Quick Release Faceguard Attachment

Abstract

An attachment system for operative connection of a faceguard to a helmet shell with the faceguard being held within a selectively releasable clamp operatively secured to the helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. A selectively engageable latch structure holds the spring clip in the closed condition. Upon release of the latch structure, the spring clip is urged to the open condition, such that the faceguard may be rotated away from a user's face.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/166,829, filed Apr. 6, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to faceguard systems for protective helmets, and is more particularly directed to a system for releasable attachment of a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system incorporates a selectively releasable spring clip incorporating a biasing lockdown leg and a retaining pocket adapted to support a crossbar member of the faceguard. Upon release of the lockdown leg, the crossbar member may be rotated within the retaining pocket and the faceguard may be pivoted relative to the helmet shell.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In many sporting events it is desirable for participants to wear a helmet shell to protect against accidental injury as a result of contact with equipment or other participants during an athletic contest. It may also be desirable to provide a generally cage-like faceguard across a forward portion of the helmet shell to provide the user with frontal protection while nonetheless providing substantial frontal visibility. By way of example only, and not limitation, such combinations of helmet shells and faceguards may be used in American football, lacrosse, baseball, fast-pitch softball, rodeo, and the like.

[0004] While the presence of a faceguard may be desirable to prevent facial injury, in the event that a player does become injured, the presence of the faceguard may hinder the ability of medical personnel to render assistance. Specifically, with the helmet shell and faceguard in place, emergency personnel will be unable to reach the injured player's face to conduct tests and render treatment. By way of example only, the presence of a faceguard may make it difficult to administer emergency aid such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. While access to the player's face may be achieved by removing the entire helmet shell with the faceguard attached, such removal may be undesirable in the event of a suspected brain or spinal injury. Specifically, when such injuries are suspected, the general recommendation is to minimize head and neck movement. To avoid moving the player's head under such conditions, it may be necessary to entirely remove the faceguard from the helmet shell prior to administering treatment. However, such removal tends to be relatively time-consuming and complex. In light of such issues, there is a need for a faceguard attachment system which permits rapid displacement of the faceguard without requiring removal of the entire helmet shell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a system for operative connection of a faceguard to a helmet shell with the faceguard being held within a selectively releasable clamp operatively secured to the helmet shell. Upon release of the clamp, the faceguard may be rotated away from the user's face so as to permit access by emergency personnel without the need to remove the helmet shell.

[0006] In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. The spring clip includes a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and a biasing spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg. The platform base and the lockdown leg cooperatively define a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg. The lockdown leg moves in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket. The attachment system further includes a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition, such that upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition, such that the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket.

[0007] In accordance with another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. The spring clip includes a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and an arcuate spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg. The arcuate spring segment at least partially surrounds a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg. The lockdown leg moves in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket. The lockdown leg includes a latch acceptance opening disposed adjacent to a distal edge of the lockdown leg. The attachment system further includes a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition. Upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition. The latch structure includes a resilient locking arm extending upwardly from the platform base. The locking arm includes a post portion and a distal angled head adapted for snap-in insertion through the latch acceptance opening in the lockdown leg. The angled head includes a chamfered camming surface and an undercut disposed between the post portion and the chamfered camming surface. The chamfered camming surface includes a tool-engaging cavity oriented to face outwardly towards the distal edge of the lockdown leg following insertion through the latch acceptance opening in the lockdown leg.

[0008] In accordance with yet a further exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell. The attachment system includes a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell. The spring clip is adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard. The spring clip includes a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and an arcuate spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg. The arcuate spring segment at least partially surrounds a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg. The lockdown leg moves in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket. The attachment system further includes a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition, such that upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition, such that the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket. The latch structure includes a camming screw having a tool-engaging head portion disposed across an upper surface of the lockdown leg. The connector includes a camming lug including partial turn camming tracks adapted to engage the camming screw such that the camming screw is latched in place by compression and rotation within the camming lug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary helmet including a faceguard;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic assembly view illustrating an exemplary attachment system for connecting a faceguard to a helmet shell in selectively rotatable relation to the helmet shell;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view taken generally along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 illustrating alignment between a spring clip clamping member adapted to hold a portion of the face guard and an underlying screw assembly for connection to the helmet shell;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the relative positioning of the screw assembly for lockdown of the overlying spring clip clamping member;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of the exemplary attachment system taken generally along line 5-5 in FIG. 4 with the locking arm of the spring clip clamping member in an opened condition;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a elevation perspective view of the attachment system illustrated in FIG. 5 with the locking arm in the opened position;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the locking arm of the spring clip clamping member in a closed and latched condition;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 with the locking arm in a closed and latched condition;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a view of an exemplary helmet with a faceguard rotated to an upward position providing access to a user's face;

[0018] FIG. 10 is an elevation perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a faceguard attachment system in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a side view of the faceguard attachment system illustrated in FIG. 10; and

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary camming screw latch assembly for clamping a locking arm in place relative to a faceguard cross bar.

[0021] Before embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is in no way limited in its application to the details of construction and/or the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Accordingly, the use herein of "including", "comprising`, and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like elements are designated by like reference numerals in the various views. In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary helmet 10 including a helmet shell 12 and a faceguard 14. As shown, in the illustrated exemplary construction the faceguard 14 is held to the helmet shell 12 at releasable side connections 16 (only one shown) and at one or more frontal connections 18 disposed at a portion of the helmet shell 12 generally overlying a user's forehead. Accordingly, during use, both the side connections 16 and the frontal connections 18 are outside the field of vision of a user and do not interfere with performance. As will be appreciated, while the illustrated helmet 10 is a style typically used for American football, the present invention is likewise adapted for use with virtually any helmet style as may be desired.

[0023] As noted previously, in the event that a user suffers an injury, it may be desirable to displace or remove the faceguard 14 to permit medical personnel to access a user's face. Moreover, it may be desirable to carryout such displacement or removal without the need to move the user or remove the helmet.

[0024] As illustrated, the faceguard 14 may include a bridge member 20 in the form of an upper cross bar which is operatively secured to the helmet shell 12 at the frontal connections 18. By way of example only, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary arrangement for the frontal connections 18 used to hold the bridge member 20 of a faceguard 14 in place relative to a helmet shell 12. As shown, in the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 2, the frontal connection 18 includes a variable tension clasp in the form of a latchable spring clip 24 adapted to hold the bridge member 20 in a cradling relationship. The frontal connection further includes a connector 26 adapted to secure the spring clip 24 in place at the surface of the helmet shell 12.

[0025] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the spring clip 24 has a generally hairpin construction including a platform base 28 and an overlying spring-biased lockdown leg 30. An intermediate compressible U-shaped spring segment 34 extends between the platform base 28 and the lockdown leg 30 to define a retaining pocket 36 for housing the bridge member 20. The U-shaped spring segment 34 normally supports the lockdown leg 30 at an open position as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, when the lockdown leg 30 is moved towards the platform base 28, the U-shaped spring segment 34 will apply a biasing recovery force urging the lockdown leg 30 back towards the neutral open position.

[0026] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the retaining pocket 36 has a generally arcuate profile with an internal diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the bridge member 20 when the spring clip 24 is in an open i.e., uncompressed condition as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. The lockdown leg 30 includes an inwardly projecting protuberance 38 having a rearward surface which defines a portion of the retaining pocket 36. In this arrangement, the retaining pocket 36 has a forward opening 40 extending generally between the apex of the protuberance 38 and the opposing platform base 28. In the illustrated, exemplary arrangement, this opening has a width slightly less than the cross-sectional diameter of the bridge member 20. Accordingly, when the biasing leg 30 is in the open, neutral position, the bridge member 20 may rotate substantially freely within the retaining pocket 36 while nonetheless being blocked from the removal through the forward opening 40.

[0027] As will be appreciated, the bridge member 20 may be inserted or removed through the forward opening 40 by applying an opening force to the lockdown leg 30 and raising the lockdown leg 30 away from the platform base 28 to widen the forward opening 40. Upon removal of the opening force, the spring clip 24 will thereafter return to the illustrated unbiased state shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. In this regard, it is contemplated that the spring clip 24 will preferably be formed from a suitable resilient plastic material such as nylon, polypropylene, or the like to facilitate resilient bending and recovery.

[0028] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the platform base 28 includes a keyway access opening designated generally as 42 for matedly accepting the connector 26. In the illustrated arrangement, the keyway access opening 42 includes a large diameter base portion 44 and a retention slot 46 (FIG. 3) projecting forward from the base portion 44. Thus, the head of a screw 54 forming a part of the connector 26 may be inserted through the relatively wide diameter base portion 44 and may then be moved relative to the platform base 28 such that the shaft of the screw 54 resides within the retention slot 46.

[0029] In the illustrated exemplary configuration, the platform base 28 includes a raised surface 50 disposed in surrounding relation to the retention slot 46. Thus, when the screw 54 is moved into the retention slot 46, the raised surface 50 may apply an upward biasing force against the underside of the screw head to aid in forming a locked relation between the spring clip 24 and the underlying helmet shell 12. That is, the raised surface 50 acts as a wedge which is held in compression between the helmet shell 12 and a downwardly facing surface of the screw head. With the raised surface 50 held in compression between the helmet shell 12 and a downwardly facing surface of the screw head, slippage is minimized between the spring clip 24 and the underlying helmet shell.

[0030] By way of example only, and not limitation, in the illustrated, exemplary arrangement, the connector 26 may be in the form of a T-nut 52 which extends through an opening in the helmet shell 12 in combination with cooperating screw 54 which extends in threaded relation into the T-nut 52. The screw 54 is accessible for tightening or loosening manipulation through an opening in the lockdown leg 30. As the screw 54 is advanced into the T-nut 52, the downwardly facing surface of the head of the screw 54 will press against the raised surface 50. This downward pressure, in turn, causes the lower surface of the platform base 28 of the spring clip 24 to be pressed against the outer opposing surface of the helmet shell 12. Moreover, the sidewalls and lower legs 56 of the T-nut 52 will spread outwardly so as to further enhance the locking relation between the T-nut 52 and the helmet shell 12.

[0031] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, in the exemplary arrangement, the lockdown leg 30 may be pressed inwardly to establish a latched connection with the underlying platform base 28 (FIGS. 7, 8). In this latched condition, the open U-shaped spring segment 34 is compressed about the perimeter of the bridge member 20. In this compressed relation, the bridge member 20 is substantially precluded from rotational movement relative to the surrounding surfaces of the retaining pocket 36. At the same time, when the lockdown leg 30 is in the latched condition, the stored energy in the U-shaped spring segment 34 applies a continuous biasing force urging the lockdown leg 30 towards the open neutral condition.

[0032] As shown, in the exemplary construction the lockdown leg 30 has a generally dogleg profile including a proximal platform surface 57 and a distal platform surface 59 disposed forward of the proximal platform surface. A ramp segment 61 extends between the proximal platform surface 57 and the distal platform surface 59 with an access opening in the ramp segment for manipulation of the screw 54. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the lockdown leg 30 includes a depression 60 across a forward edge of the distal platform surface 59. The depression 60 includes a generally flat bottom 62 with two lateral sidewalls 64, 66 and a rear wall 68 disposed about the bottom 62. As shown, the depression 60 is open across its forward face. As illustrated, an acceptance slot 70 is disposed across the depression 60 in transverse orientation to the lateral sidewalls 64, 66.

[0033] In the illustrated arrangement, a locking arm designated generally as 74 extends upwardly away from the platform base 28. As shown, the locking arm 74 includes an angled head 76 having a half arrowhead profile adapted for receipt through the acceptance slot 70 when the lockdown leg 30 is moved to a closed position. Specifically, as best seen in FIG. 6, the angled head 76 includes a chamfered face 78 which is adapted to slide in camming action relative to the opposing forward edge of the acceptance slot 70 during insertion. As will be appreciated, during this insertion action, the locking arm 74 will bend rearwardly and will then snap forward once the insertion is complete. In the fully inserted condition illustrated in FIG. 7 an undercut 80 of the angled head 76 is disposed in locked relation over a ledge defined by the bottom 62 of the depression 60 forward of the acceptance slot 70.

[0034] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, in the exemplary arrangement the angled head 76 includes a cavity 82. When the lockdown leg 30 is in the locked condition illustrated in FIG. 8, the cavity 82 faces outwardly away from the rear wall 68 of the depression 60. Thus, the cavity 82 is readily accessible through the open face of the depression 60. With this arrangement, in the event that it is desired to disengage the locked relationship of FIG. 8, an insertion tool such as a ball point pen, screwdriver, or the like, may be inserted linearly into the cavity 82 to apply rearward pressure against the angled head 76. As the rearward force is applied, the angled head 76 moves until the undercut 80 no longer engages the bottom 62 of the depression 60. Without this latching engagement, the stored energy in the U-shaped spring segment 34 causes the lockdown leg 30 to spring upwardly away from the platform base 28 to the neutral condition illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this condition, the bridge member 20 may then rotate freely within the retaining pocket 36.

[0035] Referring jointly to FIGS. 1 and 9, the benefit of the present attachment system may be clearly seen. As shown, by disengaging the locked relation of the biasing leg 30 to the platform base 28, the bridge member is not compressed within the retaining pocket 36 and the faceguard 14 may be rotated upwardly and away from the player's face so as to permit medical treatment. Moreover, since the locking relationship can be disengaged by a simple linear movement using a tool such as a screwdriver, ballpoint pen, or the like. Substantially no manipulation of the player's head is required. As will be appreciated, this may be particularly beneficial in the treatment of head and spinal injuries during which it is normally advisable to minimize head movement.

[0036] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series. As shown, in this arrangement, a spring clip 124 holds a bridge member 120 of a faceguard (not shown). In the illustrated configuration, the spring clip 124 is secured to the helmet shell 112 by a pop-out fastener 126 such as a quarter turn cam screw or the like.

[0037] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a pop-out fastener extends between the platform base 128 and an overlying lockdown leg 130 of substantially dogleg profile. As shown in FIG. 12, one exemplary pop-out fastener 126 includes a T-nut 152 having a nut base 184 and a quarter turn cam lug 186 adapted to receive and retain the stem of a camming screw 188. As shown, the cam lug 186 includes generally "J" shaped cam tracks 192 adapted to receive and guide ear members 190 (only one shown) extending outwardly from the stem of the screw 188.

[0038] As described previously in relation to the earlier embodiment, the spring clip 124 includes a U-shaped spring segment 134. When the lockdown leg 130 is urged towards the platform base 128, the U-shaped spring segment 134 is placed into compression. The stored potential energy in the U-shaped spring segment 134 thereafter continuously urges the biasing leg 130 away from the underlying platform base 128 so as to achieve a substantially force neutral condition.

[0039] In practice, with the pop out fastener 126 extending between the helmet shell 112 and the spring clip 124, the camming screw 188 may be pressed downwardly and rotated such that the ear members 190 follow the cam tracks 192 within the cam lug 186. With the screw 188 in the fully inserted condition, the ear members 190 will reside in opposing relation to stop surfaces 194 (only one shown). In this condition, the biasing force applied by the spring clip 124 will thereafter urge the screw 188 continuously outward. In this tensioned state, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the spring clip 124 is held securely to the underlying helmet shell 112. In addition, the bridge member 120 is substantially blocked against rotation.

[0040] In the event that it is desired to release the spring clip 124 from the locked relationship shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the screw 188 may be pressed inwardly and rotated counterclockwise to release the engagement. In this regard, as the screw is rotated, the ear members 190 will follow the cam tracks 192 while the screw 188 is urged outwardly by the stored potential energy in the U-shaped spring segment 134. Thus, the screw 188 will move back to the position substantially shown in FIG. 12. In this released condition, the bridge member 120 is no longer clamped. Accordingly, it can be rotated freely so as to permit the faceguard to be rotated away from a player's face without head movement. As will be appreciated, since the screw 188 is released by a quarter turn, there is substantially no delay in gaining access to the player's face to administer treatment.

[0041] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. the claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0042] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell, the attachment system comprising: a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell, the spring clip being adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard, the spring clip including a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and a biasing spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg, the platform base and the lockdown leg cooperatively defining a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg, the lockdown leg moving in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket; and a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition, such that upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition, such that the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket.

2. The attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a screw disposed within a T-nut projecting outwardly from the helmet shell, the screw including a tool-engaging distal head.

3. The attachment system as recited in claim 2, wherein the platform base includes a pass-through opening adapted to matedly receive the distal head of the screw.

4. The attachment system as recited in claim 3, wherein the pass-through opening is a keyway opening including a base portion adapted for passage of the distal head and a retention slot of reduced width relative to the base portion, the retention slot adapted to block withdrawal of the distal head.

5. The attachment system as recited in claim 4, wherein the retention slot is disposed at least partially within a raised surface at a height greater than the base portion.

6. The attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein the spring clip has a substantially hairpin configuration and wherein the spring segment is disposed in curved relation between the platform base and the lockdown leg at least partially about the pocket.

7. The attachment system as recited in claim 6, wherein the lockdown leg includes a downwardly extending protuberance defining a forward boundary of the pocket.

8. The attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein the lockdown leg has a dogleg configuration including a proximal surface adjacent to the spring segment, a distal surface forward from the proximal surface and a ramp segment extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface.

9. The attachment system as recited in claim 8, wherein the ramp segment includes a tool access opening.

10. The attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein the spring clip is a one-piece molded structure of polymeric material.

11. An attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell, the attachment system comprising: a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell, the spring clip being adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard, the spring clip including a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and an arcuate spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg, the arcuate spring segment at least partially surrounding a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg, the lockdown leg moving in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket, the lockdown leg including a slot opening disposed adjacent to a distal edge of the lockdown leg; and a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition, such that upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition, wherein the latch structure includes a resilient locking arm extending upwardly from the platform base, the locking arm including a post portion and a distal angled head adapted for snap-in insertion through the slot opening in the lockdown leg, the angled head including a chamfered camming surface and an undercut disposed between the post portion and the chamfered camming surface, wherein the chamfered camming surface includes a tool-engaging cavity oriented to face outwardly towards the distal edge of the lockdown leg following insertion through the slot opening in the lockdown leg.

12. The attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a screw disposed within a T-nut projecting outwardly from the helmet shell, the screw including a tool-engaging distal head.

13. The attachment system as recited in claim 12, wherein the platform base includes a pass-through opening adapted to matedly receive the distal head of the screw.

14. The attachment system as recited in claim 13, wherein the pass-through opening is a keyway opening including a base portion adapted for passage of the distal head and a retention slot of reduced width relative to the base portion, the retention slot adapted to block withdrawal of the distal head.

15. The attachment system as recited in claim 14, wherein the retention slot is disposed at least partially within a raised surface at a height greater than the base portion.

16. The attachment system as recited in claim 11, wherein the lockdown leg has a dogleg configuration including a proximal surface adjacent to the spring segment, a distal surface forward from the proximal surface, the distal surface surrounding the slot opening, and a ramp segment extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface.

17. The attachment system as recited in claim 16, wherein the ramp segment includes a tool access opening.

18. The attachment system as recited in claim 11, wherein the lockdown leg includes a downwardly extending protuberance defining a forward boundary of the pocket.

19. An attachment system adapted to operatively connect a faceguard to a helmet shell, the attachment system comprising: a compressible spring clip operatively engaging an adjustable connector extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the helmet shell such that the spring clip is held in overlying relation to the helmet shell, the spring clip being adapted to selectively clamp a bridge member of the faceguard, the spring clip including a platform base, a pivoting lockdown leg disposed above the platform base and an arcuate spring segment operatively connecting the platform base and the lockdown leg, the arcuate spring segment at least partially surrounding a compressible pocket adapted to cradle the bridge member between the platform base and the lockdown leg, the lockdown leg moving in pivoting relation between an open condition in which the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket and a closed condition in which the bridge member is clamped against rotation within the pocket; and a selectively engageable latch structure adapted to hold the lockdown leg in the closed condition, such that upon release of the latch structure, the spring segment urges the lockdown leg away from the platform base to the open condition, such that the bridge member is rotatable within the pocket, wherein the latch structure comprises a camming screw having a tool-engaging head portion disposed across an upper surface of the lockdown leg, and wherein the connector comprises a camming lug including partial turn camming tracks adapted to engage the camming screw such that the camming screw is latched in place by compression and rotation within the camming lug.

20. The attachment system as recited in claim 19, wherein the camming lug comprises a T-nut having a plurality of substantially J-shaped camming tracks.