enough to prevent the selected object from passing through the viewing opening, and wherein the horizontal length is long enough to extend past both eyes of the user.

3. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the viewing opening is devoid of a central bar vertical bar.

4. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the object is a baseball.

5. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the facemask is configured to extend downward for a distance past shoulders of the user and upward for a distance past a top of a head of the user.

6. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the facemask is configured to extend forward for a distance past a nose of the user and rearward for a distance behind the nose of the user.

7. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the chest attachment mechanism prevents the facemask from being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the chest panel.

8. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the chest attachment mechanism comprises a tab on the chest panel that extends downward and outward to form a slot between the tab and the chest panel, and a hook on the facemask, the hook being sized and shaped to be received by the slot.

9. The protective equipment of claim 1 wherein the shoulder attachment mechanism comprises bolt holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding spring-biased bolts on each side of the facemask, the spring-biased bolts having springs that bias toward and into the bolt holes.

10. The protective equipment of claim 9 wherein the shoulder attachment mechanism further comprises finger buttons on the spring-biased bolts, wherein the finger buttons are pressed to compress the springs away and out of the bolt holes and the finger buttons are released to allow the springs to bias towards and into the bolt holes.

11. The protective equipment of claim 1 further comprising a shoulder alignment mechanism that aligns the facemask with the shoulder anchors.

12. The protective equipment of claim 11 wherein the shoulder alignment mechanism comprises alignment holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding alignment posts on each side of the facemask, the alignment posts being sized and shaped to be received by the alignment holes.

13. The protective equipment of claim 1 further comprising a movement limiting mechanism that limits movement of the chest panel relative to a chest of the user.

14. The protective equipment of claim 13 wherein the movement limiting mechanism comprises a wing assembly having an arm wing, wherein the arm wing is sized and shaped to receive a tricep of the user.

15. The protective equipment of claim 13 wherein the movement limiting mechanism comprises a handle assembly having a handle, wherein the handle is sized and shape to be held by a hand of the user.

16. The protective equipment of claim 13 wherein the movement limiting mechanism comprises cinch system that pulls the chest panel toward the chest of the user and pulls the shoulder anchors towards shoulders of the user.

17. A protective equipment assembly, comprising: a wearable assembly comprising a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors;a facemask comprising a plurality of metals bars forming a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being sized and shaped to prevent a selected object from passing through;a chest attachment mechanism comprising a tab on the chest panel that extends downward and outward to form a slot between the tab and the chest panel, and a hook on the facemask, the hook being sized and shaped to be received by the slot;a shoulder attachment mechanism comprising bolt holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding spring-biased bolts on each side of the facemask, the spring-biased bolts having springs that bias toward and into the bolt holes;wherein the facemask is secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of a user.

18. The protective equipment assembly of claim 17 further comprising a shoulder alignment mechanism comprising alignment holes on the shoulder anchors and corresponding alignment posts on each side of the facemask, the alignment posts being sized and shaped to be received by the alignment holes.

19. The protective equipment assembly of claim 17 further comprising a movement limiting mechanism that limits movement of the chest panel relative to a chest of the user.

20. A protective equipment assembly, comprising: a wearable assembly comprising a chest panel and a pair of shoulder anchors;a facemask comprising a plurality of metals bars forming a plurality of openings;a chest attachment mechanism provided on the chest panel;a shoulder attachment mechanism provided on the shoulder anchors;a movement limiting mechanism that limits movement of the chest panel relative to a chest of the user;wherein the facemask is secured to the wearable assembly via the chest attachment mechanism and the shoulder attachment mechanism such that the facemask is not in contact with a neck or a head of the user;wherein the plurality of openings are sized and shaped to prevent a selected object from passing through, the plurality of openings including a viewing opening, wherein the viewing opening has a horizontal length and a vertical width, wherein the vertical width is short enough to prevent the selected object from passing through the viewing opening, and wherein the horizontal length is long enough to extend past both eyes of the user, and wherein the viewing opening is devoid of a central vertical bar; andwherein the plurality of metal bars are configured to extend downward for a distance past shoulders of the user, upward for a distance past a top of the head of the user, forward for a distance past a nose of the user and rearward for a distance behind the nose of the user.